What can we do to help?

A better understanding and appreciation of soil roles and values are the first steps towards better management of our soil resources. Sustainable use of soils is not just down to those who have direct responsibility to manage the land and conservationists. It can be everyone responsibility too.

For example, by keeping to footpaths when walking in the uplands,  you limit damage to soil and help minimise erosion. By using your own or locally produced compost in your garden rather then peat-based products, you will help protect our peatlands from overexploitation.

Learning more about soil.

There are a number of places to obtain advice and information about soil management:

• Sharing good practices events 2009 -2010 - participatory events for practitioners with varying levels of experience to share ideas and approaches on a topic relevant to their work and/or personal development.
• Scottish Natural Heritage publications - technical and research publication on soils
• advice for planners and developers
• Grants and funding for land managers
• educational material for teachers  - The Scottish Earth Science Education Forum (SESEF) 
• Scottish Soil research projects- Scottish Government Protecting the Nation's Soils programme 

Soil guidance document aimed at all farmers, crofters and agricultural contractors across Scotland.

• the Farm soil plan - Protecting soils and income in Scotland 
• Cross compliance - Good agricultural and Environment conditions   
• Muirburn code - Fire: Friend or Foe?
• grazing and erosion. too little, too much?