2019

SCOTLAND 2 State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 3

Though some Gannet THE HEADLINES pressures on nature, In this report we have drawn on the best available data on Scotland’s biodiversity, notably freshwater pollution, • Legislation has driven marked produced by partnerships between conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), have reduced in recent decades, reductions in emissions of some the pressures that have caused harmful pollutants, although research institutes, UK and national governments, and thousands of dedicated volunteers. the net loss of biodiversity negative impacts remain. We have focused on the trends in species as the key evidence of how nature is faring. continue collectively to have a • The need for more homes in negative effect. response to changing human The collection of systematic data on species’ trends often does not • Agricultural productivity, linked population demographics means fully cover timescales relevant to ecological changes. Widescale to the intensification of land that thousands of hectares (ha) data collection only began 20–50 years ago. The results should management and the decline of habitat including farmland, be interpreted in that context and viewed against a backdrop in farmland nature, is still woodland and wetland are of profound historic human influences on nature in Scotland. increasing, although some built on every year, although Photo: Andrew Parkinson Scotland makes a very significant contribution to UK biodiversity; farmers have adopted wildlife- woodland cover has increased it has a high proportion of the UK’s upland habitats, including its friendly farming techniques. and new wetland habitat has most mountainous terrain, and has species found nowhere else been created. The impacts of fishing in the UK. Some of Scotland’s species, such as the White-script • Average temperatures in and climate change Lichen and Scottish Primrose, are found nowhere else in the Scotland have increased by on species’ abundance and world. Historic deforestation, intensified livestock grazing since nearly 1°C, with widespread distribution are evident throughout the 18th century, widespread sporting management since the impacts on nature Scottish seas. At the base of the food 19th century and large-scale commercial forestry during the evident already. web, plankton communities have 20th century have all had significant effects on upland wildlife. Photo: Drew Buckley changed in response to warming seas. While fish stocks are showing signs of recovery, the impacts of unsustainable fishing persist. The ramifications of other pressures on Red squirrel Our data show that the abundance the marine environment, such as noise and plastic pollution, are of and distribution of Scotland’s concern but remain less clear. species has on average declined over recent decades and most measures indicate this decline Photo: Oliver Smart has continued in the most recent This report decade. There has been no let-up showcases just a in the net loss of nature in Scotland. few of the exciting Photo: Kevin Sawford conservation initiatives, Photo: Peter Cairns involving thousands of people, Scotland has a long 24% 14% 49% 62% 11% 38% intended to help nature decline in decline in of species have of species show of species are decline in the flourish across Scotland, history of love for, and average species’ average species’ decreased in strong changes. threatened. Scottish breeding delivered through partnerships abundance. distribution. abundance. Our wildlife is Of the 6,413 species seabird indicator fascination with, our between 1986 of individuals, landowners, Our indicator of Our indicator of Of the species undergoing found in Scotland and 2016. NGOs and government. natural heritage. average species’ average species’ showing either rapid change, that have been abundance of 352 distribution, strong or moderate the proportion of assessed using However, the Thanks to this, thousands of terrestrial and covering 2,970 changes in species defined Regional Red List abundance volunteers collect data on our wildlife freshwater species terrestrial and numbers, 49% as showing criteria, 11% have indicators for fish every year. Without their dedication has fallen by 24% freshwater species have decreased strong changes been classified as species, both pelagic this report would not be possible; since 1994. There over a broad range and 28% have in abundance, threatened with and demersal, we thank them all. has been very little of taxonomic increased. Likewise either increasing extinction from show some signs change in the rate groups, has fallen more species or decreasing, rose Great Britain. of recovery from of decline in the last by 14% since 1970, have decreased in from 45% since deep historic lows 10 years. and is 2% lower distribution (33%) 1994 to 62% over in the Celtic and than in 2005. than increased the last 10 years. North Seas. (20%) since 1970. #STATEOFNATURE 4 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 5

KEY FINDINGS Our species’ status metrics make We focus on measuring change over TRENDS IN ABUNDANCE FOR BIRDS, MOTHS, BUTTERFLIES AND MAMMALS use of two broad types of data: two periods: from 1994 through to 2016 Sota rou auae ator broadly stable since, with a statistically for abundance data and from 1970 to Abundance data from a number 200 non-significant decline in average We are able to present trends 2015 for occupancy data. Our short- of well-established monitoring 180 abundance of 4% (CI -9% to 0%). term period covers the final 10 years in status for more species than schemes in Scotland and the UK 160 The indicator was 7% lower in 2016 of these time series, telling us how 140 ever before in State of Nature encompassing 352 species (birds, compared to 2006. Scotland’s nature is doing now. 120

2019. This is due to new datasets mammals, butterflies and moths). (1975 100) 100 • The abundance indicator for Many of these species are popular becoming available and the 80 25 butterfly species starts in 1979 e e development of analytical tools to record, and are relatively easy to 60 and shows a slight but statistically identify and to observe, making it 40 which enable a much broader non-significant increase in average possible to count individuals to get a 20 abundance of 9% (CI -27% to +45%). range of taxonomic groups to 0 measure of relative abundance. Our 1975 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016 The indicator was 19% lower in 2016 be represented. Birds (143) Moths (175) Butterflies (25) Mammals (9) abundance metrics report the average compared to 2006. change in relative abundance across Unsmoothed indicator Using multispecies indicators, • The abundance indicator for nine these species. our goal is to communicate a Based on smoothed trends: 25% (CI -49% to -1%). Over the short mammal species starts in 1998 and term, the indicator was 10% lower in clear, objective assessment Occupancy data from large-scale • The abundance indicator for overall shows a statistically significant biological records datasets from 175 moth species starts in 1975 2016 compared to 2006. decline in average abundance of 9% of the state of biodiversity which we can now calculate trends for and shows a statistically significant • The abundance indicator for 143 bird (CI -14% to -4%). The indicator was in Scotland. The metrics we 2,970 species across a wider range of decline in average abundance of species starts in 1994 and has been 5% lower in 2016 compared to 2006. present show how measures taxonomic groups (including mammals, of average species’ status have vascular plants, lichens, bryophytes changed over time as well as and a number of invertebrate groups). CHANGE IN SPECIES’ DISTRIBUTION IN SCOTLAND showing the variation in trends These trends measure the change in Sota oua ator (2,970 species) o ter Sort ter the proportion of occupied sites in 1970–2015 2005–2015 • Over the long term, 33% of species between species. (2,970) (2,970) Scotland, so our metrics effectively 120 100% showed strong or moderate declines and 20% showed strong or moderate report the average change in 100 For full methods see State of Golden Eagle 80% distribution for these species. increases; 47% showed little change. Nature 2019 at www.nbn.org.uk/ Photo: Laurie Campbell 80 • Over the short term, 37% of species stateofnature2019. 60% (1970 100) 60 showed strong or moderate declines 40% and 30% showed strong or moderate e e SCOTLAND-SPECIFIC COMBINED ABUNDANCE INDICATOR BASED ON TRENDS OF MOTHS (175 SPECIES), 40 of species Percentage increases; 33% showed little change. BIRDS (143 SPECIES), BUTTERFLIES (25 SPECIES) AND MAMMALS (9 SPECIES) 20% 20 • Over the long term, 23% of species Sota auae ator (352 species) o ter Sort ter individual species’ trends. To examine 1994–2016 2006–2016 0 0% showed a strong change in distribution All (352) All (344) this, we have allocated species 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2015 Strong increase Moderate increase (either increase or decrease). Over the 140 100% Indicator 90% credible intervals into trend categories based on the Little change Moderate decrease short term this rose to 45% of species. 120 magnitude of population change, over Strong decrease 80% Using a different, binary categorisation: the long- and the short-term periods. 100 The occupancy indicator for 2,970 declines could reflect more severe 60% • Over the long term, 62% of species 80 • Over the long term, 49% of species terrestrial and freshwater species underlying abundance declines.

(1994 100) showed negative trends and 38% showed strong or moderate declines shows a decline in average distribution To examine the variation in species’ 60 40% showed positive trends in distribution; e e and 28% showed strong or moderate of 14% between 1970 and 2015, and distribution trends, we allocated trends

40 of species Percentage over the short term, 57% of species increases; 24% showed little change. 2% between 2005 and 2015. Because 20% into categories based on the magnitude showed negative trends and 43% 20 species tend to decline in abundance • Over the short term, 48% of species of distribution change. showed positive trends. 0 0% before they disappear from a site, 1994 2000 2010 2016 Strong increase showed strong or moderate declines Moderate increase Indicator Smoothed trend 95% confidence intervals Little change and 33% showed strong or moderate Moderate decrease NATIONAL RED LIST ASSESSMENT BY TAXONOMIC GROUPS Strong decrease increases; 18% showed little change. Endangered or Vulnerable) and Endang e Ne ar T Le as t Co n V D Extinct or Regionally (RE) C u r • Over the long term, 45% of Invertebrates (2,505) a itic a l t n The abundance indicator for 352 difference in the rate of change a e

therefore at risk of extinction from D r lly E ndang e ab l h species showed a strong change e r ficie n r terrestrial and freshwater species, between the long and the short term. e Great Britain (the scale at which e (V) e ce r a d (EN) in abundance (either increase or Vertebrates (257) te n n (LC) for which Scotland-specific trends t (DD) assessments are made). The bars show e

The white line with shading shows decrease). Over the short term this d (NT) are available, shows a statistically r Fungi e the percentage of assessed species, by the smoothed trend and associated rose to 62% of species. (1,576) d (CR) significant decline in average and lichens broad taxonomic group and overall, 95% CI, the blue line shows the abundance of 24% (95% confidence Using a different, binary categorisation: which fall into each of the IUCN Red underlying unsmoothed indicator. Plants (2,075) intervals (CI) -33% to -15%) between List categories. The bar chart shows the percentage • Over the long term, 60% of species 1994 and 2016. Over this long-term of species within the indicator showed negative trends and 40% Total (6,413) Of the extant terrestrial and period the smoothed indicator fell by that have increased, decreased showed positive trends; over the 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% freshwater species found in Scotland, 1.2% per year. Over our short-term (moderately or strongly) or shown short term, 56% of species showed eretae of ee assessed using modern IUCN Regional period, the decline was a statistically Red List criteria, 265 plants (13%), 153 little change in abundance. Within negative trends and 44% showed Of the 6,413 species found in Scotland Criteria, 642 (11%) of the extant non-significant 12%, a rate of 1.3% fungi and lichens (11%), 92 vertebrates multispecies indicators like these positive trends. that have been assessed against the species, for which sufficient data are per year. There was no significant (37%) and 132 invertebrates (5%) are there is substantial variation between International Union for Conservation available, are formally classified as classified as being at risk of extinction of Nature (IUCN) Regional Red List threatened (Critically Endangered, from Great Britain. 6 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 7

