The recognition by SNH that much of the wildlife habitats on Balmoral Estate are in an "unfavourable" condition has important implications for land reform in Scotland (Campaigners hit out after Balmoral wins nature award, News, December 14).
Many large estates around Deeside look to Balmoral to set the standard when it comes to land management. During the preparatory work that led to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, the approach taken by the royal family and others who influence management at Balmoral was extremely helpful when it came to public access issues. Outdoor organisations were able to point to Balmoral as an estate which accepted the public's right to walk over virtually all their land and achieved this without compromising any land management or security requirements. On many occasions, as director of Ramblers Scotland, I was able to silence opponents of right-to-roam legislation by pointing to Balmoral. There was no answer to the question: "If it is good enough for the Queen...?"
Further south, the late Duke of Buccleuch, owner of the largest tracts of land in Scotland, bent my ear on many occasions as he sought to encourage more people to come out to enjoy walking and cycling on Buccleuch estate land.
Today we have the prospect of further land reform legislation, including stronger controls over deer management in relation to woodland requirements. Balmoral has a crucial role to play in this by demonstrating how the magnificent remnants of the Old Caledonian Pinewood in Deeside can be naturally regenerated through reducing grazing pressure. How they achieve this will be watched by major landowners and by those who enjoy wandering through these tracts of superb wild land.
Dave Morris
Kinross
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