1

Review

of the

Skye & Lochalsh

Biodiversity Action Plan

2003 – 2014

A report to the

Skye & Lochalsh Environment Forum

by

Ro Scott

May 2015

2

Contents Page

Highlights – A selection of successful projects 3

1. Introduction 4

2. Analysis of projects 6

3. Changes since 2003 10

4. Gaps and opportunities 15

5. Cross-cutting issues 33

6. Where to next? 36

Appendix 1 38

Throughout the document, direct quotes from the original 2003 Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Action Plan are shown in a smaller typeface.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to current members of the Skye & Lochalsh Environment Forum

(SLEF) Biodiversity sub-Group for their enthusiastic input to this review (Roger Cottis,

Louise Love, James Merryweather and John Phillips) and to others who supplied

information or commented on a draft (Giles Brockman FCS, Alison Mclennan RSPB,

Andrew McBride SNH, Brian Neath South-West Ross Field Club and Alex Turner SNH).

Thanks are also due to Jonathan Willet (Highland Council Biodiversity Officer) for

funding and managing the contract.

Author Ms Ro Scott BA, MSc, CEnv., MCIEEM, Peddieston Cottage, Cromarty, IV11 8XX. ro.scott@care4free.net

3

Ten Years of the Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Action Plan

*** Highlights ***

(in no particular order)

SLEF established - website, posters and postcards produced

Community Outreach Officer employed for two years

‘Skye & Lochalsh Wildlife’ leaflet produced

Mink monitoring project undertaken

Action taken against Japanese knotweed

Moth ID training undertaken

User-friendly Seashore Guide produced

Slug identification evening held

Lever & Mulch Rhododendron eradication course held

Black-throated Diver rafts installed on Loch Cluanie

Biodiversity Day held at Balmacara

Sedge identification day held on Raasay

4

1. Introduction

The Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Action Plan was first published in December 2003, as

one of seven Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) produced for the Highland

Council area, under the auspices of the Highland Biodiversity Project 2002-05. The

Plan was drafted, with assistance from Janet Bromham (Highland Biodiversity Officer),

by the Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Group (SLBG), whose then members represented

the following organisations, interests and localities:

John Bannister Crofting Scottish Crofting Foundation Kylerhea Jryna Batters Community groups Sluggans Woodland Snizort Deborah Bogenhuber Tourism White Wave Activities Kilmuir Dr Stephen Bungard Ecology & recording BSBI Raasay Jed Carter (Chairman) Independent Waterstein David Glover Land owning NFUS & SLF Inverinate Diana Holt Education NTS Ranger Service Kintail Angus McHattie Marine & crofting Breakish Dr Alison MacLennan Wildlife & geology RSPB Scotland Broadford Colin Parsons Woodland Fernaig Community Trust Achmore John Phillips Education Highland Council Ranger Service

Broadford

(BSBI: Botanical Society of the British Isles, NFUS: National Farmers Union (Scotland), NTS: National Trust for Scotland, RSPB: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, SLF: Scottish Landowners Federation)

During the subsequent twelve-year period, several different funding regimes (e.g.

Highland BAP Implementation Programme 2005-06; Communities Project for Highland

Biodiversity 2006-09) have enabled the Group and its successor organisation, the Skye

and Lochalsh Environment Forum (SLEF) to undertake approximately 30 biodiversity

projects in Skye & Lochalsh.

An interim review of all the Highland BAPs was undertaken by the EnviroCentre consultancy in 2006, producing an Implementation Plan for 2006-09 consisting of four suggested projects ((i) Japanese knotweed control, (ii) Lochalsh and South Skye Butterfly Survey, (iii)

Birds and bat boxes associated with buildings, and (iv) Reducing mammal casualties on roads.) Two of these ((i) and (iii)) were taken forward. After twelve years of progress and many changes in the legislative and policy context for biodiversity work in Scotland, it was considered timely to undertake an overall review of the achievements of the Skye & Lochalsh LBAP since its beginnings in 2003, and look to the future.

The contract brief included the following elements:

a) Briefly summarise each of the projects carried out by SLEF and others

since 2003 and their relevance to the Skye and Lochalsh Biodiversity

Objectives in the Action Plan.

5

b) Identify the main gaps where action has been inadequate for the broad

balanced coverage of habitats and species.

c) Suggest future projects or series of actions that could be undertaken to

enhance the biodiversity of Skye and Lochalsh.

d) Provide a table of biodiversity related legislative and policy changes since

2003.

6

2. Analysis of projects

This Chapter considers only to those projects carried out by the Skye & Lochalsh

Biodiversity Group (SLBG) and its successor, SLEF. Because of the number and

complexity of biodiversity-related projects carried out by the multiplicity of other

organisations operating in Skye & Lochalsh, it was not possible to subject these to the

same levels of analysis. They are summarised, as far as was possible within the

constraints of the contract, in Appendix 1 (p. 38).

The projects carried out by SLBG/SLEF were analysed according to four different

aspects: taxonomic group; habitat category; geographical area (by Community Council);

and functional type of project. Results are summarised on pp. 8/9 in the form of pie

charts. This analysis used merely the number of projects, with each project scoring 1

for each category to which it applied. Consequently in some categories the total score

may be greater than the number of projects. It was not possible to do the analysis using

costings because this information was not available for all projects.

2.1 Taxonomic groups

Birds

Mammals

Fish

Invertebrates

Higher plants

Lower plants

Fungi

The majority of projects (13) covered multiple taxonomic groups. This was largely

because most projects were concerned with raising awareness of biodiversity generally,

or in a particular environment e.g. marine biodiversity, and did not pick out particular

taxa for attention. Of those which did, four projects concerned higher plants, three each

for invertebrates and birds, and two each for mammals and herptiles. There were no

SBG/SLEF projects covering fish, lower plants, or fungi.

2.2 Habitat category

The habitat categories used are those which form the chapter headings in the original

Skye & Lochalsh BAP:

Sea & Coast

Freshwater

In-bye Croft and Farm Land

Woodland

Mountain & Moorland

The Built Environment

Thirteen projects covered multiple habitat categories. Excluding these, six projects

involved the marine environment (Sea & Coast), three each for freshwater and

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woodland, two for the built environment and one for in-bye croft and farm land. If the

multiple-habitat score of 13 is added to each of the other habitats, this gives a much

more even split with between 13 (for Mountain and Moor, which had no habitat-specific

projects, but was covered by the general ones) and 19 for Sea & Coast.

2.3 Community Council area

Community Council areas were chosen as the measure of geographical coverage of the

LBAP because they each contain one or more human settlements, plus an area of less

densely populated hinterland. The Skye & Lochalsh LBAP area includes 23 Community

Councils:

Braes Broadford & Strath Dornie and District Dunvegan Glendale Glenelg & Arnisdale Kilmuir Kyle

Kyleakin & Kylerhea Lochalsh Loch Duich Minginish Plockton Portree Raasay Sconser

Skeabost Sleat Staffin Stromeferry Struan Uig Waternish

Nine projects were Skye & Lochalsh-wide, and deemed to cover all community Council areas. Otherwise, the areas with the most projects were those containing the main towns, or with significant community-based activity (i.e. Broadford and Strath 5 projects, Sleat 3 and Portree 2). Dunvegan, Glenelg & Arnisdale, Lochalsh, Loch Duich, Raasay, Skeabost and Stromeferry had one project each. The remaining 13 Community Council areas were not the focus of any specific projects. Five projects were not geographically –based and CC area was not applicable (e.g. websites, posters etc.).

2.4 Functional type

biodiversity audit

education and awareness-raising

habitat creation (none in this category)

habitat or species management

interpretation (none in this category)

The vast majority of projects (22) were concerned with education and awareness-

raising. Seven projects involved biodiversity audit, and six habitat or species

management. There were no projects involving habitat creation or interpretation.

(These categories have been used in reviews of two other Highland LBAPs.)

Birds

Mammals

Reptiles & amphibians

Invertebrates

Higher plants

Multi-taxa

NUMBER OF PROJECTS BY TAXONOMIC GROUP

3

2

13 2

Sea & Coast

Freshwater

In-bye Croft and Farm Land

WoodlandThe Built

Environment

Multi-habitat

NUMBER OF PROJECTS BY HABITAT CATEGORY

13

6

3

1

32

3

4

9

Broadford & Strath

Dunvegan

Glenelg & Arnisdale

Lochalsh

Loch Duich

Portree

RaasaySkeabost

Sleat

Stromeferry

S&L-wide (all CCs)

PROJECTS BY COMMUNITY COUNCIL AREA (EXCLUDING THOSE WITH NONE)

5

1

1

1

1

2

113

1

Biodiversity audit

Education and awareness-

raising

Habitat or species

management

NUMBER OF PROJECTS BY FUNCTIONAL TYPE

22

76

9

3. Changes since 2003

3.1 General

Table 1 (pp.13/14) summarises changes to biodiversity-related legislation and policy

since 2003. It is not a comprehensive list, but illustrates the extent to which the

background to biodiversity work is constantly evolving.

In the twelve years since the Skye & Lochalsh BAP was published, considerable

progress has been made across the board, (from Directives of the European

Community to the responsibilities of the Highland Council), in integrating consideration

for biodiversity into mainstream policy and legislation. This means that many of the

areas of work initially identified for action in the Skye & Lochalsh BAP are now being

taken forward by organisations such as SEPA, FCS, SNH and Marine Scotland

(established in 2010).

In more general terms there has been, over the past ten years, a growing appreciation

of the value of the natural world to human society in terms of the services it provides,

including its contribution to human health and wellbeing. Even the Scottish

Government’s Economic Strategy (2011) mentions the importance of a high quality

environment to the tourism and food and drink sectors of Scotland’s economy1.

Similarly, knowledge of the natural environment and biodiversity is increasing all the

time. The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway now contains over 100 million

species records but, as with most of the Highland area, there is still plenty more to be

discovered about the biodiversity of Skye & Lochalsh. The availability of high(er) speed

broadband means that access to the huge online knowledge base is available to people

in areas previously considered remote.

Whilst there have been positive gains in terms of species re-introductions, with sea

eagles and red kites now resident in the Highlands, the appearance of southern species

(jays, speckled wood and ringlet butterflies) arriving under their own steam indicates

that climate change is already exerting an impact on the Highland environment.

The pressure to ameliorate the consequences of climate change by investing in

renewable energy technologies has been an increasing source of conflict in the

Highlands, with the establishment of numerous onshore wind farms, micro-hydro

schemes and the prospect of large offshore renewables developments in the near

1 Scottish Government Economic Strategy (2011) Scottish Government, Edinburgh. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/13091128/0

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future. It is difficult to evaluate whether the long-term effect of these developments in

mitigating climate change will offset their more immediate perceived impacts on local

biodiversity.

The emphasis in the ‘2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity’ is on moving towards

landscape-scale approaches rather than discrete actions for individual species and

habitats. This approach is reflected in the publication of, for example, ‘Scotland’s

Natural Capital Index’2 by SNH.

3.2 Skye & Lochalsh

At the 2011 census the population of Skye & Lochalsh3 was 13,114 people of whom

10,0084 (76%) were living on Skye. This represents an increase of 8% over the 2001

figure of 9,2325 for Skye and 12,136 for S&L combined. This upward population trend is

likely to increase pressures for housing and infrastructure development.

A great deal of what happens on the land, in terms of management, is determined by

the motivations of its owners, as influenced by financial incentives offered by

Government. Skye & Lochalsh has a mixed tenure pattern, with some large estates

(e.g. Eilean Iarmain; MacLeod Estates), some not-for profit owners (e.g. National trust

for Scotland; John Muir Trust) and some community groups (e.g. Kyle & Lochalsh

Community Trust and Sleat Community Trust (owning Tormore community forest)).

Superimposed on these is the pattern of smaller croft holdings, organised into

townships.

There are currently two ‘large’ commercial wind farms in Skye (Edinbane and Ben

Aketil) and many smaller renewable energy installations belonging to individual farms,

crofts or commercial premises. The large applications will have been subject to

Environmental Impact Assessments which will have involved gathering data on the flora

and fauna of the areas affected. It is regrettable that because of ‘commercial

confidentiality’ this information is not routinely submitted to national and local recording

schemes. At Ben Aketil a continuing programme of bird monitoring is in place. These

wind farms contribute money into community funds, which have been used for a variety

of purposes, including footpath repairs (Edinbane). Presumably such funds could also

2 http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B814140.pdf 3 http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/695/council_information_performance_and_statistics/165/highland_profile_-_key_facts_and_figures/2 4 http://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/documents/censusresults/release1c/rel1c2sb.pdf 5 http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/census/censushm/occpapers/occasional-paper-10/index.html

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be used for biodiversity projects, if there was anyone resident locally who could take the

lead?

The number of different kinds of fish farms in Skye & Lochalsh has also increased

during the past 12 years. The ‘Scotland’s Aquaculture’ website6 gives the following

totals for Skye & Lochalsh:

Active Inactive

Seawater finfish sites 14 9

Freshwater finfish sites 3 2

Shellfish sites 12 2

The proliferation of fish farms continues to be a cause of concern to SLEF in relation to

their environmental impact.

Research into archaeology and environmental history (e.g. the High Pasture Cave

project7; or the summary of Skye’s archaeology given here8) is increasing our

understanding of how the Skye & Lochalsh environment was used by humans in the

past. Such researches tend to indicate that long-standing anthropogenic effects on the

landscape and biodiversity are more prevalent and pervasive than was previously

thought.

