Rural and Environment

This week: 01/03/19

March 1, 2019 by charlottebarbour No Comments | Category Agriculture, Farming

Beavers given protected status

The Eurasian or European beaver will be added to the list of European Protected Species of Animals, protected under Scottish law.

This means that from 1 May 2019 shooting will only be allowed under licence, which will be managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). All licenses will be issued in accordance with the law on European Protected Species.

Announcing the news, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

“The Scottish Government believes in the highest standards of animal welfare – for both wild and domestic animals – and we felt it was high time that beavers enjoyed the same legal protection as other species like bats, dolphins, wildcats and otters.

“There are few species that have such a significant and, largely positive, influence on the health and function of our ecosystems. The importance of beavers to Scotland’s biodiversity is huge.

“However, we recognise that beavers can have a significant impact on farming, particularly in areas like Strathmore, which is why we have been working closely with farmers and partner agencies to establish management plans, as well as a licensing system for culling when there is no other alternative.”

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Organic farmers

“UK Government advice to organic farmers in no deal scenario not good enough” – Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon calls on UK Government to do more to ensure Scottish organic producers can continue to export into the EU post-Brexit.

Forestry

The conditions for the forestry and timber industries have “never been better” says  Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing at the Confor awards dinner. It all comes in a pivotal year as forestry becomes fully devolved to Scottish Ministers and ScotParl

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Community right to buy

Wigtown and Bladnoch Community Initiative successfully purchased the former Bank of Scotland building in Wigtown under Community Right to Buy. The group plan to create social housing, community allotments & bunk house for the benefit of the community.

Community Growing Fund

Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment Minister Mairi Gougeon announced an £80k Community Growing Fund to help support community food production. The Minister visited North Edinburgh Arts to find out about the centre’s community garden, which provides plots for local groups.

Tags: Agriculture, Farming, forestry

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