Highland Nature Action 2015 - 2020 - Highland Environment ...
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Highland Nature
Action
2015 – 2020
Contents 20. Local Biodiversity Action Plan Updates & Delivery 28
1. Promoting Land Management for Wildlife 4 21. Improve Volunteering Information 29
2. Develop & Trial the Ecosystem Approach 6 22. Highland Green Gyms 29
3. Develop the Atlantic Hazelwoods Project 7 23. Urban Biodiversity Project 29
4. The Lonesome Pine – & other lonesome species 8 24. Wildlife Gardening Project 29
5. Riparian Woodland & Woodland Biodiversity 11 25. Nature Connections 30
6. Develop Natural Treelines 13 26. Eco Schools Co–ordinator 30
7. Peatland Restoration 15 27. Marine Heritage Project 31
9. Highland PAW Group 16 28. Highland Rhododendron 32
10. Wildfire Awareness Raising 16 29. Highland Invasive Non–Native Species Projects 32
11. Marine Litter Project 18 30. Rapid Response Pathway for new invasive species 35
12. Improve Protection for Seabed Habitats 20 31. Specialist Species Advice 36
13. Aquaculture forward planning 20 32. Highland Biological Database Project 36
14. Species Reintroductions 21 Appendix 1: HiBAP 2015 to 2020 Partner projects and
commitments 38
15. Manage Road Verges for Wildlife 22
Appendix 2: Partners 46
16. Wildflower Creation & Management 23
17. Improve ecological input to the local planning process 26
18. Maximise the Wildlife Value of SuDS Ponds 27
19. Greater Biodiversity Input to Renewable Installations 27
2
Highland Nature Action 2015 – 2020
The Highland Biodiversity Action Plan 2015 - 2020 set 33 goals for
partnership action, which are summarised in appendix 1.
Not all the actions were completed as originally envisaged, but there
was related biodiversity action for the majority of proposed projects.
Much of this is thanks to the work of small wildlife/ nature and
community groups across the Highlands, individual action,
conservation organisations and other NGOs.
This document focusses on positive action, and does not consider
biodiversity loss in the Highlands; it is intended to demonstrate that
good results can be achieved through optimism, determination and
having a long term view.
The following pages summarise the actions known to the editor to
have taken place, based on information received from action plan
partners, Forum events and personal knowledge. It will therefore be
incomplete.
Any further information/ corrections will be welcomed. Email
highlandenvironmentforum@gmail.com
3
1. Promoting Land Management for Wildlife
Nature friendly farming at Culfoich
Project suggestions – Training events, monitor farms, citizen
science work.
The Nature-friendly farming website has a number of case studies
including Bruce McConachie, who farms at Culfoich on the banks of
Training and advisory services the River Spey, where wading birds now flourish.
There are a number of training and advisory services that The family farms 1900 acres organically, rearing cattle and sheep,
include courses promoting land management for wildlife. and practising rotational grazing, using as few external inputs as
possible. For them, a healthy wader population is a sign that the soil
Lantra Scotland worked with Scottish Land and Estates, Scottish is in good heart.
Natural Heritage and others to develop new estate management
and estate maintenance qualifications. A Modern Plants play their part too, with buffer strips to reduce water run-off
Apprenticeship in Rural Skills is currently being delivered by and clover to fix nitrogen. Drainage ditches now meander, rather than
Rural Skills Scotland and SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College. run straight, providing damp margins and plenty of invertebrates.
The Scottish Farm Advisory Service includes practical advice in Being a member of the Strathspey Wetlands and Waders group means
its online biodiversity section. They offer support for Integrated that Bruce can borrow specialist equipment to open up rushy areas
Land Management Plans and complementary specialist advice, for cattle and birds to enjoy.
including biodiversity and woodland management.
Lapwing, curlew, snipe and oystercatcher all appreciate Bruce’s
Soil Association Scotland’s programme includes Farming for the farming methods, and hundreds now breed on the farm.
Future, which aims to use grassland and water management,
agroforestry, building soil health, non-chemical pest control
and farming organically to help to mitigate climate change and
restore wildlife. The Association hosts some biodiversity related
events, such as ‘Buzzing about Grassland’ which was a
demonstration event (July 2017) in Caithness in partnership
with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Speakers focussed on
the benefits of species-rich grassland for twite and great yellow
bumblebees, grassland management and support for SRDP-
AECS applications.
Soil association Scotland also run Landscape Leadership jointly
with Scottish Land and Estates. This provides training for
selected participants who want to ‘work collaboratively towards Curlew at Culfoich. Photo byTom Marshall (rspb-
a sustainable land management movement in Scotland’. images.com)
4
RSPB Scotland runs various land management courses each year Conservation land management partnerships
across the Highlands on peatland restoration, grassland management
and forestry planning for birds. There are a number of Highland land management partnerships that
involve joint working between nature conservation organisations,
Plantlife’s Cairngorms Wild Plant Project ran a number of training community trusts and private land managers.
events including for volunteers, UHI School of Forestry and the
Mountains and the People SVQ training scheme. • Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape
• Peatland Partnership
Volunteering and Citizen Science
High Life Highland rangers are involved in a number of community- • Wester Ross Biosphere
led habitat management projects, such as tree planting, beach
• Skye Crofting and Corncrake Partnership
footpaths, non–native species removal. In some instances this is done
by the local ranger via the local biodiversity group. Rangers also give • Caithness Wetlands and Waders Initiative
advice to communities and wildlife groups on opportunities for
citizen science, wildlife recording and habitat management projects. • Strathspey Wetlands and Waders Initiative
In Caithness the rangers work with the Countryside Volunteers and
Caithness Biodiversity Group with a range of projects such as those The Strathspey Wetlands and Waders Initiative is a partnership
for juniper, and small blue butterfly. Rangers have also been involved between RSPB, CNPA, SRUC, SNH and land managers,which has
with carrying out dune stabilisation using marram grass replanting at been running since 2009. Following the most recent surveys in 2015
Gruinard, Gairloch and Mellon Udrigle. there has been a programme of advisory work and an equipment loan
system.
