Game and Conservation Interests Agree to Work Together

An agreement paving the way for more collaborative work between conservation and game interests is welcomed by Scotland’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson said:

“The relationship between conservationists, landowners and gamekeepers is continuing to improve through collaborative efforts such as this accord.

“Conservationists see the benefits which experienced and knowledgeable land managers can bring to biodiversity and wildlife habitats, while land managers appreciate how conservation and a healthy ecosystem equate to healthy game as well. This agreement is an important step in progressing this understanding, and I welcome it wholeheartedly.”

SNH and GWCT have resolved to continue to urge good practice in animal welfare and compliance with wildlife legislation. Both parties are working together to promote this, alongside developing new approaches to resolving conflicts in the countryside. The accord also recognises SNH and GWCT’s shared interest in having a good evidence base to support integrated and balanced land management.

The Langholm Moor Demonstration Project is an excellent example of an existing partnership, with SNH and GWCT working well together and with other organisations. National surveys of capercaillie and black grouse have been jointly carried out, and there are plans to broaden this work to cover other species.

Ian Jardine, SNH chief executive, said:

“Some may find it surprising, but conservation, hunting and fishing interests have many of the same goals. After all, when wildlife flourishes in Scotland, it helps nurture our country’s environment and supports our rural communities and the economy. This agreement is a landmark which shows how far we have come, but also how much hard work we still have to do. Working together we can – and must – make sure Scotland’s natural environment thrives.”

Dr Adam Smith, welcoming the signing of the Statement said:

“SNH’s revision of its wildlife management principles are a positive reason to update our previous commitment to work together for Scottish conservation. Our research shows that game management offers many principles, such as maximising breeding success in birds, and practical solutions, such as beetle banks, which will enhance biodiversity as well as support sporting interest. Working with SNH will help us raise awareness of how the challenges of carbon management and productive agriculture can be met in ways which also benefit game and wildlife. To this end, we want to work together so that the public benefits from these conservation principles and solutions are evident. We want to ensure that those individuals who invest in the countryside and use these principles already are supported and encouraged to do so into the future.”

This agreement builds on past cooperation, including an initial agreement in 1998, as well as 10 joint projects, such as the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project. Since 1998, both organisations have broadened their remits, making a new agreement necessary. SNH has merged with the Deer Commission for Scotland, and now has a more prominent role in wildlife management.

Stevenson Welcomes Funding Award for Buckpool Club

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast has today welcomed the news that Buckpool Golf Sports and Social Club to receive £2000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s 2014 Communities programme, as part of the wider engagement programme for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Buckpool Golf Sports & Social Club, based in Buckie will use the funds to run a coaching course over the Summer School term as an after school activity for children aged between 9 to 16 years from schools in the local area.

Mr Stevenson has written to congratulate the club is hopeful that this funding will support them, and allow them to develop their activities which are of great importance to the local community.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I am once again delighted to see a local organisation benefit from a Big Lottery Fund award and wish them all the best with the summer coaching programme in which it is to be invested. The 2014 Commonwealth Games is not just a great spectacle for Scotland, but is about building a legacy of well-being and activity before, during and after the games.  The 2014 Communities programme aims to encourage more people to take part or volunteer in sport or physical activity as well as encourage greater community cohesion in the run up to the Commonwealth Games. Buckpool Golf Sports and Social club, are therefore, deserving of praise for their initiative.

“I would encourage any and all eligible groups in the area to apply to Awards for All and state their case for a grant to help them in continuing their activities, whatever they may be.”  

More information on eligibility and the application process for funding can be found at  http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/scotland/apply.html

Tackling a Knotty Problem

Scotland leads the way in battle against non-native plants and animals

New legislation came into force today to protect Scotland’s biodiversity from the serious threat of invasive non-native species.

The control of non-native species – such as Japanese Knotweed and Signal Crayfish - is estimated to cost Scotland £244 million per year. Scotland is the first country in the UK to protect native species in this way.

The new legislation makes it an offence to:

• Release an animal, or allow it to escape, outwith its native range
• Plant a plant in the wild outwith its native range
• Intentionally or otherwise plant a plant in the wild or cause an animal to be outwith its native range

The changes in the law will not change everything to do with non-native species – pet owners can keep exotic pets responsibly and gardeners will still be able to plant species such as roses and sweet peas in their gardens.

Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“We have taken an internationally agreed approach to non-native species – based on prevention of introduction as we can’t always predict which species will become a problem – and have become the first country in the UK to translate this into law.

“I am not suggesting that we should be eradicating all the non-native species in Scotland – what these changes will do is help us to stop any further unwanted introductions of invasive species to Scotland. The clear message is – if in doubt, don’t plant and don’t release.”

The Scottish Government has produced a Code of Practice on Non-Native Species to help people understand their responsibilities when dealing with non-native species and to understand which public body has responsibility for which habitats.

Ron Macdonald, SNH’s Head of Policy and Advice, said:

“Non-native species are one of the biggest threats to Scotland’s spectacular native wildlife as well as costing our agriculture, forestry and tourism industries millions each year. These new laws are an important step forward in improving Scotland’s biosecurity and safeguarding our economy and natural environment for future generations.”

SEPA’s Chief Executive, Professor James Curran, also welcomed the new legislation. He said:

“This new regime will help SEPA to deliver the healthier rivers and lochs we all want by allowing us to work more effectively with partners to tackle the real threat to Scotland’s water environment from invasive non-native species, such as North American signal crayfish and Australian swamp stonecrop.”