Crofting
Killing off crofting?
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- Wednesday, 13 July 2011 10:48 Tamsin Morris Hits: 288
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has published a commissioned report which looks at the natural heritage impacts of the decline in hill farming in Scotland.
The report was produced by the Scottish Agricultural College and highlights the decline in the national sheep and cattle herds. Three study areas in South Skye, the West Borders and the North Highlands were used, with livestock declines recognised as a significant issue in all three areas. Although there seems to be relatively little quantitative data available, the report includes a lot of anecdotal evidence of social, economic and community impacts as well as natural heritage effects.
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) have picked up on the report, putting out a press release which says the report shows that Government policies have been 'killing off' crofting. The SCF chair also concluded that the report provides evidence that, as well as being agriculturally detrimental, Government policies have been economically, socially and ecologically harmful to crofting areas.
You can read a copy of the SNH report here and the SCF press release here.
In other crofting news, the Scottish Government have launched a consultation on how future members should be elected to the Crofting Commission. You can download a copy of the consultation document here, and responses need to be submitted by October 5th, 2011.
