STRAY sheep are inflicting around quarter of a million pounds worth of damage to young trees in Scotland's National Forest Estate every year, according to Forest Enterprise Scotland, which this week issued new guidance on how foresters and farmers might amicably deal with the problem.

Almost 200 stray sheep incidents were recorded on the National Forest Estate in the south of Scotland alone last year, involving 1500 animals.

Although FES – the management arm of the Forestry Commission – was at pains not to appear 'confrontational' with the farmers neighbouring its plantations, whether they be its own tenants, or private landowners, the guidance document makes it plain that, legally speaking, the responsibility for damage caused by stray sheep is very much with their owners.

And while the aim was for FES staff to "work closely with farmers" to manage incidents of straying sheep via a "continued, honest and open dialogue", where that persistently fails, the guidance also makes it clear that where there is significant damage, sheep may be impounded as a measure of last resort.

The guidance, produced by FES alongside Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, and in consultation with industry bodies such as the NFUS, NSA and Sheep Scab Industry Group, starts with the following bit of background: "Since the 1930s, FCS has bought large tracts of upland grazings, some of which are subject to agricultural tenancies. While the majority of this ground has been planted, much of the higher land remains in agricultural use. This frequently results in long boundaries on which fencing quality can be variable. The economics of sheep farming in recent years has made investment in fencing renewal financially out with the reach of many farming businesses. Additionally the high elevations of many of these fences reduce their lifespan and also makes regular maintenance a severe challenge at certain times of year."

But however expensive the task of fence maintenance, FES noted that the level of damage from browsing by trespassing sheep could also be high, with severe financial consequences, and politely signalled that it would no longer put up with persistent offenders. Whilst recognising that there can be "particular local sensitivities", it advises that such cases should be approached in a "firm and professional" manner.

FES agriculture advisor Robin Waddell said: “For the vast majority of cases we work very well with our neighbours and can resolve sheep trespass issues pretty quickly. Unfortunately it doesn’t always go that way and the guidance will help our staff manage the times when action is needed.

“A particular worry is that unregulated movement of sheep in our forests poses a biosecurity risk, specifically in terms of the scourge that is sheep scab and the transmission of tree diseases. Animal welfare is also a concern and this issue is often reported when we have had to deal with unmanaged sheep.

"Another direct impact on FES is the browsing that stray sheep can cause – this is a drain on our financial resources. We have a duty to protect and manage designated areas of land so there is a real need to tackle these incidences as quickly as we can. The guidance aims to achieve a good result for all concerned.”

NFUS policy officer Penny Johnston commented: “The NFUS supports the production of this guidance. Feral or straying sheep can be a biosecurity risk and in some areas are responsible for the perpetuation of disease, such as sheep scab.

“A lack of clarity over how to deal with feral or stray sheep creates barriers to the removal of these animals and clear protocols should make it possible to deal with these animals effectively and fairly.”