Tom Turnbull, Chair of the Association of Deer Management Groups has called for the effort and commitment of stalkers, gamekeepers, estate staff and other volunteers to be recognised publicly and especially in the Scottish Parliament following the recent upland fires in Morayshire. He said:
“Not only are these professionals undertaking moorland and upland management to prevent major incidents like this happening in the first place, but they are on hand to support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service when such events occur. Volunteers from estates all across Scotland have been quick to respond to calls for support, both in terms of manpower and equipment and, despite the recent rain we understand that there is still considerable work ongoing to bring ‘hot spots’ under control and the prevention of further outbreaks.
“Climate change is increasing the potential for wildfires so more public education is vital. ADMG repeats the call in urging the public not to light fires in upland or woodland areas at any time, not to use disposable barbecues or to discard cigarettes, and to report anything they see that may be suspicious in terms of wildfire. These ‘hot burn’ events cause untold damage to the environment, to biodiversity, woodland and wildlife and to peatland, and release huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere – all of which we are working hard to prevent.”