Annual Report 1997-98
Working with Scotland’s people to care for our natural heritage To the Right Honourable Donald Dewar MP Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for Scotland
Sir,
I have the honour to present the report of Scottish Natural Heritage, covering the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998.
I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,
Magnus Magnusson KBE Scottish Natural Heritage Chairman 12 Hope Terrace Edinburgh EH9 2AS
November 1998
Laid before Parliament under Section 10 of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991
i Board Members at 31 March 1998
SNH BOARD Bill Howatson Chairman Robert Kay Magnus Magnusson KBE Jim McCarthy Deputy Chairman Professor John McManus Professor Christopher Smout CBE Captain Anthony Wilks Professor Seaton Baxter OBE Nan Burnett OBE WEST AREAS BOARD Simon Fraser* Chairman Barbara Kelly OBE Barbara Kelly CBE David Laird Vice Chairman Professor Fred Last Colin Carnie Ivor Lewis Lady Isobel Glasgow Peter Mackay CB Dr James Hansom Peter Peacock CBE Dr Ralph Kirkwood Bill Ritchie+ Robin Malcolm Professor Roger Wheater OBE Dr Malcolm Ogilvie Dr Phil Ratcliffe NORTH AREAS BOARD Richard Williamson Chairman Bill Ritchie+ SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE Simon Fraser* Professor Paul Racey Vice Chairman Vice Chairman Amanda Bryan Professor John Davenport Dr Michael Foxley Ian Currie Nigel J O Graham Professor Charles Gimingham OBE Hugh Halcro-Johnston Dr Ralph Kirkwood Isobel Holbourn Dr James Hansom Dr Jim Hunter Professor Fred Last Annie MacDonald Professor T Jeff Maxwell Janet Price Professor Jack Matthews Michael Scott Professor John McManus Dr Kenneth Swanson Dr Malcolm Ogilvie Dr Philip Ratcliffe EAST AREAS BOARD Michael Scott Chairman Professor Brian Staines Nan Burnett OBE Professor Roger Wheater OBE Vice Chairman Andrew Bradford Ian Currie + until 31 December 1997 Elizabeth Hay * from 1 February 1998
Register of Board Members’ Interests SNH maintains a public register of Board members’ interests. An extract from this register is printed on page 50 of this report. Any enquiries concerning this should be addressed to the Board Secretary, Scottish Natural Heritage, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh, EH9 2AS.
ii Annual Report 1997 - 1998
iii Chairman’s Preface
It is my pleasure, as Chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage, to present the Annual Report of our activities for 1997-1998.
Scottish Natural Heritage was established by Parliament in 1992 to secure the conservation and enhancement of Scotland’s unique natural heritage. We are also charged with promoting its enjoyment and understanding and encouraging its sustainable management. We do this through the designations for which we are responsible, and on the land we own or lease, through the various projects and initiatives we operate, through our grant-aid and advice which we offer to others, and through the advice we provide to Government and other organisations.
During the year we welcomed a new administration into power. We were pleased to be asked for the first time since our establishment to lead on major exercises for new policies and legislation: on Access and on National Parks.
Partnership is the cornerstone of our work. This year we formalised many of our partnerships with organisations as diverse as the Ministry of Defence and the Scottish Wildlife Trust to ensure that we can make the most of our resources, understand the concerns of others and build the trust which is essential when working with local communities and groups throughout Scotland.
Consultation is another important aspect of our work. To ensure that our policies for the natural heritage are accepted, the people of Scotland must have the opportunity to be a part of the decisions to be taken. We have engaged in consultation on issues such as the possible re-introduction of the European beaver and the development of National Parks, and in our advice on these matters to the Secretary of State for Scotland we shall take into consideration the views expressed by respondents.
We organise our work in eleven Themes or Programmes, and the structure of our Annual Report is based on these. At the end of the report there is a formal Summary Financial Statement. The companion volume, SNH: Facts and Figures 1997/98, contains tables and statistics about our work.
I am proud to present this account of our stewardship of Scotland’s Natural Heritage.
