Nature Objectives

A5. Moorland management

Moorland management plays a significant role in supporting a range of habitats and species in the Cairngorms and is an important part of its culture and economy. During the lifetime of this plan a new national licensing regime for grouse moors is due to be introduced by Scottish Government.

Image of heather moorland in flower, birch woodland and Cairngorm mountain range. Photo by Mark Hamblin.
Heather moorland in flower, birch woodland and Cairngorm mountain range, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Delivering sustainable grouse moor management is a key part of this plan. In particular, this means greater species and structural diversity on grouse moors, with more pockets and strips of trees and shrubs on moorland edges, steep slopes, in gullies and around woodland remnants. It means identifying further opportunities to make space for nature recovery alongside – and as part of – moorland management; and specifically wanting to see an end to raptor persecution.

This plan aims to work with moorland managers to adapt to and mitigate against the twin nature and climate emergencies, while working to maintain estate incomes through market adjustment and other income sources, eg carbon markets.

Key objectives and targets

Increase the sustainability of moorland management in the National Park to ensure greater species and structural diversity in moorland areas.

A measurable and sustained increase in the home range, occupation and breeding success of golden eagle, hen harrier, merlin and peregrine across the National Park.

Increased species and habitat diversity on grouse moors, linking together a natural transition from woodland to montane scrub to upland heath.

•  Introduction of grouse moor licensing and other elements of the Independent Review of Grouse Moor Management within the Cairngorms National Park.

•  Support knowledge exchange and sharing of good practice from the East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership to other parts of the National Park.

•  Develop and support estate management plans and Wildlife Estates Scotland accreditation.

Scottish Government, NatureScot, landowners, environmental NGOs, Scottish Land and Estates, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, British Association of Shooting and Conservation, East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership, Wildlife Estates Scotland

Facts

0 %
of the UK's rare and endangered species are found in the Cairngorms
0 %
of the National Park will be managed principally for ecosystem restoration by 2045