In addition to the State of Nature (27 species) increased steadily up to Some species show climate-driven, MARINE MAMMALS report’s metrics of change in the late 2000s, peaking at 23% above significant long-term population • Scotland hosts over 30% of the world • Since 1994, Harbour Seal abundance abundance and distribution of the 1994 index value. It is currently increases including northwards breeding population of Grey Seals. has decreased in colonies on the terrestrial and freshwater species, 14% higher than in 1994, although range expansion. Scotland’s specialist Between 2012 and 2016, populations north and east coasts of Scotland and of extinction risk, Scottish range changes between 1970 and butterflies (six species) also show were largely stable in the west but increased in west Scotland Natural Heritage (SNH) publishes 1990 suggest a decline in farmland little change since 1979; however, and north, and increased by 4% (an area that holds over 20% biodiversity indicators for birds and birds over that period. The smoothed some species (such as Grayling) show in the North Sea13. of UK Harbour Seals)13. Harbour Seal butterflies on an annual basis1. upland bird index (17 species) shows a statistically significant declines, while statistically significant decline of 17%. others (such as Small Pearl-bordered Photo: Chris Gomersall • Between 1994 and 2017, the Fritillary) have increased significantly. woodland bird index (23 species) • Between 1979 and 2017, the long- showed an increase of 69%. The term trend for generalist butterflies smoothed farmland bird index (14 species) was classed as stable. FISHERIES Marine fish and shellfish are harvested affecting the structure and stability of The UK administrations’ latest MARINE KEY FINDINGS around the UK, representing the most the ecosystem15. assessment of progress towards Good widespread direct human pressure in Environmental Status (GES) under The UK has a legal commitment to fish Marine status assessments been identified in some components but also because seasonal patterns UK waters14. Fish stocks of commercial the Marine Strategy Regulations17 sustainably by 2020. have been made for the Greater of the plankton communities around of production and overall abundance interest span international boundaries. confirmed GES will not be met by 2020 North Sea and Celtic Seas the UK coast, including Scotland. vary among species. This has When fish communities are fished more The Scottish Government indicator for for fish, commercial fish and shellfish, consequences for the predators of sustainability of commercial fish stocks (except for seabirds). Here we Copepods (small planktonic heavily, the larger, more profitable fish and benthic habitats. plankton, including fish4, which in crustaceans) make up a large are removed and the size-mix of the reports the percentage of key Scottish present examples to summarise turn can impact on species at higher proportion of the zooplankton fish stocks is changed. Smaller, less fish stocks fished sustainably. From changes around the Scottish trophic levels, such as seabirds5,6,7. biomass and play a key role in commercially valuable, less reproductive 2015 to 2017 the indicator increased 16 coast, but for more details on converting energy from primary individuals become more dominant, from 46% to 54% . Colder-water species, Calanus each group see State of Nature producers up the food web; however, finmarchicus, moving polewards 2019 UK report, Marine key the composition of these communities findings section. is changing. Warming temperatures have driven northward shifts in the MARINE FISH ABUNDANCE IN THE CELTIC AND GREATER NORTH SEAS PLANKTON distribution of zooplankton in the Abundance indicators for demersal • Over the long term, 27% of species Change in average species’ abundance – North East Atlantic, from the 1960s to marine fish species, those that live showed strong or moderate Celtic Seas demersal fish The base of the marine food web the late 1980s, bringing smaller warm- on or near the sea floor (e.g. Cod, decreases and 64% showed strong is formed by a wide variety of uae ator (11 species) water copepod species into certain Haddock, Saithe), for the Celtic Seas and or moderate increases; 9% showed organisms, including phytoplankton 400 regions around the UK. the Greater North Sea, show signs of little change. (photosynthetic plant‑like microscopic recovery following improved fisheries 300 organisms) and zooplankton (animal An example of this has been the shift GREATER NORTH SEA Being replaced by warmer-water species, management, from very low baselines plankton including copepods and in the relative proportions of two • The demersal species indicator (1985 100) 200 Calanus helgolandicus, moving northwards and a history of overexploitation. larvae of some larger species). These closely related copepod species, with shows a statistically significant e 100 groups are sensitive to changes in the cold-water Calanus finmarchicus Data for pelagic fish species that live increase of 58% over the long term nutrients, salinity and temperatures. being replaced by the warmer-water 0 in the water column (e.g. Herring, (1983–2017) and a non-significant 1985 1990 2000 2010 2016 Plankton communities respond rapidly relative C. helgolandicus in some Blue Whiting and Mackerel) indicate decrease of 6% over the last Indicator Smoothed trend 95% confidence intervals to environmental changes, making areas2,3 (see maps below). These shifts increases in average abundance in 10 years. them a good indicator of change in have the potential to impact higher both the Celtic and the Greater North • Over the long term, 11% of species Change in average species’ abundance – marine ecosystems. In recent years, trophic levels, not least because of Seas over the same period. Groundfish showed strong or moderate Greater North Sea demersal fish profound and important changes have changes to community composition surveys are less reliable for schooling decreases and 78% showed strong uae ator (9 species) pelagic species and therefore the or moderate increases; 11% showed direction of trend is more appropriate 400 SEABIRDS little change. to report than the average magnitude 300 Seabirds sit at the top of the food on them, such as Arctic Skua, have strength of ocean stratification, and of change. (1983 100) 200 web and are susceptible to changes been particularly affected, with a mismatch in reproductive timings The abundance indicator for demersal e 11,12 in the distribution and phenology of declines of 72% and 77% respectively with availability of prey . marine fish, for the Celtic Seas (based on 100 the plankton and fish species they rely since 1986. Sandeels are a key prey 11 species) and the Greater North Sea Index of seabird numbers in Scotland, 0 on for food. They have undergone species for fish and seabirds. There (based on nine species) show increases 1983 1990 2000 2010 2017 1986 to 2016 Indicator Smoothed trend 95% confidence intervals substantial declines in Scotland over is now good evidence that declines uae ator (12 species) in average abundance as follows: the last 30 years. in the abundance and nutritional Very little is known about the 120 CELTIC SEAS quality of Sandeels has reduced the vast majority of unmonitored and • From the start of the time series in 100 • The demersal species indicator breeding success and populations of unregulated fish populations. These 1986 to the most recent estimate 80 seabirds such as Kittiwakes8,9,10. The shows a statistically significant

(1986 100) trends are based on a tiny proportion in 2016, the average numbers of 60 increase of 133% over the long term cascade of mechanisms involved are of the hundreds of demersal fish 12 species of breeding seabirds in e still being investigated but include 40 (1985–2016) and a non-significant Scotland have declined by 38%. species present in UK waters. the impact of fishing on Sandeel 20 22% over the last 10 years. Photo: Laurie Campbell 0 • Surface feeding seabirds such as populations as well as increasing sea 1986 2000 2010 2016 ear Kittiwake, or species that depend surface temperature, the timing and Indicator 8 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 9

Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine DRIVERS OF CHANGE CLIMATE CHANGE The following pages explore the key pressures acting on nature in Scotland; agricultural management, Climate change is a key driver The frequency of fires in uplands SCOTLAND’S UPLANDS climate change, hydrological change, urbanisation, woodland management, pollution, invasive of change in Scotland’s habitats and woodlands is predicted to AND CLIMATE CHANGE increase, leading to direct damage non‑native species (INNS), upland management, marine climate change and fisheries. and species, from mountain tops Scotland’s uplands are of international to habitat and indirect impacts importance. Long-term monitoring to seabeds, interacting with the through nitrate deposition10. Across of snowbeds has revealed the effects effects of other drivers1. many sites in Scotland, peatlands of climate change. Mean snow cover and blanket bog play a crucial role Climate influences the landform duration from October to May in the AGRICULTURAL in carbon storage, flood alleviation processes directly shaping mountains, central Scottish Highlands decreased and water quality, while delivering MANAGEMENT rivers and coasts, and underpins our between 1979 and 200316, during 2 significant biodiversity benefits. The habitats, ecosystems and landscapes . which time both mean temperature global importance of peatlands for Climate change and extreme weather and mean precipitation increased. Agriculture is the dominant carbon storage and biodiversity is events have already impacted on This is affecting the composition of use of land, covering over 70% increasingly recognised – the Scottish many aspects of our natural and montane vegetation, with the decline of Scotland, and some of the Government Peatland Action Fund13 human environment, including of some arctic-alpine species. Repeat has funded extensive restoration country’s most important wildlife agriculture, forestry, transport, surveys of snow-bed vegetation and conservation work on more than habitats, such as the Hebridean water resources, energy demand over the past 50–60 years show a 1,3 19,000ha across the country. machair, are intrinsically linked and human health . Some habitats shift towards more homogeneous Photo: David Woodfall to farming systems. will be affected directly, but often Scotland’s coastal habitats are communities, with an increase in climate change will alter intricate also seeing pressure from climate generalist species such as the Three- As a result, farming practices influence increasing greenhouse gas emissions, FARMERS HELPING NATURE ecological balances, as in the marine change, through the acceleration leaved Rush and declines in specialist 7 how nature fares, with the power to which contribute to climate change . TO PROSPER environment (see page 16). Many in the rise of sea levels and larger species such as snow-bed liverworts16. either support or endanger wildlife While these are changes that have of Scotland’s species are adapted to Many farmers and crofters are storm-surges causing erosion and As a result, the species richness of and ecological life-support systems. been seen in lowland agriculture, specific climatic conditions, meaning managing their land with nature and reduced connectivity of some beach, dwarf-shrub heath and oceanic- Agriculture and associated land uses much of Scotland’s uplands are also that climate change is projected to the environment in mind and show dune and machair habitats. These montane liverwort-rich heath habitats are deeply related to the twin climate managed for food production; we have strong effects4. how biodiversity can benefit with factors have led to changes in species is declining. These changes are and biodiversity crises, while farmers discuss this on page 15. 14 the right support. Leaving space for Climate change is driving the range composition . Saltmarshes and thought to be due to a combination and crofters are frequently on the However, compared to other UK nature with wildlife-friendly practices of some species northward, including some dune systems, which increase of increasing temperatures, shifts in frontline of environmental change. countries, some species groups such such as enhanced field margins, butterflies (Small Skipper, Ringlet the resilience of coastlines to these precipitation patterns, and changes At both a UK and global scale, 16 as butterflies and moths, especially good grazing management, reduced and Orange-tip)5; birds (Nuthatch, pressures by attenuating wave energy to grazing regimes . Shifts in the farmland management has been generalists, show greater stability in inputs of pesticides and fertilisers, and Reed Warbler)6; dragonflies (Hairy and providing a buffer for sensitive ranges of species and changes in identified as one of the most Scotland. Scottish agri-environment mowing and cutting at the right time Dragonfly)7 and moths (Thistle Ermine inland habitats, may be adversely phenology will have implications significant pressures on biodiversity1,2. schemes (AES), in which subsidies can have major benefits. and Gold Triangle)8. On the trailing affected by higher seasonal rainfall, for the ecological composition of Historically, intensification of support wildlife-friendly farming edge of ranges, climate change is increasing variation in groundwater, communities and habitats, with both At Williamwood farm in Dumfriesshire, 15 agriculture has been one of the major methods, have delivered some putting pressure on species that have and freshwater run-off . winners and losers. for example, farmers Michael and causes of biodiversity decline due to positive outcomes, in particular in their southern limits in Scotland. Shirley Clarke have Highland-cross A further risk from climate change is loss of traditional farming practices addressing declines in some farmland Modelling predicts that species cattle and breeding sheep that they the spread of INNS and pathogens and changes in management. For birds8,9. Efficient food production can associated with cold montane habitats farm with nature in mind. They which may benefit from the example, Corncrakes bred in all demonstrably be decoupled from are likely to see continued contraction maintain wet rushy areas for wading changing conditions. Scottish counties in the mid-19th ecological damage with the right of their ranges to the most northerly birds, reducing their stock in the Photo: Steve Knell century; by the 1980s they were incentives and advice. The terrestrial and high-altitude locations9. Snow breeding season, manage species-rich almost entirely restricted to some breeding bird index farmland section, cover and its duration are projected to grassland to maintain plant diversity, Hebridean and Orkney islands3. The incorporating trends from 27 species, decrease further, with the possibility sow wild-bird cover to help farmland changes in farmland management has shown a 14% long-term increase of no snow cover below 900 metres by birds and have created margins to over the past 50 years that have had (1994–2017)10, and more specifically the 2080s10. This could lead to the loss protect watercourses. They have the greatest impact on Scotland’s trends in abundance of seed-eating of snow-bed communities through also planted more than 11,000 trees, nature include the increased birds in Scotland have become more the increased dominance of generalist 3.5km of new hedgerows, created use of pesticides and fertilisers, stable11. In some areas targeted AES species from lower altitudes. a new lake and put up numerous continuous cropping, changed have arrested declines and even bat and bird boxes. Farming with A recent project mapped the best sowing seasons and the loss of enabled partial recovery, such as for nature is at the heart of what they do, places for nature across the UK and non-cropped habitats3,4,5. Changes in Corncrakes in the Hebrides and Corn which is why Michael was one of the calculated the amount of carbon food production patterns can cause Buntings in northeast Scotland12,8. founding steering group members of contained in the vegetation and top invertebrate declines, with conversion Despite the issues related to the Nature Friendly Farming Network 30cm of soil, showing that nature-rich to more intensive agriculture and intensification, as outlined above, (NFFN) in Scotland14. He is now chair of areas secure carbon, benefit species agrochemical pollutants the key areas with a high proportion of semi- the Scottish Steering Group of NFFN, and provide vital ecosystem services11. drivers6. Moreover, changes to natural vegetation and low-intensity working alongside a growing network It is increasingly well documented that ploughing, crop rotations, fertiliser agriculture make up 40% of Scotland’s of support for nature among Scottish habitat degradation means stored use and livestock numbers have agricultural area, and are classified as farmers and crofters. carbon is lost to the atmosphere12. Hairy Dragonfly negatively impacted soil and water High Nature Value farmland13. quality, carbon storage and led to 10 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 11

Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine

HYDROLOGICAL in impervious substances such as colonised by Alder and willows to URBANISATION GARTCOSH’S GREAT CRESTED NEWTS concrete or tarmac) has compounded form the present mosaic of dense Scottish Enterprise took over dispersal to and from other sites CHANGE the rate and extent of wetland loss, wet woodland, open fen and saline Gartcosh, northeast Glasgow, as a extremely unlikely, and severely and changes in farming practices lagoon. The qualifying interest of the long-term regeneration opportunity, limiting genetic exchange. The have led to the disappearance of SAC is “Alder woodland on floodplains”; Humans have been managing but were surprised to find a set Scottish Government is seeking to many lowland ponds formerly used “wet woodland” is one of the notified of ponds holding a substantial encourage the building of affordable the subsurface and surface to water livestock5,7. natural features of the SSSI. hydrology of catchments population of Great Crested Newts. housing in areas with reasonable Recently, rewetting peatlands, the By 2010 the SAC was declared to be After surveys, a 10ha area containing employment prospects, and as a for thousands of years. creation of ponds and river restoration in ‘unfavourable declining’ condition the 13 original ponds, plus eight newly publicly owned site close to Glasgow, Land has been drained for have led to some improvements8,9,10. because of the dieback of Alders13. created ponds, was designated as Gartcosh is highly suitable; house agriculture and development, Green infrastructure, such as An investigation undertaken in an Amphibian Conservation Area in building has been underway around and streams and rivers have been sustainable urban drainage systems, partnership with Forest Research 1998. However, Scottish Enterprise the Gartcosh Nature Reserve for some diverted, straightened, deepened, has created new wetlands in urban identified that this was most soon came to regard this area as years. Planning permission for a new embanked, dammed and reinforced areas. These developments offer likely the result of water logging, crucial to their regeneration plans and road was granted in 2015. This came to allow navigation, provide flood opportunities for wildlife and can associated tree disease (Phytophthora), a nearby 29ha site was prepared as with conditions that include tunnels defence, create reservoirs for reduce the risk of flooding or pollution and herbivory14. the Gartcosh Nature Reserve in 2003. and fences to allow animals to access power generation and agricultural, locally11. However, further pressures SNH agreed to a translocation of the all parts of the reserve without having A partnership comprising SNH, industrial and domestic use, on hydrological networks are arising amphibians from the original site. to cross the road8. Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland, prevent erosion and protect from climate change (e.g. increased the Scottish Environment Protection Photo: Peter Cairns (rspb-images.com) The translocation moved 1,012 adult The tunnels are being monitored infrastructure1,2,3. The industrial flood risk and prolonged droughts), Agency and the land managers Great Crested Newts, estimated to be using customised time-lapse cameras. revolution brought a significant pollution (particularly diffuse pollution Urbanisation is a threat to assessed the causes of the at least 10% of the total Great Crested Cameras have great advantages in increase in water management and from agriculture) and INNS. The biodiversity globally, through waterlogging, and found a change Newt population in Scotland, as well providing unbiased high-quality data the current hydrological functioning latter have considerable impacts in the management of the causeway loss of valuable wildlife sites as 10,173 other amphibians7. over long periods of time, which of watercourses is often a legacy of on freshwater ecosystems that are sluice gates following the retirement and fragmentation of habitats maximises the opportunities for this period. An assessment of the known to be intensifying12, and will, Modelling of the 10-year post- of the last sluice gate keeper to be due to the increase in transport robust comparisons. Gartcosh has status of Scotland’s surface waters in without increased biosecurity action, translocation survey dataset indicated an important factor. The sluices have 1 unrivalled population monitoring data 2017 found that 13.4% were in poor precipitate further losses. systems and infrastructure . that the translocation had been since been automated, a network of over several years and this, in addition or bad condition regarding barriers broadly successful, although there drainage ditches has been reopened, This fragmentation has severely to high-quality tunnel monitoring to fish migration, while 8% were MOUND ALDERWOODS was variation in population estimates and deer numbers have been lowered impacted on species dispersal and data, will provide substantial evidence adversely affected by flow rates4. and some evidence of decline. This formerly tidal area, designated to combat excessive browsing and mortality, thus increasing genetic of the effectiveness of the tunnel Latterly, streams and rivers have 2 as a Site of Special Scientific trampling. The woodland is now bottlenecks , inbreeding, isolation The site is surrounded by railway and fence systems. been subjected to a number of often Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of believed to be recovering, but its and the chance of local populations tracks and motorways, making individually minor, but collectively Conservation (SAC), was once part return to favourable condition going extinct. Urbanisation continues, significant, alterations designed to of the Loch Fleet estuary but was is threatened by invasive plants with the area covered by impermeable improve recreational fishing. largely isolated from it in 1816 when a (Himalayan Balsam and Skunk materials, such as concrete, increasing Photo: Neil Phillips (rspb-images.com) Many of these modifications have causeway was constructed to convey Cabbage); the local community is now in many regions between 2009 3 had adverse effects on wetland and what is now the A9. Following this helping to control these. and 2016 . 5 freshwater habitats and species . separation, the area was gradually Despite the harmful impacts of Historic losses due to drainage have urbanisation, many of our species been very significant; although not Photo: Steve Austin have become reliant on urban habitats well quantified, the extent of lowland such as gardens, allotments, parks wetlands is much smaller now than and brownfield sites (vacant and in the early 20th century, and losses derelict land). Well-designed urban extend much further back historically. green infrastructure offers habitats for Of the remaining wetlands that are wildlife and can connect populations, protected by law, 30% of designated thereby reducing adverse ecological wetland features are classed as effects4,5. As well as impacting unfavourable or unfavourable biodiversity, urbanisation can lead to recovering due to management. “Nature Deficit Disorder”6 whereby 29% of freshwater features are people are deprived of the health and unfavourable or unfavourable well-being benefits that contact with 6 recovering due to management . Soil nature can provide. sealing (the process of covering soil

