Scottish Natural Heritage Autumn / Winter 2016 Dualchas Nàdair na h-Alba Foghar / Geamhradh 2016 The Nature of Nàdar na h-Alba

Contents Features

10 Mapping Scotland’s machair An exciting new project gathers momentum

4 10 12 Change in Glen Feshie Patricia Macdonald’s photographic records capture changes in a glen over 30 years

18 You are here 18 34 The Curator of Maps at the National Library of Scotland reveals the value of maps as a resource for naturalists

26 What is green infrastructure? 44 58 We demonstrate that it is more than Regulars the sum of its parts

2 Where we are 30 Improving the view SNH contact details Two new projects that lessen the 62 impact of power infrastructure 3 Welcome 40 Cycling the Hebridean Way 4 Wild calendar Becky Shaw explores Scotland’s What to see this autumn and newest major bike route winter 44 ReRoute to action 22 News Scotland’s youth biodiversity panel

34 Scotland’s Great Trails 58 Committed to sustainability The Coastal Path How the Scotch whisky industry is winning environmental plaudits 48 Area news Reports from around the country 60 Poles apart? Neil Mitchell looks at conservation 56 Dualchas coitcheann in Poland /Common heritage Linking language and environment 62 Making connections Kittie Jones lifts the lid on her 64 Keep in touch artistic influences

Scotland’s Nature blog Our Scotland’s Nature blog covers a wide range of subjects, and recent posts have featured a catalogue of Scotland’s Priority Marine Features, a look at working on , and a celebration of young birds on the Isle of May. Follow the blog using the link near the foot of the homepage on our website www.snh.gov.uk 1 Where we are… Area offices

You can contact SNH by & letter, telephone or email. 32 Francis Street, The following details , should enable you to find HS1 2ND your nearest main office, Tel. 01851 705 258 Credits but bear in mind that we Welcome This edition of The Nature of Scotland is, as usual, filled with a variety of different also have a number of Argyll & Outer Hebrides articles on a diversity of subjects. It serves to show the wide range of activities offices smaller than those Cameron House, in which SNH has an interest and that in turn is because of the importance of our The Nature of Scotland listed. Albany Street, Ian Jardine The magazine of Scottish Natural Heritage Oban PA34 4AE Chief Executive natural heritage in many aspects of our lives. Issue Number 24— Autumn / Winter 2016 A full list of our offices Tel. 0300 244 9360 What this issue also serves to show is that most of our work is about looking appears on the SNH Scottish Natural Heritage Published twice per year website: www.snh.gov.uk Forth forward. It may look like a contradiction in terms but caring for our natural © SNH 2016 Silvan House, heritage is about planning for the future, not studying the past. Nevertheless ISSN 1350 309X 3rd Floor East, Corporate the articles in this edition that look at the lessons we learn from mapping and headquarters 231 Corstorphine Road, Editor: Jim Jeffrey Edinburgh EH12 7AT photography over the years show that understanding what has happened in the Tel. 01738 458528 Tel. 0131 316 2600 House, past is often a fundamental part of planning for the future. Leachkin Road, Forth The article on our Youth Biodiversity Panel (ReRoute) is of course firmly Cover photographer: Mark Hamblin Inverness IV3 8NW House, Tel. 01463 725 000 looking to the future. I am very grateful to Young Scot for enthusiastically enabling Inside cover photographer: © Mark Hamblin/2020VISION Castle Business Park, Email: [email protected] and supporting this work and to the members of ReRoute for their work to date. Welcome page photographer: Lorne Gill/SNH FK9 4TZ Tel. 01786 450 362 Other offices They will have to live for longer than me with the consequences of decisions we take today about our environment, so it seems common sense that they play a Photography – all images by Lorne Gill/SNH other than Northern Isles Battleby, , & North Highland strategic role in conversations and contributions to these decisions. Photography – all images by Lorne Gill/SNH other than Laurie Campbell/ Perth PH1 3EW The Links, SNH, p6 strip right; Laurie Campbell p7, p9 second in strip; Neil McIntyre p9 Tel. 01738 444 177 Golspie Business Park, Our Green Infrastructure feature is highly topical and concerns the future of left in strip; Patricia & Angus Macdonald/Aerographica p12-17; National Golspie, our major towns and cities and the quality of life their citizens enjoy. The impact Library of Scotland p18-21; Ian Talboys (Aberdeen City Council) p21 left; Silvan House, KW10 6UB Peter Cairns p27 right; George Stoyle/SNH p23; David Whitaker p24; Nevis of poor environments on health and wellbeing is well known but we seem less 3rd Floor East, Tel. 01408 634 063 Landscape Partnership p25 right; Becky Duncan/SNH p26, 28; Scottish 231 Corstorphine Road, keen to accept that giving a bit of land and resources to greening our cities will Hydro Electric Transmission plc p30-33; Fife Coast & Countryside Trust p Edinburgh EH12 7AT 34-36, p38; Richard Barrett p40-43; Young Scot p44-47; Danny Northern Isles be an excellent investment in our future as well as an important contribution Tel. 0131 316 2600 & North Highland Green/2020VISION p48; Jane Dodd p50; Scotch Whisky Association to biodiversity. This really is preventative spend. The launch of the Green p58-59,Neil Mitchell p60-61; Kittie Jones p62-63 Ground Floor, Caspian House, Stewart Building, Infrastructure Fund, managed by SNH and using European Structure Funds, is a Mariner Court, The views expressed in this magazine do not Alexandra Wharf, new step for us with huge potential to benefit a lot of people and a lot of nature. necessarily reflect those of SNH. Clydebank Business Park, Lerwick, Clydebank G81 2NR ZE1 0LL The articles on the VISTA project and on Scotch whisky illustrate how the Printed by: 21 Colour, Tel. 0141 951 4488 Tel. 01595 693 345 private sector can, and does, help to improve the prospects for Scottish nature TwentyOneColour15.5k1016 South Highland and landscapes. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy looks to increase and expand When you’ve finished with this magazine, please recycle it. Pass it to another Fodderty Way, this kind of contribution. reader or dispose of it at your local waste-collection point. Dingwall Business Park, Dingwall IV15 9XB Finally, a word on the article about environmental landscapes in Poland – a Tel. 01349 865 333 reminder perhaps that whatever the future of the EU and Scotland’s relationship

South Highland with it, we have much in common with, and much to learn from, our European Torlundy, neighbours. Fort William PH33 6SW Tel. 01397 704 716

Southern Scotland Greystone Park, 55/57 Moffat Road, Dumfries DG1 1NP Tel. 0300 067 3200

Strathclyde & Ayrshire Caspian House, Mariner Court, Clydebank Business Park, Clydebank G81 2NR Tel. 0141 951 4488

Tayside & Grampian Battleby, Redgorton, Perth PH1 3EW Tel. 01738 444 177

Tayside & Grampian Inverdee House, Baxter Street, Torry, Aberdeen AB11 9QA Tel. 01224 266 500

Editor’s note: This is the final issue ofThe Nature of Scotland. The ways in which we communicate are constantly evolving and it is with these opportunities in mind that we have decided to no longer print and distribute The Nature of Scotland. Instead we shall be publishing future articles through the many digital communications avenues available to us. You can read more about those options on page 64 of this issue. Thank you very much for supporting our magazine over the past eight years. 2 The Nature of Scotland Kenny Taylor gives some seasonal tips for savouring Wild calendar Scottish wildlife and landscapes In coves hidden from most human eyes, grey seals are hauling out to pup and mate on beaches of cobbled stone. Their calls rise and fall through the sea mist. Over glens and island heaths roars of stags shake the air, while, elsewhere, goat horns clash like stone against stone. Autumn is a time of both drawing in, as the fruits of this year ripen, and a time of setting store for seasons yet to come. You can hear it.

Here’s looking at you, Coul Blush and Juicy Weather cones kid James

Some call them wild. Others say ‘feral’. I Apples that dapple orchard grass or Crunch across fresh-fallen cones in a call them fascinating. sit suspended on curving boughs, ripe forest and you most likely won’t think

Autumn Free-ranging goats – the shaggy- and tempting, hold something of the about their sex. But every one of them coated ones, not the white or brown essence of autumn. Such sights have is – or now was – female. domestic varieties – are now very been enjoyed in Scotland since the These were fertilised in an earlier scarce in Scotland, perhaps numbering first large orchards were planted here spring or summer by wind-borne pollen only a few hundred animals. No-one beside abbeys and monasteries in the from much smaller, softer-bodied male can pinpoint their origins with certainty. twelfth century. cones. In pines, the resulting seeds Some might have come here millennia Much later, the orchards of the take up to two years to mature, held ago with Neolithic settlers. Others Carse of and close under some of the woody scales may descend from herds that couldn’t thrived until refrigerated shipping made whose spirals give a female cone its be gathered-in at the time of mass competition difficult with imported shape. evictions in the Highland Clearances. foreign varieties that cope well with Cones open their scales to release What is indisputable is that long-distance transport. That’s why ripe seeds on fairly dry days and tend to encountering a group of wild goats is you’ll have no problem finding a stay shut in wetter weather. This boosts seldom predictable, always impressive. French Golden Delicious in many the chances of warm breezes helping Gimlet-eyed, with a stare that seems supermarkets, but would struggle to to disperse the seeds, which have a to hold your own gaze, as if waiting to source the juicy but easily bruised old single wing to help them twirl and stay see who blinks first. Tousle-haired to Scottish apple, James Grieve. airborne. A cone can open and close blanket them against storm and gale. Community orchards are now being this way many times, and will continue And for the ‘billies’, upswept horns, planted in many places. So apple to do this after it has fallen, even though down-twisting beards and a stench enthusiasts can once again sample it may no longer hold seeds (some do). like reeking cheese as badges of local fruit and compare notes on the That means you can use fallen masculinity. likes of a Cambusnethan Pippin or a cones as a very rough indicator of how Early autumn is when males vie for Tam Montgomery. But spare a thought wet or dry it is on the woodland floor, access to females during the annual rut. for the Bloody Ploughman. This red- with closed cones indicating dampness Extravagance of beard, horn and scent and-pink-fleshed variety is said to have and open ones dry conditions. can both impress the nanny goats and been named for a farmworker shot by a deter rival males. But if push comes gamekeeper when trying to steal some. (literally) to shove, the horns become In safer contrast, why not help weapons as the billies butt and thrust. to maintain an old tradition by using Primal. That’s a better word for them. mouth, not hands, to ‘dook’ and Click this: http://www. grab apples floating in a bowl next scotlandmag.com/magazine/ Halloween? issue24/12006698.html Click this: https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Apple_bobbing 4 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 5 Vintage gannet Winter Scotland is famous as a global hub for that Olympic-standard plunge diver, the northern gannet. The Bass Rock is the largest gannetry on earth, with some 75,000 nest sites. But even a lone gannet can be an impressive sight, including now, when Autumn both adult and juvenile gannets are migrating south. This can offer a chance to hone your skills in identifying gannets of different ages. When it finally flies from its nest in autumn, a juvenile gannet is similar in broad wingspan and massive beak to an adult, but chubbier with chick fat to help fuel it through the early days of learning how to fish. Its feathering is very different: dark grey-brown, freckled with white spots. During the next few years, the youngster will progressively lose the dark feathering (though develop jet-black outer wings) and grow the white plumage that makes adult gannets visible from miles away, even in grey Atlantic weather. Sit yourself on a headland and scan the air lanes above the waves to see if you can sample some different year classes of gannet this autumn. Click this: http://jncc.defra.gov. uk/pdf/SAS_gannet_and_fulmar_ plumage_chart.pdf Where grey sky meets grey shore and grey sea, a flock of waders flicks past and is gone. Next day, the mountain is white after snow. No sign of hares, but one raven calls. Across the park, later, frosted leaves are locked to path and grass in flecks of red and yellow, brown and green. Each detail is important now, in the shortest days and longest nights: each colour counts, each sound in nature special. Hear the robin’s song, silver-bright, ring through the still of evening.

