CONSERVATION at BUCCLEUCH

Caring for the irreplaceable Buccleuch countryside and its rich history is a labour of love for the Buccleuch family and Group. In a legacy passed down through generations, the Duke sees himself as a steward of the magnificent estates - a protector of times past and present; a guardian for the future. Buccleuch Sporting strives to be faithful to this strategy through its many conservation projects across all the Estates.

The Langholm Moor Project

The Buccleuch Group has joined forces with the Scottish Natural Heritage, The Game Conservancy Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Natural England to consider whether the needs of an economically viable grouse moor can be met alongside the conservation needs of protected raptors, especially the hen harrier. Expertise in land and conservation management will work hand in hand with scientific monitoring in this unique partnership over the coming years to establish a way to manage the 7,000 hectares of protected moorland to allow both grouse and other wildlife, including the hen harrier, to flourish.

North Sanquhar Moor Regeneration

North Sanquhar Moor in Upper Nithsdale, above the historic Dumfriesshire town of Sanquhar, has suffered from over grazing for a number of years causing serious depletion of heather and therefore grouse stock. For the past three years, sheep have been removed from the moor allowing the regrowth of heather. A 5-year plan is now in place, involving various agencies, to ensure the significant resurgence of heather across this wild and magnificent landscape.

Bowhill Conservation Projects

Attempts to improve the resurgence of heather cover on high ground on the Bowhill Estate at Selkirk, in the Scottish Borders, are proving successful. At Kershope and Kirkhope, grazing stock have been removed and the heather is starting to grow well increasing the numbers of wild black grouse to be found in these areas.