UK Biosphere Reserves: status, opportunities and potential

A preliminary review and assessment of opportunities and potential with particular reference to the criteria set out in Article 4 of the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Beinn Eighe and Wester Ross

A Report by Hambrey Consulting for DEFRA/UKMAB April 2009 www.hambreyconsulting.co.uk

1 Contents

1 Summary...... 3 2 Introduction ...... 5 2.1 The origin and nature of biosphere reserves ...... 5 2.2 Status of BRs in the UK ...... 6 2.3 Purpose and structure of this report ...... 6 3 The status and functioning of the existing Biosphere Reserve ...... 7 4 Alternatives and opportunities for a future Biosphere Reserve in the area 7 4.1 Overview of Wester Ross, people, economy and ecology ...... 8 4.2 Outcome of the scoping meeting – interest in taking this forward ...... 10 4.3 Possible alternatives in terms of area and scope ...... 11 5 Assessment of alternatives against current UN Article 4 Criteria ...... 14 5.1 Ecological Systems ...... 14 Existing BR ...... 14 Local BR ...... 14 Regional BR ...... 15 5.2 Biological Diversity: ...... 15 Existing BR ...... 15 Local BR ...... 15 Regional BR ...... 16 5.3 Regional sustainable development: ...... 16 General ...... 16 Existing BR ...... 17 Local BR ...... 17 Regional BR ...... 17 5.4 Three Biosphere Reserve functions: ...... 18 Existing BR ...... 18 Local BR ...... 18 Regional BR ...... 19 5.5 Zonation ...... 19 5.6 Organisation ...... 20 5.7 Necessary provisions: ...... 21 5.8 Summary ...... 23 6 Assessment of potential social, economic and environmental benefit of a new-style Biosphere Reserve based on Beinn Eighe NNR...... 24 6.1 Strengths and weaknesses of future alternatives ...... 29

Annex 1: Report of initial scoping meeting ...... 30 Annex 2: Ecological information ...... 33 Annex 3: Social and economic information ...... 36 Annex 4: Recent community, educational and research activities...... 41

2 1 Summary . 1. The existing Biosphere Reserve at Beinn Eighe in Wester Ross no longer meets the revised UNESCO criteria. Although of exceptional ecological quality it fails to encompass sufficient gradation of human intervention or opportunity for sustainable development 2. It would be possible to extend the current Beinn Eighe Biosphere Reserve (BR) /National Nature Reserve (NNR) into a new-style BR - if local people and the wider Wester Ross business community wished to do this. Seemingly remote but actually quite accessible - and with an economy underpinned by tourism and extensive land management - Wester Ross might benefit from the BR accolade and could possibly qualify as a new-style reserve with little if any change to existing organisational structures or management. 3. The geographic situation of the current reserve is such that, partly by virtue of it being a very large mountain, it is already a well-known feature of the Kinlochewe/Torridon/Loch Maree area and plays a part in attracting visitors to the area. The existing reserve would serve as a very fine core area. Although well protected by national and international legislation it is fully accessible to the agile, thanks to Scottish access legislation. It has fine research and educational facilities, a visitor centre, informative trails and community-minded management. 4. A buffer zone of surrounding Sites of special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and sensitively managed land already exists, and the exact size of this, or indeed of any of the other zones, would be a matter for detailed local discussion. 5. Several viable alternatives present themselves in terms of a suitable transition zone. The existence of both the Wester Ross Alliance, and the Wester Ross Brand suggests that Wester Ross itself may not be too large an area for a BR. A larger area has the advantage of bringing a wider range of potential benefits to a broader constituency; although the costs of securing support and mobilising associated initiative may be higher than for a smaller area. 6. It is apparent that local business organisations are determined to better market Wester Ross. Given the importance of tourism to this area and the relative lack of any other local produce it would seem that the greatest potential benefit of a new-style BR here would be as an extra marketing label for tourism providers. This is perfectly valid as an example of sustainable development: it has been the focus of the economy of this region for some years; it maintains a large sector of the economy; and it provides an inspiring destination that is so different to the rest of the UK as to be a real alternative to overseas holidays. 7. There is always the risk that benefits might be marginal and initial costs would need to be kept to a minimum to avoid the risk of unproductive expenditure of any kind. Careful thought would need to be given as to how to effectively include the BR tag in publicity so that it was seen as an extra accolade for the area as it already is, rather than as a new entity altogether. Including the UNESCO logo in existing publicity might be a cost-effective way forward. 8. Our initial impression, based on discussions at a meeting held in Kinlochewe, and follow-up discussions by phone, suggests that there is significant interest in exploring the various options for taking this forward. It is possible that the council and business community might want to move quite fast, and take advantage of the possible increase in UK tourists arising from the current financial situation. If so advice from UK Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Committee should be sought,

3 9. Equally, based on further deliberations, the local community and other stakeholders may see relatively little added value over and above the Wester Ross Brand and the National Scenic Area status, and may decide instead to focus their efforts on these and other initiatives. A key consideration would be the time and cost required to gain broad levels of support from a wide range of communities scattered over a large area.

4

2 Introduction

2.1 The origin and nature of biosphere reserves

The origin of Biosphere Reserves goes back to the "Biosphere Conference" organized by UNESCO in 1968, the first intergovernmental conference to seek to reconcile the conservation and use of natural resources, thereby foreshadowing the present-day notion of sustainable development1. In 1973, the concept of Biosphere Reserves was formally established within UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. Their functions were to conserve biodiversity and provide facilities for research, education and training.

The MAB philosophy and programme was substantially revised at the 1995 Seville Conference that created a "Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves” and associated criteria for designation. According to Article 3 of this framework, Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are expected to be “sites of excellence to explore and demonstrate conservation and sustainable development on a regional scale”. BRs are expected to combine three functions: conservation; sustainable development; and logistic support (education, training, exchange etc)

Management of BRs is conceived within a threefold zonation – a core zone of high biodiversity value subject to some form of legal protection; a buffer zone managed in such a way as to secure the qualities of the core while at the same time encouraging sustainable use; and a transition zone, which may include urban areas, in which the ethos of sustainable development can be pursued more broadly, and where the links and inter-dependencies with the core and buffer zones can be explored and demonstrated.

The most recent interpretation of the nature and purpose of biosphere reserves is to be found in the Madrid Action Plan 2, which includes the following vision statement: “The World Network of Biosphere Reserves of the Man and the Biosphere Programme consists of sites of excellence to foster harmonious integration of people and nature for sustainable development through participation, knowledge, well-being, cultural values and society’s ability to cope with change, thus contributing to the [Millennium Development Goals]”.

The term Biosphere Reserve is therefore a misnomer: the designation is neither restrictive nor exclusive, except in so far as a legally designated core zone is required. Taken as a whole it is not a protected area as defined by the International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUCN). Rather it is the only global designation – or accreditation – for an area demonstrating excellence in sustainable development in practice.

Governance of Biosphere Reserves is highly variable, ranging from relatively autonomous facilitating teams, through a variety of representative and participatory structures, to relatively formal and powerful institutions – and there is no international consensus or indeed guidance on the best governance model. This diversity has

1 UNESCO MAB “Biosphere Reserves in a nutshell”. 2 UNESCO 2008. Madrid Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves (2008-2013) http://portal.unesco.org/science/en/ev.php- URL_ID=6389&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

5 been allowed, if not encouraged by UNESCO to maximise the opportunities for learning and demonstration. There is one key proviso however. The Statutory Framework specifies the need for participatory decision-making structures, involving a wide range of stakeholders, as well as provisions for a “management policy or plan for the area as a biosphere reserve”.

2.2 Status of BRs in the UK

In 1976, the UK Government put forward thirteen National Nature Reserves to be part of the global Biosphere Reserve network. All were designated by UNESCO.

A UK review was carried out in 1998 and published in 1999, following which 4 reserves were de-listed because it appeared unlikely that they could meet the revised criteria in the Statutory Framework. The remaining Biosphere Reserves in the UK are:

ƒ Taynish, Scotland ƒ Beinn Eighe, Scotland ƒ Silver Flowe/Merrick Kells and Cairnsmore of Fleet in Galloway, Scotland ƒ Loch Druidibeg, Scotland ƒ Dyfi Valley, Wales ƒ Moorhouse-Upper Teesdale, England ƒ North Norfolk Coast, England ƒ Braunton Burrows-North Devon, England

Of these Braunton Burrows has been expanded and developed to meet the new criteria and was officially re-designated in 2002. An expanded Dyfi Valley Biosphere Reserve, Wales has been proposed to UNESCO for re-designation under the new criteria. Several feasibility studies have been undertaken in respect of a new style BR based around the existing Silver Flowe/Merrick Kells and Cairnsmore of Fleet BRs, and there is significant local interest in progressing this to full UNESCO designation/accreditation.

The remaining five BRs, though still formally members of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, have, to date, not been redeveloped in line with the new criteria, and are in a sense “in limbo”, with both re-designation and delisting as possible options. We refer to them below as “lapsed” BRs.

2.3 Purpose and structure of this report This report and associated exercise for DEFRA/UKMAB are designed to assess the current status and activities of the 5 “lapsed” BRs, and the degree to which there is the desire and potential to expand, redevelop and re-designate them to meet the new criteria; or whether they should be delisted.