Drainage channels on moorland Great Crested Newt 12 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 13

Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine WOODLAND POLLUTION

Despite Scotland being the most though undergrazing can also present Pollution – from plastic waste wooded of the UK countries, problems for some plants and lichen and chemicals in our soils, assemblages, due to increased with around 19% woodland waters and air to the noise and shade7. Evidence suggests that cover, it remains one of the many specialist lichen species have light from cities and transport – most heavily deforested continued to decline in abundance threatens the environment countries in Europe, with as well as distribution because of and the species that inhabit it, woodland cover well below negative habitat pressures8. Despite not to mention our own health the current European average the many pressures, some woodland and well-being. From nutrient species have fared well in Scotland in of 37%1,2. enrichment on mountain recent years: the Woodland Bird Index Just under a quarter (311,000ha) of increased by 69% between 1994 and tops to the plastic litter in our Scotland’s woodland is considered 2017, with 19 of the 23 monitored seas, there are few places in native3. This includes globally species increasing over the period9. Scotland left uncompromised important areas of Atlantic rainforest, by the by-products of modern including Oak and Hazel woodland, REVIVING AND RE-CREATING human life. There has been and Caledonian pine forest – widely NATIVE WOODLAND marked progress, particularly recognised as being of very high value Over the course of 15 years, Borders Photo: Ernie Janes (rspb-images.com) to biodiversity, but fragmented and Photo: David Woodfall (rspb-images.com) since the 1990s, but the legacy Forest Trust has acquired – through restricted in range3. The remaining of over 200 years of industrial volunteer fundraising, grants relatively small, with no significant in Scotland has been discovered by three-quarters (1.4 million ha) is LANDSCAPE SCALE development still remains, and from charitable trusts and public change since 2007. Many pollutants analysing data from species records mainly commercial forestry plantation RESTORATION subscription – 3,100ha of the Southern we face challenges from new have long-term impacts so the of mosses and liverwort (bryophytes). dominated by conifers, which Uplands across Dumfriesshire and Cairngorms Connect is an ambitious forms of pollution too. influence on many sensitive habitats Scientists from the James Hutton benefit a smaller range of largely the Scottish Borders, collectively multi-partner project with a 200-year remains considerable. New threats Institute and SNH have collaborated generalist species. Air pollution and nutrient enrichment known as The Wild Heart of Southern have arisen with the introduction on a project which shows bryophytes vision to enhance habitats, species affect biodiversity and ecosystem Scotland project10. of novel agrochemical and can be used to assess the health and ecological processes across a services, harm human health and vast area within the Cairngorms pharmaceutical products, and plastic of our ecosystems8. The newly Upland ecosystems have been contribute to climate change. National Park11. Covering 600 pollution is increasingly recognised as developed indicator, which links substantially affected by long-term Widespread changes have been square kilometres, including ancient causing harm to natural systems. bryophyte records in the National patterns of grazing, but wildlife- recorded to sensitive ecosystems in Caledonian pine forest and montane Biodiversity Network to information sensitive management and considered Scotland, with farming, transport, Diffuse pollution has been reduced willow communities, the biggest land on the habitat preferences of different tree planting is now restoring the energy and industry being the key in Scotland, particularly since the restoration project in Britain will allow species, provides good evidence area. Over the course of the project pollution sources. 1990s, but still represents a significant forests to expand, naturalise rivers of how mosses and liverwort have nearly a million trees and shrubs risk to freshwaters6. Agriculture and and restore huge tracts of peatland. Levels of the principal air pollutants reacted to changes in pollutants9. have been planted, including new forestry are the main contributors Work on this project is currently in have all declined in Scotland since The indicator draws together over woodlands, wood pasture and riparian of diffuse pollution, with nutrient its infancy but milestones have been 1990, and all but ammonia are at half a million records going back to buffer strips. Nature is beginning to and pesticide run-off, soil erosion set for actions, monitoring, research, levels below 40% of their 1990 value1. 1960. Most of these records were Photo: Mike Read (rspb-images.com) return to the restored landscape and through cultivation and poaching by publicity and demonstration. Most semi-natural habitats, and over made by volunteers from the British a recent scientific study found that animals close to watercourses adding Woodlands in Scotland face pressure two-thirds of our wildflowers (such Bryological Society. the number of woodland bird species individually small, but cumulatively from fragmentation, browsing and as Harebell and Betony), require low recorded regularly had risen from two large, pollution loads. Further diffuse The indicator breaks down information grazing, INNS and new pests and levels of nitrogen2. Eutrophication, in 2008 to 14 in 2015. pollution arises from contaminated into 10 catchment-based Scottish pathogens4,5. Climate change will acidification and toxification of drainage from roads and urban regions and the data indicated a peak interact with these drivers, increasing This project has demonstrated that ecosystems have been shown to drive areas, along with deposition of acid in the 1990s, with sensitive species the frequency of drought, flood and planting trees and shrubs, even declines in the presence, abundance pollutants from the air. In 2018, 12% then starting to increase. Most records extreme weather events, leading at high altitudes and in severe and health of sensitive species of of lochs and 20% of rivers and canals are from semi-natural habitats, so to changes in distribution and conditions, is a perfectly achievable plants, lichens and other fungi3. were in “poor” or “bad” condition, it appears that bryophyte records altered competitive relationships approach to restoring ecologically Further up the food chain, the moth according to Water Framework largely reflect changes in atmospheric between species. Challenges facing damaged and degraded marginal species whose larvae depend on low Directive assessments7. These were nitrogen pollution and it is heartening woodland and woodland managers upland areas and provides a nutrient-adapted plants declined primarily associated with intensively to see some signs of recovery from are exemplified by the percentage template that could be copied across strongly between 1970 and 20104. managed farmland. pollution. There is evidence for a of woodland features on protected the country. Even in montane regions, far from similar pattern at a UK level for sites in favourable or recovering the sources of air pollution, excess MOSS SPECIES PROVIDE bryophytes and lichens, although this condition, which dropped from nitrogen is deposited in the rain, TELLTALE SIGNS OF POLLUTION must be set against the decline in 68.1% in 2017 to 65.2% in 20196. altering plant communities and AND CLIMATE CHANGE abundance as well as distribution for Overgrazing and INNS (principally ecological functioning5. While reactive specialist lichen species because of ) were the nitrogen (NOx) levels have fallen Revealing evidence that points Rhododendron ponticum negative habitat pressures10. most frequent pressures recorded to around 30% of their 1990 value, towards an increase in temperature at sites in unfavourable condition, the reduction in ammonia has been and reducing nitrogen levels 14 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 15

Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine

INVASIVE AND ERADICATION OF INNS ON RHODODENDRON UPLAND and release of carbon7. Differing highest summits in the British Isles ISLANDS management objectives still lead to and holds a total of 15 Munros. The Rhododendron ponticum was NON-NATIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT significant conflicts in the uplands8,9, Cairngorms are home to Britain’s The Shiant Isles are one of the most introduced to Scotland via the and the illegal persecution of birds largest area of arctic-alpine flora and important breeding colonies for horticulture trade; since then, it has of prey continues to have a major snowbed communities. Invasive non-native species seabirds in Europe. Historical evidence thrived in the mild, wet conditions Uplands cover about half of impact on species’ distribution10. (INNS) are a major driver of indicates that current populations of the west of Scotland and has Scotland’s area (estimates vary Caledonian pinewood today covers biodiversity loss globally1. are greatly reduced through the spread across much of the available from 44% to 85% depending • Some sensitive habitats have also around 2,350ha of Mar Lodge Estate. presence of non-native Black Rats, habitat. If left untreated it eliminates Collaboration with neighbouring Impacts include predation, on the definition used1), been damaged by windfarms and thought to have arrived from an 18th vegetation, outcompetes native tree hill tracks, although this is mitigated, estates led to a plan to cull deer and competition, hybridisation, encompassing a variety of century shipwreck, which predate and shrub regeneration and has to some degree, through planning erect a fence, which has resulted in novel disease and pathogen upon seabird eggs and chicks4. significant impacts on other woodland habitats and reflecting the processes. Following widespread the successful regeneration of over transfer, and habitat Some previous breeders, like Manx species groups such as mosses country’s diverse geology, historic degradation of peatland 800ha of pinewood since 1995. Birch degradation. The effects in Shearwaters, have been wiped out and lichens. It is a major cause climate and relief. Blanket bog habitats, major efforts have been and montane scrub is also recovering Scotland broadly reflect the on the islands. of unfavourable site condition on and upland heath are globally made in recent decades to protect across large areas. These habitats designated sites, including more than are important for Red Squirrel, Black international and wider UK A rat eradication and biosecurity rare habitats but are found and restore blanket bog habitats, half of those designated under the EU Grouse, Capercaillie, Scottish Crossbill, project took place during winter with significant positive progress situation: significant and Habitats Directive for Western acidic in relative abundance here. Parrot Crossbill, wood ants, other 2015–2016, led by RSPB Scotland in the Flows of Caithness and intensifying impacts on many oak woodland – the “Celtic Rainforest”, Scotland has 60% of the UK’s invertebrates and fungi. Some of and funded by the EU LIFE fund and Sutherland, the Western Isles and native taxa, especially in the for which Scotland has significant internationally important 11 the Scots Pines provide the second SNH, with the support of the Nicolson elsewhere . Integrating land use international responsibilities6. longest native pine chronology in most vulnerable environments – family, custodians of the islands. peatlands, which have a key for multiple benefits and managing Rhododendron is also a key host and Scotland, stretching back to 1477. islands, freshwater bodies and Wildlife Management International role in carbon capture and conflicts in the uplands remains one reservoir for fungus-like Phytophthora native woodlands2. Limited ran operations, using sequestration2,3. of Scotland’s biggest challenges. Moorlands cover the majority of the tree pathogens7. Several large-scale rodenticide contained in bait stations estate and provide essential habitat The available indicators show an control projects have tackled the Land use for farming, forestry, set across the Shiant Isles and taking MAR LODGE ESTATE NATIONAL for Hen Harriers and Red Grouse. increasing spread of 190 established issue in Scotland, but success rates sporting estates and recreation more than four months to complete. NATURE RESERVE Burning is no longer used to manage INNS across terrestrial, freshwater have been poor, with reinvasion of continues to influence land the moorland, acknowledging the risk and marine environments in Great In March 2018 the Shiants were previously cleared areas. Key past management and condition of In 2017 the Mar Lodge Estate, owned this poses to the woodland, people Britain during the last six decades – declared officially free of rats. Manx weaknesses have been failure to upland habitats. by the National Trust for Scotland, and the carbon which is locked up in with northwards shift a common Shearwaters and Storm Petrels eradicate at the whole-population became the UK’s largest National • Agriculture has a significant the peat soils. pattern3. They also show no reduction were encouraged to nest using call scale, and failure to implement legacy Nature Reserve, at 29,000ha12. influence, through grazing, drainage in the establishment rate of new non- playback, and in 2017 calling Storm biosecurity arrangements post- Mar Lodge has a rich cultural as and application of nutrients. The landscape is internationally native species. With evidence that Petrels were recorded on the islands eradication. A national approach has well as natural history, including its In the north and west, crofting significant for its sense of wildness, climate change and INNS will impact for the first time. Seabirds and other been developed to highlight priority development as a sporting estate exerts a significant influence on scale and diversity. The montane biodiversity in a negative synergy, it is wildlife on the islands are being areas and guide implementation in the 19th century. Deerstalking, the landscape; in the last decade plateau is among the most significant evident that despite recent progress monitored to determine responses, of control8. walked-up grouse shooting and there has been a decline in areas of wild land in the British in policy and legislation, the impact and a comprehensive biosecurity plan Salmon fishing still happens on livestock grazing in some areas Isles, and part of the Cairngorm and threat from INNS is intensifying is being implemented to prevent the estate but nature conservation and undergrazing is a pressure. In Mountains National Scenic Area and significantly in Scotland. reinvasion of mammal predators5. and public access is its primary many other areas, overgrazing from Cairngorms Wild Land Area. The purpose now. high deer and livestock densities estate encompasses four of the five UK Biodiversity Indicator: Number of new INNS established in or along 10% or more of Great Britain’s land area is a principal pressure on habitats, or coastline, 1960 to 2018 (final columns in each habitat refer to nine years rather than 10) altering vegetation and preventing 4 Photo: Tim Hunt 60 tree regeneration .

