Farming in a transformed landscape 

In the 18th century, Lord Kames began the process of clearing acidic peat from the Carse of Stirling to reach the more-fertile soils below. Along with other landowners, he offered free tenancies for up to 16 years to anyone who was willing to move onto the bog and remove the peat by hand. These people came to be known as the ‘moss lairds’, and some of the farming families that still live in the area are their descendants. 

Much of the carse today is rich and productive farmland, and the area is particularly famed for its top quality hay. One type of grass, ’Timothy’ is extensively grown, which produces a hay much loved of horse owners. 

Beef cattle and sheep are also farmed on the Carse, along with dairy cattle. Smaller concerns include willow coppice, poultry and market gardening. Several farms manage rare breeds, and some have diversified into areas such as tourism. There is even an alpaca trekking centre. 

Farmers have been involved in the Carse of Stirling project since its inception. One early project was the Clover Lover project, which aimed to raise awareness of the importance of clover for pollinators. This included working with schools and community groups. 

Farmers have also been encouraged to become involved with a survey of habitats and wildlife, and to engage with the flood-management study and paths projects.