Magnus Magnusson KBE Chairman Scottish Natural Heritage
iv Annual Report 1997 - 1998
Contents
Chairman’s Preface iv
Table of Contents v
Chief Executive’s Summary vi
1: Maintaining and Enhancing Diversity 1
2: Protecting and Managing Special Natural Heritage Sites 5
3: Integrated Management of Key Areas 9
4: Environmental Education and Public Relations 13
5: Improving Access Opportunities and Land Management 17
6: Encouraging Sustainable Use of Maritime Areas 21
7: Assisting Local Authorities 25
8: Supporting the Central Scotland Forest Initiative 29
9: Delivering our Special Nature Conservation Functions 33
10: Developing Policy and Providing Advice 37
11: Improving the Management of SNH 41
Financial Results 44
Summary Financial Statement 46
Section 29 Orders 48
Board Members’ Interests 50
v Chief Executive’s Summary
The year heralded major changes for the directly concerned proved to be protracted and working environment of SNH. We welcomed the we prefer to move forward wherever possible new government into power and the new by consensus. stimulus which they gave to exercises for changes in policy and practice on the use and During the year we were able to demonstrate management of land and for the designation of the importance of the natural heritage and its protected areas. We welcomed, in particular, the better use and management in a wide variety of prominence given to the key themes of ways. We identified the substantial number of integration, co-ordination and community jobs created directly and indirectly as a result of involvement. All of these are resonant with our Scotland’s heritage of wildlife and landscape. We own work in leading and contributing to many were able to demonstrate many new practices. partnerships throughout Scotland. The new For instance, in arable farming our manual on lease of life given to sustainable development: Targeted Inputs for a Better Rural Environment the fundamental approach to people and the advised on new techniques which could benefit environment, first set out for Scotland in our both farmers’ livelihoods and the natural founding legislation, was a particularly welcome heritage of these areas. Our ‘Plants for Wildlife’ initiative. We were pleased to be asked to initiative demonstrated how everyone with undertake major exercises to inform future access to a window-box or garden could decision-making on access, National Parks for contribute to wildlife diversity on their own Scotland, and National Scenic Areas and to doorstep. The collaborative research with other participate in early discussions on the review of partners, particularly at Langholm, demonstrated wildlife legislation and on land reform. how objective scientific endeavour could inform how to improve the management of grouse moors and at the same time secure the continuing protection of wild birds.
Our work is informed by the collection and analysis of data about different aspects of the natural heritage and the trends affecting it. During the year we completed two major exercises: a forty-year study of land cover change through the National Countryside Monitoring Scheme and an inventory of our landscape resource through our Landscape Character Assessment Programme. These and many other major inventories and assessments have been placed within modern, spatially Early in the year we had agreement from our referenced databanks to make them accessible Minister, Lord Sewel, for a new set of High Level to interested parties. Indicators to guide our work and to enable Ministers and their officials and the wider public We continued to provide practical support for to scrutinise our performance. Along with the 7 projects which improve access and the High Level Indicators, 17 associated understanding of our countryside: the performance measures were agreed, and for development of new footpaths and the repair each of those targets were set. I am particularly and maintenance of existing ones, the provision pleased to report the progress that we made of financial support for Ranger services and the during the year on each of these targets. In production of a wide variety of environmental summary, 5 targets were exceeded, 7 targets education materials. were met in full, and 4 were substantially achieved. The outcome on one (SSSIs notified to As in previous years, the largest single element support the Natura 2000 programme) was well of our activity relates to the identification of, below target primarily because the pre- consultation on and advice for the management notification consultation with individuals of areas of special natural heritage significance:
vi sites for classification under European Directives as well as SSSIs and NSAs. Despite the difficulties Category Within Standards Natural Standards of this work and the lack of user friendliness of Information & some of the underlying statutes, we were Advice 63,943 97% nevertheless able to make substantial progress Consultations 1,683 94% particularly in delivering Government’s obligations under European Directives. This is a Grants 428 90% great tribute to our staff, with support of our Publications 5,261 97% Areas Board Members and owners and managers Licences 641 96% in sites, in fostering good working relationships. The opportunity to comment publicly for the Permits 262 64% first time on the need for fundamental changes Management in these systems for the benefit of people and for Agreements 49 87% nature marked a watershed which we hope will Objections to SSSI be translated into policy and legislative changes notification 8 100% in due course. A substantial volume of case work was undertaken by staff during the year and, as has been the case since the establishment of SNH, we were able to consent the vast majority of requests for change on SSSIs, objecting to only 5% and with damage to only 0.015% (139 reorganised into a more co-ordinated and hectares) of SSSIs recorded. integrated structure. We established a small National Strategy group to provide guidance for The Government signalled its intent for more use within SNH and advice to others. We created openness and accountability. SNH continued its a Chief Scientist’s Unit to strengthen our substantial and diverse publication and public scientific base and we reduced the number of information programme. For the first time we Directors from eight to four. Alongside these provided information on the outcome of our structural changes we implemented new main and Areas Board meetings for use by the procedures and practices to improve co- media. Performance on our standards - Natural operation within SNH, to streamline decision- Standards - in the year was maintained at a high making, to place greater responsibility down the level. We received a total of 72,275 contacts and management chain. By the year end, substantial overall we met our required standards more than progress had been made. 96% of the time. Our performance for each of our Natural Standards categories is set out below. I should like to make special acknowledgement to all those who have contributed to our work Following a review of our structure and decision- and to our achievements during the year: our making practices we put in hand from April 1997 partners, our Board Members and, especially, our Organisational Development Programme. our staff. The internal changes we have made We changed our structure substantially: within the organisation have undoubtedly removing the old regional tier and establishing placed additional stresses on staff and yet they eleven Area teams with greater delegated have maintained their commitment and helped authority to put into effect our local work. The the organisation to meet most of the testing technical support for these teams was also targets which have been set for it.
Roger Crofts Chief Executive Scottish Natural Heritage
vii Our achievements against key targets agreed with The Scottish Office Annual Measure 1997/98 Target Achievement Objective 1. Protect the natural heritage through appropriate management of Special Areas Undertaking local 20 consultation reports Target substantially achieved. consultations on pSPA and submitted to The 19 consultation reports submitted to The Scottish Ramsar sites. Scottish Office. Office.
