Women's Upland Network Founder
Linzi Seivwright
Executive Committee, Scottish Venison Association
Background and Career to date
I am an ecologist based in Moray, and have built my expertise around deer management and upland environments. Raised on an estate in the Angus Glens, my passion for deer and the natural world was ignited early on—a passion I have been lucky enough to transform into a fulfilling career.
After earning my PhD in upland ecology, I spent a decade in the public sector developing Wild Deer Best Practice Guidance and as an advisor. Ten years ago, I launched my consultancy business, Caorann, and now specialise in supporting and facilitating landscape scale deer management as well as advising on policy and strategy and wider habitat management of the uplands.
In my spare time I love to cook, sourcing quality ingredients and supporting our wonderful local food producers. Long committed to promoting the ecological and health benefits of venison, in 2025 myself and my husband launched a small business venture, Findhorn Venison situated in the iconic Findhorn river catchment.
In addition my consultancy work, I serve as the education lead on the Executive Committee of the Scottish Venison Association and am currently focused on efforts to introduce venison more widely into school meals, furthering my educational and advocacy roles.
Please describe why the uplands are important to you?
Having spent my childhood growing up surrounded by nature, I have long been fascinated by the uplands and understanding the relationship between this beautiful landscape, the flora and fauna that a part of it, and the people who live, work and visit it.
I am extremely privileged that a combination of my background, ecological and scientific training and my practical skills have enabled me to build a successful business and career deeply embedded in the uplands. Today, most of my work focusses on how we can work together to collectively deliver positive management outcomes for nature and for people, supporting a rich mosaic of habitats, enhancing biodiversity and securing a resilient and vibrant future for our uplands.
What inspired you to become a founder of the Women’s Upland Network (WUN)?
Traditionally the various roles involved in the management of the uplands have largely been dominated by men, however having successfully navigated this field myself throughout my career, I am heartened and excited by the increasing number of dedicated, capable and passionate women in this space. It is important that we recognise and champion the valuable contribution of those who are already working in the uplands and that we help create an inspiring and uplifting environment which will foster, inspire and support future generations.
What does the success of the WUN looks like for you?
Success of WUN to me would be to look around the room of the various meetings that I attend and to see women represented in every role and at every level in the management of our uplands.
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