6 http://aquaculture.scotland.gov.uk/default.aspx 7 http://www.high-pasture-cave.org/ 8 http://www.skyecomuseum.co.uk/archaeology-history.php

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Table 1: Biodiversity-related legislative and policy changes since 2003

Date Item Main implications for biodiversity

2003 EU Water Framework Directive implemented via UK legislation

SEPA given statutory responsibility to produce River Basin Management Plans, setting environmental quality objectives for all water bodies.

2004 Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act Imposition of ‘biodiversity duty’ on public bodies. Enhanced protection and management of SSSIs. Inception of Scottish Biodiversity List.

2004 Publication of ‘Scotland’s Biodiversity: it’s in your hands’

Post-devolution strategy for the conservation of biodiversity in Scotland.

2004 Inception of Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Promoting a responsible attitude on the part of access-takers and providers. Set up Local Access Fora to resolve problems.

2005 Publication of Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Global assessment of the state of the world’s ecosystems and their capacity to continue to sustain human life.

2005 Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Regulations (CAR)

Greater statutory control of activities impacting upon the water environment.

2005 Formal designation of Candidate SACs

Scottish sites added to European list, ceasing to be ‘candidate’ SACs.

2006 Production of Highland-wide BAP, by EnviroCentre consultancy

Highland-wide and Area Implementation Plans, plus framework for biodiversity conservation.

2006 Highland Forest and Woodland Strategy published by THC

Strategic guidance on the location of forestry and woodlands in Highland.

2006 Scottish Forestry Strategy published by FCS

Including target to increase Scotland’s woodland cover from 17.1% to about 25% of land area.

2006 Establishment of British National Wildlife Crime Unit in Scotland

Potential for more effective action against wildlife crime.

2006 Publication of ‘Planning to Halt the Loss of Biodiversity’ by British Standards Institution

Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2010 for land use and spatial planning in terrestrial, coastal and freshwater environments.

2007 Review of UK BAP Number of priority species increased from <600 to 1150, and number of priority habitats increased from 49 to 65

2007 Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Group (STAG) paper

Prioritisation of species targeted for work in each Highland BAP area.

2007 SRDP supersedes Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS)

Specific ‘packages’ of measures made available, targeted at biodiversity priorities for particular habitats and species.

2007 Start of SNH Species Action Framework (to run until 2012)

Targeted management for 32 species (including UKBAP priorities red squirrel, wildcat, freshwater pearl mussel etc.)

2007 Publication of 'Conserving Biodiversity – the UK Approach'

Sets framework for post-devolution biodiversity work.

2007 Move to Local Authority Single Outcome Agreements

Funding for Local Authorities’ statutory responsibility for biodiversity routed directly from Scottish Government, rather than via SNH grants.

2008 First report on 'The Economics of Ecosystems & Biodiversity (TEEB)'

Recognition of the hidden economic values of biodiversity worldwide.

2008 Scottish Fisheries Council established

Developing Strategies for sustainable management of scallops, crabs and lobsters.

2008 Publication of ‘Scotland’s Wild Deer - a National Approach’

A national strategy for deer management in Scotland.

2009 Environmental Liability Directive implemented in Scotland

Enforces ‘polluter pays’ principle for damage to European habitats and species, and water quality under WFD. SNH, SEPA and Marine Scotland are the ‘competent authorities’.

2010 Deer Commission for Scotland combined with SNH

Potential for better integration of deer and natural heritage management.

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2010 Marine Scotland Act Marine Scotland set up as an agency within the Scottish Government. Extension of statutory Planning process to the marine environment; responsibility for designating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Increased protection for seals.

2010 Inshore Fisheries Groups established

Skye & Lochalsh covered by North-West Inshore Fisheries Group. Inshore Fisheries Management Plan produced.

2010 Review of Highland-wide BAP Reviewed for the period 2010-13.

2011 Fisheries Management and Conservation Group replaces Scottish Fisheries Council

Management of scallop, crab and lobster stocks separated from marketing.

2011 Wildlife & Natural Environment (WANE) Act

Changes to species protection and licensing. More rigorous approach to invasive non-native species. Licensing for out-of-season muirburn. Public bodies’ statutory reporting on biodiversity duty.

2011 UK National Ecosystem Assessment published

Assessment of the state of the UK’s ecosystems and their capacity to continue to sustain human life.

2011 Scotland’s Land-use Strategy Strategic approach to sustainable land-use in Scotland.

2011 Revised Muirburn Code issued Advice on regulation of muirburn under WANE Act.

2011 Scottish Government issues ‘2020 Renewables Routemap’

Commitment to generate 100% of electricity demand equivalent from renewables by 2020.

2011 Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations

Rationalising the approach to EIA embodied in previous EU Directives and Regulations.

2011 Online ‘Biodiversity Planning Toolkit’ introduced

Easy-access guidance to biodiversity advice for Planners http://www.biodiversityplanningtoolkit.com/

2011 Highland Council issue ‘Highland’s Statutorily Protected Species – supplementary guidance’

Guidance for developers on how to deal with protected species on site.

2011 Publication of Scottish Government Information Note on ‘Applying an ecosystems approach to land use’

A step towards delivery of the Land Use Strategy http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/16083740/1

2011 Publication of report by IUCN UK Peatland Commission of Inquiry

Recognising the importance of (particularly) Scotland’s peatlands in carbon sequestration (amongst other things).

2012 Publication of the 'UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework'

Supersedes 'Conserving Biodiversity – the UK Approach' (2007); UKBAP website archived.

2012 Report of Woodland Expansion Advisory Group published

Advice on how target for 25% woodland cover may be achieved.

2012 Implementation of 2010 Crofting Reform Act

Regulation of crofting passes from Crofters’ Commission to new Crofting Commission.

2013 Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project begins

3-year Highland-wide project to raise awareness of coastal and marine biodiversity.

2013 Publication of the ‘2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity’

Revised biodiversity strategy for Scotland. Emphasis on ‘joined-up thinking’ re ecosystem services, health etc.

2013 Publication of ‘State of Nature’ report

Report on the state of UK habitats and species by 25 conservation and research organisations.

2013 FCS publish ‘Native Woodland Survey of Scotland’

Survey of all native woodlands larger than 0.5ha.

2014 3rd National Planning Framework published

Scottish Government’s long-term vision for spatial development over the next 20-30 years.

2014 Publication of National Marine Plan http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/3409/0

2015 Start of new SRDP

New schemes open for applications March 2015. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/SRDP20142012

2015 Review of Highland-wide BAP Highland BAP 2015-20 launched.

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4. Gaps and opportunities

Appendix 1 (pp. 38-70) tabulates the achievements made against the original

biodiversity objectives, key issues and suggested future actions, for Skye & Lochalsh

generally, and for each of the six major habitat categories identified in the Skye &

Lochalsh BAP. Whilst the information on SLBG and SLEFBG projects is thought to be

complete, that on the activities of other organisations has been obtained from the

knowledge of Group members, by e-mailing relevant organisations and by online

searching. It is unlikely to be comprehensive. The results are qualitative rather than

quantitative, since statistics (e.g. on population sizes for species, or hectarages for

habitats) are not readily available. The original LBAP objectives are in most cases

broad-ranging and not tightly specified. Given the scale and scope of biodiversity work

which now goes on, it was difficult to know where to draw the line in tabulating work

done by other organisations. The objectives were originally set as aspirations for all of

the partner organisations in their wider work, and not solely for work which could be

achieved through the SLBG.

Taking account of achievements to date and the changes in legislation and policy which

have occurred since 2003, opportunities are then presented for achieving biodiversity

gains for the six major habitat types in Skye & Lochalsh in the future. Project ideas

suggested by the contractor and by the SLEFBG were discussed at a meeting on 16 th

February 2016 and subsequently circulated in a consultation draft of this report.

4.1 Skye & Lochalsh-wide objectives

For Skye & Lochalsh generally, some contribution has been made by Group projects

towards achieving objectives within all of the categories, which were: sustainable habitat

management; maintain and improve biodiversity and publicise sources of funding; raise

awareness of biodiversity and improve access to information about it; and establish a

mechanism for delivering the Plan.

Of the proposed Actions, perhaps the most successful has been the establishment of

SLEF, as the organisation which takes forward the BAP and promotes environmental

activities generally in Skye & Lochalsh. An item of concern is that the Skye Data Atlas,

mentioned under the ‘proposed actions’ to address lack of information as the basis for

improving data-holdings on biodiversity in Skye & Lochalsh, is no longer available

online. Several copies are however available via the Highlife Highland Library service,

including one in Portree library.

16

Another particularly successful area has been actions against invasive non-native

species, with projects tackling Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron and American mink.

For the six habitats taken individually, Group projects have contributed more in some

categories than others. Because the different habitats have different numbers of

objectives, direct comparisons are difficult. The following summary can only be a crude

measure of relative achievement. The best match is in the ‘Freshwater’ habitat

category, where three of the four objectives were addressed by a total of 12 projects.

Conversely, despite it being the most widespread and extensive habitat in Skye &

Lochalsh, no projects at all were carried out within the ‘Mountain and Moor’ category.

Since much mountain and moorland is within agricultural use as hill grazings, its

management is, like that of in-bye croft and farm land, dependent on the prevailing agri-

environment scheme (during this period, RSS or SRDP).

Progress achieved within each habitat category is examined below. Each section is

intended to stand alone, so there is some repetition of information where it is relevant to

more than one habitat type.

4.2 Sea & coast

The original objectives and suggested actions were wide-ranging and aimed at

integrated and sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. The majority

of projects carried out by SLBG/SLEF were concerned with raising awareness and

increasing knowledge of marine and coastal biodiversity. This included producing a

series of posters downloadable from the SLEF website and a user-friendly seashore

guide, as well as organising various awareness-raising events.

Work towards the sustainable management of marine fisheries, and the designation of

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), now falls within the remit of Marine Scotland and SNH.

Marine Scotland published a ‘Marine Nature Conservation Strategy’ and ‘Scotland's

Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan’ in 2011. The latter summarises

the current state of knowledge of Scotland’s marine environment. The National Marine

Plan itself was published in 2014.

A number of initiatives, such as the Scottish Coastal Forum and Inshore Fisheries

Groups have been set up, and a revised edition of the Strategic Framework for Scottish

Aquaculture was published in 2009.

Following the Marine Scotland Act, one MPA (Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh) has been

designated in Skye & Lochalsh. Work has also been done on assessing the

contribution which existing protected areas make to the conservation of species and

habitats for which MPAs can be designated. These include the following Skye &

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Lochalsh BAP priority species: basking shark; minke whale; Risso’s dolphin; sea-loch

egg wrack, and priority habitats: horse mussel beds; maerl beds; and seagrass beds.

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

Unsustainability in the fishing and shellfish industries;

The environmental impacts of aquaculture;

Potential pollution and introduction of non-native species (in ballast water) via shipping traffic in

the Minch;

Pollution and litter

Gravel extraction, dumping and beach cleaning

Shellfish & bait gathering

Recreation and tourism

None of these has disappeared off the agenda in the intervening ten years, although

there are now more statutory mechanisms in place to address them. The creation of

Marine Scotland as a Scottish Government agency in 2010 means that there is now a

single agency with responsibility for achieving the sustainable management of the

marine environment, and the designation of Marine Protected Areas.

Opportunities for action by the SLEFBG are more likely to include awareness-raising,

biodiversity audit and perhaps small-scale habitat or species management projects.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007

recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area.

Those suggested for Skye & Lochalsh which occur in marine and coastal habitats were:

sea-loch egg wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii)9; basking shark; tall sea pen;

great yellow bumblebee; moss carder bee.

The 2007 review of the UKBAP added the species European eel, river lamprey, sea

lamprey, sea trout, salmon and the common toad (which breeds in brackish pools on

the coast) to the UK priority list, thus raising their profile for action. The habitat types

‘tide-swept channels’ and ‘file shell beds’ were also added.

9 For a recent review see Evans, I.M. (2013) Wig wrack Ascophyllum nodosum mackaii in the North-west Highlands: An Update. The Highland Naturalist, 9, 13-14.

18

Potential future projects:

a. There is still plenty of scope for biodiversity audit in the marine and coastal

environments, and for raising awareness of the biodiversity of these habitats, in

collaboration with the Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project.

b. Further survey and awareness-raising work on any of the priority species would

be valuable.

c. Attention could be directed to the potential for the arrival or spread of marine

invasives such as wireweed (Sargassum muticum) which is spreading up the

west coast (and has recently been found at Tarskavaig).

d. Awareness-raising of the problems caused by marine litter, perhaps with the

Marine Conservation Society.

e. Native oysters – need to raise awareness of their occurrence and protected status.

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4.3 Freshwater

Although the first of the four objectives (promote integrated catchment management)

was not addressed by SLBG/SLEF projects, the other three were (advice on

management; raising awareness; and encouraging recording).

SEPA now has statutory responsibility for water quality and for ground-water dependent

terrestrial ecosystems under the Water Framework Directive. This includes giving

regulatory advice for planning applications. SEPA also undertakes monitoring of

freshwater plants and macro-invertebrates, studies of fish ecology and distribution and

has established a methodology for identifying ground-water dependent ecosystems

(mires, bogs, fens etc.). Alien species surveys are carried out at routine sample sites,

particularly for Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron and American

mink. Surveillance is also maintained for plant pathogens such as Phytophthora on

blaeberries. Data collected are shared via the NBN Gateway and Scotland’s

Environment Web.