A number of private companies also provide training and advice. For
example, Speyside Wildlife runs an identification training course Working for Waders set up in 2017 as a collaborative project
registered and approved by Lantra as 'customised provision’. bringing together a wide range of organisations, government bodies
Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust delivers a Scottish Vocational
and individuals has funded a wader advisory officer in the
Qualification in environmental conservation.
Cairngorms. This includes working with volunteers to get more
Deer Management Plans have a commitment to undertake citizen information about wader hotspots and declines, and the habitat and
science through Habitat Impact Assessment work. land management associated with these. The long term aim is to aid
wader recovery, focussing on the most promising areas and with
appropriate support and advice.
The Caithness, Thrumster Wader Recovery project has also been
supported by Working for Waders.
The Woodland Trust runs the Croft Woodland Project to encourage
the protection and regeneration of existing trees and new woodland
planting. The Forestry Development Programme contributed
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financially toward the Croft Woodland Project. By March 2020 they • Peatlands Partnership
had supported the submission of 80 woodland creation
applications, with a further 18 in development. A total of 478ha has • Coigach and Assynt Living
been planted. Advice on woodland management totalling 1007ha Landscape
has been provided, together with 30 training events for 678
attendees, including the Croft Woodland Conference in May 2019. • Wester Ross Biosphere
The John Muir Trust worked with Scottish Natural Heritage and • Nevis Partnership
Woodland Trust in Sutherland to organise conservation grant
schemes for crofters. • John Muir Trust who have
raised funds for their ‘Wild
The Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms project works with land Waters’ appeal that will
managers to share techniques that will benefit the species covered contribute to funding
by the project. These are Kentish glory, northern silver stiletto fly, beach cleans, monitoring
pine hoverfly, shining guest ant, dark bordered beauty moth, and coastal habitat and
small scabious mining bee. The project has a group of active species species, maintaining paths
champions and over 40 volunteers. and a riparian planting
project to improve habitat
2. Develop & Trial the Ecosystem Approach for salmonids, and fresh
water pearl mussels (a
Project suggestions – Develop a demonstration project, establish a survey of mussels was
Highland database. undertaken in August
2020).
According to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), ‘the
ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated management of • Ardtornish Estate
land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and developed a 50 year land
sustainable use in an equitable way’ and which aspires to maintain management strategy in
the natural structure and functioning of ecosystems. 2018 that focusses on
ecological restoration.
There are a number of landscape scale projects in the Highlands
which have the potential to adopt and ecosystem approach, There is a Scottish database
including: under development, through
the Scottish Biodiversity
• Cairngorms Connect (a 60,000ha Partnership between RSPB, Strategy sub–group, looking at
Scottish Natural Heritage, Forest and Land Scotland and Landscape Scale work.
Wildland Ltd) which was successful in gaining funding of £9
million from Arcadia. The project officially started in January
2019.
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3. Develop the Atlantic Hazelwoods Project
Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere
Project suggestions – Raise awareness and improve the management
of hazel woods in Highland through the Atlantic Hazelwoods
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve Project.
(NNR) was designated as a Biosphere
Reserve in 1976 and expanded to over This is being undertaken by the Atlantic Woodland Alliance. This
100 times its original size in 2016. The was formally launched in May 2019, and is creating an Atlantic
biosphere now covers 5,200 square
rainforest action plan, under the badge of Svaing Scotland’s
kilometres of Wester Ross and Lochalsh.
Rainforests.
Beinn Eighe remains core to the biosphere designation, and
In Sunart, Forest and Land Scotland’s Design Plan sets out the
the NNR continues to be managed with conservation of its’
management required to convert existing plantation to native
internationally significant habitats as the primary aim.
woodland. This includes hazel woodland and the management of
Looking after the natural environment is essential to retaining ravines for biodiversity.
biosphere status, but ensuring that communities thrive is also
The Atlantic Woodland project area does not extend to north Wester
vital. The board and sub-groups of the biosphere seek this
Ross and Sutherland, however:
balance, and Wester Ross is is one of the few entirely
community-led Biospheres in the world. Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape(CALL) commissioned an
Atlantic hazelwood survey, which mapped individual trees and small
In 2020 the biosphere launched a supporters’ charter that
woodlands. You can see the report here.
businesses, schools, communities and groups can sign to show
their support of sustainable development and biosphere aims.a Stack Woods SSSI, part of the Reay Forest Estate, was enriched with
In return they are able to use the biosphere brand in 150 hazel from local seed, grown in Little Assynt Nursery in Spring
promotion. 2020. The estate is also undertaking a rhododendron eradication
programme started in 2016, using a combination of mulching, cut
burn and injection, with annual top up spraying. The core areas have
been dealt with and only inaccessible gullies have not benn treated.
The spraying treatment programme will be ongoing to deal with seed
spread and bush regrowth.
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4. The Lonesome Pine – & pressure. There are similar objectives for the neighbouring NTS Mar
other lonesome species Lodge estate, which means a landscape-scale approach to mountain
woodland expansion covers a contiguous area of 90,000 ha.
Project suggestions – identify isolated
patches of trees, work with landowners An expanded woodland network also has potential benefits for
to encourage expansion, develop local capercaillie, for which there is Scottish management framework, and
tree nurseries an urgent need for conservation action.