A primary purpose of this report is to present a preliminary assessment of the area, and alternative possibilities for taking forward a biosphere reserve, against the standard “Seville” criteria. This should serve as a resource for local people, the UK MAB Committee and the MAB Programme and inform any possible initiatives. The assessment should also serve as a starting point for a full proposal to UNESCO, should local people and organisations decide they wish to progress the concept.

The report offers: • a brief overview of the history and status of the existing reserve;

6 • a resume of some of the views and perspectives expressed at the scoping meeting held at Kinlochewe on 18th November 2008; • a preliminary assessment of alternative areas and possible management structures against the standard UNESCO criteria; • A summary assessment of possible social economic and environmental benefits which might arise from BR designation; • A summary assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the area in terms of potential to realise the ideals of sustainable development.

3 The status and functioning of the existing Biosphere Reserve The current Biosphere Reserve (BR) extends to 4,758ha and is co-incident with Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve (NNR). As with all National Nature Reserves, it is also a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Loch Maree Ramsar site and Special Protection Area overlap with the Beinn Eighe NNR/BR boundaries, and all are within the Loch Maree complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Wester Ross National Scenic Area (NSA). Details of the Beinn Eighe SSSI are provided in annex 2. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) own 89.15% of the current BR, with almost all of the remainder belonging to the National Trust for Scotland.

Beinn Eighe NNR/BR is currently run as a high profile, high-status National Nature Reserve with good community involvement and many visitors. There is a good visitor centre (a converted croft house at the roadside), which receives on average over 50 visitors a day between April and October 3. There are way marked woodland and mountain trails and interpretative facilities. These facilities doubtless contribute to visitors spending more time and money in the area than they otherwise might, and this, combined with the walking and mountaineering attraction of Beinn Eighe itself, gives the reserve a real economic function in the local area.

The reserve also functions as an active research station, making use of the accommodation and laboratory facilities at the SNH field centre at Anancaun. This complex, on the edge of the reserve and just out of the village of Kinlochewe, plays host to many visiting students and volunteers (over 600 bed nights in 2007 4). Annex 4 details the recent research activities of the reserve.

SNH staff at Anancaun also carry out practical management tasks on the reserve, administer management agreements and give advice on surrounding designated areas and run educational events. A local footpath programme run from the reserve office has been well received in the community. Annex 4 details some of the recent research, educational and community programmes of the current reserve.

4 Alternatives and opportunities for a future Biosphere Reserve in the area

3 Beinn Eighe NNR Annual Report to the Council of Europe. Scottish Natural Heritage 2007. 4 SNH to Council of Europe 2007.

7 4.1 Overview of Wester Ross, people, economy and ecology

The current Biosphere Reserve is in the area commonly known as Wester Ross, in the North-West of Scotland. Beinn Eighe itself is a splendid multi-topped mountain rising to 1010m. Just west of Beinn Eighe are Liathach (1023m) and Beinn Alligan (986m). These are some of the most challenging mountains in the UK and a great draw for serious hill walkers and winter mountaineers. Loch Maree, to the north of the reserve, is a serenely beautiful place, and to the north of it is a vast stretch of lochs and high mountains stretching to Dundonnell, two days walk away. The hard facts of the ecological interest for which Beinn Eighe and surrounding areas were designated as sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI, annex 2) hint at the ecological richness of the area but do not quite convey the feel. The harsh lonely cry of the black throated diver echoes round the valleys, jewelled dragonflies grace tiny lochans, a wild walk rewards with glimpses of majestic stags and the pinewoods of the Beinn Eighe Reserve on the shores of Loch Maree, have a rare fragrant tranquillity. The scenery almost defies photography, but there are local residents whose skill does the area justice and their work is worth viewing 5.

Statistically, Wester Ross is 3,458 sq km with a population of 68206. This translates to a population density of less than two people per square kilometre, compared with sixty-five for Scotland as a whole. About three percent of the land area is woodland (which underlines the importance of the ancient pinewoods of Beinn Eighe), three- quarters of it is over 150m in height, one-fifth is covered by SSSI designation, and over half is a National Scenic Area. Most of it is rough grazing, and some is too steep and rocky for any grazing at all. Crofting, on the tiny areas of available in-bye land, is adapting to changes in social habits and agricultural subsidies. Active crofts 7 now tend to comprise several holdings run as one unit, arable cropping is generally not practiced, haymaking is rare, and polytunnels are appearing, providing much- appreciated fresh salad for the local market. Tourism is vital, with many small B & B businesses open for short seasons and a considerable number of cottages to let, some of which are also second homes. A 1999 study 8 found that nearly 50% of the houses in Torridon and Sheildaig were second homes. The current recession, combined with a fall in the value of the pound, could simultaneously put second homes on the market and increase the number of tourists.

In spite of the low population density, Wester Ross has some vibrant and caring communities. Some people are isolated by geography, choice, habit, or all three, but within the main hamlets and villages (Torridon, Applecross, Sheildaig, Badachro, Gairloch, Kinlochewe, Lochcarron, Dundonnell, Achiltibuie and Ullapool) there is a rich tapestry of community life 9. Population figures for these areas are given in Annex 3. There is a strong volunteer culture in the community, in spite of, or perhaps enabled by, the pluriactivity characteristic of economically active households. Many households have a number of part-time jobs, varying with the seasons and sometimes a little thin on the ground in the winter.

5 Local photographer Steve Carter, based in Torridon, has excellent photographs and other local information online. Visit http://www.stevecarter.com/ansh/ansh2.htm 6 2001 census updated to 2007, Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics. See Annex 3 for statistical detail and sources. 7 This and certain other information in this section taken from a letter written in August 2007 by Lloyd Gudgeon, previous Manager of the Wester Ross Alliance, to the Royal Society of Edinburgh, for their report into the future of Scotland’s Hill and Island Areas, 2008. 8 1999 area report on the Torridon area of Wester Ross; one of a series of reports commissioned by The Minch Project. 9 Personal experience. The writer lives in Ullapool and sometimes works in Gairloch.

8 Quoting from Highland council Ward 6 information “The rural nature of the Ward (6) is reflected in the second highest proportion of self-employed workers, 24% (Census 2001) and the highest proportion of jobs in agriculture and fishing in Highland. The economy is dependent on the tourist industry but the proportion of jobs in the public sector is slightly below the Highland average. The proportion of part time jobs is well above the Highland average.” Fishing and agriculture (including fish farming), may account for four times as large a percentage of jobs (7.2%) than for Scotland as a whole (1.5%), but the actual numbers are still relatively small.

There are a number of economically inactive but so far fit and healthy incomers who have retired relatively early and are dependent upon pensions from outwith the area. The age structure of the population is generally skewed towards those in the pensionable age group. The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation indicates that all the Wester Ross statistical areas are comfortably in the middle of the range. Further details are presented in Annex 3.

The nearest village to the current Beinn Eighe reserve is Kinlochewe, which has a shop/café, a garage, a caravan club site, the SNH field centre, the Kinlochewe Hotel, a falconry centre and some Bed and Breakfasts. Kinlochewe is about 50 miles from Inverness and 40 miles from Dingwall, where the large Tesco and 24 hour standard price fuel is a powerful draw. The road is now good (deer and weather permitting) and the drive can be done within the hour. There are buses from Kinlochewe to Inverness, Gairloch and Torridon and the village has a one-teacher primary school. Older children attend the excellent High School in Gairloch. The Torridon Mountain Rescue team are based at SYHA in Torridon with members drawn from an area including Kinlochewe.

At Kinlochewe, the road forks, the A896 going single track to the south of the reserve towards Torridon, 10 miles distant, and on to Applecross. Torridon is a small community on the shore of Upper Loch Torridon with an SYHA hostel, a large hotel, a small campsite and some B & B establishments. The shop at Torridon has recently closed. The A832 goes from Kinlochewe to the north of Beinn Eighe, along the shores of Loch Maree, past the SNH visitor centre and the car park for the mountain trails and on to Gairloch, a larger village twenty miles away. Gairloch has good facilities: a range of local shops, a bank, a health centre, several cafes, wildlife tour businesses, hotels, B & B’s and a good caravan and camping site. Continuing north along the coast road, winding scenically round the lochs and inlets, one gets eventually to Ullapool (a little over an hours drive from Gairloch) and onwards north to Achiltibuie. The north of Wester Ross is also accessible more directly by the A835, and Ullapool is actually only 57 miles of fast driving from Inverness.

The area falls under the remit of Highland Council Ward 6 for local administrative and democratic purposes, comprising Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh. The local Community council is Torridon and Kinlochewe. There is an identity problem for the whole region caused by recent council administrative changes involving the naming of different areas. The descriptive name still used commonly and locally for the area stretching from Lochcarron in the south to Achilitibuie in the north is “Wester Ross”. This is the western half of the old county of Ross and Cromarty, with the dividing line occurring at the watershed between east and west. The name Wester Ross is evocative of the west coast and clearly identifies the area and its distinctive landscape and culture. Even with no signs to assist, it is remarkably easy even for the unfamiliar visitor to tell when they have driven into Wester Ross. The land changes, the mountains come into view and the flatter, more inhabited east is clearly left behind.

