Research Themes

Land and Communities

CMS has a long history of research that considers the relationship between rural communities and the natural environment. We have a strong focus on the key issues and challenges facing Scotland’s uplands. Our research is often characterised by a holistic socio-ecological approach that considers lowland and marine environments in addition to mountain areas.

Areas of focus include the following:

Land use: Integrated land use, Deer management, Woodland and forestry management, Crofting

Land ownership: Community ownership of land and other assets, Carbon markets, communities and the ‘just transition’ to net-zero

Current projects:

• CLAN
• Developing a Digital Woodland
• Rural Assets: Policy and Practice Insights from the Devolved Nations
• SEFARI Fellowship with Cairngorms National Park Authority

Global Mountain Sustainability

CMS is an outward looking research centre with a long history and interest in contributing to globally relevant research, discussion and knowledge exchange in sustainable mountain development in the international context.

The MSc Sustainable Mountain Development has a global scope and has been a core activity since 2004. The course attracts a diverse student cohort each year who have a desire to study a mountain degree online and who are often living and working in mountain areas in different parts of the world.

CMS is well connected with international networks and partners including Euromontana and the Network for European Mountain Research.

Current activities include:

• Research partnerships with Universities in South Africa
• European and global networks for sustainable development and research in mountain areas
• International research projects in Biospheres

Upland Culture

Culture and cultural heritage underpin landscape and land use, influencing stakeholder values, land use, decision making and vision for the future. Upland and mountain areas have special and unique cultural value.

Culture is an important aspect of many research projects conducted at CMS. In particular, research has been conducted on the cultural values of ecosystems and cultural ecosystem services. Cultural heritage underpins tourism activity in mountain areas and has a considerable influence on community identity and development.

Current projects:

• CULTIVATE
• SEFARI Fellowship with Cairngorms National Park Authority

Wellbeing and climate action

Addressing the challenges of climate change is a priority across all sectors and environments but has a particular relevance in upland and mountain regions where impacts on biodiversity, hydrology and vulnerability to natural hazards are especially evident. There are opportunities in uplands and mountains for mitigating climate change impacts through habitat restoration, carbon sequestration, local food and renewable energy production.

The research that we conduct informs transitions to more sustainable and climate conscious practices for both land and communities. While addressing climate change is a priority, we need practices that contribute to wider regenerative approach that also focuses on functioning ecosystems, biodiversity and the engagement of communities and wider society to enhance human wellbeing. 

Current Projects:

• Developing a Digital Woodland
• Just transition: sustainable citizen decision-making in a time of economic crises
• SEFARI Fellowship with Cairngorms National Park Authority