Scottish National Heritage - The Nature of Scotland Winter 2011 Issue 14

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The Nature of ScotlandScottish Natural Heritage Winter 2011

Protectingour seasSelecting sites to conse

Outdoorsis coolTeens and the

great outdoors

Wild at heartCreating a map of wildn


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Contents

5 32

30

Features

8 Selecting sites in

Scotlands seas

Developing a network of marprotected areas

14 The nature of youth

Research into young people the outdoors

26 Design of the times

Urban design to benefit bothpeople and wildlife

28 Little forces of nature

Renewables help to cut enercosts and carbon

32 Beaver diary

Reflections on a visit to the brelease trial

48 Catch and dispatch

Major scheme to remove bremink in the north

50 Skill seekers

Volunteering to develop newand job prospects

56 Gateway to Scotlands

environment

New website makes informat

available to all

58 Mapping wildness

Producing a map of Scotlandwild land

Regulars

2 Where we are

SNH contact details

3 Welcome

4 Wild calendar

Where to go and what to see this winter

18 News

24 Inspired by nature

Show and tell whats inspired

you?

30 Dualchas coitcheann

/Common heritage

Linking language and environment

36 Reserve focus

Discover Loch Leven NNR

42 Area news

Reports from round the country

46 Events diary

Guide to whats on

64 Mailing list

Make sure you always receivea copy

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Credits

The Nature of ScotlandThe Magazine of Scottish Natural HeritageIssue Number 14 Winter 2011

Published quarterly SNH 2011ISSN 1350 309X

Editor: John WaltersTel. 01463 725 222

Cover photo: Wild cherries.Photographer: Lorne Gill/SNH

Inside cover photo: Winter woodland.Photographer: Lorne Gill/SNH

Welcome page: Evening light, Cairngorms National Park.Photographer: Lorne Gill/SNH

Photography all images by Lorne Gill/SNH other than: Laurie Campbell5, 6; Laurie Campbell/SNH 11, 18, 42m; Niall Benvie 7m, 48; Paul Kay/SNH/MNCR 10; Sue Scott 8, 12; Tony Watson/Alamy 14; Hugh Harrop 19; LorneGill/SNH/2020VISION 20, 32, 33, 34, 35l , 35r; Concern for Swifts, Scotland27t; Mark Hamblin 30; WDCS/Sarah Dolman 42r; Estelle Gill 43r; Allan Devlin44l; SNH 44m; Peter Ladell 44r; Sarah Atkinson 49; George Logan 52, 53.

Illustrations 26, 27b - Michael Bryan, Heriot-Wat t University.

Map, 37 Fitzpatrick Woolmer.Based on Ordnance Survey mapping. Crown copyrightand database right 2011. All rights reserved.Ordnance Survey Licence number SNH 100017908.

To share your views about The Nature of Scotlandor suggest articles forfuture issues please contact the editor:

SNH MagazineGreat Glen House, Leachkin Road,Inverness IV3 8NWEmail: [email protected]

The views expressed in this magazine do notnecessarily reflect those of SNH.

Printed by: J Thomson Colour Printers, Glasgow

JTCP31k0112

When youve finished with this magazine, please recycle it. Pass it toanother reader or dispose of it at your local waste-collection point.

Where we are

You can contact SNH byletter, telephone or email.The following detailsshould enable you to findyour nearest main office,but bear in mind that wealso have a number ofoffices smaller than thoselisted.

A full list of our officesappears on the SNHwebsite: www.snh.gov.uk

Corporate

headquarters

Great Glen House,Leachkin Road,Inverness IV3 8NWTel. 01463 725 000Email: [email protected]

Other main offices

Battleby,Redgorton,Perth PH1 3EWTel. 01738 444 177

Silvan House,3rd Floor East,231 Corstorphine Road,Edinburgh EH12 7ATTel. 0131 316 2600

Caspian House,Mariner Court,Clydebank Business Park,Clydebank G81 2NRTel. 0141 951 4488

Area offices

ForthThe Beta Centre,Innovation Park,University of Stirling,Stirling FK9 4NFTel. 01786 450 362

ForthSilvan House,3rd Floor East,231 Corstorphine Road,Edinburgh EH12 7ATTel. 0131 316 2600

Southern ScotlandCarmont House,The Crichton,Bankend Road,Dumfries DG1 4ZFTel. 01387 247 010

Northern Isles& North HighlandGround Floor,Stewart Building,Alexandra Wharf,Lerwick,Shetland ZE1 0LLTel. 01595 693 345

Northern Isles& North HighlandThe Links,Golspie Business Park,Golspie,Sutherland KW10 6UBTel. 01408 634 063

South HighlandFodderty Way,Dingwall Business Park,Dingwall IV15 9XBTel. 01349 865 333

South HighlandThe Governors House,The Parade,Fort William,

Inverness-shire PH33 6BATel. 01397 704 716

Argyll & Outer Hebrides32 Francis Street,Stornoway,Isle of Lewis HS1 2NDTel. 01851 705 258

Tayside & GrampianInverdee House,Baxter Street,Torry,Aberdeen AB11 9QATel. 01224 266 500

Tayside & GrampianBattleby,Redgorton,Perth PH1 3EWTel. 01738 444 177

Strathclyde & AyrshireCaspian House,Mariner Court,Clydebank Business Park,Clydebank G81 2NRTel. 0141 951 4488

2 The Nature of Scotland


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Welcome

Andrew ThinChairmanScottish Natural Heritage

It would be easy to succumb to depression this winter. Economic threats anuncertainties stalk the land. Unemployment is on the rise, while living standafor most of us are falling. Public service providers such as SNH are strugglito meet customer expectations in the face of sustained budget cuts and risinflation. Winter in an age of austerity is a miserable season. Or is it?

I have always loved winter in Scotland. Its a time to be particularly gratewe do not live in one of the flat, drab landscapes that afflict so much of EuroEven in our most industrialised areas, there are tantalising glimpses of snowcovered hills to be seen along the horizon. And a short journey by bus or catake you out into fresh and vibrant open spaces.

Once there, youll experience an intensity of light and colour that even thfinest of artists have never quite been able to capture. Youll see (and hear)wintering birds that come down in their millions from the north to enjoy ourhospitality and enliven our days. Cold, clean air will clear your head and leavwith a buzz to surpass anything that artificial stimulants might offer.

If youre quiet, you may see some of Scotlands many native mammals ouhunting for a meal. On cold days you may come across patterns in the frostice that no hand of man could ever emulate. Sometimes, at night, the sky wso clear that you can pick out individual craters on the moon. Meteors will sand delight you. The aurora borealis (northern lights) may even put on a disp

Scotlands natural world is an asset for us to wonder at and to prize. Its product of countless generations who have cared for and laboured on the la

Its a man-made landscape, but no less natural for that. It makes Scotland thcountry that it is, and it makes us Scots the people that we are. Without it wreally would be poor and we would indeed have reason to be depressed.

But we do have it, and neither recession nor austerity can take it away frWhatever happens to our economy, we have riches on our doorstep, and thavailable to all.


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Shapeshifters

The move from day to dusk can be beautiful at any time ofyear. Thats one of the benefits of living in a northern countryNo sudden switch, tropics-style, to deep dark, but a moresubtle sequence of tones.

Add a swirl of starlings and you have the makings of aclassic winters evening. Even a small bunch of these birdscan look good, as a flock sweeps and shapeshifts over abridge, buildings or reedbed used as a roost.

Encounter a roost that holds tens of thousands ofstarlings and the pleasure is multiplied. To me, the sight ofthe avian aerobatics at a mega-roost is one of the worldsgreatest wildlife spectacles.

Starling numbers have plummeted in recent years acrossEurope and North America. Luckily, you can still enjoy largeScottish roost displays in some places, including near GretnaFor more modest gatherings, watch for birds that use thereedbeds in the River Tay, near Newport, or that go to spendthe night in the heart of Inverness and some other cities.

Web tip: www.countryfile.com/countryside/top-five-

starling-roosts

Shores without end

For its size, Scotland has a remarkable length of coast.Take into account all the wave-washed ins and outs, fromsea loch fringes and island edges to cliffs and long, longbeaches. Now picture this as a single line of seashells.It would stretch from here to Indonesia.

So theres plenty of choice. And it would be a shame torestrict coastal visits to summer (as some folk do). I relishgrey winter days when I can walk among dunes at the Sandsof Forvie or the beaches of Fife. Or when I can stride out forhours over shingle strands, mudflats and cliff-tops along theMoray Coastal Trail, anywhere between Forres and Cullen.

Wildlife seen on days like these is a bonus, and is all

the sweeter for being unexpected. For the most importantthing is an almost primal response to how light and air, seaand land are linked; how they feel as you breathe in thefreshness. That and the notion that no matter how far youwalk, Scotland will always have more coast to explore.

