MOORLAND management for game is sustainable and delivers a host of environmental, social and economic benefits – and alternative land uses would not produce better results.
That is the conclusion of new research published as the annual grouse shooting season gets underway, and the game sector applies itself to the ongoing political battle for survival.
Roxburghe Estates in the Scottish Borders marked the start of the season with some walked-up shooting on the first day
Since the spring, rural businesses across Scotland have been writing to members of the Scottish Parliament urging them to ‘Support Moorland Life’ as part of an initiative to demonstrate the multiple benefits produced.
Read more - Defending moorland life
This year's shooting season is getting off to a quiet start, given poor weather conditions in April and May and it is expected there will be more of a ‘late show’ in September and October.
Roxburghe Estates in the Scottish Borders marked the start of the season with some walked-up shooting on the first day
Roxburghe Estates in the Scottish Borders marked the start of the season with some walked-up shooting on the first day. Assistant factor at Roxburghe Estates, Ed Brown, said: “It’s unusual for most estates to be starting beyond August 12, but what we do know is that when the season gets under way in the following months it will be a real boost to communities in the area and in particular businesses such as hotels, pubs, restaurants, garages and the like.”
Roxburghe Estates in the Scottish Borders marked the start of the season with some walked-up shooting on the first day
Head keeper at Roxburghe, Drew Ainslie and assistant keeper, Pam Butler, were among the first out on the moors.
Mr Ainslie said: “We always welcome the start of the season and we know that it will be a while before it gets going this year. However, the environmental work we do to conserve important habitat and a tremendous range of ground-nesting birds goes on all year, regardless of what the season brings.”
Roxburghe Estates in the Scottish Borders marked the start of the season with some walked-up shooting on the first day
Tim Baynes, from the Gift of Grouse campaign, said: “Throughout the summer months rural businesses have been writing to Scottish parliamentarians elected in May asking them to support moorland life. This is an important year as the Scottish Government is going to consult on the licensing of grouse moors. Rural voices are working hard to make sure as many people as possible know that we are committed to helping tackle climate change and supporting a wide range of bird species which thrive on moorland.”
Roxburghe Estates in the Scottish Borders marked the start of the season with some walked-up shooting on the first day
Last year, research carried out by Scotland’s Rural College and the James Hutton Institute, studied socioeconomic and biodiversity impacts of driven grouse moors as well as the employment rights of gamekeepers.
Roxburghe Estates in the Scottish Borders marked the start of the season with some walked-up shooting on the first day
Key findings of that research include –
• Grouse shooting can ‘generate significant economic impacts for communities’;
• 60%to 80% of spending around driven grouse shooting happens in local areas;
• Driven grouse shooting has a higher employment benefit than other moorland uses;
• Gamekeepers and their families are key figures in their local communities;
• Grouse moor management – including muirburn – delivers biodiversity benefits, including boosts for a range of at-risk bird species such as curlew and golden plover.
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