Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust claims that it "is the leading UK charity conducting scientific research to enhance the British countryside for public benefit. For over 75 years we have been researching and developing game and wildlife management techniques. We provide training and advice to farmers, gamekeepers and land managers on how best to improve the biodiversity of the countryside."

The overall conclusions of Trust scientists are perhaps predictable in that they find that game bird management, the use of snares, predator control etc are of great benefit to biodiversity generally. 

One of the areas that the Trust is involved is with Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix).

Black Grouse Project
 

 
Image:  Jari Peltomaki
 
The status of the Black grouse on Islay is precarious at best - indeed it may be extinct here.  It was a breeding bird in the recent past.  Any records of sightings would be much appreciated by the INHT and or the RSPB