Team bidding to save capercaillie from extinction in UK is now in place
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It will take the efforts of people from all walks of life to save the capercaillie from extinction in the UK, the leader of a new team to safeguard the bird has said.
The Cairngorms Capercaillie Project has now recruited a number of local residents to help more people to safeguard the endangered species in Strathspey which is home to nearly 90 per cent of the species – the world's biggest grouse.
The variety of roles filled in recent months range from gamekeeper to communications specialist and are being mainly funded from a big money award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Project manager Carolyn Robertson said: “Capercaillie are in serious decline and in the midst of such difficult times economically as well, I’m proud that we’ve been able to bring money into the national park and create jobs.
"These new roles will not only benefit the local economy but also the environment and our local wildlife which has become so important to our health and well-being over the last year."
The team's gamekeeper David ‘Poppy’ Clark will be based at Seafield Estate by Grantown from where he will carry out his role dedicated to predator control and habitat management.
He said: “Keeping predator and deer numbers low in capercaillie habitat is one really important measure to take if we want to help the species survive and that’s something that forms a big part of my job as a gamekeeper.
"Being part of the project team is a great chance to use the skills and knowledge I have to give capercaillie a fighting chance, alongside all the other things we’re doing to help the bird.”
More than 10,000 hectares of habitat are set to be improved for capercaillie as part of the project.
Capercaillie advisory officer Molly Doubleday and assistant Helen Gray will be working on the ground with land managers to drive forward work this part of the project.
This will include expanding forests, removing fences and controlling deer.
They will also be keeping a close eye on the capercaillie population and feeding into the scientific research the project is undertaking to uncover the genetic diversity of the population.
Nethy Bridge based project officer Elspeth Grant is coming on board from the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Landscape Partnership Project and will be working with local communities to help them develop and deliver their own capercaillie action plans.
Another of those who has been employed is former seasonal ranger and wildlife guide Duncan Macdonald who is based in Kincraig.
He will be out and about in local areas in his role as community ranger working with the Carrbridge Capercaillie Group and the Badenoch and Strathspey Trail Association.
He will be helping to deliver actions to safeguard capercaillie which includes improving paths.
Jocasta Mann, a former Grantown Grammar School pupil and wildlife enthusiast - is also on board to help bring communities and partners together by sharing important messages about the bird and the project’s work in her role as communications officer.
Aviemore resident Naomi Kaye, a qualified outdoor instructor who had been left without work due to the Covid pandemic, will provide administration support across the project.
A Cairngorms Capercaillie Project spokesperson said the recruitment had been undertaken within the past few months.
She said: "Those appointed bring experiences from a variety of different professional backgrounds but are united in a common passion for the people, wildlife and businesses in the Cairngorms.
"Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project will allow for real community-led action over the next two years to help the endangered bird, of which there are now thought to be fewer than 1000."
The project scooped £2 million from the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund in June, last year, to go towards the overall £2.9 million cost of the entire project.
Carrbridge has been acting as a pilot community during the development phase.
But the big money conservation project has not been without controversy with some village residents claiming it has been imposed on them.
They fear that access could be lost to some surrounding woods for dog walking, mountain biking and other recreational use.