9 Various local marketing initiatives have developed to assist businesses in the area, and those using the Wester Ross name are particularly interesting. The most established is the Wester Ross Alliance, a local development organisation, limited by guarantee and made up of the community councils and business associations in the area.

The newest initiative is the Wester Ross Brand, started November 2008, launched January 2009, with a simple organisational structure (£10 to join for a year, use of logo as seen here) and over 60 businesses signed up already. This is a joint venture between the business associations of Ullapool, Gairloch, and Lochcarron, along with the Celtic Fringe Tourism Association. The brand criteria are reproduced in Annex 3, and are a straightforward set of sensible conditions. The group Tourism@Wester Ross exists as an informal discussion group comprising the partner organisations involved in the brand launch. The Wester Ross Brand are currently considering

ƒ The area covered by the brand (now including part of the Lochalsh area in the South, and up to just past Achiltibuie in the North). ƒ Who will be taking the brand forward (Celtic Fringe are current managers). ƒ Questions about usage of the logo and who can be members (Any member of the brand can use this - £10 per annum). ƒ Benefits to members (Ability to use the logo, contact details on the forthcoming Wester Ross Website, implied quality of service or product by association with the brand). ƒ “Policing” the brand standards of quality (procedures for this are in the CD for members). The brand is expected to be largely self policing.

The disparity between administrative districts and cultural identity is slightly unhelpful, and could be relevant if the Biosphere Reserve were to be significantly expanded. The Wester Ross Alliance is currently widening its boundary area to include the whole of the Highland Councils Ward 6 area, which includes Strathpeffer, which is well to the east near Dingwall, and not traditionally thought of as being part of Wester Ross. This is because the Wester Ross Alliance will be tasked with administering LEADER grants on behalf of Highland Council. Arguably, this broader remit for the Wester Ross Alliance dilutes the Wester Ross identity, although it brings many more people into the area under consideration, which is useful for gaining tangible public support.

The Wester Ross Alliance and Wester Ross Brand are both initiatives which might be strengthened by, and in turn strengthen, a BR designation.

4.2 Outcome of the scoping meeting – interest in taking this forward An exploratory scoping meeting was held at Anancaun, Kinlochewe on 18 November 2008. The aim of this meeting was to introduce/re-introduce the concept of the Biosphere Reserve to a knowledgeable local audience, see if there was interest in the idea and begin to review the potential that an expanded Biosphere Reserve would have to meet the required criteria for designation. A variety of local interests were represented, including tourism operators, NNR staff, community council, Highland Council, crofting, Fisheries Trust, SNH, and Wester Ross Brand. It should be emphasized that representation was neither formal nor comprehensive. This was

10 a “testing of the waters” rather than an official public meeting, and any future initiative would need to be much better publicized and more inclusive. Details of the meeting are presented in Annex 1; here we offer a brief summary of the general response and some of the key points made.

Participants quickly latched on to the revised BR concept, and most appeared to be in favour of maintaining the BR designation and expanding/developing it to a wider area to meet the new criteria. Several of those present were enthusiastic, seeing it as a way to complement and strengthen the “Wester Ross” Brand initiative and increase the sense of pride in the area. The general feeling was for a relatively large area – perhaps encompassing the Western watersheds from Loch Broom to Strathcarron, including perhaps Applecross and Lochcarron, missed by the NSA, and building on the historic sense of identity of the Wester Ross area.

There was recognition at this meeting that the Biosphere Reserve concept was bigger than tourism alone, but would be a most useful advertisement for the attractions of the area and might contribute to some kind of sorely needed economic stability.

There was understandable wariness about becoming involved in a huge paper exercise that might have no real effect. They do not wish to repeat the mistakes of the National Scenic Area consultation and planning process – although there was a definite feeling that the BR concept would be more useful. Participants also recognized that they were a particular group of people, not entirely representative, and felt that the concept might not get such strong support in the community as a whole, but that it would be saleable.

There have been further discussions between participants at our initial meeting, and further meetings are planned to discuss the BR idea. The AGM of the Wester Ross Alliance is to be held on 9 Feb 2009 and this offers a further opportunity for discussion of the matter. It is possible that the BR concept may be seen as a timely opportunity to unite Wester Ross marketing efforts, and the initial meeting has certainly created enough interest for the participants to have already begun the process of thinking seriously about what to do next.

4.3 Possible alternatives in terms of area and scope

It should be understood that the Biosphere Reserve at Beinn Eighe NNR, as currently constituted, does not meet the current UNESCO criteria, which have changed since the designation was first made. Nevertheless, the current site is exceptional. Extending to 4,800ha it is considered one of the most important mountain sites in Britain. It would be a fine core area, already protected by the strongest site designations the UK can offer and is an area of stunning scenery that encompasses everything from a massive, challenging mountain down steeply through scree and heather moor to wet grassland, peat bogs and some of the best ancient pinewoods remaining in the UK. There are opportunities to extend the scope of the BR (and in particular the “transition zone”) to encompass sustainable natural resource use and enterprise over a wider area and better meet the new criteria.

Surrounding the current limited BR is what could loosely be described as a ring of almost contiguous SSSI’s, and also land owned by National Trust for Scotland and run on a management plan with SNH input. With a map and local knowledge, a

11 suitable buffer zone could be envisaged with little, if any, change being needed to current arrangements for land management. The northernmost SSSI of this imaginary buffer ring is Ardlair-Letterewe (See annex 2), a vast area. Perhaps the only bone of contention over the buffer zone would be where to draw a line in the Letterewe forest, or whether or not to keep the buffer zone going almost to Dundonnell.

The transition zone is currently non-existent, and while a buffer zone can be envisaged with ease, the transition area boundary (which may be fuzzy but will have to exist in some form) is harder. We looked at three scenarios:

1) Current situation. BR = Beinn Eighe NNR only. Not an option.

2) Local BR. Expand into the ring of SSSIs as a buffer zone and to Kinlochewe and Torridon and perhaps Gairloch as the transition zone.

3) Regional BR. Expand into the ring of SSSIs as a buffer zone and to the rest of coastal Wester Ross as far south as Lochcarron as the transition zone, possibly including some marine areas10. Including Strathpeffer, Strathconon and Lochalsh are other options.

These options are not offered as hard-and-fast alternatives – there are many intermediate possibilities - but are offered as a basis for further thought and to begin rigorous assessment against UNESCO’s criteria.

10 Wester Ross as defined here for the purpose of a Regional BR is the coastal areas (datazones) of Highland Council Ward 6 from Ullapool to Lochcarron. This excludes the datazones covering Strathconon, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh.

12 Map of the Beinn Eighe BR and Wester Ross

13 5 Assessment of alternatives against current UN Article 4 Criteria

5.1 Ecological Systems

Criterion 1. It should encompass a mosaic of ecological systems representative of major biogeographic regions, including a gradation of human interventions

Overall assessment. The existing BR scores reasonably against the first part of this criterion – but less so in respect to “gradation of human interventions”. A local BR scores moderately well against this criteria and an extended Regional BR covering a significant part of Wester Ross would score extremely well.

Existing BR The Beinn Eighe NNR/BR encompasses both montane and woodland habitat from 12 to 1,000m above sea level. Both the montane and woodland habitats are of international importance – the former including juniper and moss heath, and the whole area very rich in mosses, liverworts and invertebrates. The area also has the classic Highland species of dragonfly, deer, eagle, pine marten and otter. Thus the existing BR encompasses a mosaic of ecological systems representative of the NE Atlantic temperate coasts.

There is also significant geological interest from the quartzite summit, through Torridonian sandstone to the base rock of Lewisian gneiss, and the geological inversions associated with the Kinlochewe thrust.

“ The NNR is managed purely for conservation objectives, the only concessions being for extensive forms of recreation such as hill walking. Some sections of the reserve have been fenced to re-establish the forest cover; regeneration is limited outside the fenced area due to high numbers of grazing deer. Culling red deer is therefore a necessary management activity, the numbers in the wider area being regulated in conjunction with the surrounding Deer Management Groups.”11

Local BR Closely associated with the NNR/BR but outwith the current boundaries are the Loch Maree Islands, designated as an SSSI, NNR and part of the Loch Maree Complex SAC. Loch Maree itself is also an SSSI, an SPA and a Ramsar site, and part of the Loch Maree complex SAC. The loch is notable for the quality of its water and for breeding black-throated diver and otter.

“Most of Beinn Eighe is covered by open heathland, bare rock, scree, and wet grassland with scattered bogs and peatland. Of national interest are two variants of dwarf shrub heath and a western variant of moss heath. The woodland, which is found below 300m close to Loch Maree and in various isolated gorges, includes the best remaining examples of western pinewood in Britain, and also contains birch,

11 1997 Biosphere Reserves Review

14 holly, ivy, rowan, oak and juniper. Recent research has shown that the pine woodland is a relict of a once more extensive forest and as such can be classified as ‘primary’ woodland. Loch Maree is both ecologically and scenically important, being one of the few remaining large bodies of water which has been unaffected by commercial afforestation of its banks, raising of the water level by hydro-electric projects, or commercial uses such as fish-farming.”12

Regional BR Wester Ross as a whole comprises some 3,458 sq km, encompassing everything from some of the highest mountains in the UK, through moorland and ancient pinewoods, down to lowland deciduous woodland, deep glens and deserted beaches. Its geology is diverse, including a range of Cambrian rocks (including limestone), Lewisian Gneiss, Torridonian Sandstone, and New Red Sandstone. It is also characterised by a spectacular array of freshwater and coastal environments.

