Wildlife Management (Grouse) Bill consultation response

This document contains a letter from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) responding to a consultation on the Wildlife Management (Grouse) Bill. The CNPA supports the introduction of grouse moor licensing to deter raptor persecution and wildlife crime, believing it aligns with their National Park Partnership Plan. They think the person holding shooting rights should be responsible for the license, which should apply to a mapped area of land. The CNPA agrees NatureScot should be the licensing authority, but that licenses don't need to be renewed annually, and that a civil burden of proof is acceptable for sanctions. They also agree with record keeping as part of the license. Regarding muirburn (controlled burning), the CNPA believes it should be licensed year-round and supports a ban on muirburn on peatland unless for habitat restoration. They suggest using constraint maps for muirburn licensing, with the CNPA as a statutory consultee.