Written Question · S2W-07906 · Session 2
Whether, in light of the decline in the red grouse population, the consequent decline in the number of hen harriers resident on the Langhol…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the decline in the red grouse population, the consequent decline in the number of hen harriers resident on the Langholm moors and the designation of the moor as a Special Protection Area, it has any plans to encourage the reintroduction of professional grouse keepers to increase the hen harrier population.
The answer
The Scottish Executive has no plans to reintroduce professional grouse keepers to increase thehen harrier population.
There is no scientific evidenceto link the decline of breeding hen harriers at Langholm moors with a decline inred grouse. Numbers of breeding hen harriers present on moorland areas instead appearto be related principally to the abundance of voles and meadow pipits in spring.
Scottish Natural Heritage hasrecently launched a Natural Care Moorland Management Scheme for its Forth and BordersArea. This covers a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest including theLangholm
- Newcastleton Hills Special Protection Area. There is a variety of prescriptionsavailable under this scheme which will support and sustain the important moorlandfeatures of each site. Some of these prescriptions are associated with sportingmanagement for red grouse shooting. Support for muirburn will be available on allsites. Support for legal predator control will be available on three areas, includingLangholm, as part of a trial study.
There is no scientific evidenceto link the decline of breeding hen harriers at Langholm moors with a decline inred grouse. Numbers of breeding hen harriers present on moorland areas instead appearto be related principally to the abundance of voles and meadow pipits in spring.
Scottish Natural Heritage hasrecently launched a Natural Care Moorland Management Scheme for its Forth and BordersArea. This covers a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest including theLangholm
- Newcastleton Hills Special Protection Area. There is a variety of prescriptionsavailable under this scheme which will support and sustain the important moorlandfeatures of each site. Some of these prescriptions are associated with sportingmanagement for red grouse shooting. Support for muirburn will be available on allsites. Support for legal predator control will be available on three areas, includingLangholm, as part of a trial study.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-07906 by reference.