The Heather Trust has announced the launch of the Women’s Upland Network, a new initiative to support women who live or work in upland spaces.

The Women’s Upland Network (WUN) stems from a conversation between Viv Gill (Chair, The Heather Trust), Emily Taylor (Heather Trust Board member) and Katrina Candy (Director, The Heather Trust) in 2024, during which they recognised the need for a forum to celebrate the contribution of women in shaping the UK upland sector. A founding group was soon formed of ten members, with experience ranging from farming to conservation and rural enterprise, each with a passion for ensuring our upland landscapes (and those that rely on them) thrive. The group is now expanding to become a country-wide network where women in upland communities can meet, collaborate and grow professionally.

WUN will celebrate the diversity and richness of women’s contributions to the uplands, while facing head-on the particular challenges faced by women in these remote and unique landscapes. Through the network, members will have access to skills development and peer support, allowing for active collaboration in the sector. Events will range from informal gatherings to workshops and knowledge-exchange sessions, all designed to strengthen the voice of women in agriculture, conservation and rural industries. Member benefits will include access to events, professional visibility and exclusive member discounts.

Upcoming events include:

• Book reading and reception at Forum Books, Corbridge | Thursday 23rd April, 5:30-7pm

Networking event complete with drinks, canapés and bookshop browsing, followed by a short reading from Katrina Candy’s new children’s book Heather Munro’s Race Against the Flames.

• Scottish Game Fair WUN Reception, Scone Palace, Perth | Friday 3rd July, 11am-12pm

Networking event for members of WUN at this year’s Scottish Game Fair, hosted by Calton Wealth Management. There will be refreshments and opportunities for connection with likeminded women.

Of the launch, Katrina Candy said: “We are so pleased to have received initial funding from the Scottish Government to get this project off the ground. What started as a conversation is becoming a reality and we hope that WUN will grow to become a valuable, meaningful resource for women who live in, work on or simply love our amazing upland landscapes.”

In addition to WUN’s digital launch on International Women’s Day (8th March), Katrina introduced the initiative to a group of Scotland’s Rural College Wildlife & Conservation Management students at their Hill & Mountain Research Centre at Crianlarich on Saturday 21st March.

Those interested in joining the network are encouraged to sign up to the WUN newsletter via The Heather Trust. Those who sign up before the end of April will have the chance to win a free two-hour tailored marketing consultation with Lucy Laidlaw Communication.

@womensuplandnetwork | heathertrust.co.uk/womensuplandnetwork |