The concept of the Lonesome Pine Some small blocks of riverine woodland were planted during the
project was launched at Highland ‘Pearls in Peril’ LIFE project, 2012 - 2017, to create shading for
Biodiversity Conference 2018 ‘On the freshwater pearl mussels. These tree patches also help to strengthen
trail of the Lonesome Pine’ and liaison was undertaken by the HEF woodland habitat networks between river catchments.
biodiversity working group with Trees for Life and the Woodland
Trust, who are taking forward work with similar aims through their Woodland expansion should result in an increase in altitudinal
Caledonian Pinewood Recovery project. This is focussed on the woodland zonation and diversity. In the Cairngorms the upland birch
smaller areas of native pinewood that have not yet received positive zone is currently missing – grazed out – but the few remaining trees
management. The project was funded for 2 years (2018 - 2020), and show that upland birches can be very long lived. Tree cores show
employed two full time staff. There are 84 inventory sites - 75% of some of the birch to be 300/400 years old. The potential benefits of
which are in private ownership, and these were the priority. A restoring this uphill zonation of pine to birch to willow can be seen in
number of partners worked together: Trees for Life, Woodland Trust climatically similar SW Norway where upland birch is associated
Scotland, Forest and Land Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and with a wide diversity of plant
Scottish Land and Estates. species including alpine blue
The Scottish Forestry grant
sow thistle and bog rosemary
scheme for native woodland
The project looked at the current health of the woodland (through (not present in Highland
expansion, management and
desk top study and field survey), and suggested appropriate region), and birds such as red
invasive species removal are the
conservation measures to the land managers. So far (mid 2020) 72 grouse, golden eagles,
main funding mechanism for
sites have been surveyed and the results of 42 of these reported back waders and bluethroats.
this work, and from 2015 to
to landowners. March 2020, 6155ha of new
There are 5 and 20 year
pinewood restoration native woodland has planted
The two charities hope, if funding can be found, to undertake a 'Lost with grant funding, with an
Woods' project that would look for lonesome pines and other tree management plans for Loch
Arkaig Woodlands that will additional 1225ha being
species, with the aim of using therm as the start point for woodland approved for natural
expansion. be taken forward by the
Woodland Trust and the Loch regeneration. 43 native
Arkaig Community Forest. woodlands covering over
In the Cairngorms RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forest and Land 18000ha are under long term
Scotland and Wildland Ltd have established ‘Cairngorms Connect’. funding to support their
This is undertaking work over a 60,000 ha area to increase the extent Nevis Landscape Partnership
has fenced pockets of sustainable management.
and connectivity of woodland, largely by reduction in grazing
8
woodland in Glen Nevis.
• Rogart Primary School
A community group in Broadford is taking forward various projects
in their community woodland. • CALL Assynt Tree Nursery.
Reforesting Scotland, with support from Forestry Scotland, held an • John Muir Trust work with CALL on trial seed project
event at Aviemore in 2018: Scotland’s Land Revival: ‘A Tour Through • Trees for Life, Dundreggan
The New Landscapes of Woodlands and their Communities’.
• Highland Aspen Group growing aspen from root cuttings
Community tree nurseries can be found at many places around the
Highlands including: • Alba Nursery growing aspen from Highland origin seed
• Caithness Biodiversity Group Juniper Project • RSPB Abernethy tree nursery
Helping Caithness Juniper
Recording and monitoring of fragments of native woodland and isolated juniper
and trees in Caithness has been undertaken by the Caithness Biodiversity Group.
Members undertake recording of isolated plants and then work with land managers
to improve juniper numbers and the habitat where there has been muirburn
damage. It is a long term project which has the support of Dunnet Bay Distillery,
and Highland Council ward discretionary fund.
Research is undertaken through desk top study and field work to record the
location and health of Junipers on Dunnet Head. The group has been trained by
Highland Nurseries to take cuttings and grow plants from seed. Seedlings were also
raised at Assynt Tree Nursery. 150 junipers have been planted out at 5 locations
which are monitored. So far there is a 75% survival rate. There is also potential for
the project to be used to restock other areas in Caithness and the group is now
raising juniper from Berriedale seed.
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Croft Woodlands
The Croft Woodlands Project was established in 2015. The Project is a
partnership led by the Woodland Trust to engage crofters and smallholders in
the creation and management of woodlands on their holdings, thus
delivering multiple benefits in terms of shelter, agricultural diversification,
forest products, landscape and the environment.
The partnership includes Scottish Crofting Federation, Woodland Trust
Scotland, Scottish Forestry (formerly Forestry Commission Scotland), Coigach
& Assynt Living Landscapes (CALL), Point & Sandwick Trust and the
Woodland Croft Partnership. Since its launch 2015, several other
organisations have joined the partnership, including the Highlands Small
Communities Housing Trust, the Argyll Small Woodlands Co-op, Shetland
Amenity Trust and Orkney Woodlands Project, both of which help to deliver
the project in their respective islands.
The Project is able to help crofters to design a scheme, and provides crofters with
an indication of cost and available funding options. During this process isolated
and small stands of trees are identified. If crofters are keen to go ahead with a
forestry grant a consultant will be engaged by the Woodland Trust to develop
plans, and gain approval for the application.
The Croft Woodland Project is able to pay 90% of the consultants fees, with the
crofter paying the other 10%. The Croft Woodlands Project can also offer
successful applicants an interest free loan to help cover the initial outlay for
works and materials. For small schemes under 3ha, and hedgerows the
Woodland Trust is able to pay 60% of the cost of tree and shelter, through the
Woodland Trust MOREwoods and MOREhedges schemes, but is unable to fund
fencing, labour, or give an on–going payment.
Training workshops are run by the Trust on practical actions such as bracken
control and tree planting, and they are also working with the Scottish Crofting
Federation and Scottish Natural Heritage (now NatureScot) on a Crofting Schools Hedgerow Project. This includes a hedgerow planting
pack, and teaching resources related to responsible foraging, jelly making and biodiversity. The Crofting Forestry Handbook is being
revised.
Photos courtesy John MacPherson/WTML
105. Riparian Woodland & Woodland Biodiversity Lochaber Fisheries Trust is
looking at the potential for
Project suggestions – Develop a Highland-wide strategic framework
riparian woodland at
for native wood protection, expansion and establishment.
Encourage tree planting to create networks, eg urban, field Ardnamurchan Burn.
boundaries, and riparian woodland.
West Sutherland Fisheries Trust
Fisheries Trusts work to improve riparian habitats includes the Spey is undertaking riparian
Catchment Initiative, which is one of several catchment scale woodland work.
management schemes in Scotland. Work on the Spey includes a
stretch of 7 kms of 10 to 20 metre wide riparian planting and SEPA Planning Officers
regeneration from Boat of Garten to Aviemore. This has been funded contribute to best practice
jointly by the landowner and Cairngorms National Park. Native guidance and give advice to
broadleaved trees have been planted in clumps. Species include planning consultations. The
alder, willow, cherry, aspen and oak. river catchment management
plans also take into account
On the Allt Lorgy near to Carrbridge the removal of embankments woodland biodiversity and
and use of dead timber in the water course has created new riparian woodland.
m e a n d e r s .