Web tip: www.morayways.org.uk/moray-coast-trail.asp

Wild calendarWhen a thousand rooks are silhouetted above bare trees in theafterglow of an early sunset, when frost makes ice flowers onglass and puddles, when an otter makes pawprints along thesnowy beach at first light and the robin sings for hours beneaththe streetlights you could be there, to feel the wildness that is allaround, in the heart of the Scottish winter.

Kenny Taylor givessome seasonal

tips for savouringScottish wildlifeand landscapes


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Hot wigeon and long-tailed cool

While plants generally dull down for winter (holly being a notable exception),wildfowl dont follow those rules. Male ducks often have superb plumage in latewinter.

Thats when the drakes are geared up for courting. Freshly feathered andcoloured, they make their moves (mostly on water) to woo the dowdier females,whose plumage is more camouflaged. Not surprisingly, given its prominence in anup-close display, a drakes head often has some of the most impressive colours.

Male wigeon, for example, have chestnut-coloured cheeks and a rakish yellowstrip that runs from the beak, over the crown and down to the neck. Long-tailedducks take a cooler approach, looking elegant with tones of black, white andcharcoal on the head, rounded off with an upswept curve of tail plumes.

Hides beside estuary nature reserves such as the Scottish Wildlife Trustsat Montrose Basin, the RSPBs at Udale Bay or the Wildfowl and Wetland Trustsat Caerlaverock can be excellent for watching winter wigeon. For long-tails, myfavourite place is Orkneys Sound of Eynhallow, just offshore from the Iron AgeBroch of Gurness.

Web tips: www.montrosebasin.org.uk/index.php

http://scottishislands.posterous.com/archive/3/2011

1Scotland holds the

bulk of Britainscoastal sand dunes.Theyre important forwildlife and can also bea fine backdrop to awinter beach walk.

2No matter how oftenyou see a starlingroost, the variety andrapid changes of flockpatterns will amaze.

3A drake wigeon maymeet an old partner ormate with a new onebefore the pair leaves a

wintering area. 4When broadleavedtrees are bare ofleaves, it can be easierto focus in on the finerattractive details oftheir branches, twigsand bark.


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Naked appreciation

How familiar are you with your localbroadleaves? Wherever you are, its afair bet that there will be broadleavesnot too far away. They might be tiny,such as the dwarf trees on someuplands and islands. They might notbe natives, such as the countlesssycamores in urban areas.

Winter is a great time to getacquainted with some broadleaves.That might seem surprising, as theyllbe bare of leaves. But the benefit ofwinter tree appreciation is that you cansee more readily many details of bark,branch and twig that might otherwiseescape you in the leafiness of otherseasons.

You could use winter as a timeto look for buds on twigs, and thenbegin to learn from their shape and

arrangement what the tree is called.Or, quite simply, you could just enjoythe shapes and tones of winter trees.

Snow on a filigree of rowanbranches; the pale, grey elegance ofalder and ash; the patterns of birchbark: these are all on display right now,perhaps not so far away.

Web tip: www.bbc.co.uk/nature/

animals/wildbritain/field_guides/

tree_id.shtml

Some other things to look for in winter:

Snow buntings; east coast dunes; the colour of Scots pine trunksin the evening;iciclesand frozen falls; patterns of dry grassesand flowerheads against snow.


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Fishermen, environmentalists and renewables developersare among those getting involved in developing a networkof new marine protected areas around Scotland

Selecting sites in

Scotlands seas


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Scotlands largest seashell anchors itself to thseabed with silken threads so golden that itsthought they were once used to decorate the

robes of kings.

The fan mussel has strong threads so fine that they caattach to a single grain of sand and so like human hairthat superstitious seamen believed the creatures fed udrowned sailors.

These fan-shaped bivalves grow up to 48 cm long,with their pointed end buried in the seabed and only thwider, gaping part sticking out, so that the mussel insidfilter seawater for food.

The fan mussel is one of Britains most endangeredmolluscs today and in Scotland its a priority marine fe

Over a period of 20 years, only a handful of scattered mussels were recorded in our seas. Then, in 2009, MaScotland scientists on a routine survey recorded footashowing dozens of the animals at a site in the Small Is

just south of Skye.Projecting from the seabed, these fragile molluscs

easily damaged or smothered, and the fan mussel is aspecies that marine biologists believe could benefit frothe protection of a nature conservation marine protectearea (MPA).

In 2010, scientists returned to the Small Isles to chnewly discovered fan mussel population and other wild

in the area, including northern feather stars and burrowmud. What they found surprised and excited everyoneinvolved. The Small Isles fan mussel population was lathan expected, totalling well over 100 individuals, and largest known population in UK waters.

1The fan mussel is thelargest mollusc foundin Scottish waters.

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Marine surveys

This was the first in an extensive programme of marinesurveys funded by Marine Scotland as part of the ScottishMPA project, which is a joint initiative between MarineScotland, Historic Scotland, the Joint Nature ConservationCommittee and SNH. The project aims to advise ministerson MPA selection, helping Scotland to meet internationalcommitments to establish a network of MPAs in its waters.

Survey teams further explored marine wildlife around the

Small Isles in 2011 and also collected acoustic multibeamdata. These data are being used to create detailed three-dimensional maps of the seabed and to help scientistsunderstand the areas rocks and landforms, as well as itsmarine life.

Eighteen marine surveys have taken place aroundScotland since 2010, at locations including Orkney, theMinch, the Clyde Sea and the outer Firth of Forth. Thesurveys are just one part of an extensive programme of workbeing carried out as part of the Scottish MPA project.

The findings from the surveys are helping to improveour knowledge of the fantastic variety of life in Scotlands

seas, explained Dominic Counsell, head of SNHs coastaland marine unit. This will enable us to give the best possibleadvice to government and others on the developmentof Scotlands MPA network and other future marinedevelopments.

Although its science led, Scotlands MPA network isbeing developed along with others with an interest in marinematters. Together with our project partners, weve designeda process that gives those with an interest the chance tocomment in the very early stages, almost as soon as theoptions are identified, added Dominic.


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Possible locationsOne key part of this partnership approach is a series onational MPA workshops with all those who have an inWeve asked folk to comment on the evidence being to support the selection of MPAs and on some of the iwork to assess possible sites, Dominic continued.

Things took a big step forward at the end of OctoWe presented those who came along to the workshopsome initial thinking on 30 locations from which it mighappropriate to develop MPAs, and asked for their feedon the places they thought were worth a further look.

These initial areas, including the Small Isles, are knoMPA search locations. The locations range from the Csea lochs up to Fetlar in Shetland, as well as offshore such as the FaroeShetland Channel and Rosemary BSeamount (approximately 120 km northwest of ScotlaThe locations contain a wide range of marine features are important for conservation, including seabed habitasuch as flame shell beds, species such as sand eels alandform features such as glaciated troughs.

This is the first time in Scotland that weve asked twith an interest for their feedback so early in the proce

2Marine surveys helpscientists tounderstand thedistribution of wildlifeand habitats inScotlands seas.

3Waters around theSmall Isles are oneof the initial searchlocations for newMPAs.


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selecting protected areas, Dominic noted.The response was very pleasing. We had a range

of interests, including fishermens representatives,environmental groups and marine renewables developers, allsat round tables discussing the merits of different sea lochsand locations for protecting common skate. The commentswere constructive and will help us move on to the next stageof the process.

More locations will be discussed at another workshopin February, when those attending will be asked to consider

options for some larger popular species, including minkewhales, white-beaked dolphins, basking sharks and blackguillemots. Most of these have not previously been includedwithin protected areas in Scotland.

There are significant challenges in setting up protectedareas for some of these species, added Dominic. We wantto focus on the important areas for these animals. Thesecould be feeding areas, nursery areas or areas that areused for courtship or breeding. In this way, the MPAs candeliver real benefits to some of Scotlands most outstandingmarine life.

From spring onwards, discussions will be opened outto bring in more local interest groups and communities.And by the end of 2012, the Scottish MPA project will reportto the Scottish Parliament on progress in developing theMPA network. All MPA proposals will be subject to12-week formal consultations.

For more information on the Scottish MPA project, visit:www.snh.gov.uk/marine-protected-areas

www.jncc.gov.uk/marineprotectedareas

www.scotland.gov.uk/marinescotland/mpanetwork

the MPAs candeliver real benefitsto some of Scotlandsmost outstandingmarine life.

4Flame shells build

nests that provide ahome for many marinecreatures.

5Black guillemots couldbe protected by thenew MPA network.


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New research has revealed that, contrary to popular belief, moyoung people actually have a healthy appetite for the outdoors

The nature of youthTodays teenagers have a reputation for spending too much of their

free time indoors, where they may while away the hours watchingtelevision, surfing the internet or playing computer games.

