Moorland Management Message To Minister

Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change was welcomed to The James Hutton Institute’s Glensaugh Research Station today (Wednesday 31 August 2011) to find out more about issues affecting moorland areas.

The visit was jointly arranged by The James Hutton Institute and the Moorland Forum and aimed to highlight the work being undertaken by the two bodies, as well as the practical measures the Research Station undertakes with regard to upland hill farm management.

Following an introduction to some of the key issues, the Minister was led on a tour of the Research Station by Farm Manager, Donald Barrie. Glensaugh has provided facilities for agricultural and land use research since 1943. Typical of many hill farms in upland Scotland, it comprises just over 1,000 hectares (ha) of which 865 ha is semi-natural/moorland communities, 88 ha permanent pasture and 60 ha improved pasture/arable.

Simon Thorp, Director of Scotland’s Moorland Forum led a discussion on the importance of attracting private investment to upland areas and well as ensuring an effective level of dialogue between different interests within upland communities. Local development plans that identify the needs and wishes of the upland management community as a whole as well as improved communication and coordination between Government Agencies and NGOs with local landowners, land managers and other community interests were identified as barriers to be overcome.

The Minister also heard of the need to manage peatland for effective carbon management. High carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are one of the key causes of climate change and Scottish soils, particularly peatlands are an important store of carbon. Peatlands should grow and accumulate carbon, however inappropriate management, such as drainage or over-grazing, can lead to carbon losses. Research at The James Hutton Institute aims to understand the impacts of both land use and climate change on peatlands, investigating the best options for restoring and managing the carbon sink function of our peatlands.

There was also interest in the agroforesty trial area which offers a range of benefits compared to conventional systems. Integrated livestock grazing and woodlands plots can not only add to the landscape quality of the countryside and its tourism value but the shelter from the trees can encourage better pasture growth, feeding, and animal welfare for livestock.

Simon Thorp, Director of Scotland’s Moorland Forum said,

“The Moorland Forum brings together a range of expertise and offers a unique opportunity within Scotland to deliver dialogue and debate on upland issues. We welcome this opportunity to liaise with the Minister on the future of the uplands. The challenge is to bring people together to inspire solutions and working with The James Hutton Institute we can use science to help us deliver solutions.”

Professor Iain Gordon, Chief Executive of The James Hutton Institute said,

“The James Hutton Institute is well placed to be a key driver in addressing the challenges land in Scotland faces today. Glensaugh is the ideal venue to demonstrate upland management and partnerships, such as today’s event with the Moorland Forum, are important to help deliver science into the policy agenda.”

Stewart Stevenson MSP said,

“I’ve had a very interesting morning. There is nothing more valuable for a Minister than to get out on the ground, meet people involved in the science as well as those implementing environmental and land use policies and engage in discussion around the issues.”

Stevenson Highlights Bank Of Scotland Grants

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is highlighting the availability of grants from the Bank of Scotland Foundation for local charitable groups.

Twenty-three charities across Scotland received nearly £290,000 in the first tranche of donations from foundation.

The foundation is now seeking applications for the latest round of donations.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“The small grants programme accepts applications for amounts up to and including £20,000 from charities registered in Scotland. It particularly seeks to help with the development and improvement of local communities and also financial literacy and financial inclusion.

“I would like to urge local charities to apply. Further information and application forms can be found on their website at http://bankofscotlandfoundation.org/small-grants-programme or you can call 0131 243 7053. The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, Friday 14th October 2011.

“I hope that charities in Banffshire & Buchan Coast will be able to benefit from this scheme.”

Stevenson Urges Support For Suicide Prevention Week

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has highlighted the importance of Suicide Prevention Week, which takes place from 4th -10th September.

Commenting on the awareness event, Mr Stevenson said:

“Every day, around two people die from suicide in Scotland, which is two deaths too many so we need to be looking to the ways in which to reduce this sad statistic which affects all ages, genders and cultures.

“The starting point can be to reduce the stigma associated with suicide and demonstrate that talking about problems is not a weakness, but a necessity and that it is the responsibility of all in society to tackle this problem, and not simply hide it away. We must acknowledge that simply talking about suicide does save lives. Hopefully, people will learn to recognise the signs of someone becoming vulnerable, so that preventative action can be taken.

“It is about time that suicide stops being one of society’s taboos, which is a hidden killer and one of the biggest killers of young Scottish men.

“For those wishing further information they should visit: www.chooselife.net.”