CONSERVATION at QUEENSBERRY

Following lengthy negotiations with three farming tenants on the north of Queensberry Estate, we successfully secured vacant possession of the formerly productive North Sanquhar Grouse Moor.  Over-grazing for a number of years had resulted in serious depletion of the heather and consequent loss of grouse stock.

The removal of all of the sheep stock (approximately 1,659 ewes) is part of a long term restoration plan.  With no grazing for three winters, we have seen significant increase in the heather cover.  In partnership with the former tenants, we have now entered a 5-year Moorland Management Agreement with Scottish Natural Heritage (under the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands Management Scheme).  The scheme was entered into in July 2008 and will run until July 2013.

The Estate has vacant possession of two cottages and the intention is to employ one full-time keeper (and possibly one trainee) by the end of 2008 with a view to focussing on vermin control now that heather re-establishment is progressing well. 

back