But new research (undertaken by Scott Porter Research and Marketing on behalfof SNH) shows that young people in Scotland actually have a healthy appetite forthe outdoors and enjoy taking part in various activities.

The survey of young people aged 11 to 17 found that more than 80% of themlike to spend some of their free time outdoors every week, and a similar proportionwould like to do so more often.

According to the young people who took part in the research, visiting theoutdoors provides opportunities for fun, enjoyment and adventure, as well as achance to spend time with friends.

You always feel brilliant after being outside, remarked one of them. I feelrotten when Im in all day. Its definitely good being out, its just refreshing.But the main benefit it offers is a place for young people to enjoy quality

personal time and space to themselves. These are things that they often feeltheyre missing out on because of the demands on their time associated withschool work, home life, part-time jobs and other extracurricular activities.

The outdoors is pretty important. If I dont get away from the house for atleast a wee while Ill probably go a wee bit crazy inside, was how one describedit. You can get quite claustrophobic sometimes, if youre just in the houserevising all day.

Time to escape

For many young people, the unstructured nature of the outdoors represents aphysical and emotional escape from lives dominated by heavy schedules. Its aplace to wind down, relax and clear their heads, either by taking part in an activityor by simply stretching their legs and getting some fresh air.

I walk around the forest. It gives you time to think put your iPod on and justwalk, was a typical response.

Spending time with friends is at the heart of young peoples enjoyment of andwillingness to take part in outdoor (and indoor) activities. When this is coupledwith the freedom to do so without adult supervision, then young people feelliberated from rules and responsibilities. Theyre more empowered and self-assured about making choices about what they want to do in their free time.

Time to socialise with your pals is the main thing, commented one. Its fun

being away from everybody in the countryside, having a laugh, with no-one tellingyou what to do.

While adults (parents and school) do feature in visits to the outdoors,activities undertaken without adults are often enjoyed more. It feels like you havethe power to do anything, as youre in control of yourself, of what you do. Its justso amazing to have the power to do whatever you want, was a general attitude.

Over the last year, the young people surveyed had taken part in and enjoyedvarious different outdoor experiences. Often these were simple, unstructured,everyday activities such as walking the dog, playing in the park or going for apicnic the sorts of things that are easy to access and have no cost attached.

1Young people lispend time in thoutdoors withosupervision.

2Having personaand space tothemselves afrom school, hoother commitm is important tpeople.


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Specialist pursuits

But theres clearly also an appetite for more specialist, activity-based pursuitssuch as snowboarding, mountain biking, camping and water skiing. Levels ofinterest and participation in both simple pleasures and activity-based pursuits aresimilar, but when it comes down to what young people enjoy most, the activity-based pursuits have the edge.

Many of the young people surveyed also expressed a keen interest in tryingnew outdoor activities, especially those they considered to be more adventurous

and physically challenging or less accessible, perhaps owing to cost, location orthe need for special equipment.

Id like to try canoeing, its quite adventurous, commented one teenager.I think it would be nerve-racking, but it would be amazing. And anotherconfided, Id love to try snowboarding. I think I would like to have the courageto do something like that, just to push you out of your comfort zone.

Young peoples visits to the outdoors reduce with age, and increased schoolcommitments among older teenagers are a major factor in this decline. Someolder teenage girls also become exposed to more barriers than their male peers.

3Spending time withfriends is at the heartof young folksenjoyment of theoutdoors.

4Simple, easy-to-access pastimes, suchas going for a walk orplaying with friends inthe park, are enjoyedby many young people

5Most young folk arekeen to have newexperiences, andadventurous activity-based pursuits are atthe top of the list ofthings that theyd liketo try.


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Its fun being awayfrom everyone in thecountryside, having a

laugh, with no-one tellingyou what to do.

These include fewer opportunities to go out unaccompa resistance to getting sweaty or dirty, fear of losing facompetitive environment and the need to find an activitsuits everyone in their social group.

Among this group, encouraging a shift in focus to soutdoor pleasures (which are typically non-physical, nocompetitive and easily accessible) may well help to redthe drop in interest.

This research shows that theres a real chance toharness the very natural enthusiasm that young people

have for the outdoors and to ensure that they continuehave opportunities to enjoy existing pastimes and try nactivities.

Its vital to provide relevant information throughappropriate channels on things to do and places to goFriends, parents and school are important sources ofinformation, but its also clear from the research that somedia and technology (such as Facebook or mobile phapps), which are now a central part of many young peoeveryday lives, also have a role to play.

The fact remains that young people lead highly struand heavily scheduled lives. As a result, competition fomuch valued down time presents SNH and our partnwith a big challenge.

The overwhelming advantage of the outdoors is thaoffers young people an environment where they can reand recharge, while also providing as much fun if no as watching TV or sleeping in at the weekend. In addit offers something for everyone regardless of who theywhere they live or how much pocket money they get.

You can view the Enjoying the outdoors attitudesbehaviours of young people in Scotlandreport at wwwgov.uk/publications-data-and-research/publication

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Year of the deer

Deer are the wildlife species that the public associate most with Scotland,according to a recent survey.

Over 1,000 people were asked about their views on species, habitats andwildlife management, and almost three-quarters (73%) of those who respondedsaid they associated deer with Scotland.

The survey, commissioned by SNH, showed that awareness tends to beconcentrated on a few species, with 27% of the Scottish public also linking

golden eagles with Scotland, 26% grouse and 25% red squirrels.Awareness figures for the red squirrel and the Scottish wildcat have increased

significantly from earlier surveys, and this may be down to both animals receivingmore publicity over the summer period.

Among those who expressed concern about threats to wildlife, the largestgrouping (37%) worried about the fate of red squirrels.

The majority of the people surveyed felt that wildlife was managed in a waythat represented the best interests of Scotlands people, and many supportedthe reintroduction of species. Among the species that have been brought back toScotland in recent years are red kites, white-tailed sea eagles and beavers.


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Can you distinguish dialects?

Your help is being sought by scientists at the University of St Andrews in a bid tosolve the mystery of the way in which whales communicate.

Researchers from the universitys Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) wantcurious citizen scientists across the world to listen to and help classify the callsof killer whales and the lesser known pilot whales.

St Andrews SMRU is one of the partners in the Whale Project(http://whale.fm), which is a global effort to harness the interest of thegeneral public to help categorise whale calls.

Its hoped that the results of this worldwide crowd-sourcing project will giveimportant new insights into the range of calls that whale populations use and theway vocal traditions vary across different groups of whales.

The Whale Project website has calls from both killer whales (pictured below)and pilot whales. If you log on, youre presented with a whale call and shownwhere it was recorded on a map of the worlds oceans and seas. After listening tothe whale call, youre then asked to listen to a number of potential matching callsfrom the projects database. If you find a match, you click on that sound and theresults are stored.

Only a few researchers have categorised whale calls, says Professor PeterTyack of the University of St Andrews. By asking hundreds of people to makesimilar judgments, well learn how reliable the categories are, and they get the fun

of hearing these amazing sounds.The results generated by this project will enable scientists to look at a numberof questions about whale communication. For example, biologists studying killerwhales report that each group has its own distinctive dialect of calls, with relatedgroups having dialects that are more similar. The Whale Project asks you to testthese results by making your own judgments on the similarity between calls.

Much less is known about the calls of pilot whales than of killer whales.Researchers want to know the size of the collection of calls that pilot whales haveand whether the range of calls varies between groups, as it does in killer whales.

NEW

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Hidden benefits of peatlands

The UKs peatlands are leaking huge amounts of carbon dioxide, which is makingit harder to tackle climate change, a report has warned.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said thatpeatlands were the Cinderella of Britains wildlife resource, as they were badlytreated and their importance was poorly understood.

Peatlands cover less than 3% of the Earths land surface but are thought tocontain 30% of all soil carbon, or twice as much carbon as the worlds forests.They form as plants die and decay in waterlogged conditions.

Within the UK, peatlands represent the single most important carbon store,with deep peat bogs containing over 3,200 million tonnes of carbon. Scotlandholds around half of the UKs peatland carbon.

The report (www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/commission/findings)found that many of the UKs peatlands have been damaged, and a significantamount of carbon is leaking into the atmosphere from drained and deterioratingpeatlands.

Damaged UK peatlands are releasing almost 3.7 million tonnes of carbondioxide each year, which is equivalent to the average emissions of around660,000 UK households.

The report highlights the need to protect healthy peatlands and work torestore areas that have been damaged. The carbon thats stored in peatlands

can be maintained only if they remain wet or are made wet again when theyvedried out.Weve always had a strong environmental case for investing in peatlands,

commented Jonathan Hughes, director of conservation at the Scottish WildlifeTrust. This IUCN publication provides us with a clear and compelling economiccase too.