The area as a whole is manifestly representative of major biogeographic regions, including whole catchment areas. Human intervention is minimal on the mountain tops, increasing in intensity down through deer control on the heather moorland to the now carefully managed ancient woodlands and improved crofting lands. There are larger settlements at Ullapool, Gairloch and Lochcarron.

5.2 Biological Diversity:

Criterion 2. It should be of significance for biological diversity conservation.

Overall assessment: The BR as currently constituted scores well against this criterion, as does a local BR. If extended to a Regional BR, including Loch Maree or the greater part of Wester Ross, it would score very highly.

Existing BR SNH have written a concise and elegant description of the biological diversity of the NNR13: as follows:

“The Reserve is home to the largest remnant of ancient Caledonian forest in Wester Ross; some of the Scots pine trees are nearly 400 years old. A distinctive mix of plants and animals thrive on the Reserve, and its rugged slopes support one of the UK’s best tracts of prostrate juniper and moss heath. Rare lichens, liverworts and mosses flourish, from the mild, damp woodlands up to the highest peaks. Below the tree line, pine marten, Scottish crossbill and northern emerald dragonfly make their home in the ancient pinewoods, whilst otters and black throated divers can be seen where the Reserve meets the waters of Loch Maree.”

Local BR A modest local extension might include Loch Maree, Loch Torridon, and the communities of Kinlochewe and Torridon. This wider area would encompass a range of additional habitats and species, including the “Loch Maree Complex” with its lochs and pine-wooded islands, designated as an SAC and Ramsar site partly for its

12 1997 Biosphere Reserves Review 13 The Story of Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Scottish Natural Heritage

15 breeding black throated divers, and Torridon Forest, an area of craggy heathland rising to over 100m at the summit ridge of Liathach.

Regional BR The wider Wester Ross area is exceptional in terms of biodiversity interest. Approximately 20% of the area is subject to SSSI designation, and the NSA in addition covers some 57%. As well as the interest of the local BR, the wider area includes a rich variation of SSSIs, from the high Torridonian sandstone mountain of Beinn Bhan to the delicate Rassal Ashwood, the most northerly in Britain.

5.3 Regional sustainable development:

Criterion 3. It should provide an opportunity to explore and demonstrate approaches to sustainable development on a regional scale.

Overall assessment: The existing BR offers only limited opportunity in this regard. A local BR would offer more opportunity, but if extended to a Regional BR covering most or all of Wester Ross the potential and opportunities are increased significantly. There are opportunities to promote and develop sustainable resource use and associated economic activities, particularly through the encouragement of outdoor activities, wildlife tourism and support for crofting.

General One of the strongest “hooks” for sustainable development here is the potential for tourism based on outdoor activities. This is already happening, as is good provision for family camping and caravanning holidays - a popular, economical, and perhaps under-recognised aspect of the tourist industry in this area.

Another strong hook is wildlife/adventure tourism, which is growing more rapidly than tourism in general, and Beinn Eighe/Wester Ross is one of the finest areas in the UK for such activities – and is increasingly accessible. There has been strong growth in the sector within Wester Ross and there are currently a number of businesses and services across the area that offer a range of opportunities to view and learn about both marine and land-based wildlife. These mountains are satisfyingly dangerous, as the local Mountain Rescue team will testify. There must be someone knowledgeable to assist the bold and unwary: local commercial guides, Highland Council and NTS Rangers and SNH Reserve staff. There must be cafes, and somewhere to buy milk; increasingly a problem. And there must be somewhere appealing to stay when it rains. Facilities for tourists may also serve the local community. This all smacks of challenge and opportunity, and it is spread across a huge area with little else by way of employment save the usual public service jobs.

Crofting is another issue, but affects a relatively small percentage of people. Economic development through adding value to agricultural produce iss not an easy option here and other economic activities are required to enable crofting households to stay put. So crofting, with its contribution to both the social and landscape fabric of the area, needs sustainable economic development to provide the outside work that is an accepted necessity, as it is on many small farms.

Diversification is also possible. There are some bold businesses supplying salad from polytunnels, small estates selling their own meat, mussel-growers, fish-

16 smokers, prawn (langoustine) fishermen and winkle-pickers - but to encompass all these, the Biosphere Reserve would have to stretch at least as far as Ullapool in the north. In the wider Wester Ross area, there is work in construction, fishing, on fish farms, in cafes and hotels; but finding work in the winter is a problem for all but those either skilled in a traditional trade or prepared to do several jobs for minimum wages.

Existing BR There is no resident population to benefit directly from the BR as presently designated. Indirectly, the designation may of marginal benefit to the already excellent NNR publicity, and may have some educational interest. But as an example of sustainable development on a regional scale this is not large enough.

Local BR This would bring in about 1,396 people, of whom 197 would be children, 853 of working age and 346 pensionable. The population figures relate to the two datazones covering: ƒ Garve, Achnasheen and Kinlochewe ƒ Applecross, Sheildaig and Torridon

This is an unhelpful division, and may relate to an area larger than wished for a “local” BR, but it does give some idea of the numbers involved. Including Applecross, Sheildaig, Kinlochewe and Torridon brings in approximately twelve bed and breakfast businesses, four hotels, two bunkhouses/hostels and two campsites. It also brings in at least one local professional mountain guide, and several accommodation providers who will arrange for such services.

A BR across this area might bring benefits by increasing linkage between the accommodation provision and the quality of the environment, but it could be argued that the NNR, and the general knowledge of the hill walking fraternity already does this. It would depend on how the BR concept was publicised. The NTS land is firmly in this local reserve, and it would be very much a local community/ NTS/SNH initiative. There is very little agricultural production or harvestable forest in this local area so little chance of noticeable benefit from the BR “brand” for local sustainable produce, and not enough to test out the concept. There are probably enough tourist businesses to test out the concept of sustainable visitor provision.

Regional BR This would include a total of 6,820 people, (all of the coastal datazones of the Wester Ross area) of whom 1,049 would be children, 4,021 of working age and 1,750 pensionable. Including Strathpeffer, which expands the area to that which the Wester Ross Alliance covers, brings in another 947 people.

This option would build on work already being done by the organisations such as the Wester Ross Alliance, and the Wester Ross Brand, as discussed in section 3.1. A regional BR would bring in very approximately another forty bed and breakfast businesses, four campsites and at least sixteen hotels.

It may, in a way, slightly dilute the pull of the NNR itself by attracting visitors to the wider area. It is not necessary to drive past Beinn Eighe NNR in order to access the northern part of Wester Ross. But it is unlikely to actually reduce visitor numbers to the core area itself. It may well build on the attraction of the NNR to spread benefits across a wider area.

17 Unless local estates, farms and crofts were actively marketing their own produce, or could obtain an enhanced SRDP for being in a Biosphere Reserve (currently not the case; it needs to be an SSSI) there might not be a noticeable direct financial benefit to landowners and agricultural enterprises. But many of them rent out holiday cottages, so more visitors are welcome. As with estates on a local BR area, shooting on a BR might be an interesting selling point.

There is perhaps some opportunity for the encouragement of sustainable woodland management across a regional BR. There is already a timber business at Dundonnell, operating in a sustainably-managed forest at the foot of An Teallach, and specialising in producing cladding and decking from Larch and Douglas fir.

5.4 Three Biosphere Reserve functions:

Criterion 4. It should have an appropriate size to serve the three functions of biosphere reserves, as set out in Article 3 14.

Overall assessment: The existing BR boundaries significantly limit opportunities in terms of the three functions, and especially sustainable development. A local BR would meet the criteria, but the effect would be limited to a small number of people. A larger Regional BR encompassing a greater part or the whole of Wester Ross, however defined, would enable it to meet this criterion.

The three functions are conservation, development, and support for research and education. Beinn Eighe NNR is in itself extremely good for both conservation and research, but does not actively seek to foster social and economic development within its boundaries. It is well publicised as an NNR, the visitor centre is good, the mountain trails are popular and it is a good advertisement for local businesses, but the reserve itself is almost uninhabited. A viable BR under the new criteria needs a buffer zone and transition area and people actually living in it.

Existing BR This is good for education, research and conservation, with fine field study facilities and accommodation and good links with local schools. In terms of sustainable development it is unsuitable as an example area. There are not enough people living on the reserve and therefore little opportunity for associated enterprise; in any case the existing reserve is necessarily highly protected.

Local BR This is possibly better for education, as the local schools would be actually in the reserve, but would make little difference to research links and facilities, which are

(i) conservation - contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation; (ii) development - foster economic and human development which is socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable; (iii) logistic support - support for demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring related to local, regional, national and global issues of conservation and sustainable development. From Article 3 of the Criteria for the Statutory Framework of Biosphere Reserves

18 already excellent. . Conservation provision would be unchanged. Development opportunities would now exist, as previously discussed.

Regional BR As with a local BR, there would be little if any marginal benefit in terms of research and conservation. The educational aspect would be widened by the inclusion of at least two secondary schools in the transition area. Sustainable development opportunities might now be better realised through identification of the BR area with the Wester Ross Alliance and Wester Ross Brand, if wished.

