Golden Plover Award - update

Adam Smith and I have reached our decision and the winner of this year's award will be announced on Monday.  Deciding on the winner has not been easy previously due to the stiff competition, and this year has not been different.  However, we think we have a worthy winner.

Details of the four shortlisted applicants are on the Award website and all of them will be represented at the presentation of the Award, which takes place at the Scottish Game Fair at 16:30 on Friday, 1st July.

We are grateful for the support from a great many people who have shown an interest in this award, and the sponsorship from Lindsays.

The Understanding Predation Project - launched 8 February

Battleby Conference Centre

The Scottish Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Aileen McLeod, MSP, launched the Understanding predation report at the Battleby Conference Centre, near Perth on Monday.

This project was commissioned by the Scottish Government, supervised and funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and delivered by Scotland's Moorland Forum.  I am the Director of the Forum and have also been the Project Manager.  It has been a huge effort to get the work done in the time available, but I think it has been worth it. 

Ian Ross (Chairman SNH) The Minister &
Lord Lindsay (Chairman, Moorland Forum)

If you would like to know more about the project and its findings there is much more information on the Moorland Forum's website and in the Understanding Predation project's blog.

From the Heather Trust's perspective, there are some important messages.  First, it is possible for people with local knowledge to work alongside scientists and to contribute equally to the discussions.  Second, a collaborative approach to issues can be very effective.  This is very much in line with the Trust's approach to 'promoting integrated moorland management'.  Every view should be treated with respect and every voice heard.

The project has produced a shared view of the issues and the next question will be how to apply this knowledge to the best effect.  The key point will be that it may take longer and be more expensive to adopt a collaborative approach, but the results are likely to be much more effective and longer lasting.

Scotland: Land Use Strategy Consultation - closes 29 January

The consultation closes on 29 January

All those with an interest in land use in Scotland have been invited to give their views on the draft Land Use Strategy 2016 – 2021. Information on how to respond is available from the SG website: and also on the Scottish Government Land Use Strategy webpages.

any questions will be answered by the Land Use and Biodiversity Team on landusestrategy@gov.scot or 0131 244 7968.

Scotland - Land Reform

Photo: The Scotsman

An article in today's Scotsman states that "The Scottish Government is to make almost 50 changes to its flagship land reform legislation".  Follow the link to read the full article.

Scotland: Consultation on a draft Land Use Strategy 2016 - 2021

The consultation on the draft Land Use Strategy for 2016-2021 runs until 29 January 2016. 

See the Moorland Forum's Blog for some additional background, and the Scottish Government website for full details.

Scotland's Moorland Forum - Understanding Predation Project

The Questionnaire

The Understanding Predation project aims to capture the views of as many people as possible, from anywhere.  Responses are not confined to Scotland.  While the project will welcome responses from organisations, it is personal views that count most. The project wants to hear what individuals think, not just what organisations would like their people to think!

Have you completed a questionnaire yet, and have you done enough to draw the attention of colleagues, members and/or supporters to the opportunity that the questionnaire offers people to express their views?  The questionnaire responses will influence the final report from the project, and although the project is based in Scotland, the output will have wider relevance.

Understanding Predation – Information at a glance
Project webpage	http://goo.gl/Z5L0Hw
Project Blog	http://goo.gl/tgUPtP
Questionnaire – Online version (for submission of response)	https://goo.gl/Kv6Cor
Questionnaire – pdf version (to preview the questions)	http://goo.gl/a30c0x
End of online questionnaire Completion of workshops	31st July 2015
Project Review Seminars	27th October – Perth 3rd November – Inverness 12th November - Edinburgh

Scotland: Rule changes for farm and forestry tracks

Scottish Land & Estates has published a useful summary of the new regulations that apply when constructing or upgrading farm and forestry tracks.  This work remains as "permitted development" but it is now subject to conditions and prior notification to the planning authority to establish whether approval is required for the proposed work.

Scotland: Land Reform Review Group report published

The final report from the Land Reform Group, commissioned by the Scottish Government, was published on Friday 23rd May 2014

Savills have published their view of the Report and I suggest that this offers a useful summary and a balanced response.  They have recommended a measured approach:
"Land and property owners need to be aware that change is ahead, but there is not much action that can be taken at this point in time. The Scottish political scene is very 'noisy' at present and owners would be best advised to reflect carefully on the report, and to participate fully in the public consultations and legislative programme that will ensue post the Referendum."

Wildfire in Scotland - being taken seriously

The appointment of a Wildfire Project Manager by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) is very welcome.  Group Manager Garry Burnett is an old friend as he had been involved with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) in its early days.

This appointment was reported in today's edition of the P&J and also Highland News.