Floodplain drains The John Muir Trust
Pearls of wisdom have also been (Sutherland) works to encourage uptake of SRDP/Forestry grants to
blocked to raise improve riparian and upland habitat restoration and sits on the West
the water table. Sutherland Fisheries Trust board.
Sutherland Biodiversity Group members Sediment from
have worked with the West Sutherland previous dredging CALL is looking at riparian planting on the boundary of Elphin –
and Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Trusts has been removed Ledbeg River.
to conserve freshwater pearl mussels. from the banks and
Forest and Land Scotland Forest Plans include restructuring for
The Trust has been working with land is gradually being
restoration/enhancement, and riparian woodland is covered by this.
managers to address some of the land reintroduced
In 2016 Scottish Forestry progressed this approach using work in
based issues, such as the effects of hill higher up the river
North Highland Forest District & Badenoch & Strathspey as best
drainage and carrying out peatland and system for natural
practice. 18.31 ha of standalone riparian woodland creation schemes
riparian habitat restoration and redistribution
were approved in Highland in 2016/17.
removing rhododendron. during spates.
More information Broadford and Strath Community Company have a woodland
is available in the regeneration project that includes the removal of INNS and creation
Spey Catchment of path network and picnic area
Management Plan.
11Encouraging natural woodland on removing occasional trees to allow light
John Muir Trust land onto the forest floor.
The John Muir Trust had ‘a Wild Woods’
fundraising project which reached its goal
of £60,000 in 2019. This has helped to
fund the planting of 50,000 new trees on
Trust land on Skye and Knoydart.
Sensitive extraction of timber
Enclosures to protect regeneration
Extraction of firewood for the
Native woodland regeneration is local community is done
undertaken by a variety of methods, sensitively and there is ongoing
including deer management, which is monitoring of invasive non-native
used on all estates. species within the woodland.
At Strathaird, Skye a clear-felled area is Several exclosures have been
being replanted with native broadleaves erected to protect the natural
in 2020. Ringill West is one of several regeneration of native
conifer plantations being restructured by broadleaves and the Trust
the Trust on Skye. It was assessed as continues to monitor browsing
being highly suitable for a continuous pressure and manage deer
cover low impact silviculture system, so numbers.
now thinning takes place mainly by
ringbarking and cutting brash and
All photos courtesy of Cathryn Baillie Regeneration at Ringill.
126. Develop Natural Treelines
Project suggestions - Identify potential sites and establish Publicly owned trees
transitional woodlands through woodland expansion up hills and
onto bogs. Demonstrate the value & management requirements of Forest and Land Scotland has 89.2% of its 172 SSSI/SAC/
transitional woodlands on bogs through a trial project. SPA/RAMSAR sites in favourable condition and c2459 ha
of their woodland is in phase 1 of restoration/
Deer management is key to developing natural treelines and is
regeneration to ‘ancient woodland’.
carried out by all the conservation organisations as part of the
projects outlined below. 213ha of upland/montane woodland expansion has been
undertaken in the Glenmore/Glenmoriston forest estate.
Trees for Life grows a range of montane species at their tree nursery
at Dundreggan for planting on their estate and at Forest and Land Trees for Life has undertaken 1253 volunteer days for
Scotland sites. They have secured funding to establish seed Forest and Land Scotland.
orchards for 7 species of montane willow over the next 5 years. See
action 4 for a list of other tree nurseries in the Highlands
Cairngorms Connect is ‘partnership of neighbouring land managers,
committed to a bold and ambitious 200-year vision to enhance
habitats, species and ecological processes across a vast area within
the Cairngorms National Park’ In 2017 a baseline survey of montane
woodland across the Cairngorms Connect area was undertaken and The inclusion of the Native Low Density Broadleaves option in
the partnership plans woodland creation applications is promoted to land managers, in
to plant montane order to encourage expansion of natural treelines. 140ha has been
willows on a large approved since the beginning of the Forestry Grant Scheme in 2015
scale in Glen Tromie. to March 2020.
A new Highland Forest and
Woodland Strategy has been The local forest Scottish Natural Heritage management of their NNRs at Beinn Eighe,
produced by Highland Council. management plan Creag Meagaidh, Craigellachie & Inshriach aims to achieve natural
This makes reference to Atlantic process is being used treelines.
hazelwoods and riparian by Forest and Land
woodland – Action 3 and 5. Scotland to encourage
Many of the strategy aims, montane woodland
directly or indirectly, have a expansion, for example
positive effect on biodiversity. at Glenmore, above
Clunes, Lochaber and
in Glen Affric.
13Flows to the Future Tongue school created artwork for a film about the peatlands.
Children from Farr Academy assisted the film crew. The film was
Flows to the Future screened by Screen Machine in the school grounds attracting
was a 5 year project both children and their families.
that covered a
number of different The restoration is continuing beyond the Flows to the Future
work areas – around funding on a large landscape scale, all currently on the RSPB
30% of the funding land around Forsinard. Much of the restoration is experimental.
was awarded for For instance small furrows between mounds are blocked, tree
peatland restoration stumps are being flipped into the furrows to try and help to get a
from previous flatter profile, and brash left in earlier forest clearance is being
forestry planting, and flattened in order to make the area more attractive to ground
the rest is for people- nesting birds, excess brash is being cleared to reduce wildfire
related activities – risk, following extensive damage in 2019. The long term effect of
including the wildfire is being studied by the Environmental Research Institute
Visitors can now enjoy a panoramic view of
the Flows from the viewing tower. Photo by
building of an in Thurso through their ‘Fire Blanket’ research.
Neil Cowie, RSPB Scotland observation tower,
building a field The amount of work to be undertaken requires a co–ordinated
centre and putting in and well–funded project to deliver results at a meaningful scale.
interpretation at key
observation points.
The Land Management Advisory Officer worked across Caithness
and Sutherland peatlands to support applications for funding for
restoration work. One land manager was attracted to this scheme
because of the potential to improve fisheries through better
peatland management. As a result of funding c.40,000ha of
peatland have been restored landowners.
