Conservation | Chesthill Estate

The terrain is not ideal for forestry being too steep but over the years the estate has planted about 100 hectares of native and other woodland. The estate hosts several SSSI sites and endeavours to work closely with the agencies like Nature Scotland to enhance the features.

The estate is sponsoring research into the impacts of human disturbance on open hill deer and associated welfare and social/economic impacts which emanate. Co - sponsors are the James Hutton Institute, St Andrews and Durham Universities and the British Deer Society.

Part of the process is to develop drone technology to allow for deer counting and search. A collaring programme, linked to satellite communications is being developed alongside this research which is now in its third phase.

In addition, the estate support work being undertaken by the Tay River Trust, formerly Tay Foundation, into DNA profiling of salmon, with a view to analysing the stock levels in the River Lyon and elsewhere.

The estate is participating in a moorland and sheep management programme in conjunction with Nature Scotland.

HEATHER BURNING - APRIL.
This burns off the old rank heather and allows for the new fresh shoots to come through, which young deer and grouse feed upon.

NESTING TIME - MAY
It is crucial that at this time of year when the ground nesting birds, such as the red grouse, golden plover and many other species are most vulnerable, that they do not get disturbed. PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEAD AT ALL TIMES.

DEER CALVING TIME - MAY / JUNE
Do not be tempted to touch any of the calves that you may come across, for by doing so you are putting your smell onto the calf and when the mother (hind) returns she will not recognise the smell as hers and she may abandon it. The hind naturally leaves the calves for long periods of time as they are safer hidden in the long heather rather than running alongside the hind.

THE STAG CULL - 1ST JULY – 20TH OCTOBER
THE HIND CULL - 21ST OCTOBER – 15TH FEBRUARY
The need for a cull is even more apparent, with deer numbers increasing and their range decreasing. It is essential to ensure the long term welfare of the herds and that the old, the weak, the sick and the injured are culled.

THE RUT - SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER
This is the Breeding season for the red deer. You may well hear the stags roaring, warning each other of their presence and should you be very lucky you may see these majestic animals battling for supremacy within the herds. The Code asks visitors to find out where stalking and culling is taking place and to stay off open hill when stalking is taking place. Estate owners and Land Managers are asked to inform the public of these activities and where they are taking place. Advice is to be given of alternative walking sites which visitors are encouraged to use.

THE GROUSE SEASON - 12TH AUGUST – 10TH DECEMBER
Much of the Highlands economy depends upon grouse shooting. Years of careful habitat management have not only resulted in adequate grouse numbers but also a wide diversity of other flora and fauna, many of which may otherwise not be present in the uplands of Scotland. The Code asks visitors to be alert to the possibility that shooting is taking place, seek and use alternative routes, Avoid crossing land until it is safe to do so. Land managers should be aware where recreation might take place and attempt to advise the visitor and publish alternative routes accordingly.

FISHING
Fishing is a peaceful and pastoral sport, which contributes significantly to the rural economy in Glen Lyon. The river is very narrow and extremely dangerous in the lower glen and water sports are not recommended because of this. We would ask visitors to check where it might be appropriate to carry out water sports locally. There are recognised places such as Grandtully and Loch Tay where facilities are first class.