The darker nights, with less chance to ride my horse or spend time in the garden, have given me pause for thought (as well as time for a bit of TV - I highly recommend Ballard and of course The Night Manager is always a favourite).
I’ve taken time to properly step back and clarify what Scene & Herd in 2026 and beyond will look like, what will bring the most value, and how I can work to support rural and food businesses in practical terms. At the same time, it's important to me that I'm doing what I enjoy - in order that I can do it to the best of my ability.
Rather than trying to be all things to all people, I’ve shaped our services around a small number of areas where experience and my love of storytelling come together. I thought it would be helpful to share that with you.
This is practical, focused support for rural businesses who want to communicate more clearly, attract customers and staff, and feel more confident about their PR, marketing and all aspects of their communications. I work with individuals or small teams offering one-off sessions, short or longer-term mentoring programmes and communications audits. The aim is not to take your communications away from you, but to help you do it better yourself.
Alongside this I'm working on a book and a marketing toolkit which will benefit all kinds of rural businesses.
These are designed to give straightforward, usable guidance for farm and rural business, diversification, marketing and communication. They support my mentoring work and help by putting useful information and advice directly into people’s hands. Watch this space for the launch!
OnRECORD continues to be an important and meaningful part of what I do. A real passion project.
These are professionally produced audio recordings that capture rural lives, memories and business stories for families and organisations. This project preserves voice and history and allows loved ones to be reminded of their family stories even when the tellers are no longer still with us. OnRECORD makes the perfect gift. Find out more at: www.onrecordmemories.co.uk
We also offer mediation as a specialist service within rural and family business settings.
This is structured, calm and outcome-focused conversation support where relationships or decisions feel stuck. It can help with succession discussions, partnership tensions, role changes, inter-generation planning, or situations where communication has become difficult but everyone wants a constructive way forward.
Our branding, design and web work is offered selectively within the rural and food sector.
We choose to work only with businesses connected to farming, food and the countryside, because that is where our knowledge, experience and enthusiasm sit. The focus is on clarity, confidence and strong communication - head over to our website if you'd like to see some examples of who we've worked with.
Last but never least, the OnFARM podcast remains our storytelling platform.
It helps share authentic rural and food stories, builds relationships, and connects with everything else we do. The podcast is the perfect way for your business to increase reach so do get in touch if you might be keen to sponsor.
If you have any questions about any of this, or want to explore which area might be most useful for your business, you’re always welcome to get in touch. anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
SECTOR NEWS:
Scottish Government Pledges No “Funding Cliff Edges” for Farmers
Scotland’s First Minister has pledged long-term funding stability for farmers and crofters, promising there will be no sudden “cliff edge” reductions as agricultural policy transitions continue. Speaking at NFU Scotland’s annual conference, he confirmed ongoing support for direct payments and capital investment schemes, including the Future Farm Investment Scheme. The commitment aims to provide clarity and confidence for rural businesses as Scotland approaches the 2026 Holyrood elections, with funding security remaining a key priority across the sector. Read more.
£1m Agritourism Capital Fund Opens to Support Diversification
A new £1 million Agritourism Capital Investment Fund has opened to help farms and crofts diversify into tourism ventures. The scheme offers support for infrastructure, visitor facilities, and business development projects designed to grow rural income streams. Applications are open until March 2026, with funding aimed at strengthening Scotland’s fast-growing agritourism sector ahead of the Global Agritourism Conference in Aberdeen this June. Read more.
New Scottish Agritourism Map Helps Showcase Rural Experiences
A new Scottish Agritourism map has been released, showcasing 254 agritourism and farm retail destinations across Scotland — from Shetland in the north to the Scottish Borders in the south. The map highlights farms, crofts and rural estates where visitors can enjoy food and drink, stay overnight, take part in activities or simply explore the countryside. Designed to inspire visitors and promote rural tourism, the map also supports electric vehicle drivers in planning trips that include agritourism stops with charging options. This updated guide will be distributed throughout Scotland and featured at the Global Agritourism Conference in Aberdeen (June 2026), helping spotlight the diversity and growth of the agritourism sector. Read More.
Arable Futures – Knowledge Sharing for Growers
24 February 2026 | Dundee
An interactive event for anyone involved in the arable sector, from growers to supply chain professionals. Hosted by Arable Scotland and The James Hutton Institute, sessions will explore future crops, skills, natural capital, and what’s ahead for the industry.
📍 The James Hutton Institute, Balruddery Farm, Invergowrie
🔗 Event details & registration: https://www.hutton.ac.uk/event/arable-futures/
Wildlife Conservation Management – Online Open Event
26 February 2026 | Online (SRUC)
This online session from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is ideal for those interested in wildlife habitat management and conservation careers. Hear from lecturers about practical fieldwork opportunities and get your questions answered live.
🔗 Register & info: https://www.sruc.ac.uk/news-events/open-days/open-days-calendar/wildlife-conservation-management-online-open-event-26-february-2026/
Soil Association Scotland – Regional Meeting
26 February 2026 | Perth
The Soil Association Scotland Regional Meeting brings together farmers, growers and food businesses to discuss sector updates, share experiences and connect with others working in sustainable and organic production. It’s a great opportunity to network, hear the latest developments and contribute to conversations shaping sustainable farming in Scotland.
🔗 Reserve tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/soil-association-regional-meeting-scotland-tickets-1982180386896?aff=erellivmlt
Recognise the best of rural life and outdoor culture by nominating your heroes!
Award: British Pie Awards
Focus: Celebrating Excellence in Pies
Closing: 13/02
Link: enter
Award: DIY Week Awards
Focus: Celebrating Leaders in DIY
Closing: 26/02
Link: enter
Award: The National Egg & Poultry Award
Focus: Honouring Leadership in Poultry
Closing: 27/02
Link: enter
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February 2026: Connection, Skills & Seasonal Momentum
February may be the shortest month, but it’s packed with meaningful opportunities — from skills development and wellbeing to culture, community and forward planning.
LGBT+ History Month (All month – UK)
An opportunity to champion inclusion and celebrate the contributions of LGBT+ people across industries and communities. Businesses may wish to highlight inclusive values, internal initiatives or diverse voices within their sector.
Heart Month (All month – UK)
February is Heart Month, led by the British Heart Foundation. A timely reminder to promote healthy habits, physical activity, and wellbeing — particularly during the winter months when motivation can dip.
Safer Internet Day – Tuesday 10 February 2026
A useful opportunity to reinforce online safety, data protection and responsible digital communication — especially relevant for organisations using e-commerce, online bookings or customer databases.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science – Wednesday 11 February 2026
A chance to celebrate women in science, research, innovation and technical roles. Consider spotlighting team members, partners or industry leaders making an impact.
Valentine’s Day – Saturday 14 February 2026
Beyond romance, this can focus on appreciation — thanking customers, staff, suppliers or community partners. Product bundles, special offers or themed content often perform well.
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) – Tuesday 17 February 2026
Year of the Horse
A global celebration marking the start of the lunar calendar. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge international connections, cultural diversity, or share themed content where appropriate and respectful.
Random Acts of Kindness Day – Tuesday 17 February 2026
A positive engagement moment — encouraging gratitude, small gestures of appreciation, or highlighting community impact.
Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) – Tuesday 17 February 2026
A popular UK tradition. Food-based content, recipe ideas or themed promotions can generate strong engagement.
Remember to:
By following these tips and incorporating these content ideas, you can create a memorable and engaging social media campaign for November.
Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Company Registration Number: SC448325. VAT Registration Number: 162173427