Heather Trust survey confirms need for new support network – Women's Upland Network

Women are ready to connect, collaborate and lead and with the right investment, the Heather Trust can help ensure they have the platform they deserve — strengthening rural communities and the future of upland landscapes.

The Heather Trust has taken an important step toward strengthening the role of women in the UK’s uplands by conducting a survey designed to understand women’s experiences and test the need for a new, dedicated Women’s Upland Network (WUN). The response was clear - the time for such a group is now.

The survey gathered insights from the target demographic of women representing a broad sweep of upland life - land managers, farmers, ecologists, charity professionals, rural business owners, and creatives. Their collective message underscored both the diversity of women’s contributions and the challenges they continue to face in these remote and beautiful landscapes.

The most frequently reported barrier was limited career progression, followed closely by isolation and a lack of professional networks—a striking finding in a sector where collaboration is essential. Only 20% of respondents felt that current rural support groups meet the needs of women working in the uplands. Yet the appetite for connection and development was unmistakable with participants expressing strong interest in face-to-face events, practical training, leadership opportunities, and accessible online sessions.

Encouragingly, 79% of respondents said they would consider contributing to a membership subscription if it meant access to meaningful training, networking and community support. This openness signals that a sustainable, long-term network is both wanted and achievable.

For the Trust, these findings form a compelling mandate. The proposed Women’s Upland Network aims to provide the visibility, skills development, and peer support that respondents consistently asked for. But to turn this evidence into action, the Trust now seeks partners, funders and supporters to help build the programme from the ground up.

“We have already formed a Founders Group and the results of the survey have bolstered our desire to really support and celebrate women in the uplands,” said Trust Director, Katrina Candy.

“We’re all driven to get this group off the ground and start making a difference, therefore we are calling upon supporters to help us fund what is an important addition to upland communities.

“Women are ready to connect, collaborate and lead and with the right investment, the Heather Trust can help ensure they have the platform they deserve—strengthening rural communities and the future of upland landscapes.”