5.5 Zonation

Criterion 5. It should include these functions, through appropriate zonation, recognizing: a) A legally constituted core area or areas devoted to long-term protection, according to the conservation objectives of the biosphere reserve, and of sufficient size to meet these objectives

Overall assessment: The BR as currently constituted meets this criterion, as would a local BR and a Regional BR

The current Biosphere Reserve at Beinn Eighe is legally constituted as a National Nature Reserve. It is also designated an SSSI under national legislation and an SAC under European legislation. It is an excellent core area in all respects. It could be extended to include the Loch Maree complex SAC, but this would also be useful as a buffer zone, and would have exactly the same protection as such. It is possible for BR to have multiple core areas, and there are other likely candidates within Wester Ross, but this might get unnecessarily complex, and Beinn Eighe NNR area is well known and excellent in its own right.

Criterion 5b. A buffer zone or zones clearly identified and surrounding or contiguous to the core area or areas, where only activities compatible with the conservation objectives can take place

Overall assessment: .the existing BR does not meet this criterion. If the BR were extended the buffer zone could include all or part of the surrounding six SSSIs or indeed all SSSI in W Ross

Further buffer zones would need sympathetic negotiation, but given that management agreements already exist on surrounding SSSIs and the proximity of a large National Trust for Scotland (NTS) landholding, the situation is encouraging. A large part of this adjoining NTS land is designated as an SSSI and SAC, and all of it is managed for nature conservation.

It may well be possible to use existing designated areas as a buffer zone. There may be resistance in some quarters to the idea that the buffer zone is managed for

19 conservation objectives - even if these are compatible with estate sporting objectives. It might therefore be both diplomatic and effective to use all or part of the existing designated areas as buffer zone. This is an issue which would require locally organized “round the map” discussion.

It is not always necessary to have the core area totally ringed by a protective buffer zone. NATURA 2000 sites already have a legal buffer zone, and the Beinn Eighe NNR/BR is an SAC Natura site – any activity outside an SPA/SAC is subject to regulation if it is likely to damage site.

Criterion 5c. An outer transition area where sustainable resource management practices are promoted and developed.

Overall assessment: The existing BR does not comprise such a zone. A local BR might meet this criterion in a limited manner. Giving due respect to other areas with a protective conservation designation, a Regional BR transition area might extend to the whole of Wester Ross and presents a good opportunity of meeting this criterion.

It seems that Wester Ross used to have a more coherent identity than is has now. The existence of the Wester Ross Alliance, and the recent launch of the Wester Ross Brand demonstrates how people wish to regain this identity, partly to encourage the tourist industry by providing a strong local image. It would seem sensible that, if there is local support for a BR with a transition area, it be co-incident with the Wester Ross Brand area, however loosely defined (Our regional BR option); although a wider area encompassing the whole of Highland Council Ward 6 (and coincident with Wester Ross Alliance area) might also be considered. However, this is very much a community issue and it may be more feasible to determine a smaller transition area involving communities who have more of a direct connection with the core area (our local option).

5.6 Organisation

Criterion 6. Organizational arrangements should be provided for the involvement and participation of a suitable range of inter alia public authorities, local communities and private interests in the design and carrying out the functions of a biosphere reserve.

Overall assessment: The BR as currently constituted does not have any such arrangements and does not meet this criterion. However, there appears to be support from a range of individuals, groups and organizations that might be capable of creating such organizational arrangements over a local or Regional BR.

This is entirely up to the local community, however defined. There are several possible starting points. The Wester Ross Alliance - a community company limited by guarantee - already exists “to bring together the residents and organisations of Wester Ross to promote the sustainable development of the area as a prosperous and socially inclusive place where all may enjoy a high-quality of life, well-being and self-confidence, now and for generations to come.” Enhanced “Place” branding is

20 already being taken forward by a group of tourist-based businesses through the launch of the Wester Ross brand. The Highland Council itself would probably have a significant facilitating role. It is clear therefore that the makings of an effective organisation which combined both representation and initiative are already in place.

The key to success would be to make organisational arrangements as simple as possible – and not add yet another administrative layer. A possible model here is that used in France for some of the “Regional Parks”. In this case there is no significant management organisation, rather a “Charte” or Charter – a set of agreed principles which all the various parties and partners agree to. The detail of implementation is left very much to individual actors. The only sanction is that of peer pressure – and the option for the other partners to exclude partners who fail to adhere to the Charte principles15.

5.7 Necessary provisions: Criterion 7. In addition, provisions should be made for: a) Mechanisms to manage human use and activities in the buffer zone or zones;

The BR as currently constituted does not have buffer zones and does not meet this criterion. A local or regional BR would have a buffer zone of existing SSSIs, where such management mechanisms already exist. Such an extended BR would well meet this criterion

Management mechanisms for a re-developed BR would depend on the nature and boundaries of the buffer zone(s). It may be that existing land/water management objectives in areas surrounding potential core areas are already adequate to meet this criterion. Indeed this might well be a criterion for the identification and selection of such areas. Otherwise there are two options, which could be used together:

ƒ use existing designations (such as Loch Maree Islands NNR, SSSI, SAC and/or Loch Maree SPA/SAC) as buffer zones for the core NNR area; ƒ use part of the NTS land holding that is an SSSI and SAC or the whole of the land holding that is governed by the NTS management plan.

Agreement on the boundaries of the various zones and corresponding management mechanisms will require facilitated roundtable/map discussions. Our own view is that any such mechanisms should be very simple and couched in terms of broad principles and outcomes, coupled with reference to existing management provisions, of which there are many.

15 Examples and discussion of this approach can be found in Hambrey Consulting, 2008. A review of relevant experience of coastal and marine national parks. Scottish natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 271 (ROAME No. RO7NC). Report available at http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/Report%20No271.pdf. Individual case studies available from Hambrey Consulting.

21 Criterion 7b. A management policy or plan for the area as a biosphere reserve

The existing BR does not have any such policy, although the Beinn Eighe NNR Management Plan covers certain objectives for what could be the core area. A local or Regional BR would have to draw up a suitable plan to meet this criterion

If there is interest in taking the BR forward in a bigger area, then facilitated round table discussion would be required to begin to generate such a policy or plan.

As for a), our own view is that given the plethora of existing designations and associated plans, this should be limited to a simple and concise policy rather than plan, based on a set of broad principles, outcomes and mechanisms. Reference to other existing management plans such as Deer Management Plans, Rural Development Plan, Highland council (HC) Local Plan, HC Renewables Strategy, Wester Ross Alliance Development plan,,and FC Forestry Strategy should be adequate to meet most of the requirements of this criterion.

Criterion 7c. A designated authority or mechanism to implement this policy or plan

The existing BR does not have any such provisions (except with respect to the conservation and access arrangements for the existing NNR/BR). There is an Advisory Group for the NNR but this is not designed to manage an extended BR. An extended local or Regional BR would have to find a way to implement this criterion.

Again, we believe that this could be kept very simple, by drawing together existing mechanisms or organizations. Some BRs have no more than a designated officer (for example within the local council) answering to a “steering group”. Rather than implementation of a complex plan, the key to success should be effective facilitation and coordination of existing mechanisms and organisations, and identification and promotion of positive opportunities as they arise.

Criterion 7d. Programmes for research, monitoring, education and training.

The BR as currently constituted has active monitoring, research and educational programme, and an extended BR, either local or regional, would enhance these activities and opportunities.

Beinn Eighe NNR/BR is internationally renowned for research and education and brings in students from France and other countries to the field centre and associated facilities. Several of the new “eco-tours” are closely associated with environmental education. In the wider Wester Ross area, the high schools at Gairloch and Ullapool, the gardens at Inverewe and the forest at Slatterdale offer an important potential focus for educational activity.

Annex 4 offers a list of some current research and educational initiatives.

22 5.8 Summary

Table 1: summary assessment against article 4 criteria

Criteria Existing BR Local BR Regional BR 1. Mosaic of ecological Good Excellent Excellent systems/gradation of human mosaic, little intervention intervention 2. Significance for biological diversity Good Excellent Excellent 3. Opportunity to explore and Poor Fair Good, with demonstrate sustainable reservations development on a regional scale in that most of the development might be tourist- related. 4. Adequate size to promote Limited Moderate Good conservation, sustainable development and education/research 5. Opportunities for agreed zonation Non-existent Good Excellent 6. Opportunity for Moderate Good Good community/stakeholder participation 7. Management mechanisms Moderate Moderate Good

23 6 Potential social, economic and environmental benefit of a new-style Biosphere Reserve based on Beinn Eighe NNR.

In this discussion we are making the bold but reasonable assumption that the BR, if the community decide to go ahead with one, would have Beinn Eighe NNR as the core area, a buffer comprising almost entirely designated sites, and a transition zone that is either local communities or the whole of Wester Ross.

Social and economic benefits would depend almost entirely on how the idea was “sold”, both to the local community and to the tourist market, and the extent to which local businesses could increase their turnover and profits by making effective use of the designation. Environmental benefits would be limited, but only because the buffer zone is already well protected by statutory designation.

6.1 Assessment against sustainability criteria The following assessment of potential benefit is based on a framework developed in previous work undertaken by Hambrey Consulting on Biosphere Reserves for DEFRA16.