Informing owners and 270 Site Management Target exceeded. occupiers of the interests and Statements prepared for 278 Site Management Statements prepared. management needs of sites. biological and earth science sites.
Designating sites on behalf of 25 SSSIs notified in Target not achieved due to changed circumstances. Government. support of Natura 2000. 12 SSSIs notified represents a satisfactory achievement.
Objective 2. Maintain, and where appropriate, enhance the diversity of Scotland’s habitats, species and landscapes Production and 33 new plans drafted On target. implementation of action and 33 action plans in 32 new plans complete, 5 in preparation, and 28 plans for habitats and species. implementation phase. action plans in implementation phase.
Working with partners to 4 pilot plans On target. develop and implement Local implemented. 4 pilot plans implemented. Guidance from Phase I Biodiversity Action Plans. LBAP project published, Phase II in progress.
Compiling the Landscape Complete all Scotland On target. Character Assessment of coverage and publish 10 All area studies complete apart from guidance for Scotland. reports. Strathclyde. Digitised map and spreadsheet 70% complete, final studies to be added in Q1 of 98/99. 10 reports published.
Objective 3. Promote responsible access to the natural heritage and improve opportunities for public enjoyment Improving the provision of 40 projects initiated, 10 Target exceeded. paths. access officers grant- 60 projects complete, 53 projects ongoing, 8 access aided, and 550 km of officers grant-aided and maintenance of 550 km of Long Distance Route Long Distance Route under way. maintained.
Promoting responsible access 25 national Target exceeded. organisations endorsing 25 organisations endorse Access Concordat and 20% users aware of principles. Between 36% and 56% of users in 4 Access Concordat surveys aware of Concordat. principles.
Objective 4. Improve understanding of the natural heritage and foster positive action by individuals, communities and organisations Improving environmental Support 60 school Target exceeded. education in schools. grounds projects. Grant awarded for 121 school grounds projects.
Improving public Secure employment of Target substantially achieved. understanding through 300 rangers through 90 Grant awarded for the equivalent of 262 full-time support to Ranger Services. Ranger Services. posts in 72 Ranger Services under revised agreements.
Objective 5. Develop and promote coherent strategies for the natural heritage, its use and enjoyment Implement a new zonal Prospectuses for 3 On target. framework. zones developed. Key features revised, analysis of trends in all 3 zones completed. Overhaul of data structure and text completed.
Make input into Local 24 plans anticipated. Target exceeded. Authority plans. 74 plans commented on.
viii Annual Measure 1997/98 Target Achievement Objective 6. Develop and advise others on policies and practices promoting sustainable use of the natural heritage Promote awareness of Key person seminar; Target substantially achieved. economic benefit from the publish employment Publication of Jobs and the Natural Heritage environment. and environment progressed. Natura 2000 research project begun material. with SNH on steering group. Seminar replaced with publication launch to be held in May 1998.
Deliver demonstration Area Sustainability On target. projects with partners. Strategy initiated; Area Sustainability Strategies team in place. Garros agricultural and Crofting Project and Glencassley Farm Project conservation complete; continuing management of Ross-shire demonstration projects. Farms Project and Skerry Crofting Project.
Objective 7. Manage SNH effectively and efficiently Achieve Investors in People Instigate programme to On Target. status. prepare for trial 2 meetings of IiP Steering Group held. Work on assessment in 1998. staff diagnostic review being taken forward.
Customer contacts to meet Meet standards in 100% Target substantially achieved. Natural Standards. of contacts. We would not expect to reach 100% – standards were met on 96% of occasions.
Reduce running costs. 1% cumulative annual On target. reduction in spending 3% annual reduction (in real terms) on running (real terms) on running costs achieved. costs.
ix The European beaver has been extinct in the British Isles since at least the 16th century. We have now conducted studies which suggest that we could bring the beaver back to Scotland, without any habitat restoration, and that Scotland could eventually support a pop- ulation of up to 1,000 animals in the wild. In March we launched a major public con- sultation to find out whether or not the people of Scotland would support the reintroduc- tion of the European beaver, and whether or not they would support a re-introduction pro- gramme beginning in the next three years.
The public consultation will conclude in summer 1998. Depending on the outcome of the consultation we shall decide whether or not to seek approval from the Government to proceed with the re-introduc- tion of the European beaver to Scotland. 1: Maintaining and Enhancing Diversity
Our aim is to maintain and enhance the richness and diversity of Scotland’s natural heritage. Under this programme we carry out surveys and inventories and species protection. In 1997/98 our programme expenditure on this work was £2.4m.
