Members record increase in Heather Beetle attacks

Heather Beetle decimating our glorious moorlands is not a new issue for many land managers. However, The Heather Trust members have noted an increase in heather beetle outbreaks in recent years, resulting in severe damage to vegetation over thousands of acres.

The stricken heather potentially adds to the fuel load for wildfires, reduces nectar for bees to feed on and destroys valuable habitat.

The footage below was taken in October 2024 in the Peak District - evidence of the growing problem of infestation.

Similar images have been sent to us, taken just this week.

Perhaps due to climate change (particularly the lack of hard frost), rewetting of our uplands, disappearance of the beetle's natural predator (the parasitic wasp) or maybe a combination of all?

Research into heather beetle is sparse and there are still huge knowledge gaps. We need to be looking at new research and techniques to help reduce the severity of these infestations.

If you are interested in scoping further research, get in touch - we could make a difference...

Launch of Grouse Shooting Licensing Scheme

NatureScot has this week confirmed that the licensing scheme for grouse shooting in Scotland will go live on Monday 15 July 2024.

We were recently assured by NatureScot that licence applications will be processed in time for the start of the 2024 grouse season and we sincerely hope there is no hold up in that process.

It is worth noting that it is a requirement in the Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 that a licence holder 'must have regard' to the associated code of practice. Non-adherence to the requirements set out in the forthcoming code could result in a licensing sanction.

NatureScot will publish a finalised version of the statutory code of practice for grouse moor management on 12 July 2024. The latest and near-finalised draft can be viewed here: Guidance - Draft Code of Practice for Grouse Moor Management | NatureScot

A ‘six steps for licensing’ guide has been prepared by NatureScot and can be viewed here: Red grouse and licensing | NatureScot to enable all applicants to be prepared for what should be a straightforward process.

An update to Grouse Licensing

The final version of the Code of Practice for grouse moor management is now live on the NatureScot website: https://www.nature.scot/doc/guidance-code-practice-grouse-moor-management. 

All holders of (section 16AA) licences to kill / take grouse in Scotland will be expected to 'have regard' to the code of practice. It is therefore recommended that all licence holders (and those advising on or managing land for grouse shooting) are familiar with and understand the contents of the code. 

The Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 requires that a licence holder comply with the Grouse Code. Non-adherence to the requirements set out in the Grouse Code could result in a licensing sanction and/or suspension or revocation.

The Grouse Code will be subject to formal review on a five-yearly basis to ensure it reflects the most up-to-date legislative requirements, guidance and best practice. Updates can be made within the review period where necessary. For example, in the case of the introduction of new legislation which has a bearing on the Code.

Further details on the (section 16AA) licence for land which may be used to kill or take red grouse is also available. The on-line application for applying for a licence will go live at 9am on Monday 15th July.