There is nothing new to report here. However, two items of news prove that both items of legislation are needed.
NatureScot has restricted the use of general licences on Lochindorb Estate, north of Grantown-on-Spey, for three years, on the basis of police evidence of wildlife crime, which included a red kite found poisoned in 2021, and a red kite shot in 2023. The estate may still apply for individual licences, but these will be subject to enhanced record-keeping and reporting requirements, and close monitoring. General licences allow control of common species of wild birds, such as crows and magpies, to protect crops or livestock, without the need to apply for an individual licence. A similar step was taken in 2023 for the Millden Estate, in the Angus Glens (3 shot buzzards, and trapping offences), and in 2022 for the Gairnshiel and Micras moors on Invercauld Estate (poisoned golden eagle). It is not yet clear whether this general licence restriction affects estates´ ability to apply for a section 16AA grouse shooting licence under the new Wildlife Management & Muirburn Act 2024.
(As I've noted before, you've got to hand it to our gamekeeping colleagues. Just when a low profile might help grouse moors as they argue for less onerous rules, gamekeepers can be relied upon to show why more regulation is needed. Not less - Ed.)
The Scottish Wildlife Trust has warned that deer numbers in Scotland are "unnaturally high" and that action is needed to address this ecological imbalance. An avenue that appears very positive is to enable communities to become more involved in deer management. An idea that NatureScot is currently trialling at their Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve. See https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2024/07/the-problem-with-deer/
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