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NEW

S

Scots are big nature lovers

The results of a YouGov survey show that the Scottish public have a deepaffection for nature.

A sample of Scottish adults found that 9 in 10 (90%) enjoy seeing andhearing birds in their garden or local park. Some 89% of the public seeScotlands celebrated woodland creatures, such as red squirrels and capercaillie,as part of Scottish culture and agree that they help make our countryside special.

Other interesting results include:

83% agree its important that rare birds living on our grasslands, such as thecorncrake, dont become extinct in Scotland;

80% like to see butterflies and want to see more of them in the countryside; 86% think an important part of the Scottish uplands is seeing and hearing wild

birds and would like to see more; and 84% want to see otters in all of Scotlands rivers.

The survey also revealed what the public think the priorities are in termsof the natural heritage that we pass on to the next generation. While Scotsmight complain about the rain, were a nation that loves its watery environment.When asked about the importance of protecting the quality of places for futuregenerations, Scots revealed that rivers and lochs are the most highly valued,followed by our coast and beaches.

And finally, the top five wish list of things people wanted to see for theScottish environment were:

clean waters around the coast; litter-free beaches; well-maintained parks in towns and cities; wild salmon living in Scotlands rivers; and an end to bird-of-prey persecution.

You can find the reports at www.snh.gov.uk/about-snh/what-we-do/scottish-economy/economic-value


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Disappearing mallards

Its one of Scotlands most familiar waterbirds, regularly seen on our ponds andlochs, as well as being a favourite in urban parks. However, a new report hasrevealed that Scotlands wintering mallard population has almost halved in thepast 30 years.

The latest population figures appear in the State of the UKs Birds 2011, an

annual report published by a group of conservation organisations. It provides anoverview of bird numbers and trends across the UK.The mallard population is bolstered each winter by birds coming in from north

and eastern Europe. However, it has recorded one of the biggest losses in recentyears, with winter populations down by some 46% in Scotland since 1982 and32% since 1998.

Other species found regularly in Scotland that have declined since 1998include the pochard (about 70% down), goldeneye (some 53% down),Greenland white-fronted goose (about 40% down) and dunlin (some 27% down).

The reasons for these changes are not immediately clear. However, resultsfrom monitoring schemes in other parts of Europe have shown that theyre likelyto be partly explained by some birds not migrating as far west or south, becauseof milder conditions elsewhere.

However, the downward trend isnt universal. Wintering numbers of wigeon,gadwall, teal and pink-footed geese have all increased over the same period.

Scotland has some of the most important wetland sites in the UK for birds,commented Stuart Housden, RSPB Scotland director. These are home to vitalpopulations of waders and waterbirds, and provide valuable feeding ground formillions of migrating birds.

The fact that fewer of these winter visitors are reaching the UK may wellpoint to progressively milder winter conditions farther north and east acrossEurope. Its a reminder that we still have much to learn about the long-termimpacts of climate change and the effects for wildlife across the globe.

N

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www.snh.gov.uk

NEW

S

Click on grants

If youre in an organisation or community group thats running a project to dowith managing and enjoying nature, then you may be interested in our new onlinegrants service.

You can access information and advice about SNH grants on our websitewww.snh.gov.ukand even apply for one online. This new facility should make iteasier for groups to apply for SNH funding and to have a clear understanding ofwhere our priorities lie.

Were keen to support projects across Scotland that help to engage people

with nature, improve the management of nature and landscapes or create betterplaces in the Central Scotland Green Network area.

Were also interested to hear about projects that seek to improve themanagement of wildlife. For example, we could help Scotland to save money inthe long term by supporting schemes that aim to tackle the problems of invasivenon-native species before they get established.

We want to back projects that are novel and targeted at key groups, suchas young people, individuals with poor health and people on low incomes.Were also supportive of projects that address barriers to people taking part,such as poor health, age and lack of confidence.

There are two types of grants available:

Natural project grants are aimed at larger-scale, longer-term projects valued at

10,000 and more. To begin with, wed like applicants to send in a proposal,and if were interested in finding out more, well invite you to submit anapplication. The next deadline for applications is expected to be May 2012.

Community action grants are aimed at projects of 12 months or less andvalued at between 1,000 and 20,000. Theyre intended to get more peopleand communities involved in outdoor recreation, volunteering, outdoor learningand recording nature or biodiversity work. Applications are expected to openearly in 2012 and you can send one in at any time after that.

If youd like more information on SNH grants, visit our web page atwww.snh.gov.uk/funding/our-grants


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Inspiredby natureThanks to those readers who sentin another batch of fine photos, fromwhich weve selected a few to display

here. Please keep them coming.Email your images and stories [email protected]


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1 Gannets galore

I took this picture on St Kilda when I was

on a passenger boat. One summer evenin

were tasked with an overnight charter to K

It was just getting dark, the cloud was set

around the islands and the birds were invo

in a feeding frenzy around Boreray, so I to

opportunity to take a few snaps with my d

camera. St Kilda is spectacular no matter

you go there, but that particular evening w

definitely something very special indeed.

Coinneach Morrison, Isle of Scalpay,

Western Isles

2 Mover and shaker

I went to the Galloway Forest during the r

October. I was pleased there was an exce

hide there to shelter in so as not to disturb

deer and also to keep dry! The ranger was

to give background information on the red

and her talk about the rut and how the de

managed was very informative. It was pou

with rain, and it did not let up for the two h

that I was there, hence the shot of the sta

himself a good shake to get rid of the wat

Suzanne Storm, Lochmaben, near Dumfri

3 Golden moment

One fine day this summer I could not belie

my luck when three red admiral butterflies

alighted on a golden sunflower in my gard

Mike Gibb, Aberdeen

4 Fairies bonnets

We came across this ash tree skirted with

beautiful little toadstools when we visited

in August. The location was the Fossil Bur

Lochaline. I think the toadstools may be kn

fairies bonnets.

Juliet Molyneux, Haslington, Cheshire

Give us your best!

If youd like to send in your images anstories of wild encounters, please em

them to [email protected] to include your name,

you live and some background inform

on any pictures submitted. Please resyourself to only three entries per persper issue. If youre sending in photos

have children in them, then we need wpermission from a parent or guardian

each child in the picture.In contributing to The Nature of

Scotland, you agree to grant us royalnon-exclusive use of your material in

way we want and in any media.However, youll still own the copy

to everything you contribute, and we

aim to print your name alongside anytpublished. SNH cannot guarantee thpictures will be used and we reserve

right to edit any material provided.

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A UK design competition aims to promote and supportdesigns that emphasise nature in the built environment

Design of

the times

Is it really possible to have high-quality urban design thats good forboth people and wildlife?

Thats the challenge a new competition sets, and the answer seems to be aresounding yes based on the standard of this years entries.

All too often, wildlife and biodiversity are left on the fringes whendevelopments are being planned, according to Dusty Gedge, the UKsleading living roofs campaigner and one of the people behind the competition.Nature only gets slotted in towards the end of a project, and frequently onlywhere space allows.

More often than not, this results in hastily thought through and poorlyconnected fragments of green space, which dont serve the needs ofcommunities as well as they might.

The Integrated Habitat Design Competition was set up to champion the needto fit in more of the green alongside the push for the grey. And while this isundoubtedly good for the birds and the bees, it also benefits people and makesbusiness sense.

For example, a recent study has shown that having more green spaces in ourtowns and cities improves peoples health and well-being through positive effectson obesity, mental health, circulatory disease, chronic stress and asthma.


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1 Community vegetable plots2 Beehives and flowerbed3 Passive stack ventilation chimneys4 Solar-buffer balconies5 Rainwater collection butts6 Worm and compost storage

Its easy to see how everyone benefits from cleanerand access to greenery, but the economic benefits aretoo. Housing developments that include green infrastrucan increase property prices significantly (by up to 25%in some cases). This is good news for both developersand home owners, as well as improving the chances oregenerating the local economy and attracting inwardinvestment.

For example, landscape improvements at RiversideBusiness Park in Clydebank and Winsford attracted

1 million in private investment and played a part in bojob numbers by 16% and 13% respectively.

More trees and a bit more green space can also hereduce water run-off and the risk of flooding. And usinnatural drainage systems (such as reed beds and chanwith plants in them) often proves to be more effective acheaper to maintain than using concrete or pipe ones.

The competition saw designers from all over the UKcome up with some creative and innovative solutions foprimary schools, offices and brownfield sites from grwalls to living roofs, and floating houses to rain gardenAll of which led to lively discussion for the judging panwhich included Phil Baarda, one of SNHs advisers onwoodlands and green networks.

Im glad to say that Scotland produced the winninentry, remarked Phil. Its for a proposed developmentLeith that involves a five hectare former train and tram providing 120 affordable houses. The design includes water recycling, a community market and gardens, alonwith a combined heat and power generator. It still manto retain some of the original sites key features, such aVictorian workshops and chimney stacks.