Table 2: Analysis of potential benefits using a sustainability framework

Key: • grey: significant marginal benefit unlikely • cream: * limited benefits possible • amber: **potential for benefit • dull green: ***modest benefit likely • bright green: ****significant benefit likely

16 Hambrey Consulting 2008. The Potential for Biosphere Reserves to achieve UK social, economic and environmental goals. CR 0393 DEFRA Research. Available at http://www.hambreyconsulting.co.uk/recent-reports-g.asp

24 25

Dimensions Criteria/potential benefit Identified benefit * A healthy environment species diversity, range and This is well catered for by existing designations and management initiatives. It is unclear that abundance the designation will add significant value This is well catered for by existing designations and management initiatives. It is unclear that habitat extent and condition Biodiversity the designation will add significant value ***This may be partly addressed in the evolving RDP. However, there is potential to focus the structural diversity and conservation function of the BR in this area adding value to the existing conservation connectivity management, which remains very site and species/habitat specific. character, condition and ***This largely catered for through the existing NSA. However, a BR might focus especially on Landscape qualities linking structural diversity and connectivity with landscape quality and character. **Water and air quality is well catered for through SEPA, the Water Framework Directive and quality and productivity of soil, other major environmental management programmes. Soil quality is an area often neglected water, air and there may be some opportunities to add value in this area. **Again this is largely catered for through the Water Framework Directive, though there may efficient drainage remain opportunities to integrate that work with initiatives related to landscape and Ecosystem services biodiversity as described above **This relates closely to issues of drainage, water quality, landscape and ecological erosion resistance connectivity/diversity **This relates closely to issues of drainage, water quality, landscape and ecological carbon sinks connectivity/diversity other ecosystem services any other environmental Other impacts

26

A healthy society **** A “biosphere reserve” sounds like a healthy place to be, and the brand could well help business development in this area. This would cater mainly to the health and well-being of active recreation those outside the BR (Inverness, the UK and abroad) but there may be some local impact Recreation and access also access Access is already good due Scottish legislation passive recreation and **** There already exist many books and photos of the area, which inspire. The BR inspiration designation is likely to strengthen and promote media production of all kinds ****The existing NNR/BR does a fine job in raising awareness and understanding. A BR over Understanding and understanding and awareness a wider area, if supported by appropriate explanatory materials, could do a fine job in raising awareness awareness amongst thousands of visitors to the area. ***The existing BR puts significant effort into engaging with the community, but is necessarily engagement with community limited by its statutory obligations and more limited remit. A BR with stronger emphasis on sustainable development should facilitate engagement **Establishing a BR would require involvement of the community. In this sense it would either add value, or fail. For the reasons noted above, it is likely that greater engagement of the Community involvement of community local community will be achieved for an initiative whose primary objective is sustainable development, rather than the more conservation orientated objectives of the NNR Wester Ross has suffered from something of an identity crisis as discussed in the text. A BR vitality and cohesion might promote vitality and cohesion of the community. On the other hand, if insensitively implemented, it could create discord. The quality of places to near environment (greenspace) **This is largely dealt with under landscape above live houses and gardens Limited

27

A healthy economy direct employment and income ***Hotel trade is biggest sector – can only strengthen this indirect employment and ***ditto income Employment and income ***May facilitate move to a higher quality tourism experience and more interesting/skilled job quality associated jobs income and jobs foregone unlikely business opportunities and ***Probably good for tourism based business, and especially the outdoor/adventure/wildlife constraints sub-sectors. short term investment ***Could well attract investment – if well promoted and marketed Business long term investment *** As above *Insofar as there are opportunities for education, training and business development it should human resources strengthen human resources; more generally benefits in this area are rather intangible conservation of resources with * These are largely addressed through existing management provisions in respect of water, an economic value forestry and fisheries. There may be more novel initiatives relating to e.g. soils and peat. Resource use conservation of resources with No obvious benefits here potential economic value Other any other economic impacts Tourist marketing, use of BR tag for any local produce, strengthening of regional identity.

*Assuming designated area as buffer zone, good business and community involvement and cost-effective marketing.

28

6.2 Strengths and weaknesses of future alternatives

The following table offers a preliminary assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of re-designating a BR at alternative geographic scales.

Table 3: Strengths and weaknesses of future alternatives in terms of geographic scale

Local BR Regional BR Strengths & Good core area. Good core area. opportunities Good designated buffer zone. Good designated buffer zone. Large transition area = more Small transition area would time and skills available concentrate effort Widespread potential benefits Small transition area might Contiguous with existing promote sense of ownership marketing brands and community cohesion, linked to local identity. Easier to get consensus for action

Weaknesses & Small transition area would Hard to get consensus over a threats limit benefits large scattered group New kind of area might divide Wester Ross coastal the Wester Ross brand. settlements not all inter- Small number of people dependent - limited economic involved might limit skills and links due to winding coastal time available. roads and accessibility of shops in Dingwall.

29 Annex 1: Report of initial scoping meeting (excluding initial article 4 criteria assessment)

10-year Periodic Review of UK Biosphere Reserves

Report on the first site meeting for the Beinn Eighe Biosphere Reserve.

Held at Anancaun, Kinlochewe on 18 November 2008

Present:

Robbie Bain, Ward Manager, The Highland Council, Fiona Cameron, Campsite proprietor Fran Cree, Rua Reigh lighthouse B & B and outdoor activities Peter Cunningham, Wester Ross Fisheries Trust Tom Forrest, Cromasaig B & B and Kinlochewe Community Council Douglas Gibson, Celtic Fringe Tourist Group/Wester Ross Brand Mary Gibson, SNH Richard Green, Councillor, Ward 6, The Highland Council Kenny Nelson, SNH Kristine MacKenzie, Strathcarron Business Centre and crofter. Eoghain MacLean, SNH Reserve Manager Alastair Pearson, The Old Inn and Gairloch Highland Lodge, Gairloch. Dan Rose-Bristow, The Torridon House Hotel Jim Sutherland, Nineonesix Guiding, Shieldaig

John Hambrey, Hambrey Consulting Sue Evans, Associate, Hambrey Consulting

Also copied in on proceedings, but unable to attend the meeting, were Andrew and Gail Staddon of the Kinlochewe Hotel. Thanks are also due to Alison Rowe of SNH for invaluable assistance with organisation.

Introduction The aim of this meeting was to re-introduce the concept of the Biosphere Reserve to a knowledgeable local audience, see if there was interest in the idea and begin to review the potential that an expanded Biosphere Reserve would have to meet the required criteria for designation. These criteria are set out in Article 4 of the Statutory Framework of Biosphere Reserves, as published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The meeting began with a brief introduction by Eoghain MacLean (Reserve Manager) followed by a presentation from John Hambrey explaining the changed nature of Biosphere Reserves and the review process, and presenting some of the key findings of the assessment of potential benefits and conditions for success. The general discussion that followed gave a good indication as to how an expanded Biosphere Reserve might begin to meet the required criteria.

It should be understood that the Biosphere Reserve at Beinn Eighe NNR, as currently constituted, probably does not meet the UNESCO criteria, which have

30 changed since the designation was first made. Nevertheless, the current site is exceptional. Extending to 4,800ha it is considered one of the most important mountain sites in Britain. It would be a fine core area, protecting an area of stunning scenery that encompasses everything from a massive, challenging mountain down steeply through scree and heather moor to wet grassland, peat bogs and some of the best ancient pinewoods remaining in the UK. There are opportunities to extend the scope of the BR (and in particular the “transition zone”) to encompass sustainable natural resource use and enterprise over a wider area and better meet the new criteria.

The crucial issue is whether or not the community here feels that a Biosphere Reserve designation over a larger area, meeting the revised criteria set out below, would help fulfill their hopes for the area, and whether or not they wish to run one. The following analysis is for the community, the council, and other local institutions, to assist them in deciding whether or not to take this forward, and also for the UK MAB Committee so that they may better assess the potential of this site and the perspective of some local people.

Views of local people There were a good number of people present at this introductory meeting, thanks in large part to the good efforts of Eoghain MacLean, SNH Reserve Manager. Representation was perhaps inevitably biased in favour of those with a particular interest in the environment, tourism, and rural development more generally, and those closely associated with the existing Biosphere Reserve/NNR. There was limited representation of landowning interests.

Participants quickly latched on to the revised BR concept, and most appeared to be in favour of maintaining the BR designation and expanding/developing it to a wider area to meet the new criteria. Several of those present were enthusiastic, seeing it as a way to complement and strengthen the “Wester Ross” Brand initiative and increase the (limited) sense of pride in the area. The general feeling was for a relatively large area – perhaps encompassing the Western watersheds from Loch Broom to Strathcarron, including perhaps Applecross and Lochcarron, missed by the NSA, and building on the historic sense of identity of the Wester Ross area.

There was immediate focus on practicalities. Was there a deadline? How do you run these things? How big can we make this?

There was understandable wariness about becoming involved in a huge paper exercise that might have no real effect. They do not wish to repeat the mistakes of the National Scenic Areas consultation and planning process – although there was a definite feeling that the BR concept would be more useful. Participants also recognized that they were a particular group of people, not entirely representative, and felt that the concept might not get such strong support in the community as a whole, but that it would be saleable.

