Upland Habitats & Impact of Herbivores: Wester Ross – Event summary

The impacts of grazing of both domestic and wild herbivores affect the long term sustainability of upland habitats.

For upland managers it is important to recognise these different upland habitats and be able to identify their condition in relation to management. Habitat condition, as indicated by the vegetation type, cover and height is determined by the level of grazing and trampling. Good habitat condition is important for supporting wildlife and for optimum carbon storage capacity: both important factors in sustainable land management.

The first part of the meeting included an indoor presentation with an introduction to upland habitat types and their main characteristics, including peat depth and vegetation and the impact of different types of herbivore and how to examine these impacts using standard and recognised means. There was an explanation of the value of the peatland habitats for wildlife, carbon and water followed by discussion.

A simple habitat assessment can be carried out at plots across each habitat type to give a snapshot of current grazing and trampling impacts. Regular assessments can be used to show localised grazing or trampling pressures and trends over a period of time on an upland estate or at a wider deer management group level. The information can be mapped using GIS to produce visual reports on grazing and trampling impacts to help set targets for stock or deer management and enables managers to see where they are doing well and where any improvements can be made.

In the afternoon there was a site visit to hill ground where the different upland habitats could be identified; and grazing, trampling and tracking impacts could be examined closely using a standard and recognised method with simple equipment. There was lots of lively discussion and very good feedback. The attendees each oversee estate deer management, and this will help them monitor and understand impacts across thousands of hectares of moorland habitat.

Please use the links below to download the information available to take away on the day.