Project Partners

Project partners are organisations which were involved with the project and carried out work and / or provided co-financing to the project. The project manager reports to the projects steering group, which is made up of representatives of the project partners. This steering group provides advice and guidance to the project manger and ensures that the project is developing in the best manner possible.

The Partners in the Scottish Capercaillie's LIFE project are:

LIFE Nature Fund LIFE Nature works to conserve natural habitats and the wild fauna and flora of European Union interest, according to the Birds and Habitats directives, thus supporting implementation of the European Union's nature conservation policy and the Natura 2000 Network.		Highland Birchwoods is the lead partner and beneficiary of the Capercaillie LIFE project. Highland Birchwoods employs the project manger and provides the project with support and admin staff.
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) FCS are providing funding to the project through grant aiding works being carried out across project sites through the WGS and SFGS grant schemes.	Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) FES are part of the Forestry Commission which is responsible for managing the states woodlands. FES are implementing works to improve Capercaillie habitat in the land that they manage in key Capercaillie areas. A comprehensive list of works being carried out by FES, through the project and outwith the project, is available from the downloads page.		Forest Research Also a part of the Forestry Commission, Forest Research are responsible for most of the research and monitoring aspect of the Capercaillie LIFE project.
Scottish Natural Heritage SNH provide advice and guidance on many of the key issues within the project, in particular with the legislation that surrounds much of the work that the project undertakes. SNH also provide a core funding grant to Highland Birchwoods to aid the general management of the project and to help fund predator control and survey work.		RSPB A key aspect to RSPB's involvement is their employment of the Capercaillie Project Officer. RSPB have purchased land at Craigmore to ensure it is managed for Capercaillie and other wildlife as its priority. This land purchase was made possible with the assistance of EU LIFE money obtained through the project. RSPB are also carrying out implementation of habitat works across the sites that they own / manage, which are of importance to Capercaillie. RSPB also provide a core funding grant to allow the project to operate.
Cairngorms National Park Authority Many of the key sites for Capercaillie are located in and around the Strathspey area. The CNPA provide advice and support to the project and are a key contact in this area.		Scottish Executive The Scottish Executive provide guidance and support to the project. In addition to this, the SE fund the research and monitoring work being carried out by Forest Research.

Other groups also have links with this project:

During it's life time, a number of other projects and groups became involved with and worked with this LIFE project. These links are important in allowing communication and exchanges of experiences and ideas between this project, local communities and other international conservation initiatives. If you would like to become involved with the project or would like any further information on any of the groups listed below, please visit their website via the links or e-mail the Project Manager.

Grouse & Tourism LIFE co-op Project

Capercaillie BAP Group