Capercaillie Emergency Plan 2025 - 2030 - Flipbook - Page 19
Measures of success
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Robocutting undertaken where all opportunities exist that favour capercaillie.
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Increased capercaillie usage of robocut areas.
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Higher capercaillie productivity in robocut areas.
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Partners (alongside the Park Authority and NatureScot)
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Land managers in target areas and those currently undertaking robocutting
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Scottish Forestry
Key points on current feasibility and delivery
1. Based on robocutting in Abernethy Forest where several patches have
been cut within a wider area, it is estimated that the technique can benefit
capercaillie across 3 times the area actually cut.
2. Robocutting patches within a wider area allows for some cover and
continuity whilst the blaeberry carpet forms after cutting. A process that
can take up to 3 years.
3. The benefits of robocutting can be expected to last for around ten years
until heather re-dominates. Maintenance by follow-up cattle grazing could
extend the impact.
4. Cost per hectare physically cut is around £870 plus ~£100 per hectare for time
spent managing contractors. As the benefits to capercaillie extend across ~3
times the area cut, the total cost is around £325 per hectare benefitted.
5. Robocutting qualifies as a heather swiping technique eligible for FGS
funding. The payment rate in the current scheme is £210 p/ha.
6. SSSI consent and HRA approval is required for robocutting on
designated sites.
7. Up to 3 contractors with robocutters / flailbots are currently able to
undertake work in the Cairngorms.
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