The British Dragonfly Society recently published a national (GB) dragonfly atlas, which

has included some fieldwork in Skye & Lochalsh by the Scottish recorder and others.

SNH has published a study on the vulnerability to hydro-electric schemes of bryophytes

living in gorges in the north-west Highlands10. This included all watercourses shown on

the Ordnance Survey 1:250,000 map series in Skye & Lochalsh. Many sites important

for their oceanic bryophytes were found.

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

Catchment management

Bankside vegetation

Invasive species

These are now subject to a greater degree of statutory control than in 2003, largely

because of the Water Framework Directive.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007

recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area.

10 Averis, A.B.G., Genney, D.R., Hodgetts, N.G., Rothero, G.P. & Bainbridge, I.P. (2012). Bryological

assessment for hydroelectric schemes in the West Highlands 2nd edition. Scottish Natural Heritage

Commissioned Report No.449b http://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and-

research/publications/search-the-catalogue/publication-detail/?id=1953

20

Those suggested for Skye & Lochalsh which occur in freshwater habitats were water

vole and freshwater pearl mussel.

The 2007 review of the UKBAP added ‘oligotrophic and dystrophic lochs’ to the list of

priority habitats, with Arctic charr, salmon, sea trout, common toad and black-throated

diver being added to the list of priority species.

Another issue of concern identified by the SLEFBG is:

Pearl mussels - moribund populations in rivers which have lost their salmonid

populations (see Info Box on p.21).

The freshwater pearl mussel was covered by SNH’s Species Action Framework 2005-

12. Unfortunately the present EU LIFE Project ‘Pearls in Peril’11 does not include any

rivers in Skye & Lochalsh. However, WWF publishes a handbook on restoring pearl

mussel streams, based on a similar LIFE project which took place in Sweden12.

A national survey has recently been undertaken which included the Skye rivers. The

report is due imminently. This should provide an update on the status of these

populations and management recommendations. Once that information is available

action may be possible if agreement can be reached with landowners and other

interested parties.

Potential future projects:

a. There is plenty of scope for further biodiversity audit in the freshwater

environment, particularly to map the distributions of priority (and other) species,

of fish and invertebrates, as well as water voles (in Lochalsh - not present in

Skye).

b. Management to restore salmonids to rivers which still have pearl mussel

populations in collaboration with the Skye Fisheries Trust.

11 http://www.pearlsinperil.org.uk/ 12 http://www.wwf.se/source.php/1257735/Restoration%20of%20FPM%20streams.pdf

21

FRESHWATER PEARL MUSSEL Information provided by James Merryweather

The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a rare bivalve mollusc, protected by

law, that has suffered dramatic declines over the past hundred years. It lives only in the cleanest

fast-flowing streams and rivers of which Skye & Lochalsh has plenty, but few support mussel

populations, none of which is thought to be in robust condition.

In Skye & Lochalsh, declines have two possible causes: 1. Illegal pearl fishing; 2. Fish farms.

Both currently constitute a significant threat to remaining colonies.

Freshwater pearl mussel larvae (glochidia) spend their first few months attached harmlessly to

the gills of young salmon and sea trout. The relationship of mollusc and fish is a classic

symbiosis in which freshwater pearl mussels are wholly dependent upon healthy fish populations

for protection and enhanced respiration early in their life cycle. If the fishes are absent, so

(eventually) will be the mussels.

Freshwater pearl mussels are long-lived: most over 50 years old and can live up to 210–250

years.13 Therefore, adults may survive wild salmonid losses for some time, but without hosts for

the glochidia to attach to, recruitment of juveniles fails and mussels are doomed to eventual

extinction.

On the west Highland coast, fish farms (Atlantic salmon) have been installed in almost every sea

loch into which flow burns and rivers that, under natural circumstances, have the potential to

support flourishing populations of native salmonid fishes and freshwater pearl mussels. Fish

farms – currently using open-weave pens constructed from netting – routinely become infested

with difficult to control sea lice (small parasitic crustaceans, usually Lepeophtheirus salmonis),

which multiply, relocate through the holes in the fish cages and then attack wild sea trout and

salmon. They browse on their surface mucus, skin and flesh weakening and eventually killing

them. In consequence, wild fish populations become not just depleted, but extinct.14

The existence and condition of remaining freshwater pearl mussel populations in Skye &

Lochalsh needs an up-to-date survey and presence should urgently and emphatically inform

decisions on fish farm planning applications for sites where fish farms are currently absent. If

wild salmonid populations can be maintained or reinstated in these lochs, freshwater pearl

mussels might be able to reproduce once again and thrive. Then, of course, protection from

poaching would become the priority.

13 Ziuganov, V., San Miguel, E., Neves, R.J., Longa, A., Fernandez, C., Amaro, R., Beletsky, V., Popkovitch, E.,

Kaliuzhin, S., Johnson, T. (2000). Life span variation of the freshwater pearlshell: a model species for testing longevity

mechanisms in animals. Ambio ХХIX (2): 102–105. 14 Krkošek, M., Revie, C.W., Gargan, P.G., Skilbrei, O.T., Finstad, B & Todd, C.D. (2012). Impact of parasites on

salmon recruitment in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. Proceedings of the Royal Society Biological Sciences, 280(1750):

20122359.

Thorstad, E.B., Todd, C.D., Bjørn, P.A., Gargan, P.G., Vollset, K.W., Halttunen, E., Kålås, S., Uglem, I., Berg, M. &

Finstad, B. (2014). Effects of salmon lice on sea trout – a literature review. NINA Report 1044, 1-162.

22

4.4 In-bye Croft & Farm Land

The management of agricultural land is largely dictated by, and dependent upon, the

structuring of the agricultural support schemes which implement the EU Common

Agricultural Policy in Scotland. These are reviewed approximately every 5 years. The

Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS), which operated from 2001 to 2006, was replaced

from 2007 onwards by the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). This will

be replaced by a revised SRDP beginning in 2015.

The original LBAP objectives for farm and croft land included encouraging land

managers to enter into appropriate schemes and to include a local aspect to biodiversity

enhancement schemes. One achievement in this respect was the inclusion of priority

species and habitats identified in the LBAP in the assessment process for funding

applications through RSS and the 2007-14 SRDP. It is not clear whether this will

continue into the new SRDP 2015-20.

In reality the 2007-14 SRDP was so complicated that only the larger conservation

NGOs (e.g. RSPB, Butterfly Conservation) were able to work successfully with farmers

and crofters to help them enter appropriate schemes. Also the schemes were

competitive, so many smaller farmers and crofters lost out.

The RSPB commissioned a report on the effect of changing livestock numbers on

biodiversity within the Less Favoured Areas. The whole of Syke & Lochalsh falls within

the ‘Severely Disadvantaged’ category. None of the study areas was in Skye &

Lochalsh, but useful data are given on the fall in livestock numbers (particularly

sheep)15.

A Scottish Soil Framework16 was published 2009, but does not place much emphasis on

soil biodiversity. SEPA carries out some monitoring of soil invertebrates, including

earthworms.

Most of the projects carried out by SLEF were concerned with raising awareness of

farmland biodiversity. The courses in ‘lever and mulch’ Rhododendron clearance, and

Japanese knotweed control may have contributed towards the ‘training’ objective, but it

is not known if any of the attendees were farmers or crofters.

15 Silcock, P, Brunyee, J, & Pring, J. (2012) Changing livestock numbers in the UK Less Favoured Areas – an analysis of likely biodiversity implications http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Final_Report_tcm9-340975.pdf 16 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/05/20145602/0

23

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

Increasing focus on sheep

Land use trends

Lack of agri-environment support

Medicines and chemicals

Genetically modified organisms

Diversity of domestic species

An additional issue identified by the SLEF Biodiversity sub-Group is:

Soil biodiversity – lack of both awareness and information (see Info Box on p.24).

This applies equally to all terrestrial habitats and will be covered under cross-cutting

issues at the end. 2015 has been designated ‘International Year of Soils’ by the United

Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007

recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area.

Those suggested for Skye & Lochalsh which occur in croft and farmland habitats were

great yellow bumblebee (only recorded from NG71 in S&L) and moss carder bee

(recorded from 13 coastal 10km squares in Skye, but not from Lochalsh)17.

At the 2007 review of the UKBAP the farmland bird species twite, yellowhammer and

starling were added to the priority list, as was the hedgehog.

Despite the resurgence of crofting in some areas, it is still perceived to be in decline in

Skye and Lochalsh. The effectiveness of the new SRDP in promoting biodiversity

remains to be seen. Consequently there appears to be limited scope for the SLEFBG to

influence the management of agricultural land. There may be scope for smaller-scale

projects targeted at particular species or locally-occurring habitats.

Potential future projects:

a. Potential to work with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust on the great yellow

bumblebee and moss carder bee.

b. Scope for awareness-raising of the importance of soil biodiversity.

c. Scope to follow up on suggestion of extending survey of lowland grasslands

to further areas? (See p.52)

17 Macdonald, M & Nisbet, G (200?) Highland Bumblebees Distribution, Ecology and Conservation. HBRG, Inverness.

24

BELOW-GROUND BIODIVERSITY Information provided by James Merryweather

If below-ground aspects of terrestrial ecosystems are ever considered in documents such as this

Biodiversity Action Plan they are usually presented under the heading ‘Soil’. More often than

not they concentrate on physical characteristics of soil or simply omit it. It is unfortunate that

‘soil’ automatically conjures in people’s minds images of agricultural fields and the plough,

inanimate soil profiles and unappetising descriptions of soil physical and chemical properties.

Soil’s most regrettable attributes are that it is dirty, dark, inaccessible and unappealing, so that

people’s attention is easily diverted away from the habitat, ecology and crucial importance of

approximately half the world’s land and the abundant life within it.

If living organisms feature at all in soil chapters they are likely to be moles and earthworms

accompanied by a bewildered approach to microbes that are incredibly numerous but best not

given too much conscious deliberation because they are imperceptible, microscopic, very likely

unculturable or barely detectable. Obscure organisms get overlooked because they seem too

difficult to understand. Out of sight – as soil from within surely is – equals out of mind.

In reality, soil is a structured inorganic and organic medium containing dense networks of

biological ‘service ducts’ consisting of plant roots and fungal hyphae, between and within which

is an (almost) incomprehensibly intricate ‘workforce’ of minute mites, algae, insects, spiders,

viruses, ciliates, amoebae, rotifers, bacteria, eelworms, centipedes, millipedes, springtails,

flatworms and tardigrades. All of the above interact within the soil system, but they also interact

with the above-ground world, maintaining biodiversity as we see it. Without them, there would

be no biodiversity.

It is not within the scope of this LBAP to cover below-ground biodiversity in detail, but it should

not be – as, unfortunately, is customary – blithely discounted. The SLEF website

www.slef.org.uk already has pages introducing below-ground biodiversity and a major, but little

known ecological phenomenon present in all but the most degraded soils: mycorrhiza (the almost

ubiquitous symbiosis of fungi and plants in roots). The SLEF Below-Ground pages will be

upgraded with more plain English discussion and links to external internet resources.

It is hoped that one day biologists and naturalists will automatically associate, in their minds, the

above-ground world they observe and the below-ground world they have come to understand.

The two are irrevocably conjoined and should not be separated during ecological reasoning. We

might not be able to see into the underground realm, but with application it is possible to

understand how it functions and appreciate its vital importance.

25

4.5 Forest & Woodland

The biodiversity objectives for this habitat were very wide, encompassing the promotion

of Forest Habitat Networks, community involvement in woodland management, natural

regeneration and converting to continuous cover forestry systems. Most of the SLEF

projects were concerned with raising awareness of woodland biodiversity. The

Japanese knotweed and Rhododendron control courses addressed the issue of INNS.

Mainstream forestry and woodland activities are again influenced by the SRDP, which

subsumes woodland grants previously administered by the Forestry Commission18.

During the next round of SRDP, administration of woodland grants will revert to the

Forestry Commission.

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) recently completed the Native Woodland Survey

of Scotland19 (NWSS) which mapped the occurrence of all native woodlands over 0.5ha,

and assessed their condition. Skye & Lochalsh is included in the Highland report which

was published in 2013, but the information is presented in such a way that it is not

possible to extract data for one part of Highland.

As a major woodland landowner in Skye & Lochalsh, FCS has carried out much work to

enhance biodiversity on the National Forest Estate. Species protection and

conservation is now a central part of the FCS mandate, and all occurrences of

European Protected Species, Schedule 5 mammals plus badgers and Schedule 1 birds

are recorded. UKBAP and Scottish Biodiversity List species are also recorded. These

are added to the FCS database, which helps plan management of the forests, and

identifies opportunities for targeted conservation work. Prior to all forest operations

targeted flora and fauna surveys are carried out to ensure avoidance of damage or

disturbance to protected breeding habitats, flora and fauna.

Systematic surveys and monitoring of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland sites, including

Planted Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS), have been carried out, to inform restoration

management to site-native woodland.

The arrival of new tree pathogens such as Chalara dieback is of concern in relation to

the ash woods of Skye and Lochalsh. Although small in area, they are particularly

important for their lichen flora. The availability of locally grown trees is likely to assist in

the battle to increase the resilience of local woods to emerging pathogens.

18 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8j9h8a 19 http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/images/corporate/pdf/fcs-nwss-highland.pdf

26

Deer management affects both woodland and open ground habitats, and the balance

between them. Following the amalgamation of the Deer Commission for Scotland with

SNH, moves are being made towards greater inclusivity in deer management planning,

with greater consideration being given to issues other than sporting management.