50 • In the 20th century, large areas of upland were planted with non-native 40 plantation forestry; more recently some expansion of native woodland, 30 following major historic losses, 5 20 has occurred . Nuer of ee

10 • Grouse moor management exerts a powerful influence over land 0 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 in upland areas6. Inappropriate –1969 –1979 –1989 –1999 –2009 –2018 –1969 –1979 –1989 –1999 –2009 –2018 –1969 –1979 –1989 –1999 –2009 –2018 reater are erretra muirburn, including on deep peat, Source: jncc.gov.uk/ukbi-B6 can damage vegetation and soil, leading to nitrogen deposition

Round-leaved Sundew 16 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 17

Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine Agriculture Climate change Hydrological change Urbanisation Woodland Pollution INNS Upland Marine

MARINE CLIMATE The way different plankton species BLUE CARBON MARINE – FISHERIES European Parliament and Council5. Bottom-towed fishing gear are “one respond to warming surface waters At a smaller scale, an Isle of Man of the most widespread sources Oceans play an important role in CHANGE AND OCEAN has led to major shifts in marine food study found that the density of King of physical disturbance to the regulating Earth’s atmosphere, chains, with declines in top predators The recent Intergovernmental Scallops was 30 times greater within continental shelf seas throughout the including through carbon ACIDIFICATION as prey fish become less common a permanent closed area than when world” shifting benthic communities sequestration; “blue carbon” is stored Science-Policy Platform on and less accessible. There are also first protected6. MPAs are important into a new but less complex stable in living (animal and plant) and non- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Scotland’s seas, which make concerns about changes to nutritional spatial measures that contribute state, degrading “topographic 10 living (e.g. shells and skeletal) material. Services Global Assessment 9 up around 61% of the UK’s value of prey fish . Declines in to the protection and recovery of complexity” , with the “most severe Scotland’s Kittiwakes and other Marine ecosystems have a higher states that “in marine systems, marine biodiversity, requiring fisheries impact…in biogenic habitats in total marine area, are highly seabirds are a key example of impacts capacity for storing carbon than fishing has had the most impact management measures to meet response to scallop-dredging…[and dynamic, supporting a diverse evident throughout the food chain11,12. terrestrial systems. For example, on biodiversity (target species, their objectives, but have not been with]…soft-sediment habitats, in range of habitats and species Scotland’s peatlands store an established in Scotland to contribute particular muddy sands,…surprisingly Ocean acidification results from non-target species and habitats) and an increasingly varied estimated 1,620 million tonnes (Mt)18, to wider fisheries management vulnerable”10. Damage to flame shell changes in ocean chemistry primarily in the past 50 years alongside whereas the top 10cm of Scotland’s objectives per se. beds from scallop dredging in outer array of marine industries. as a result of the increased uptake of other significant drivers”1. 1 marine sediments store an estimated Loch Carron in 2017 starkly illustrated Scotland’s Marine Atlas and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 1,756Mt19. Scotland’s marine Ecosystem-based fisheries WIDER ECOSYSTEM EFFECTS the vulnerability of biogenic features11. the Marine Climate Change There are concerns that this can sediments alone capture 28.2Mt CO2e management is therefore 2 cause calcareous shells of sea snails In 2011, Scotland’s Marine Atlas stated The greatest benefit to benthic and Impacts Partnership identify (carbon dioxide equivalent) per year19, fundamental to securing the to dissolve13. Acidification is also of that, along with climate change, demersal nature derives from areas climate change and commercial the equivalent of 64% of Scotland’s particular concern as it could further urgent and necessary recovery fishing is the most widespread of seabed afforded the highest levels fishing activity as the two 2017 carbon emissions20. reduce the rate at which CO2 is of marine nature. pressure on our seas and that the of protection. This can be through a biggest threats to the health of absorbed from the atmosphere, thus Scotland’s seas host a range of blue status of most seabed habitats is of range of measures, including marine Scotland’s seas, findings that aggravating climate change14. carbon habitats; from seagrass FISHERIES MANAGEMENT “some” or “many” concerns. The UK reserves, providing direct protection have been echoed globally3. meadows and kelp forests that store MEASURES administrations’ latest assessment for the widest range of species and Pressures are predicted to increase carbon in living, organic material of progress towards GES under habitats in a given area12. Conclusions The marine environment absorbs from renewable energy developments; Delivering ecosystem-based fisheries to maerl beds and biogenic reefs the Marine Strategy Regulations7 from a study in Scotland’s pioneering vast quantities of the heat caused by in line with international targets to management that protects and that convert carbon into calcium confirmed GES will not be met by Community Marine Conservation Area increased greenhouse gases in the reduce climate change, there has been recovers nature at sea requires a carbonate, locking it up for millennia. 2020 for fish, commercial fish and in north Lamlash Bay, a No-Take Zone atmosphere, resulting in rising ocean a substantial increase in installations suite of management measures. Protecting and enhancing blue carbon shellfish, and benthic habitats. Yet centred on damaged maerl beds13, temperatures4. Changes in sea surface in Scottish waters, with further large- Quota is essential to limit removals of habitats will ensure these stores of ensuring Seafloor Integrity (General were “consistent with the hypothesis temperature can also alter carbon scale projects proposed15. In the light target commercial species, although carbon are protected, while at the Descriptor 6) “is at a level that ensures that marine reserves can encourage the sequestration rates5, water currents6, of this there is increasing research into scientific advice is not always applied same time enhancing their health. that the structure and functions of recovery of seafloor habitats...”. nutrient mixing7, species’ distribution the cumulative impact and long-term in practice as intended, not all species the ecosystems are safeguarded and (e.g. moving to higher latitudes)8 and effects of windfarm developments Some of Scotland’s blue carbon have catch levels set and in the North The growing weight of evidence benthic ecosystems, in particular, are the spread of INNS9. – for example, with concerns about habitats are provided legal protection East Atlantic, 40% of assessed fish suggests that anthropogenic use of not adversely affected” is crucial to collision risk for seabirds16,17. within nature conservation Marine stocks were subject to overfishing in the sea in Scottish waters, including 2 recovering the nature of the seabed. Protected Areas (MPAs) and SACs. It 2017 . Seasonal measures and real- the seafloor itself, means our seas is estimated that Scotland’s inshore time closures can offer temporary To date, Scotland’s emerging MPA are not meeting GES. Additional MPAs and SACs store 1.6% of the protection for large aggregations of network has been the principal spatial measures, whether established organic carbon and 2.7% of the juveniles or spawning adults, such tool for contributing to achieving for fisheries management, for inorganic carbon across Scotland’s as for the Cod recovery plan, though seafloor integrity, including 31 new conservation, or for both, are likely seas21. These sites store the equivalent progress has recently reversed, with MPAs among a total of 217 sites to have benefits for both nature’s of 210.8Mt of CO2e, which equates to declining stock levels and 70% cuts in comprising 22% of Scottish waters. recovery and wider society that should approximately five years of Scotland’s Total Allowable Catch recommended Management measures introduced be further explored. Future fisheries annual greenhouse gas emissions21. by the International Council for the to protect over 2,200km2 of the most management in Scotland must have 3 Exploration of the Sea . Permanent vulnerable inshore sites from bottom- an ecosystem-based approach which spatial measures can protect critical towed fishing gear in 2016 probably includes the recovery of marine fish and shellfish habitat, and where constitute the most significant nature at its core. used these have demonstrated the contribution to this aim. There is a capacity to protect commercially presumption of “sustainable use” fished species. For example, a study in Scotland’s MPAs, when for many in the Windsock fisheries closed widespread, sedimentary habitats area, overlapping the West Shetland and their associated species, we have Shelf MPA, showed an average 78% a limited understanding of what is greater catch weight of Cod and other or is not sustainable8. The remaining species, particularly of larger size inshore sites and most offshore sites classes, inside compared to outside4. await management measures, and However, the Windsock was partially they were not designed to establish opened to mobile gear in August 2019 or deliver fisheries management under voluntary restrictions after outcomes, though such secondary the revision of EU fisheries technical Kittiwakes benefits may arise. regulations implemented by the Photo: Ernie Janes (rspb-images.com) 18 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 19

This report focuses on changes in biodiversity and the drivers of these changes, taking 1970 HISTORICAL CHANGE as baseline year. We must remember, however, that people have been shaping landscape and wildlife for millennia. This historic context is important in framing more recent changes that we can accurately measure. This is a selection of indicative milestones, trends, pressures and changes, IN BIODIVERSITY from various sources – some broad and major, others quite specific. The list is not comprehensive. It is, rather, a brief illustration of the multiple historical perspectives on people and nature in Scotland.

