11 June, 2026
Crofters across the Outer Hebrides invited to share their stories for first-of-its kind research project
Researchers are looking for crofters from across the Outer Hebrides to take part in a new study exploring the unique relationship between island crofting life, nature, and personal wellbeing — the first research of its kind focused specifically on Hebridean communities.
The project, run by Species on the Edge in partnership with Atlantic58 and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, is seeking crofters of all ages, backgrounds and experience to take part in one-to-one interviews this summer. The interviews, expected to take around an hour and a half, can be conducted in Gaelic or English, and can take place indoors, outdoors on your croft, or online via video call — whatever suits you best.
While research into nature connectedness and wellbeing has been carried out among farming communities on the Scottish mainland, no equivalent study has been done in the Outer Hebrides. Crofting in the Outer Hebrides is distinctive — shaped by land, language, culture and tradition in ways that have no real parallel elsewhere — and the researchers want to understand what that means for how crofters experience and relate to the natural world around them.
The study will explore how crofters feel connected to nature, whether that connection affects their sense of wellbeing, and what motivates people to take nature-friendly action on their land.
Frances Simmons of Atlantic58, who is leading the interviews, said: "We want to hear from crofters themselves — their experiences, their stories, and their relationship with the land they work. You don't need any specialist knowledge to take part. We're simply interested in what crofting means to you, and how you feel about the nature around you."
The findings will be used to develop a practical toolkit to help conservation organisations work more effectively alongside crofting communities, and to ensure that future nature conservation projects reflect the real needs and perspectives of local people.
Interviews will take place during July and August 2026, with dates arranged to suit participants. The research team is keen to hear from crofters of different ages, genders and backgrounds from across the islands.
To find out more or to get involved, contact Frances Simmons at Frances@atlantic58.co.uk or call 01851 827310.
Contact information
- Name
- Eilidh Ross
- eilidh.ross@nature.scot
Notes to editors
Species on the Edge is a multi-partner conservation programme dedicated to working with communities across Scotland’s coasts and islands to help them secure a future for their local vulnerable and threatened wildlife.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Species on the Edge partnership consists of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, NatureScot, Plantlife, and RSPB Scotland. The programme is active across seven landscape-scale areas in Scotland: Argyll and the Inner Hebrides; Outer Hebrides; North Coast; Orkney; Shetland; East Coast; Solway Coast.
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. Responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, we work to protect and restore nature by inspiring everyone to value our natural world. Our goal is a nature-rich, net-zero future for Scotland. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot
'S e buidheann nàdair na h-Alba a th’ ann an NàdarAlba. Bidh sinn a’ gleidheadh agus a’ slànachadh nàdar le bhith a’ brosnachadh a h-uile duine gu spèis a chur air an t-saoghal nàdarra againn, agus sinn a’ freagairt air an dà chùis-èiginn de chall bith-iomadachd ’s atharrachadh na gnàth-shìde. ’S e ar n-amas nàdar beairteach ’s cothromachadh carboin do dh’Alba. Airson an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh, thoiribh sùil air an làraich-lìn againn aig www.nature.scot
Downloads
At the fank for communal sheep dipping, West Side of Lewis (c) Jon Macleod / Dubadh aig an fhaing, An Taobh Siar Leòdhais (c) Jon Macleod
Shearing sheep with hand shears (c) Jon Macleod / A’ bearradh caoraich le deamhas (c) Jon Macleod
Traditional hay stacks for animal feed, West Side of Lewis (c) Jon Macleod / Cruachan feòir traidiseanta dha beathaichean, An Taobh Siar Leòdhais (c) Jon Macleod
Potato planting on the machair (c) Jim Hope / A’ cur bùntata air a’ mhachair (c) Jim Hope
Oat stook tied with a handful of oat straw (c) Frances Simmons / Stùcan coirce air a cheangal le stràbh coirce (c) Frances Simmons
