Workshop On Protecting Woodland Species

A workshop on the identification and protection of wildlife in woodland areas was held at Thainstone on 18th February, 2010.

Organised by the North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership and supported by Forestry Commission Scotland and SNH, the event focused on identifying and understanding protected species, the legislative requirements for landowners and the financial grants available to help support wildlife in woodland areas.

Among those speaking at the conference were Hollie Walker from the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Toni Watts from the North East Bat Group, Ian Hutchison from the Scottish Badger Organisation, Matt Young from Forestry Commission Scotland and David MacKinnon, Wildlife Crime Officer with Grampian Police. 

With speakers covering issues such as protected mammals, birds and invertebrates as well as legislation and planning the event attracted a wide range of delegates involved with woodlands including environmental planners, estate managers, representatives from the Woodland Trust as well as individual gamekeepers and commercial forestry operators.

Lorna Anness, Local Assistant Biodiversity Officer, who organised the event said, “This event will offer those working with woodlands and forests a clearer idea of their obligations with regard to protecting species on their land as well as advice and guidance on how to access grants to support management for wildlife.”

The event also provided an opportunity for discussion on the current major environmental issues in woodland areas and the pressures woodland biodiversity are likely to face in the future.

The North East Scotland Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) takes action to conserve important species and habitats for our benefit and for future generations.

LBAP is a partnership of local authorities, environmental, forestry, farming, land and education agencies, businesses and many individuals all with a common interest in conserving biodiversity in North East Scotland.

For more information, visit the North East Scotland LBAP website

For further information contact:

Lorna Anness

Local Assistant Biodiversity Officer
North East Biodiversity Action Plan
The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute
Craigiebuckler
Aberdeen
AB15 8QH
 
Telephone: 01224 395170
Email: l.anness@macaulay.ac.uk
 

Published on 17 February 2010 in Sustainability and Communities , Ecosystems and biodiversity