Environment
Natural Heritage
Many of Scotland's Estates have managed their land diligently for centuries. Indeed, much of the natural heritage that attracts tourists to Scotland from across the world is the result of prudent and long term land management. Estates offer an integrated approach to land management and conservation that is not possible in areas of disparate ownership.
- Grouse moors offer a good example of this approach. The purple heather clad hills that attract tourists and sports enthusiasts are the result of integrated land management and would not be so pristine without a long term, estate run programme.
- Protection of wildlife forms a natural part of care of the environment. Mansfield Estates entered a joint agreement with the Forestry Commission to erect specially constructed highly visible protective woodland fencing to avoid potential bird-strike by the rapidly diminishing local population of capercaillie. Atholl Estates is participating in a nationwide survey of red squirrel sightings, the information from which will be used to assess the health of Scotland's red squirrel population and allow SNH to counter any decline.
- At Bowmont Forest , near Kelso, a balanced land use management policy is applied to enhance biodiversity. Selective thinning and felling ensures an uneven aged structure with valuable wildlife and landscape benefits.
- The Forest of Cluny Natural Care Scheme is another good example. Atholl Estates encouraged all tenant farms involved to participate at the start up of the scheme and also paid for applications which enabled the whole valley to be surveyed and operational plans devised at the same time. The Estates also employed a predator control keeper to work over all of the units - which would not have been possible if the applications had been independent.
