ENVIRONMENTAL service Wildlife Estates Scotland is pleased to welcome the appointments of Davy McCracken and Rory Kennedy to its Advisory Board.
Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) is a voluntary accreditation initiative that promotes best practices in wildlife management, habitat conservation, and sustainable land use.
Its aim is to encourage and recognise landowners/managers who demonstrate a commitment to biodiversity conservation and the promotion of sustainable land management practices.
WES is also part of the international Wildlife Estates best practice accreditation initiative, made up of 19 national delegations across Europe.
Appointee Davy McCracken is an agricultural ecologist and Head of the Hill & Mountain Research Centre at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
Davy has more than 30 years of experience in research and teaching on topics such as wildlife management, agroecology, and sustainable agriculture.
He has also worked extensively in Scotland, the UK, and internationally, providing expertise in agricultural, biodiverse and rural development areas.
In addition to this, Davy works closely with farmers, policymakers, and conservation groups to promote sustainable land use practices that benefit wildlife and rural communities.
Second appointee Rory Kennedy is Director Scotland at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and has over 20 years of experience in conservation and land management.
Rory was formerly Chair of the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG) and a member of the Conservation Capital senior team, a global consultancy providing business-led conservation solutions.
A chartered accountant specialising in economic development and the rural sector, he was formerly a Scottish Council Member of BASC and the Scottish Tourism Alliance.
Davy McCracken said: “The Advisory Board of Wildlife Estates Scotland works determinedly to help farms and estates foster sustainable land use, often at significant private expense to those properties and their owners.
“WES members share a common goal of benefitting both wildlife and rural communities in operating their businesses and I’m pleased to be able to assist them in the coming years.”
Rory Kennedy said: “Managing rural land is a challenging occupation and it is important that accreditation initiatives such as Wildlife Estates Scotland are there to not only support but also recognise the sterling work that farms and estates perform for nature, habitat and conservation.
“There are many challenges but also opportunities for land managers in the coming decade and WES is well-placed to help in navigating through those issues.”
Dee Ward, Chair of Wildlife Estates Scotland, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Davy and Rory to our Advisory Board.
“Their expertise and passion for sustainable land management and conservation will be invaluable in helping us achieve our objective of promoting thriving, diverse, and sustainable land use in Scotland.”
