Report: Leading role played by community landowners in tackling the Climate Emergency

Community landowners are punching above their weight in the fight to save the planet from climate change, according to a new study by Community Land Scotland. It finds their contribution far outweighs the mere 2.25% of Scottish land they control.

Many years before the climate emergency was announced, the communities who had bought their local land were introducing environmental measures accepted as important tools in tackling climate change.

From the 800 hectares of broadleaf trees planted in Assynt to Eigg’s green energy grid and Knoydart’s hydro scheme, these communities showed Scotland that they were making their land work for them, by making it work against global warming. Environmental concern has been in their DNA.

A new research report published today shows how community landowners the length and breadth of Scotland, in urban as well as rural areas, remain in the vanguard of the effort to tackle the climate emergency. They are seen as reliable communicators in delivering the climate change message on the ground, whether it be how best to source efficient insulation and double glazing to pursuing a major solar energy project.

The report comes from the Institute for Heritage & Sustainable Human Development (Inherit), which was commissioned by Community Land Scotland, in partnership with Community Energy Scotland, the Community Woodlands Association and the Woodland Crofts Partnership to conduct the research.