Latest news with #SteveMicklewright
The Herald Scotland
23-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Painting of Scotland's oldest wild Scots pine to be unveiled
Proceeds from the sale of the painting, and limited edition prints of it, will go towards conservation charity Trees for Life's work to restore the globally unique pinewoods and save them from being lost forever. The exhibition marks the 800th anniversary of the issuing of the definitive versions of the Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest in 1225. The Charter drew together the forest-related rules established by the Magna Carta and is widely regarded as the UK's first environmental legislation. The Caledonian pinewoods – home of iconic Scottish wildlife such as red squirrel, golden eagle, capercaillie and wildcat -– have been reduced to less than 2% of their original area across just 84 officially recognised remnants, scattered across the Highlands and often in poor condition. READ MORE: 'Masterful' painting by Scottish colourist sells for £380,000 at auction Paintings by two Scottish Colourists to go under the hammer Some of the surviving remnants consist of a few ancient trees, known as Granny pines, that are hundreds of years old but have no young trees growing around them to replace them when they die. According to Trees for Life, Dan Llywelyn Hall's painting of the 567-year-old Glen Loyne Pine "brings this situation into stark reality". Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life, said: 'Dan's atmospheric painting of the Glen Loyne Pine – standing alone in the dramatic Highland landscape – shows the desperate plight of many of our native pinewoods. His brush strokes say more about the situation than words ever can. 'Scotland's native pinewoods should be playing a key role in the fightback against the nature and climate emergencies, but most are on their last legs. We need urgent landscape-scale restoration and rewilding – backed by the Scottish Government – to save, expand and connect up these precious woodlands before it's too late.' Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall with Glen Lloyne Pine painting at the Society of Antiquaries, London (Image: Malcolm Park)The woodlands once covered 1.5 million hectares of the Highlands, but over time were felled for timber or to create land for grazing. Overgrazing by deer, which browse on young pine saplings, is now the main reason for their continued decline. A detailed analysis by Trees for Life into the condition of most of the known pinewood remnants recently concluded that high impacts from artificially large deer populations are the main barrier to the pinewoods' recovery, and that many of the remnants will be lost without urgent measures to help them recover. At a major conference last autumn, 25 organisations – including charities Trees for Life and Woodland Trust Scotland, and [[pub]]lic agencies Forestry and Land Scotland and NatureScot – agreed to form the Caledonian Pinewood Partnership to boost restoration efforts. Cardiff-born Dan Llywelyn Hall is a painter known for vivid paintings, including landscape and portraiture. His portrait commissions include Her Majesty The Queen in 2013, when Dan became the youngest artist to portray the monarch. He said: 'The Glen Loyne pine has lived through major historical events, including the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, Jacobite Rebellions, creation of the United Kingdom, and Second World War. We must ensure that a new generation of Scots pine can grow that can bear witness to the events of the next 500 years. 'I hope the new Caledonian Pinewood Partnership will be inspired by the Charter of the Forest and develop a new charter for Scotland's pinewoods, one where harmony between nature and human needs is paramount.' The 'Magna Carta 1225: 800th Anniversary Exhibition' at the Society of Antiquaries runs until 19 September, and also features three other newly commissioned paintings by the artist. All depict ancient forests or specific trees alive when the Charter of the Forest was drawn up by representatives of King Henry III in 1217. Following the exhibition, the different paintings will then be sold to raise funds for Trees for Life, the Society of Antiquaries Library and Collection, and other beneficiaries. Many of the surviving Caledonian pinewoods are in ancient forests – land once reserved for the monarch and aristocracy for hunting. The Glen Loyne Pine has been dated to at least 1458 by St Andrews Tree-Ring Laboratory, and is believed to be even older. It is located in a remote ancient woodland of some 57 pines, all several centuries old, scattered through Glen Lloyne in the northwest Highlands.
Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
Lynx Likely to Predate on Sheep and Lambs If Reintroduced, Study Finds
Lynx are likely to prey on sheep and lambs if they are reintroduced in Scotland but could bring environmental and economic benefits, according to a report. Scotland's National Lynx Discussion found sheep and other small livestock in or near wooded areas are more vulnerable to such predation. It suggested an effective management system could include paying farmers for losses and co-existence, with relocation or lethal control as 'necessary components' of any framework to manage the issue. The report also found lynx could have a 'significant' impact on gamebirds in places where the species come into contact, though they are unlikely to play a major part in the animals' diet at a national level. But it found there is 'sufficient quantity and quality of habitat' in Scotland to support a viable lynx population. The report said the predators, while not a 'silver bullet,' could help with deer population control and could help other species. Related Stories 2/17/2025 1/11/2025 The report outlines conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters, and tourism operators. The National Lynx Discussion was organised by the Lynx to Scotland partnership which is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in about 1,300 years. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The Lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse, and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators,' particularly foxes. Lynx kittens at Wild Place Project in Bristol, England, in an undated file photo. Ben Birchall/PA The report acknowledged there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' However, it noted lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods.' It also noted that despite their elusive nature, the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said, 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
The National
23-05-2025
- General
- The National
Could lynx return to Scotland? 10 key insights from new analysis
The report outlined several conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders, including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters and tourism operators. The most likely and challenging impacts could be to sheep farming, and this was a major topic of discussion throughout the process. READ MORE: Scotland 'on course for an unjust transition' from oil and gas, report warns Ten key points include: There is plenty of suitable woodland and natural prey for a viable population of lynx to be established in the Highlands. Lynx pose no realistic threat to humans. There are positive economic benefits, mainly through eco-tourism. Some endangered wildlife like capercaillie might benefit due to lynx taking smaller predators, especially foxes. Lynx would take sheep and game birds such as pheasants in Scotland. Their reintroduction might affect forestry operations due to lynx having protected species status. Lynx should not be thought of as a "silver bullet" to provide natural deer control. Upland red deer stalking interests should be little affected. There are potential wellbeing benefits by returning a sense of wildness to the landscape. The project could provide hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators', particularly foxes. The report acknowledged that there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' READ MORE: Incredibly rare whale spotted on Scottish west coast 'for first time in 20 years' However, it noted that lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated that lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods'. It also noted that despite their elusive nature the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests that merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said: 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
The Herald Scotland
23-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Lynx likely to predate on sheep and lambs if reintroduced, study finds
It suggested an effective management system could include paying farmers for losses and co-existence, with relocation or lethal control as 'necessary components' of any framework to manage the issue. The report also found lynx could have a 'significant' impact on gamebirds in places where the species come into contact, though they are unlikely to play a major part in the animals' diet at a national level. But it found there is 'sufficient quantity and quality of habitat' in Scotland to support a viable lynx population. The report said the predators, while not a 'silver bullet', could help with deer population control and could help other species. The report outlines conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters and tourism operators. Lynx to Scotland: A new 100-page report provides the most detailed analysis yet of what a #LynxReintroduction project in Scotland would need to do to ensure #lynx and people could coexist. 🐆 It outlines conclusions and recommendations from Scotland's National Lynx Discussion -… — Trees for Life (@treesforlifeuk) May 23, 2025 The National Lynx Discussion was organised by the Lynx to Scotland partnership which is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in about 1,300 years. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The Lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators', particularly foxes. The report acknowledged there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' Lynx were driven to extinction in the UK hundreds of years ago (Ben Birchall/PA) However, it noted lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods'. It also noted that despite their elusive nature, the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said: 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
STV News
23-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Lynx likely to predate on sheep and lambs if reintroduced, study finds
Lynx are likely to prey on sheep and lambs if they are reintroduced in Scotland but could bring environmental and economic benefits, according to a report. Scotland's National Lynx Discussion found that sheep and other small livestock in or near wooded areas are more vulnerable to such predation. It suggested an effective management system could include paying farmers for losses and co-existence, with relocation or lethal control as 'necessary components' of any framework to manage the issue. The report also found that lynx could have a 'significant' impact on gamebirds in places where the species come into contact, though they are unlikely to play a major part in the animals' diet at a national level. But it found there is 'sufficient quantity and quality of habitat' in Scotland to support a viable lynx population. And the report said that the predators, while not a 'silver bullet', could help with deer population control and could help other species. The report outlines conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters and tourism operators. The National Lynx Discussion was organised by the Lynx to Scotland partnership which is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in about 1,300 years. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The Lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators', particularly foxes. The report acknowledged that there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' However, it noted that lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated that lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods'. It also noted that despite their elusive nature the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests that merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said: 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