And one of the highly commended entries also hadScottish pedigree. It was for some deceptively low-keynesting boxes that have been elegantly incorporated in

gable ends of existing houses in Holytown near MotheIts a great example of the big benefits that can come fsmall and simple ideas.

The competition will be running again in 2012.For more details and to see this years winners andfinalists, go to http://ihdc.org.uk. For more informatioon the Central Scotland Green Network, seehttp://centralscotlandgreennetwork.org.

1Sunshine on Leith?The designersimpression of how theformer train or tramdepot could look.

2Low key but highlyeffective a triangularswift box under the

eaves in Holytown,near Motherwell.

3Common and garden the Leith proposalsmultifunctionalcommunal allotments.

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1

Solar panels on theroof of our Isle of MayNNR office.

2

A new hydro scheme isabout to be installed atCreag Meagaidh NNR,near Newtonmore.

For many years now, SNH have been advising on the impacts that renewableenergy projects might have. We provide advice that aims to support schemes ofthe right scale in the right location.

Our support for renewable energy recognises the vital role that it can playin tackling climate change. Were also well aware that renewable energyoffers valuable opportunities for rural communities and the Scottish economy

as a whole.Through time weve built up a lot of knowledge about the benefits andpotential pitfalls of these types of developments, and weve taken the plungeourselves to establish renewable energy schemes across our properties.Weve now installed and use renewable energy at many of our own offices,visitor centres and nature reserves.

These schemes are helping us to become a truly low-carbon organisation.As a result, in 2009 we were generating over 1,100,000 kWh of renewableenergy and saving over a quarter of a million kilograms of carbon dioxide!

We know that being a greener and low-carbon organisation fits well witheconomic incentives to become a more efficient one and so give better value forpublic money, commented Joe Moore, SNHs director of corporate services.

Our greening and carbon priorities are focused on reducing energy and

work travel, as well as creating greener buildings and encouraging more sharingof properties. Were also making sure that energy efficiency is at the heart ofwhat we do.

Little forces of nature

Solar panels, hydro schemes and windturbines are all part of a programmethats helping SNH cut energy costsand tackle climate change

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Renewable energy technologies are already installedat 13 of our 40 offices some of which we share withother organisations as well as visitor centres and otherbuildings. Over 500 of our staff, across our properties,benefit from renewable technologies supplying both heatand electricity. This allows us to continue to work forScotlands natural heritage even in the darkest and coldestof winters.

Some of our premises are fairly remote and benefit fromthe additional energy supplied by free, reliable renewabletechnologies. For example, the office on our Isle of MayNational Nature Reserve (NNR) has solar panels; the Isleof Rum NNR has a hydro scheme supplying 35 buildings;and Noss NNR keeps the lights on in the visitor centre witha micro wind turbine, and two solar water panels supply thebuilding with hot water.

Were currently sharing offices with other public bodies,such as the Forestry Commission Scotland, SEPA and

the Scottish Government, and this too helps to reducarbon footprint. However, we aim to do more. With renewable technology projects planned for our Forvicentre, and more on the Isle of Rum and Creag MeaNNRs, our energy generation is likely to continue to and up, while our costs and carbon emissions go spdown!

So, the next time youre visiting one of our NNRs

visitor centres, why not ask the staff if the lights abovhead are powered by the sun, a local burn or the winforced you indoors!

For more information on our greening work, visitwww.snh.gov.uk/climate-change/what-snh-is-do

corporate-greening/

For more information on microrenewables and thenatural heritage, go to www.snh.gov.uk/planning-adevelopment/renewable-energy/micro-renewab


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30 The Nature of ScotlandThe Nature of Scotland30

Dualchas coitcheannCommon heritage


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What links the swallow and red kite with the earwig, commonclubrush and a mountain above Little Loch Broom? The answlies in the Gaelic word gobhal, as Ruairidh MacIlleathain expla

Gobhlaichead mr

Tha e iongantach cho pailt s a tha am facal gobhal ann an ainmean ainmhidhean, gu h-raidh eBidh a h-uile duine elach air a ghobhlan-ghaoithe (swallow) a th air ainmeachadh a rir cumadearbaill, ach chithear gobhal cuideachd anns a ghobhlan-ghainmhich (sand martin), an gobhlantaighe (house martin), agus anns a ghobhlan-mhr no gobhlan-dubh (swift). Agus tha na Gidhedanamh sgaradh eadar an gobhlan-mara (Leachs petrel) agus na luaireagan (petrels) eile air cuearbaill, oir s e sin an aon t air a bheil earball gobhlach.

Tha cumadh earbaill a toirt a bhuadhair gobhlach air eun ainmeil air tr cuideachd an clamgobhlach (red kite). Bithear ag ainmeachadh an ein seo anns an abairt coltach ri clamhan-gobham measg nan cearc, a tha co-ionann ris a Bheurla like a cat among the pigeons. Agus tha lus aa tha a gilain gobhlach na ainm an luachair ghobhlach no common clubrush(Schoenoplectu

palustris); tha an ceann shuas dhith, nuair a tha flraichean oirre, a coimhead rudeigin gobhlach.

Tha gobhlachan a riochdachadh duine a tha na shuidhe casa-gobhlach, ach tha e cuideacha seasamh airson daddy longlegs; feumaidh gur e an digh sam bi casan na frde sin a dol nanspleadhagan as coireach ri ainm. Chan e a chasan, ach earball, as coireach ri ainm an earwigannGidhlig, ge-t. Cluinnear an d chuid gobhlachan agus gobhlag air a shon. Am measg nan ainairson a leithid ann an Albais, tha d fhacal a thinig bhon Ghidhlig horny golochagus gulack

Agus tha gobhal a nochdadh gu tric air mapaichean na dthcha. Tha Loch na Gobhlaig ann Gleann Afraig agus Crn na Gobhlaig-beithe ann an taobh sear Chataibh. Tha Allt Gobhlach annArainn agus Cataibh, Doire Gobhlach sear air Cille Chuimein, Cadha Gobhlach air an Teallach anRos an Iar agus grunn eisimpleirean de Lochain Ghobhlach. Tha beinn le d mhullach An Gobh ann an Cnapadal, agus s dcha gur e sin a bh air a chnoc air Sliabh Ochaill ann an SiorrachdPheairt air a bheil Golloch Hillann am Beurla an-diugh.

S dcha gur i an t-ite as ainmeile co-cheangailte ris an fhacal A Bheinn Ghobhlach eadar L

Bhraoin agus an Loch Beag ann an Ros an Iar. Bho Ulapul, chithear gu bheil ainm na beinne gu mciallach, agus d mhullach oirre. Ann am beul-aithris, bha a bheinn sin cudromach ann a bhith asbhaladh ar coilltean giuthais. S ann os a cionn a bha a bhana-bhuidseach Lochlannach, DubhGhiuthais, air sgith nuair a chaidh a ceannsachadh mu dheireadh thall, agus i ag amas le droch teine a chur ri coilltean na h-Alba air fad.

Forked form

The Gaelic word gobhal(GOE-ul), meaning something thats forked or divand the adjective that comes from it, gobhlach(GOE-luch), appear in the nof a number of animals common in Scotland.

In the bird world, gobhlan(a little gobhal) stands for several species wit

tails. For example, the house martin is a gobhlan-taigheand Leachs petrel ithe gobhlan-mara(sea swallow). The red kite is clamhan-gobhlach, the fobuzzard (because of its tail), and the common clubrush is the luachair ghobor forked rush. Two Scots names for the earwig horny goloch and gulaccome from the Gaelic original gobhlachanor gobhlag(other forms of gobha

And gobhalappears in many landscape names as both a noun and anadjective. Perhaps the best known is the twin-topped mountain west of Ullacalled A Bheinn Ghobhlach. According to Ross-shire oral tradition, this is tsite of the slaying of the evil witch Dubh a Ghiuthais,who attempted to desScotlands forests.

An gobhlan-taighe,fear de na h-ein a thaainmichte a rircumadh gobhlachearbaill.

The house martin isone of the birds whosename in Gaelic derivesfrom the forked shapeof its tail.


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The beaver release trial in Knapdale

has been visited by SNHs in-housephotographer, Lorne Gill, as part of the2020VISION nature photography project.Here are his thoughts on what he saw

Beaver diary


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Beavers have been extinct in Scotland since the 16th century, butonce again the sound of teeth on bark is being heard in Knapdale aspart of the Scottish Beaver Trial (SBT).