The new field station is now able to host monitoring and research
students, community groups, interest groups etc, who want to use
the peatland as a place to learn. There are also volunteering days
to remove regenerating conifers.
Forest harvesting and channel blocking are two essential
The schools officer provided a teacher training programme and stages in peatland restoration at RSPB Forsinard. Photo by
school visits. There were other school-connected activities eg Paul Turner, RSPB Scotland
147. Peatland Restoration
Project suggestions - Identify sites elsewhere in Highland that would
be suitable for drain blocking and tree removal, and draw together
a funding bid. This work would be influenced by the outcome of the
National Peatland Action Plan consultation. Recently commissioned
research identified some priority areas e.g. Monadhliaths.
Undertake a volunteer project to remove regenerated conifer
saplings from protected peatland areas.
Forest and land Scotland has undertaken peatland restoration from
2014. This has included creating a post to manage the contracts in
North Highland and Gowmoss in Moray - sites have included
Leanachan and Callop in Lochaber. In the Highlands nearly 3000 ha
of peatland have had their condition improved and nearly 2000 ha
have been restored.
In 2016 an ECAF project application was worked up for Monadliath,
and Wildland Ltd was planning restoration work on their North Common sandpiper. Photo by Paul Turner, RSPB Scotland
Sutherland estates.
In 2018 there was an extensive survey of peatland with a view to The Cairngorms Peatland Restoration Project is ongoing.
restoration on Corrour Estate and Loch Arkaig woods, Lochaber.
8. Survey In–bye Land Adjacent to Peatlands
In 2019 the RSPB looked at sites in Highland, outwith the Flow
Country, that would be suitable for drain blocking and tree removal Project suggestions - Conduct a survey of in-bye land adjacent to the
in order to put together a funding bid. Peatland restoration has been peatlands of Caithness & Sutherland to ascertain its value for
undertaken on RSPB Corrimony reserve, with Peatland Action wildlife, identify future management requirements and recommend
ways of helping farmers and crofters to continue to manage this
funding. land for wildlife.
On Skye, the John Muir Trust undertook a scoping study in the Caithness Wetlands and Wildlife Initiative and the Peatlands
Strathaird in 2019, and hopes to begin the restoration of an area of Advisor worked closely together and identified opportunities for each
deep peat to blanket bog. This will create a mosaic with regenerated other through their contacts and field visits.
or planted native wet woodland and peat edge woodland.
Monadhliath Deer Management Group is undertaking peatland
restoration in their area, especially through ditch blocking.
159. Highland PAW Group 10. Wildfire Awareness Raising
Project suggestions - Establish a Highland Partnership for Action
Against Wildlife Crime (HPAW) to address local concerns and help Project suggestions - Work with gamekeepers, crofters and other
with early communication, information sharing, awareness raising land managers through local liaison groups to raise awareness of
and publicity management. whether or not burning is needed, appropriate muirburn practices,
wildfires and the likely impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
The Highland PAW Group was established in September 2015. A Promote the Muirburn Code through case studies & demonstration
sub-group of HPAW was set up in 2017 to look at raptor persecution sites, and encourage joint working to tackle wildfires.
in Moy Forest and North Monadliath and there have been meetings
The Muirburn Code was updated in 2017.
with SLE, SGA, RSPB and RSG to discuss information sharing and a
way forward. In 2020 the Wester Ross Biosphere nature group ran a Wildfire
Awareness Week, involving school visits, poster creation by pupils
In 2016 HPAW ran a wildlife crime ‘Sharing Good Practice’ event.
and guided walks.
Stakeholder events have also been run jointly with Grampian and
Tayside partnerships against wildlife crime for key stakeholders such High Life Highland ranger Jenny Grant worked with Ullapool High
as fishery board bailiffs and SEPA staff. School and Kinlochewe Primary School, discussing with pupils the
causes and effects of wildfires, and creating posters to make people
In 2017 Police Scotland conducted 10 school visits in the Inverness
more aware of wildfire risks.
east area, raising awareness of wildlife crime.
On the National Trust for Scotland Balmacara Estate staff and
In 2018 the Lochaber Biodiversity Group raised awareness of local
students from the crofting course at Plockton High School attended a
issues with Police Scotland through personal contact and meetings.
workshop hosted at The Steadings Gallery in Balmacara Square. The
A Police Officer also attended a Local Biodiversity Public Meeting in
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service community safety advocate gave an
Fort William.
overview of wildfires and explained the role that they play in
containing and extinguishing them. Iain Turnbull, property manager
at Balmacara Estate and Rule Anderson, ranger at Kintail and
A good forum for discussion Morvich, gave their perspective on the wildfires that affected
The Highland Environment Forum runs two Forum meetings a Balmacara Estate in 2018 and Kintail in 2011. Andrew Slaughter,
year, plus an annual invasive species Forum and biodiversity estate manager at Inverinate spoke about the Muirburn Code and
conference. From 2015 - 2020 the biodiversity conferences how the estate carries out controlled burning to improve grazing
were on volunteering, pollinators, woodland research and opportunities.
restoration, rewilding rivers, and wildfires. In 2016 a wildlife
fair was held alongside the conference at Inverness College and The students and a number of group leaders went into the moorland
attracted more than 200 people. Details from the biodiversity heath of Balmacara Estate to conduct a survey on an area impacted
conferences can be seen on the Forum website. by a large wildfire in 2018 and undertook a quadrat survey of areas
impacted by wildfire compared to those that were not affected.
16Five primary schools were
visited, attended by more than
150 pupils at Kyleakin, Kyle,
Plockton, Auchtertyre and Loch
Duich. Students were
encouraged to produce artwork
about the dangers of wildfires
and how to avoid a fire risk.
Jenny and Gavin will use the
artwork created to make posters
that can be placed on
community noticeboards and in
local shops across the Wester
Ross area.
At the end of the week there
was a conference organised in
conjunction with the Highland
Environment Forum. Details
can be found on the Forum
website. Scottish Fire and
Rescue, the Wildfire Forum,
Scottish Natural Heritage and
the HPAW group all put out
regular press releases on
muirburn and the dangers of
wildfire.
