Commission for the land-based learning review: report to Scottish Ministers

7. Conclusions and context for the recommendations

As might be expected, this review has considered a variety of forms of evidence as to the scale and nature of the challenges facing the Sector. Data on enrolments, apprenticeships, levels of study and gender were gathered from a range of sources and in a variety of forms. Interviews were held with key bodies and individuals, research and skills assessment and action plans were scoured and digested. Stakeholder engagement sessions were held, in which a diverse range of sector representatives and education professionals participated.

Throughout the work of the Commission, the importance of a robust evidence base was emphasised (and sought), however it was interesting that it was the engagement sessions that really brought out the cross-cutting themes and presented the clearest indications of where the solutions lay.

During the engagement sessions participants repeatedly remarked how useful the conversations were and how good it was to have the opportunity to learn from those in other industries, who had faced similar challenges but taken a different approach. For those in industry to meet with those in education, and for both to share their frustrations around the current delivery of, and support for, nature-based learning experiences, and to discuss what the ideal might look like. Indeed, there are indications that such discussions have already led to further meetings around potential new initiatives.

That is not to say that the analysis has not been important and the identified knowledge gaps should not be filled. There is no need to wait for such work to conclude before implementing the Commission’s recommendations, but as changes are implemented and as our young people engage more with their environment and seek out more innovative nature-based solutions to our climate crisis, such gaps will become more problematic.

Indeed, it is important that all recommendations are implemented if we are to truly do justice by our land and waters and ensure that their future custodians are well supported in their role.

It will not be easy. At the time of publishing our report, the context in which we are operating could hardly be more challenging. A series of in-depth skills reviews are in progress, and the structures and organisations that emerge when this is complete, may have very different approaches and aims. The Sector itself is changing, with a greater emphasis than ever before on how we manage our natural resources in a sustainable and yet productive way. At the same time, the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ has brought more attention to food security and reducing waste.

So, the recommendations are also realistic. Some will require additional resource, but the Commission is confident that this will be offset by the benefits the recommendations will bring to Scotland’s wellbeing economy and by ensuring we have the right people, with the right skills to meet our climate and nature commitments.

A repeated plea throughout this work was that it must not be another ‘talking shop’. That changes had to be made, and that if ever there was an ideal time for that to happen, it was now. But the changes won’t happen in a vacuum. The pandemic, EU-Exit and international tensions have already changed the context in which the Sector is operating and there is nothing to suggest that the context won’t change again whilst the recommendations are being implemented.

So most important of all, the final recommendation is to continue the conversation. To keep learning from each other and building on that increased understanding. To work collectively as one Sector, whilst recognising and celebrating that which makes each of our industries unique. To come together regularly to review and reassess and to use the collective knowledge gained to adjust our path accordingly.