The trial is taking place on Forestry Commission Scotland land and is a jointfive-year project between the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the RoyalZoological Society of Scotland. In addition, SNH are supervising the scientificmonitoring, along with a number of independent partners. This will result in afinal report to the Scottish Government, who will decide if beavers will return toScotland for good. One of the main criteria is to establish whether beavers are

beneficial to both people and wildlife.The trial is now in its third year, so it was with much interest that I arrived

in Lochgilphead in early August to set up camp and begin one of my personal2020VISION projects. My task was to photograph all elements of the SBT beavers, signs of beavers, newly created beaver habitats and also the peopleaspects of the trial. As theyre mainly nocturnal animals, I knew that I would haveto be out and about around dawn and dusk if I was to have any hope of seeingthem.

First up was a visit to the excellent little visitor centre at Barnluasgan to scanthe visitor book for clues as to where the beavers had been spotted in the pastfew days. From there I took the short walk down to the Dubh Loch. This is by farthe best place to see their impressive dam-building skills, as theyve raised the

water levels enough to double the size of this small lochan in just a couple ofyears. A vehicle track and path that used to run past the lochan have now beensubmerged under a metre and more of water. However, Forestry CommissionScotland have now made a new path, which incorporates a pontoon that allowsvisitors a view of the dam from Loch Coille-Bharr.

1Sitting quietly bone of the lochsyou the best chspotting a beav

2Student volunteJacob van der Pfrom Holland lafor beavers on Linne.

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Next was a visit to Loch Linne, where I bumped into Roisin,one of the project officers, and Jacob, a young zoologystudent from Holland, who was volunteering with the trialfor a short time. It seems that a major project like this couldnot exist without the help of the many volunteers who arewilling to give up their time in exchange for a few weeks inthis beautiful part of Scotland. Knapdale is one of only 40designated National Scenic Areas in Scotland.

Roisin and Jacob were taking the SBT boat out ontoLoch Linne to look for the beavers and told me that they werehopeful of spotting the first of this years kits as they were dueout around this time. They asked me if Id like to join them andwe were soon heading up the loch, scanning for any sign ofmovement on the mirror-like surface of the water.

It wasnt long before Roisin spotted an adult beaverbehind a small islet at the north end of the loch. However, italso spotted us and swam steadily away before disappearingthrough a channel that led to another lochan. I had my firstimage, but it wasnt the close encounter I had hoped for.

As we headed back down the loch, the sun was already

setting and it was easy to see the attraction for volunteerslike Jacob, who had spent night after night scanning thewaters surface by torchlight for any sign of beaver activity.All too soon, darkness closed in and photography was overfor the day. I left them to their evenings work and headedback to camp.

The next day set the pattern for those that were to follow:up before dawn and a short drive to one of the lochs in the

hope of seeing the beavers before they headed backto their lodges for the day. Most mornings started witheither rain or fog, and one particularly foggy dawn yieldedan encounter with a beaver. However, the beaver did notintend to stay around and swam straight for its lodgewithout a pause.

I spent these early mornings photographing signs ofbeaver activity, such as felled trees, larders of branches

that lined the loch shores and the impressive pathwaysand canals that they use to explore their territories. On firstimpression, it looks like the trees have been damaged, buton closer inspection its easy to find signs of woodlandregeneration among some tree species. I guess thesewoodlands were once actively coppiced by the people wholived here, so the beavers might be having a similar effect.It certainly seems theres never a truer saying than busy asa beaver! However, the monitoring work thats being doneby the James Hutton Institute along with SNH will eventuallygive us a better picture as to what effects the beavers areactually having on the woodland.

Throughout the visit I met up with various people involvedwith the SBT, including Nigel Willby and Alan Law from theUniversity of Stirling. They were studying the water plants todetermine the beavers preferred food and their effects onthe loch communities as part of the independent monitoringwork with SNH. Theyd invented the floating quadrat, whichthey used to count the number of water lilies and the impactthe beavers had on them and other freshwater plants.

Volunteer help


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During the trip, I met and spoke with several holidaymakersand tourists who had planned their trip to the areaspecifically because of the beavers. They were well informedand keen to see the animals for themselves so keen in factthat even a night of torrential rain and rampant midges didntdeter over 70 people turning up for a guided walk, hopeful of

just one fleeting glimpse.Needless to say, the beavers remained elusive, but

everyone went home happy with what theyd seen andheard. The SWT run a series of evening walks and specificbeaver detective sessions for children throughout thesummer months. The children, like the adults, had a greattime exploring and learning about the beavers and werehappy to be photographed during a rare afternoon ofsunshine. However, there are also people, both locally andfrom farther afield, who have serious concerns over thetrial at Knapdale. Their views will also need to be taken into

account as part of the socio-economic monitoring (ledthe Scottish Agricultural College along with SNH), whanother part of the SBT.

I persevered and one evening was eventually rewarwith some closer photographic encounters with the beThe sightings were always fleeting rather than sustainewere enough to fulfil my brief and therefore complete tof images that I had set out to capture.

My most memorable moment, however, wasnt just spent observing the beavers, but a wonderful early moat the beautiful Lochan Buic. Shortly after seeing the bdisappear into its mist-shrouded lodge, I witnessed anamazing mist rainbow arching above the still waters. Wcan say for sure what the outcome may be for the Knabeavers, but a visit to the site can be a joy whether or you see the elusive residents!

Tourist destination

3Alan Law and NigelWillby from StirlingUniversity with theirfloating quadrat onLoch Linne.

4Mist rainbow overLochan Buic.

5Beaver detectivesPiers and Lucas havingfun with an insect net.

You can find out more about the monitoring work ScotNatural Heritage are doing with our partners, and see tlatest reports, at www.snh.gov.uk/scottishbeavertriaFor more information on the 2020VISION project, visitwww.2020v.org.

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4

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A911

1

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Kinross

Milnathort

Burleigh Sands

WesterBalgedie

Easter Balgedie

Kinnesswood

Scotlandwell

Lochend

Levenmouth

Findatie

RSPBVane Farm

Gairney Bank

Kinross Pier

Kirkgate Point

KinrossHouse

Lochleven Castle

St Serf's Island

Burleigh Castle

Milnathort

StandingStones

ChannelFarm

Grahamstone

Gliding Airfield

Kirkgate Park

Mary's Gate

Lethangie

Green Isle

Scart Island

Alice's Bower

Roy's Folly

Castle Island

Reed Bower

Priory

1Loch Leven is tlargest loch in tScottish lowlanis home to thouof breeding andwintering birds

Recent improvements in access have made it easier to enjoy the loch andsee its birds without disturbing them, making it a great place for visitors, whetheryoure a keen birder or simply looking for a refreshing country walk. A 13 km(8 mile) heritage trail follows the west shore from Kinross around the northto reach Vane Farm on the eastern side. The path is level, well surfaced andaccessible to all users. The walk we suggest here takes you from Kinross along to Burleigh Sandson the lochs north shore (close to the A911). Its a linear route of some 4 km(2.5 miles), so you will have to return along the same route unless you canarrange for transport to pick you up at Burleigh. Use the numbered map and

directions in the text to guide you.

Viewpoin

Toilets

Informatio

Key

Trail

Refreshm

Limited p

Bus stop

kilometres

miles

001

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Factory Bay viewing hide

This hide is the latest addition to the reserve and provides great views over therich waters of Loch Leven. The loch is shallow here, with lots of plant and insectlife. All this food means that its a great place to see many of the lochs wildfowlup close, including tufted duck, pochard and little grebe. You might also catch theoccasional glimpse of otters here too. After taking in the views, return back alongthe path towards the pier car park and follow the trail through Kirkgate Park.

Kirkgate viewpoint

You can enjoy panoramic views from here out to Castle Island, where MaryQueens of Scots was held captive between 1567 and 1568. Its also a greatplace to watch the spectacle of pink-footed geese coming in to roost. Thesegeese visit Loch Leven in their tens of thousands from Iceland. Kirkgate Point andthe small island of Scart (Norse for cormorant) are popular roost sites for thesebirds. Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch the spectacle. Continue pastKinross House.

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2Views from the newbird hide near the pierare spectacular.

3Around 100 whooperswans visit the locheach winter fromIceland.


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3 Kinross House

This was once the ancestral home of the Montgomeries and was built by Sir William Bruce in the 17thcentury. It has majestically stood looking over Loch Leven ever since. The elaborate fish gate revealsthe seven species of fish that used to be caught in the loch at the time the house was built. LochLeven is of course famous for its native brown trout, which have been introduced to many differentcountries around the world.

Marys Knowe woods

These woods are a great place to look for great spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers and flocks of long-tailed tits, along with many other woodland species. If youre lucky you may even glimpse a red squirrelhere too, out searching for pine cones. On cold days, look for their tracks and half-eaten cones. Wevealso put bat boxes up in this area as homes for pipistrelle bats.Carry on past Marys ponds. Beyond the ponds (about 500 metres), look out for a junction to your left.This is the town loop, which takes you out of the reserve and back through Kinross to the pier.