Skye is covered by a single DMG (currently inoperative), whereas the mainland part is

largely covered by the Lochalsh DMG, but also includes small areas of the Affric,

Glenelg and Knoydart DMGs. The SLEF Biodiversity sub-Group consider that in Skye

sheep have a greater impact than deer on woodland regeneration.

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

Reduced regeneration potential

Planting native woodlands

Monoculture plantations

Clear felling

Awareness and lack of local involvement

Recreation and tidy-ups

Funding

Rhododendrons

There have been notable advances in addressing these issues through revised forestry

policies and grant schemes over the past 12 years.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007

recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area.

Those suggested for Skye & Lochalsh which occur in forest and woodland habitats

were: hazel gloves fungus; red squirrel (only recorded from NG82 – Totaig area);

Scottish wood ant (NG72 and NG83 only); shining guest ant (NG72 only); pearl

bordered fritillary; and juniper. At the 2007 review of the UKBAP, the woodland species

wood warbler, wildcat and pine marten were added to the priority list.

An additional issue identified by the SLEF Biodiversity sub-Group was:

The recently-recognised importance of Atlantic hazel woods;

27

Potential future projects:

a. Aspen – encouraging greater connectivity between isolated stands: the Scottish

Aspen website has a downloadable guide to ‘Building Aspen habitat networks’20

which may be useful.

b. Promoting awareness and appropriate management of the Atlantic hazel wood

habitat, including surveys and management for the priority species, hazel gloves

fungus (Hypocreopsis rhododendri).

c. An awareness-raising project stressing the importance of locally-appropriate

species in planting schemes and encouraging the use of local seed sources in

propagating trees for planting.

d. Further survey and awareness-raising on Juniper.

e. Further strategic clearance of Rhododendron.

20 http://scottishaspen.org.uk/

28

4.6 Mountain & Moorland

The biodiversity objectives for this habitat were aimed at the sustainable management

of the uplands, integration of upland forestry with other land uses and encouraging

Environmental Impact Assessments for infrastructure developments.

None of the SLEF projects contributed directly to the achievement of these objectives.

However, the activities of other organisations have made some progress in this

direction. The requirement for EIAs for infrastructure developments (except those

exempt from planning control, such as ‘agricultural’ tracks) has now been enshrined in

law.

Deer management affects both woodland and open ground habitats, and the balance

between them. Following the amalgamation of the Deer Commission for Scotland with

SNH, moves are being made towards greater inclusivity in deer management planning,

with greater consideration being given to issues other than sporting management.

Skye is covered by a single DMG, whereas the mainland part is largely covered by the

Lochalsh DMG, but also includes small areas of the Affric, Glenelg and Knoydart DMGs.

Post-2000 deer counts21 give densities lower than 5 deer per square km for most of

Skye (with a few ‘hot-spots’ of higher density), but in some parts of inland Lochalsh,

there are densities of more than 30 deer per square km. Deer Management on the

John Muir Trust properties is aimed at achieving deer densities compatible with high

quality upland and peatland habitats and natural regeneration of woodlands in

appropriate places.

The RSPB commissioned a report on the effect of changing livestock numbers on

biodiversity within the Less Favoured Areas. The whole of Syke & Lochalsh falls within

the ‘Severely Disadvantaged’ category. None of the study areas was in Skye &

Lochalsh, but useful data are given on the fall in livestock numbers (particularly

sheep)22.

Scotland’s moorland Forum is a partnership of 30 organisations with an interest in

promoting best practice in moorland management. It published ‘Principles of Moorland

Management’ in 200323. Despite the issuing of the revised Muirburn Code in 201124,

21 http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B847683.pdf 22 Silcock, P, Brunyee, J, & Pring, J. (2012) Changing livestock numbers in the UK Less Favoured Areas – an analysis of likely biodiversity implications http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Final_Report_tcm9-340975.pdf 23 http://www.moorlandforum.org.uk/ 24 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/355582/0120117.pdf

29

advising against burning into areas of regenerating trees, bird nesting areas, bogland

etc., irresponsible large-scale muirburn is still perceived to be a problem in Skye &

Lochalsh.

Butterfly Conservation has produced a Regional Action Plan for moths in the North

West Highlands and Western Isles and has published a leaflet entitled ‘Learn about the

Argent & Sable’ – an upland moth for which there are only 3 post-2000 records25 in

Skye & Lochlash, although it was recorded more widely in earlier times.

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

Afforestation

Inappropriate grazing

Deer

Inappropriate muirburn

Vehicles

Hillwalking

Wildlife Crime

Infrastructure

Most of these remain of concern, but the potential for a local biodiversity group to

influence them is limited. The inception of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code in 2004

means that there is now a statutory mechanism (Local Access Fora) for addressing

issues caused by recreational pressure. A specific issue identified by the Skye &

Lochalsh Environment Forum was the lack of recognition of the potential impact of

muirburn on otter holts.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007

recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area.

The only one suggested for Skye & Lochalsh and occurring in mountain and moorland

habitats was juniper. At the 2007 review of the UKBAP, the mountain and moorland

species cuckoo, ring ouzel, mountain hare, pine marten, slow worm, adder and common

lizard were added to the priority list, as were the habitats ‘upland flushes, fens and

swamps’, and ‘mountain heaths and willow scrub’.

Because the management of mountain and moorland sites is largely determined by

agri-environment schemes (including forestry grants), and management for field sports

or wind farm development, the scope for the SLEFBG to influence it is limited.

Therefore projects could concentrate on collaboration with the larger conservation

25 https://data.nbn.org.uk/imt/?mode=SPECIES&species=NBNSYS0000005867#4-7.738,56.608,-3.865,57.936!095kj

30

organisations, plus survey work on priority species, and education and awareness-

raising.

Potential future projects:

a. Further survey of the newly-added priority species of reptiles, possibly combining

with NARRS (the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme).

b. Awareness-raising on the damaging impacts of irresponsible muirburn on

vulnerable species and habitats (such as the North Atlantic hepatic mat

community26, and otter holts).

c. Surveys for the Argent and Sable moth.

d. Survey and habitat management work for the blaeberry bumblebee (Lochalsh

only) and moss carder bee with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

26 Averis AM (1992) Where are all the hepatic mat liverworts in Scotland? Botanical Journal of Scotland 46(2), 191-8.

31

4.7 The Built Environment

There were three biodiversity objectives for this habitat, involving encouraging people to

garden for wildlife, promoting wildlife-friendly roadside verge mowing, and ensuring that

built developments take account of impacts on habitats and species.

Eight SLEF projects contributed towards achieving these objectives, mainly by raising

awareness of urban and garden biodiversity, and also by controlling roadside Japanese

knotweed.

Plantlife has run an online reporting system for inappropriate road verge management.

Current economic constraints have led the Highland Council to reduce the amount of

road verge cutting to one late summer/autumn cut per year, except where necessary for

safety reasons. This may inadvertently benefit biodiversity.

In addition to the larger settlements of Kyle of Lochalsh, Broadford and Portree, a high proportion of the Skye & Lochalsh population lives in smaller villages or townships. These can provide an important focus for awareness-raising, education and interpretation work, as already shown by the work of the Highland Council Ranger Service. To spread awareness of biodiversity throughout Skye & Lochalsh, it may be most beneficial to target such activities at those Community Council areas which have not previously been the focus of particular projects (Braes, Dornie and District, Glendale, Kilmuir, Kyle, Kyleakin & Kylerhea, Minginish, Plockton, Sconser, Staffin, Struan, Uig and Waternish).

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

Lack of awareness

The tidy-up & verge maintenance

New developments

At the 2007 review of the UKBAP, the urban species common toad, slow worm and

hedgehog were added to the priority list.

32

Potential future projects:

a) Work with Bumblebee Conservation Trust to promote bee-friendly gardening.

b) Local BioBlitz or ‘know your patch’ projects in villages and townships, if suitable

local leaders can be found.

c) Identify isolated patches of trees/woodland around settlements and work to

expand them.

d) Undertake a ‘Hedgehog Street’ project in one of the major settlements27

e) Collaboration on arts-related environmental projects with the Aros Centre,

Portree?

27 http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/

33

5. Cross-cutting issues

A number of issues cut across the habitat divisions and could be the subject of more

generic projects. Those identified in the original LBAP were:

Co-ordination

Lack of information

Accessibility of funding

Invasive species

Inappropriate grazing and burning

Wildlife crime

Roadside verges

Litter and fly-tipping

Climate change

Currently (2015) a review of the Highland-wide BAP is being undertaken and has

identified the following issues as of Highland-wide concern:

Sustainable management of habitats and species (including problems caused by

wild fires and wildlife crime);

Impacts from development and infrastructure;

Limited capacity of local groups to undertake biodiversity projects, because of

lack of volunteer time and easily accessible funding;

Lack of knowledge and awareness of biodiversity, particularly among young

people, and concerning the marine and below-ground environments;

Invasive non-native species;

Lack of a fit-for-purpose biological recording and data management system.

Putting these two lists together, a number of issues emerge which could be addressed

by a joint approach between SLEF and the Highland-wide biodiversity project, or other

initiatives.

5.1 Below-ground biodiversity

As outlined above in the ‘In-bye Croft and Farm Land’ section, all of the biodiversity

which exists out of sight below the ground tends to be ignored, both in biodiversity

action planning and in land management practice. This needs awareness-raising and

then the promotion of appropriate management mechanisms (once we know what these

are).

34

5.2 Wildlife crime

A wide range of plant and animal species in Skye & Lochalsh are susceptible to criminal

activities of various kinds (e.g. freshwater pearl mussels, badgers, birds of prey, garden-

worthy plants). Work could be done, with the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime

(particularly if the proposal to set up a Highland PAW goes ahead) and local Police

Wildlife Crime Officers, to raise awareness of this among the population and encourage

more effective reporting of incidents.

5.3 Invasive non-native species

Our approach to non-native invasive species is now much more joined-up than it was in

2003. The GB non-native species secretariat hosted by DEFRA published the ‘GB non-

native species framework strategy’ in 2008. There is now a Highland INNS Forum, and

the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts Scotland (RAFTS) have a LIFE-funded project working

on INNS28. Recent developments include the facility to report INNS by phone app. and

online. There are many non-native species in terrestrial, aquatic and marine

environments which threaten Skye & Lochalsh’s biodiversity (e.g. the Woodland Trust

Management Plan29 for their property at Uig identifies Fuchsia magellanica as a

potential problem and SLEF members added Gunnera, Pampas grass, skunk cabbage,

Gaultheria and several species of Cotoneaster), and could be the subject of awareness-

raising and survey.

5.4 Biosecurity

New plant and animal pathogens seem to be appearing regularly (e.g. ash dieback,

Dutch elm disease, red band needle blight (Dothiostroma) of pines, Phytophthora

austrocedrae on Juniper, Gyrodactylus salaris affecting salmon). Project opportunities

consist of awareness-raising, reporting occurrences to appropriate authorities and

encouraging best practice in relation to hygiene (e.g. of footwear, fishing equipment,

boats etc.). The propagation of trees of local provenance may also be beneficial.

5.5 Climate change

Climate change is another important cross-cutting issue, but is largely outwith the scope

of a local biodiversity group to address. However, its effects could be monitored by

promoting surveys of easily-identifiable species whose ranges seem to be extending

northwards in response to climate change e.g. Speckled wood, Orange tip and Ringlet

butterflies.

28 http://www.highlandbiodiversity.com/invasive-species.asp 29 http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodfile/857/management-plan.pdf?cb=51e6d4f18fae431db7d6c26afca5478f

35

5.6 Biodiversity audit

Since 2003 several major national and Highland-wide surveys have been carried out,

which included coverage of Skye & Lochalsh (e.g. Scottish Badger Survey; BTO/SOC

Bird Atlas; BDS Dragonfly Atlas; HBRG Atlases of Highland Bumblebees, Land

Mammals and Ants; and Butterfly Conservation Atlas of Butterflies in Highland and

Moray). Work by a number of individual local enthusiasts has also added to our

knowledge of various aspects of biodiversity in the area.

Whilst knowledge of some aspects of the biodiversity of Skye & Lochalsh has advanced

considerably since 2003, it would be beneficial to have a better idea of exactly which of

the Scottish Biodiversity List habitats and species (including the revised UK BAP

priorities) occur in Skye & Lochalsh, and where. This would be quite a major piece of

work and would probably need input from many different experts. The Skye Data Atlas

could be used as a starting point. If a mechanism could be found to secure its long-

term maintenance, a computerised database would be the appropriate 21st century

format.

5.7 A Highland Data Hub

Since the Highland Biological Records Centre at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

ceased to be supported in 2007, maintenance of the database of species records for

Highland has fallen to a small local voluntary body, the Highland Biological Recording

Group. Currently (until 2017) funding from SNH, Highland Council, RSPB and Trees for

Life supports this group to maintain the database and upload records to the NBN

Gateway bi-annually. The need for a long-term solution to this dependence on one

volunteer data manager is recognised in the Highland-wide BAP. Such a facility would

assist the management of records generated by all the local BAPs in Highland.