Key Achievements: Natural Heritage Zones • We began to develop our Natural During the year work began on the development of our Natural Heritage Zones Programme. Heritage Zones (NHZ) Programme: a strategic programme for • We initiated four pilot Local identifying objectives and taking action on our own and with Biodiversity Action Plans. partners. We used information on biogeographical and landscape character to identify 21 Zones which reflect the diversity of Scotland’s • We contributed to the drafting of unique natural heritage. By September 2000 we shall have analysed 25 Habitat Action Plans, including the characteristic natural heritage features which distinguish each 6 for marine habitats. Zone from other parts of Scotland; we shall have examined the • We completed the final phase of pressures and trends which affect those features and set out a vision the National Countryside and plan of action founded on sustainable development principles. Monitoring Scheme. The plan of action will be developed in dialogue with partner • We published 10 Landscape organisations and others involved in the management of the natural Character Assessments. heritage. • We released 10 sea eagles and 18 red kites at sites in Scotland in The main focus of NHZ work during 1997/98 has been on laying the collaboration with the RSPB. foundations for the work which is to follow – determining policy, briefing staff, gathering supporting information and providing • We issued 713 licences. national datasets and policy statements in a form which can be • We launched a major consultation applied at a zonal level. By the year end, work was well advanced on to gauge support for the producing a series of National Assessments which will bring together reintroduction of the European all the information currently available to SNH on different elements beaver. of the natural heritage.
To test the NHZ approach and how it might best be applied, three of the 21 Zones were selected as pilots: Shetland, the Cairngorm massif and West Argyll. Area staff in each of these Zones analysed the key features, the extent to which they are subject to change and the underlying trends behind any changes. These analyses will be combined with National Assessment information to produce a summary prospectus document which sets out the range of objectives for discussion with partner bodies.
Biodiversity Biodiversity is a sign of good health in the natural environment. We continued to play a full part in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) process, and contributed to the UK Biodiversity Group and the Scottish Biodiversity Group and their various sub-groups.
With The Scottish Office and the RSPB, SNH is funding and steering a project to set up and carry out Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs). Four pilot LBAPs were initiated covering Orkney, North East Scotland (Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen), Argyll & Bute and South Lanarkshire. In addition, we produced a detailed guidance manual explaining how to start an LBAP; held a national seminar in
1 association with COSLA to emphasise to local after the natural heritage. We are undertaking an authority staff the importance and benefits of LBAPs; environmental audit programme to ensure that we ran several seminars and produced leaflets in the pilot understand the challenges properly and can take the areas themselves; and produced draft audits of best action to protect and enhance Scotland’s natural habitats and species, and action plans for each of the heritage. pilot areas. A project officer was appointed to support the implementation of the pilot area LBAPs, and to We completed the final phase of the National promote the setting up of LBAPs in new areas. Countryside Monitoring Scheme (NCMS), detailing the changes in land cover between the late 1940s, late In its report in 1995 the UK Biodiversity Steering 1970s and late 1980s. The completed work represents Group identified a range of habitats for which Habitat a major advance in understanding the varied character Action Plans were required. In 1997/98 we of Scotland’s countryside and the effects of changing contributed to the implementation groups dealing land management in the latter half of the twentieth with the 13 habitats which occur in Scotland. century.
We contributed to the drafting of 19 further plans for We piloted a CD-ROM for the electronic five coastal, two freshwater, four upland, four dissemination of NCMS outputs and developed the grassland and four woodland habitats. We also scheme’s statistical design to enable land cover change contributed to the identification of a range of marine estimates to be tailored to the needs of users. We habitats requiring action plans under the BAP process. published two packs of teaching materials and posters We managed and funded the production of plans for on land cover and land cover change and distributed six marine habitats. them to secondary schools throughout Scotland.
We prepared proposals to seek financial support for We completed our studies of landscape character, our work on key habitats which are found forces for change and guidelines for managing predominantly in Scotland (more than 70% of the UK change in each of the 30 study areas in our Landscape resource). These habitats include native pine woods, Character Assessment of Scotland programme, the upland heath, blanket bog, raised bog, machair, sand outputs of which we will publish in 28 reports. This dune and a number of rare marine habitats. year we published 10 reports to add to the 8 published in 1996/97. SNH is represented on the Public Awareness, Information and Education Sub-Group of the Scottish During the year we began to build a national Biodiversity Group. In 1997/98 we contributed to the landscape character database and commissioned map Sub-Group’s publications including: Biodiversity in a digitisation for all the individual studies. This database Nutshell and Biodiversity for All - a Toolkit, a package of will be completed in 1998/99 for use in our Area information and educational materials to help school offices. groups and others to undertake projects on biodiversity; and Biodiversity In Scotland - The Way Environmental indicators can provide a means of Forward, which was launched by Lord Sewel at a quantifying, simplifying and communicating reception in Edinburgh Castle. information on environmental trends. They have a key role to play in reporting on the state of the natural We are supporting the development of the National heritage. We made progress towards the Biodiversity Network (NBN). The NBN will link local development of natural heritage indicators through and national data centres across the UK and improve commissioned research. A set of example indicators access to their information. We computerised around across a range of natural heritage issues was compiled 70,000 of our species records in three Area offices. including, for example, two indicators relating to With 50% funding from SNH, a Scottish Co-ordinator maritime issues: the proportion of coastline under for Local Records Centres (LRCs) was appointed. A integrated management, and the number of seabirds Service Level Agreement was secured with Fife Nature breeding in Scotland. A report on approaches to to provide us with data over two years. We worked indicator development was also commissioned, with local partnerships to fill gaps in the geographical together with a set of trend indicators based on bird coverage of LRCs and supported the establishment of data. These key outputs will assist us in defining a suite new LRCs for Orkney, Shetland and Grampian. of natural heritage indicators for Scotland.
