Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) launched a public survey this week, asking for feedback from those involved or interested in how Scotland’s wildlife is managed. Anyone can respond to the survey, but it may be of particular interest to individuals and organisations with direct involvement with SNH on wildlife management activities and is likely to be relevant to many outdoor enthusiasts. Roger Burton, SNH’s Wildlife Management programme manager, said: “Managing wildlife is complex, involving many different interests, such as forestry, farming, conservation, recreation and tourism, and animal welfare. That’s why it’s important to us to hear the views of everyone involved.…

The John Muir Trust today launched its new Wild Land Management Standards website which illustrates the principles that guide its management of wild land. Aimed at other land managers and anyone interested in managing land with a focus on improving habitats and encouraging wildlife in a natural way, the site offers a range of resources including a Wild Land Management Standards Handbook, management plan template and links to useful online resources. “We hope this website will help to demonstrate the ecosystem approach we take to managing the properties we own and be an inspiration and help to others,” said Mike…

Supporters of the Save the Monadhliath Mountains (SMM) campaign have welcomed today’s (Tuesday 17 January) decision by the Highland Council’s Planning Application Committee to object to proposals for a large onshore wind farm at Allt Duine located on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, near the village of Kincraig. The planning application will now be considered by the Scottish Government at a public inquiry. SMM campaigners believe that to build a wind farm on the very edge of the National Park, in an area of unspoilt wild land, and in an area that the Council wishes to protect, would…

A new Scottish deer code comes into effect this month, with a focus on cooperative and voluntary deer management across the country. The code, developed by Scottish Natural Heritage, is aimed at anyone involved in deer management, including lowland tenant farmers, recreational stalkers, crofters and upland deer managers. As part of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (WANE) bill passed by the Scottish Government, the deer code sets out how those who have deer on their land can deliver sustainable deer management. The code puts new responsibilities on land managers and helps to identify what they must, should or could do…