Scottish animals are being stressed
In a couple of unrelated stories, it would seem that those taking to the country could be being stressed, and being stressed by, the local wildlife in the areas they wish to carry out their recreational activities.
The capercaillie is a relatively rare bird, a member of the grouse family, and around the size if a turkey. Becoming more numerous, it had been approaching extinction in Scotland at one time. Unfortunately for the bird, activities such as skiing, tourism and hill walking are being said to harm the birds by increasing their stress levels, and reducing their fitness. Experts have suggested that walkers and hikers can upset the birds, which are described as ‘very sensitive’, and should avoid them until the autumn, and avoid them when they are nesting, earlier in the year.
Conversely, ramblers on a coastal path neat the Castle Golf Course at St Andrews are said to be having their day out ruined by the local cattle. Grazing across the path, the animals are said to be causing the path to become boggy, and impossible to negotiate. The path was opened in 2002, and crosses the farmer’s land, where he is entitled to graze his cattle, and there have been attempts to place stepping stones, but the wet weather and churning of the ground as the cattle feed have an inevitable effect. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, which maintains the route, said the grazing was needed to maintain the ‘botanical diversity’ of the area, and that they were looking for ‘innovative solutions’ to improve the path and ensure the site flourishes.