We contributed to national initiatives by taking part in The State of the Natural Heritage working groups established by the Department of the SNH and other organisations gather and record a Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) to great deal of information about the state of the identify Sustainable Development Indicators for the environment. Our aim is to use that information to UK. This will form part of the Sustainable develop a more integrated approach towards looking Development Strategy for the UK. With SNH
2 involvement, a Scottish group, chaired by the Scottish input into the consideration of the effectiveness of Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), is preparing management techniques for geese in Scotland. a report on potential environmental performance indicators for Scotland. These initiatives are scheduled We continued our programme of goose population for completion in 1998/99. viability analyses (pva) which help to inform the work of the NGF. We completed a computer model the exchange of individual geese in overwintering Species Action Programme barnacle and Greenland white-fronted geese Our Species Action Programme focuses on plans populations. This model allows us to predict likely which promote the well-being of our native wildlife. changes in the distribution and abundance of We added the freshwater pearl mussel, the slender Greenland goose populations in different parts of Scotch burnet moth, the green shield-moss and the their wintering range. white stalk puffball to the Action Programme, bringing to 28 the number of species included. We continued the three goose management schemes in operation in the Solway Firth, on Islay and on South In partnership with RSPB, another ten sea eagles were Walls in Orkney. Each scheme is tailored to the needs released to the wild in the penultimate year of this of the location, the farmers and the geese. On South phase of the project. Between 13 and 15 pairs are now Walls, for example, geese are encouraged to use established in the wild, and nine young were fledged defined refuge areas which are subject to enhanced re- from Scottish nests, equalling the previous record in seeding and fertilisation. On South Walls £11,664 was 1996. Similarly, the re-established population of red spent on goose management agreements. On Islay kites in northern Scotland continued to expand, with (between October 1997 and May 1998) we spent 23 pairs producing 39 young. Another 18 red kites £243,770 on agreements to protect around 32,000 were released at the central Scotland site in the second barnacle geese and 12,700 Greenland white-fronted year of this release programme, again in partnership geese from disturbance and shooting. In the Solway with RSPB. area £78,291 was spent on goose management agreements. Not all re-introductions are concerned with such highly visible ‘flagship’ species. Further efforts were made to re-establish populations of vendace, our Licensing rarest freshwater fish, in two lochs in south-west SNH has a statutory role in issuing licences under the Scotland, using fry from the two surviving Lake District Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Protection of populations. We also undertook, in collaboration with Badgers Act 1992 and the Conservation (Natural Plantlife, re-introductions of pillwort, a tiny aquatic Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994. In 1997/98 we fern-relative, to the muddy trampled margins of completed a new Licensing Database, which will lochans on Rum, in Perthshire, and by Duddingston provide a more efficient automated system for Loch in Edinburgh. Finally, an experimental producing licences and reports. re–introduction of yellow marsh saxifrage was made to a site in Grampian from which the species had been Licences enable people with a variety of interests to lost. carry out conservation work which increases our understanding of, and contributes to the protection of, our natural heritage and protected species. We issued Geese 713 licences for purposes such as science, research, The Government established the National Goose conservation, ringing and photography. We also took Forum (NGF) in the summer of 1997 to advise part in advisory visits to more than 20 sites involving Ministers on the way ahead for goose management in roads, houses, forestry and other developments. Scotland. SNH is a member of the Forum and provides its secretariat. We have contributed to a number of We initiated Operation Necklace – a high-profile aspects of the work of the NGF including the project aimed at drawing attention to the plight of the preparation of the outline of a national policy freshwater pearl mussel. This successful event, framework for the management of geese and designed to promote awareness and enforcement, agriculture; a review of the methodology on which involved SNH staff, Police Wildlife Liaison Officers, population viability analyses are based; a contribution landowners and water bailiffs at sites in Speyside and to a review of research on geese and agriculture; and Tayside.
3 Since 1957 the island of Rum has been in public ownership and ductivity of the island through the restoration of its woodlands. The managed as a National Nature Reserve (NNR). Our vision for tree, an oak, symbolised Rum’s revived ability to support the more Rum is that it should not only be biologically more diverse and pro- demanding species. ductive, but that it should also have the potential to sustain a larger human community than can be accommodated today, without Celebrations continued throughout the year, including a special compromising the island’s natural environment. ‘Rum Dubh’ family open day at our Battleby Centre, which attract- ed more than 1,000 visitors; and the launch of a new book Rum: Before 1957, Rum was known as the ‘forbidden island’. Since then Nature’s Island by our chairman, Magnus Magnusson. it has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors. It is our intention that Rum will continue to play a vital role in the local economy.
