International accreditation awarded to eight estates for work on wildlife management and conservation

EIGHT SCOTTISH estates have been awarded prestigious international accreditation to recognise their ongoing work in wildlife management and conservation.

Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES), is a national version of the EU Wildlife Estates (WE) initiative, and endorsed by the European Commission’s directo - rate-general environment, whose objective is to protect, preserve and improve the environment for present and future generations.

The est ates awarded accreditation are: Horseupcleugh Est at e, Lammermuir Hills; Glenfalloch Estate, Crianlarich; Glenmuick Estate , near Ballater ; Edinglassie Estate, Huntly; Tulchan Estate, near Grantown on Spey; Hopetoun Estates, South Queensferry; Altyre Estate, For res; and Dalhousie Estates, Angus.

The estates have all undergone a rigorous independent assessment of their game, wildlife and habitat management, as well as their social and economic contribution to rural life.

All properties are expected to maintain these standards throughout the lifetime of accreditation.

Wildlife Estates Scotland chairman Robbie Douglas Millar said: “With the launch of its first annual report, WES now creates a transparent system which sets a benchmark demonstrating what, and how land managers can deliver multiple benefits to rural Scotland, supporting the Scottish Government’s developing Land Use Strategy.

“The completion of accreditation for these eight estates brings the total number of accredited farms and estates across Scotland to 28, covering nearly 750,000 acres.

“It is pleasing to award accreditation to eight new estates, highlighting more of the outstanding conservation work being carried out by farms and estates across Scotland.

“We have just launched the first annual report of WES, and it is clear that WES is providing greater visibility on species, habitats and conservation measures being undertaken by land managers.

“We seek information on 70 named species, which allows us a range of insights including the benefits of conservation efforts and even climate change indicators.

“The newly accredited estates are diverse in nature but they all share a desire to work exceptionally hard for the good of the nation’s wildlife at the same time as sustaining their own business activities.

“It is pleasing that their efforts in wildlife management - that are sometimes taken for granted - are being recognised more widely.”

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