The Argyll and Bute Black Grouse Recovery Project was initiated in 2002
following the establishment of the Argyll & Bute Biodiversity Partnership
and the launch of the Argyll Local Biodiversity Action Plan to address
the plight of black grouse in Argyll. It is funded by a partnership of
Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Power, RSPB Scotland, Scottish
Natural Heritage, and an award from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
The Project aims to reverse the decline of black grouse in Argyll and
Bute.
Survey work is co-ordinated by the Project and undertaken by Forest Enterprise
Rangers, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Rangers, the Project
Officer, members of the Projects Working Group and volunteer lek surveyors
including stalkers, gamekeepers and farmers. In 2002, the target survey
area was Knapdale and Kintyre, with Mid Argyll and Lorne receiving partial
coverage. Surveyors found 83 lekking males. In 2003 the majority of these
leks were resurveyed and survey coverage was extended into the Cowal peninsular
and 118 lekking males were located. Information from leks surveyed in
both years indicated a 15% decline between the two years. The largest
leks in Argyll in both years held seven males, and the average lek size
in both years was less than two males. Click here
to download the Project Lek Report for 2002 and 2003
In 2004 lek survey coverage was extended into Mid Argyll, Lorne, north
Cowal and the Helensurgh & Lomond area. The majority of leks surveyed
in 2002 and 2003 were monitored in 2004. Lek survey work in 2004 was assisted
by a Community for Biodiversity Grant from the Argyll & Bute Council.
Surveyors found a total of 166 males. Information from leks surveyed in
2003 and 2004 showed a 10% decline between the two years. The largest
lek in Argyll in 2004 held ten males, and the average lek size remained
less than two males A full analysis of habitat preferences is still to
be carried out, but the majority of leks in Argyll appear to be associated
with forestry habitats. Click here
to download the Project Lek Report for 2004
Core areas and funding
Using the survey results from 2002 and 2003, the Project defined a Core
Area in Argyll & Bute as a target for conservation action. The Core
Area was revised and confirmed in the light of data from the 2004 survey
season. The Core Area is comprised of the 700 ha of suitable habitat that
surrounds each of the most important leks. Core area sites, which hold
the highest concentrations of displaying males, are eligible for 90% funding
of standard costs for S4 Improving Woodland Biodiversity operations undertaken
as black grouse management through the Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme.
Click here to view
sites eligible for this special rate of funding.
Where survey work shows that a Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme application
or Forest Design Plan falls within a black grouse area, the Project Officer
advises and comments on the proposal. Applications to the Rural Stewardship
Scheme in black grouse areas are also commented on, to use the available
prescriptions to the best advantage for black grouse. Habitat management
plans are written for Core Area Sites and funding sought to implement
them by the Project Officer.
We hope to raise the profile of black grouse and awareness of their status
through a series of talks and workshops.
Contacts:
If you would like to help or would like a site visit, contact the Recovery
Project Officer
Links:
More information on funding in Scotland and best practice land management
click here.
Map:
To see the area that this project covers visit Multimap.com.
Please note that we are not responsible for the content of any external
websites.
|
