January 2006 - Upland/Montane
SNH
is working with land managers delivering sustainable management systems
for protected sites in the uplands through Natural Care Schemes.
Scotland is renowned for its spectacular mountains and expansive uplands. They are integral to a range of activities that are at the heart of our cultural and natural heritage: managed grouse moors, deer stalking lands, and hillwalking. Despite the extreme conditions that prevail, these are fragile environments sensitive to damage from overgrazing and trampling. A growing concern for the future of many of the rare and specialised high-altitude species and habitats is from the implications of climate change which could see the disappearance of species such as the snow bunting.
Many recreational activities take place in the uplands and mountains as well as elsewhere in the country throughout the year, for example walking, cycling and mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, skiing, and climbing. Find out more about these, the right of responsible access and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at www.outdooraccess-scotland.com.
The red deer stag stalking season happens between 1 July and 20 October each year. Within certain parts of the country a Hillphones system operates and provides recorded telephone messages about stalking activities, when and where, in the areas covered. This system allows hillwalkers to plan routes which will not be affected by or affect stalking activity. The Hillphones system does not cover all the stag stalking areas in Scotland however and walkers should also note that red deer hinds are culled from 21 October to 15 February. More information about the areas covered by Hillphones can be found at www.hillphones.info
Red deer can often be seen close up at this time of year when hard weather
in the hills brings them down to lower, more sheltered ground.
You can check out seasonal patterns of red deer activity at www.dcs.gov.uk
Burning is used as a land management tool on heather moorland and is one of the most useful as well as oldest tools used. The Muirburn Code provides information and guidance on how to use burning safely, without being damaging to the moorland. Legal burning takes place between 1 October and 30 April. For further information this code can be accessed at www.scotland.gov.uk
Seasonal wildlife highlights at this time of year include: golden eagle and raven beginning their courtship displays prior to nest building; geese which have come to Scotland on winter migration are feeding up prior to heading off to their spring/summer sites e.g. in Greenland and Scandinavia, from March; in the meantime wildfowling continues through the winter period unless there is a freeze for 15 consecutive days after which time it is suspended until the severe weather abates.
You can record your own observations of the arrival of Spring at www.phenology.org.uk
Forthcoming biodiversity events :
The Scottish Biodiversity Committee Action Plan and Science Group (APSG) annual conference takes place on 3 March 2006 at the RBG Edinburgh. The conference has an overall theme of Climate Change.
Flyer and booking
form available here 
It is also proposed that a conference will be held in Autumn 2006 on ‘What is happening to biodiversity in the Uplands?’ Details of this conference have yet to be confirmed but will appear in our events calendar in due course.
Other useful links :
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SNH calendar
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