Solway Barnacle Goose Management Scheme
This scheme supports sustainable populations of wintering Svalbard barnacle geese on the Solway while limiting agricultural damage and economic losses.
This scheme supports sustainable populations of wintering Svalbard barnacle geese on the Solway while limiting agricultural damage and economic losses.
Location: Solway estuary north shore, including land at Ruthwell, Caerlaverock and Southwick
Goose species: Barnacle goose (Svalbard population)
Population level: 41,700 from 2016-17 counts
Extent: 850 hectares approx. of agricultural land
Number of participants: 16 holdings (out of around 35 holdings known to host barnacle geese)
Duration: 4 years, from October 2017 to April 2021 (a series of one-year management agreements run from 1 October to 30 April annually)
To be eligible, agricultural land must:
Eligible crop in the feeding zone is;
Eligible crop in the buffer zone is;
View the map of eligible fields below.
Read the Solway Barnacle Goose Management Scheme eligibility table.
You must identify on a map the locations of any areas to be managed under this Scheme each year, and the management option that applies to each field.
You must keep records of:
You should submit this information with your application to join the scheme.
Download the Solway Barnacle Goose Management Scheme application form
View the Solway Goose Management Scheme Payment rates
We use recent goose counts to estimate the proportion of the goose population supported under the scheme.
NatureScot will undertake a questionnaire survey of scheme participants to help provide feedback on their level of satisfaction and the levels of damage caused by geese.
The following ensure compliance with the scheme’s eligibility criteria and management requirements.
Before land joins the scheme, NatureScot will check its goose count data for the last 10 years and the current year’s Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) data. The land may be visited to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria.
Field size and boundary data will be checked against current IACS data before payments are made. Field size is checked, and payments are made, against the net field area stated on the current season’s Single Application Form.
While the scheme is operating, only quiet scaring methods may be used on first-year reseeds within feeding zone and in buffer areas. Inspectors will note where and when scaring devices are in use.
If you carry out lethal scaring of barnacle geese, we will check that you hold a licence to do so on your land.
The local Goose Group usually meets twice per year, with meetings in February (to review progress during the winter and discuss any issues being experienced) and July (to consider zonation for the following winter season). Minutes can be found via the link below.