The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
‘Watershed’ claim over grouse moor controversy
Rural groups insist conservation value of moorland management shown by report
Rural organisations have claimed a newly published landmark report produced “ultimate proof” of the conservation benefits of grouse moor management.
Some conservationists – including TV presenter Chris Packham – and estates have been locked in a bitter battle over driven grouse shooting.
But pro-grouse moor organisations said the final report of a study centred on Langholm Moor in the Borders was a watershed.
It was a partnership between Buccleuch Estates, which owns the estate, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Natural England.
According to the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project (LMDP) – which studied moorland management for birds of prey and red grouse over 10 years – gamekeeping significantly improved the fortunes of a range of under-threat bird species as well as restoring heather that had been lost for decades.
Following publication of the LMDP report, a welcoming joint statement was issued by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Scottish Countryside Alliance, Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Scottish Association for Country Sports, Scottish Land & Estates, Moorland Association & National Gamekeepers’ Organisation.
It said: “This unprecedented scientific project was a watershed and proves the important conservation value of grouse moor management.
“As the report states, management for red grouse can recover and support globally important moorland habitat and precious species at a time when the UK is losing species dramatically,” it added.
“This project s h ow e d that gamekeepers using modern management techniques, including legal predator control, led to improved populations of curlew, golden plover and snipe at a time when they are declining nationally.
“Predator control also protected breeding hen harriers.”
Mark Oddy, speaking for the project hosts Buccleuch, said: “As an estate business with sporting interests, it was heartening to see the environmental and conservation benefits of moorland management highlighted.”
Ross Johnston, deputy director of sustainable development at SNH, said: “The report shows the strength of partnership working in tackling key wildlife management issues.”
A new campaign to reform Scotland’s grouse moors has been backed by broadcaster Mr Packham.
The BBC Springwatch presenter recently described illegal bird killing in Scotland as “out of control.”