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| The presentation: Heather Trust Chairman Malcolm Hay, GWCT Scotland Chairman Andrew Salvesen, Dunecht Estate owner Charles Pearson, Edinglassie Head Keeper Derek Calder and Factor Stuart Young. |
The first Heather Trust and GWCT Golden Plover Award for Moorland Management was presented
to Edinglassie Estate on Donside last weekend at the Scottish Game Fair.
Part of Dunecht Estates, the 15,000 acre Edinglassie Estate has been involved in a wide range of
scientific research activities over the past twenty years while simultaneously functioning as an
outstanding and productive grouse moor. Having contributed to the work of the Joint Raptor Study
based at Langholm during the 1990s, Edinglassie also helped to blaze a trail for peatland restoration,
blocking ditches and “re-wetting” moorland long before it was considered to be standard
conservation practice.
In recent years, Edinglassie has helped scientists to understand a great deal about the management
of ticks, and annual “ticks on chicks” counts demonstrate that trial control measures are bearing
fruit. Perhaps the key to the success of these measures has been the estate’s ability and willingness
to work as a single unit, even incorporating neighbouring tenants to manage the threat posed by
ticks.
Over the past few years, Edinglassie’s use of flubendazole grouse grit has reduced worm burdens in
the grouse stock to such an extent that the estate is now trialling a “grit holiday” under close
observation by scientists from a range of organisations and institutes. This “withdrawal” research
assists grouse managers across the country as we consider the future of medicated grit.
Alongside these central research themes, the managers of Edinglassie are currently planning the
overhaul of existing commercial forestry. These woodlands will be allowed to regenerate with native
species to the benefit of a diverse flora and fauna. A strong and healthy population of black grouse
thrives at Edinglassie, along with a range of waders not only associated with heather moorland but
also upland pasture and farmland.
The winners were presented with a framed print of a golden plover by GWCT Scotland Chairman
Andrew Salvesen at a ceremony on Saturday 6th July.
Having made a start to the new Golden Plover Award, it is hoped that Edinglassie will not only
Andrew Salvesen at a ceremony on Saturday 6th July.
Having made a start to the new Golden Plover Award, it is hoped that Edinglassie will not only
become an example for others to follow but that also it will stir a sense of competition when
applications for next year's award are being taken.
