Creating better conditions for endangered Capercaillie at RSPB Scotland's Abernethy nature reserve

Abernethy nature reserve has one of the most important populations of endangered Capercaillie in Scotland.The team there has been working hard to find new ways to improve habitat for these stunning birds. Join Conservation Manager Richard Mason for a trip into the forest to find out more.
This project is part of LIFE 100% For Nature a project
funded by the LIFE programme of the European Union and
NatureScot. RSPB are grateful for our members and
generous supporters who have helped make this project happen

[@WildlifeWithCookie]

cool, love the capers

[@SH-lx6re]

Brilliant work in protecting and helping these enigmatic and beautiful birds. Lovely little video.❤

[@philiptaylor7902]

Great work, and good to see the positive engagement with local famers.

[@walkbeyondhorizon]

Stunning place and lovely video.

[@AnneHudson-e2h]

Inspirational work. Well done. So good to see Capercaillie thriving with your care and local community support. I've been lucky to see a male Capercaillie at RSPB Loch Garten some years ago and it was an unforgettable experience. Please continue this excellent work and keep up updated

[@finntastic1473]

I'm sorry but you are being hoodwinked the capercaillie is in decline were the RSPB are responsible maintaining. They are in need of more money from the government teat. They have been given millions yes thats right millions for this endeavour but have failed miserably. This is a fact

[@briiree]

That's so cool. Thanks for your work.

[@pauldurkee4764]

I think its about time the RSPB looks at the wage structure of the employee's it has.
The senior management are not doing their jobs for the love of nature but a tidy salary, there must be people who can fill management positions who will do it for the love of nature, not financial reward.

[@chrismartin7594]

Well done,

[@Twitcher999]

Love it ❤️

[@stephencorcoran7122]

What sort of reptile assessment is being done before unleashing the robot cutting machine? Quite concerned that this machine is likely to kill reptiles (and amphibians) in the thick vegetation.

[@RSPBvideo]

Hi Stephen, thanks for your message. The following comes from our Abernethy reserve team:
Robocutting is carried out with consent from NatureScot. Potential impacts on reptiles and amphibians were considered when planning this work. RSPB staff walk the ground ahead of work taking place to identify important features for reptiles and amphibians. We avoid cutting areas such as brash piles, deadwood and large hummocks which can be important for hibernating. The end result is a mosaic of vegetation heights, giving refuge to reptiles in uncut areas. In the long term we believe this management will benefit reptiles by providing structural variation and more open ground for warming and hunting.

[@Solstice261]

What a beautiful place, nice to know you are trying to protect it.
Is there any chance boars can be reintroduced, it seems odd being from another country that boars aren't allowed to rummage, specially when I thought boars had escaped and ran wild in the new forest

[@philiptaylor7902]

Trees for Life tried reintroducing wild boar at Dundreggan but I don't think it was successful. I'd be surprised to see the RSPB try in Abernethy TBH, they are still too controversial - but who knows they may make it there under their own steam from one of the feral populations.

[@johnballantyne6853]

Not a word about Predator control, but I’ll bet they do it ?

[@Schroinx]

Consider year-round grazing/reilding with heck.

[@pitbladdodavid]

You have to laugh though. Why has the population declined since 1988 when the RSPB bought it. Why has the charity then having to create better conditions. Surely this should have been a constant throughout the last 36 years. The charity is trialling new ways by introducing herbivores yet are killing 1000s of deer and demanding neighbours do the same. It says it all really when you have managed areas and unmanaged areas. Buying land to then not manage it will resort to nature dealing with it. Nature as we all know is harsh and deadly. One of the reasons protectionism isn't the answer. Why tell others how they should manage land if your own land management hasn't been working for species such as the capercaillies. The deer are hammering areas but they aren't hammering there. Maybe you should encourage the species of today rather than killing them off. They are being killed because we are told they are hammering the landscape. Is it grazing thats knocked back the heather or its become long and rank after its 25 year cycle allowing the light to get through for new growth. Cattle are selective eaters. Thats why they are supplemented during the grazing period. But long and short the RSPB need to really start managing the land, and rather than telling others their methods are bad and wrong when the evidence shows positive outcomes, the RSPB could be a lot more humble and learn from these other land owners.

[@finntastic1473]

Well said