Some other things to look for in autumn: Blue-ray discovery

Shapes of dry grasses; flocks of grey geese; galls on oak leaves; roaring red deer. Walk a winter strandline along a rocky coast and you may blue and green light and absorb other wavelengths. This find swags of kelp washed up. Look closely at the foot of the might allow the little blue-ray to mimic the colours of more seaweed stems to where the ‘holdfast’ spreads like a lattice poisonous sea snails. of roots. Then peer within the holdfast crannies. It’s the first time that a mineral structure has been found If you’re lucky, you might see some small molluscs to work in this way in a living creature. It could also lead clamped there. Blue-rayed limpets are fingernail-sized. Their to development of controllable, transparent displays within glory is a translucent shell with bright blue spots running windows, glasses and other screens. No wonder these tiny down it, vibrant as freeze-framed neon. kelp-dwellers look a bit high-tech. Very recently, US-based scientists discovered that these Click this: http://news.mit.edu/2015/optical- blue patterns are produced from how layers of calcium structures-in-limpet-shell-0226 carbonate – the main building-block of shells – are arranged within the shell. Spheres and zigzags of the mineral reflect 6 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 7 Winter

Savour the Purple passages Soft rock rhythms symboldrops Midwinter is a prime time to keep watch Sandstones are fundamental to the for some small wading birds that could look of both land and sea in a large Some plants are tokens of spring, but have flown across half the northern part of north-east Scotland, including snowdrops signify something earlier world to be here. Purple sandpipers – , , some of Shetland and more subtle. They bloom from late or ‘purps’ as many birdwatchers know and around the Firth. Much of winter, sometimes for weeks, so that them – have dark blue-grey plumage the rock in these areas is sandstone their drifts seem to link the seasons. and an orange-red beak. formed in the Devonian period, 416 to What snowdrops signify is the gradually Although not obvious in casual 359 million years ago, when sediments lengthening hours of daylight. viewing, purps that winter in Scotland washed down mountain rivers to settle They can use the hard, white tips of have different beak sizes that indicate in lakes that sat in a vast plain. their pointed leaves to push through ice both their sex and their breeding Incredibly, patterns in those rocks and snow, blossoming soon after. Their area. The shorter-billed ones nest in still hold evidence of both rainfall and first appearance seems to at least raise Norway. But, until recently, the nesting winds all those eons ago, and of slow the possibility, in the words of poet grounds of the longer-billed purps were rhythms pulsed in the earth’s movement Robert Tannahill, that ‘gloomy winter’s unknown. around the sun. Clues to some of these noo awa’. Now a team of bird ringers led by things come from layers within the beds The Catholic Church views Ron Summers is helping to solve the of sandstone. snowdrops as symbolic of Candlemas mystery. By fitting small ‘geolocators’ The smallest of these, less than – feast of the purification of the Virgin to the backs of purps caught here in a millimetre thick in grey mudstone Mary. This could be a reason why winter, and recapturing the birds the sections, can show a single year old monasteries and churchyards are following year, the team can download of settled sediment. Variations in often prime places for snowdrops. data on sandpiper movements. thickness of these and other layers Candlemas falls on 2 February, which This shows that the longer-billed reflect differences in climate, including in turn is linked to (and perhaps derives birds fly huge distances, leaving in 100,000-year variations in how the Some other things to look for in winter: from) the pagan festival of Imbolc the Scotland and Ireland in early summer earth tilts and orbits the sun. previous day, honouring the purity and to fly by way of Iceland and Greenland So a section of sandstone cliff Hooting tawny owls; foxes barking; moss colours on tree trunks; the northern lights. fertility of the goddess Brigid at the end to Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. can be like a book whose leaves face of winter. After nesting, they can cross the outwards. And we’re only just beginning In a more down-to-earth way, you Atlantic in less than three days to return to understand what treasures of can simply enjoy snowdrops in many here, often to the same part of the knowledge are set within those pages Scottish gardens and woods, including coast they used before. of stone. during an annual ‘Snowdrop Festival’ Click this: https:// Click this: http://www.landforms. with special garden openings and www.researchgate.net/ eu/orkney/geology.htm events. publication/273927290 Click this: http://www. scotlandsgardens.org/news/ snowdrop-festival-2016 8 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 9 1 For the record

Over the following 12 pages we introduce three articles looking at the valuable role mapping and recording play in how we interpret, document and manage our natural heritage. It is becoming increasingly important that we know where our special habitats are so that we can take this into account when Mapping planning for the future. It is also important that we can look back and learn lessons from the past Scotland’s as to how our countryside has changed in response to different management regimes. machair

Professor Stewart Angus, However in the real world, it also rains occasionally, and a single EUNIS habitat which makes the task significantly by the run-off of acid water from above, occurred on ‘core’ SNH requires rather more of its scientists than admiration of easier. machair at sites in Lewis, on thick sand with no evidence of SNH Coastal Ecologist, looks the scenery, and inevitably there was an increased demand Many hours of analysis later, we have a machair acid influence. We don’t know why these anomalies happen, for a map of machair. Unfortunately this did not involve more map, and it is now possible to say that there are over but their presence means an element of judgement must at how we are mapping a trips to machair, but sitting in front of a computer analysing 13,000 hectares of machair in Scotland, mainly in the be applied to the task. Of course it could be argued that vegetation maps, landscape situation, and cross-referring Outer Hebrides, Tiree and Coll, with smaller amounts in these circumstances require the map to be checked on the special feature of Scotland’s documents, including endless spreadsheets. Then there the Northern Isles and the west coast mainland. There ground...but that isn’t always feasible. were successive versions of the machair map to be checked. are always challenges with such maps. They represent As long as certain limitations are accepted, this map coastal environment – machair. As a contribution towards the 2020 Challenge for a ‘snapshot’ in time of a dynamic habitat, so might have is an invaluable aid to the assessment of change on our Scotland’s Biodiversity we are producing a detailed Habitat changed since they were last surveyed. coasts, with a ‘time-stamped’ baseline of habitat distribution Only two countries in the world have machair, the shell-rich Map of Scotland (HabMoS). The other ‘soft’ coastal Different surveyors have different opinions, and the we can use to inform the impact of rising sea levels, as well dune grassland that can be so spectacular in summer, with habitats – sand dunes, saltmarsh and shingle – had already reality is that the environment is a continuum and does not as other impacts on a special feature of Scotland’s coastal swathes of coloured wild flowers that change as the season been mapped, so machair was the only remaining gap. SNH always slot into neatly-separated boxes. Furthermore, the environment. progresses. On a warm summer day, with a vivid blue sea needs this information in order to meet our legal obligations. environment seems to behave a bit erratically. The type of You can view our machair map on the Habitat Map of and dazzling beach sand, some of us feel there are few We decided to use a habitat classification called EUNIS – vegetation found only on steep slopes alongside machair Scotland web page at http://www.snh.gov.uk/about- better places to be. They also have machair in Ireland, and in the European Nature Information System – for compatibility in most of Scotland, where the sand is thin and the alkaline scotlands-nature/habitat-map-of-scotland/ places it can be almost as fine as it is in Scotland! with reports from other countries across . Machair is effect of the shell fragments in the sand begins to be offset 10 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 11 1 Extensive recent natural regeneration of Change in Glen Feshie pine in Glen Feshie.

Dr Patricia Macdonald, researcher in cultural landscape at the University of Edinburgh, looks at environmental change in a dynamic landscape.

12 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 13 Rapid change and the river 2 3 4

A dramatically braided river runs through Glen Feshie in the Cairngorms. In several sections the powerful flow of the River Feshie divides into a changing network of channels and moving gravel banks. To stand on one of those spindle- shaped islands with the dark, gemstone-coloured water flashing past all around is to experience directly the endless flux of the natural world. The river alone makes this celebrated landscape highly dynamic. It drains the rainfall, snowmelt and gravel sediment from an enormous catchment of some of the highest and wildest land in Scotland. Water levels may rise and fall markedly within an hour at some times of year, with flash- floods common, and huge trees (and a well-known bridge) torn from the eroding banks and carried downstream, or beached, contributing to a build-up of new islands.

Slow time and the trees

But other even more significant environmental changes – more gradual and less immediately obvious than those caused by the river – have also taken place in Glen Feshie over a long period. Human action, or inaction, in recent centuries has markedly affected the ecology of the glen, and particularly another of its famous features: its marvellous remnant of ancient Caledonian pinewood. Historically, across Highland Scotland – this tale is now well-known – grazing livestock and timber-felling reduced the extent of the original woodland. Woods can regenerate naturally if the conditions are right, but this was far from the case in Glen Feshie. As elsewhere, since the rise of the nineteenth-century phenomenon of the Highland ‘sporting’ estate, much higher 2 –4 on various scales around individual or groups of trees) that of pine and birch woodland at lower levels extends up the The same braided numbers of deer were maintained for recreational shooting section of the River might enable the co-existence of high deer numbers and hillsides and merges into mountain woodland and shrub than are compatible with the natural regeneration of trees: a Feshie seen from the natural woodland. vegetation below the high summits. air in [left to right] herd of deer can destroy a forest more comprehensively than 1988, 1995 and 2015, The scientists produced a large amount of useful data but This long-term thinking is inspired by, and also forms a raging river. showing the large they concluded that the browsing problem would probably a valuable contribution to, the recent rise of ecological changes continually taking place in the only be solved by much lower occupation of the woodland restoration initiatives. Other examples are those at nearby channels and gravel by both hinds and stags, a solution that was unacceptable to (by Scottish Natural Heritage) and Falling one by one banks or braid bars, and, in 2015, dense the then owner. Abernethy (by the RSPB), and, farther afield in Scotland, natural regeneration of In the following decades, several attempts to bring the a range of exciting projects by the John Muir Trust, Trees From the mid-twentieth century onwards, ecologists drew pine on the bars at the right of the view. glen into conservation management in perpetuity, in either for Life, the Borders Forest Trust, the Woodland Trust and attention to the increasingly urgent threat from deer to the public or non-government ownership, controversially failed. Forestry Commission Scotland. important pinewood in Glen Feshie. Meanwhile, a rapid succession of private owners, some with The vision at Glen Feshie – as well as the demanding The huge, ‘granny’ pines were approaching the end of apparently the best of conservation intentions, achieved little methods required to bring it about – was described in the their centuries-long lives, but the ground between them obvious change. Winter 2010 issue of this magazine (pages 26 to 31). was almost completely bare of descendants to continue the In the last few years, due mainly to a continued, woodland. Although the veteran trees still stood, they were A turning-point substantial reduction in deer numbers, that vision has begun falling one by one, and any seedlings which took root were to take shape on the ground. browsed out by deer. This remained the situation until about However the latest chapter in this tale looks towards a happy A strong pulse of natural regeneration of pine, birch, ten years ago. rowan, alder, aspen, willows, juniper and other trees and During the 1960s and early 1970s, a team of ending – or at least a period of greater diversity and richness in the endless flux that is ecological change. shrubs, and also an increasingly diverse herb layer, has government-agency scientists carried out the Range Ecology become well-established. Birds, such as black grouse, and Research Programme in the glen. Their purpose was to The vision of Glenfeshie Estate’s present owner, Anders Holch Povlsen, and of its Director of Conservation, Thomas fish, including salmon, are returning, further strengthening gather information and to explore possible management the ecology. And this conservation success has been strategies (including the use of fenced exclosures or cages MacDonell, imagines a future landscape in which a mosaic 14 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 15 5 6

7 8 5 achieved while maintaining employment levels and income Dr Patricia Macdonald is a biologist, artist-photographer, Glen Feshie in 1992 – from traditional stalking, providing an example of good Honorary Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, researcher no visible natural regeneration of pine, practice in the sector. in cultural landscape, and former Member of the Board and birch or other trees of the Scientific Advisory Committee of Scottish Natural due to high deer- browsing pressure. A complex ecology Heritage. 6 Her aerial work is made in collaboration, through the The same view as that Aerographica partnership, with Angus Macdonald, Professor above, in 2016 – It is possible – as, for example, research in Yellowstone natural regeneration of National Park, USA, has recently suggested – that even Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh. pine, birch and other Find out more about their work at: species well the behaviour of the river may eventually be changed by the established after strengthening ecology of the glen, stabilising the banks and www.aerographica.org reduction in deer www.eca.ed.ac.uk/eca-home/patricia-macdonald numbers. reducing braiding and unpredictable flash-flooding. The www.eca.ed.ac.uk/eca-home/angus-macdonald and 7 & 8 renowned American conservationist Aldo Leopold famously Two views at Ruigh- stated, “…just as a deer herd lives in mortal fear of its https://nationalgalleries.org/collection/artists-a-z/m/ aiteachain: [left] in artist/patricia-macdonald 1992, showing minimal wolves, so does a mountain live in mortal fear of its deer”. natural regeneration (a And in Yellowstone the reintroduction of wolves does indeed lone pine sapling in a cage) and [right] in appear to be playing a useful role in ecological restoration. 2016, with good In Scotland people currently perform the role of top regeneration, but (typically) only slow predator in the ‘trophic cascade’. However, due to recent recovery of what may changes in land management, the increasingly robust and be the older, browsed pine sapling. diversifying web of life in Glen Feshie now has a much wider range of possible futures.

16 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 17 1

You are here

Paula Williams, Curator of Maps, Mountaineering & Polar Collections at the National Library of Scotland, takes a look at mapping through the years, revealing that maps are an invaluable resource for the naturalist.

