CAREFUL management of wildlife by Scotland's estates has helped bolster the number of some of the country's most popular species such as Golden Eagles and other birds of prey.

Tourists are also flocking to the countryside with almost 700,000 visits recorded to estates last year, according to he first report issued by Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES).

The umbrella organisation represents 23 farms and estates, which are collectively carrying out around 350 conservation projects related to forestry, farmed landscape, upland management and predator control.

The body's first report found the number of estates reporting populations of red squirrels is increasing, while raptor numbers are growing and numbers of ground nesting birds such as Golden Plover, Lapwing and Curlew appear to be largely stable.

However, the report also found that Capercaillie numbers may be dwindling, as are those of the elusive Scottish wildcat.

More than 689,000 visits were made to accredited properties, for activities such as walking and cycling, wild camping, water sports and horse riding.

Robbie Douglas Miller, chairman of Wildlife Estates Scotland, said: "The publication of the first annual report marks an important milestone in our development of this vital accreditation scheme.

"It was clear when we launched Wildlife Estates Scotland that more needed to be done to ensure greater visibility of the outstanding conservation work of private farms and estates across Scotland.

"We are delighted by the start that has been made but there is still much progress we can continue to make, and WES recognises that land managers must rise to the challenge of demonstrating how Scotland's rich biodiversity benefits from their day-to-day practices."

He added: "The data we have collected provides invaluable content on species, habitats and conservation measures being undertaken. We seek information on 70 named species, which allows us a range of insights including the benefits of conservation efforts and even climate change indicators.

"We are also seeing landowners being challenged by WES to take their positive management a step further. Just under six out of every ten species and habitat designated sites on accredited properties are in predominantly favourable condition and with our help, we want to see this number increase."