-have your say-
The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has issued a Call for Views on measures outlined in the new draft Natural Environment Bill, see here: https://www.parliament.scot/about/news/news-listing/views-sought-on-natural-environment-scotland-bill
Members have until May 9th to reply
The Natural Environment Bill is set to change how deer managers operate.
It gives NatureScot sweeping new powers to intervene in deer management.
Where deer damage has been the main reason to intervene in the past, new clauses in the Bill will give NatureScot fresh powers to intervene on the basis that culls may bring about ‘nature restoration’
Read our Summary of the Bill, here: https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2024/2025-02-21-major-new-powers-for-naturescot-in-draft-environment-bill.php
There are issues around new minimum training requirements for deer managers.
Members may also wish to respond to questions around new powers for national parks.
The SGA has already taken action previously, on members’ behalf, when members felt their interests were being eroded within the Cairngorms National Park.
The organisation backed a protest against some proposals in the Park’s 5 year Plan, and held a high level meeting to discuss the contentious issues with Park leaders, see: https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2022/2022-04-06-cairngorms-plan-why-we-support-the-protest.php
The National Farmers Union has stated its opposition to a proposed new park in Galloway, claiming the proposal lack benefits for farmers, food producers and the rural economy.
Members in the region may have differing views and should take the opportunity to respond.