Tourism is hugely important here. Crofting is struggling, one of the local shops has closed, and there is very little work. Local hotels (few in number but with a big impact) are significant employers. Outdoor recreation is crucial to tourism and the area is perfect for mountain recreation and wildlife watching and for the more traditional stalking and fishing.

There was recognition at this meeting that the Biosphere Reserve concept was bigger than tourism alone, but would be a most useful advertisement for the

31 attractions of the area and might contribute to some kind of sorely needed economic stability.

Questions and issues raised, and opinions expressed at the meeting

ƒ We didn’t know anything about this BR.

ƒ There has always been an NNR but this is much bigger. ƒ Could this be the same size as the National Scenic Area (NSA)? ƒ How big can this get? It could be anything west of Garve and from Ullapool to Lochcarron, or Lochinver to Lochalsh. ƒ Easier to base the boundaries on catchments. ƒ We don’t need to get hung up on boundaries yet.

ƒ There is not a lot of pride in the area; we could use some more. ƒ There is an identity crisis in the whole area, which has arisen from shifting administrative boundaries. This could be a way to re-affirm the identity of Wester Ross. ƒ Is population a problem? We only have 1500-2000 people in the whole NSA.

ƒ It’s bigger than just tourism. ƒ This could be everything under one roof. ƒ This could benefit all sectors. ƒ It ties with the Wester Ross Brand and hugely compliments it. ƒ Crofting is dying here. Maybe we could use this to help. ƒ We need economic stability.

ƒ This would have to be backed by the wider community. ƒ We might not get the same level of support from everybody. ƒ It wouldn’t work without the landowners; some were invited but are not here. ƒ People are suspicious of designations but this is more acceptable than the NSA. ƒ Why do we have to sell this to all the local community? ƒ How could anyone possibly be against this in principle. ƒ I’d be delighted to be in the Transition Zone. ƒ It wouldn’t be hard to sell this idea.

ƒ What would the organisational structure be? ƒ We would need wide-ranging funding. ƒ Do we need to pay someone to do it? ƒ Would we need to appoint a project manager? ƒ If we did, they would need to declare any interests ƒ Where would we hold meetings? Huge driving distances involved. ƒ We must not have a big paper plan and no action. We’ve been there. ƒ Do we do special projects or do we get this for doing what we are doing anyway? ƒ We must not have just a talking shop.

ƒ Beinn Eighe Reserve is a fantastic starting point. ƒ Where do we go from here? ƒ Is there a deadline to apply for approval of the new BR status? ƒ Perhaps we should appoint a project officer to take this forward

Acknowledgements. Particular thanks to Eoghain MacLean, SNH Reserve Manager, and to Alison Rowe, also of SNH Kinlochewe, for valuable organisational assistance.

32 Annex 2: Ecological information

SSSIs – All details extracted from SNH website.

Beinn Eighe SSSI/NNR/Existing Biosphere Reserve/potential core area for extended Biosphere Reserve. 4,758 ha National grid reference NG 985625 Landranger sheets 19 and 25.

Notified for geology, bryophytes, moths, native pinewood, upland assemblage and vascular plants.

Beinn Eighe is a major massif that contains some of the best examples of Western Upland plant communities associated with a range of rock types. The lower slopes support the most extensive native pinewood in Wester Ross, mainly on north facing slopes. Locally on the lower slopes are small areas of mire. This complex of habitats makes this one of the single most important sites in Wester Ross.

Loch Maree Islands SSSI. Adjacent to Beinn Eighe 3,100 ha. National Grid Reference. NG 970690. Landranger sheet 19.

Notified for: Beetles, black-throated diver, dragonflies, native pinewood, oligotrophic loch, geology, vascular plants.

Loch Maree has the largest surface area of any loch in the northwest Highlands. It is one of the most pristine water bodies in the area, and is a fine example of a nutrient- poor system. A major feature of the loch is the presence of a suite of sizeable, well- wooded islands that support Caledonian pinewood and bog woodland.

The high quality of the water and the presence of healthy populations of characteristic species has led to the site being proposed as a candidate Special Area of Conservation as one of the best examples in the UK of an Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing water with associated vegetation. The importance of the islands is reflected in the fact that they are included within the Loch Maree Complex candidate Special Area of Conservation. They are included for both the European priority interest, Caledonian forest, for which the islands are considered to be one of the best areas in the UK, and for Bog woodland for which the area is considered to support a significant presence. The Alder woodland is a qualifying interest of the cSAC. Loch Maree is considered to be one of the most important areas in the United Kingdom for otters, which are therefore a qualifying interest of the cSAC.

The loch contains the territories of up to 10 pairs of black-throated divers, which represents 6% of the British breeding population. This is the largest breeding concentration of this species in Britain. Blackthroated diver is listed on Annex 1 of the Wild Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and the international importance of this breeding population has been recognised by the designation of Loch Maree as a Special Protection Area, as well as a Ramsar Wetland. Loch Maree is the only site in Britain where great northern divers have bred.

Talladale Gorge SSSI 85.67 ha. National Grid Reference: NG 916690 OS 1:50,000 SHEET NO: Landranger Series 19

33 Notified for: Native pinewood, upland oak woodland, broad-leaved mixed and yew woodland.

Talladale Gorge Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is situated 14.5 km north west of Kinlochewe on the south shore of Loch Maree and occupies the gorge and alluvial fan of the River Talladale. The species composition and character of the woodland changes on the site with altitude and slope, with the age structure dominated by mature trees. Closest to the loch, alder dominates the woodland canopy. To the south, as the ground gradually rises on the alluvial fan, common oak and sessile oak play an increasing part in the woodland. In the gorge, with its steeper slopes, there is a gradual transition from the oak dominated woodland through predominately birch to Caledonian pinewood, which is dominated by Scots pine. The Caledonian forest belongs to a genetically distinct biochemical region in Scotland and the oak woodland is the most northerly extensive example of the western oakwood type. The site also hosts a rich woodland bryophyte flora.

Coulin Pinewood SSSI 375 ha. National Grid reference NH 000560 and 015525 OS 1:50,000 Sheet Number Landranger 25 Notified for: Dragonflies, lichen and native pinewood

Coulin Pinewood contains a substantial fragment of remnant native pinewood in an area surrounded by mostly unwooded hills. The mature pinewood is split into two genetically distinct stands, the southern stand at Easan Dorcha appears to belong to the north central genetic group while those further north form part of the distinctive Wester Ross genetic group. The pinewoods are of international importance Although Scots pine predominates other tree species are common including downy birch, rowan, holly and aspen. The ground flora is rich, dominated by dwarf shrub heath with associated grass, sedge and rush communities. Coulin has a diverse lichen community with a number of nationally rare and scarce species: it also hosts a nationally rare liverwort at its only known Scottish Site. Ten species of dragonfly also occur, making this site nationally important for this interest.

Abhainn Alligin SSSI 31 ha, National grid reference: NG 838576 and NG 833593 OS 1:50,000 SHEET NO: Landranger Series 24 Notified for: upland dwarf shrub heath, tall herb ledges, upland mixed ash woodland, mixed and yew woodland.

Abhainn Alligin Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located on the north side of Loch Torridon, to the west of Inveralligin. It is comprised of two separate sections of river gorge, one in the upper and one in the lower reaches of the Abhainn Alligin. The lower block is a wooded gorge, whilst the upper block is more open and includes a mosaic of wooded cliffs and tall herb ledges with dry and wet heath on the higher slopes. Although small in area, Abhainn Alligin supports one of the most diverse assemblages of plants in Wester Ross.

Torridon Forest SSSI, contiguous with Beinn Eighe NNR Area 5,872 ha. National Grid Reference NG 930580. Landranger sheet 24 and 25.

Notified for: alpine heath, beetles, geology, sawflies, wasps and ants, siliceous scree, spiders, subalpine calcareous grassland and dry heath, vascular plants.

34 Torridon Forest is a rugged and rocky, heavily glaciated site in the North-west Highlands. The hills consist of Torridonian sandstone rising in impressive tiers of crags with extensive skirts of scree and boulders. Corries cut into the northern slopes of Liathach and Beinn Alligin. A massive boulder field occurs below Beinn Alligin. Sgurr Dubh (782 m) is notable for its quartzite plateau. The highest part of the site is the narrow summit ridge of Liathach which exceeds an altitude of over 800 m for over 4 km and attains 1023 m on Mullach an Rathain and 1054 m on Spidean a’ Choire Leith. The summit ridge of Beinn Alligin attains 922 m on Tom na Gruagaich and 985 m on Sgurr Mhor.

Ardlair-Letterewe SSSI contiguous with Loch Maree SSSI.

9,297.5 ha. National Grid Reference NG 980730. Landranger sheet 19

Notified for: Broad-leaved mixed and yew woodland.

