Bill introduced for wildlife and to control muirburn
A bill to enhance the protection of wildlife, and control muirburn, has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
Among other measures the Scottish Government’s Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill aims to:
- end raptor persecution, through new licensing schemes for the killing or taking or certain birds respectively on grouse moors and on other land;
- ensure grouse moors are managed sustainably;
- ban the use of glue traps for rodents; and
- tighten regulations for the use of other types of wildlife traps.
The bill will also strictly regulate the use of muirburn on peatland. Muirburn is the intentional and controlled burning of moorland vegetation to encourage new growth of heather or grassland for the management of moorland game and wildlife, or for improving the grazing potential for livestock or deer. Licences for burning on peat will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, such as for wildfire prevention. Ministers will be obliged to publish and keep under review a code of practice on making muirburn safely and appropriately.
Animal welfare inspectors’ powers will be increased to cover offences under the bill.
The bill has been designed to implement the recommendations set out in the Werritty review, the independent report on grouse moor management, published in 2019.
Also, in 2020, the Committee for Climate Change recommended that there should be a ban on burning on peat soils.
Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “The illegal killing of Scotland’s magnificent birds of prey cannot be tolerated. This bill will seek to tackle the destructive minority who would continue to commit these wildlife crimes.
“I recognise that grouse shooting contributes to the rural economy and this bill is not about stopping this activity. However, it is clear that grouse moors must be managed in a sustainable and responsible way ensuring any environmental impacts are minimised.”
She added: “The views of both the public and stakeholders have been carefully considered in the formation of this bill and I look forward to its passage through Parliament.”