NFU Scotland recognises that ravens are a protected and native species, form an important part of Scotland’s natural environment. However, we also recognise the significant damage that ravens can cause to some farm and croft businesses, particularly during lambing and calving periods when livestock are most vulnerable.
NatureScot have given an undertaking to grant licences in a timely manner and in the appropriate number, to allow removal of necessary numbers to effectively manage the impact on farmers and crofters’ livelihoods where serious damage is evidenced and where no other satisfactory solution exists.
Significantly, NatureScot have recently confirmed that an application to prevent serious damage to livestock can be applied for in advance of the lambing/calving period in circumstances where serious damage is likely to occur. The actual control period is limited to the lambing/calving period, except in exceptional circumstances. This ensures that any action taken is targeted, time-bound and proportionate.
The UK's breeding raven population is estimated to be approximately 7,400 to 8,000 pairs, with some estimates reaching 10,000 pairs. The population is increasing in range and numbers, with substantial populations found across Scotland. While this reflects a conservation success, in some localised areas growing populations have led to increased instances of conflict with livestock enterprises.
Ravens are recognised in some areas to cause significant damage to not only lambs and lambing ewes, but can also injure cows and calves, particularly at calving time. Reports from affected members highlight not just financial loss, but serious animal welfare concerns, including injury and distress to vulnerable livestock. NFUS has been working for some years with NatureScot to enable farmers and crofters to undertake the necessary measures where ravens are causing problems.
NatureScot can grant licences to permit the killing or taking of wild birds to prevent serious damage to livestock. These licences are issued under strict legal conditions and only where clear evidence is provided. NFUS have been lobbying for their inclusion under the general licence, but so far this has been rejected. However, NatureScot have committed to simplifying the process of applying for licences to control ravens in areas where they are causing problems.
When applying, members must provide evidence that serious damage is occurring or is likely to occur. This could be photographic material or records of attacks and/or losses of livestock in previous years. Your application should make clear how many birds you think are causing the problem and the scale of the damage involved.
NatureScot must also be satisfied that you’ve tried other scaring techniques and found them insufficient in reducing damage. Licensed control is therefore a measure of last resort, not a first response. Licences to shoot ravens are granted only where there’s no other satisfactory solution.
Members need to give details of the impacts when applying for licences. This is so NatureScot and the Union can understand the issues, aim to resolve them, and ensure consistency of approach across the country.
It is also important for applicants to fill in a return and include how many birds have been shot. Failure to do this can result in any subsequent application being rejected.
Scottish farmers and crofters take their responsibilities to wildlife and livestock seriously. The vast majority coexist with wildlife every day without issue. However, where serious damage and animal welfare concerns arise, there must be a lawful and workable mechanism to address them. NFU Scotland will continue to work constructively with NatureScot to ensure livestock welfare is protected while respecting Scotland’s strong wildlife protections.
If members have experience of the licensing process that they think NFU Scotland should know about, please share with
georgia.watson@nfus.org.uk