Ardlair-Letterewe occurs in the North-west Highlands on the north side of Loch Maree. The hills are heavily glaciated, rocky and sharp-peaked. The altitude of the higher hills ranges from 678m on Meall a’ Choire Ghlais to 1019m on Mullach a Coire Mhic Fhearchair. Five other peaks almost reach or exceed 900m in altitude: Beinn Lair (860m), Sgurr Ban (989m), Sgurr Dubh (900m), Beinn Tarsuin (930m) and An Mhaighdean (940m). The site demonstrates progressions of habitat up through native woodland to sub-montane and montane upland habitats though as on most upland sites the upper altitudinal limit of woodland is depressed and the higher sub- montane and montane scrub is lacking. The main upland importance of the site lies in the extensive or widespread base-rich habitats supporting a rich calcicolous flora and in the fine development of northwestern and western oceanic kinds of vegetation and flora.

35 Annex 3: Social and economic information

The following data has been collated from Ward 6 statistics produced by Highland Council 17, and from Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics 18 and the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 19 produced by the Scottish Government. Additional information is from a 1999 area report on the Torridon area of Wester Ross; one of a series of reports commissioned by The Minch Project 20.

For the purposes of SIMD, Scotland is divided up into “data zones”, which typically have populations of 500-1000 people. Data zones are a statistical tool and may not always correspond to recognizable community units. For each data zone, statistical information is compiled under 7 separate “domains” covering income; employment; crime; education; health; housing and access. The combined index is used in this report. The result of the statistical process is a ranking of all 6,505 data zones from lowest to highest. Scottish Government (SG) can use the SIMD results as a means to identify areas suffering from multiple deprivations so that these can be targeted for assistance.

Annex table 3.1 Population and Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) for Wester Ross and Strathpeffer datazones.

Datazone name Datazone Population SIMD rank % SIMD number 2007 (2006) out of ranking total of 6505 LOCAL BR Garve, Achnasheen SO1003915 626 2851 44% and Kinlochewe Applecross, Sheildaig SO1003869 770 3346 51% and Torridon REGIONAL BR Poolewe and SO1003933 705 2767 43% Badachro Gairloch SO1003946 881 3843 59% Ullapool rural and SO1003948 699 3542 54% Dundonnell Aultbea SO1003953 582 3137 48% Ullapool South SO1003955 656 3693 57% Ullapool North SO1003956 718 4153 64% Achiltibuie SO1003963 483 2857 44% Lochcarron SO1003846 700 3061 47% total 6820 Strathpeffer (Outside SO1003902 947 3794 58% Wester Ross, but in Ward 6)

Sources: Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics 2007 and 2006

17 http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/yourward/ward06/ward06-z-wardstats.htm 18 http://www.sns.gov.uk/ 19 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/SIMD/map.asp 20 http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/minch/torridon/torridon-11.htm

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Map 3.1 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation across Wester Ross 2006

Quintile Range Selected Areas

Legend Range

2724 to 2857

2858 to 3048

3049 to 3346

3347 to 3693

3694 to 4153

Source: Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics.2006

Highlands Ward 6 Population 2007

Achiltibuie, 483 Strathpeffer, 947 Aultbea, 582

Garve, Achnasheen and Kinlochewe, 626 Gairloch, 881

Ullapool South, 656 Applecross, Sheildaig and Torridon, 770

Ullapool rural and Dundonnell, 699 Ullapool North, 718

Lochcarron, 700 Poolewe and Badachro, 705

37 Highland Ward 6 Index of multiple deprivation ranking (% )

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

e ie

Gairloch Aultbea Achiltibu Strathpeffer Lochcarron Ullapool North Ullapool South

Poolewe and Badachro

Ullapool rural and Dundonnell

Applecross, Sheildaig and Torridon Garve, Achnasheen and Kinlochew

Annex table 3.2 Population structure for Wester Ross and Strathpeffer datazones, Wester Ross and Scotland. Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics 2007.

Datazone name % Children % Working Age % Pension Age

Wester Ross incl. 16.83 (17.82) 59.25 (62.72) 23.92 (19.45) Strathpeffer & Lochalsh. (Scotland) Lochcarron 12.71 54.14 33.14 Applecross, Sheildaig 14.29 58.18 27.53 and Torridon Garve, Achnasheen and 13.90 64.7 21.41 Kinlochewe Poolewe and Badachro 20.28 57.30 22.41 Gairloch 15.21 57.55 27.24 Ullapool rural and 14.59 58.94 26.47 Dundonnell Aultbea 12.20 54.12 33.68 Ullapool South 15.09 59.76 25.15 Ullapool North 18.94 64.90 16.16 Achiltibuie 16.15 60.66 23.19 Strathpeffer 19.75 58.71 21.54

38 Highland Ward 6 Population structure % children 70 %working age % pension age 60

50

40

30 % population of

20

10

0

ie

Gairloch Aultbea Achiltibu Strathpeffer Lochcarron Ullapool North Ullapool South

Poolewe and Badachro

Ullapool rural and Dundonnell ve, Achnasheen and Kinlochewe Applecross, Sheildaig and Torridon Gar

Annex table 3.3 Employment by Sector, Ward 6, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh.

% of people employed in: Ward 6 Highland Scotland Agriculture & fishing 7.1 3.5 1.6 Energy & water 0.6 0.8 1.8 Manufacturing 3.4 8.0 9.2 Construction 8.0 5.6 5.7 Distribution, hotels and restaurants 36.3 26.2 22.0 Transport and communications 4.9 5.6 5.4 Banking, finance & insurance, etc. 7.4 12.0 18.8 Public admin., education & health 26.0 31.9 30.3 Other services 6.6 4.9 5.3

Source; Annual Business Enquiry 2007. From Highland Council Ward 6 Statistics.

39 Highland Ward 6 Employment by sector

Energy & water Manufacturing Transport and communications

Other services

Distribution, hotels and restaurants Agriculture & fishing

Banking, finance & insurance, etc.

Construction

Public admin., education & health

The Wester Ross Brand, Criteria for use of logo.

1. You must be a business either based in Wester Ross OR carry out at least 70% of your activities in the area, meeting all necessary statutory obligations 2. Each business in a multi – business concern shall be treated as a separate applicant/user. 3. All those using the brand should strive to be knowledgeable about the area, its facilities and its products. They must be willing to work with others in collaborative initiatives to raise standards of customer service 4. Businesses using the brand are encouraged to be in membership of an appropriate and nationally recognised quality assurance scheme, and be working towards the National Hospitality Assured Scheme (see: www.bha.org.uk) 5. Businesses should be aware of the appropriate sectoral code of conduct, such as those for outdoor activity and/or wildlife operators. In particular, businesses are encouraged to meet the criteria of the national “Walkers Welcome” scheme (see: http://walking.visitscotland.com/welcome). 6. All those displaying the Wester Ross brand logo must be encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to the protection of the environment by (for instance) membership of the Green Tourism Scheme and/or participation in some other national scheme (e.g. The Scottish Golf Environment Group Initiative) 7. Any business or event displaying the brand must have the appropriate licences and insurance and meet all statutory requirements. 8. Community bodies and associations using the brand should be able to demonstrate their commitment to the Wester Ross brand values through encouragement of member quality, high levels of hospitality and positive action for the environment. 9. Businesses should demonstrate their commitment to maintaining and enhancing the natural and built environment of Wester Ross by following Highland Council’s guidelines on design for sustainability (Included in this CD). 10. Finally, all those who use the brand must meet the agreed fee in order to support the brand and associated programmes or initiatives.

Source: Lochcarron Business Association: http://www.lochcarron.org.uk/pdf%20documents/Wester%20Ross%20Brand/Brand% 20Launch%20Report.pdf

40 Annex 4: Recent community, educational and research activities.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but gives a flavour of reserve activities and community engagement.

List of Research Projects: Source, Eoghain Maclean, NNR Manager.

1) Herbertus Borealis, Beinn Eighe 1998, by ABG Averis 2) Lichen Survey of Beinn Eighe NNR woodlands 2001 by AM Coppins & BT Coppins 3) Nephroma Articum, Ruadh Stac Beag, Beinn Eighe NNR 2006 by JCE Hope 4) Aquatic Macro Invertebrates, Beinn Eighe NNR 1989 by Oxford Polytechnic 5) Dicranum Subporodictyon, Beinn Eighe NNR 2000 by ABG Averis 6) Baseline Visitor Survey Beinn Eighe NNR 2003 by NFO Worldgroup. 7) Evaluation of SNH NNR Publications 2003 by Strathspey Surveys. 8) Beinn Eighe NNR People counter survey 1998 by SNH 9) Land and Visual Impact on Woodland Restructuring 1999 by SNH.

List of Surveys 2007 source: Annual report to the Council of Europe 2007

A survey of Environmental Change Louise Ross(University of Aberdeen) Survey of Diptera in ancient woodlands Dr A Plant (Museum of Wales) as referred to at 1.3 Survey of insect diversity on heather Paul Tinsley-Marshall (Imperial College, moorland London) Survey for Plutella haasi (microlepidoptera) Bob Heckford Study of chronology and climate change Neil Loader and Ewan Woodley (University from tree rings of Wales)

Helicopter Deer count Climate monitoring Moth monitoring

Recent Public Events

Cultural heritage – Gaelic language day of environmental activities Open even May 2007 with members of the local community Self-guided quiz trail for children and parents

Workshops

Briophyte identification, bat awareness, diptera identification

Educational Group visits Scottish School of Forestry, Perth College, St Martins College.

41 Photographs and maps

Wester Ross National Scenic area

source: http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/developmentplans/westerross nationalscenic.htm

42