6.00pm - Wednesday 1st May 2024 35,859

We look at two issues affecting sheep farmers in different parts of the country: dog attacks and sea eagle attacks on lambs.

Dog attacks are among of the most-reported rural crimes in the country, according to the National Sheep Association. Tobin Bird, a sheep farmer turned dog trainer, shows how to sheep-proof your dog. He has first hand experience of anti-social dog owners, who have no understanding of how deadly an out of control dog can be.

Then we head north to speak to the farmers and crofters on the west coast of Scotland. They have been trying to convince the authorities for years that sea eagles, reintroduced into Scotland 40 years ago, kill lambs to feed their chicks. David Colthart has been particularly vocal as he says he's losing about 200 lambs a year to this apex predator.This is having a significant impact on his business, but also the future of his flock. Over the generations these sheep have learned how to find food and shelter in this tough terrain. If that "knowledge" is not passed down the generations there is no farm. We also see the 'angry man' in action, which is supposed to scare the birds away. This orange inflatable doesn't look like it is up to the job.

Charlotte Ashley presents the show, David Wright has the news and James Marchington delivers Farming YouTube.

@charlotteashleyfarm
@GarethWynJones
@FarmersWeeklyVideo
@FarmersGuardian
@NFU_NationalFarmersUnion
@natsheepassoc


For Farming YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCFXhu4a7eivJ1JbnyLdL8lGRDIGQefko


NatureScot statement

“NatureScot and the Scottish Government recognise that white-tailed eagles can cause economic impacts to farms and crofts in some locations. We are committed to continuing to run the Sea Eagle Management Scheme (SEMS) this year to provide support to farmers and crofters affected by predation and we are currently finalising the details.”
Background
The Sea Eagle Management Scheme (SEMS) extends support for livestock farmers and crofters who experience sea eagle predation impacts.
To support farmers and crofters, scheme advisers will:
investigate what sea eagle activity is occurring near to the farm
advise on measures to mitigate against sea eagle impacts
arrange to lend equipment, where appropriate, to use to deter sea eagles or otherwise mitigate impacts
recommend support for longer-term management agreed with and carried out by the livestock manager
The current scheme is not compensatory, as confirming specific damage, the exact cause and the scale of that damage is difficult to do.
More information on the support provided by the scheme is available on the NatureScot website: https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/land-and-sea-management/managing-wildlife/sea-eagle-management-scheme