Maps are crucial to a good of Scotland, You are here. A journey Archive, also held at the Library, is understanding of nature, both through maps, seeks to explore our use some correspondence between the two in terms of distribution and and understanding of maps. It poses men, where Harvie-Brown states his questions about how maps are made long-term wish to produce larger-scale process. This plant grows there, and about how we interpret them. It maps of each individual faunal region. and here; that animal lives here, challenges our acceptance of the ‘truth’ He also asks for uncoloured versions of but not there; that stream runs of maps. the map on which he intended to plot downhill from there to this pond bird migration routes. here. And, of course, many of Distribution maps To us today a thematic map like this us use maps to explore the seems quite commonplace. Amongst the exhibits is The Naturalist’s When identifying a bird, moth or natural world, whether to find plant that you have found in the field, a site in the field or to examine Map of Scotland by J.A. Harvie-Brown and John George Bartholomew. the little distribution maps that often the distribution of an individual It is also available to view on the appear beside their photograph or species. Library’s website. (http://maps.nls.uk/ description in a field guide can be view/74414125 ) This map was an most helpful. The first thematic maps While a good up-to-date map is attempt by Harvie-Brown, nicknamed showing botanical or population essential for finding your way, some ‘John Always Hunting Birds’ due to his distributions were produced in the elements of the landscape can change initials, to subdivide Scotland into faunal 1840s after the explorations of very quickly, leading to navigational regions, based on the river basins. He Alexander von Humboldt. The physical challenges. This is particularly true in also categorised the type of land into atlas: a series of maps & notes forests where clear-felling, or a new cultivated, woodland, , hill illustrating the geographical distribution access track can dramatically change pastures and other uncultivated land, of natural phenomena by Alexander the landscape and its habitats. City deer forest and seashore. Keith Johnston was the first English- environments can also change very This is beautifully rendered into language thematic atlas, published in quickly. an appealing map by John George Edinburgh by Blackwoods in 1849. An exhibition at the National Library Bartholomew. In the Bartholomew 18 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 19 Treat with care 3

In using maps as historical sources there are a number of factors to consider. The maps you use have to be at a scale appropriate to your research area: the less land shown, the more detail will be included. Maps at a smaller scale will be generalised. Older maps may not be geographically accurate. The type of map used is also crucial. Some maps show planned developments that never happened, or that may have happened and then been lost through the passage of time. Many estates would have drawn up plans of their land, either for rental purposes or with a view to agricultural improvement or development. Whilst many of these plans are publicly available, for instance through the Library, or the National Records of Scotland, a number are still in private ownership. They can provide a valuable resource for anyone wishing to study changes in the landscape from large estates to small gardens. Maps of many kinds are relevant to the study of the natural world. Get out there, to the Web, to libraries and archives and go exploring!

You are here. A journey through maps is a free exhibition at the National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW until 2 April, 2017. 2 Historical resource

As we have already established, an The first complete survey of the old map may lead you astray in the Scottish mainland, led by William Roy field, but as a paper exercise it can be in the 1750s, gives an impression of fascinating to compare that old map the land pre-enclosure and agricultural with a more modern one. Maps are an improvement. However, it was created invaluable historical resource for the as a military sketch and so should be naturalist. They can show how towns used with care for any other purpose, have grown, how land-use has changed such as land-use identification. Fields 1 and how habitats have altered. can appear on it as parallel lines, easily The naturalist’s map of There are more than 200,000 map mistaken with a run-rig system, but Scotland by J.A. Harvie Brown and J.G. sheets available to view on the Library’s really it is only a symbol for cultivated Bartholomew. website, with the facility to compare land. This is an example of how maps 2 them with each other and modern should be used with caution; they are Ordnance Survey Map of Deeside 1900. satellite imagery. As a resource to study always subjective and selective! 3 environmental change in Scotland it is A bathymetrical map of invaluable. Kinord. 20 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 21 Seaton surprises Priority marine life catalogued NEWS

It’s easy to think of landscapes as permanent, but We have published a colourful and intriguing catalogue of some of Scotland’s most important marine the closer we look the more we can identify the wildlife. Illustrated with photos and maps, the catalogue describes Scotland’s 81 Priority Marine changes that occur over time. Often this process Features. is aided by the evidence we find left behind when Priority Marine Features are the habitats and species considered to be conservation priorities in works are in progress, and that was certainly the Scottish waters, many of which are star attractions for thousands of wildlife tourists that visit Scotland case in Aberdeen earlier this year. each year. Contractors working on a £90,000 wetlands Our coasts and seas are home to around 8,000 animal and plant species and the Priority Marine project at the city’s Seaton Park unearthed two Features list is used to help focus marine conservation work. The list includes 55 species, ranging from major surprises. small and relatively stationary creatures, such as the heart cockle, fireworks anemone and northern

NEWS First up was an erratic, and this was quickly featherstar, to large and highly mobile animals such as the minke whale, Risso’s dolphin and common followed by the discovery of a buried ancient tree Cat-tastic news skate. trunk. The 26 habitat types on the list include maerl and flame shell beds, serpulid worms aggregations, The erratic differed significantly from the rest Pioneering work aimed at saving the iconic cold-water coral reefs and seamount communities. of the rock in the area and was clearly carried Scottish wildcat, employing almost 150 Morven Carruthers, who managed the project, said that “This publication is aimed at anyone who there thousands of years ago. volunteers and 347 trail cameras, has so far wants to know more about our Priority Marine Features, from specialists to students and enthusiastic Soon afterwards, beneath a former playing identified at least 19 wildcats based on coat amateurs. Scotland’s seas are amongst the most biologically productive in the world and the catalogue pitch, contractors discovered a very old and large markings. It is anticipated more will be found as gives a real flavour of the extraordinary diversity of life they support. It’s also a reminder of how tree trunk. Experts at Aberdeen University were surveys continue. vulnerable marine life can be and the importance of balancing human activities at sea.” called upon to identify the species and age of this The results announced by Scottish Wildcat The catalogue features a rich mix of sea life. There are some surprisingly unfamiliar species, such as ancient specimen. Action (SWA) follow the installation of trail the leafscale gulper shark and the round-nose grenadier; as well as plenty of well-known animals, such It required substantial equipment to move the cameras set up at five wildcat priority areas as otters, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic salmon, sperm whales, basking sharks and cod, which make two items, but their discovery won’t be forgotten. last winter. This survey – the largest of its kind Scotland such an attractive destination for wildlife tourists. The glacial rock and tree will be central to an – resulted in data which the project team and Produced in partnership with Marine Scotland and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, information panel explaining the history of the park volunteers have been sifting through over the past Descriptions of Scottish Priority Marine Features can be downloaded free of charge from our website and its surrounds. few months. @ http://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and-research/publications/search-the-catalogue/ Aberdeen City Council Communities, Housing A challenge for the team has been publication-detail/?id=2428 and Infrastructure vice-convener Councillor Jean distinguishing wildcats from other cats. SWA Morrison said “We’re looking forward to seeing partner Dr Andrew Kitchener, a leading specialist the completed Seaton Park Wetlands and I’m based at the National Museum of Scotland, sure generations of Aberdonians to come will devised a system of scoring animals based on the appreciate the area along with the interesting ‘pelage’ or coat markings. finds of the glacial rock and the huge tree trunk Roo Campbell, project manager, stressed: under the ground.” “We are delighted with the results. Though they The work follows on from the award-winning are preliminary, and further investigation is needed project in the city at East Tullos Burn, and will to establish the true numbers present in each of provide another valuable greenspace for people our five priority areas, SWA has established that and nature to enjoy in Aberdeen. there are Scottish wildcats out there. The survey also detected more than 20 other species, the most unusual being a raccoon, an animal not native to Scotland. Most commonly found were roe deer, followed by pine marten and badger, with the latter two frequently stealing the bait intended for attracting cats to the cameras. A new phase of the project – Trap, Neuter, Vaccination and Return (TNVR) – will see ecologists and vets work together to vaccinate feral cats, which pose a threat to wildcats by spreading disease. TNVR is already widely used, and is a vital tool in the arsenal to protect wildcats from hybridisation and disease from feral cats. It’s a safe non-lethal method with the highest cat welfare standards built in. No pet cats are at risk from TNVR.

22 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 23 NEWS River restoration and biodiversity – a new report

A new report on river restoration was launched at the end of September. Although it is widely recognised that restoration is necessary, there is no consistent approach in the UK and in Ireland on what needs to be done. In an attempt to address these problems, SNH has been leading on an inter-agency project, supported by a wide range of conservation and environment bodies in the UK and Ireland, and sponsored by the National Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The publication has been written by the Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW), and is aimed at regulatory bodies, conservation organisations, NGOs and others. It describes the importance of rivers in the UK and Ireland for biodiversity, summarises the damage that river habitats have sustained over

NEWS many decades, and discusses ways in which restoration can bring benefits both to wildlife and human society. We hope that it will raise awareness of the importance of river restoration and help to obtain funding for practical restoration work. The report was launched by Susan Davies, Director of Conservation at the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project

A project to help golden eagles in the south of Scotland has received initial support of more than £1 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. – the path and the people The scheme aims to boost numbers of the iconic bird to up to 16 pairs in Dumfries and and the – with the potential to release eagle chicks into the wild in the years ahead. Nevis Landscape Partnership began work on Scotland’s highest Munro last year to protect and At present, there are only two to four pairs in the south of the country with limited nesting success. enhance one of the most popular footpaths in Great Britain. The initiative has the support of Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land The aim of the project is to repair the path and thus improve the journey for the hundreds of Reform, Roseanna Cunningham MSP. “The golden eagle is a truly magnificent bird and is one of thousands of folk who tackle Ben Nevis every year, and protect the mountain from erosion. The project Scotland’s most iconic species.”, she explained “This project aims to boost the population of eagles is about to begin further improvements as part of the three-year action plan to vastly improve the in the south of Scotland and I heartily welcome the Heritage Lottery Fund support to help achieve mountain path. this. We know that the area could potentially support more than a dozen pairs of eagles, which offers A collective of contractors, helicopter operators and hardy volunteers have all done their bit for this tremendous opportunities for wildlife tourism and biodiversity.” iconic mountain and will continue to do so until the lower half of the path is completely revitalised. Path In 2008, Scottish Land & Estates and RSPB Scotland formed a joint proposal to work together to repair is an expensive business and by completion almost £1m will have been spent and countless try and understand what was limiting the golden eagle population in the south of Scotland. Detailed hours of volunteer time dedicated to the Ben Nevis mountain path. ecological work was carried out and we published a report on the findings in 2014. Nevis Landscape Partnership encourages anyone with a love of the Ben to think about the time, Following an approach to the Minister by Scottish Land & Estates, RSPB Scotland and Buccleuch effort and money that goes into maintaining it and how a ‘Leave No Trace’ attitude when outdoors can Estates, a partnership was formed to take forward work to reinforce the eagle population. The be just as helpful as a cash donation. Langholm Initiative, SNH and Forestry Commission Scotland subsequently joined the partnership To register as a volunteer, learn more about the mountain path, or to donate whatever you can to which will now begin a public consultation involving a wide range of stakeholders. protect and enhance this fabulous landscape, please visit one of the following social media accounts: www.nevislandscape.co.uk www.facebook.com/nevislandscape www.twitter.com/nevislandscape www.instagram.com/nevis_landscape 24 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 25 We only have to be stuck in a traffic jam, waiting for a delayed train or not getting a mobile phone signal to realise how vital infrastructure is to us. But all of that is part of the grey, or built, infrastructure. What is green infrastructure? And is it as significant as the grey infrastructure to us and our society? Martin Faulkner explains.

Green infrastructure includes the parks, woodlands, street trees, play spaces, allotments, private gardens, playing fields, road verges, green walls and living roofs, rivers, streams, wetlands and sustainable drainage in our landscape. It also comprises the footpaths, signs and seating that help us use, experience and enjoy our environment. We are beginning to realise that green infrastructure is more than its sum of parts. The way all of these parts work together is what makes it special.

What makes green infrastructure important? What is green infrastructure? There is increasing evidence that well-designed green infrastructure in our towns and cities can be as important to us as built infrastructure, and is likely to increase in value as climate change continues. Part of green infrastructure’s value derives from its multifunctional nature. The right type and spacing of street trees not only makes a place look good, but can also cleanse and cool the air, reduce problems caused by rain, reduce noise and promote better health and wellbeing. There is clear evidence that if patients can see greenspace from their hospital bed they recover faster. Climate change is expected to cause more heavy rain. If drainage systems cannot deal with the stormwater, street flooding can be the result. It doesn’t take much standing water on a road to cause congestion. Features such as swales and rain gardens can help avoid or reduce the problem. Green walls on buildings can be made by training plants to grow up a frame. The plants reduce heating costs in the winter by reducing the effect of strong winds, while in the summer they can help reduce air conditioning bills by reducing heat transfer into the building. Multifunction again! The benefits of green infrastructure reach beyond what it can do for our cities’ human populations. Improving green networks allows wildlife to enter, and even cross, urban areas. Wildlife moving between urban habitat patches is approximately 50% greater if vegetation corridors are in place compared with patches that are not connected by corridors. 26 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 27 How is SNH involved in green infrastructure?

We are involved in green infrastructure planning as part of our day-to-day work. We provide advice to local authorities on their greenspace strategies, local development plans and developer masterplans. We are members of, and help fund, the Central Scotland Green Network Trust, developing a green network across Central Scotland. We also manage a multi-million pound programme of funding for green infrastructure – the Green Infrastructure Fund.