Local Scottish Fire and Rescue
officers continue to work with
landowners and their staff to
survey and map problem areas.
It is hoped that this will help to
reduce the number of
destructive wildfires.
1711. Marine Litter Project The UHI Environmental Research Institute in Thurso has a number of
research projects looking at marine plastics, and in 2017 the James A
Project suggestions - Raise awareness of litter and its devastating Mackie Memorial Trust had a project to dissect locally caught fish to
impact on marine wildlife through promoting national campaigns; assess presence of microplastics in the Moray Firth.
working with the fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries to
reduce impacts; supporting regular beach cleans; and improving Plastic@bay is a social enterprise based at Durness, undertaking
recycling and waste collection facilities at harbours and ports. regular beach cleans, developing methodical scientific approaches to
understanding marine rubbish, and experimenting with ways in
Moray Firth Partnership, working with Scottish charities and local which plastics can be recycled.
coastal partnerships, developed SCRAPbook (2018 - 2020). This
undertook aerial survey of coastal rubbish and pollution. In 2017 the Beach clean ups are organised by a number of community groups,
Partnership organised several beach cleans at Fortrose, Ardersier and including Ullapool Sea Savers, Scottish Wildlife Trust Living Seas and
at Newhall Point supported by Lifescan Scotland staff. the John Muir Trust.
Ullapool marine conference
The HEF marine
conference ‘Sea Life,
Our Life’ was held in
Ullapool in 2018.
This was organised a
a result of a number
of meetings of the
HEF marine litter
working group, which
was established
following two Forum
meetings on marine
issues. Details can be
found on the Forum
website.
Photographs by High Life Highland ranger, Jenny Grant, who
worked with local children to create the atrium exhibition.
18Living Seas, Ullapool was successful in getting European
Leader funding towards a boat for remote beach cleans Ullapool Sea Savers and Living Seas
and which they hope can be used for taking wheelchair
users to sea.
Surfers Against Sewage on Skye successfully fundraised to
purchase a secondhand boat in 2019 to help remove
plastic waste from inaccessible parts of the Skye coastline,
and is also exploring the possibility of creating a plastic
reprocessing plant on the island.
High Life Highland rangers organise, and assist
communities with organising, regular beach litter cleans.
The rangers contribute to the national RSPB beached bird
survey each February. Throughout the year they report,
Ullapool Sea Savers (above) and the They presented alongside Noel
and encourage the public to report, stranded cetaceans Scottish Wildlife Trust Living Seas Hawkins, Living Seas, at the Ullapool
through the Scottish Marine Animals Stranding Scheme work closely together to highlight the marine conference in 2018.
(SMASS) scheme whose vets can examine cause of death. importance of marine species.
The Sea Savers also enjoy the chance
Highland Council has an action plan to reduce the use of The banner below of seagrass wildlife to learn snorkelling, as part of the
single use plastic. was created by the Sea Savers in Living Seas work.
association with
artist Alice
Mikietyn
The Sea Savers
were early, and
successful,
campaigners
against the use
of plastic straws.
1912. Improve Protection for Seabed Habitats
Project suggestions - Contribute to discussions on inshore fisheries
management measures within the Marine Protected Areas to help
protect fragile seabed habitats. Salmon lice
At present this is being undertaken by Scottish Government via
Scottish Natural Heritage’s consultation on, and designation of, A salmon mark and recapture project was run
Marine Protected Areas. by Lochaber Fisheries Trust, in relation to lice
treatment.
There are also a number of voluntary groups campaigning for better
protection of seabed habitats including: Fisheries Trusts across the Highlands have
been carrying out salmon mark and recapture
• Scottish Wildlife Trust, Living Seas in order to better understand populations and
fish migration.
• South Skye Seas Initiative
West Sutherland Fisheries Trust carried out a
• Ullapool Sea Savers sea trout tracking survey of Loch Laxford. This
showed that that only 5% of sea trout migrated
out of Loch Laxford and into more open
coastal waters, and that the population is
concentrated in a shallow, tidal, estuarine area
13. Aquaculture forward planning between the mouth of the river and where it
opens out into the deeper sea loch.
Project suggestions - Contribute to the consultations on the
Highland Aquaculture Strategy.
The Highland Aquaculture Strategy was updated in 2016.
20Sand dune conservation and restoration 14. Species Reintroductions
Project suggestions – Contribute to discussions on, and encourage
Forest and Land Scotland research into the reintroduction of species e.g. beaver, lynx.
are removing plantation
from the dune system at Beavers were given legal protection in May 2019, following
Morrich More near Tain successful reintroduction trials by the Scottish Wildlife Trust (in
in a trial to see if this partnership with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and Forest
enables a mobile dune and Land Scotland) in Knapdale, and independent colonisation of the
system to re-establish. River Tay catchment.
Previous restoration
attempts had failed Both RSPB and the Scottish Wildlife Trust sit on the the National
because the plantation Species Reintroduction Forum Lynx sub-group.
had led to a build up of
needles and leaves, creating ideal conditions for woodland
plants, but not for sand dune species.The 2020 restoration and translocations . . .
method involves removing the trees and scrub and scraping
and burying the plant litter layer to leave a bare sand surface, Reds on the move
which will hopefully support the rare vegetation that is special
to these dunes. Translocation of squirrels to new locations in NW Highlands was
first undertaken by Roy Dennis at Dundonnell in 2008 and at
RSPB have secured LIFE funding to Alladale and Loch Broom in 2012. Translocations have also been
remove invasive species and tree
undertaken by Trees for Life, who have released 170 squirrels so
regeneration from the
mobile dunes and shingle far, across seven sites in the Wester Ross area – Ben Shieldaig,
systems at Culbin. Coulin Estate, Plockton, Inverewe Gardens, Attadale, Letterewe
and the Reraig peninsula – as well as at Spinningdale in Sutherland
and further south at the Ardtornish Estate at Lochaline on the
Morvern peninsula.
The hope is that expanding red squirrel distribution to create
‘island’ populations will give protection from grey squirrel and
squirrelpox expansion.