5.8 Landscape-scale conservation

Wester Ross is working towards maintaining the status of Beinn Eighe National Nature

Reserve as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve30, by expanding the area to include a wider

sustainable development zone, in order to meet the new UNESCO criteria. This

comprises Highland Ward 6, which includes Lochalsh, but not Skye. SLEF members

are keen for the boundary of this to be extended to include Skye, but feeling in Lochalsh

is that the area currently suffers from being overshadowed by Skye, and needs to

reinforce its mainland connections. The development phase for this project extends

until May 2015. If Skye does not succeed in being included in this initiative, other

options could be explored, such as a HLF-funded ‘Landscape Partnership’ project31.

30 http://social-capital.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/WRBR-scoping-study-30.04.12-2.pdf 31 http://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/our-grant-programmes/landscape-partnerships

36

6. Where to next?

In carrying out this review it has become apparent just how much progress has been

made in integrating biodiversity considerations into national and international policies

and legislation - despite the apparent slowness of progress when viewed from the

‘inside’!

Several organisations which were members of the S&L Biodiversity Group at the beginning have since dropped out of active involvement. These largely represent the primary industries (farming, crofting, forestry), which are most under the influence of national and international policy mechanisms, and perhaps therefore less amenable to local initiatives. The major public bodies SNH, FCS, SEPA, and NGO (RSPB) have also largely ceased to participate. Unfortunately other potential partner organisations have ceased to exist (e.g. Highland FWAG). This lack of involvement from major land and water users may partially account for the mismatch between the ambitious original objectives in the Skye & Lochalsh BAP and the projects which were actually achieved. There are two ways of looking at this: either to increase the membership of the Skye & Lochalsh Environment Forum to include a much wider range of interests and organisational representation; or to leave things as they are and accept that the Group will only be able to tackle, or promote, smaller-scale projects which ‘fall between the cracks’ of what the larger organisations are doing. A half-way house might be to maintain the current Group membership, but invite a wider range of participants to specific meetings focused on each of the six habitat groupings, or alternatively, on a particular geographical area. To be realistic, the Group can only do what individual members are interested in, have the time to pursue, and for which funding can be obtained.

On the positive side, several new organisations have appeared on the scene since 2003, and may offer new opportunities for partnership working (e.g. BugLife Scotland, Bumblebee Conservation Trust). Initiatives by existing organisations, such as Plantlife’s identification of ‘Important Plant Areas’ may offer opportunities for joint working to raise awareness of the importance of these areas.

In 2011 the University of the Highlands and Islands achieved full University status. This

may offer opportunities for joint working on research-based projects, or for students to

carry out small research projects identified by the Biodiversity Group. The existence in

Skye of Sabhal Mor Ostaig offers the potential to explore the Gaelic aspects of

biodiversity and landscape knowledge.

One vital element of work for local biodiversity groups is to raise awareness of the value

of local biodiversity to people who may take it for granted - not realising that theirs is

different from everyone else’s! Since the end of funding for the SLEF Outreach Project,

with its paid project officer, SLEF has struggled to maintain its levels of activity and to

37

keep its website up-to-date. The recognition, in the Highland-wide BAP, that local

groups cannot function without some degree of administrative and financial support is

welcome, and offers hope for the future.

6.1 A recommendation

The first challenge of carrying out this review was to identify the projects which had

been carried out under the auspices of the Skye & Lochalsh BAP, and what they had

actually achieved. Whilst a list of projects had been drawn up at a meeting in

December 2013, and some of the tangible outputs (e.g. leaflets, posters) were still

available, knowledge of what some projects had actually consisted of and, for example,

how many people had participated, was not available in all cases. It would be useful in

future to maintain a library or database of projects, including numbers of participants,

project reports etc. in one central location (physical or online), perhaps copying the

information to the Highland Biodiversity Officer as a back-up.

6.2 A commendation!

Despite the above caveats, an enormous amount of time and effort has been put into

promoting awareness of, and taking action for, biodiversity in Skye and Lochalsh by

present and past members of SLEF and the former SLBG over the past 12 years. They

are to be congratulated on what has been achieved.

Appendix 1: Summary of achievement against original BAP objectives

Key: Orange = some contribution made Green = objective achieved In the following table, all objectives and suggested actions are copied verbatim from the original Plan. Overall Skye & Lochalsh objectives/actions:

Objective Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

To ensure that all habitats are managed in a sustainable manner that takes account of their biodiversity interests, and create more opportunities for individuals, communities and agencies to take action for biodiversity.

Mink Project Japanese Knotweed in S&L Rhododendron elimination course S&L Rhododendron Project Black-throated Diver rafts on Loch Cluanie Biodiversity of Buildings

Statutory duties of SNH, SEPA, FCS for biodiversity. Legal requirement for EIA as part of Planning controls. Highland Council’s guidance on Protected Species and development32. Development of Community Woodlands (e.g. Tormore, Broadford, Fernaig). NTS & THC Rangers Croft Education Programme for High School and Primary School Children. NTS Management and education work on their Estates. JMT management of their properties. RSPB/SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for RSS and SRDP. RSPB management and education work for corncrakes on and off reserve agreements in Waternish. RSPB management advice to foresters, landowners, FCS re white-tailed eagles roosting /breeding in forests. Plock of Kyle, management by Community Trust. JMT management at Sconser, Strathaird & Torrin. MPA surveys & subsequent designations. RAFTS Projects including: Biosecurity and non-native species (incl. Mink) Fisheries management planning and aquaculture Education and outreach (but currently none in Skye)

32 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3026/highland_statutorily_protected_species_supplementary_guidance

39

To promote projects and initiatives that help maintain or improve biodiversity, secure additional support for biodiversity and related projects, and help publicise existing sources of funding and advice.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L Seashore Biodiversity Project SLEF Outreach project Rhododendron elimination course Biodiversity Day Balmacara

NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children. Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. RSPB/SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for RSS and SRDP. Plock of Kyle, survey and guided walks. Work of NTS and THC Rangers, THC Biodiversity Officers, SNH and RSPB staff in publicising funding sources.

To raise awareness of the biodiversity of Skye & Lochalsh amongst local people, visitors, funding organisations and policy makers by developing quality education at all levels and improving access to information about important species and habitats and their management requirements.

Otter awareness day THC Nature Guides Moth Group SLEF/ WREN Posters SLEF Postcards 'Shearwater' performance SLEF Seashore posters Seashore Biodiversity Project SLEF Outreach project Reptile & Amphibian awareness day Reptile & Amphibian ID course Sedge ID course Photographic competition 'Celebrating Nature' event Garden BioBlitz JM Seashore Guide SLEF Slug Evening Biodiversity Day Balmacara Biodiversity of Buildings FC Adder survey, Kinloch Hills by SLEF 2014/15

THC and NTS Rangers Environmental Education and Guided walks programmes (570 schools visit and 467 guided walks and 7 Schools Environment Days 2003-2013). SWT local group talks and field trips programme (including waxcap and hazel gloves ID training). SWT Watch Group and NTS Trailblazers; RSPB-affiliated SkyeLarks33 Wildlife Explorers Group, run by THC Rangers. HBRG surveys and Atlases, including Pabay Survey of 2013. Establishment of the NBN Gateway. Skye Birds website. National Atlases by BTO and BDS. Provisional Atlas of Macro Moths 2010. BSBI and Skye Botany Group surveys and monitoring. Plock of Kyle, survey and guided walks. Sea Eagle monitoring RSPB/SNH/HRSG. Commercial Eco-tourism operators: Seals Dunvegan and Plockton; Sea Eagles Portree; Basking Sharks Elgol; and Glass-bottomed boat at Kyle. Interpretation at Mointeach Lochs. Skye THC walking leaflet. Paths around Broadford Leaflet. RSPB Marine Magic Education days for primary schools throughout the west Highlands and islands (1000 children attending 2012-2015). RSPB White-tailed eagle trail guide to Wester Ross and Skye.

33 http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/skyelarkswex

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RSPB Schools Environmental education. RSPB Raptor ID card. RSPB Seasonal Information Assistants at FCS Kylerhea promoting wildlife understanding.

To establish a mechanism to help individuals, community groups and partners to deliver the Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Action Plan, monitor progress and share information on biodiversity matters.

Establishment of SLEF SLEF Outreach project SLEF website

Skye Birds website Skye Botany Group

Proposed Action: co-ordination Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Set up a Skye & Lochalsh Environmental Forum to help deliver the Biodiversity Action Plan and take forward other sustainable projects in the area.

Establishment of SLEF SLEF Outreach project SLEF website

Proposed Actions: lack of information Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Undertake a literature and data search, starting with the Skye Data Atlas and working with local agencies, voluntary groups and key individuals to identify gaps in our collective knowledge of local biodiversity and suggest a means of plugging them.

FCS Adder survey, Kinloch Hills by SLEF2014/15 – Funded by FCS – IRS Forest District.

Establishment of NBN Gateway BTO, BDS and other national Atlases BSBI and other national recording schemes Skye Botany Group activities HBRG Atlases Marine Atlas MPA surveys FCS Water vole surveys: Achnashellach 2009/10; Glean Udalain river and two other nearby sites 2014/15. FCS Balmacara Bat Survey 2014/15. RSPB/SNH etc. National bird species surveys.

Produce a more focused list of habitats and species that we intend to take action to help conserve or enhance and for each, identify the main actions that should be undertaken and agree lead partner, timescale and costing.

This review contributes. EnviroCentre review (2006) STAG (2007) paper on local BAP species priorities

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Proposed Actions: invasive species Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Provide training and assistance to road maintenance contractors, crofters and others in effective means of eradicating Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron, ragwort, bracken and rushes from verges.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L Rhododendron elimination course S&L Rhododendron Project

Development of ‘Lever & Mulch’ method for Rhododendron eradication. Leaflet ‘Ragwort friend or foe’ produced by Plantlife, Butterfly Conservation, British Horse Society and SNH in 200834.

Encourage land managers to trap mink through financial assistance and the provision of free traps.

Mink Project Mink trapping day held on Skye in February 2008 with trappers from W Isles project. Further survey & control 2010 onwards.

Scottish Mink initiative (not currently operative in S&L)

Proposed Action: wildlife crime Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Raise awareness of issues surrounding wildlife crime amongst local people through enhanced media coverage and community-based projects.

Partnership Against Wildlife Crime Police Wildlife Crime Officers Raptor persecution website35

Proposed Action: roadside verges Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Incorporate biodiversity elements into roadside maintenance specifications, combined with awareness-raising amongst the public of the likely benefits to be had from such works, and an eradication programme for invasive weeds along roadside verges.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L Rhododendron elimination course S&L Rhododendron Project

Plantlife roadside verge campaign36

34 http://butterfly-conservation.org/files/ragwort-leaflet-june-20082.pdf 35 https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/ 36 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/roadvergecampaign

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Sea and coast:

Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Promote integrated marine and coastal management.

Now largely within the remits of Marine Scotland and SNH. RAFTS work. Establishment of MPAs. Management of designated marine & coastal SSSIs, SACS and MPAs. Plantlife guide to the management of coastal grasslands37 and Machair grassland38. Inshore Fisheries groups (LINK representation).

Encourage sustainable use of creels and work with fishermen to identify sensitive ‘no take’ areas for mobile gear.

The Highland Shellfish Management Organisation (HSMO) (mentioned in original LBAP) now appears to be defunct.

Encourage adherence to existing codes of good practice such as those published by Scottish Quality Salmon, and raise awareness of examples of good environmental management in the aquaculture industry.

Statutory CAR licensing by SEPA. Activities of Skye Marine Concern39. New Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture introduced 200640.

Ensure all future Environmental Impact Assessments consider potential impacts on Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and species.

Now enshrined in law.

Encourage marine users to use waste disposal and collection facilities.

Greater provision of waste disposal and recycling facilities at ports and harbours by THC (Harbour dues include 2% charge for Waste disposal.)

37 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/coastal_grasslands_a_management_guide 38 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/machair_grassland 39 http://www.skyemarineconcern.org/ 40 http://thecodeofgoodpractice.co.uk/

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Raise awareness of sensitive areas amongst recreational users and promote existing codes of good practice.

Wild Scotland’ is the umbrella body for the wildlife tourism industry and produces best practice guidelines41. Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project

Proposed Actions: fishing Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage creel fishermen to use sustainable methods such as escape hatches (to enable undersize prawns, crabs or lobsters to get out before being brought to the surface), biodegradable catches (to prevent ‘ghost fishing’ should the creel be lost) and v-notching of female lobsters (to serve as a marker to other fishermen and enable them to continue breeding). Suggested partners: HSMO, The Highland Council, SNH, HIE.

Marine Scotland recently undertook a consultation on ‘Gear conflict’42. Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation gives a commitment to “working with science and environmental groups to ensure that the Scottish creel fishery is sustainable”43.

Investigate the occurrence of otters becoming trapped in creels. Suggested partners: HSMO, SNH, International Otter Survival Fund.

Roger Cottis Informally discussed with SNH 2000 onwards but no evidence of problems.

Encourage the establishment of ‘no take zones’ and the closure of some areas to mobile gear, identified and policed by local fishermen, building on examples from other areas such as Loch Torridon. Suggested partners: HSMO, Highlands & Islands Fishermen’s Association, Mallaig & North West Fishermen’s Association.

Options explored in Lochs Duich, Long & Alsh MPA ‘Management Options’ document44 and the 2014 Government consultation on the management of MPAs45. NGO-led ‘Don’t take the P out of MPAs’ campaign46 (closed 2/2/2015).

