17:00Thursday
05 November 2015
Two
Borders properties, Raeshaw Estates and Corsehope Farm, have had their general
licences to control wild birds suspended by Scottish Natural Heritage.
This
is the first time the conservation body has taken such action and the two
Borders properties, both north of Stow, where joined by two estates in
Stirlingshire, whose licences were also suspended based on evidence provided by
Police Scotland.
Nick
Halfhide, SNH director of operations, said: “There is clear evidence that
wildlife crimes have been committed on these properties. Because of this, and
the risk of more wildlife crimes taking place, we have suspended the general
licences on these four properties for three years.
“They
may though still apply for individual licences, but these will be closely
monitored.
“This
measure should help to protect wild birds in the area, while still allowing
necessary land management activities to take place, albeit under tighter
supervision.
“We
consider that this is a proportionate response to protect wild birds in the
area and prevent further wildlife crime.”
General
licences allow landowners or land managers to carry out actions which would
otherwise be illegal, including controlling common species of wild birds to
protect crops or livestock, for the conservation of wild birds and for the
preservation of public health and public safety.
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