Garry will be working directly to Assistant Chief Officer Robert Scott who is the Chairman of the SWF.  This appointment is a clear and very welcome statement of intent by the SFRS to treat the threat posed by wildfire seriously.  We have some distance to travel to being muirburn issues together with wildfire but this appointment will help us move faster in the right direction.

In my role as Vice-chairman of the England & Wales Wildfire Forum (EWWF), as well as being on the Executive Committee of the SWF, I will be seeking a more integrated approach to wildfire north and south of the border.  There are many potential benefits of closer working.  Another important group to bring into this arena is the Chief Fire Officer's Association Wildfire Group.  This is made easier as the chairman of this Group is Paul Hedley, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service, who is also a leading light of the the EWWF.

It is a world that is full of acronyms, and there are many hurdles to be jumped, but the threat from wildfire must be given a higher profile before we are forced to pay more attention by the next spate of wildfires.  It is not 'if', it is 'when'.

Well done to the SFRS for grasping this issue so positively.

General Licences - restrictions in Scotland

General Licences is a topic that is easily overlooked but their profile has been raised by recent events in Scotland. They are issued annually by all the devolved administrations in the UK and run from 1 January.  See the BASC website for links.

First, what are they? The BASC website contains the following definition: 'General licences are issued by government agencies to provide a legal basis for people to carry out a range of activities relating to wildlife. By definition you do not need to apply for general licences but you are required by law to abide by their terms and conditions.'

In Scotland, the significance of General Licences has been raised by changes introduced into the 2014 licences. There are 14 General Licences and the SNH Website has full details and links.  The first three licences are most relevant to the Trust's activities, and the late changes introduced into these  licences have implemented the Minister for Environment's wish to be able to remove the right to use the General Licence from people on certain areas of land. The clause that has been introduced states:
"SNH reserves the right to exclude the use of this General Licence by certain persons and/or on certain areas of land where we have reason to believe that wild birds have been taken or killed by such persons and/or on such land other than in accordance with this General Licence."

Robbie Kernahan, the Wildlife Operations Unit Manager for SNH, is leading on this and he was interviewed on the the Out of Doors programme on Radio Scotland on 1 March.  The interview lasts for about 5 mins and starts at 23:50 - it will be available to 'listen again' until 7 March.

Understandably the ability to remove the right to use the General Licences without a criminal conviction has raised concerns.  See the GWCT website for a commentary, but in general the concerns are that:

• The measures are not proportionate;
• Removal could have serious collateral impacts on conservation through the inability to maintain biodiversity and protect a range of vulnerable species; and
• The economic impact on businesses and communities could be considerable.

There will be an opportunity to apply for reinstatement of the General Licence on a personal basis but there are obvious concerns about how and when this could be implemented. A recent meeting to discuss how the criteria to be applied before a General Licence can be removed has highlighted these concerns. Indications are that SNH will rely on Police Scotland for guidance on proof, and this raises questions about the competence of the police in this area.

Is this an example where the need to be seen to be doing something about the illegal killing of raptors will result in collateral damage to other species that will be self-defeating?  It is certain to produce a whole raft of bureaucracy, which I fear will not provide any benefit for the birds, the innocent victims of this problem.

While I despair at the continuation of illegal activities, I would like to see emphasis placed on positive measures rather than waving the big stick.  I hope the 'Understanding Predation' project that Scotland's Moorland Forum is developing will prove to be a far more effective use of resources and achieve benefit for the birds without risking a negative impact on other conservation.

Land Use Strategy - Scottish Borders Pilot

There are two pilots to test the application of the Land Use Strategy and these are taking place in the Scottish Borders and in Aberdeenshire. The Moorland Forum is keeping in touch with both of them.  for details of a series of public meetings that are  being organised in January and February, see the Scottish Moorland Forum's blog.

Wildfire Developments

There have been several developments relating to wildfire in recent months that I have been involved with.

Housing & Moorland

The Wildfire 2013 conference was held in Cardiff in October and this followed a familiar pattern. There was a wide range of presentations covering research everything from research through equipment to best practice. The South Wales Fire & Rescue Service hosted the meeting and organised the site visit. My memory of the site visit was the proximity of open hill ground to housing estates in the Welsh valleys to the north of Cardiff. It is no wonder that they have a significant wildfire problem.


The Wildfire Operational Guidance was launched by ACO Robert Scott the Chairman of the Scottish Wildfire Forum.  This was the culmination of an enormous amount of heard work Northumberland FRS who produced the guidance for the Scottish FRS.  The guidance is primarily aimed at the Fire & Rescue Services, but there is much good information in it for everyone.  It is likely to be adopted throughout the UK and it marks a significant step forward in raising our ability to manage wildfire and it is available to download from the Scottish Government website.

