Eight estates awarded Wildlife Estates Scotland accreditation

Eight estates in Scotland have been awarded Wildlife Estates Scotland accreditation in recognition of their ongoing work in wildlife management and conservation.

The estates awarded WES are:

• Horseupcleuch Estate, Lammermuir Hills
• Glenfalloch Estate, Crianlarich
• Glenmuick Estate, near Ballater
• Edinglassie Estate, Huntly
• Tulchan Estate, near Grantown on Spey
• Hopetoun Estates, South Queensferry
• Altyre Estate, Forres
• Dalhousie Estates, Angus

Wildlife Estates Scotland Chairman Robbie Douglas Miller said: “It is pleasing to award accreditation to eight new estates, highlighting more of the outstanding conservation work being carried out by farms and estates across Scotland.

“We have just launched the first annual report of Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) and it is clear that WES is providing greater visibility on species, habitats and conservation measures being undertaken by land managers. We seek information on 70 named species, which allows us a range of insights including the benefits of conservation efforts and even climate change indicators."

WES is a national version of the EU Wildlife Estates (WE) initiative and is endorsed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General Environment. In order to gain accreditation, the eight estates have undergone a rigorous independent assessment of their game, wildlife and habitat management, as well as their social and economic contribution to rural life.

The completion of WES accreditation for these eight estates brings the total number of accredited farms and estates across Scotland to 28, covering nearly 750,000 acres.

WES was founded by Scottish Land & Estates with support from Scottish Natural Heritage, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.