TRENDS AND • Woodland cover peaks c5,000 • Early 19th century: diverse • Forest cover begins to • Loss of native woodland slows as • Corncrake population begins to recover • Populations of wintering geese increase MILESTONES years ago across most of multispecies fisheries sustained increase – but much of it is conservation designations and from 1991. significantly (except of the declining Scotland. Unique native in coastal waters. non-native monocultures. woodland grants are established. • Red Kite and White-tailed Sea Eagle Greenland White-fronted Goose). pinewood and broadleaved • Corncrakes and other farmland • Ospreys return as Scottish breeders reintroductions succeed in re-establishing • 2016 – Scottish Government announce ecological communities develop. wildlife common and widespread in 1954. them as breeders in Scotland. that Beavers, released in 2009, are to • Peatlands develop post-glaciation across Scottish landscapes. • Northern Gannet populations grow, with • Peatland restoration work expands. remain in Scotland – the first time that to cover c20% of Scotland. the world’s largest colonies in Scotland. a mammal has been reintroduced in the UK.

PEOPLE • Cultural significance of • Origins of environmental • Modern Scottish conservation • National wildlife protection • Fiscal incentives for forestry on blanket • CBD’s 2020 targets set in 2010. In AND Scottish wildlife evident movement accelerated by the movement emerges legislation emerges. bogs ended, late 1980s. 2017 Scotland meets seven out of 20, NATURE in art and literature from extinction of the Great Auk. post-WWII, with growing • First National Nature Reserve in 1951 • Sandeel fishery closures, with industry compared with a global average of four, Neolithic through to Scottish government commitment and is making progress on 12 and submitted • 1822 – Dalmarnock Bridge at Beinn Eighe. cooperation, in response to wildlife trends, Enlightenment. voluntary sector, underpinned the world’s first Aichi assessment. protests win access to • National Parks designated in England Shetland and Forth. by science base. countryside for Glasgow people. and Wales from 1951 – but not Scotland. • SNH formed in 1992 – one of the most • MPAs and Natura sites designated in • Oil in Navigable Waters Act Scottish waters. • Scottish Wildlife Trust formed 1964. enduring public wildlife agencies. 1922 reduces chronic marine • Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, and oil pollution. the Cairngorms, designated as National Parks in 2002 and 2003 respectively. PRE- 1900 TO 1980 TO 1800 1950 2000 1800 TO 1950 TO POST- 1900 1980 2000 PRESSURES • Woodland clearance from • River and air pollution in the • Urbanisation seen as the • Following WWII food shortages, and • Overgrazing and non-native • Water surface temperatures c5,000 years ago. Felling Central Belt intensify with key issue for biodiversity, following joining of the EU Common Rhododendron impacts drive key Atlantic increase in rivers, lochs and seas – accelerates for timber, industrial revolution. rather than broader land Agricultural Policy in 1973, farming woodland sites into unfavourable status. projected to increase further. tanning and charcoal in the • 1880s – steam trawlers meant a and sea-use patterns. methods intensify with wildlife losses. • Invasive species – new non-natives 17th/18th centuries; most rapid increase in fishing effort. • To ensure national timber • Use of DDT and other organo-chlorines continue to establish. Species woodland is lost. • Draining of wetlands and self-sufficiency, Forestry becomes widespread from 1950, affecting established in the south spread peatlands intensifies. Commission establishes wildlife, especially songbirds and predators. north. Climate change increases post-WWI – Scotland is establishment probability. • Loss of mixed farming as large- • Commercial forestry expands onto the principal location for scale sheep operations develop. important wildlife habitats – native commercial planting. woodlands and peatlands.

TRENDS AND • The Wolf becomes extinct in • The Great Auk goes extinct – • Last Scottish White-tailed • Overfishing led North Sea Herring • Breeding failures and prey fish availability • The Loch Lomond Capercaillie MILESTONES Scotland, probably in the late last Scottish breeding in 1813, Sea Eagle killed in 1914. stocks to decline by over 99% between issues become evident for Northern population goes extinct, meaning 17th century. globally extinct by 1844. • Between 1903 and 1928 at least the 1960s and mid-70s. Isles seabirds. significant range contraction. • Intensification and 6,028 Fin Whales were hunted • Post-war farmland wildlife • Black Grouse declines, especially in • Curlew numbers have fallen by industrialisation of marine in Scottish waters. declines proceed across much of south of Scottish range. 48% since 1995. fisheries lead to major landing • Svalbard-breeding Solway western Europe. • Farmland wildlife declines continue, declines in second half of Barnacle Geese hit a low • The endemic Scottish Manx shearwater including Great Yellow Bumblebee and 19th century, into 20th. post-WWII of less than 300 fleaCeratophyllus fionnus was last Corn Bunting. individuals through hunting recorded in the 1970s. and disturbance.

20 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 21

KEY FINDINGS Our species’ status metrics make • Occupancy data from large-scale CHANGE IN SPECIES’ DISTRIBUTION IN THE UK use of two broad types of data: datasets, which we can now use to ua ator 5 species o ter Sort ter • Over the short term, 37% of species FOR THE UK generate trends for 6,654 species 1702015 20052015 • Abundance data from a number of 5 5 showed strong or moderate across a wide range of taxonomic 120 100% well-established monitoring schemes decreases and 30% showed strong groups (including vascular plants, 100 Here we present the key findings in the UK encompassing c700 species 0% or moderate increases; 33% showed lichens, bryophytes and a number (birds, mammals, butterflies and little change. from the UK-level State of Nature of invertebrate groups). These 0 moths). Many of these species are 0% 2019 report, to add context to trends measure the change in the 170 100 0 • Over the long term, 17% of popular to record and are relatively proportion of occupied sites, so our Graph to come 0% species showed a strong change the Scotland-specific results e easy to identify and to observe, making 0 of species Percentage metrics effectively report the average in distribution (either increase or we have presented in this it possible to count individuals to get 20% change in range for these species. 20 decrease). Over the short term this report. The statistics shown a measure of relative abundance. Our 0 0% rose to 39% of species. here demonstrate that the abundance metrics report the average We show trends for species for our 170 10 10 2000 2010 2015 Strong increase change in relative abundance across long-term period, from 1970 to 2016 Moderate increase abundance and distribution of nicator 0% creie interas Little change Using a different, binary these species. for abundance data and from 1970 to Moderate decrease categorisation: the UK’s species has, on average, Strong decrease 2015 for occupancy data. Our short- declined since 1970 and many • Over the long term, 58% of species term period covers the final 10‑year The occupancy indicator for 6,654 To examine the variation in species’ showed negative trends and 42% measures suggest this decline period of these time series. terrestrial and freshwater species distribution trends, we allocated showed positive trends; over the has continued in the most recent shows that on average species’ species’ trends into categories short term, 56% of species showed decade. There has been no let-up Photo: Kevin Sawford (rspb-images.com) distributions have declined by 5% based on the magnitude of between 1970 and 2015. In 2015 the distribution change. negative trends and 44% showed in the loss of nature in the UK. indicator was 1% lower than in 2005. positive trends. • Over the long term, 27% of species Because species tend to decline in These pages are just the showed strong or moderate abundance before they disappear headline statistics; further decreases and 21% showed strong from a site, even this apparently small breakdowns, a wider range of or moderate increases; 52% showed change of 5% could reflect more little change. metrics, and information on serious problems. what is driving change in the UK’s nature for both better and worse can be found in State of Nature 2019 at www.nbn.org.uk/ NATIONAL RED LIST ASSESSMENT MARINE stateofnature2019. Pine Marten • Demersal fish indicators show Key increases in average abundance in CHANGE IN SPECIES’ ABUNDANCE Endangered Near Threatened Least Concern Extinct or Regionally Critically Endangered Vulnerable Data Deficient the Celtic and North Seas of 133% uae ator (697 species) o ter Sort ter between individual species’ trends. and 58% respectively between the 170201 200201 All (697) All (687) early 1980s and 2017. To examine this, we have allocated 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 100% 10 species into trend categories based on Percentage of species • The UK Breeding Seabird Indicator 10 the magnitude of population change. 0% shows a 22% decline in average 120 • Over the long term, 41% of species abundance for 13 species over the 100 0% long term. 170 100 had strong or moderate decreases 0 0% and 26% had strong or moderate 0 e e • Trends in the abundance of marine Percentage of species Percentage increases; 33% showed little change. 0 mammals, for which we have data, 20% 20 • Over the short term, 44% of species vary by group; cetacean species 0 0% had strong or moderate decreases 0% 10% 20%25%30% 40% 50% 75% show100% stable populations since the 170 10 10 2000 2010 201 Strong increase Moderate increase and 36% had strong or moderate Percentage of species early 1990s, and Grey Seal numbers Indicator Smoothed trend 95% confidence intervals Little change Moderate decrease increases; 21% showed little change. continue to increase while Harbour Strong decrease Seal numbers are decreasing in a The abundance indicator for 697 and the short term. The white line • Over the long term, 33% of number of areas. terrestrial and freshwater species with shading shows the smoothed species showed a strong change shows a statistically significant decline trend and associated 95% CIs, the • Changes in plankton communities in abundance (either increase or Of 8,431 terrestrial and freshwater gone extinct from Great Britain since in average abundance of 13% (95% blue line shows the underlying are evident across the northern decrease). Over the short term this species that have been assessed 1500, and a further four species are confidence intervals (CI) -22% to unsmoothed indicator. North Sea and the English Channel; rose to 53% of species. against the IUCN Regional Red List extinct in the wild. -5%) between 1970 and 2016. Over the indicator for large copepods The bar chart shows the percentage of Using a different, binary categorisation: criteria, 1,188 (15%) of the extant this long-term period the smoothed The bars show the percentage of shows a 5% increase in the northern species within the indicator that have species, for which sufficient data indicator fell by 0.31% per year. Over • Over the long term, 58% of species assessed species falling into each of North Sea over the short term, increased, decreased (moderately are available, are formally classified our short-term period, the decline showed negative trends and 42% the IUCN Red List categories. Species compared to a 41% decrease in the or strongly) or shown little change as threatened and therefore at risk was a statistically non-significant 6%, showed positive trends; over the classified as Critically Endangered, English Channel. in abundance. of extinction from Great Britain. In a rate of 0.65% per year. There was, short term, 53% of species showed Endangered or Vulnerable are addition, 2% of species are known however, no significant difference in Within multispecies indicators like negative trends and 47% showed formally considered to be at risk (133) or considered likely (29) to have the rate of change between the long these there is substantial variation positive trends. of extinction. 22 Key findings Drivers of change Historical change UK key findings State of Nature Report Scotland 2019 23