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North Queich bridge

Carry on past the junction and on towards the bridge overthe North Queich River. Peer over the bridge and you maybe lucky enough to see one of Loch Levens world-famoustrout. During autumn and winter, the mature trout run up therivers and burns that flow into the loch to spawn, often manymiles from the loch itself. Look out too for otter droppings(or spraints), which are sometimes left on the rocks nearthe bridge.

Kingfisher hide

As its name suggests, this is one of many good sitesaround the loch to see the electric-blue colours of thekingfisher. These birds are vulnerable to hard winters andsome individuals move to estuaries and the coast when thetemperature tumbles. This is also a great vantage point fromwhich to spot species such as great crested grebe andmute and whooper swans, with cormorants often sunningthemselves on the shingle spit. From here, you can retraceyour steps back to the pier (or carry on farther if you wish).

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4The loch is an important

stopover for wildfowlmigrating betweenbreeding and winteringgrounds.

5Loch Leven has one ofthe largest colonies ofbreeding tufted duck inthe UK.

Loch Leven is oneof 47 NNRs inScotland. Find outmore at www.nnr-scotland.org.uk

OS maps

Explorer 369 (Perth & Kinross)Landranger 58 (Perth & Alloa)

Trail lengthThe walk from Kinross to Burleighis about 4 km (2.5 miles). The mostpopular access points are zoned as

discovery areas, with interpretation andorientation boards for visitors. The restof the trail is treated as a tranquil zone,where conservation has priority andthe emphasis is on quiet enjoyment ofwildlife and landscape.

TerrainConditions underfoot are generallygood, as the path is level and wellsurfaced. Exercise caution near the

loch edge, especially with children.

DogsPlease follow the Scottish OutdoorAccess Code and local guidance atthe reserve. Please keep your dog(s)under close control or on a short leadat sensitive times and comply with anynotices you see. A short lead is takento be two metres, and under closecontrol means that the dog is able to

respond to your commands and is keptclose at heel.

Nearby natural attractionThe RSPBs Vane Farm is part of Leven NNR and provides an ideaday out for all the family. The threobservation hides at Vane Farm oshelter from the weather and, at tsame time, a close encounter witlarge numbers of birds. For thosewant more comfort and a warmingof tea, the visitor centre is the ide

destination. From the large obserwindows in the caf you can enjosplendid views across Loch Levetowards Kinross and Castle IslanIf you prefer something more enefollow the steep trail to the top ofHill, from where you can see as fathe Cairngorms, the Isle of May aFife coast.

Near Dunkeld lies the Loch of Lowes, where the Scottish WildliTrust have a visitor centre. It has

interactive exhibitions telling the sof the loch, its history and wildlifeThe large viewing window providegreat views onto mixed woodlandwhere treecreeper, finch, tit andwoodpecker are attracted by the feeders. Two observation hides oloch shore provide first-class viewthe wildfowl population, which peearly winter. As many as 3,000 grgeese roost on the loch, as well agoldeneye, mallard, goosander, wteal, tufted duck and great crestegrebe.

Further informationYou can contact SNH on 01577864 439. You can download a leaabout the reserve at www.snh.gouk/publications-data-and-resea

publications/search-the-catalo

publication-detail/?id=1620

Essential informationLoch Leven lies between Edinburgh (50 km/31 miles) and Perth (32 km/20in the east of Scotlands central lowlands. The nearest town is Kinross.The usual approach by car is via the M90. Leave at junction 5 or 6 if approafrom the south (Edinburgh) or junction 7 or 6 from the north (Perth). There aparks at Kinross Pier, Burleigh Sands, Findatie and RSPB Vane Farm reserBus services link Kinross with major cities throughout Scotland; please chetimes and frequency. Theres no rail service.


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Protecting dinosaurs

The Isle of Skye is often calledScotlands dinosaur isle, thanks to

its unique heritage of fossils from theJurassic period 206 to 144 millionyears ago. These feature marinecreatures, such as ammonites, andterrestrial animals, including carnivorousdinosaurs, such as Megalosaurus,and the omnivores CetiosaurusandStegosaurus.

However, some recent incidents ofreckless and large-scale collecting including the excavation of tonnes ofrock from a cliff threaten this heritage.

Fossil collecting is important forscience and education, as well as beinga popular hobby, commented SNHgeologist Colin MacFadyen, and itsimportant that it continues. Its better forfossils that fall from cliffs to be found,collected and enjoyed rather than beeroded and washed away by the tide.

However, speeding up the processthrough large-scale rock removalis irresponsible and illegal. Its alsopotentially dangerous to the public, ascliff faces are undermined. Wed like to

ensure that particularly vulnerable fossilresources last for future generations.By following the Scottish Fossil Code,people can stay within the law andensure they follow best practice incollecting and storing fossils.

You can find the Fossil Code atwww.snh.gov.uk/about-scotlands-

nature/rocks-soils-and-landforms/

fossils-in-scotland/fossil-code

Far-flung fliers

Research conducted on the island ofRum last summer should help us to

learn more about the Manx shearwater,one of Scotlands most remarkableseabirds. Rum is a national naturereserve and is home to almost a third ofthe worlds population of the birds.

The shearwaters spend the summeron Rum, nesting in burrows high onthe mountains, and return to their nestsonly at night. They rear a single chick,before undertaking an incredible wintermigration, flying along the coast ofSouth America to the Falkland Islands.The birds then return to Rum by way ofthe African coast, making a round trip ofmore than 21,000 km (13,000 miles)!

Their living habits make themtricky to study, but last summer20 shearwaters were fitted withgeolocator tags to track theirmovements in the southern oceans.Scientists returned to Rum this summerto download the information.

On both visits, a number of birdswere also fitted with global positioningsystem (GPS) loggers to track where

they go for food during chick-rearingtime. The GPS loggers were taken offagain after around 10 days and showedsome interesting results one bird hadmade a record-breaking 11-day tripinto the North Atlantic, covering a totaldistance of 3,000 km (1,864 miles)!

Shorewatch sign-up

Our continued support is helping thegrowth of the Shorewatch programme

which encourages communityvolunteers to help keep track of whalesdolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) intheir local area.

The Whale and DolphinConservation Society run the project,which started two years ago at 18sites mainly based around the MorayFirth. Local volunteers are trained tocarry out regular 10-minute watchesfor cetaceans, which help build a betterpicture of how the animals use theirenvironment. The information can helpin understanding long-term populationtrends and could also be useful inplanning future marine developments.

New Shorewatch locationsacross Scotland this year includeBurghead, Cullen, Wick and the OuterHebrides. More local volunteers arebeing recruited and support for themhas been boosted with improvedtraining resources, a dedicated websiteand the introduction of volunteernetworking events. The project has also

included various local events to raiseawareness among communities andvisitors about marine conservation. Inaddition, a schools week is plannedfor pupils to undertake watches at theirlocal site.

If youd like to get involved inShorewatch or find out more, visitwww.wdcs.org/national_regions/

scotland/shorewatch/index.php

SNH Area NewsSouth HighlandCorrespondents: Sarah McGrory, Lesley Watt, Rebecca OHara


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Dundees simple pleasures

A campaign encouraging more peopleto enjoy nature was launched recently

in Dundee. Simple pleasures, easilyfound aims to inspire people to makemore use of local green places such aswoodlands, parks, waterways and evena hill in the heart of Dundee.

Working with the citys countrysideranger service and Healthy LivingInitiative, we produced a free colourfulleaflet with suggestions for where togo. It was delivered to 34,500 homesin Dundee and encourages folk to visitfour easy-to-follow routes in the city at Baxter Park, Den OMains, StobsmuirPark and Dundee Law.

It suggests simple activities toenjoy, such as looking for cones andberries on trees, flying a kite, spottingfoxes and feeding ducks. We hope theleaflet will inspire people to exploresomewhere new and rediscover somechildhood pastimes, for example lookingfor conkers or splashing throughpuddles in your wellies. Being outdoorsis fun and good for your health andits all for free. After these tasters, we

hope people will explore farther on theirown and maybe even produce a guideto walks in their area.

A copy of the leaflet can bedownloaded from www.snh.gov.uk/simplepleasuresor requested fromSNH publications on 01738 458 530or by emailing [email protected]

Eagle transfer

Remony Estate in Perthshire have beenhelping to re-establish a self-sufficient

breeding population of eagles innorthwest Ireland after an absence ofalmost 100 years.

The estate are working with theGolden Eagle Trust in Ireland andthe local Operation CountrywatchPartnership in Perthshire, which ismade up of estates, police, SNH,RSPB and the Tayside Raptor StudyGroup. The partnership monitor goldeneagle, as well as other raptor speciesand black grouse.

