General Background

During the 1980's and 1990's there was a dramatic decline in the number of Capercaillie in Scotland. This has continued into the 21st Century and at their lowest Capercaillie numbers dropped below 1000 individuals. This project was aimed at improving the breeding success of the Scottish Capercaillie thus reversing the recent decline in numbers.

There are many reasons for the decline in Capercaillie numbers, and this project attempted to deal with the most prominent that have been identified. There are other factors, such as climate change, which are expected to have an affect on the success of Capercaillie and that are outwith our influence. Through the project we hoped to improve and expand the areas of good Capercaillie habitat as well as educating people about how their actions, and inaction, can effect Capercaillie.

The outline target is to achieve a population of over 5000 birds, by 2010. This will give a far more sustainable and robust population, which will be in a better position to cope with external influences than the fragile population which exists at present.

Project Statistics

• Life of the project - From 1st February 2002 to 31st January 2007

 

• Total value of the project - £4.65 Million

 

• Total area covered by the project - over 40,000 Ha
during the 5 year life of the project
 

• Total contribution from the European Commission - £2.3 Million

 

• Scottish Capercaillie population which is estimated to exist within the areas covered by the project - 95%

The project purpose was to improve the breeding success and halt the decline of populations of Western Capercaillie (T. urogallus) within 8 Special Protection Areas and at 37 additional key sites in Scotland. The site-based, practical focus of the work was designed to complement the existing national strategy for T. urogallus and contribute to the longer-term targets of the UK Government's Capercaillie Species Action Plan. The overall objective is to increase the viability of the six main T. urogallus metapopulations that have been identified in Scotland in order to ensure this species does not become extinct in Scotland for a second time.

The project delivered practical measures to mitigate the identified threats to the breeding success and survival of T. urogallus, a woodland grouse listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive.

The threat posed to T. urogallus by fences was addressed within SPAs by removal or marking. (Fences out with SPAs are being addressed through an ongoing Forestry Commission scheme funded by the Scottish Executive.) On certain sites, the disturbance of T. urogallus by recreational visitors was addressed. Optimal management of one key site in the most viable metapopulation waspursued through land purchase.

The project supported monitoring of T. urogallus populations and suitable monitoring indicators are identified. The effectiveness of the predator control was also be assessed. The project developed, prepared and disseminated improved guidance on practical T. urogallus conservation techniques, and improved public and local community awareness of the issue. Liaison wasl also be established with relevant organisations and individuals in other E.U./Candidate countries that are researching and implementing T. urogallus conservation.

The partners in the project include the public agencies responsible for SPA protection and for forestry and forest management, as well as a major conservation NGO and private landowners. This 'Caledonian Partnership' has substantial previous experience of successful collaboration on LIFE projects with the involvement of private landowners. The partners will provide match funding and will contribute significant staff time and expertise. The co-operation and involvement of 31 private landowners and managers has been secured.

The project was a key part of a wider Scottish strategy for the recovery of Capercaillie and aimed to halt the decline of this impressive bird in Scotland by:

• Improving breeding success across most of the Capercaillie range.

 

• Improving habitat in eight Special Protection Areas (SPA) and over 30 other forest ownerships.

 

• Purchase and management of an important Capercaillie forest.

 

• Developing management policies for Capercaillie areas.

 

• Holding advisory days for managers of Capercaillie forests.

 

• Reducing disturbance in Capercaillie forests and providing for public viewing of the birds.

The best results will always be obtained through co-operation and properly co-ordinated action. The project was run by the Caledonian Partnership, which includes a range of organisations committed to Capercaillie conservation and has wide experience in managing LIFE projects.

This group benefited from collaboration with over twenty private forest owners, many of whom were already experienced in managing their forests in sympathy with the need of Capercaillie.

Work wascarried out on these private estates, in Forestry Commission Woods and on two RSPB nature reserves. Partnership members are worked with both public and private owners to develop co-ordinated work programmes, with financial support for the work provided by The Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage and the European Commission's LIFE-Nature Programme.

Local Operational Planning teams were established covering each of the main Capercaillie areas shown on the map. They contribute to the work plans and will provide a forum for advice, discussion and the sharing of information, as well as building local support for the project.

The day-to-day management of the project was the responsibility of a Project Manager appointed by Highland Birchwoods, with scientific and technical support being provided by a Capercaillie Project Officer.

Who is Involved?

The project was managed by Highland Birchwoods, based in Munlochy, near Inverness. Highland Birchwoods employed the Project Manager, as well as providing support from their financial and administation team. Also supporting the project manager was the Project Officer, who is able to provide advice and guidance on a wide range of issues including habitat management, population monitoring and many other associated issues.

Project Manager- Jamie Dunsmore

Jamie was appointed as Project Manager in May of 2004. After graduating from Aberdeen University, Jamie worked as a Forest Manager in Central Scotland. In this role he was involved in a range of types of work, including commercial forestry, community woodlands and environmental projects.

Project Officer - Kenny Kortland (now Tim Poole)

Kenny was involved with the project from the early days of it's conception. He has many years of experience working with, and studying Capercaillie and other grouse species. Kenny was the the Capercaillie BAP Group's project officer and secretary of the BAP Group for the duration of the project.  Kenny now works as an ecologist for FES.  Tim Poole has taken on the role of Capercaillie Project Officer and will take on the role of key contact for the LIFE project.