GWCT News Blog

The Scottish Lowlands team had a busy start to the autumn, with the past couple weeks filled with fieldwork, travel and more fieldwork.

On Tuesday 24th September, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie informed Scottish Parliament that the ban on snares, which was introduced as part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, will commence on Monday 25th November 2024.

Scottish Forestry has recently advised about two upcoming events aimed at sharing learning

NatureScot have asked us to remind our members and supporters that the muirburn season will begin on 1st October as usual this year and not 15th September as set out in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Act 2024.

In July, GWCT staff and their pointing dogs revisited study sites across Scotland to count red grouse. After the pair counts in the spring, which aim to determine the number of breeding pairs, these brood counts in July determine the number of grouse chicks that survived to fledging age.

Grouse shoot licensing is now in operation. After acceptance of an application, compliance with licensing and code requirements will be monitored through declarations and the provision of information returns.

A significant change is on the horizon that will affect gamekeepers and land managers involved in wildlife management. The Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 is a crucial step in ensuring the ethical and effective management of wildlife in Scotland. By enrolling in an approved training course, you’re not just complying with the law—you’re also contributing to the preservation of Scotland’s rich biodiversity.

We are thrilled alongside Scottish Land & Estates and Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups to announce the winners of the inaugural Scottish Game Awards, a momentous event that took place at the Scottish Game Fair at Scone.

NatureScot have published their new Code of Practice for Grouse Moor Management ahead of the grouse shoot licensing scheme launching on Monday on 15th July 2024.