Duke of Edinburgh collects Balmoral wildlife award

Duke of Edinburgh with David Johnstone, Scottish Land & Estates' chairman. Picture: PA

The Royal Deeside estate has been given Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) accreditation after demonstrating a standard of excellence in land management.

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Balmoral is now one of around 20 farms and estates to have achieved accreditation in Scotland.

The award is given to those who meet a set of standards that encourage wildlife conservation and biodiversity through careful species and habitat management.

Red deer stalking, grouse shooting and salmon fishing are just some of the areas managed at Balmoral.

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Richard Gledson, the estate’s resident factor, said: “We are delighted that the estate has been awarded WES accreditation. It marks the culmination of a long process to ensure Balmoral meets the high standards of the scheme and I am very pleased on behalf of everyone on the estate who has worked hard to apply best practice in game and wildlife conservation.

“That process will continue apace with the full support of the Royal Family, who are thrilled by this award.”

Robbie Douglas Miller, chairman of WES, said: “As with all the accredited estates, Balmoral has shown an outstanding commitment to the requirements of WES.

“This has happened because landowners genuinely want to play their part in helping our game and wildlife to flourish in well-managed habitat.”

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