Shooting UK

From guns and gundogs to the latest shooting news; the complete online network for the British shooting community.

SNH clarifies raptor control

SNH clarifies raptor control

SNH has announced new guidance that will help land managers in Scotland apply for licences to control protected predators


By Selena Masson

Thursday, 14 May 2009

Scottish Natural Heritage has issued new guidance to make it easier for land managers to control protected predators

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) announced new guidance on 8 May that will help land managers in Scotland apply for licences to control protected predators such as buzzards, ravens, sparrowhawks and pine martens. Control measures can include shooting under licence where required.

This follows a lengthy campaign by the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA), BASC Scotland, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

The long-awaited guidance provides advice to land managers on the circumstances and type of evidence required before licences can be issued by SNH to control predators which are having a negative impact on wild birds such as upland waders and blackgrouse. Before an individual licence can be issued, SNH needs to be satisfi ed that a cause and effect link exists between predation and signifi cant declines in the population of other species.

SNH’s Ron Macdonald commented: “SNH recognises that some predatory species can affect populations of wild birds. Where these are directly responsible for key declines in wild bird populations and where there is a real conservation need to do so, we accept that predators may need to be managed or controlled under licence.”

The rest of this article appears in 14 May issue of Shooting Times.

What is YOUR opinion?

Join other ST readers in our forums to discuss your views.



Like this article? Mark this page on a social bookmarking website...



What are social bookmarking sites?


CompPrevious
BBC apologises for airgun story

BBC apologises for airgun story

The story involved Maureen Comley, from Lincoln, w...

CompNext
Public supports predator control

Public supports predator control

New independent research published on 2 May shows ...


Guns

Testing the .17 calibre Fireball

Testing the .17 calibre Fireball

Certain smaller calibre rounds have their roots in the swinging Sixtie... Read more


More in Guns...


News

Best Rural Retailer competition

Best Rural Retailer competition

The Countryside Alliance launches its third annual Best Rural Retailer... Read more


More in News...



Comments

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

Don't miss the opportunity to nominate your favourite local gunshop to be included in the 2010 IPC Shooting Industry Awards in this week's issue (on sale 3rd February). Plus, Lewis Potter tests the Zoli Columbus, a new take on a classic over-and-under and Tony Jackson presents reports from across Scotland in the 2010 stag review. For all this and much more - buy your copy today!

Subscribe to magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!


Latest articles

Shooters face £400k bill

Shooters face £400k bill

The Government's estimate of the extra cost of making the... Read more


Study on gamebirds failure to breed

Study on gamebirds failure to breed

A new research programme is being launched by The Game & W... Read more


More in Latest articles...


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!