This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Moorland management schemes launched
07/03/2003
Three moorland management schemes to protect
internationally important wildlife habitats were formally
launched today.
Deputy Environment Minister Allan Wilson said the
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) schemes in Ayrshire and
South West Scotland - worth £2.34 million over five years -
underlined the Executive's commitment to protect the
country's wildlife and natural habitats.
Individuals will have the opportunity to enter into land
management agreements with SNH and receive financial
support for habitat restoration, including heather
maintenance, and elements of gamekeeping activities.
The schemes - at Muirkirk and the North Lowther Uplands,
Arran, and the Galloway Moors - will support the
classification of the three areas as new Special Protection
Areas (SPAs) giving greater security to Hen Harrier,
Peregrine and Merlin.
At Lochside House Hotel near New Cumnock, Mr Wilson
said:
"The Scottish Executive is working to conserve and
improve the natural heritage of Scotland and everyone's
enjoyment of it The schemes we are launching today
recognise the contribution that local people make in
conserving the fragile environments in which they live and
work.
"These management schemes serve as a good example of the
ways in which we can improve the management and and
protection of land used by rare bird species.
"These SNH schemes cover over 45,000 hectares and offer
a real opportunity for farmers and estate managers to
benefit from doing the right thing for nature conservation.
By engaging at a very local level that these SNH schemes
will deliver tangible benefits both for the rural economy,
individuals and Scotland's wildlife."