Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2022-27 - Other - Page 39
A5. Moorland management
Moorland management plays a significant role in supporting a range of habitats and species in the Cairngorms and
is an important part of its culture and economy. During the lifetime of this plan a new national licensing regime for
grouse moors is due to be introduced by Scottish Government.
Delivering sustainable grouse moor management is a key part of this plan. In particular, this means greater species
and structural diversity on grouse moors, with more pockets and strips of trees and shrubs on moorland edges,
steep slopes, in gullies and around woodland remnants. It means identifying further opportunities to make space
for nature recovery alongside – and as part of – moorland management; and specifically wanting to see an end to
raptor persecution.
This plan aims to work with moorland managers to adapt to and mitigate against the twin nature and
climate emergencies, while working to maintain estate incomes through market adjustment and other income
sources, eg carbon markets.
OBJECTIVE
Increase the sustainability of moorland management in the
National Park to ensure greater species and structural diversity
in moorland areas.
TARGET
•
A measurable and sustained increase in the home range,
occupation and breeding success of golden eagle, hen harrier, merlin
and peregrine across the National Park.
INDICATOR
•
Increased species and habitat diversity on grouse moors, linking together
a natural transition from woodland to montane scrub to upland heath.
ACTIONS
BY 2027
•
Introduction of grouse moor licensing and other elements of the
Independent Review of Grouse Moor Management within the
Cairngorms National Park.
•
Support knowledge exchange and sharing of good practice from
the East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership to other parts of the
National Park.
•
Develop and support estate management plans and Wildlife Estates
Scotland accreditation.
PARTNERS
(alongside the
Park Authority)
Scottish Government, NatureScot, landowners, environmental NGOs, Scottish
Land and Estates, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, British Association
of Shooting and Conservation, East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership,
Wildlife Estates Scotland
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