The Green Infrastructure Fund

The Green Infrastructure Fund is part of the European Regional Development Programme for 2014-2020. Over £8 million is available through the first phase of the fund to help several large-scale projects in urban areas with populations of more than 10,000.

We aim to deliver five outcomes through the projects we fund: Nature, biodiversity and ecosystems Improved green infrastructure helps strengthen our urban ecosystems and helps species be more resilient to climate change. Improving environmental quality, tackling flooding and climate change Opening up and re-naturalising our urban watercourses helps to reduce flooding and improve the quality of our urban rivers. The projects Involving communities and increasing participation Communities that feel positive about their local greenspace Both of the projects we are supporting through Round 1 Local community organisations will be able to develop new and how it benefits them want to share their experience and of the Green Infrastructure Fund are at the cutting-edge of activities linked to their local greenspaces. influence its management. multifunctional greenspace management. Part of improving satisfaction with local greenspaces is Increasing place attractiveness and competitiveness The Canal and North Gateway project will provide new progressing the One Cardowan Surface Water Management Places that are more attractive to live, work and invest in are and enhanced greenspace along the canal corridor between Plan which is part of the Strategic Drainage Partnership. economically competitive. Firhill and Port Dundas and will be an exemplar project A unique population of water voles living in Cranhill where blue-green infrastructure underpins regeneration. Park and in Blairtummock will benefit from wetland habitat Improving health and wellbeing As part of this the Clay Pits will be Glasgow’s first inner creation. They are unique because they haven’t had any Greenspace improves health and wellbeing. Using city Local Nature Reserve, transforming a derelict site into a water habitat for decades! Water voles are listed as greenspace can complement or replace other therapies. greenspace with a barrier-free path and boardwalk network, a species of principal concern for the conservation of mountain bike trail, disabled access fishing pegs, redesigned biodiversity in Scotland. The European Regional Development Fund themes of gateways, viewpoints, and a feature pedestrian bridge linking Green infrastructure will be added to the recent Heritage Environmental Sustainability, Social Inclusion and Equal communities separated by the Forth and Clyde Canal. Lottery Fund award to help develop the Seven Lochs Opportunities will be central to the projects that we fund. The project will provide a surface water drainage solution masterplan as part of the Seven Lochs Partnership. These themes feature strongly in the two projects in for the regeneration of vacant and derelict sites in Sighthill, If you want to know more about our work on green Glasgow that we intend to support from Round 1 of the Dundashill, Hamiltonhill and Cowlairs through managing the infrastructure please visit the SNH website www.snh.gov. Fund. water level in the canal for flood storage. uk. Or for information on the Green Infrastructure Fund visit We see the projects that that will be funded by the The Greater Integrated Green Infrastructure the Fund website www.greeninfrastructurescotland.org. Green Infrastructure Fund as playing a key role in our project will benefit 40,000 people living within Greater uk, or email [email protected]. delivery towards Big Step for Nature 3 (delivering Quality Easterhouse, Blairtummock, Cranhill and . Greenspace for health and education benefits) of Scotland’s The project will improve the quality of, and satisfaction Biodiversity, a Route Map to 2020. These projects will with local neighbourhoods through regeneration of derelict deliver quality greenspace for health and education benefits. land. It will also develop local ownership and pride by involving local people in greenspace planning and design.

28 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 29 Electricity is an essential part of branches of two of our biggest energy and importance of the landscapes their our everyday lives. We all expect companies, responsible for the safe and power lines cross. With this in mind, Improving the view to have access to its benefits reliable maintenance of the electricity two ambitious projects have been transmission and distribution networks set up to identify the locations where at the flick of a switch, and we in Scotland. They operate a number existing transmission infrastructure has Overhead electricity transmission lines and the structures that go with them have the take its presence in our homes of overhead transmission lines through the greatest level of visual impact, and potential to result in a significant visual impact. When this happens within our most and workplaces for granted. But some of Scotland’s most protected and where there is opportunity to lessen beautiful and important landscapes there is a real desire to try and lessen those impacts. getting it from source to home highly-valued landscapes, including that impact. isn’t always straightforward. and The SSEN Transmission have set up a That’s why two new projects, named VISTA and VIEW, have been set up, as Euan Smith National Park, the Cairngorms National project called VISTA (Visual Impact of (Environmental Advisor – Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) and Grant Douglas Scottish and Southern Electricity Park, and several National Scenic Areas Scottish Transmission Assets), whilst Networks (SSEN) and Scottish including the iconic Eildon Hills. SPEN are currently progressing a (Environmental Planner – Scottish Power Energy Networks) explain. Power Energy Networks (SPEN) are Both companies recognise the value project named Changing the VIEW

1

30 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 31 (Changing the Visual Impact of working closely with stakeholders as “We are pleased to see the 2 Existing Wirescape). Working together the projects progress. and individually, with support from Cairngorms National Park landscape architects at LUC, they being included within this Making the most of are using VISTA and VIEW to identify initiative. The landscapes of a range of projects that will bring opportunities visual improvements to the power the Cairngorms National Park transmission lines that run through our Mitigation proposals could include are highly valued and known National Parks and some of our most the introduction of screen planting celebrated National Scenic Areas. around substations, the rerouting or across the world. Anything that With access to a share of a £500 undergrounding of overhead lines, and enhances these landscapes million fund, administered by the the establishment of native woodland by reducing the impact from energy regulator OFGEM, there is planting along overhead line corridors. an opportunity to make a significant There is even an opportunity to include electricity infrastructure is very positive impact. additional landscape enhancements welcome. The National Park such as alterations to recreational paths Authority is looking forward Working together or green networks. Both companies want to maximise to working with SSEN on the benefits from the initiatives. They To make best use of the OFGEM refining the projects they are funds, SSEN and SPEN recognise are therefore looking where possible to the importance of engaging key complement any planned or ongoing considering.” stakeholders, including Scottish Natural proposals which deliver opportunities Heritage, to ensure the best possible for additional environmental, Matthew Hawkins, recreational, educational or social outcomes from these projects. With Landscapes and Ecology Manager enhancement for residents and visitors. that in mind they have established a Cairngorms National Park Authority number of partnership groups to draw The two initiatives clearly represent upon local expertise and knowledge an exciting opportunity to contribute of affected designated landscapes, as to the success of some of Scotland’s well as organisations with a national or most valued and visited landscapes. regional interest in the protection and And over the coming months both use of Scotland’s unique landscapes. SSEN and SPEN will be developing Sara Melville, a Landscape Advisor more detailed mitigation proposals for the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs in collaboration with stakeholders National Park Authority, welcomes in advance of a first submission for this approach. “National Park staff funding to OFGEM later in 2017. have welcomed the opportunity to If you would like to find out more engage fully with this project as it has please contact [email protected] or developed,” she noted, “We’ve been [email protected] able to discuss our current projects and and keep a close eye on the project visions for the Park within the context websites for updates and opportunities of these two ambitious and large scale to get involved at future consultation projects where there is potential for events as the proposals develop. real public benefit. It is exciting to think Find further information about that we have a real chance to share the the VISTA Project at http:// OFGEM money to address the impacts www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/ of some of the most visible pylons from information-centre/sustainability- key routes and honeypots within the and-environment/vista and the Park’s special landscape.” VIEW project at http://www. 1 spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/ Overhead line in Glen Informed by people and Gyle, Loch Lomond & organisations taking part in a series of view_project.asp The Trossachs National Park. workshops and meetings that began 2 in 2015, the two power companies Infrastructure adjacent are developing a number of potential to Loch Sloy Hydro Power Station at mitigation proposals to address the Inveruglas, Loch most important visual impacts identified. Lomond & The Trossachs National Both companies are committed to Park.

32 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 33 1

The Fife Coastal Path

Brand Identity Resources

Not all long distance paths are in remote locations. Take the Fife Coastal Path for example. Highly accessible, it links a number of communities yet still allows you to enjoy some of Scotland’s most dramatic nature and landscapes whilst savouring amazing history and culture.

34 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 35 The Fife Coastal Path is one of Scotland’s Great back to 1890. Trails and part of Fife’s Core Path network, a Lava flows are a feature of the Fife coast, a reminder of scheme that helps to increase access to green an eruption of the Binn volcano over 300 million years ago. The underlying limestone strata contain marine fossils from a space and establish links between neighbouring time when Scotland had a tropical climate. The Starley Burn communities. Waterfall near Aberdour displays fascinating patterns and colours in the rock due to the lime-rich waters. Stretching between the Firth of Forth in the south of the From Kirkcaldy the path passes the 16th century Seafield region, and the Firth of Tay in the north, the fully waymarked Tower and the nearby rocks are a haven for birdlife and route offers an unrivalled walking experience along Fife’s basking seals. Following the esplanade and winding steeply ‘Fringe of Gold’. to Pathhead Sands, a location which features in several of There is much to explore: from the cosmopolitan John ’s novels, and onto Ravenscraig Castle, walkers atmosphere of St Andrews to the former coal-mining towns will be treated to a spectacular view from Sailor’s Walk, of central Fife, the small fishing villages of the East Neuk taking in the historic Royal Burgh of Dysart. The 13th century and the bustling industrial areas of the west. Rugged cliffs, St Serf’s Tower and the restored Pan Ha’ red-tiled cottages award-winning beaches, internationally important estuaries looking out over the Forth dominate the shore. and wildlife reserves, walking the Fife Coastal Path is a real There are a few areas of the path at Burntisland, ‘Scotland in miniature’ experience. Kirkcaldy and the East Neuk where there are low and high The trail walking ranges from easy and level, to wild and tide route options and a couple where the path will not be demanding. It can be completed in several smaller sections passable at high tide at all. Path users should therefore and the official published route map splits the 117-mile route check tide times before setting out. into eight day-long sections for ease of planning. The beaches along this part of the route include Ruby The southern sections are a surprising mix of the historic Bay, named for the garnet gemstones once found there. and the industrial and, early into the route, walkers are This is a great rockpool location and, with a bit of careful treated to several miles of fully paved, multi-use path. The investigation, you could turn up periwinkles, whelks, and sea route here passes under the iconic Forth bridges, both the anemones, as well as shore and hermit crabs. Wading birds 1964 road bridge and the internationally recognised rail such as redshank and curlew can also be spotted feeding on bridge which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates the shoreline. 36 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 37 From Elie the route around the coast can be rough Being made up of rich intertidal mud and sand flats, Wildlife reserves such as Kilminning near Crail, 3 underfoot and includes several short sections of stone Eden Estuary is home to millions of tiny plants and animals. Dumbarnie near Lower Largo and the Tentsmuir National Further information steps. It is, however, full of geological and historical interest, Due to this wealth of food, the site supports a huge variety Nature Reserve near St Andrews, offer welcome including Elie Lighthouse and Lady Tower built for Lady Janet and volume of bird life. Notable birds include black-tailed opportunities for spotting native species along the trail, such Scotland’s Great Trails ... These are nationally Anstruther as a summer house in the 1760s, and the ruins of godwit, grey plover, redshank, shelduck, and red-breasted as the elusive red squirrel and birds including stonechat and promoted trails for people-powered journeys. Each Ardross and Newark Castles. merganser. You might also have a chance of spotting turnstone. Off the shore, terns can often be seen circling on is distinctively waymarked, largely off-road and Farther around the coast the restored St Monans interesting mammals including otter and common seal. the hunt for food. has a range of visitor services. At least 25 miles in Windmill sits close to the shore, once used to pump Dolphins have also been known to venture into the estuary. Walking through the beautiful Tentsmuir National Nature length, they are suitable for multi-day outings as seawater into the adjacent salt pans. The limestone beds The on-site visitor centre is a great place to start your Reserve, and rounding the headland at the Tay estuary well as day trips. here are rich in fossils. The next village of Pittenweem is exploration of the reserve. provides stunning vistas across the river to Broughty Ferry Collectively the 27 different routes provide Fife’s only remaining working fishing harbour, a memory of a In St Andrews, both East Sands and West Sands Castle and the Tay Bridges. Both the most northerly and over 1,700 miles of well-managed paths from once thriving and vital industry. are Seaside Award beaches. East Sands is a popular southerly points of the path at Newburgh and Kincardine the Borders to the Highlands, offering great The rocky shore past Billow Ness leads into Anstruther watersports location and a feeding ground for many seabirds culminate at commemorative archways, celebrating the route opportunities to explore the best of Scotland’s where there are daily boat trips during the summer months as well as a sanctuary for seals and dolphins. West Sands and those who walk it. nature and landscapes and to experience our to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve. There is no need offers almost two miles of sand backed by restored dunes, Any walk that links the iconic Firths of Forth and Tay is amazing history and culture. to get a boat to the Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve. protecting the coastline from further erosion. The whole area clearly well equipped to showcase some of Scotland’s finest The Fife Coastal Path offers a rich and varied However, this is a vast reserve and is used for many is home to a range of wildlife from the hares who live in the natural and cultural highlights. Why not give the Fife Coastal landscape and is the best way to explore the different purposes, including recreational activities such as grassed areas to the skua, eider, and gannet. If you are really Path a try? coastal fringe of the Kingdom of Fife. The 117- wildfowling (for which a permit is required), walking, bird lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of our largest bird of mile route will take you through towns, villages, watching, and horse-riding. prey – the mighty sea eagle. Article provided by Fife Coast & Countryside Trust beaches, and countryside, showing you the best that the Fife coast has to offer.