The Scottish wildfire Forum has been in the doldrums for a while, but the formation of the single Scottish Fire & Rescue Service on 1 April, this year has provided the catalyst to review the work of the Forum.  As a result of this, the Forum was relaunched on 21st September and is now building momentum.

Uppermost in many minds in Scotland will be the events of April 2013 and the spate of wildfires that affected the north-west of Scotland.  Discussions are being held about how the warning system can be improved so that periods of high fire risk can be identified in advance.  Such a system would have a double benefit: it would allow warnings to be issued to the owners and managers of land in advance, and it would also allow the FRS to make preparations by moving manpower and equipment into high risk areas.  A Fire Danger Rating (FDR) system is envisaged and the Met Office is involved in developing proposals.

As Vice-Chairman of the England & Wales Wildfire Forum I have been involved in the discussions of the FDR and also developing stronger links to government in England and Wales so that they have a better understanding of the risk posed by wildfire and the capability of the wildfire forum to assist in raising awareness and developing the best techniques for reducing the risk of damage from wildfire.

Land Management Adviser Vacancy - LL&TNPA

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority (what a mouthful of a name) is seeking a Land Management Adviser.

For details see the LL&TNPA (the acronym is not much better) website.

Assistance for Arran & Argyll - tracked vehicles

I relay a message from Teresa Dougall from Scottish Land & Estates, which needs no explanation:

Gregor Caldwell of the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) Ayr office telephoned this morning asking us for help with the emergency situation in Arran and Argyll. This request has come direct from Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, and Drew Sloan, Chief Agricultural Officer. As you will by now have seen on the national and regional news, drifting snow on Arran and Argyll has cut off sheep and farmers are unable to access the hills.

Although some Local Authority roads are now open, there are real access problems to farms and hills. The local farmers have identified a need for ATV tracked vehicles and possibly snow bikes to take feeding out to stranded animals on hills but all of the available machines seem to be in service with the power companies.

A Scottish Government stakeholder group is to be convened from Edinburgh and Scottish Land & Estates will have an involvement in this – this will be to consider the details, logistics and costs of the operation. But, in the meantime, we need to identify members with available vehicles at short notice to help.

If you have an available vehicle, please email me on Teresa.dougall@scottishlandandestates.co.uk as soon as possible or telephone 01292 267074.

Your assistance would be appreciated.

Kind regards

Teresa

Scotland: identification of snares

On April 1st 2013, the final piece of snaring legislation laid down by the W&NE Act (Scotland) 2011 comes into effect.  After months of uncertainty, it seems that there is finally a concrete idea of how this legislation will be enforced, particularly insofar as how it relates to identifying the operator of every snare in Scotland.

Anyone who has taken a snaring accreditation course over the past two years will have noticed several grey areas surrounding the precise nature of identifying snares with the use of tags. Nobody knew what the precise tag specifications were going to be, and not even knowing what a snaring ID number might look like, it has been tricky to plan ahead.

As it turns out, the police have decided that there will be no specific requirements from a snare tag other than that it should be securely attached to the snare and that it should be easily legible. This therefore allows the use of everything from laminated plastic discs to copper tags. There is still some confusion as to the precise nature of the ID number, so while it has been apparent for some time that snares will need to be marked with a letter indicating the target species, there are still conflicting rumours going around relating to the ID number itself and how it will be made up. What is certain is that snaring applications are being processed by Strathclyde police force at their Pitt Street headquarters in Glasgow.

Waiting times for ID numbers are still very uncertain, and they may take up to a month. Anyone who has not got an ID number will have to pull their snares on the night of the 31st March and leave them unset until tags can be organised and set up. It is impossible to apply for an ID number without a snaring certificate from an approved body, and last minute courses are now being run by the Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association and the GWCT.

For up-to-date guidance on snaring legislation in Scotland as it now stands, see the latest version of the Snaring Leaflet that was updated December 2012.  The Trust is a supporting organisation for this guide.

Thanks to Patrick Laurie for the text in this post

Radical rethink on land reform underway

The Scottish Government has announced a radical review of land reform that will be carried out by a new Land Reform Review Group. This is a manifesto commitment.  It is likely that the Group will report to the Government by the end of 2013.

The announcement also mentioned the publication of research paper: Overview of Evidence on Land Reform in Scotland.  A new Scottish Land Fund is now open for applications.  The BBC also issued a News Release on this topic.

Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere

Photo: National Rural Network

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire has recently achieved international status as Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere and will now become part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which includes 598 Biospheres in 117 countries.  

For more details see the report published by the Scottish National Rural Network and the Biosphere website.