Event: Wildlife Conservation – the Role of Estates
Edinburgh, Thursday 30th April 2009
The Scottish Estates Business Group said today (Thursday 30th April) that estates across Scotland are proving they are playing a key role in wildlife conservation.
SEBG today held a conference in Edinburgh on wildlife conservation and Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Minister for the Environment, gave the keynote address.
Sir Alastair Gordon Cumming, SEBG Chairman, told delegates at the conference: “Quite rightly, there is an intense ongoing debate regarding wildlife conservation and all of us in rural Scotland need to examine what contribution we make.
Picture: Foreground; Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Minister for the Environment, Background; Sir Alastair Gordon Cumming, SEBG Chairman
“A lot of estates have done that and are delivering innovative and effective wildlife conservation across Scotland. There is very strong evidence to show that the integrated land management model of estates is successful making a real difference to conservation.
“Many organisations talk about the need for conservation. Scottish Estates not only contribute to that debate, but also walk the walk when it comes to putting the agenda in to practice.
“SEBG fully supports the measures that will help to preserve Scotland’s natural heritage. Initiatives such as the Special Constables scheme run by our colleagues in the SRPBA and SGA are to be commended and hopefully extended throughout the country.
“This initiative demonstrates quite clearly the commitment of the majority of landowners and gamekeepers to conservation and will enhance the policing of our rural areas. The real benefit of such schemes is that they can play a meaningful role in the preservation and protection of species and habitat.
“Estates, by their nature, are able to take a holistic view of conservation and therefore balance conservation with the practical issues affecting those who live, work and play in rural Scotland. This balance can ensure our world class natural heritage is preserved for future generations.”
Speakers at the conference included Dr Adam Smith of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust; Alex Hogg, Scottish Gamekeepers Association; Lord Jamie Lindsay, Moorland Forum; and Dr Ronald Campbell of the Tweed Foundation.