Twinned

Adjacent to the arch at Newburgh is a small Scots pine and a plaque commemorating the twinning of the Fife Coastal Path and the Skåneleden Trail in Skane, Sweden. Although the Swedish trail is over 600 miles long, there are many similarities between the Fife Coastal Path and its Scandinavian twin, 4 with both paths seeking to celebrate coastal walking.

Proud history

The route is steeped in history. St Andrews is the world famous home of golf and the University of St Andrews dates back to 1413.

Links

The Fife Coastal Path website features an interactive map which allows users to search the route for sites which are specific to their interests. You can search under wildlife, history, geology, archaeology, architecture, culture, beaches or industry. The official Fife Coastal Path Guide and Map are available to purchase online at www. fifecoastalpath.co.uk or by calling 01592 656080 and are priced at £9.99 and £6.95 (including postage).

38 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 39 1

Cycling the Hebridean Way… slow time It was a wintry day in mid-March when round-the-world cyclist Becky Shaw takes a look at one of the finest bike routes in Scotland. Mark Beaumont took on the challenge of riding the Hebridean Way end-to-end in under 24 hours. In what must surely be an understatement, he later described the 185-mile ride in a strong wind with occasional sleety showers as “a bit gritty in places.”

Cheered on by schoolchildren along the route and at one point transported between Barra and Eriskay by high- speed boat, he managed to accomplish the challenge in under 12 hours in the saddle. Luckily for most of us contemplating riding this exceptional route, which is the length of the Outer Hebrides, a greater degree of comfort and a more relaxed pace is possible. The Hebridean Way website give options for a four-day or a six-day trip, but there’s plenty to see if you have more time, giving you time to enjoy the stunning scenery, get acquainted with some of the wildlife or just relax and enjoy some of the delicious food and drink on offer in the islands.

Wind assistance

Most people chose to ride from south to north, with the prevailing wind. Take a gentle start on the low-lying, machair-fringed island of Vatersay, famous for the Vatersay Raiders and their role in land reform early in the 20th century, not to mention The Vatersay Boys (look them up if you’re not already familiar with these cultural icons!). Across the causeway, you reach Barra, where you can choose to follow the road round either the east or west of the island. On the east side,

40 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 41 2 3

the impressive 15th century Kisimul meanders on and off the main spinal in Benbecula. The Hebridean Way The Sound of Harris ferry crossing comprehensively joined to Harris. Still, 185 Miles - 10 Islands Castle sits on a rock in Castle Bay; you road, taking you into the heart of follows the main road to Balivanich, the runs only in daylight, due to the intricate it’s island number ten on the official can reach it in a short boat trip from the crofting landscape, between the administrative centre of Uist and a good coastline the ferry must navigate. An counter and the end is in sight. Vatersay - Barra - Eriskay the pier. The west road takes in some mountains and the sea. Much of South place to stock up on supplies. Then hour after leaving Berneray, you arrive This route through the wide open fantastic beaches with great views Uist is in a National Scenic Area and it’s it’s onward through Grimsay, an island in and set out on your ninth landscape of Lewis takes you past - - Benbecula over the Atlantic and, if the conditions not hard to see why. with a great tradition of vernacular boat island and the steepest leg of the trip. the breath-taking monuments of early - Grimsay - - are right, some pretty impressive surf! It’s worth calling in at the Kildonan building, where you can buy seafood But, first, if you’re not in a hurry to tick settlers at Calanais and the remarkable Abundant wildlife, flower-strewn machair Museum to see the armorial Clanranald direct from the pier to enjoy as you relax off the Clisham, the grandest medieval Iron Age Broch of Dun . The Berneray - Harris - Lewis grasslands and quiet roads make for a Stone, as well as finding out more after your day’s exertions. building in the Outer Hebrides, St Gearannan Blackhouse Village (a mile great day’s cycling. Before you cross about the work of folklorist Margaret Fay Another causeway – there are six Clement’s Church is only a couple of or so detour from the route) gives an the Sound of Barra to Eriskay, it’s worth Shaw, who spent many years collecting linking islands on the Hebridean Way miles in the wrong direction – down the insight into life in the more recent past taking a short detour to Tràigh Mhòr, and preserving the music and song of – takes to you to the magical island of road to . and provides another option for tea and (big beach), the only airfield in the world South Uist. And there’s a café with cake North Uist (Tir an Eorna – land of the Back on track, the route follows the cake to sustain you for the final push. washed twice daily by the tide. for hungry cyclists! barley). This lacework of water and west coast through fertile farmland and The crofting settlements of , There’s a beautiful loop walk from The route then follows the main land is fringed on the west coast by past jaw-droppingly wonderful beaches. , and Galson line your route the ferry terminal in Eriskay, taking in road through the rest of South Uist. The wide expanses of wildflower and bird- A detour off the road to Luskentyre for the stretch to the parish of Ness at the sandy beach where Bonnie Prince influence of water in the landscape gets rich machair. The RSPB’s Balranald is no bad plan; you’re rewarded with the far north of the Outer Hebrides. Charlie first stepped ashore in Scotland more pronounced as you pass Loch Nature Reserve sits among the crofting spectacular views. From Tarbert – the The Hebridean Way ends at the 1 and giving you time to savour this lovely Druidibeg and Loch Bee. With the next settlements on this sandy Atlantic coast location of one of the newest distilleries spectacular lighthouse, The beautiful west coast of Harris has island, renowned for the hardy breed of causeway, you’re in Benbecula and and, like much of Uist, is a good place in Scotland – the road climbs slowly perched high on a clifftop and, in the beaches to rival the pony hailing from here. Once you’re on island number five of the 10-island trip. to hear the elusive corncrake calling in over the hills of North Harris, home to summer, surrounded by the calls of best in the world. your way again, a causeway takes you the evening. golden eagles. You’ll have plenty of seabirds riding the currents that have 2 Time for a photo-stop to South Uist and your fourth island after If you have time to spend in North time to look out for them as you tackle pushed you northwards through this and a breather, Lochs, less than 20 miles in the saddle! Culture and corncrakes Uist, the Taigh Chearsabhagh museum the 800 metre climb, pretty much from island chain. Lewis. On the spectacular island of South and arts centre in Lochmaddy offers sea level. From the top, you can coast You will go a long way to find a 3 There are spectacular beaches and Impressive skies and Uist (Tir a’ Mhurain – the land of the imaginative cultural exhibitions and downhill into Lewis, which, as a cursory better bike-ride. atmospheric lighting in marram grass), the Hebridean Way broad sweeps of machair to greet you events throughout the year. glance at the map will show you, is Benbecula. 42 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 43 1

ReRoute to action ReRoute, Scotland’s youth biodiversity panel, is certainly a project to keep your eye on. Joanne Elston, one of the members of ReRoute, tells us about their big plans for the future.

Young people are passionate youth involvement in nature, as well as about many things – friends and how environmental organisations work and engage young people in their work. school, sport and music – and To understand young people’s yes, we also care deeply about thoughts and opinions on Scotland’s the environment. natural environment the group wanted How do we know? This is where to speak directly to young people. So ReRoute, a partnership between Young we created a survey that was published Scot (Scotland’s youth information and through Young Scot’s rewards citizenship charity) and Scottish Natural programme. Heritage, comes in. ReRoute has been created to help Making an impact SNH deliver Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy by focusing on youth The survey received 1079 responses involvement in environmental topics. from young people across Scotland and We recognise the positive contributions challenged many assumptions that may that nature makes to young people’s be held about young people. The survey lives, such as health and wellbeing found that 86% of respondents either benefits. Working together on ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that we residential trips every few months, need to protect the natural environment myself and the other panel members and 75% thought that nature and the are busy exploring issues that affect outdoors was important to them. 44 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 45 Encouraging atmosphere

One of ReRoute’s aims is for young people to be more informed about nature and the benefits it provides. These kinds of events could be instrumental in providing this information. However, it was observed that not many people aged 11-15 attended, and, after speaking to young people it was apparent that they often cannot or will not travel long distances or are unable to pay to attend such events. The group are, therefore, looking into how young people can access such events more easily, and whether other types of engagement would work better for certain age groups. Already widely receiving recognition, for example from Scotland’s First Minister in her speech at the World Forum on Natural Capital, we have discovered so many different groups full of passionate people doing amazing work with nature in Scotland. We hope However, the survey also revealed Lifting the barriers to create the right atmosphere for that only 15% had heard of Scotland’s change to be encouraged. ReRoute members will continue to Biodiversity: A Route Map to 2020 or A conference in Bristol titled Race make links with organisations, gather the international targets for biodiversity Equality in Nature was an inspiring insights from young people and test and the environment. event brought about by 14-year- out their ideas on how to engage Nevertheless, this is hugely old blogger and birder, Birdgirl, them further. ReRoute will also begin encouraging for ReRoute and has passionately campaigning for better to take on a more strategic role by inspired the whole group to work with access to nature for people from talking to both senior leaders and the environmental organisations to make Black, Asian and other minority ethnic board of SNH. Not only will this give sure that young people can have communities. The group learned that the group the chance to give a voice to an instrumental role – whether this people with various religious, ethnic and the opinions of young people but they is through raising awareness, their cultural backgrounds can face many will also be able to co-create solutions lifestyle choices, or volunteering and barriers to accessing and enjoying and ideas. ReRoute are excited to take employment opportunities. nature’s benefits. ReRoute hope to use on the next phase of their challenge; ReRoute will also use Young these insights to ensure that they reach we have a long road ahead, but we’re Scot’s digital platforms and rewards young people from all backgrounds in confident it can be done. programmes to test out ways of Scotland and champion equal access engaging young people on the topics for all. For more information on ReRoute visit and issues before ultimately making Other events, such as RSPB’s Big www.youngscot.net/reroute or follow recommendations to SNH and Scottish Nature Festival, Trees for Life’s Glen #SNHReRoute and www.young.scot/ Government on how these activities Affric Bioblitz and Edinburgh Science reroute can be scaled to have an even bigger Festival talks (such as Ocean Junkyard) impact. were fantastic opportunities to gather ReRoute group members have information about how organisations also been attending events to gather engage young people in nature and information on topics in Scotland’s environmental issues. Biodiversity: A Route Map to 2020, how young people can engage with nature, and how environmentally focused organisations can better engage with young people. 46 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 47 SNH Area News SNH Area News Northern Isles and North Highland Forth Correspondent: Adam Rose Correspondent: Sarah Eaton

