Supplementary Feeding for Golden Eagles

Date published: 30 March, 2015

Note: In September 2023, references to Scottish Natural Heritage have been updated to NatureScot.

The aim of this item is to benefit golden eagles by providing additional carrion on the hill during winter months.

Leaving some of the hind carcasses from your usual cull will benefit the birds by providing a food supply during the winter months when live prey is least available.

Rough grazing land which includes land designated as a Special Protected Area for golden eagles is eligible.

You must prepare and submit to NatureScot for approval a simple supplementary feeding plan, which must include a 1:10,000 map showing the proposed locations, timing and number of carcases to be left.

  • you must leave culled deer carcasses on the hill between November and February (as detailed in your plan)
  • you must submit notification when you start feeding
  • you must submit a report upon completion of work of the activity undertaken
  • you must maintain a diary which must include the locations and dates of carcases left and show on a 1:10,000 map where carcasses were left

You can claim £80.00 per carcass for up to a maximum of eight carcasses per year.

Payment will be made upon completion of work.

The inspectors will check:

  • the location and extent of the work
  • you have left culled deer carcasses on the hill between November and February (as detailed in your plan)
  • you submitted notification when you started feeding
  • you submitted a report upon completion of work of the activity undertaken
  • you have maintained a diary which must include the locations and dates of carcasses left and show on a 1:10,000 map where carcasses were left

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