On Friday 7 February, Scottish Natural Heritage announced changes to the General Licences in Scotland, coming into action on 1 April.
Ross MacLeod, Head of Policy Scotland, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, said:
“Land managers will clearly be extremely disappointed by components of these changes, which follow consultation last year – and those who are most affected are likely to feel that their circumstances have not been properly taken into account and that SNH is adopting an over-cautious approach.
“Most contentious will be the restriction of General Licences across many upland Special Protection Areas (SPAs) without prior permission for control of birds, particularly as the consequences are not yet entirely clear, not least the additional administrative burden and the potential impacts on species under threat such as waders and raptors.”
Further information
Ross MacLeod
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
rmacleod@gwct.org.uk
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Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Playfair Walker
Telephone: 0131 445 5570
Email: richard@playfairwalker.com