Coul Links sand dune system will
continue to be an area of Woodland sites of 200ha+ are chosen for release. Volunteers
international natural importance, provide the squirrels with food for the first few months and also
after an application to create a golf monitor them. Translocations have proven successful, with young
course was refused following a
Public Enquiry.
squirrels sighted, and reports of squirrels far beyond their original
release sites – including having travelled over open ground to
colonise new woodland – the furthest being approx 15km from
Shieldaig to Torridon.
2115. Manage Road Verges for Wildlife
North Highland Twinflower project
Project suggestions – Raise awareness of the benefits of ‘untidy’
Despite its Red Data Book listing as verges, identify best verges and monitor cutting regimes, reduce
“Least Concern” (Jeffings & Farrell hedge cutting to every three years, encourage the creation of
2005), the precarious status of woodpiles using timber from roadside tree management.
twinflower in northern Scotland was
highlighted by work started in the late During the previous Highland Biodiversity Action Plan the
1990’s. Further work has shown that Caithness Biodiversity Group worked successfully with Highland
past multi-plant populations have Council to pilot a project to enhance the wildflower interest of a
become fragmented and have small selection of verges. The group found that the public varied
dwindled to a few or one individual in their response to the project. There were letters of complaint
and very few extant patches support about perceived safety and tidiness to the local newspaper and
more than one plant. Where more signs stolen and thrown into ditches, but there were also requests
than one plant is present they tend to be closely related. This for more verges to be included. This project involved less than 1%
means the chances of seed production are very low. Twinflower is of the total length of the Caithness verges and was funded by the
a long lived woodland perennial with specific requirements, such Dounreay Community Fund.
as light levels. Recent genotyping work has shown that all the
plants tested so far in Scotland are unique clones, countering the A cab manual was produced highlighting the best way to manage
speculation that some plants, (e.g. at Culbin) had been moved the mowing county wide. This was to be used as reference by the
during twentieth century forestry operations. machine operators. There was an attempt to keep the verge
project going beyond the stage of being a pilot, but it has
The North Highland Twinflower Project (north and been beset with problems.The main contact in Highland
west of Loch Moy) has begun to re-establish seed Council left, and the other main contact was on extended
Mountain leave. Some roads were cut as required but some farmers
producing populations by planting a minimum of six
clones at locations that are suitable both in terms of Avens cut verges, usually in the middle of summer, despite the
woodland condition and their long term management. signage.
This follows work in the CNPA initiated by the CNPA/ The John Muir
SNH/University of Aberdeen Cairngorms Rare Plants Trust Nevis Due to local authority budget pressures road verges no
Project, and is following the best practice guidance of estate is assisting longer have as many cuts, so there is an increase in the
geneticists at Forest Research and University of with a mountain number of wild flowers. It looks like a success can be
Edinburgh. To date new populations have been avens made of verge management but it requires continued
planted at Aigas in Inverness-shire, Ledmore & Migdale introduction raising of awareness with land managers and support
project in from Highland Council.
in Sutherland, and Culbo on the Black Isle, with further Cumbria where
sites planned as planting material becomes available. they are much Lochaber Biodiversity Group carried out a wildflower
rarer. verge survey in 2018.
The project is managed by volunteers in liaison with
and/or the support of SNH, FR, FLS, TfL and land
owning bodies (WTS, Alladale) and individuals.
2216. Wildflower Creation & Management
Project suggestions – Train HC staff Balmacara species-rich meadows
No Highland Council staff training has taken place, however:
There have been several projects in the north Highlands. High Life
Highland rangers actively manage a Highland Council owned site at
Farr Glebe, North Sutherland for great Yellow Bumblebee and lead
on the management of a council-owned site at Dunnet for small blue
butterflies.
Rangers lead on a 7-year project involving the Junior Ardersier &
Petty Environmental Society and the local community to assist a
small, isolated and vulnerable small blue butterfly colony at Fort
George to expand its range on to Ardersier Common. The rangers are
involved with a number of other community projects, such as
wildflower bed creation at the Ullapool allotments.
Lochaber Biodiversity Group has undertaken a survey, training day Crofts form about 75% of the NTS Balmacara Estate, with
83 registered crofts in eight crofting townships. The
and awareness–raising work at wildflower meadows of national
majority of in-bye croft land is still worked worked, and
importance on Glen Roy croft land owned by Forest and Land crofters continue to rear cattle and make hay and silage.
Scotland who undertook to engage further with tenants and advise
on any grants that might be available to protect the meadows. The NTS recognises the importance of these traditional croft
group has also written a number of articles and created information practices in retaining species rich grasslands and since
sheets about wildflower meadows and road verge management. 2006 has run the Traditional Croft Management Scheme,
which gives financial support to crofters in the three
In Caithness, Forest and Land Scotland is creating meadows at townships of Drumbuie, Duirinish & Plockton who carry
Sibster & working with SRUC to identify other sites where this could out rotational cropping and rearing cattle on their crofts.
be undertaken in conjunction with conservation grazing.
The scheme has been successful, and Balmacara
Caithness Biodiversity Group and Merkinch LNR have run meadows continue to support tufted vetch,
wildflower training courses. meadowsweet, valerian to ox-eye daisy, several species
of orchid and many more flowering plants and grasses.
The Nevis Landscape Partnership has held several training days on
subjects as diverse as wild flowers, butterflies and moths, lichens
and winter twig identification.
23Pollinator perfection chequered skipper was increased from a handful of sites to 25,
both on and off the national forest estate. This has been
undertaken for 5 years, and provisional results suggest that at
The Scottish Pollinator Strategy was approved in 2017 and the present the skipper is doing better at sites away from the forest
Highland biodiversity conference that year focussed on estate. However the survey work will be used to inform
pollinators. management of the sites, which could address this.
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust Choreutis diana is a very rare micro moth
works with local groups and only ever known in the UK from Glen Affric.
communities to encourage the Prior to targeted surveys in 2019 by Butterfly
conservation of the great yellow Conservation it was only recently known from
bumblebee. They also run BeeWalk, a around a handful of birch trees around the top
citizen science project monitoring car park, but nis ow recorded at 6 locations in
bumblebees, and providing training the glen over about 10km. Butterfly
courses on identifying bumblebee Conservation also held a very well attended
centenary survey in the glen looking for adults
species.
exactly one hundred years to the day that the
moth was first discovered in the UK.
