Scotland has appointed Annabel Davidson Knight as its first Community Benefits from Nature Adviser, a joint role between the Scottish Land Commission and the Cairngorms National Park Authority. This pioneering position aims to ensure that local communities directly benefit from increasing investments in nature restoration and natural capital projects.

Annabel will focus on integrating social and economic benefits for communities into land use changes, as Scotland accelerates efforts to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. She will split her time between the two organisations, promoting best practices and meaningful community engagement in nature restoration.

The role will support the Cairngorms 2030 programme, a series of 20 long-term projects aimed at delivering transformational change in the Cairngorms, enhancing health, wellbeing, climate action, and nature. The programme is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.


Building on the Scottish Land Commission's guidance on Community Benefits from Land, Annabel will explore new collaboration opportunities between land managers and communities in nature-based projects. She will also contribute to the Natural Capital Partnership Project with Community Land Scotland, establishing national good practices for integrating community benefits into natural capital investment strategies.

Annabel Davidson Knight said: "Scotland's growing investment in natural capital presents a huge opportunity for communities, and I'm excited to support work that ensures these benefits are accessible, long-term, and meaningful. I look forward to working with land managers, communities, and partners to develop practical approaches that embed community benefit at the heart of nature restoration projects."

With a background in the third sector and conservation, Annabel brings expertise in place-based projects, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and community-led action. Her role will contribute to the Scottish Land Commission's focus on fair and sustainable land ownership and use, ensuring that land reform and investment deliver positive outcomes for Scottish communities.

For more on the Scottish Land Commission's guidance on Community Benefits from Land, visit: landcommission.gov.scot