Additional measures to protect birds of prey.
Grouse shooting businesses in Scotland will need to be licensed to operate under new proposals to tackle raptor persecution.
Muirburn will also only be permitted under licence, in order to protect wildlife and habitats, regardless of the time of year it is undertaken and whether or not it is for grouse moor management or improving grazing.
There will also be a statutory ban on burning on peatland, except under licence for strictly limited purposes, such as approved habitat restoration projects.
The Scottish Government will work with all stakeholders to produce guidance on best management practices for the use of medicated grit, and convene an expert group to study how best to monitor compliance with the a new code of practice.
The plans are part of a range of measures set out in response to the recommendations of the Grouse Moor Management Group, an independent group tasked by the Scottish Government with assessing the environmental impact of grouse moor management.
The Minister’s parliamentary statement is available on the Scottish Government website.
The full response to the independent report is also available.
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Posted On: 27/11/2020