
Loch of Strathbeg Local Goose Management Scheme
This aims to maintain sustainable populations of wintering geese at Loch of Strathbeg and minimise agricultural damage and economic losses.
This aims to maintain sustainable populations of wintering geese at Loch of Strathbeg and minimise agricultural damage and economic losses.
Location: identified core feeding areas within 3.5km of the Loch of Strathbeg
Goose species: pink-footed goose, barnacle goose and greylag goose
Population level: 24,800 geese in March 2014 and 10,150 geese in April 2014 (mean goose counts)
Extent: 88 hectares approx. of agricultural land
Number of participants: usually 5 or 6 holdings
Duration: 4 years, from March 2017 to April 2021 (a series of one-year management agreements run from 1 March to 30 April annually)
To be eligible, agricultural land must:
View the map of eligible fields below.
View the Loch of Strathbeg Local Goose Management Scheme eligibility table
Applications are accepted annually in December. You must identify on a map the locations of any areas you wish to be part of the scheme.
Download the Loch of Strathbeg Local Goose Management Scheme application form
£114 per hectare per year (up to 88 hectares)
One visit is made in March and a second in April. Dropping density and sward height are measured in scheme fields to estimate goose use per day over the scheme duration.
We calculate the proportion of the goose population that the scheme supports. Goose use data informs the selection of scheme fields in later years. Values below 100 goose days per hectare are considered low goose use and mean sward heights greater than 25mm indicate the grass was underused.
NatureScot issues a questionnaire to land managers both within and outside the scheme area to invite their views of the scheme.
Stock turnout dates will be monitored for all participants each year.
The following ensure compliance with the scheme’s eligibility criteria and management requirements.
Before land is accepted on to the scheme, NatureScot will check its historic goose use and if its location is with recognised core feeding areas. The land will also be visited to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria.
Field size and boundary data will be checked against current Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) prior to a Management Agreement being offered. Payments are made against the net field area stated on the current season’s Single Application Form, unless part of the field is identified as unsuitable, in which case a reduced area will be offered in the Management Agreement.
While the scheme is operating, goose scaring must not take place on land entered into the scheme. Only quiet scaring methods may be used within 100m of the feeding zone. Inspectors will note where and when scaring devices are in use.
If you carry out lethal scaring of geese, we will check that you (or the contract marksmen) hold a licence to do so on your land.