Conservationists in the Western Isles have stressed the importance of livestock farming
for the wildlife of the islands following the recent issue of a report by the RSPB.
Robin Reid, RSPB Scotland’s conservation officer for the Western Isles, said: “Livestock
grazing is essential to maintain a range of threatened wildlife and habitats across
the UK’s uplands.
“The report reveals that changes in livestock grazing in the most vulnerable farming
areas could have an impact on threatened wildlife and habitats. This is particularly
true of the Western Isles.”
The research by Cumulus Consultants assesses how livestock numbers have changed in
the so-called ‘Less Favoured Area’ across the whole of the UK, from Dartmoor to the
Western Isles.
“The RSPB is calling for greater support to these ‘vulnerable’ farmers through the
Scotland Rural Development Programme and other Common Agricultural Policy mechanisms.
Mr Reid added: “There have been a number of recent changes in livestock management
and grazing patterns on the Western Isles. There has been a sharp reduction in hill
grazing by sheep and cattle over the last decade, and in some areas this has led
to an increase grazing by red deer.
“Some areas suffer from over-grazed and frequent muirburn whilst in other areas livestock
have been completely removed. Getting the grazing balance right is essential for
maintaining the richness of the wildlife in the islands.
“Preserving crofting and preserving the biodiversity of the Western Isles goes hand
in hand.”
Rebecca Cotton, manager of the Uist-based Conserving Machair LIFE+ Project said,
“Cattle are at the heart of the traditional machair system of management. As a result,
they help to support a habitat that is very valuable for wildlife.
“One of the greatest threats the machair faces is the lack of young crofters coming
forward to undertake this work. Grant incentives are very important to keeping the
economic and ecological system viable for the future.”
Amy Corrigan, Agricultural Policy Officer for RSPB Scotland said “Extensive livestock
systems are hugely important in Scotland – environmentally, economically and culturally
- but they are amongst the most vulnerable and their future is uncertain.
“This work represents the most up to date examination of changes in livestock systems
in the Scottish uplands. It sends important warning signals about what we stand to
lose if we don’t take the opportunity of CAP reform to get the support mechanisms
right.”
A key finding of the report is the importance of projects fostering partnership working,
such as initiatives promoting short supply chains that connect consumers to local,
more sustainable farming systems.
This uses purchasing power to influence the management of iconic upland landscapes
and wildlife.
Crofting decline threatens environment 7/3/13