Dedicated raptor conservation officer for Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park Authority now has its very own raptor conservation officer.
Isla Graham started in the role at the beginning of the month.
The three-year raptor project is dedicated to achieving healthy populations of raptors in the strath and wider national park.
A vital role will be to develop a strong partnership approach to raptor conservation and raise awareness about raptors and their importance.
A CNPA spokeswoman said: “Our newly appointed Raptor Officer Isla Graham will finalise the Cairngorms raptor conservation strategy and will work with partners and stakeholders to deliver a programme of work to secure the future of species such as hen harrier, golden eagle and peregrine falcon in the park.
“The project will develop robust monitoring and evidence to inform a baseline understanding of current populations, informing targeted conservation measures to support and increase raptor numbers.
Sarah Henshall, the CNPA’s head of conservation, said: “The Cairngorms is a very important place for raptors and the National Park Partnership Plan commits to reducing wildlife crime as a constraint on raptor numbers and range occupancy.
“It also outlines measures to increase the amount of sustainably managed moorland to ensure greater species diversity.”
“A vital role of this project is to develop a strong partnership approach to raptor conservation and raise awareness about raptors and their importance.
“This will be undertaken through a programme of engagement and communication with land managers and wider stakeholders including communities within the national park.”
