Sorn Estate receives wildlife award
An estate in East Ayrshire has scooped an award in recognition of its contribution to protect wildlife and habitats. Sorn Estate was presented with Wildlife Estates Scotland’s advanced level 2 accreditation at a ceremony held at the Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace, Perthshire. The award was presented to Nick Wright of Sorn Estate by Scottish Natural Heritage chief Executive Francesca Osowska OBE and Scottish Land and Estates chairman David Johnstone. This award brings the total amount of land a credited under Wildlife Estates Scotland ( WES) Level 2 to around 1.2 m acres. Wildlife Estates Scotland is a national version of the EU Wildlife Estates initiative and is approved by the European Commission’s Directorate- General Environment. “In order to gain accreditation, farms and estates undergo an assessment of their game, wildlife and habitat management, as well as their contribution to rural life. Wildlife Estates Scotland vice- chairman of operations, Dee Ward, said: ” Owners and managers of WES life and encourage the many species that now live there. “WES requires evidence about 70 named species, which provides an insight into how land in rural areas can be managed for the good of the nation’s wild life and also enables best practice to be shared.” Sorn Estate in East Ayrshire is a 8000 acre estate with significant sporting interests, a thriving agricultural busines and a popular wedding venue.