41 http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/WS-Best-Guidelines-for-Watching-Wildlife-Mar-12.pdf 42 http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/11/6562/downloads#res463561 43 http://www.scottishcreelfishermensfederation.co.uk/creel_environment.htm 44 http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A1002801.pdf 45 http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/marine-environment/mpanetwork/MPAMGT/consultation2014 46 http://www.savescottishseas.org/dont-take-the-p-out-of-mpas/

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Proposed Actions: aquaculture Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Highlight and encourage best practice in relation to restocking programmes, sustainability of feed and environmental impacts, and work towards sustainability benchmarks for the aquaculture industry. Suggested partners: Scottish Quality Salmon, Fish farming companies.

New Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture introduced 200647.

Investigate multi-species projects such as seaweed and finfish polyculture, which could help reduce negative impacts of aquaculture on the seabed and water quality. Suggested partners: Scottish Executive, Aquaculture industry.

No action S&L.

Undertake research into the carrying capacity of fish farm sites and the effects on local habitats and species. Suggested partners: Scottish Executive, SEPA.

SLEF Seashore posters Seashore Biodiversity Project

Much published research literature on this subject. Statutory CAR licensing by SEPA. Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Management Plans 48,49 (include Area Management Agreement system covering marine and freshwater environments).

Extend the coverage of Aquaculture Framework Plans to the whole of Skye & Lochalsh, ensure they support the sustainable relocation and consolidation of fish farms and encourage developers to consult Framework Plans prior to selecting sites and carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

Highland-wide Aquaculture Supplementary Guidance is being prepared (2015) in advance of the review of the Highland wide Local Development Plan. The only areas in S&L which have Aquaculture Framework Plans are Loch Bracadale and Loch Hourn50.

47 http://thecodeofgoodpractice.co.uk/ 48 http://www.ninevehtrust.org.uk/images/pdfs/skye-fishery-management-plan-10.pdf 49 http://www.wrft.org.uk/files/WRFT_FMP_2009_Summary_Document.pdf 50 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/769/aquaculture_framework_plans

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Proposed Actions: pollution and litter Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Help marine users recycle or dispose of waste such as litter, old fishing nets or fish farm waste sensitively, building on existing leaflets and projects. Suggested partners: Highland Council, Marine Conservation Society, SNH, SEPA.

Ranger-led beach cleans held in various places. Marine conservation Society runs UK-wide Beachwatch project51 Greater provision of waste disposal/recycling facilities by THC (Harbour dues include 2% charge for Waste disposal.)

Proposed Action: Gravel extraction, dumping and beach cleaning

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Raise awareness of the seaweed unattached egg wrack Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii. Suggested partners: SNH, Crown Estate, Highland Council and National Trust for Scotland Ranger Services.

Plantlife carried out a postcard survey, commissioned a report52 has a species dossier53, and management guidelines for sea-loch egg wrack54. Plantlife leaflet on ‘The wild and wonderful world of Scotland’s seaweeds’55. Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project.

Proposed Actions: Shellfish & bait gathering

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Produce a guide to shellfish gathering, including a code of conduct. Suggested partners: Highland Council, Crown Estate.

No code yet in existence for Highland.

Investigate the level of bait digging being undertaken, the potential impacts of this practice and its sustainability. Suggested partners: Highland Council, Crown Estate.

No such investigation carried out in S&L.

51 http://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/ 52 Mathieson, S. and Lassiere, O.L. (2003). Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii survey, Isle of Skye, 18

th-20

th April 2003. Report prepared for Plantlife Scotland.

18 pp. 53 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/documents/Asco_mackayi_species_dossier.pdf 54 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/managing_seashores_for_sea_loch_egg_wrack 55 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/the_wild_and_wonderful_world_of_scotland

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Proposed Actions: Recreation & Tourism Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Assist groups such as Broadford Environmental Group, who are looking to interpret their shoreline and associated wildlife in various ways. Suggested partners: Broadford Environmental Group, SNH, Skye & Lochalsh Enterprise.

SLEF Seashore posters Seashore Biodiversity Project JM Seashore Guide THC Nature Guides SLEF Postcards Biodiversity Day Balmacara

Plock of Kyle, survey and guided walks. SNH leaflet on marine wildlife watching in North-west Scotland56. Highland Council ‘Wild Coastal Trail’57 booklet and Skye & Lochalsh leaflet58. Wester Ross Fisheries Trust poster on ‘Wester Ross Marine Wildlife’59. Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project.

Encourage local and visiting diving clubs to take part in Seasearch60 projects, run in conjunction with the MCS, to identify and map important habitats and raise awareness of underwater life. Suggested partners: Highland Council, SNH, MCS, British Sub Aqua Club.

No Seasearch surveys carried out in S&L since Skye 198861.

Wester Ross Fisheries Trust poster on ‘Wester Ross Marine

Wildlife’ (as above).

Ensure potential disturbance to coastal wildlife is taken into account when planning and creating new access routes, promote responsible behaviour with specific user groups such as dog walkers, and perhaps create new routes or encourage use of existing ones that avoid sensitive sites. Suggested partners: S&LFootpath Initiative, Highland Access Project, Highland Council and NTS Ranger Services.

Eilean Ban Trust (no dogs allowed) Plock of Kyle, survey and guided walks Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project

56 http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/places/Marine_Life_from_Boat_and_Coast.pdf 57 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/171/wild_coastal_trail 58 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/1014/wild_coastal_trail_-_skye_and_lochalsh 59 http://www.wrft.org.uk/files/WesterRossMarineWildlifePosterJuly2014.pdf 60 http://www.seasearch.org.uk/ 61 http://www.seasearch.org.uk/achievements.htm

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Freshwater:

Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Promote integrated catchment management on water courses throughout Skye & Lochalsh.

SEPA River Basin Plans. Work of RAFTS/Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Trusts, including Fisheries Management Plans 62,63 (Include Area Management Agreement system covering marine and freshwater environments.)

Promote advice on the sympathetic management of freshwater wetlands and farmland watercourses to crofters, landowners and managers. Also where appropriate, create or reinstate riparian (river bank) woodland and wetland habitats where they have been damaged or removed.

Black-throated diver rafts on Loch Cluanie Otter awareness day Mink project

SNH SCM and Site Management Statements/Conservation Objectives for designated freshwater features on SSSIs/SACs. Skye Fisheries Management Plan 2010 (as above) includes a list of areas where bankside fencing would be beneficial.

Raise awareness of the biodiversity of freshwater systems amongst children, local communities, user groups and land managers, and encourage best practice.

Formation of SLEF Otter awareness day THC Nature Guides Japanese Knotweed in S&L SLEF Posters Amphibian & reptile ID training Photo Competition SLEF postcards Biodiversity Day Balmacara

THC and NTS Rangers Environmental Education and Guided walks programme. SWT local group talks and field trips programme. SWT Watch Group and NTS Trailblazers, SkyeLarks64 Wildlife Explorers Group. Interpretation at Mointeach Lochs. British Dragonfly Society Surveys and Atlas work.

Encourage user groups such as anglers to record and monitor locally important species.

Otter awareness day Mink project Japanese Knotweed in S&L

British Dragonfly Society Surveys and Atlas work RAFTS work SEPA Riverfly Project65 (if operative in S&L)

62http://www.wrft.org.uk/files/WRFT_FMP_2009_Summary_Document.pdf 63http://www.ninevehtrust.org.uk/images/pdfs/skye-fishery-management-plan-10.pdf 64 http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/skyelarkswex 65 http://www.riverflies.org/scotland

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Amphibian & reptile ID training Sedge ID course

Proposed actions: Catchment management

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Undertake a series of catchment management training courses and field visits for land managers, to raise awareness of good practice and sources of help and advice on issues such as management of riparian woodland, appropriate grazing regimes, correct disposal of sheep dip and other agricultural chemicals, and control of invasive species. Suggested partners: SAC, SEERAD, Crofters Commission, SNH, SEPA, National Farmers Union (Scotland), Scottish Crofting Foundation.

Otter awareness day Mink project Japanese Knotweed in S&L

SEPA River Basin Management Plans. RAFTS work. Skye Fisheries Management Plan 2010 (as above) includes management plans for most Skye rivers including a list of areas where bankside fencing would be beneficial. Wester Ross Fisheries Management Plan 2009 (as above) Includes poster on ‘Soils, ecosystem fertility and salmon smolt production in Wester Ross’.

Undertake an agricultural waste collection and disposal project, building on examples from elsewhere (e.g. Cairngorms Agricultural Waste Project). Suggested partners: as above, Highland Council.

No such action in S&L.

Raise awareness of issues surrounding septic tank maintenance and alternative technologies and treatment methods such as reed beds, dry composting toilets, etc. through workshops and demonstration projects. Suggested partners: SEPA, Scottish Water.

SEPAs implementation of CAR Regulations. THC ‘Sustainable Design Guide’66contains this information.

66 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3019/highland_council_sustainable_design_guide

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Raise awareness of the different habitats occurring in river catchments through e.g. school project focusing on the biodiversity of waterways. Suggested partners: Wester Ross Fisheries Trust, Fishery Boards, SNH.

THC Nature Guides Moth Group SLEF Posters Sedge ID course Photo Comp 'Celebrating Nature' event SLEF postcards Biodiversity Day Balmacara

RAFTS work Skye Fisheries Trust carried out a Riparian Habitat survey in 2009.

Proposed actions: Bank-side vegetation Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage the natural regeneration of existing native riparian woodland by e.g. reducing stock levels or fencing to reduce grazing pressure, and creating new native riparian woodlands using locally sourced seed. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, land managers, Wester Ross Fisheries Trust, Fishery Boards.

RAFTS work Skye Fisheries Management Plan (as above) Includes list of areas where bankside fencing would be beneficial. Skye Fisheries Trust carried out a Riparian Habitat survey in 2009. FCS Fell to Recycle Lodgepole pine around lochan, Kyle Farm, 2009/10.

Guidance on riparian management is available from SEPA67 (Document reference: WAT-SG-44)

Proposed actions: Invasive Species Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Raise awareness through education of the potential to spread invasive species via machinery; and remove invasive species from sensitive areas. Suggested partners: Highland Council, SNH.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L SLEF Posters

RAFTS work Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Management Plans (as above) both address INNS issues.

Produce a comprehensive code of practice for freshwater managers and anglers covering issues surrounding stocking, the use of non-native live bait, and catch and release programmes. Suggested partners: Wester Ross Fisheries Trust, Fishery Boards.

Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Management Plans (as above) both address these issues.

67 http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/water_publications.aspx

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In-bye Croft and Farm Land:

Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Continue to improve awareness & understanding of the schemes available, and encourage and help land managers enter into them. Investigate the feasibility of and work towards local schemes that improve the biodiversity of in-bye croft and farm land, where appropriate.

NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS RSPB/ SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for the RSS and SRDP New SRDP includes requirement for farmers with more than 15ha of arable land to manage 5% of it as ‘Ecological Focus Areas’.

Help land managers to diversify current land use to benefit biodiversity, encourage organic farming principles, and develop local opportunities for marketing croft produce.

NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS Skye Food link project68?

Run training courses in traditional agricultural practices and skills, and provide a means of accessing machinery in order to increase the diversity of activities taking place on crofts.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L? Rhododendron elimination course S&L Rhododendron Project

NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children Scottish Crofting Foundation provides courses in traditional skills such as drystone dyking, woodland management etc69.

Encourage small scale horticulture and raise awareness of local and locally adapted breeds and varieties of plants and animals.

Skye Food link project

Raise awareness of the importance of different parts of the crofted system for biodiversity.

SLEF Outreach Project SLEF Slug Evening THC Nature Guides Moth Group SLEF/ WREN Posters? Sedge ID course

NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS JMT management of croft land on their estates Badger survey of Lochalsh RSPB/ SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for the RSS and SRDP

68 http://www.tastelocal.co.uk/skye/foodlink/food_link_van.html 69 http://www.crofting.org/index.php/training/62

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Photo Competition 'Celebrating Nature' event Reptile & Amphibian awareness day? Reptile & Amphibian ID course SLEF Postcards Biodiversity Day Balmacara

Proposed actions: Increasing focus on sheep

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage crofters to maintain or acquire cattle and consider implementing a scheme to assist crofters starting up with cattle. Suggested partners: SEERAD, Crofters Commission, SAC, National Farmers Union (Scotland), Scottish Crofting Foundation, Highland Council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS

Encourage establishment of slaughtering facilities in Skye and Lochalsh, to lower transport costs and making diverse small-scale livestock production more feasible. Suggested partners: as above.

Feasibility study commissioned by Scottish Crofting Federation in 201270.

Proposed actions: Land use trends Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Provide training courses in traditional local skills, which will enable crofters to undertake a wider range of activities. Suggested partners: Crofters Commission, Scottish Crofting Foundation, SAC, Lantra, Highland Agricultural Labour Supplies.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L? Rhododendron elimination course S&L Rhododendron Project

NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children. Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. Scottish Crofting Foundation provides courses in traditional skills such as drystone dyking, woodland management etc71.

Encourage the use of machinery groups and demonstrations of small-scale

Skye Machinery Ring still operates.

70 http://www.crofting.org/uploads/news/abattoir_report.pdf 71 http://www.crofting.org/index.php/training/62

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machinery. Suggested partners: Skye Machinery Ring. Disseminate information to crofters, farmers and land managers on important croftland species and their conservation. Suggested partners: as above.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L Moth Group SLEF/ WREN Posters Reptile & Amphibian awareness day Sedge ID course Reptile & Amphibian ID course

NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children. Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. RSPB/SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for the RSS and SRDP. SWT waxcaps/hazel gloves awareness training. Plantlife booklet on management for arable plants72.

