MORE SUCCESS FOR GOOSE REFUELLING SCHEME

Scottish Natural Heritage

Building on previous success a Buchan conservation project, part of Scottish Natural Heritage’s (SNH) Natural Care programme, has won Ministerial approval for a further two years. The Loch of Strathbeg Goose Management Scheme balances farming with the conservation of wild geese around an internationally important roost.

Tens of thousands of geese, including up to a quarter of the world population of pink-footed geese, visit or roost each winter at Strathbeg, between Peterhead and Fraserburgh. In recognition of its exceptional value for wildlife, the loch and adjoining land are designated a European Special Protection Area, a Wetland of International Importance for Waterfowl, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Geese in such numbers, refuelling before their annual migration to Iceland, eat a lot of grass. This can result in delayed turnout for cattle, additional feed costs for all stock, and reduced yields of silage. Under SNH’s Natural Care programme, management payments to farmers totalling over £45,000 are available to alleviate the costs associated with such impacts. The scheme covers an area of 82 square km surrounding the Loch of Strathbeg.

In grass fields managed as feeding areas, geese are left undisturbed by scaring, livestock grazing or other operations, and as a further enticement, fertiliser is applied before March to boost grass growth. Studies by University of Aberdeen biologists have repeatedly found significant numbers of geese using these fields in preference to valuable spring grass and winter crops nearby.

The biologists believe that geese continue to develop their liking for grazing fields within the scheme. In previous years the feeding areas, together with unfertilised buffer areas attracting smaller payments, have supported more than 40% of the local goose population.

This continuing success of the scheme in managing geese has proved popular with farmers, and has led to national approval for spring 2004 and 2005. The details are prepared by the Loch of Strathbeg Goose Management Group, which combines scientific expertise with the interests of farmers and conservationists. SNH administers the scheme within its expanding Natural Care programme of land management agreements.

Jim Fowlie, a farmer who has participated in the scheme for two years, supports the ongoing partnership. “It is satisfying that the conservation organisations will continue to work alongside farmers affected by the geese. I am very encouraged to see the results confirming that the scheme makes a difference,“ he said.

Paul Timms, Grampian Area operational manager for SNH, said: “ We are delighted with this chance to further build on the scheme’s achievements. To be sure whether the scheme targets the right fields, we also aim to fund an independent study of goose grazing outside the scheme area. We look forward to working again with the farmers involved .“

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