Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022-27 - Other - Page 40
A6. Gamebird management
There are significant releases of non-native gamebirds in the National Park, but information on their impact upon
native biodiversity needs to be better understood. The regulatory framework around releases of species is not
consistent at present, meaning that a licence is not required to release pheasants and partridges, but is required to
release beaver or red squirrels.
There is a need to gather data on releases of non-native gamebirds and determine their impacts on native wildlife.
Depending on what these impacts are, changes may need to be made to the overarching regulatory framework.
OBJECTIVE
Ensure that all pheasant and partridge shoots adhere to best
practice and that all gamebird releases are sustainable and do
not negatively impact on native biodiversity.
TARGET
•
Gamebird releases have no negative impact on native biodiversity.
INDICATOR
•
Impacts of gamebirds released around the National Park each year.
ACTIONS
BY 2027
•
Establish a baseline for the number of gamebirds released in the
National Park and assess their impact on native biodiversity.
•
Depending on the evidence gathered, investigate the use of Park
Authority powers to regulate gamebird releases and develop a
regulatory approach if required.
PARTNERS
(alongside the
Park Authority)
NatureScot, landowners, environmental NGOs, Scottish Land and
Estates, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, British Association of
Shooting and Conservation
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