Central to all that we do, is a commitment to balancing wildlife conservation with sustainable land management. Glen Tanar, with its 10,334 acre National Nature Reserve, is home to some of Scotland’s most renowned species - and as part of the heavily protected golden eagle’s territory, it is our duty and privilege to play a role in its conservation.
By tracking their progress, observing their behavior, and monitoring how they interact with our landscape, our aim is to contribute to a greater understanding of this magnificent bird. It’s important to underline the critical role that responsible wildlife management plays in the golden eagle and many other species’ survival.
The protection of wildlife and it's habitat remains our priority at Glen Tanar. Estate staff do a great job managing the land, and the visitors who come here, to best protect the wildlife and its habitat. Golden Eagles have bred successfully at Glen Tanar for over 50 years. The population of these birds of prey now face problems of human disturbance when they are vulnerable in the breeding season. There is a need to encourage appropriate opportunities to see the birds, without harming them, giving them the space and time to breed without interference, a refuge if you like. The more we can learn and then responsibly educate visitors, the more conscientious and respectful we can be to wildlife's sensitivity to disturbance.
Adam Smith - Wildlife Manager
We think it’s important to share that message widely, but how do we do that? Sensitivity to disturbance and human interference means that each year, only a handful of carefully selected people and industry experts are granted a license to film and study golden eagles and other protected species. So, on that basis and after close collaboration over several years, we welcomed Silverback Films to Glen Tanar to film these incredible birds in a special production for the BBC.
The protection of our wildlife is so important. There is still so much we have to learn about protected species such as the golden eagle. The success of golden eagles, who’s territory includes Glen Tanar is to be celebrated. Hopefully by sharing this success story, we can educate people on balancing wildlife conservation with sustainable land management and visitor management. However, we can’t do this alone. Everyone across the whole of the UK has a responsibility for our protected species survival by respecting their sensitivity to disturbance and appreciating them from a afar.
Claire Bruce - Director, Glen Tanar Estate
With an incredible amount of patience and some outstanding specialist camera work by Silverback Films and Hamza Yassin, David Attenborough’s ‘Wild Isles’ series highlights the majesty of golden eagles and the need to ensure its protection, so that it can thrive in our highland habitat.
You can catch episode 2 of ‘Wild Isles’ featuring golden eagles on BBC iPlayer if you have a TV licence to find out more.