In April 1997, exactly 40 years after Rum became a NNR, Peter Wormell, the island’s first Reserve Warden, planted a ‘millionth tree’ to commemorate the work done to restore the biological pro-
4 2: Protecting and Managing Special Natural Heritage Sites
Our aim is to maintain a network of designated natural heritage sites and to secure their protection in partnership with those who own and manage them. There are four main strands to this work: the implementation of European Union Directives on Habitats and on Wild Birds; the designation and maintenance of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs); the cost-effective management of National Nature Reserves (NNRs); and the protection of Scotland’s landscapes via National Scenic Areas (NSAs). To that end we spent a total of £10.5m in 1997/98.
Key Achievements: Natura 2000 • We submitted 25 scientific cases Natura 2000 is the name given to the programme of work to The Scottish Office setting out linked to the European Union Directives on Habitats and on proposals for SPAs. Wild Birds, to secure the protection of a network of natural • We carried out consultations on heritage sites of European importance ( Special Areas of 19 pSPAs and 31 pSACs on behalf Conservation (SAC) for habitats and species, and Special of The Scottish Office. Protection Areas (SPA) for birds. Implementation of the Birds • We completed 34 research and Habitats Directives on behalf of the Government is a high projects relating to the Natura priority for SNH, and is a contribution towards the targets for 2000 programme. action on biodiversity within the UK. • We maintained a network of 1442 On behalf of The Scottish Office we carried out consultation SSSIs. on 19 proposed SPAs (pSPAs) and 31 proposed SACs • We wrote 99 Management (pSACs). Of the pSACs, 19 were new sites covering a range of Statements for Earth Science SSSIs interests including the first of the river sites. The remaining and 179 for Biological SSSIs. pSACs involved either extensions to existing sites, for • We checked 279 Management example Caithness peatlands, or the notification of additional Agreements. interests to existing sites, such as Vertigo snails at Tulach Hill and Glen Fender Meadows, Perthshire. • We responded to 366 Notices of Intent for SSSIs. We completed 34 research projects relating to the Natura • We commented on 221 planning 2000 programme. These ranged from the continuation of our proposals which might adversely inventory work on habitats, such as pinewoods and uplands, affect NSAs. to the specific management needs of individual species, such as slender naiad and freshwater pearl mussel. The results of many of these surveys have now been entered onto our Geographic Information Systems.
We continued our programme of initiatives supported by European LIFE funding. The year saw the completion of the Upland Grazing Project which was a partnership with the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (ITE) and the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute (MLURI). Detailed grazing plans were produced for each of four sites and the lessons learned at these sites enabled the NTS to produce a general upland grazing manual with our support. All the partners contributed to a successful workshop in the autumn. Work progressed on the marine LIFE programme involving five areas from the Solway to Papa Stour in Shetland (see Programme 6).
5 With the help of other organisations, we 18 proposals in which we considered that the developed training courses on biodiversity with potential impact on the natural heritage was likely colleagues in SOAEFD (see Programme 5), and in to be significant. corncrake management with SOAEFD and the RSPB. The first of these began in February 1998. SNH is placing increasing emphasis on the positive management of SSSIs. For the past six We also submitted 25 scientific cases to The years we have run a special Peatland Management Scottish Office setting out proposals for SPAs Scheme in the Flow Country of Caithness and under the EC Birds Directive. We helped to Sutherland which has proved successful in prepare a published document which set out the reducing loss and damage to peatland SSSIs. rationale for selection of SACs in the UK. During 1997/98 we secured 32 new agreements, covering an additional 17,437 ha.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest We need to monitor the condition of our SSSIs to Sites of Special Scientific Interest are special for ensure that we are securing their protection and their plants, animals, habitats, landforms or improvement. An agreement between the nature geological features. Sites are designated conservation agencies in Scotland, England and following careful selection based on scientific Wales was reached on common standards for Site survey. The designation of SSSI affords legal Condition Monitoring (SCM). In 1997/98 a protection to a site for its features of special framework for piloting SCM was established, scientific interest. Good stewardship of the SSSIs through three initiatives: the development of a by land owners and occupiers, and other project plan by the Monitoring Steering Group; interested parties safeguards the interests of the the provision of awareness training for some 160 site. SNH staff; and the development of guidance on setting objectives for selected habitat and species. We prepared 278 Site Management Statements (99 for earth science sites and 179 for biological We also completed a commissioned research sites) to inform owners and occupiers of how project to develop criteria and indicators for best to ensure the integrity of the sites and to monitoring the geomorphological interests of our promote good stewardship. Priority is given to SSSIs, and we commissioned a new study to the production of site management agreements evaluate indicators for monitoring soils. for those SSSIs which are also Natura 2000 sites. We continued to have close contact with those During the course of the year site condition who manage the sites, and dealt with a range of monitoring revealed that 22 sites had been management and casework issues. damaged, of which 7 are likely to recover within three years, 11 in more than three years, and 3 are By law, SNH must be advised of any proposed unlikely to recover. It is unknown whether or not changes of land use on SSSIs so that we may the remaining damaged site will recover. In total, consider the implications of such proposals. The some 139 ha and 9,250 m of linear features were formal mechanism for this is a Notice of Intent; damaged. SNH responded to 366 Notices of Intent during 1997/98. National Nature Reserves A Management Agreement is one means of SNH is responsible for the establishment, maintaining an SSSI’s interest; we made 18 maintenance and management of National Nature Management Agreements in 1997/98. Each year Reserves (NNRs). There are 70 NNRs in Scotland. we carry out checks on a substantial number of The NNR designation aims to manage land Management Agreements to ensure that owners specifically for nature conservation in the long and managers of land are complying with the term, while providing opportunities to increase terms specified in them; areas covered by larger public understanding and enjoyment of the agreements are checked annually, while smaller natural heritage. agreements are checked at least once every three years. In 1997/98 we checked 70 larger and 209 During 1997/98 we carried out checks on the smaller agreements. integrity of all NNRs (108 visits) and monitored our Nature Reserve Agreements to ensure that the We responded formally to 353 consultations with reserves were being properly managed. In the local planning authorities about proposed second half of 1997/98, following the planning developments on SSSIs. For most we Government’s approval of our policy on NNRs, we were able to give advice on improvements and set out assessment criteria for all NNRs against made suggestions on how to avoid damage to the which we shall be carrying out assessments of all natural heritage. We made formal objections to sites during 1998/99.