The small Blue Butterfly Project in
Caithness is working at three known There is ongoing survey work of Kentish glory
colonies on the north coast – Scrabster, by Butterfly Conservation in partnership with
Dunnet bay and Castlehill. See article the rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms. Using
‘Kidneys for small blues’ for details. pheromone lures, the project has found the
moth to be more widespread, with the discovery that some
Chequered skipper is only found in western Scotland, and former haunts are still occupied and of several new sites.
concentrated from North Argyll to Spean Bridge/Roy Bridge and
Morvern. Populations are found along the river valleys in areas of The British Dragonfly Society Bog Squad undertook habitat
luxuriant purple moor grass. improvement work in Glen Affric. Peat was used to block up
drainage channels to create linear pools and additional pools
Butterfly Conservation created a model of where chequered were made (approx 3m X 2m X 50cm deep) where the peat was
skipper might be expected to be found that suggested that the dug to create the dam. To date 18 ditches have been blocked
butterfly might be under–recorded by 80%. Surveys were and 9 new pools have been created this way, and the intention is
undertaken by volunteers over 3 years and expanded the known to continue to create pools that will begin to link Glen Affric to
distribution of chequered skipper by 42%, giving 104 new other areas.
squares in which the butterfly had been seen.
The continued protection of the Coul Links dune system is
In addition to this citizen science survey, monitoring of important for many species, including lepidoptera.
24Kidneys for small blues At the Dunnet Bay dune marram grass has been
cut and removed to favour the growth of kidney
This is a project run jointly by Caithness vetch. Kidney vetch plugs were planted
Biodiversity Group, Butterfly Conservation alongside the path and in hollow places.
Scotland, Caithness Countryside Volunteers and
In the quarry site at Castlehill, Castletown the
the Highland Council to encourage kidney
vetch loves the rocky barer ground formed out
vetch for small blue butterflies. The aim is to
of quarry spoil from the old flagstone works but
improve their habitat, which has suffered from
there is formation of new soils and
encroachment by shrubs and mosses, raise
encroachment of weed species. One section of
awareness of their existence, and plan for their
old quarry face is particularly favoured by the
future.
small blue, but needed to be protected from the
Kidney vetch seed is collected by volunteers spread of cotoneaster and Chinese bramble as
and then grown on by a local nursery. The plant these are spreading throughout the site. A
plugs are then put on sites at Scrabster, contractor cleared these woody species from
Castletown and Dunnet Bay. Other flowering here and a nearby roundabout and the group
plants will be planted to enhance the habitat for then planted kidney vetch plug. The group,
other butterfly and bee species. working with the Caithness Countryside
Volunteers, continues to improve the habitat at
In 2015 the project received funding the quarry face and also the roundabout
from the Landfill Communities Fund areas. They continue to monitor the
and Dunnet Bay Distillery. This allowed small blue and grow kidney vetch plugs
the expansion of the project to three for planting out.
sites, and was also used to fund an
awareness raising weekend with The longer term aim is to try and link the
support from Butterfly Conservation sites up by creating new patches of
Scotland. habitat in between the sites, which
would make the overall population far
The group planted kidney vetch at more robust and reliant against threats
Scrabster harbour adjacent to a small like climate change. The project is
blue butterfly site and erected an ongoing in 2020
interpretive panel. The vetch took well
to the site and small blue have used the
plants
2517. Improve ecological input to the local planning
process The Lochaber Biodiversity Group campaigned against the
Project suggestions – Ensure the Highland–wide development plan development of a hydro–electric scheme at the Allt Mhuic Butterfly
protects and enhances biodiversity. Make sure supplementary Reserve, which is of longstanding importance for the chequered
guidance forms part of development briefs, ensure green networks skipper butterfly. The application was refused by planners, but this
are part of larger developments. Develop offsetting policies and was overturned by Highland Councillors at appeal. A hydro-electric
action. Train/mentor HC planning staff. scheme is now being developed.
The two Highland Council ecological surveyors are supporting There are ongoing internal discussions within Highland Council to
planning officers by providing advice and support for construction ensure natural, built and cultural policies are in place and fit for
and maintenance projects. They have worked on at least 80 purpose. There is a need to focus on delivery of the agreed policies –
projects, ranging from large scale e.g. West link Phase 1& 2; but there is a lack of capacity to progress this unless additional
Smithton and Culloden Flood Prevention Scheme; bridge resources are made available. Highland Council will continue to
replacement at Cawdor to smaller scale maintenance projects e.g. explore the possibility of Biodiversity offsetting as a positive planning
bat discovery during re–roofing council houses and hazard tree tool.
surveys in woodland.
Bat identification and management training was given to planners in
the north team in 2019. Highland rivers in European study
RSPB, John Muir Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Natural The UHI Rivers and Lochs Institute is a partner in AMBER
Heritage and SEPA comment on many planning applications each (Adaptive Management of Barriers in European Rivers) with a
year, with the aim of improving outcomes for biodiversity. particular focus on the Upper Garry (River Ness). UHI
researchers looked at habitats, biodiversity and historical
records to understand the river system in more detail, and
suggest ways in which management could be adapted to
overcome present river barriers.
Rural Diffuse Pollution The AMBER website hosts the European Barrier Atlas with a
staggering 630,000 records collected by researchers and
SEPA staff provide advice to farmers and land managers on through their citizen science app. However researchers estimate
reducing diffuse pollution, particularly in priority catchments that the real number of barriers is likely to be around 1.2 million
and focus areas. These include buffer strips, farm wetland An article on this work was published in Nature.
construction, fencing off river corridors, etc. In 2018 this
work was carried out in some areas of the Cromarty The work undertaken by AMBER will inform the development of
catchment. freshwater management policies, including the EU Biodiversity
Strategy, which aims to reconnect at least 25,000km of Europe’s
rivers by 2030.
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