Proposed actions: Lack of agri-environment support

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Continue to encourage and help farmers, crofters and townships to apply to the Rural Stewardship Scheme for funding to carry out biodiversity works.

Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. RSPB/SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for the RSS and SRDP.

Undertake a wild bird cover project in Skye & Lochalsh, whereby crofters and farmers are encouraged to grow small areas of grain and leave them unharvested as a source of food and cover for over-wintering birds. Suggested partners: SAC, RSPB.

New SRDP includes requirement for farmers with more than 15ha of arable land to manage 5% of it as ‘Ecological Focus Areas’.

In association with the project described above, promote a change in perception of wild plants on croftland and farmland as essential food sources for seed eating farmland birds, rather than weeds. Suggested partners: SNH, RSPB, SAC.

NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children. Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. Scottish Crofting foundation provides courses in croftland biodiversity assessment, wild flower identification etc73. Plantlife report on the value of farmland for native plants74 includes a chapter on crofting.

Using the updated grassland survey75, make much more information available

Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS

72 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/arable_plants_in_scotland_-_a_management_guide 73 http://www.crofting.org/index.php/training/62 74 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/documents/Farmland_Sco_014lores.pdf 75 http://www.highlandbiodiversity.com/hay-meadow-survey.asp

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on the most appropriate way to manage wildflower meadows and undertake future projects to encourage the reinstatement of grassland meadows. Suggested partners: SNH, SEERAD, SAC. Extend the grassland survey to cover Raasay and some suitable islands. Suggested partners: as above.

Not carried out.

Proposed actions: Diversity of domestic species

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage local niche marketing of rare breeds and varieties through farmers markets and stalls, building on the successes of the Horticultural Development Association. Suggested partners: Skye & Lochalsh Horticultural Development Association, Highland Council, Scottish Crofting Foundation.

Skye Foodlink project76 There is a weekly farmers’ market in Portree during the summer. The Scottish Crofters’ Federation held a ‘Skye Local Produce Development’ event in 2014 and a workshop on ‘Organising Local Produce’ in February 2015. Several local food producers advertise on the internet e.g.77

76 http://www.tastelocal.co.uk/skye/foodlink/food_link_van.html 77 http://www.tastelocal.co.uk/skye/outlets/producers.html

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Woodland:

Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage land managers to re-create Forest Habitat Networks, using native species and local seed sources where possible, and extend the coverage of existing native woodland and associated ground cover by management of existing ribbons and pockets of woodland, particularly focusing on riparian (riverine) woodland.

FC work on its own landholdings: FC Riparian woodland improvement: remove non-native conifers, Glen Brittle, 2013/14 & 2014/15. FC Clearfelling of final non native conifer remnants, Ardintoul, 2010/11. FC Coille Mhor SAC, Balmacara (Halo fell around veteran oaks), 2010/11 & 2014/15. FC Coille Mhor SAC (oak enrichment planting transplants), 2010/11. FC Coille Mhor enrichment planting & Kylerhea Glen North (Kinloch Hills) beat up, 2010/11.

Encourage woodland managers to undertake sensitive restructuring and integration of conifer plantations into surrounding habitats, moving towards continuous canopy cover systems, with appropriate use of broadleaved and conifer species and varied age structure to enhance biodiversity, allowing harvesting whilst retaining a permanent forest structure.

Under the new SRDP, the ‘sustainable Management of Forests’ category includes grant provision for ‘Low Impact Silvicultural Systems’ and ‘Native Woodlands’. FCS has carried out an extensive programme of non-native conifer removal, with associated monitoring, at Kinloch Hills 2009 – 2014. FC Reraig Glen North Strome, Post harvesting FTR78 on PAWS site 2009/10. FC Gleann na Beiste FTR, Kyle Farm, 2010/11. FC Totaig post clearfell FTR, Totaig, 2010/11. FC Torr Fhionn. Ring barking on spruce, Carn Greannach, 2012/13. FC Carn Greannach SAC birchwood FTR, 2011/12.

Encourage commercial woodland managers to allow small stands of trees to mature in appropriate locations to provide future nesting sites for raptors.

FCS management work in Glen Brittle, to provide Sea eagle nest sites, 2012-14. RSPB advice and management work with forestry agents and FCS across Skye & Lochalsh to provide roost and nest sites for white-tailed eagles.

78 Fell to recycle

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Promote existing codes of good practice and create and promote other codes for issues such as grazing, including grazing within woodlands.

Under the new SRDP, the Woodland Improvement Grants include a ‘Woodland Grazing Management Plan’ option; the ‘Sustainable Management of Forests’ category includes grant provision for ‘Reducing Deer Impact’. FCS has an online ‘Woodland Grazing Toolbox’79 FCS has produced guidance on protected birds, red squirrels and European Protected Species such as bats, otter and wildcat80.

Raise awareness of less well-known woodland fauna and flora, and encourage woodland management for fungi, lichens, mosses, liverworts, butterflies and moths.

SLEF Slug Evening THC Nature Guides Japanese Knotweed in S&L Rhododendron elimination course S&L Rhododendron Project Moth Group SLEF/ WREN Posters SLEF Outreach project Reptile & Amphibian awareness day? Sedge ID course Photo Comp 'Celebrating Nature' event Reptile & Amphibian ID course SLEF Postcards Biodiversity Day Balmacara

SWT waxcaps/hazel gloves awareness training FC Chequered skipper presence survey, Kinloch Hills, 2009/10 FC Forester moth survey, Ratagan, 2010/11. FC Rhododendron control at Achnashellach, River Lair gorge, and Strome Wood, 2010/11; Slattadale 2011/12. 2012/12. South Strome, 2012/13. Balamcara campsite 2013/2014. To 2014/15. FC Rhododendron Raasay SE Corner. Trial with Lever & Mulch method, 2010/11. FC Bryophyte and Lichen Surveys, Kinloch, 2011/12. Bryophyte Survey Balmacara & Glenelg, 2013/14. FC Bat survey Achlain, 2011/12. FC Japanese knotweed control, Balmacara Campsite 2013/14. Butterfly Conservation Lepidoptera recording. Plantlife has produced guides to the bryophytes, fungi and lichens of Atlantic Woodlands81,82,83,84 and Scottish

79 http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/woodland-grazing-toolbox 80 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6vrjh2 81 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodlands_guide_1_woodland 82 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodlands_guide_2_ravines 83 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_atlantic_woodlands_-_guide_1_lichens_on_ash_hazel_willow_ro 84 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_atlantic_woodlands_-_guide_2_lichens_on_birch_alder_and_oak

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pinewoods85,86,87,88,89. There are also management guides: ‘Lichens and bryophytes of Atlantic woodland in Scotland: an introduction to their ecology and management’90, ‘Looking after bryophytes and lichens of Scotland’s oceanic ravines’91 and ‘Management of woodland plants in Atlantic broadleaved woodland92 and Caledonian pine woodland93,94. The series of ‘Important Plant Areas’95 identified by Plantlife includes stretches of the Skye & Lochalsh coast, listed for their Atlantic oak and hazel woodlands. The Atlantic Hazel Group has recently published ‘Atlantic Hazel Scotland’s Special Woodlands’, which gives guidelines on assessing and managing Atlantic hazel woodland.

Promote and interpret the benefits derived from good woodland management in existing woodlands, and encourage community participation in woodland access, interpretation and management.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L Rhododendron elimination course S&L Rhododendron Project

Community Woodland Groups in S&L: Sleat Community Trust (Tormore Community Forest) Broadford & Strath Community Company Woodland Kingsburgh Forest Trust Sluggans Woodland Park Group Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust Lochalsh Woodland Park Steering Group Condcordat signed in 2000 between FCS and Fernaig Community Trust over management of South Strome Forest.

85 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_scotland1 86 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/fungi_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_1 87 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/fungi_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_2 88 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_1 89 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_2 90 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_and_bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodland_in_scotland 91 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/looking_after_bryophytes_and_lichens_of_scotland 92 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/management_of_woodland_plants_in_atlantic_broadleaved_woodland 93 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/management_of_woodland_plants_in_caledonian_pine_woodland 94 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/managing_pinewoods 95 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/identifying_and_mapping_boundaries_for_scotlands_west_coast_important_plant

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Highland Birchwoods has published 'Managing Small Woodlands in the Highlands and Islands - a guide for crofters, communities and small woodland owners'.

Proposed actions: Reduced regeneration potential

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage the spread of semi-natural woodlands through natural regeneration and, where appropriate, planting using locally sourced seed. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, Highland Council, SNH.

SNH SCM and Site Management Statements/Conservation Objectives for designated woodland features on SSSIs/SACs. FC Natural regeneration survey, Achnashellach and Kinloch Hills, 2014/15. JMT management on their estates

Proposed actions: Planting native woodlands

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Undertake research into the economic benefits and risks associated with local provenance seed collection and growing on (without compromising natural regeneration in the wild). Suggested partners: Forestry Commission.

Forest Research Information Note96 ‘The role of forest genetic resources in helping British forests respond to climate change’ covers these issues.

Help Kintail Watch Club to create a mini tree nursery for native trees, using locally collected seed. Suggested partners: SNH, Forestry Commission, National Trust for Scotland Ranger Service.

Proposed actions: Monoculture plantations

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage small scale (individuals and communities) woodland plantations with a diverse species mix. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, SNH, Highland Council.

Establishment of Community Woodlands in various places: Broadford & Strath Community Company Woodland Sleat Community Trust (Tormore Community Forest) Kingsburgh Forest Trust Sluggans Woodland Park Group

96 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcin086.pdf/$FILE/fcin086.pdf

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Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust Lochalsh Woodland Park Steering Group

Provide advisory materials on woodland design, particularly along edges and around open space to maximise the benefits for species such as the spotted flycatcher. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, RSPB, SNH.

A plethora of published information exists on this topic e.g. leaflets and guidelines from FCS, RSPB etc.

Proposed actions: clear felling Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage continuous cover forest management, and mixtures of native and non-native tree species. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission.

The Forestry Commission is carrying out a programme of research on continuous cover forestry97.

Proposed actions: Awareness & lack of local involvement

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Identify and manage trees and woodland fragments in and around settlements. Suggested partners: Local communities, Forestry Commission, Highland Council, SNH.

Promote community woodland projects and encourage further effective local consultation regarding woodland management, such as ‘forests for real’. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, woodland managers, local communities.

Establishment of Community Woodlands in various places: Sleat Community Trust (Tormore Community Forest) Broadford & Strath Community Company Woodland Kingsburgh Forest Trust Sluggans Woodland Park Group Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust Lochalsh Woodland Park Steering Group Condcordat signed in 2000 between FCs and Fernaig Community Trust over management of south Strome Forest.

97 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-63CCQB

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Encourage and support landowners who make forestry resources and / or control available to local communities, where there is an interest to manage and utilise it in a sustainable manner. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission.

Sleat Community Trust (Tormore Community Forest) Broadford Community Woodland Kingsburgh Forest Trust Sluggans Woodland Park Group Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust Lochalsh Woodland Park Steering Group Condcordat signed in 2000 between FCs and Fernaig Community Trust over management of south Strome Forest

Encourage innovative use of locally sourced timber for construction and other uses. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, woodland groups.

Highland Birchwoods used to do this, but have now reduced their activities.

Proposed actions: Recreation & tidy-ups Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Raise awareness of woodland flora through interpretation and workshops; and conduct surveys and research projects into the distribution, habitats and management required for mosses, liverworts, lichens, ferns and fungi, with the results feeding into management plans and works. Suggested partners: SNH, Forestry

THC Nature Guides SLEF Outreach project Sedge ID course

SWT waxcaps/hazel gloves awareness training FC Bryophyte and Lichen Surveys, Kinloch, 2011/12. Bryophyte Survey Balmacara & Glenelg, 2013/14. Plantlife has produced guides to the bryophytes, fungi and lichens of Atlantic Woodlands98,99,100,101 and Scottish pinewoods102,103,104,105,106. There are also management guides: ‘Lichens and bryophytes of Atlantic woodland in Scotland: an introduction to their ecology and management’107, ‘Looking after bryophytes and lichens of

98 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodlands_guide_1_woodland 99 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodlands_guide_2_ravines 100 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_atlantic_woodlands_-_guide_1_lichens_on_ash_hazel_willow_ro 101 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_atlantic_woodlands_-_guide_2_lichens_on_birch_alder_and_oak 102 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_scotland1 103 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/fungi_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_1 104 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/fungi_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_2 105 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_1 106 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_2 107 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_and_bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodland_in_scotland

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Commission, woodland managers, local interest groups.

Scotland’s oceanic ravines’108 and ‘Management of woodland plants in Atlantic broadleaved woodland109 and Caledonian pine woodland110,111. The series of ‘Important Plant Areas’112 identified by Plantlife includes stretches of the Skye & Lochalsh coast, listed for their Atlantic oak and hazel woodlands. The Atlantic Hazel Group has recently published ‘Atlantic Hazel Scotland’s Special Woodlands’, which gives guidelines on assessing and managing Atlantic hazel woodland.

Support, manage and monitor the impacts of recreation within woodlands, and encourage forms of recreation that raise awareness of biodiversity, such as photography, wildlife recording and discussion. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Access Project.

Is this where the footpath projects come in? Photo Competition

Provide information and interpretation to minimise visitor impact and increase awareness of biodiversity within woodlands. Suggested partners: SNH, woodland managers.