11. SNH (2013). Trend Note: Trends of Breeding 7. Scotland’s environment (2019). Indicator 7. Worrell R and Long D (2010). Management 2. Bain CG, et al. (2011). IUCN UK Commission 17. Cook AS and Robinson RA (2017). Journal of REFERENCES Farmland Birds in Scotland. https://www. 13: Soil sealing. https://www.environment. of woodland plants in Atlantic broadleaved of Inquiry on Peatlands. IUCN UK Peatland Environmental Management, 190: 113–121. nature.scot/sites/default/files/A1075307%20 gov.scot/our-environment/state-of-the- woodland. Plantlife Scotland, Stirling, UK. Programme, Edinburgh. 18. Chapman SJ, et al. (2009). Soil Use Management, -%20Trend%20note%20-%20biodiversity%20 environment/ecosystem-health-indicators/ 8. Ellis CJ and Coppins BJ (2019). Edinburgh 3. UK Committee on Climate Change Adaptation 25: 105–112. -%20Farmland%20Birds%20in%20 resilience-indicators/indicator-13-soil-sealing/. Journal of Botany, 1–13. Sub-committee (2011). How well is Scotland 19. Burrows MT, et al. (2014). Assessment of carbon Scotland%20-%202013.pdf. 8. Scotland’s environment (2019). Indicator 10: 9. SNH Official Statistics (2018).Index of preparing for Climate Change? London, UK. budgets and potential blue carbon stores in Key findings (page 6) 12. Beaumont DJ and England BJ (2016). Vogelwelt, habitat restoration. https://www.environment. abundance for Scottish terrestrial breeding 4. Scotland’s environment (2019). Protected nature Scotland’s coastal and marine environment. 1. SNH (2019). Indicators and Trends. https:// 136: 153–161. gov.scot/our-environment/state-of-the- birds, 1994–2017. https://www.nature.scot/ sites. https://www.environment.gov.scot/data/ Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned www.nature.scot/information-hub/ 13. Scottish Wildlife Trust (2017). Sustainable environment/ecosystem-health-indicators/ information-hub/official-statistics/official- data-analysis/protected-nature-sites/. Report No. 761. indicators-trends. Agriculture – Policy document. https:// resilience-indicators/indicator-10-habitat- statistics-terrestrial-breeding-birds. 5. SNH (2019). Woodland expansion in the uplands. 20. Scottish Government (2019). Scottish 2. Beaugrand G and Reid PC (2003). Global scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/wp-content/ restoration/. 10. The Borders Forest Trust. https:// https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/ greenhouse gas emissions 2017. Estimates Change Biology, 9: 801–817. uploads/2016/09/Sustainable-Agriculture- 9. Gilvear DJ, et al. (2012). River Research and bordersforesttrust.org/places/wild-heart/. land-and-sea-management/managing-land/ of greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland for 3. Pitois SG and Fox CJ (2006). ICES Journal of policy.pdf. Applications, 28: 234–246. 11. Cairngorms Connect. upland-and-moorland/woodland-expansion- the years 1990 to 2017. https://www.gov. Marine Science, 63: 785–798. 14. Nature Friendly Farming Network. https:// 10. Scotland’s environment (2019). Indicator 6: http://cairngormsconnect.org.uk/. uplands. scot/publications/scottish-greenhouse-gas- 4. Beaugrand G, et al. (2008). Ecology Letters, www.nffn.org.uk. freshwater. https://www.environment.gov.scot/ 6. Douglas DJT, et al. (2015). Biological emissions-2017/. 11: 1157–1168. our-environment/state-of-the-environment/ Pollution Conservation, 191: 243–250. 21. Burrows MT, et al. (2017). Assessment of Blue 5. Wanless S, et al. (2005). Marine Ecology Climate change ecosystem-health-indicators/condition- 1. Scottish Government (2018). Index of Scottish 7. Chapman S, et al. (2017). Muirburn, peatland Carbon Resources in Scotland’s Inshore Marine Progress Series, 294: 1–8. 1. NERC UK (2019). Living with Environmental indicators/indicator-6-freshwater/. air pollutant emissions. https://www2.gov. and peat soils – an evidence assessment Protected Area Network. Scottish Natural 6. Daunt F, et al. (2017). MCCIP Science Review Change report cards. https://nerc.ukri.org/ 11. Miró A, et al. (2018). Landscape and Urban scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Environment/ of impact. James Hutton Institute. http:// Heritage Commissioned Report No. 957. 2017, 42–46. research/partnerships/ride/lwec/report-cards/. Planning, 180: 93–102. trendairpollutants. muirburncode.org.uk/wp-content/ Marine fisheries 7. MCCIP (2018). Climate change and marine 2. Land Use Consultants (2011). An assessment 12. JNCC (2019). Pressure from invasive species 2. Preston CD, et al. (2002). New Atlas of the uploads/2017/09/170411-CXC-Muirburn- conservation: Sandeels and their availability as of the impacts of climate change on Scottish indicator B6. https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/ Flowering Plants of Britain and Ireland. Peatland-and-Peat-Soils.pdf. 1. IPBES (2019). IPBES secretariat, Bonn, seabird prey. MCCIP. landscapes and their contribution to quality ukbi2018-b6-invasive-species. Cambridge University Press. 8. Thirgood S and Redpath S (2008). Journal of Germany. https://www.ipbes.net/system/ of life: Phase 1 - Final report. Scottish Natural tdf/ipbes_7_10_add-1-_advance_0. 8. Frederiksen M, et al. (2004). Journal of Applied 13. Nature Scotland Sitelink (2019). Mound 3. Plantlife (2017). We need to talk about nitrogen. Applied Ecology, 45: 1550–1554. Heritage Commissioned Report No. 488. pdf?file=1&type=node&id=35245. Ecology, 41: 1129–1139. Alderwoods. https://sitelink.nature.scot/ Plantlife Report. https://www.plantlife.org.uk/ 9. Young J, et al. (2005). Biodiversity & 3. SNH (2019). Impacts on people and our site/8332. 2. European Commission (2019). Commission 9. Frederiksen M, et al. (2013). Global Change uk/our-work/policy/nitrogen. Conservation 14: 1641–1661. economy. https://www.nature.scot/climate- staff working document. Accompanying Biology, 19: 364–372. 14. Hendry SJ and Edwards CE (2012). Alder 4. Fox R, et al. (2014). Journal of Applied Ecology, 10. Thirgood S, et al. (2000). Conservation Biology, change/climate-change-impacts-scotland/ Woodland – Tree condition assessment survey: 51: 949–957. 14: 95–104. the document ‘Communication from the 10. Carroll MJ, et al. (2015). Climate Research, 66: impacts-people-and-our-economy. Commission to the European Parliament Mound Alderwoods Site of Special Scientific 5. WallisDeVries MF and Bobbink, R (2017). 11. Forestry and Land Scotland (2019). Blanket bog 75–89. and the Council on the State of Play of the 4. SPICe Briefing (2009). Climate Change: The Interest and Special Area of Conservation. Biological Conservation 212: 387–389. restoration. https://forestryandland.gov.scot/ 11. Eerkes-Medrano D, et al. (2017). Ecological Threat to Species. https://www.parliament. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Common Fisheries Policy and Consultation on 6. SEPA (2019). Diffuse Pollution. learn/habitats/open-habitats/blanket-bog. Indicators, 75: 36–47. scot/Research%20briefings%20and%20 Report No. 499. the Fishing Opportunities for 2020’. Available https://www.sepa.org.uk/regulations/water/ 12. National Trust for Scotland (2019). Mar Lodge 12. Régnier T, et al. (2017). Marine Ecology fact%20sheets/SB09-28.pdf. at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ diffuse-pollution/#. Estate NNR. https://ntsusa.org/property/mar- Progress Series, 567: 185. 5. Fox R, et al. (2015). The State of the UK’s Butterflies Urbanisation TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52019SC0205&from=EN 7. JNCC (2019). Surface water status indicator B7. lodge/. 13. SCOS (2017). Natural Environment Research 2015. Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for 1. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological [Last accessed 13.09.19]. https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/ukbi-b7-surface- Council (NERC) Special Committee on Seals. Ecology & Hydrology, Wareham, Dorset. Diversity (2012). Cities and Biodiversity Outlook. 3. ICES (2019). Advice on fishing opportunities, water-status/. Marine climate and http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/ 6. Gillings S, et al. (2015). Global Change Biology, Montreal, Canada. catch and effort. Greater North Sea Ecoregion. 8. Pakeman RJ, et al. (2019). Ecological Indicators, ocean acidification files/2018/01/SCOS-2017.pdf. 21: 2155–2168. 2. Hitchins SP and Beebee TJC (1998). Journal of Cod (Gadus morhua) in Subarea 4, Division 7.d, 104: 127–136. 1. Scottish Government (2013). Scotland’s Marine and Subdivision 20. http://ices.dk/sites/pub/ 14. IPBES (2019). IPBES secretariat, Bonn, 7. Hickling R, et al. (2005). 11: 502–506. Evolutionary Biology, 11: 269–283. Germany. https://www.ipbes.net/system/ 9. Pescott O, et al. (2015). Biological Journal of the Atlas: Information for the National Marine Plan. Publication%20Reports/Advice/2019/2019/ 8. SNH (2019). Trend Note: Trends of Moths in 3. Scotland’s environment (2019). Indicator tdf/ipbes_7_10_add-1-_advance_0. Linnean Society, 115: 611–635. https://scotgov.publishingthefuture.info/ cod.27.47d20.pdf. Scotland. https://www.nature.scot/sites/ 13: Soil sealing. https://www.environment. publication/marine-atlas. pdf?file=1&type=node&id=35245. gov.scot/our-environment/state-of-the- 10. Ellis CJ and Coppins BJ (2019). Edinburgh 4. Jaworski A and Penny I (2009). Scottish default/files/2019-04/Trend%20note%20-%20 2. Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership. 