Seal of approval A decade of study Innovation, architecture & design

Taking part in the event were staff from Aberdeen University’s Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Aberdeen University and SNH recently joined Cromarty Lighthouse Field Station. They were on hand to forces for a Seal Watch event at Loch Fleet explain their research into harbour seals that has been taking Design allowed National Nature Reserves to make National Nature Reserve near Golspie. place at Loch Fleet for more than 10 years. During that a neat connection with tern shelters and adder time, they have developed a photographic library of all the homes. Visitors of all ages turned out at Loch Fleet’s seal watchpoint seals and amassed a wealth of information about them. You in July to enjoy spectacular coastal views and learn more can follow Lighthouse Field Station’s research on their blog. about harbour seals and their pups. http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/blog/ Tern terrace Loch Fleet’s resident seal population can be seen during Recent research into seals’ movements using GPS summer lounging about on the sandbanks on the south side (global positioning system) tracking has shown that the A specially constructed ‘tern terrace’ is proving successful in of the tidal basin. Around 50 pups were born here this year, majority of seals move around within the inner Moray increasing the population of terns on the Isle of May National roughly the same as last year. Firth as far as Inverness. Two of the more adventurous Nature Reserve (NNR). Some of this year’s pups could be seen relaxing in the seals travelled as far as the and Orkney To build the terrace, an area covering 62 square metres sun with their mums and sliding in and out and splashing before losing their trackers in May 2015. Nevertheless, in the centre of the island was cleared of nettles (which terns about in the water. As the tide came in, visitors witnessed they were found to have returned to Loch Fleet this year won’t nest in) and covered with tarpaulin and gravel, with the amusing sight of the seals doing their best ‘banana’ making impressive return journeys of 400km and 325km a stone boundary to act as a windbreak. Finally, specialist impressions as they tried to curl up and away from the water respectively. ‘tern boxes’ were constructed and installed for the chicks to keeping their heads and tails dry until the very last minute. At low tide, Loch Fleet NNR’s harbour seals are one of use as shelter and protection against predators. the reserve’s many visitor highlights. The seal watchpoint, The principal idea was to increase the island’s tern on the south side of the loch with its purpose-built extended populations, targeting both Arctic and common terns, but layby and interpretative information, can be enjoyed at any the summer of 2016 brought even more rewards. Having Snake homes time and affords visitors panoramic views across Loch Fleet’s not nested on the island for eight years, a total of 21 pairs tidal basin. Indeed it can provide one of the most accessible of Sandwich terns settled on the terrace and fledged 14 Inland Flanders Moss NNR has always had a reputation for and effortless views of seals in Sutherland. young. Although the colony is small in size, it is encouraging having lots of adders but actually very little is known about As it transpired, the day wasn’t all about the seals. for the future that birds nested in the first year on the terrace. the snakes on the Moss, not even what size the population Ospreys, another of the wildlife highlights on the reserve, Further good news included an increase in both Arctic and is. The best time to count adders is when they are coming were seen swooping down to catch fish in the channel of the common tern breeding numbers and there are plans to out of hibernation in early spring but finding those sites can River Fleet and oystercatchers and Arctic terns were also increase the size of the terrace this autumn. be tricky. Also, adders are at their most vulnerable when they spotted along the shoreline and on the tidal mud flats. David Steel, SNH’s manager on the Isle of May said, are hibernating, so one way we can help them is to make So when your thoughts turn to things to pencil-in for next “Looking back at this summer, the most noticeable success them safe hibernating sites (called hibernacula) where we summer, why not visit the seal watchpoint, take a stroll along was the return of breeding Sandwich terns for the first time can then count them in the spring. the woodland path to the Balblair Bay bird hide or have a in eight years. The 14 chicks have been ringed and colour- There are now about six hibernacula around the edges picnic on the dunes at Littleferry? marked to enable us to follow their future movements. of the Moss, the design being improved each year. The aim It’s an excellent way to spend a day or two outdoors and However, the hard work does not stop there as we’ll be is to keep building one or two every year so that there is a you can do all this at Loch Fleet NNR. extending the current terrace this autumn as we hope to succession of hibernacula on the bog edge. And then it is National Nature Reserves can be found across Scotland attract even more. It’s a conservation success and why we just a matter of monitoring them to see if the adders take to and really are the jewels in our natural crown. They offer are in the business.” their new winter homes. visitors a chance to get up close to wildlife and to relax The new tern terrace complements the award-winning, They blend in well with the surroundings, but, if you and unwind in some of our finest landscapes. For more human visitor centre which was opened in 2014. The look carefully, two of the hibernacula can be seen from the information visit our NNR website. building is surrounded by a colony of nesting Arctic terns, Reserve’s viewing tower. The tower gives human visitors an giving an ‘all-surround’, close-up experience of these noisy, unusual and eye-opening experience and, along with the defensive and beautiful birds. Even the turf roof is proving to boardwalk, provides a unique way to enjoy the great views be an irresistible nesting area. and wildlife of Flanders Moss.

48 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 49 SNH Area News SNH Area News Argyll and Outer Hebrides Southern Scotland Correspondent: Jane Dodd Correspondents: Dr Emily Taylor and Francois Chazel

undertaking work, using newly purchased water quality Fleet Catchment Survey monitoring equipment, to assess pH levels and water flow in areas of open peatland drained at varying intensities. SNH The Fleet catchment in has also completed a first phase of ditch-blocking on the runs from the hills around open moorland of the NNR and will soon complete a further down to the Solway. The catchment falls within tranche. This summer Oxford University carried out research to assess water quality in relation to the forested areas of the the UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire catchment. Biosphere Reserve and includes the Cairnsmore Together these activities will not only help prioritise of Fleet National Nature Reserve. peatland restoration and forest restructuring locally, but will also provide further evidence of the link between soils, land use and water quality. The Little Water of Fleet and Loch Fleet were once an impressive brown trout fishery, while the Big Water of Fleet provided important spawning grounds for good numbers of sea trout. However, during the 1970s there was a dramatic crash in fish populations, thought to be attributable to the effects of closed canopy conifers and acid rain. The catchment is particularly sensitive to acidification owing to the dominance of granite in the underlying geology which offers little capacity to neutralise acidic content in the New tagging study Features for conservation action. water. More recently it is suspected that the drainage of the Dr Jane Dodd, who is managing the project for SNH, peatlands for forestry and farming has also had an adverse said: “We’re really lucky in Scotland to have a wonderful impact on water quality. Together these factors have resulted High-tech tracking devices are helping our range of wildlife living in our seas. Previous studies have in the Fleet headwaters becoming some of the most acidified marine scientists protect two of Scotland’s most shown that common skate are resident in the waters off in the UK. endangered fish species in an Argyll Marine Oban in significant numbers and the MPA was designated The Fleet Catchment Survey Project, initially funded by for their protection in 2014. By tracking skate in the Peatland Action, was launched to gather data and collate Protected Area (MPA). MPA we aim to better understand how they use the area information on peatland condition and water quality to help throughout the year, which will help us to make sure that the inform future management and restoration decisions. Working in partnership with colleagues from Marine management of the site is appropriate. Recognising that a more integrated approach to Scotland Science, and with help from local anglers and “Spurdog are generally thought to be a migratory management and conservation across the catchment creel fishermen, the tracking tags are helping us to better species, travelling over large distances. However, there is was needed, the project set up a steering group led by understand how common skate and spurdog use the Loch evidence that some spurdog remain in Loch Etive during Galloway Fisheries Trust and comprising private landowners, to the Sound of Jura MPA and the adjacent area. winter and may even breed there. The tagging work will Forest Enterprise Scotland, SEPA, SNH and the Crichton The MPA is designated to help protect common skate, improve our understanding about the number of fish that Carbon Centre. The steering group has been responsible the world’s largest skate species. Skate are related to sharks move in and out of the loch, or remain there year-round. This for targeting the survey and monitoring work as well as and common skate can grow up to two metres across and exciting project has brought together a range of people who assessing the peatland restoration priorities. The group will three metres long. The team have fitted tags to 40 skate, the all want to see these fantastic fish thrive in Scotland’s seas.” be a forum for discussing and coordinating initiatives to largest of which weighed an impressive 98kg, almost 15.5 Common skate and spurdog are two of the biggest tackle the impacts associated with land use in the catchment stone! attractions for many of the catch-and-release anglers that and improve water quality. The area is also of interest for spurdog, a small, graceful visit the area each year. A 2009 Scottish Government survey Currently, the Galloway Fisheries Trust and SNH are shark that grows up to 1.5 metres long. Sixty spurdog have estimated that sea angling generated around 400 jobs and also been tagged. Both species were once common in income of £6.3m a year in Argyll and . Scottish waters but have suffered large declines in numbers For more information about the project - www.snh.gov. and are included on Scotland’s list of Priority Marine uk/skate-spurdog-tracking 50 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 51 SNH Area News SNH Area News South Highland Tayside and Grampian Correspondent: Derrick Warner Correspondent: Ewen Cameron

Cairngorms Connect call from NCC asking if I would be interested in a contract as summer warden on Beinn Eighe NNR – would I ever! After a few months there, I was asked if I would like a longer-term A new partnership of land managers from private, contract managing the soon-to-be-declared NNR in Glen charity and public sectors within the Cairngorms Strathfarrar. My ‘own’ nature reserve – what more could I National Park has been formed. The founder possibly want? Newly married, my wife Susan and I now rented a furnished three-bedroom house for £20 per week, members – Wild Land Ltd, RSPB, Forest but my take-home pay was only £29.70! I never did manage Enterprise Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage to grow a beard. – share ownership boundaries and common The wildlife records for were a bit patchy and I set to compiling records of birds, butterflies, objectives over an area of 60,000 hectares. They moths and plants – I was amazed and excited as the lists share aspirations for ecological enhancement and grew longer and longer. a willingness to work together to deliver practical One of my main tasks was to identify areas that could be fenced off to allow woodland regeneration, which meant I action in this special area. came into close and regular contact with two local keepers: Donnie Fraser and Henry Bain. Once again, I was lucky to This Partnership area encompasses some of the most learn a lot from two patient and observant men. But these spectacular and biodiverse places in Scotland. It includes were very happy and productive years. Decades on, it is four National Nature Reserves, a wide range of national and gratifying to see some areas of woodland that in the early international designated sites for nature conservation, half 80s were just scatters of a few ageing trees. As the 80s of the UK’s 2016 lekking capercaillie population, and the Reflections on retiring progressed to the 90s, SNH came into being and I spent second-highest summit in the UK. more time at my desk and eventually in front of a computer. Over the last 10 years the objectives of these partners, Ewen Cameron spent four decades working with I relished the fact that SNH had a bigger budget and was who are custodians of an almost contiguous area of native Scottish Natural Heritage and its forerunners. He able to help get more done. When I came to manage the pinewoods, mountain massif and lowland wetlands have grants budget in north-east Scotland, it was great to be increasingly aligned around habitat restoration. There retired in September and we asked him to reflect able to fund small groups and initiatives that were busy were already some good examples of partnership working on his 40 years in the environment business. doing things. We helped fund major footpath projects, between the neighbours for large parts of this area, for organisations that used the outdoors in their therapeutic example on deer management, and there was a growing “This September marked 40 years since I started work with work with special needs groups, countryside ranger appetite to deepen and formalise the partnership and to the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) – one of SNH’s employers, school grounds projects and various wildlife work together at a truly landscape scale. predecessors – and my retirement. Fair to say I’ve seen charities which were managing their own nature reserves. The partnership will maintain key links with Cairngorm a few changes in that time. When I got the chance of a The pleasure was seeing others empowered to do the things National Park Authority to strengthen the group and also six-month contract working for NCC in their new Inverness that they wanted to get done. support the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan This will mean employing the ecosystem approach to office in 1976, I jumped at the chance. Late that year, I was Two projects from that time which remain close to my 2017-2022 by making a major contribution to delivering integrate the management of land, water and living resources sent to Inverpolly National Nature Reserve (NNR) to collect heart are the NE Biodiversity Partnership and the North East tangible outcomes against the Park Plan objective of to promote conservation and sustainable use, whilst some native tree seed. There was a bit of cold, wet and dirty Scotland Biological Records Centre. Both organisations restoring and enhancing habitats on a landscape scale. recognising integral cultural and varied social needs. involved, but now I was being paid, which made it much help and encourage people not to wait for ‘them’ to do Partnership members are committed to the principle that The Partnership has set out a vision of work to deliver more tolerable, and for the first time I met – Nature Reserve something but make a difference themselves. Whether it’s nature conservation and ecological enhancement will be the projects that restore habitats and ecosystems to a point wardens! An exotic breed of outdoor men (and they were in the garden, on the farm, or in the school grounds, we primary drivers of management. As such, they are committed in the future whereby natural processes are the key driver always men in those days), usually bearded, who worked can all make a difference for wildlife. Wildlife recording and to actively seeking opportunities to cooperate and support of change. This vision recognises that there is a place for with nature. I was hooked. The wardens at Inverpolly then managing areas for wildlife is valuable for all sorts of things; each other in delivering the aim of landscape-scale sustainable farming, forestry and hunting in this restored and were Bill Henderson and Davie Duncan and I learned a great it is open to absolutely everyone and I will certainly be doing ecological enhancement across land ownership boundaries. enhanced landscape. deal from them. more of it now that I am retired.” A couple of weeks after my first contract finished, I got a

52 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 53 SNH Area News Strathclyde and Ayrshire Correspondent: Arthur Keller

Favourable for nature... and our armed forces

Scotland provides essential delicate plants that make our coastal –– Installation of seven kilometres of dunes so flower-rich and colourful. fencing mostly at Torrs Warren- and often quite challenging Luce Bay and Barry Links SSSIs to training areas in which our Protecting the environment facilitate domestic stock grazing armed forces can operate. to improve the condition of the However, where possible The work being undertaken by the sand dunes and historic First World MOD helps ensure that species and War training trenches; training needs are devised habitats of outstanding scientific –– Large-scale broom and gorse scrub not only to prevent negative interest are protected – or in management at Morrich More environmental impacts but ‘favourable condition’ – and that the SSSI and Barry Links SSSI to help MOD’s defence needs are balanced restore dune heathland, juniper also to deliver benefits for with their statutory responsibility to scrub and grassland habitats. nature. ensure environmental protection. The MOD’s environmental team Dominic Ash, the MOD’s senior The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is a specialists have, over the last three ecologist, said “The results we have partner with SNH in the Delivering years, worked with our local staff achieved in such a short period of time Favourable Condition project, through and developed simple management have been outstanding. In no small part Seven Lochs Wetland Park which individuals and organisations plans with a five-year funded work this is due to positive attitudes and from the private, voluntary and public programme. These funds are then used vision of what can be achieved, plus a willingness of all involved to work The Seven Lochs Wetland Park is set to become The park will benefit the existing communities in the area, sectors tackle ‘pressures’ on natural to pump-prime management that will features in protected areas. make longer-term management more closely together in partnership. Over Scotland’s largest urban nature park following the but it is also right in the middle of the -Gartcosh community growth area, earmarked for 4300 new homes in In Scotland the MOD has 22 sustainable. This can be delivered the coming years I believe we can get award of a £4.4 million lottery grant. the Strategic Development Plan. The project was awarded designated sites covering an area of through things like fencing to allow the all our designated sites into ‘favourable £4.4 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund in June 2016, almost 7,000 hectares. Most of these land to be brought back into agricultural condition’ so they are richer in wildlife The Wetland Park will bring together lochs, parks, and nature which, with contributions from other partner organisations, sites are also identified as being of use and ultimately make it easier for and are better places in which to work reserves between Riddrie in Glasgow and Coatbridge in will create new gateway areas, improve connections, and international importance for nature and troops to train. and train.” North . New paths and visitor facilities will be enhance the environment – but that is just the start. The have multiple designations. On those added around Hogganfield, Frankfield, Bishop, Johnston, intention is to develop green links into the park from the sites 124 features met the targets Work undertaken across the MOD To find out more about how to safely Garnqueen, Woodend and Lochend Lochs. current urban areas, and new housing, so that it is integrated required to be considered in ‘favourable estate since 2013 includes: access the MOD’s training estate and This project has been developed by the Glasgow and with the whole development. Local people will be able condition’. –– Removal of non-native species how to protect it see the ‘Public safety Clyde Valley Green Network partnership and is now being to look out – and step out – into the park, which will also However, all these habitats undergo including rhododendron and on the MOD training estate’ video on taken forward by a partnership headed up by Glasgow attract visitors from across the region. The Seven Lochs Trail natural change if left unmanaged. They Japanese knotweed and restoration YouTube. City Council, Council, Scottish Natural already links Hogganfield Loch to Drumpelier, connecting the can be invaded by scrub or become work at Torrs Warren – Luce Bay Heritage, Forest Enterprise Scotland and Conservation communities of Easterhouse and Coatbridge. dominated by coarse tall grasses that SSSI; Volunteers Scotland. swamp and shade out the smaller more 54 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 55 Ruaridh MacIlleathain looks at the many uses of breac ‘speckled’ in Gaelic literature. It’s a word that is associated with trout, lochs and much more besides.

