The Norwegian land use model: is it right for Scotland?

摘要

The 'Norwegian model' of land use offers an alternative to conventional modes in upland Scotland. Biophysical parameters are similar between the Scottish uplands and southwestern Norway. Woodland depletion since the Neolithic (-5,000 yrs BP) was similar. Differences in semi-natural vegetation have developed since -1870, due to reduction of upland herbivory in Norway. This allowed woodland and scrub recolonisation, supporting healthy game and carnivore populations. Land ownership and management differ - Scotland retains larger plantation forests, sporting estates and hill farms, while southwest Norway has numerous smaller mixed farms with dispersed development. A recent EU Erasmus+ funded excursion, organised by ARCH Network, and hosted by Dr Duncan Hailey of the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), allowed rural professionals from Scotland to evaluate the Norwegian model. There are proven opportunities to adopt components of this model on estates in upland Scotland, managed primarily for conservation, where ecological restoration is desired. There are limited biophysical constraints where herbivory can be adequately regulated. Challenges emerge where livestock and fieldsports underpin rural income and employment - adoption of the Norwegian model there could have adverse economic and social impacts. The economic sustainability of small-scale farm tenure in upland Scotland is questionable. Norwegian