£1m for nature restoration and deer management
Nature recovery projects, including work to restore areas of the Cairngorms damaged by this summer's wildfires, will receive more than £1 million in Scottish Government funding.
The package will support a variety of initiatives across Scotland.
This includes £150,100 for recovery and nature restoration work following the Abernethy wildfire in the Cairngorms, to restore damaged habitats, help wildlife recover and reduce the risk of future wildfires.
Further funding will be provided to a range of other projects, including:-
- river restoration,
- support for species restoration, including native oyster restoration at various sites and habitat restoration on Islay for chough – rare members of the crow family,
- habitat restoration in four National Nature Reserves,
- additional support for deer management
The funding announcement was made by Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin during her address at the 9th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities at COP17 in Armenia.
She said: “Scotland is committed to turning its ambitions for nature and climate into action, both at home and on the international stage, and this investment will help deliver real benefits for our environment, wildlife and communities."
Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, added: “The wildfire in Glenmore and Abernethy was devastating for nature and wildlife in the area, for neighbouring communities, and all of us who love this place.
“The funding is a very welcome boost that will help us to kickstart nature recovery in the area.
“This includes funding work to restore damaged habitats, help wildlife recover and reduce the risk of future wildfires by exploring nature-based solutions.
“From replacing wildlife monitoring cameras that were damaged in the blaze to restoring a section of the Duack burn that was impacted by the emergency firebreaks, this funding will allow us to step up our work with our partners and enable swift action where it's most needed.”