Interpretation provided at numerous Forestry Commission sites and Woodland Trust property at Uig.

Raise awareness of the importance of scrub and deadwood amongst individuals, communities, land users and woodland managers.

Forestry Commission has several publications on deadwood and its management e.g. ‘The conservation management of deadwood in forests’113 and ‘Managing deadwood in forests and woodlands’114.

108 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/looking_after_bryophytes_and_lichens_of_scotland 109 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/management_of_woodland_plants_in_atlantic_broadleaved_woodland 110 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/management_of_woodland_plants_in_caledonian_pine_woodland 111 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/managing_pinewoods 112 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/identifying_and_mapping_boundaries_for_scotlands_west_coast_important_plant 113 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/RIN241.pdf/$file/RIN241.pdf 114 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCPG020.pdf/$file/FCPG020.pdf

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Suggested partners: SNH, Forestry Commission, woodland managers.

Proposed actions: Funding Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Promote the sympathetic management of farmland scrub for the benefit of reed bunting, bullfinch and other farmland birds. Suggested partners: Scottish Agricultural College, RSPB, SNH.

RSPB produces a Scrub Management Advisory Sheet for farmers115. RSPB/SAC advice/promotion in SRDP applications.

Monitor the success of woodland schemes for biodiversity. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission.

Now part of FC’s Biodiversity Duty?

115 http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Scrub%20management_tcm9-207652.pdf

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Mountain and Moorland

Overall Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage projects that aim to diversify and integrate upland forestry with surrounding land uses.

Enhance the ecological condition and biodiversity value of mountain and moorland habitats by encouraging moorland management programmes that promote biodiversity (including Deer Management Plans and Muirburning Plans).

Muirburn Code Revisions paper produced - 2010

SNH SCM and Site Management Statements/Conservation Objectives for designated upland features on SSSIs/SACs. SNH offers financial assistance towards producing Deer Management Plans116. JMT management of their upland estates. Scotland’s Moorland Forum has produced guidance on Moorland Management Plans117. SAC held a muirburn training event near Portree in 2013. Plantlife has produced a guide to ‘Bryophytes of Scotland’s oceanic heath’118 and management advice on ‘Looking after bryophytes in Scotland’s springs and flushes’119, ‘Looking after Scotland’s oceanic heath’120 and ‘Managing Scotland’s uplands for Juniper’121.

Encourage developers of e.g. paths, tracks, pylons and wind farms to consider the impacts on local and national priority habitats and species in their Environmental Impact Assessments.

Now enshrined in law (except for ‘agricultural’ tracks).

116 http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-wildlife/managing-deer/sustainable-deer/ 117 http://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and-research/publications/search-the-catalogue/publication-detail/?id=107 118 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_scotland 119 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/looking_after_bryophytes_in_scotland 120 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/looking_after_scotlands_oceanic_heath 121 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/managing_uplands_for_juniper

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Proposed actions: inappropriate grazing Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage land managers to reduce grazing pressure in some areas, through reduction in deer or sheep numbers and the use of deer fencing where appropriate (using high visibility fencing to minimise risk of collisions from species such as grouse where appropriate). Suggested partners: Deer Commission for Scotland, Deer Management Groups, Crofters Commission, Scottish Crofting Foundation.

SNH offers financial assistance towards producing Deer Management Plans122. SRDP 2007-13 included some grazing reduction options. JMT management of their upland estates including Moorland Management Plans within Cuillins SPA, under SRDP 2010-2015.

Encourage the use of rare and local breeds of livestock. Suggested partners: Scottish Agricultural College, Scottish Crofting Foundation.

Provide improved education and training opportunities that meet the needs of land users, as well as less formal approaches. Suggested partners: Highland Council and National Trust for Scotland Ranger Services, SNH.

SAC held a muirburn training event at Struan in 2010, Isleornsay in 2012 and near Portree in 2013. LANTRA runs a course in Moorland Management, but none of the providers is based in S&L123.

Proposed actions: Deer Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage research into deer populations in Skye and Lochalsh, population movement, density, including the sika deer populations and effects on biodiversity through the Deer

Plenty of deer research going on, but not specific to S&L. SNH and DMGs carry out regular deer counts in all DMG areas, post-2000 results are shown in map form here124. SNH offers financial assistance towards producing Deer Management Plans125.

122 http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-wildlife/managing-deer/sustainable-deer/ 123 http://www.lantra-awards.co.uk/Products/Moorland-Management.aspx 124 http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B847683.pdf 125 http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-wildlife/managing-deer/sustainable-deer/

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Management Groups. Suggested partners: Deer Commission for Scotland, Deer Management Groups.

Proposed actions: Hillwalking Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Support practical training programmes for the management of mountain, hill and moorland habitats, including skills such as path making and dry stone walling. Suggested partners: SAC, Lantra, Highland Agricultural Labour Supplies, Skye & Lochalsh Footpath Initiative, Highland Access Project.

LANTRA runs a course in Moorland Management, but none of the providers is in S&L126. Many projects were carried out by the Skye & Lochalsh Footpath Initiative e.g.127, but it is not clear whether these included a training element.

Encourage the planning and construction of walking routes with consideration of the impacts on biodiversity. Suggested partners: Skye & Lochalsh Footpath Initiative, Highland Access Project.

As above - many projects carried out, not clear how much attention was given to biodiversity considerations.

Promote the national Access Code, highlight local issues surrounding access and biodiversity, e.g. effects of litter, disturbance to breeding birds and help people reduce potential negative impacts. Suggested partners: Highland Council and National Trust for Scotland Ranger Services, SNH, Skye & Lochalsh Footpath Initiative, Highland Access Project.

Falls within the remit of the Skye & Lochalsh Local Access Forum128 and local Access Officers.

126 http://www.lantra-awards.co.uk/Products/Moorland-Management.aspx 127 http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/highlandsandislands/low/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8498000/8498792.stm 128 http://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/committee/43/skye_and_lochalsh_local_access_forum

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Encourage walkers/climbers to take litter home and provide roadside litter collection facilities where appropriate. Suggested partners: as above.

Falls within the remit of the Skye & Lochalsh Local Access Forum129 and THC.

Proposed actions: Wildlife Crime Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Reduce the persecution of birds of prey through better law enforcement measures and an awareness raising programme that encourages local people, walkers and climbers to report any suspicious behaviour. Suggested partners: Highland Constabulary, RSPB, Raptor Study Groups, walking and climbing groups, local community groups.

This issue is now being addressed through the Highland Environment Forum, with a proposal to set up a local (Highland) Partnership Against Wildlife Crime. A community monitoring programme initiated by RSPB for White-tailed eagle operates in Skye & Lochalsh130. The Highland Raptor Study Group also carries out monitoring of all raptor species131. RSPB Species Protection staff support investigations into wildlife crime.

Proposed actions: Infrastructure Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Ensure that developers conduct research into and monitor the impacts of new wind farm development on hill and moor biodiversity by incorporating habitats and species impacts into Environmental Impact Assessments and monitoring impacts during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases. Suggested partners: Highland Council, developers.

Now a legal requirement.

Raise awareness of the importance of blanket bogs, both in terms of biodiversity and as a carbon sink. Suggested partners: SNH.

SNH SCM and Site Management Statements/Conservation Objectives for designated blanket bog features on SSSIs/SACs. JMT management of their upland estates.

129 http://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/committee/43/skye_and_lochalsh_local_access_forum 130 https://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/WTE_newsletter_2013_tcm9-369335.pdf 131 http://www.scottishraptorstudygroup.org/highland.html

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FCS Achintraid, North Strome Fell p91 Sitka Spruce on wet heath & mire. 54ha completed. 2009/10 FC Kinloch Bog restoration FTR Plantlife guide to ‘Bryophytes of Scotland Oceanic Heath’132

Investigate means of gaining a local income from trading carbon credits for rehabilitated peatlands in a climate change programme. Suggested partners: SNH

Carbon trading is a contentious issue and is being dealt with at Government level and internationally. The new SRDP includes a ‘Rural Development: Agri-Environment Climate Scheme’ but it is not clear whether this is relevant to peatlands (or to agricultural soils).

132 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_scotland

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The Built Environment

Overall Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Encourage more people to garden for wildlife.

Plantlife ‘Grow Wild’ campaign133 and leaflet134. Plantlife ‘Pond Alert’ series of leaflets about appropriate pond planting135.

Promote the later cutting of grass verges to encourage wild flowers and wildlife, and raise awareness of this issue locally.

Plantlife online road verge campaign136

Ensure that all future building developments take the potential impacts on habitats and species into account and where possible, incorporate some habitat creation into the design.

Statutory duties of SNH and SEPA for biodiversity. Legal requirement for EIA as part of Planning controls. Highland Council’s guidance on Protected Species and development137.

Suggested actions: Lack of awareness Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Produce a wildlife gardening leaflet specific to Skye & Lochalsh, promoting diversity and the use of native species in the planting design, encouraging the use of composting bins, advising on eco-friendly products and raising awareness of issues such as New Zealand flatworm. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Council Ranger Service.

Celebrating Nature' event THC Nature Guides Moth Group SLEF/ WREN Posters SLEF Outreach project Biodiversity Day Balmacara

Garden BioBlitz138 Plantlife ‘Grow Wild’ campaign139 and leaflet140. Plantlife ‘Pond Alert’ series of leaflets about appropriate pond planting141

133 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/things_to_do/grow_wild/ 134 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/grow_wild_native_flowers_in_your_garden 135 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/pond_alert_-_managing_your_garden_pond_to_protect_scotlands_wildlife 136 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/roadvergecampaign 137 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3026/highland_statutorily_protected_species_supplementary_guidance 138 http://www.gardenbioblitz.org/ 139 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/things_to_do/grow_wild/ 140 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/grow_wild_native_flowers_in_your_garden 141 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/pond_alert_-_managing_your_garden_pond_to_protect_scotlands_wildlife

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Encourage people to make provision for bats, swallows and other birds when doing up old barns and designing new buildings and sheds. Suggested partners: SNH, Scottish Agricultural College.

Biodiversity of Buildings

Highland Council’s guidance on Protected Species and development142. Publications such as ‘Designing for Biodiversity’ give advice on how to do this143 The online Biodiversity Planning Toolkit includes an interactive bat protocol144

Promote SNH’s School Grounds Grant Scheme, and encourage the erection of bird and bat boxes where appropriate. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Council & NTS Ranger Services.

Biodiversity of Buildings

SNH no longer provides grants for school grounds. Under the Single Outcome Agreement arrangements in 2007 this responsibility was passed to local authorities. ‘Grounds for Learning’ promotes biodiversity in school grounds145.

Produce more information on the sources of advice for gardeners and horticulturalists. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Council Ranger Service, Skye & Lochalsh Horticultural Association.

This type of information can now be easily found by an online search, or through organisations such as Plantlife, or the Garden for Life forum146.

On a voluntary basis, encourage householders and developers to create customised internal bat spaces in new and refurbished buildings at the design stage. This would ensure that roost sites are available to bats and prevent intrusion into the household living areas. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Council.

Publications such as ‘Designing for Biodiversity’ give advice on how to do this (as above). The online Biodiversity Planning Toolkit includes an interactive bat protocol (as above).

142 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3026/highland_statutorily_protected_species_supplementary_guidance 143 http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/httpwww.bats.org.ukpagesdesigning_for_biodiversitya_technical_guide_for_new_and_existing_buildings.h 144 http://www.biodiversityplanningtoolkit.com/bats/bio_bats.html 145 http://www.ltl.org.uk/scotland/ 146 http://www.gardenforlife.org.uk/

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Suggested actions: The tidy-up and verge maintenance

Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Include biodiversity issues in future road, park and woodland maintenance contracts, and raise awareness of why the management has changed. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

Highland Council now reports on this in its Biodiversity Duty report (first one in 2014)147.

Raise awareness of invasive species along with the potential impacts on biodiversity, and promote recommended control programmes. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Council & NTS Ranger Services.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L

Highland INNS Forum addresses these issues148.

Suggested actions: New developments Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG

Ensure road realignment and verge management schemes use appropriate materials to avoid the further spread of invasive species such as Japanese knotweed. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

Japanese Knotweed in S&L

Highland INNS Forum addresses these issues (as above).

Ensure adequate and appropriate provision is made for otter safety, bat roosts and nesting dippers and wagtails in road alterations or maintenance that affects bridges, drainage ditches, culverts, etc. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

Highland Council’s guidance on Protected Species and development149. Volume 10 of the UK Highways Agency ‘Design manual for roads & bridges’ includes this type of information150.

147 http://www.highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/12147/2014_biodiversity_duty_report 148 http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1210/environment/68/biodiversity/5 149 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3026/highland_statutorily_protected_species_supplementary_guidance 150 http://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/dmrb/vol10/index.htm

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Target cutting of roadside verges with an appropriate plan to give the verge flowers time to set seeds without compromising on safety. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

Plantlife’s online road verge campaign151: Highland Council now reports on this in its Biodiversity Duty report (first one in 2014)152.

Ensure all cattle grids have appropriate escape routes for hedgehogs. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

The British Hedgehog Preservation society has a leaflet about this153.

Consider green bridges over roads in areas of high deer mortality, with appropriate fencing. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

A campaign for green bridges is underway for the A9 dualling project, but no action otherwise in Highland154.

151 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/roadvergecampaign 152 http://www.highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/12147/2014_biodiversity_duty_report 153 http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/leaflets/Ramps.pdf 154 http://a9greenbridges.org.uk/