FIOS COLUMN AUGUST 2017

Deer Management is always a hot topic and it’s really pleasing to report that the Lewis & Harris Deer Group has been re-established. UOG are members of the group and over the remaining months of this year the group will be working alongside a consultant to create a management plan that will prioritise actions for sustainable deer management across the area. The approach will sit alongside the national vision for deer management which sit to manage deer to achieve the best combination of benefits for the economy, environment and communities. The group will work in a collaborative way to ensure there is effective management of the deer population.

Staying with the land management theme, it’s encouraging to report the effectiveness of the approach taken to the control of the rabbit population across the estate. The team continue to reduce the numbers and in the next couple of weeks will be trialling the use of Phostoxin to support a further reduction in numbers. Some team members have undergone rigorous training for the safe and efficient use of the substance for this method. We will continue to work with the team and Grazings to roll this out, where appropriate.

We said farewell to Fiona Rennie recently, who has been on a ScotGrad placement for the last 9 months. Fiona completed her year with the launch of the Buntanas exhibition, which showcases what she has been mostly working on over the placement period. We wish Fiona all the very best as she prepares to head off on her travels.

The Buntanas exhibition has attracted many visitors since its launch in June. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the UOG Business Centre to see it yet then come along soon as it is due to end in late August.

We are delighted to welcome Lindy Cameron-Saunders to the team as CAM Local Development Officer. Lindy will take up post in mid-September and will be working on a part-time basis. We have been part of HIE’s CAM programme for a number of years and it’s excellent to be able to have a part time officer as part of this initiative. We look forward to working with Lindy on a number of projects.

The Outdoor Sessions for families have once again been a huge success this year. All sessions have been full with a waiting list being held for most. It’s been a varied programme of events from mini beast hunts to rock pooling and bush craft. It’s so encouraging to be able to offer land based activities whereby children and parents/carers can experience what is on offer right on our shore/moor. We are still working towards being able to extend this programme both through content and number of sessions.

More information on the event can be found in this issue of Fios or visit www.galsontrust.com, follow us on Facebook or call the office on 01851 850393 / email: office@uogltd.com