22 January, 2016
Fresh moves to manage Lewis and Harris greylag population
A fresh drive to reduce the Lewis and Harris greylag goose population starts on 1 February with shooting taking place where previously agreed with the landowner and occupier.
The management pilot is now in its second year. It has been developed by a local goose management group with support from Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Government’s Rural Inspections and Payments Department.
Its aim is to minimise agricultural damage experienced by crofters and farmers by establishing a more sustainable goose population. The planned shooting period will continue until 31 March after which progress will be reviewed.
It involves experienced volunteer shooters who operate under licence and follow established best practice methods. The initial target is for an additional 2200 geese to be shot this year to deliver a significant population reduction by 2017.
Permission has been sought from landowners and grazings clerks on Lewis and Harris to shoot on their land, and an appeal has gone to crofters/farmers to help the scheme by allowing access and information.
The pilot project is also trialling the sale of wild goose meat.
Trained hunters and retail premises in Lewis and Harris may be licensed (on application) to sell geese shot under the scheme.
This will encourage the sustainable use of the carcasses, provide some financial benefit and supply a healthy, protein rich and locally sourced food for islanders. Recipes using wild goose meat are available on the Scotland’s Natural Larder website.
To find out more about the pilot contact one of the following:
Carloway Estate Trust (contracted to co-ordinate the pilot) 01851 643481
Scottish Natural Heritage, Stornoway 01851 705258
The Rural Inspections and Payments Department, Stornoway 01851 702392
The National Goose Management Review Group (NGMRG) recommends each of the pilots are guided by the same three fundamental objectives of national goose policy which underpin existing goose schemes.
This will meet the UK’s nature conservation obligations for geese within the context of wider biodiversity objectives; minimise economic losses experienced by farmers and crofters, and maximise value for money from the public purse.
Contact information
- Name
- SNH Media
- snhmedia@snh.gov.uk
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. Responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, we work to protect and restore nature by inspiring everyone to value our natural world. Our goal is a nature-rich, net-zero future for Scotland. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot
'S e buidheann nàdair na h-Alba a th’ ann an NàdarAlba. Bidh sinn a’ gleidheadh agus a’ slànachadh nàdar le bhith a’ brosnachadh a h-uile duine gu spèis a chur air an t-saoghal nàdarra againn, agus sinn a’ freagairt air an dà chùis-èiginn de chall bith-iomadachd ’s atharrachadh na gnàth-shìde. ’S e ar n-amas nàdar beairteach ’s cothromachadh carboin do dh’Alba. Airson an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh, thoiribh sùil air an làraich-lìn againn aig www.nature.scot