Further plans to tackle stoat problem

Further action to tackle the problem of non-native stoats on Orkney has been outlined by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

A report commissioned by SNH highlighted the impact stoats have on the ecology of Orkney threatening native wildlife. The presence of the non-native mammal particularly affects Orkney vole, and the hen harriers and short-eared owls which predate the vole.

Stoats are well-established on the Orkney mainland and linked isles. Sightings reported to SNH have increased from 290 in 2014 to 470 in 2015.

Eventual eradication of stoats from Orkney is expected to cost at least £500,000 over four to five years, and will require development of a large-scale partnership project. This is dependent on external funding.

Priority now is control of numbers in the parts of Orkney in which stoats are established and to minimise risk of spread to other islands in Orkney, for example in shipments of straw and hay for overwintering cattle. A single pregnant female has potential to enable stoats to become established.

Graham Neville, Northern Isles operations manager, said: “We are committed to tackling the issue of stoats in Orkney and are setting up a full-scale eradication project with a view to bid for external funding.

“Our priority is the control of the population and distribution of stoats in Orkney. Everyone can be assured that animal welfare is our top priority and is central to the project. Any animal caught will be handled and dispatched in a humane and legal manner. And we are extremely grateful for the wealth of expertise that our volunteers are able to offer to assist with this.”

Rachel Cartwright has been appointed to the Orkney stoat project team as co-ordinator of volunteer trappers’ work. This dedicated team of trappers is working hard to limit the threat posed by stoats to wildlife and domestic poultry.

Rachel has contacted Orkney locals who have expressed an interest in assisting with this vital work. She said: “We will be training volunteers and supplying them with equipment to trap and monitor the stoats and we are delighted to announce an initial training session on November 12, 13 and 14.

“We will be training up to 50 volunteers initially and are especially keen to hear from people living on Burray and South Ronaldsay to ensure good coverage across all areas of Orkney where stoats have been sighted.

“There is a risk that stoats may reach the other isles and it is important that residents are vigilant for evidence of stoat activity, for example when hay or straw is being brought in. We urgently need people across the islands to join our volunteer trapping team to ensure that any stoat incursions to new areas can be dealt with immediately.

“People can be assured that we are grateful for the support from the Orkney community.”

Individuals interested in volunteering to run traps or volunteering time in other ways should contact SNH on 01856 886163. Orkney residents are asked to continue to report stoat sightings on the ‘Stoats in Orkney’ Facebook page run by Martin Gray or phoning SNH on 01856 886163.