Mating birds protected
AN endangered species of birds have made the Garelochhead Training Centre their home this mating season.
The grassland of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation [DIO] facility offers an ideal location for black grouse males to perform their unique mating dance, called a ‘lek’.
The ‘rookooing’ sound of the mating calls can be heard through the training centre and beyond when they perform at dusk and dawn.
DIO ecologist Lottie Birch said: “Protecting the environment and supporting nature recovery is a vital part of DIO’s role in managing the UK Defence Training Estate.
“Like many of our Scottish sites, Garelochhead Training Centre is an area of unique natural beauty and rich ecological diversity.
“While on first impression a military firing range might seem an unlikely habitat for wildlife, it’s no exaggeration to say that Garelochhead hosts the best black grouse dance floor in central Scotland.
“Through continued collaboration
between DIO, Landmarc, and regional conservationists, we will continue to protect and conserve the diverse range of species that call the site home, while supporting military training activities.”
The black grouse is one of the fastest declining birds in the UK and is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red
List of Threatened Species.
Their adoption of the Garelochhead range as a mating ground has been seen as a positive step for black grouse conservation in the area.
DIO and Landmarc commissioned a survey of breeding birds at Garelochhead Training Centre in 2023 which was conducted by John Simpson, a former MOD police officer who works as a fulltime ornithologist with Wild Caledonia Wildlife Surveys.
In total, over 70 species were recorded during the survey, of which 48 species are believed to be breeding.
The data from the survey is being used by DIO’s ecologists to help protect and maintain habitats across the training area.
John Simpson said: “After conducting a breeding bird survey for DIO and Landmarc, it soon became apparent that Garelochhead Training Centre is an exceptional site for nature.
“The diversity and population density of many species, some of which are of conservation concern, is superb.
“The survey has led to a collaborative and coordinated approach to land management in balance with military training activity.
“DIO’s Defence Training Estate and Ecology teams, along with regional conservationists, work proactively together at Garelochhead, balancing the needs of conservation and national defence requirements.
“The range provides a wonderful black grouse lekking area and coordinated action ensures that areas are protected to give the best chance of nesting success.”