6 We constructed a new visitor centre, complete character of the landscape. There were only a with an environmental education classroom, few cases (31) in which SNH maintained an at the Sands of Forvie NNR, part-funded by a outright objection; in most of them we were generous bequest. We purchased Kirkconnel able to suggest improvements or conditions Flow NNR, where we aim to improve the which would allow the proposed natural heritage interest of the site (a mire) development to proceed in a more through a programme of tree removal. sympathetic manner.
In its response to the Natural Heritage National Scenic Areas Designations Review, the Government National Scenic Area (NSA) is the national confirmed the need to protect our most statutory designation for landscapes. Scotland important landscapes through the NSA has 40 NSAs at present, which cover about designation. It asked SNH to look again at the 13% of the land and which play a crucial role NSA, with a view to recommending ways in in identifying and protecting valued areas of which this designation might operate more natural beauty. effectively in future, and also how it might better represent landscape types other than We continued to liaise with local authorities those found in the mountainous and coastal and other partners in responding to statutory landscapes of the north and west. This review consultations about proposed development in will consider links with other scenic NSAs. Through the Town and Country designations, such as the long-standing Area Planning system we commented on 221 of Great Landscape Value; the relationship development proposals which might adversely between the NSA and the evolving National affect the landscape in NSAs. Our intention is Parks debate will also be explored. The results not to prevent new development but to try to of the Landscape Character Assessment, ensure that it is designed, sited and managed mentioned in Programme 1, will provide a in a way that complements and enriches the supporting contribution to this review.
7 In September 1997 a new chapter began in one of our longest-running debates when the Secretary of State announced a new top-tier des- ignation for Scotland: the National Park. It also heralded new activities for SNH.
National Parks will integrate economic and social develop- ment with land management and natural heritage protec- tion. The Government conclud- ed that the creation of National Parks is the correct way for- ward for Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, quite probably for the Cairngorms, and possibly for a few other areas.
We were asked prepare propos- als for National Parks in Scotland with the help of public consultations. We embarked on a preliminary consultation in February 1998 when we dis- tributed some 15,000 copies of our ‘Invitation to Contribute’. It posed seven key questions about National Parks: what should they be for, in what way should they benefit local peo- ple, how will they affect the sur- rounding areas, and how should they be selected, funded, demarcated and adminis- tered? We also commissioned several independent studies, and sought the views of local interests in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the Cairngorms. The consultation will begin in earnest in September 1998 when we issue a consultation document which draws on all the knowledge and under- standing gained throughout the year.
8 3: Integrated Management of Key Areas
Our aim is to contribute to the integrated management of two key areas of special national importance for the natural heritage and its enjoyment: Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the Cairngorms. For these areas the Secretary of State for Scotland has established special management frameworks so that conservation, recreation and other land uses can be better balanced through partnership working. Our work here represented an expenditure of £3.1m.
Key Achievements: National Parks • We began to consult widely on In September 1997 the Secretary of State announced that the establishment of National Scotland should have a new top-tier designation of ‘National Parks. Park’, and identified Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs possibly, the Cairngorms as the first candidates for this • We provided funding for the Loch accolade. We were asked to undertake a public consultation Lomond Park Authority. in order to develop recommendations for possible legislation on National Parks by the Scottish Parliament (we report on • We supported the development of our work under Programme 10). two new visitor centres. • We continued to support a water- In February 1998 we produced a leaflet inviting contributions borne ranger service. to the consultation process. Some 15,000 copies of the leaflet Cairngorms were distributed to local authorities, community councils, government bodies and other interested organisations and • We supported and grant-aided the individuals. We commissioned four research reviews to help Cairngorms Partnership. us to develop our thinking, and began an intensive round of • We worked with the Cairngorm meetings and events with other interested organisations. Our Chairlift Company, Highland aim has been to listen to, and learn from, others before we Council and Highlands & Islands formulate proposals for National Parks, which will be put out Enterprise to implement a to formal consultation later in 1998. We shall deliver our Section 50 Agreement for the advice to the Government at the end of 1998. development of the Cairngorms Funicular. • We supported 13 countryside Loch Lomond & the Trossachs ranger services. We continued to discuss interim arrangements for the • We carried out repairs to 4 upland management of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs with the and 2 lowland footpaths. new unitary councils, in anticipation of the proposed National Park. We continued to provide funding and advice • We supported a programme of to the Loch Lomond Park Authority and equivalent services in work at Mar Lodge through a the Trossachs. Management Agreement. The Loch Lomond Park Authority maintained its ranger and visitor services and developed proposals for new visitor management projects, such as the Drumkinnon Bay project. It continued its operation of the water-borne ranger service which operates with the authority of local bylaws. The service received the encouraging response that most users accept these bylaws.