15. Pauly D, et al. (2000). American Scientist, 88: environment/ecosystem-health-indicators/ Journal of Botany, 1–13. doi:10.1017/ industry/science partnership (SISP) report Trends%20of%20Moths%20in%20Scotland.pdf. http://www.mccip.org.uk/. 46–51. resilience-indicators/indicator-13-soil-sealing/. S0960428619000088. no. 02/09. https://www2.gov.scot/Uploads/ 9. La Sorte FA and Jetz W (2010). Proceedings 3. IPBES (2019). Summary for policymakers of the Documents/SISP0209.pdf. 16. Scottish Government National Indicator of the Royal Society of London B: Biological 4. Forest Research (2010). Benefits of green Invasive and non-native species global assessment report on biodiversity and 5. European Commission (2019) REGULATION Performance 2018. Sustainability of fish Sciences, 277: 3401–3410. infrastructure. Report by Forest Research. 1. Bellard C, et al. (2016). Biology Letters, 12: ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental (EU) 2019/1241 OF THE EUROPEAN stocks. https://nationalperformance.gov. 5. O’Brien D, et al. (2017). Amphibians and people 10. ASC (2016). UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 20150623. Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 20 scot/measuring-progress/national-indicator- share the benefits of Sustainable Urban Drainage 2017 Evidence Report – Summary for Scotland. Ecosystem Services. IPBES secretariat, June2019. Official Journal of the European performance. (SuDS) ponds in a fast-developing city. Societas 2. Roy HE, et al. (2012). Non-Native Species in Great 11. RSPB (2019). Nature helps our fight for a safe Bonn, Germany. https://www.ipbes.net/ Union. L105. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- 17. UK Marine Monitoring and Assessment Europaea Herpetologica 19th European Britain: establishment, detection and reporting climate. https://arcg.is/098uiD. system/tdf/ipbes_7_10_add-1-_advance_0. content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019R1241. Strategy (2019). https://moat.cefas.co.uk/ Congress of Herpetology. to inform effective decision making. Report to 12. Evans C, et al. (2017). Implementation of an Defra, NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. pdf?file=1&type=node&id=35245. 6. Howarth LM (2004). Unpublished PhD Thesis. introduction-to-uk-marine-strategy/. 6. Louv, R (2005). Last Child in the Woods: Saving emission inventory for UK peatlands. Bangor. 3. JNCC (2019). Pressure from invasive species 4. Kendon M, et al. (2018). International Journal of https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/29029911.pdf. https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/assets/documents/ Our Children from Nature-deficit Disorder. Climatology, 38: 1–35. Agricultural management Algonquin Books, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, indicator B6. https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/ 7. Defra (2019). Marine strategy part reports/cat07/1904111135_UK_peatland_ 5. Totterdell I (2013). MCCIP Science Review 2013: 1. Burns F, et al. (2016). PloS one 11: e0151595. U.S.A. ukbi2018-b6-invasive-species. one: UK updated assessment and Good GHG_emissions.pdf. 91–97. Environmental Status. Defra consultation 2. IPBES (2019). IPBES secretariat, Bonn, 7. McNeill DC, et al. (2012). The Glasgow Naturalist 4. Stapp P (2002). Journal of Applied Ecology, 39: 13. Peatland ACTION. https://www.nature.scot/ 6. Smeed D, et al. (2013). MCCIP Science Review document. https://consult.defra.gov.uk/ Germany. https://www.ipbes.net/system/ 25: 87–91. 831–840. climate-change/taking-action/peatland-action. 2013: 49–59. marine/updated-uk-marine-strategy- tdf/ipbes_7_10_add-1-_advance_0. 8. Downie JR, et al. (2019). Aquatic Conservation: 5. Main CE, et al. (2019). Scaling down (cliffs) pdf?file=1&type=node&id=35245. 14. Pakeman RJ, et al. (2017). Applied vegetation to meet the challenge: the Shiants’ black rat 7. Sharples S, et al. (2013). MCCIP Science Review part-one/supporting_documents/ science 20: 183–193. Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 29: UKmarinestrategypart1consultdocument 3. Holloway S (1996). The Historical Atlas of eradication. In: Veitch CR, et al. (eds.) Island 2013: 67–70. 647–654. final.pdf. Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. 15. Jones L, et al. (2013). MCCIP Science Review invasives: scaling up to meet the challenge. 8. Beaugrand G and Reid PC (2003). Global T & AD Poyser. 2013, 167–179. Woodland Proceedings of the international conference Change Biology, 9: 801–817. 8. Hopkins C and Baily D (2018). Seafloor Integrity. 16. ASC (2016). UK Climate Change Risk Assessment on island invasives 2017: 138–146. IUCN, Report commissioned by Scottish Environment 4. Wilson JD, et al. (2009). Bird conservation and 1. The Food and Agriculture Organization (2015). 9. Cook EJ, et al. (2013). MCCIP Science Review 2017 Evidence Report – Summary for Scotland. Gland, Switzerland. LINK’s Marine Group. http://www.scotlink.org/ agriculture. Cambridge. Global Forest Resources Assessment 2015. Rome. 2013: 155–166. 6. JNCC (2014). Council Directive 92/43/EEC on wp/files/documents/SEL_SeafloorIntegrity_ 5. Boatman ND, et al. (2007). Impacts of 2. Forest Research (2018). Woodland Statistics. 10. Beaugrand G, et al. (2008). Ecology Letters, 11: Hydrological change the conservation of natural habitats and of wild Report_A4_March19-1.pdf. agricultural change on farmland biodiversity https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools- 1157–1168. 1. Angus S (2016). Hebridean Naturalist, 16: 68–79. fauna and flora. http://archive.jncc.gov.uk/ 9. Kaiser MJ, et al. (2000). Journal of Animal in the UK. In: Hester RE and Harrison RM (eds.) and-resources/statistics/statistics-by-topic/ 11. Daunt F, et al. (2017). MCCIP Science Review page-1374. Ecology, 69: 494–503. Biodiversity Under Threat. Royal Society of 2. Statistical Accounts for Scotland (2019). woodland-statistics/. 2017: 42–46. Sinclair, J. 1791–1799 The Statistical Account of 7. Defra (2008). Phytophthora ramorum A Practical 10. Kaiser MJ, et al. (2006). Marine Ecology Progress Chemistry. 3. Forestry Commission Scotland (2014). 12. Wanless S, et al. (2005). Marine Ecology Scotland. William Creech. Guide for Established Parks & Gardens, Amenity Series, 311: 1–14. 6. Benton TG, et al. (2002). Journal of Applied Scotland’s Native Woodlands Results from the Progress Series: 294: 1–8. Landscape and Woodland Areas. Defra, London. 11. SNH (2017). Seabed habitats survey field Ecology, 39: 673–687. 3. Statistical Accounts for Scotland (2019). Society Native Woodland Survey of Scotland. FCS. 13. Bednarsek N, et al. (2019). Frontiers in Marine for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of 8. Forestry Commission Scotland (2012). An report, 3–5 May 2017, Loch Carron. https:// 7. Garnett T (2011). Food Policy, 36: 23–32. 4. Gill RM and Fuller RJ (2007). Ibis, 149: 119–127. Science, 6: 227. the Clergy in Scotland 1834–1845. approach to prioritising control of rhododendron www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2017-10/ 8. Perkins AJ, et al. (2011). Journal of Applied 5. Piotrowska MJ, et al. (2018). Evolutionary 14. Williamson C, et al. (2017). MCCIP Science 4. SEPA (2019). Water Classification Hub.https:// in Scotland. Forestry Commission Scotland, A2294733%20-%20SNHandMSS-Loch%20 Ecology, 48: 514–522. Applications, 11: 350–363. Review 2017: 1–14. www.sepa.org.uk/data-visualisation/water- Edinburgh. Carron-May%203-5%202017-Fieldwork%20 9. Wilkinson NI, et al. (2012). Agriculture, 15. https://www.nature.scot/professional- classification-hub/. 6. SNH Official Statistics (2019).The Proportion Summary-FINAL%20(A2289959).pdf. Ecosystems and Environment, 55: 27–34. of Scotland’s Protected Sites in Favourable Upland management advice/planning-and-development/ 12. Lester SE, et al. (2009). Marine Ecology Progress 5. Acreman M (ed.) (2012). The hydrology of the advice-planners-and-developers/renewable- 10. SNH (2018). Index of abundance for Scottish Condition 2019. https://www.nature.scot/ 1. UK National Ecosystem Assessment (2011). The Series, 384: 33–46. UK: a study of change. Routledge. energy-development/marine-renewables/ terrestrial breeding birds 1994–2017. https:// information-hub/official-statistics/official- UK National Ecosystem Assessment: Synthesis of 13. Howarth LM, et al. (2015). Marine www.nature.scot/information-hub/official- 6. Scotland’s environment (2019). Protected statistics-protected-sites. offshore-wind-energy. nature sites. https://www.environment.gov. the Key Findings. UNEPWCMC, Cambridge, UK. Environmental Research, 107: 8–23. https:// statistics/official-statistics-terrestrial- 16. Garthe S, et al. (2017). Journal of Ornithology, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ breeding-birds. scot/data/data-analysis/protected-nature- 158: 345–349. sites/. S0141113615000410. The State of Nature 2019 report is a collaboration between the conservation and research organisations listed below:

Freshwater Habitats Trust

ispotnature.org

Vincent Wildlife Trust

www.nbn.org.uk/stateofnature2019

Unless otherwise stated, all photos are from RSPB Images (rspb-images.com). This report should be cited as: Walton P, Eaton M, Stanbury A, Hayhow D, Brand A, Brooks S, Collin S, Duncan C, Dundas C, Foster S, Hawley J, Kinninmonth A, Leatham S, Nagy-Vizitiu A, Whyte A, Williams S and Wormald K (2019). The State of Nature Scotland 2019. The State of Nature partnership.