Conservation in Scotland at Atholl Estates
High on the list of our priorities at Atholl Estates is our dedication to conservation in Scotland. There are many special habitats and species found within the estate, and conservation is one of the most central considerations in the management of the estate’s farms, woodlands and moorlands.
Read on to find out more about our efforts to promote conservation in Scotland.
Red Squirrels
Conservation of one of Scotland’s most recognised species is highly important at Atholl Estates, which is why we have developed a species action plan to protect the red squirrel.
The woodland is managed to ensure a good cone crop is produced, while monitoring takes place to make sure that grey squirrels do not move in. Grey squirrels carry squirrel pox, a disease that is fatal to reds but does not affect the greys.
Black Grouse and Capercaillie
The capercaillie and black grouse are another two species that are synonymous with Scotland. While numbers have fallen in recent years, Atholl Estates' conservation efforts are helping to protect these birds.
More than 6000m of deer fence has been removed in the last five years, and another 2000m of fencing has been marked. This means that the birds are more likely to see the fencing and avoid it.
Other efforts include the controlling of crows, foxes and other predators, which feed on black grouse and capercaillie chicks.
Water Voles
In conjunction with the Cairngorms National Park, we monitor water vole numbers and work to prevent mink from reaching the upland burns populated by these delightful riverbank residents. Given the chance, mink can destroy water vole colonies.
Whorled Solomon’s Seal
Another major project promoting conservation in Scotland is the work we are doing to reintroduce this native plant to the Glen Tilt woods. This is in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Pearl Bordered Fritillaries
Butterfly species have been helped by controlling tree regeneration along the rides to keep them open, while also operating a continuous cover forestry system in nearby woodland.
This has helped the Pearl Bordered Fritillary and other types of butterfly.
Visitors can see many of the wonderful animals and plants that thrive on Atholl Estates, thanks to our work to promote wildlife conservation in Scotland.
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