Biodiversity first for estate in Perthshire

A Perthshire estate has become one of the first places in Scotland to pilot a new international biodiversity initiative.

- ALASTAIR MCNEILL

Bamff Estate near Alyth is among the first to test Scotland's rollout of the 'Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures' (OECMs).

The internationally recognised designations are being introduced in Scotland to complement existing protected areas and account for land being managed in ways to deliver long-term benefits for nature.

OECMs do not require nature conservation to be the primary purpose of the land unlike traditional designations.

They recognise that biodiversity can thrive in many settings whether the result of farming, forestry, rewilding or community stewardship provided that ecological benefits are sustained over time.