Time to enter the Golden Plover Award 2016 for moorland management

The Golden Plover  recognises progressive, practical and sustainable moorland management in Scotland and this year the Award theme reflects sheep farming’s role as a major upland land use.

Adam Smith, Director (Scotland) of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust said “The judges will be looking to identify the best integration of farming enterprises with conservation, sport and other business interests. The award is open to farms, estates, individuals and syndicates, or any other individual or group who can demonstrate their interest in sheep grazing contributing to high quality moorland management. Striking such a balance isn’t easy, needing attention to habitat quality, parasite control, lambing, and a collaborative work strategy with neighbours and local keepers, so we are very keen to applaud those who have managed to pull it off.”

This year the Award theme reflects sheep farming’s role as a major upland land use

Scotland’s uplands

Michael Yellowlees, Head of Rural Services at Lindsays who are sponsoring this year’s Award said: “Our rural team understands the realities of modern rural life and we are delighted to support this award which celebrates the enthusiasm and commitment required to manage Scotland’s uplands.

“We are extremely proud that we have worked with generations of the same family on numerous Scottish estates and farms, many with a strong sheep enterprise. Our enduring relationship with rural clients reflects our in-depth knowledge and genuine expertise in specialised areas such as agricultural law, crofting law, renewable energy, telecommunications, forestry, minerals, sportings and feudal dignities.”

Previous winners of the Golden Plover Award have included Edinglassie Estate on Donside for their support for scientific research into grouse management and Finzean near Banchory for their dedication to community and capercaillie conservation. Simon Thorp, Director of the Heather Trust, said: “We hope 2016 will build on the success of the last three years of the Golden Plover Award, which has really helped to highlight the hard work and dedication involved in managing Scotland’s uplands. This year, we aim to demonstrate the really positive impact that shepherds and farmers can make on our hills and moorlands, complementing a range of different interests, from sport and conversation to peatland and renewables.”

How to enter

You will need to apply by noon 23 March 2016 and you can download an application form here from the Golden Plover Award Website.

Winners are presented at the Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace on Friday 1 July.