Anyone can respond to the survey, but it may be of particular interest to individuals and organisations with direct involvement with SNH on wildlife management activities. This could include, for example, gamekeepers, farmers, stalkers and recreational shooters and their representative organisations, as well as national conservation bodies and their members.

Roger Burton, SNH’s Wildlife Management programme manager, said: “Managing wildlife is complex, involving many different interests, such as forestry, farming, conservation, recreation and tourism, and animal welfare. That’s why it’s important to us to hear the views of everyone involved. I hope people will take a few minutes to fill in the survey to let us know their thoughts.”

SNH wants to gain a better understanding of wildlife management issues in Scotland, as well as find out views on its roles and services. SNH now has many responsibilities relating to wildlife management, including new roles involving deer and licensing, providing information on best practice, invasive non-native animals and species introductions.

In addition to the survey, SNH will hold a series of focus groups with stakeholder groups.

The survey may be filled in at www.whyresearch.org.uk/SNHwildlife/ and will be live between 5-19 March 2012.