Background
Wildlife Estates (WE) was first promoted as a best practice concept in 2004, with the European Landowners Organisation (ELO) taking the lead on its development as a LIFE project from 2005. It gained enthusiastic support from the EC’s Directorate-General Environment in Brussels, paving the way for a Scottish equivalent in 2010, with the first pilot estates gaining accreditation in 2013. Nineteen European countries now support the WE Initiative.
The Wildlife Estates Scotland scheme (WES) is managed on behalf of the WE Initiative by Scottish Land and Estates. WES promotes a holistic approach to land management which encompasses many different land management uses. These include agriculture, forestry, tourism, hunting and management purely for conservation and restoration purposes. WES has been adapted to incorporate specific Scottish legislation with respect to environmental, political and public interest requirements.
Much of the habitat and land management across Scotland is already carried out to a high standard, but there are acknowledged gaps and tensions with wider land use goals and interests, and there is always room for improvement. WES recognises that land managers must rise to the challenge of demonstrating how Scotland’s biodiversity benefits from, and is being enhanced by, their day-to-day practices. WES accreditation demonstrates that land is being managed sustainably with biodiversity and best practice at the heart of all management systems.
WES Level 1 - Supporter member
Level 1 members are required to sign up and adhere to nine commitments derived from the European Wildlife Estates Charter. These are detailed in the application form below. Level 1 members gain access to the wider WE network, exclusive events and Level 2 application support. The Level 1 membership fee is £72 (60+VAT) annually.
WES Level 2 - Accredited member
Level 2 membership is obtained through accreditation. To begin the accreditation process, existing Level 1 members should notify Neil Gunn, WES Project Manager, and register for an online account here to access the application form. The form consists of five modules that cover potential activities that members undertake. Submitted applications are independently assessed through a desktop assessment and site visit by Food Integrity Assurance (FIA).
Through this two-stage assessment, applicants must:
- Demonstrate adherence to best practice
- Provide evidence of wildlife and habitat management plans
- Maintain species and habitat records
- Undertake conservation and collaborative work
- Show integration with other land management activities (such as farming, forestry and tourism)
- Show how they support social, economic and cultural aspects (such as employment, community engagement and education)
Once achieved, the accreditation is valid for 5 years. The Level 2 membership fee is £300 (£250+VAT) annually.
WES Level 2 application introductory guidance
WES is supported by:
