Two demonstration moorland sites are being managed by the Cairngorms Moorland
Project: Balnaboth Moor in Glen Prosen, Angus and Blairfindy Moor in Glenlivet,
Morayshire.
Location maps can be viewed for Balnaboth
Moor and for Blairfindy
Moor. We are currently developing and demonstrating best management
practice on these two moors.
The outcomes of this will be demonstrated to those who already have a
professional interest in moorland management and the moors are also used
to increase the awareness of moorland people, wildlife and management
amongst the general public through a programme of walks and talks.
The management techniques adopted by the project have the aim of improving
the wildlife value, and the farming and sporting returns on both moors.
The primary tools being used to improve the moors are controlled burning
of the heather (‘muirburn’) and management of the grazing
density and seasonal location of livestock (sheep and cattle).
The muirburn plan for each moor takes account of burning-sensitive areas,
such as lichen-rich heath and blanket bog. In addition, some parts will
be left unmanaged by burning, in order to demonstrate the effect that
this has.
The stocking densities on both moors have been
reduced and compensation for loss of income has been paid to the farmers.
Fencing has been replaced, or put in place, to manage the distribution
of livestock and the moors have been compartmentalised to allow for
some comparison between different regimes: burning/no grazing, no burning/no
grazing, etc. |
Deer are also present in high numbers on one of the moors and
they are currently being controlled as part of a concerted effort to
reduce deer numbers in the Angus Glens.
Other activities proposed or currently in place on the moor include
parasite control (especially of ticks!) and woodland edge restructuring
to enhance habitat and aesthetic qualities.
The numbers of grouse are being monitored to determine the outcome of
the management techniques on the sporting interests. The economic returns
to the farmers can also be determined. However, it is much more difficult
to determine the environmental benefits brought by the project and to
this end, an extensive monitoring project is being undertaken.
The baseline and final-year ecological surveys both cover a broad range
of organisms (higher plants, mosses and liverworts, insects and birds)
as well as more general aspects of moorland health, such as habitat
quality (in relation to a set of national standards). In addition, fixed
point photography and grouse counts are undertaken annually to determine
landscape-scale change and variations in the populations of this important
bird.
The management plans for both sites can be downloaded from the links
below
| Blairfindy
Moor:
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| Balnaboth
Moor: |
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Heather management
at Blairfindy Moor.
The rectangular areas in the distance are where the heather has
been cut instead of burnt, to encourage its regeneration.
In the middle distance, two differently aged burns can be seen.
In the foreground, the heather is dying from frost damage and
it requires burning or cutting to promote its regeneration.
Image (C) Juliet Robinson. |
| New ‘march
fence’ (running between the two farming tenancies)
at Balnaboth Moor. This fencing allows for the stock numbers
and their location to be controlled effectively.
Image (C) Gail Renwick. |
Red grouse
male. This bird is what drives a large part of
moorland management – its explosive and fast flight
ion the beautiful setting of the Scottish highlands, attracts
shooters from al around the world.
Image (C) Neil McIntyre. |
| Pearl
bordered fritillary on wild thyme.
Image (C) David Gowans. |
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