SNH proposes "Further recognition for Scotland’s golden eagles"

Areas important for golden eagles along Scotland’s west coast may be in line
for additional protection. Following a recent decision by the Scottish
Government to look at recognising more areas in Scotland important for this
bird, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is about to ask the public what they
think.

Today (11th January) SNH launched a public consultation, on behalf of the
Scottish Government, on the proposal to create a new Special Protection Areas
(SPA) for golden eagles at Glen Fyne, Glen Etive, Moidart and Ardgour and the
islands of Jura, Scarba and the Garvellachs. SPAs are protected under European
legislation covering rare or vulnerable populations of birds in the European
Union.

The west coast sites are part of a series being consulted on in Scotland. The
other sites are Foinaven; Glen Affric to Strathconon and the Cairngorms Massif.
Scotland already has eight SPAs for golden eagles but the Scottish Government
has decided to look at adding up to six more to supplement the conservation of
this important bird. Golden eagles once ranged over most of Britain but since
the 18th century they have been restricted to the more remote and upland areas
of Scotland and are still vulnerable.

The consultation is open to all those who have an interest in the area. This
includes owners and occupiers of the land, recreational users such as walkers
and climbers, scientific groups such as ornithologists and people living in the
local area. All comments received during the consultation process will be
collated by SNH and reported to Scottish Ministers. Ministers will then consider
the comments before deciding whether to approve the new sites.

Kristin Scott, SNH’s area manager for the West Highlands said: "SNH is
pleased that the Scottish Government is considering increasing the numbers of
protected sites for golden eagles and we look forward to running the
consultation exercise on their behalf.”

Andrew Campbell, Operations Manager for SNH in Argyll added: “Golden eagles
are one of Scotland’s iconic species and we have responsibility for an
important proportion of Europe’s golden eagle population in parts of our
country. The existing SPAs show that eagles and traditional land management can
co-exist happily side-by-side. Increasing the profile of golden eagles may also
bring other benefits to the local economy through the growing opportunities that
exist for activities such as wildlife watching.”

The consultation will run for 12 weeks, from Wednesday 13 January 2010 to
Wednesday 7 April 2010 inclusive. More information and how to comment on the
consultation can be found at http://www.snh.org.uk/strategy/GE_consult01.asp
Responses can be made by email to:
golden_eagle_spa_consultation_response@snh.gov.uk

Or in writing to SPA consultation responses, Scottish Natural Heritage, Great
Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW.