Biodiversity and Upland Management

Background T here is growing recognition that conservation of biodiversity and delivery of ecosystem services needs to be achieved alongside other socially and economically sustainable land uses. Recreational hunting, or sport shooting (hereafter hunting), is widespread, and although controversial, is a socially and economically important land use that influences many habitats and landscapes across Europe. In Scotland, management for hunting influences an estimated 50% of the land area. Land management for game birds and other hunted species involves a wide range of management practices which may have positive or negative effects on other bird species. To assess the biodiversity impacts of management for hunting we carried out a literature review and surveys of breeding birds of conservation importance across Scottish upland land holdings (estates). Approach We reviewed the scientific literature to assess the positive and negative impacts of game bird management on non-game birds and other species across Europe. In addition we carried out field surveys of breeding birds during the spring at 26 estates with different management objectives (grouse shooting, deer stalking, sheep production and biodiversity conservation) across Scotland. The consequences of upland management for avian diversity 4 CHAPTER 1