Contributing to the partnership,Remony keepers watched for breedingeagles, and when a nest at Remonywas confirmed with two chicks, itbecame a suitable donor. Eagletscan only be taken, under licence, froma nest where two or more eggs havesuccessfully hatched. When the chicksare old enough, theyre ringed, with onetaken for transfer and release in Ireland,while the other remains in the nest. Thissort of technique is well tested and isan appropriate and effective way of

restoring or boosting populations thathave declined, often because of humanpersecution.

The eaglet was safely delivered tothe programme in Ireland, and joined afemale donated from the Isle of Mull.For further information about the projectin Ireland, visit www.goldeneagle.ie

SNH Area NewsTayside and GrampianCorrespondents: Theresa Kewell, John Burrow, Estelle Gill

Moving water

Drainage has been part of land usScotland for centuries. However,

benefits that it brought for forestrfarming over the years were rarelyfor wildlife.

The Logie Burn on Muir of DinNational Nature Reserve in Deesiis one example of a burn thats bestraightened to get water off farmmore quickly. The downside is thastraight burns tend to move sedimfarther and faster, with fewer wildand animals being supported.

Weve also come to realise thaquick drainage can increase the of flooding downstream. Moreovesediment can damage the gravel where fish such as salmon need tbreed, as well as affecting the waquality of lochs into which the burun.

Using well-tested techniques restoring rivers, the Logie Burn habeen restored to its old meandericourse. The design allows for plato trap more sediment in the burnmeans that any flooding will be in

part of the reserve where it will bewildlife, reduce sediment getting the lochs and not affect nearby fa

This Dee Catchment Partnersproject is supported by SEPA, Di& Kinord Estate, River RestorationCentre, James Hutton Institute, RDee Trust and SNH.


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Bird celebration

St Johns Town of Dalry, in Dumfries andGalloway, recently hosted its very first

bird festival. The programme of eventswas organised to celebrate the life andwork of local ornithologist and artistDonald Watson (1918-2005), whoillustrated the Oxford Book of BritishBirds.

A bird art exhibition, guided walks,poetry and music performances, aswell as the awarding of the first WatsonRaptor Science Prize, were among theactivities to enjoy. Local schoolchildrenwere joined by pupils from Dalry Schoolin Edinburgh, who showed off birdsculptures theyd made for the event.The festival was part of the WatsonBird Centre and Celebration project,which aims to inspire local communitiesand visitors through linking birds,landscape and the arts.

Stimulated by the work of Donaldand his late son Jeff a former worldexpert on the golden eagle and SNHdirector the project aims to establisha bird centre in Dalry. Its hopedthat this will encourage economic

development through attracting morepeople to spend time in the town. Itsalso proposed that a Watson birdcentre would house Donalds originalarchive and library, as well as anexhibition space, caf, shop and naturegarden. Big Lottery, SNH and Leaderare supporting the two-year project.

Natterjack hope

Scotlands natterjack toads live in onlya handful of places along the Solway

coast. Their numbers were thoughtto be in decline after years of cold,dry spring weather and the loomingthreat of chytrid disease. This is thefungal infection that has hit amphibianpopulations worldwide.

In Cumbria, on the other side ofthe Solway, dedicated volunteersmonitor the natterjack populationsweekly. So this year we went intopartnership with Amphibian andReptile Conservation (ARC), whocoordinate the Cumbria work, to helpset up a similar network of volunteers inDumfries and Galloway.

After a successful recruitment drive,with well-publicised talks and events,several people came forward to receivetraining. The five known Scottishbreeding sites were subdivided into 15manageable sections for the volunteers,and fieldwork began in May.

A better spring better for thetoads anyway, given that it was wetand warm meant there were at least

small numbers of toads active. Thevolunteers were able to follow their newcharges through spawning to tadpoles,until they emerged as toadlets. In all,the volunteers recorded breeding atfour of the five sites, with thousandsof toadlets seen at Southerness,Caerlaverock and Powfoot. A glimmerof hope for the future perhaps.

SNH Area NewsSouthern ScotlandCorrespondents: Beth Wilson, John McKinnell/Trevor Godden, Richard Kehoe/Trevor Godden

Overseas interest

The success of a ground-breakingmanagement plan that encourages

co-operative working between Englishand Scottish authorities was recognisedrecently at a conference in Madrid.

Spain has decided to increaseits network of protected marine sitesand invited representatives fromseveral European countries to sharetheir knowledge. Claire Carey, theSNH-funded project officer for theBerwickshire & North NorthumberlandCoast European Marine Site (BNNCEMS), was invited to give a talk abouthow this cross-border site is managed.

The BNNC EMS takes in thespectacular coastline and shallow seafrom Alnmouth in northeast Englandto Fast Castle Head in the ScottishBorders. The area supports a huge rangof marine life above and below the seasurface, and includes important habitatssuch as rocky reefs and sea caves. It alspresents unique management challengein balancing the interests of residentsand user groups with the legal duties ofauthorities across national borders.

The management plan allows thecoastal strip to be managed as a singlesystem, with land, water, air and livingresources including people alltreated as vital parts of the system.Its heartening to learn that this all-embracing approach is being recogniseat a European level. To find out more,visit www.xbordercurrents.co.uk


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Explore the shore

Did you know that dog whelks drillthrough mussel shells and dissolve their

prey before sucking it up as a deliciousseafood smoothie? Or that starfish canturn their tummies inside out?

The Hebrides have some of thebest beaches in the world, withsome fascinating wildlife, so wereencouraging folk to get out and explorethem! Katherine Ross (along with SNH)has recently produced a wonderfulset of Explore the shore activitypacks that will introduce families to thefascinating lives of the creatures thatlive in and around our shores.

These packs provide parents,teachers and group leaders with somebasic information on the marine biologyof our beaches. They also providestep-by-step instructions for a range offun activities that are chiefly aimed atchildren of primary-school age.

Six activities are described, withsome getting children to run aroundsearching for treasure while othersinvolve them looking at wildlife in moredetail. Ideally, they should be carried

out on a sandy shore with some rockyareas, which provide both a safe placeto run around and a good range ofwildlife.

The series can be downloaded forfree from www.snh.gov.uk/about-snh/snh-in-your-area/argyll-and-outer-

hebrides/news-in-argyll-and-outer-

hebrides

Big it up

Over 2,000 people of all ages gain the darkness in Lochgilphead

recently for the projection of largethan-life images of wildlife.A huge spider, seashells, a gia

butterfly and an enormous eye loothrough a hole in a stone were amthe photos displayed onto the gawalls of two buildings in the townThe event formed part of the annulantern procession and bonfire nigcelebrations.

The images were the work of pfrom Lochgilphead High School awere taken at Taynish National NaReserve. They represented the latresults of an ongoing nature projebetween the pupils and SNH, whaims to put young people in touchnature and help them explore theienvironment.

Snapberry Cubed involves yopeople between the ages of 14 a16 building their skills in photograunder the guidance of Lorne Gill,SNHs in-house photographer. Thpupils photographs were also on

display earlier in the year at the DGallery in Lochgilphead and in anair exhibition at the Taynish Pigge

SNH Area News

Correspondents: Roddy MacMinn, Ross Lilley, Mags Russell

Environment sells!

The economic benefits of includingenvironmental messages in local food

marketing have been revealed in recentresearch funded by Argyll and ButeCouncil, Leader and SNH.

Market researchers askedconsumers at farmers markets for theirviews, and there was also a surveyof the catering trade. As expected,the factors that influenced peoplesdecisions were quality, taste, priceand where the product came from.However, the environmental storiesbehind the products were alsoidentified as increasingly importantinfluences in what people bought.

Marketing companies were thenrecruited to work with five different foodproducers across Argyll BarbreckBeef, Argyll Hill Lamb, WinstonChurchill Venison, Islay Lamb andRobins Herbs. New marketing materialswere put together that capturedthe environmental credentials of thedifferent products.

Consumer response has yet to befully tested. However, initial feedback

suggests these messages are theright ones to be pushing. Peoplerecognise the west coast of Scotlandfor its outstanding natural environment,commented Fergus Younger, Argyll andIsles Agricultural Forum manager, andits great to see local food producersrealising the benefits of telling theenvironmental story behind theirproducts.

Argyll and Outer Hebrides


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Events diary 2012

January Conservation

Volunteering

Glen Tanar NNR

Deeside

Join our monthly conservation volunteers withGlen Tanar Ranger Service and the John MuirTrust. Come along to learn about conservation andhelp with the management of Glen Tanar. Call theranger service to find out when they're happeningand to book a place.

Tel: 01339 886 072

Health Walks

Glen Tanar NNR

Deeside

Weekly health walks are a sociable way to get fitin the fresh air and much more fun than a sweatygym! Meet at the main car park on Fridays at10 am. Walks are guided, easy and last for 90minutes. Call the ranger service to book a place.

Tel: 01

Documents

Scottish National Heritage - The Nature of Scotland Winter 2011 Issue 14