Dùthaich bhreac A speckled land

Tha dà ainm-àite faisg air Port-adhair Ìle a’ sealltainn Two place names close to Airport demonstrate the farsaingeachd an fhacail breac air aghaidh na talmhainn. diversity of the word breac (‘BREH-uchk’) in the Gaelic Dualchas coitcheann Tha e a’ nochdadh mar bhuadhair ann am Beinn Bhreac. landscape. Meaning ‘speckled’, it is the descriptor in the Dà chilemeatair don ear-thuath air a’ bheinn, tha Loch nam mountain name Beinn Bhreac (bayn VREH-uchk) ‘speckled Breac, far a bheil am facal na ainmear, a’ ciallachadh an èisg mountain’ – the ‘h’ softening the ‘b’ in agreement with the Common heritage Salmo trutta. ’S fhiach cuimhneachadh, ge-tà, gu bheil breac feminine gender of the noun beinn. Two kilometres north- a’ ciallachadh ‘bradan’ ann an dualchainnt no dhà. east of the mountain is Loch nam Breac ‘the loch of the ’S iomadh loch is allt thar na Gàidhealtachd air a bheil trout’, where the word is a noun, referring to our native brown ainm le ‘breac’ ann. Tha eisimpleirean ann an Lochan Dubh trout which, of course, is a beautifully speckled fish. nam Breac air mòinteach ann an ceann a deas an Eilein Many water bodies across the Highlands and Islands Sgitheanaich, Loch nam Breac Ruadh ann an Uibhist a carry the name of this species. Examples are Lochan Dubh Deas agus Lochan nam Breac Reamhra faisg air an Òban nam Breac ‘the black [peatland] lochan of the trout’ on Skye, (Latharna). Chan eilear a’ dol a dh’innse far a bheil na sia Loch nam Breac Ruadh ‘the loch of the russet trout’ in South lochan air a bheil Loch nam Breac Mòra, eagal ’s gum biodh Uist and Lochan nam Breac Reamhra ‘the lochan of the fat cus dhaoine a’ falbh a dh’iasgach annta! trout’ near Oban, Argyll. The localities of the six lochs which Mar bhuadhair, tha ‘breac’ a’ dèanamh tuairisgeul de are called Loch nam Breac Mòra ‘the loch of the big trout’ choltas àite, gu tric air fhaicinn aig astar, co-cheangailte ri will remain undeclared, because of fears of overfishing! lusan, creagan no sgrìodan. Tha eisimpleirean anns an Àirigh As a descriptor, breac is applied in place names to Bhric ann am Muile (nach eil breac tuilleadh oir chaidh coille several types of feature, and refers to an appearance, a chur oirre), An t-Sròn Bhreac, ceann beinne taobh Loch usually observed at distance, caused by the distribution of Lòchaidh agus A’ Chreag Bhreac is A’ Chruach Bhreac a tha vegetation or rocks, including scree. Examples are the Àirigh air leth bitheanta. Tha an t-uabhas de bheanntan air a bheil Bhreac ‘speckled shieling’ on Mull (no longer speckled Am Meall Breac agus A’ Bheinn Bhreac. Uaireannan tha na because it is covered with plantation forest), Sròn Bhreac ‘beanntan breaca’ ceangailte ri Cailleach na Beinne Brice a ‘speckled nose’ on , and the extremely numerous bha uaireigin, ’s dòcha, na ban-dia phàganach a bhuineadh and widespread Creag Bhreac ‘speckled crag’ and Cruach ris a’ gheamhradh. Bhreac ‘speckled stack’. There are many mountains called Ann an litreachas na Gàidhlig, tha breac mar thuairisgeul Meall Breac and Beinn Bhreac, the latter often connected air coltas achaidhean is leathaidean far a bheil lusan with Cailleach na Beinne Brice ‘the hag of Beinn Bhreac’, sònraichte pailt – leithid sòbhragan, neòineanan is who may originally have been a pre-Christian deity oighreagan (feireagan). Tha ‘breac le feireagan as cruinn associated with winter. dearg ceann’ a’ nochdadh anns an dàn ainmeil ‘Coire a’ In Gaelic literature breac is employed to describe the Cheathaich’ le Donnchadh Bàn Mac an t-Saoir. Chithear a’ appearance of fields, hillsides and plateaux where particular chiall sin anns an ainm-àite Achadh Breac (Achbreck ann am plants are growing in abundance, examples being primroses, Beurla), a nochdas ann an grunn àiteachan eadar Siorrachd daisies and cloudberries. ‘Studded with cloudberries of the Bhanbh agus Earra-Ghàidheal. roundest, reddest head’ is a line from ‘The Misty Corrie’ by Duncan Bàn MacIntyre, one of Gaeldom’s most celebrated poems. A toponymic example is Achbreck, Achadh Breac ‘speckled field’, a name that occurs in locations as far apart as Banffshire and Argyll.

56 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 57 Scotch whisky industry – committed to sustainability

Morag Garden, head of driven many industry achievements of The refreshed Industry in line with the Climate Change is to ensure a secure supply of for more than 500 years and is now which we are proud, such as increasing Environmental Strategy sets even Agreement. high-quality raw materials, namely sold in around 200 markets across sustainability and innovation the use of non-fossil fuels to almost more ambitious voluntary targets, –– Responsible water use. Effective cereals and wood. This includes the world, with exports totalling about at the Scotch Whisky 20% from 3% in 2008 and reducing from responsible water use to cutting water use is a priority for the encouraging the use of wood £4 billion annually. It plays a vital role in Association explains how the amount of waste from packaging greenhouse gas emissions and has industry, given the reliance on a sourced from sustainable oak rural communities and urban economies operations sent to landfill to 2% from been broadened to reflect changing pristine supply. Distilling water forests to manufacture new casks. across Scotland. this famous industry is 13%. business operations. It is collective, efficiency will improve by 10% We are committed to ensuring that working hard to ensure a But we are well aware that the world building on the work of individual by 2020. This target is based on In terms of what we aim to achieve we work within a natural environment sustainable product now is constantly evolving and therefore Scotch whisky producers. And it relies companies optimising efficient overall, we have set three expected that allows us to continue to produce the Scotch Whisky Environmental on strong support from governments water use at their production sites. outcomes that will be delivered in 2020: a world-class product for the next and in the future. Strategy must do the same. That’s why and supply chains to deliver on its The industry will also deliver on its greenhouse gas emissions will be 500 years and more. We believe the we decided to check our ambitions ambitions. commitments in the River Basin 170,000 tonnes lower; water use will be refreshed Scotch Whisky Industry Scotch whisky is very much a product to ensure they are in line with others’ It was launched in Edinburgh Management Plans. 1.1 billion litres lower, and 4,400 fewer Environmental Strategy is a vital plank of its natural environment. The iconic expectations. in September with a panel session –– Embracing a ‘circular economy’ tonnes of waste will be sent to landfill. in guaranteeing a sustainable future. product, recognised globally, is made We have worked intensively including Roseanna Cunningham MSP, in the industry supply chain. The We have also put in place a number from only three raw materials: water, within the Scotch whisky industry Cabinet Secretary for Environment, aim is to use resources for as long of measures to ensure we deliver the cereals and yeast. It therefore relies on and with other stakeholders, such Climate Change and Land Reform, who as possible, extracting maximum programme successfully. We will, for fertile land, reliable rainfall and a high- as environmental organisations and welcomed the refresh. value from them and recovering example, influence supply chains to help quality water supply. To protect valuable regulators, to refresh the strategy and The strategy now has four themes and regenerating materials. This us minimise the industry’s environmental resources, the Scotch whisky industry make it fit-for-purpose for many years with targets for 2020 and 2050: was a commitment for the industry impact; we will collaborate closely has always believed in sustainability and to come. –– Reducing energy use and long before the term ‘circular with local communities, regulators takes its environmental responsibilities The Scotch whisky industry sees no greenhouse gas emissions. By economy’ became widely used and and other stakeholders. As well as seriously. contradiction between being modern, 2050 some 80% of primary energy recognised. For example, by 2020 discussing industry progress with In 2009, the industry launched its profitable and successful makers of a will come from non-fossil fuels, no general waste will go to landfill stakeholders every year, we will review far-reaching Environmental Strategy – world-renowned product, and being such as anaerobic digestion and and product packaging will be the commitments at least once every the first sector-wide initiative of its kind. at the heart of protecting Scotland’s solar power. Energy efficiency will 100% recyclable. five years. This award-winning strategy, which unique natural environment. be improved by 7.6% by 2020, –– Sustainable land use. The goal Scotch whisky has been produced set ambitious voluntary targets, has 58 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 59 1 legacy that still presents challenges to the management of Biodiversity beyond boundaries the site. Despite all this, we were impressed by the diversity of flora, insects and birds on the reserve. One other thing that was immediately evident from the study Poles apart? At the Odra Delta Nature Park the aim is very much tour was how important the local conservationists consider to preserve species-rich hay meadows, rather than allow ecotourism could be to the country in the future, and it was progression through natural ecological process which would easy to see why. ultimately end in a woodland community. The biodiversity of Poland was astonishing. We came It was equally exciting for us to see an extensive area of back with a list of 101 bird species, watched European wet woodland and reed bed, a result of what some would beaver and had close encounters with wild boar, sea eagle, term rewilding, and others neglect. Since 1989 many areas common crane and white stork on a near-daily basis. in the Odra valley have seen little or no active management We were all taken by the diversity of species in the and there have been ‘losers’ during this process of natural verges, ditches and hedgerows in this region. We couldn’t succession. Wader, crake and rail numbers have dwindled help but note how ‘alive’ the fields beyond the reserves in this area but the species losing out most was the aquatic were. I could imagine this being more akin to what my warbler. grandparents might have recognised our countryside to have once looked like. The aquatic warbler Fortunately in Scotland we are starting to realise the value of wildlife in the wider countryside and the Scottish Government’s 2020 Biodiversity route map will go a long Europe’s only globally threatened songbird, the aquatic way to addressing this. warbler is a migratory species which even now ornithologists I for one hope that someday we will see our countryside know relatively little about beyond its breeding sites. Like buzzing beyond our reserve boundaries again, just as it is in many endangered species it is very specialist in its habitat Poland. requirements, and great swathes of its old strongholds have been left with damaged hydrological systems following intensification of farming. In other areas abandonment of land has left their potential nest sites covered in scrub woodland 2 or rank vegetation. But help is at hand. We learned about an EU-funded The Arch Network encourages sharing natural heritage studies between project centred on mowing regimes and vegetation removal Scotland and other European countries. Neil Mitchell, a designated sites to reduce nutrient levels and create the correct sward height for aquatic warbler nest sites. officer at Scottish Natural Heritage, recently took part in one of these schemes and visited Poland to see how things are done there. Cross border opportunities The river Oder divides Germany and Poland, and there are excellent opportunities for cross-border working. We met few and have limited membership with little ‘clout’ so the Earlier this year I joined a group of fellow staff from the Western Pomerania Regional Landscapes protection of Poland’s environment is being driven by a few conservation professionals travelling to Poland. Park, who are now working with German colleagues in the highly motivated individuals. We visited West Pomerania on the border Unteres Odertal National Park. Our host and guide, Kazimierz Rabski of the Society This gave us the bonus opportunity to gain an between north-west Poland and eastern Germany. for the Coast, was one such individual, and we started out introduction to wetland management in Germany. In The trip centred on the Odra river valley, which by visiting ‘Park Natury Zalewu Szczecinskiego’. Kazimierz Germany we heard much more about a policy of ‘let nature covers 150km of valley and floodplain from the had been instrumental in setting this reserve up and it now remain natural’. However, in certain areas land management boasts 1,000 hectares of land, and works with partners over river’s confluence with the Warta River near was very much focused upon species which have suffered a further 4,000 hectares of the wider Odra Delta Nature Kostrzyn to where it flows into the Baltic Sea. as a result of changing agricultural practices. We learnt that Park. (The Oder is known as the Odra in Poland and Oder in in Germany the farms within their National Park are state- Germany). owned, and tenanted on the very strict basis that they are This region of Poland is home to vast areas of wetlands The Society aims to restore the species-rich meadows managed for conservation objectives. Subsidies are available typified by reed beds, wet fens and mires with extensive and pastures by reintroducing traditional cutting regimes to tenants to ensure wildlife-friendly farming is as profitable willow carr (carr being an old Norse word meaning swamp). and grazing. These have fallen into neglect since 1989 when as farming outside the park. Agriculture is predominantly small-scale, while, farther from the Soviet communist system of farming (Kolkoz) collapsed We got the impression that continuity in management 1 2 the main river channels, beech and pine forests are the usual and agriculture in much of the Odra valley was abandoned. practices meant it had not been necessary to ‘turn back the A view across a typical Butterflies, here a habitat you will find. This neglect had allowed a transition from species-rich wetland in the Odra brimstone, were clock’ to quite the same extent as has been necessary in delta. common on the wild Funding for conservation in Poland is hard to come by, meadow which provided three cuts of hay each year to one Poland. roadside verges. particularly from the state. Even in the largest parks and dominated by reeds, sedges and other tall grasses. reserves state funding only covers around 30 to 40% of Moreover, state-funded drainage of land surrounding the overall running costs. Organisations like the RSPB are site and the construction of a flood defence system left a 60 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 61 2 Making connections 1 Kittie Jones is an artist whose subject matter. I am interested in how drawings, paintings and prints my experiences of the natural world can take their inspiration from the be transformed by distilling form and context to become something more wildlife of Scotland. than a direct representation of a scene but instead a combination of memory Living and working in Edinburgh, I find and imagination. I am never far away from the diverse The final part of my practice involves wonders of the Scottish landscape. making drawings and paintings in The Firth of Forth and its environs the studio. This provides me with an have been a particularly rich source opportunity to allow a starting point to of inspiration for me, as has the city of evolve over a sustained period of time, Edinburgh itself where I will often make creating work with an endpoint that is time to go sketching in Holyrood Park unpredictable. or along the Water of Leith. I have been lucky to spend time in a number of amazing locations, many Capturing the moment of them less than 100 miles from breaking through the soft humming of late winter residents, caused a stir as Edinburgh. Particularly memorable My work is all about noticing the cars behind me. we attempted to be in the right place are the drawing trips I have made to wonder of the everyday. It is not an I watched and drew the geese at the right time to have the opportunity the Bass Rock, an incredible island idealised version of the world I am as they moved around the shores of to watch and draw these mysterious where the power of the gannet colony interested in, but a celebration of the the loch. At one point these large, creatures. challenges the everyday dominance of reality that exists now. I am drawn inquisitive creatures came out to feed One day we woke up to the sounds man. The sensory experience of sharing to that moment when you make a in the grass around me, grunting of thousands of puffins that had arrived a space with thousands of seabirds, connection with a wild animal – this companionably to each other. Those on the island overnight, only for them to combined with the fascinating rituals may be eyeballing a blue tit on the moments, where you share a space with all be gone again the next morning. of these iconic birds, makes it a unique feeder from your kitchen window, or a creature as equals, are what inspires Through making work on location place to draw. coming face-to-face with a great skua me and I hope to capture something of I am fulfilling a desire to connect Currently my practice has three as it flies alongside your boat. the power of this through my work. with, and begin to understand, the main strands. The most important one is I can often be found drawing at the complexities of the natural world. I am making work on location. This involves shores of Duddingston Loch, just five at my happiest when sitting in a thicket, using sketchbooks to capture visual minutes cycle from my flat. Right in the Island days waterproofs on, flask in hand, finding notes on the form different creatures heart of the city, this abundant reserve my way into a new location through take, the context in which they are is home to numerous species of birds, During April this year I spent a week drawing. I hope something of my found, and anything else which sparks happily existing cheek-by-jowl with the drawing on the Isle of May with a fascination and continuing delight in the my imagination as an artist. I often humans who live and work nearby. group of fellow artists. For six days unexpected nature of the world around make mixed media drawings whilst Last winter I visited the shores of the we were absorbed in island life and, me is conveyed through my artwork. working outdoors which aim to convey loch at dusk to draw the Canada geese thanks to the knowledge of the SNH To see more of Kittie’s work please the tension and immediacy of directly that had gathered there amongst coots, staff, we knew what birds to look out visit her website: www.kittiejones. experiencing a landscape and the cormorants, mallards and swans. As the for each day. We were able to watch com, and for further insights into her creatures that inhabit it. light began to dim, the air would fill with the rituals of the iridescent shags, inspiration you can read her blog: Printmaking is another core part rooks and jackdaws preparing to roost whose large nests were sculpted out https://flying creature.wordpress. of my work, allowing me to explore an for the evening, and I would regularly of multicoloured seaweed, twigs and com. expressive and unique response to my hear the distant hoots of a tawny owl rope. A couple of short-eared owls,

