Black Grouse on Arran
Since its formation many people have contributed effort, time, expertise, money and land to the Arran Black Grouse Group (ABGG).
Written by John Rhead
Thursday, 8 April 2010
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Since its formation many people have contributed effort, time, expertise, money and land to the Arran Black Grouse Group (ABGG). A number of these people do not communicate by e-mail or find meeting times inconvenient and may be unaware that Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) recently produced a REVIEW OF THE ARRAN BLACK GROUSE RE-INTRODUCTION PROJECT.
This review supersedes an earlier report, drawn up in 2004, which assessed the habitat on the island in its present condition as ‘not suitable for a large scale re-introduction.’ The new review states that, ‘The ABGG disagree strongly with the [previous] conclusion. KK and RM came to the conclusion that the ABGG were correct.’ (KK — Kenny Kortland, FCS species ecologist. RM – Dr Robert Moss, scientist/consultant and co-author with Adam Watson of ‘Grouse’ in New Naturalist series of publications.)
The new report further states,‘Given the large amount of apparently good quality, interconnected habitat and the commitment of the ABGG, Arran is a good location in which to attempt to re-establish a population of Black Grouse.’ It adds, ‘If the ABBG fulfil the six recommendations in this report and obtains the support of the Scottish Black Grouse BAP Group, FCS should allow FCS land to be used for releasing birds.’
In an Appendix, Dr Moss observes, ‘Even if the project fails, establishing causes for failure would make it scientifically worthwhile.’ The ABGG concurs with this statement and welcomes the opportunity to fulfil its long held ambition to release birds into the best habitats available in Arran. From the outset, ABGG has understood that for the experiment to have any scientific merit, release into best habitats is essential. Until recently, however, the possibility of this happening has been denied by FCS.
The new report totally supports the view of island residents as to the state of Arran habitats and rightly informs on the ‘worthiness’ of the group. Hopefully the ABGG can now look forward to greatly increased co-operation from FCS.
Yours sincerely,
John Rhead
Thursday, 8 April 2010
101 views 0 commentsSince its formation many people have contributed effort, time, expertise, money and land to the Arran Black Grouse Group (ABGG). A number of these people do not communicate by e-mail or find meeting times inconvenient and may be unaware that Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) recently produced a REVIEW OF THE ARRAN BLACK GROUSE RE-INTRODUCTION PROJECT.
This review supersedes an earlier report, drawn up in 2004, which assessed the habitat on the island in its present condition as ‘not suitable for a large scale re-introduction.’ The new review states that, ‘The ABGG disagree strongly with the [previous] conclusion. KK and RM came to the conclusion that the ABGG were correct.’ (KK — Kenny Kortland, FCS species ecologist. RM – Dr Robert Moss, scientist/consultant and co-author with Adam Watson of ‘Grouse’ in New Naturalist series of publications.)
The new report further states,‘Given the large amount of apparently good quality, interconnected habitat and the commitment of the ABGG, Arran is a good location in which to attempt to re-establish a population of Black Grouse.’ It adds, ‘If the ABBG fulfil the six recommendations in this report and obtains the support of the Scottish Black Grouse BAP Group, FCS should allow FCS land to be used for releasing birds.’
In an Appendix, Dr Moss observes, ‘Even if the project fails, establishing causes for failure would make it scientifically worthwhile.’ The ABGG concurs with this statement and welcomes the opportunity to fulfil its long held ambition to release birds into the best habitats available in Arran. From the outset, ABGG has understood that for the experiment to have any scientific merit, release into best habitats is essential. Until recently, however, the possibility of this happening has been denied by FCS.
The new report totally supports the view of island residents as to the state of Arran habitats and rightly informs on the ‘worthiness’ of the group. Hopefully the ABGG can now look forward to greatly increased co-operation from FCS.
Yours sincerely,
John Rhead
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