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Cutting back heather
<strong>Q) Richard Prior once said that one of the ways to improve a wood for stalking is to cut back heather in the rides. Do I cut it to ground level and all at once, or in bands, leaving some old heather till next season? Does this matter to the deer? Also, will a garden strimmer cope with the tough stems? On a separate note, reference was made some time ago to a list of competent stalkers held by Scottish Natural Heritage. What is this list held for, of what is it comprised and how are individuals allocated to it? J. DAVIDSON Northumberland</strong>
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A) I doubt that a garden strimmer could tackle old heather. I had in mind a tractor-mounted swipe. The best strategy is to cut small patches ? say, 10m x 5m, or a bit larger in likely spots. The following year, an adjoining patch can be added. Quite a severe cut will provide regrowth similar in effect to burning.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) does indeed hold a register of fit and competent stalkers. To be included, a stalker has either to have passed DSC Level 2 within the past five years, or be able to produce two referees to vouch for his experience and competence. It appears to be used in connection with licences for out-of-season or night shooting. More information on this can be obtained on the SNH website, www.snh.gov.uk, or by contacting James Scott, tel 01463 725363.
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