Alliance of interests can help rare wildlife

A PARTNERSHIP between gamekeepers and conservationists could be the best way to protect Scotland’s wildlife, a wild bird specialist has said.

Experienced bird ringer Neil Morrison said he formed a working relationship with gamekeepers in Perthshire and it helped produce valuable data on endangered birds such as short-eared owls.

At least 18 pairs of the amber-listed birds of prey have bred in the last two years and kestrels, declining alarmingly across Britain, are thriving, with 11 breeding pairs recorded since 2014.

Now, on the eve of the grouse season, the raptor study group member believes warring factions should learn to put differences aside, so birdlife can be the winner.

He said: “I don’t get involved in countryside politics but, personally, the benefits I have reaped working with gamekeepers and landowners have been far greater than I could imagine. The owls have an amazing record of success in these three glens and it must be to do with the land management by the gamekeepers because rats and foxes can be a problem with encouraging ground-nesters.

“The gamekeepers control their numbers.”

He also identified controversial countryside management techniques as a key component in the birds’ survival.

Mr Morrison said: “The patchwork quilt of heather, created by muirburn for grouse management, also seems to be working for the short-eared owls. In my view, progress can only come from working together.”

Ronnie Kippen, of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, said: “There is a growing appetite among gamekeepers to work with bird experts to communicate and build trust.”