Managing Landscape for Raptors
19 August 2012, Glenlude Estate, Borders
In collaboration with the John Muir Trust and the Lothian and Borders Raptor Study Group, the IEEM Scottish Section invites members to an event at the Glenlude Estate.
Overview
Raptors can often be under recorded and overlooked in assessing the biodiversity value of a site - some species can be inconspicuous and shy by nature and others are largely nocturnal. Participants will gain knowledge of how to overcome these challenges whilst learning of the threats to local species and ways to manage sites to benefit raptors.
The group will be hosted by Karen Purvis, Sandy Maxwell and Liz Auty of the John Muir Trust, along with Mike Thornton and Tony Lightley, two experienced ornithologists from the Lothian and Borders Raptor Study Group.
What you can expect to learn
- key identification skills
- habitat requirements of local species and threats to their conservation status
- an example of evaluating habitats for raptor conservation
- an introduction to suitable land management practices to provide shelter, foraging and commuting conditions for raptors
Who should attend
Anyone interested in getting a taster of raptor conservation issues will benefit from this event, intended to promote ways to improve the conservation status of birds of prey. Staff of the John Muir Trust are invited to attend to inform their work.
About the Glenlude Estate
Glenlude Estate is set within around 400 acres that include open moorland, blanket bog, a gorge, Glenlude and Paddock Burns, ponds, plantation and native woodland. The site has not been stocked for over ten years and supports a variety of wildlife including sightings of Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl in recent years. A draft management plan for the site, produced by the John Muir Trust Rangers and Biodiversity Team, is available along with more information about the estate at www.jmt.org/glenlude.asp
Plan for the day
Participants will meet for tea and coffee at 10am and depart by 4pm. Sandwiches, cake and refreshments will be provided for lunch. Training will be provided in an informal setting and participants will receive a Field Studies Council ‘Guide to British Birds of Prey’ identification sheet to take with them. A small list of suggested clothing and equipment to bring with you will be provided nearer the time.
Directions
Glenlude is located to the south of Innerleithen, between Tweedale and St Mary's Loch. (For Ordnance Survey map of the Estate, see www.jmt.org/glenlude.asp). It is easily accessible by road following the B709 south from the A72 at Innerleithen for 9.5 km to the head of the Paddock Burn, known as the Paddy's Slack (OS 1:50,000 Landranger map 73; NGR NT 313 285). More detailed directions to the meeting place will be provided in advance.
Cost
Training and facilities have generously been provided by the John Muir Trust and the Lothian and Borders Raptor Study Group. A contribution of £10 towards costs will be collected from participants on the day.
To book
This event is now fully booked.
If you have any queries relating to the event, please contact Nicola Tyrrell (Acting Convenor of the Scottish Section Committee)
| Date | 19 Aug 2012 - 10:00 |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Nicola Tyrrell |
| nicola.m.tyrrell@gmail.com |