62 The Nature of Scotland www.snh.gov.uk 63 Keep in touch

Dear Reader, Thank you for your interest in the work of Scottish Natural Heritage. We are always looking for improvements in the ways we share information about our nature and landscapes, whilst making the best use of our budget to benefit Scotland’s people and nature. Opportunities that help us to do this increasingly use digital solutions such as websites and social media accounts. Therefore we have decided that we shall no longer be printing copies of ‘The Nature of Scotland’ magazine. This issue will be the last we shall print and distribute. However, there will be many ways to keep in touch with all the news about Scotland's natural heritage: –– Follow our Scotland’s Nature blog at http://scotlandsnature.wordpress.com/ –– You will be able to join the conversation about our natural heritage on facebook https://www. facebook.com/ScottishNaturalHeritage –– You can keep up to date with all our news the moment it breaks on Twitter @SNH_Tweets –– Enjoy a growing number of videos on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/ ScotNaturalHeritage1 –– Subscribe to our monthly enewsletter and view the latest editions at http://www.snh.gov.uk/ contact-us/online-enquiries-service If you have any questions about any of the above please email us at [email protected]

NEWS / FIOS JANUARY 2015

Follow Scottish Natural Heritage on social media using these links

Enjoy the best of Scotland’s Natural Larder in Year of Food and Drink 2015 The Scottish Government’s tasty theme for 2015 is food and drink. The year is an opportunity to celebrate and promote the best of Scotland’s quality produce to our visitors from around the world.

It’s also a good time to remind ourselves of the excellent local food and drink that we have available to us here in Scotland and we’ll be supporting the year through our Scotland’s Natural Larder work. Scotland’s Natural Larder aims to reconnect people with local and natural produce, and the seasonal use of our natural foods. Throughout the year we will continue to raise awareness of what is available locally and seasonally, helping others to make the best of this resource.

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Your walking experiences wanted

Family strollers, Munro-baggers, dog walkers and hardy hikers – if you’ve got something to say about walking, Ramblers Scotland want to hear it.

Complete their online survey by 31 January and you could win some walking prizes!

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Snap an urban deer and win a prize!

Have you seen a deer visiting your garden recently? Perhaps you see them occasionally from an office window or while out for a stroll in your local park.

The next time you spot a deer in an urban setting, whip out your phone (or even a camera if you’ve got one to hand) and you could win a great prize, such as a day’s photography tuition or a day counting deer from a helicopter!

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Greenspace makers rewarded

Quality accessible greenspaces on our doorstep are vital for our physical and mental well-being, and are great places for learning and local biodiversity. So we were delighted to see Portlethen Moss Conservation Group recognised at the recent Nature of Scotland Awards for its design and creation of a community native woodland in partnership with Council.

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64 The Nature of Scotland Scotland’s outdoor leisure habits revealed

If you’ve ever wondered where people in Scotland go for outdoor recreation and what they do when they get there, you’re in luck! A report published in December shows that 82% of us have used the natural environment for leisure in the past 12 months – up from 79% the previous year and the highest annual figure since 2006.

Health, exercise and walking the dog are the main reasons given for spending time outside. A quarter of outdoors visits were taken to relax and unwind or to enjoy fresh air and good weather. Walking is still the most popular activity, followed by family outings. Among other findings, the report shows that 94% of us believe that Scotland’s wild land areas should be protected.

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Call for restraint on hare culls

We’ve teamed up with Scottish Land & Estates and the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust to call for voluntary restraint on large-scale culls of mountain hares. Along with other measures, it’s hoped the move will help ensure that future management of mountain hares is sustainable.

Scotland has millions of rabbits and two species of hare, but only the mountain hare is native. It’s thought rabbits were introduced to Scotland by the Normans, while the brown hare was first brought to our shores by the Romans.

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Scotland’s Nature blog

Our Scotland’s Nature blog looks at work to promote and protect our natural heritage. Recent highlights for you to enjoy include:

A Scots language look at the redwing: brush up on your Scots and discover the ‘windthrush’.

Trees for Life: charity’s founder reviews first 25 years’ achievements.

Nature’s soothing way: a look at how we can all benefit from urban greenspaces.

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Nothing dirty about healthy soils

Healthy soils are as important for sustaining life as the air we breathe and the water we drink. Without them we would starve, but they also play a number of other crucial roles, such as helping to tackle climate change.

International Year of Soils 2015 aims to make us all aware of the profound importance of soils and what we need to do to maintain them.

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‘Gèadh’ an Uisge

Tha co-dhiù ochd ainmean Gàidhlig air an Learga Dheirg agus ’s dòcha gur e am fear as inntinniche ‘bior-ghèadh’. Tha bior na sheann fhacal airson uisge agus ’s e as coireach ris an ainm gum biodh daoine a’ creidsinn gum b’ urrainn an aimsir ro-innse le bhith a’ coimhead air fèin-ghiùlain an eòin seo. Nuair a bhios e a’ seinn, thathar ag ràdh gu bheil e ‘ag èigheachd air an uisge’ agus nach fhada gum bi droch shìde ann. Chruinnich Alasdair MacIlleMhìcheil rannan anns na h-Eileanan A-muigh anns am bi an learga dhearg ag èigheachd ‘Bior, bior, bior!’ Agus ann an Sealtainn, far am bithear a’ gabhail ‘rain goose’ air, bhiodh na h-iasgairean a’ dèanamh dheth gun tigeadh fìor dhroch shìde nam falbhadh an learga dhearg gu muir.

One of the many Gaelic names for the red-throated diver is ‘bior-ghèadh’, or ‘rain goose’, employing bior, an archaic word for water; it is also known as a ‘rain goose’ dialectally in Scots. When the bird sings, it is said to be ‘calling in the rain’ and that bad weather is on the way. Alexander Carmichael (of Carmina Gadelica fame) is among those who collected folklore about this species. In Shetland, the fishermen would say that the red-throated diver’s departure from its freshwater home to the sea would be a warning not to set sail for a day’s fishing.

NEWS IN BRIEF

– SEABIRD CITY FILM: Stephen Parker’s excellent short film tells the story of seabirds that return each year to breed on Noss NNR in Shetland.

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– ANCIENT MARINE SPECIES DISCOVERED: A species of marine reptile that lived 170 million years ago has been identified from fossils found on Skye.

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– WARM WEATHER RECORD: The Met Office has revealed that 2014 was Scotland’s warmest year since records began. This example of climate change could affect several species, such as the Arctic charr, which may be lost from some locations.

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– PROTECTED AREAS CONFERENCE: Edinburgh hosts an international conference on Protected Areas in February. Themes at the one-day event will include management of protected areas, planning for the future and an independent review of protected areas in Scotland.

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Follow Scottish Natural Heritage on social media using the links above

Scottish Natural Heritage is the government’s adviser on all aspects of nature and landscape across Scotland. Our role is to help everyone understand, value and enjoy Scotland’s nature now and in the future. For more information, visit our website at www.snh.gov.uk. SNH media is also now on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SNH_Tweets

Contact us by email at [email protected]

Communications Unit Scottish Natural Heritage Battleby Perth PH1 3EW Scotland

Published: January 2015

Image Credits All images copyright Lorne Gill/SNH except; urban deer, Keiran Dodds; planting trees, Portlethen Moss Conservation Group; red-throated diver, Bob Furness/SNH; redwing, David Whitaker.

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