SNH chairman, Magnus Magnusson, opened a new visitor centre at Balmaha in May. The centre has proved popular, and visitor numbers are around the levels forecast. Landing and picnic facilities were improved on the island of
9 Inchcailloch, close to Balmaha and within the put into providing information for this review. Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, in The decision on the Judicial Review is not preparation for increased visitor numbers as expected until later in 1998. people are drawn across from the nearby visitor centre. At the same time, however, we worked with the Cairngorm Chairlift Company, the Highland We continued to support the Trossachs Trail Council, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to partnership and to work with Stirling Council to agree the specifications for a baseline study and improve ranger services, including the monitoring programme, as required by the appointment of an Access Officer. The legally binding Section 50 agreement agreed construction of the Trossachs Discovery Centre early in 1997; this was a condition of the at Aberfoyle was completed. granting of planning permission for the development of the funicular railway. The Several investigative projects were completed twelve month study was begun by the Company during the year. Upland footpaths were in September 1997. surveyed and the use of Loch Lomond by recreational craft was studied to identify their In September we initiated, and developed with impacts. An aerial photographic survey was partners, a major survey into the recreational use carried out and the images are now being of the Cairngorms area. This work, which is due digitised. for completion in September 1998, will enable us to improve the management of the Together with the Loch Lomond Park Authority, Cairngorms for the enjoyment of all. we helped the Friends of Loch Lomond to survey the loch’s islands. These surveys We worked with our partners by providing identified the need for management advice and funding for many community prescriptions for archaeological sites which have projects, including the Nethy Bridge Local a bearing on the natural heritage of the islands, Interpretive Project. The project developed a and provided information on the true extent of footpath network, which was launched by crannogs, many of which are submerged and Magnus Magnusson in July, produced a may be hazardous to boaters. interpretive walks leaflet and identified a site for an interpretation and orientation centre. Other work included studies of sand and shingle movement within Loch Lomond and of Countryside rangers play an important role the recreational impacts in the Trossachs. Both Cairngorms, helping all sections of the studies will help to improve our understanding community to understand the natural heritage of and management of erosion. the area. We provided substantial financial support (approximately £250,000) for 13 ranger services in the Cairngorms area, and we advised The Cairngorms them on the development of their work The Cairngorm Mountains are unique in Britain, programmes to ensure a consistent and co- and internationally important for the scale of the ordinated approach across the Cairngorms. montane plateau, for the extent of the remnant Caledonian pine forest, for their upland and We carried out upland footpath repairs at Creag woodland plant and animal communities, and a Chalamein, Northern Corries, Bachnagairn and for the dramatic landforms which record the Allt Ruadh, and worked on a programme of Earth’s recent history. The area offers a wealth of lowland footpath repairs on the Muir of Dinnet opportunities for outdoor recreation in a NNR and Craigellachie NNR, where there is now magnificent landscape. We continued to play an an all-abilities trail. active role as a member of the Cairngorms Partnership in 1997/98. An important part of our A Cairngorms Monitoring Programme is being work was the core funding of £390,000 to the designed to detect and report on changes in the Cairngorms Partnership. natural heritage of the Cairngorms. The results will be used to improve the management of land An action for Judicial Review was taken against uses in the area. A significant amount of pilot SNH, the Highland Council and The Scottish work has been undertaken, in order to highlight Office in the Court of Session. This challenged any changes or adjustments which will be decisions in relation to the setting of boundaries necessary before starting the five-year for the Cairngorms European (Natura 2000) Sites monitoring programme. and the planning processes undergone in relation to the funicular development. During We made progress in the development of an the year much time and effort by SNH staff was inventory of the datasets available within the
10 Cairngorms Partnership area. For example, we the landscape; and the restoration of the River collected data on geomorphologically sensitive Dee flood plain. areas, walking routes and upland footpath conditions and digitally captured these data on a We supported and co-funded a partnership Geographical Information System (GIS). This initiative to undertake a survey of the Angus information will assist us in prioritising footpath Glens to find out if expansion of the birch restoration projects. In August we completed woodlands would enrich the ecology and our aerial photographic survey of the whole of landscape value of the Glens. the Cairngorms core zone. A feasibility study was carried out to establish At Mar Lodge we gave financial support and the demand, the target audiences and the media advice for a substantial programme of work options for the production of a Cairngorms through a Management Agreement which Educational Resource for schools and Further included: the experimental restoration of Education. A costed implementation plan was ground damaged by a high altitude vehicle track; produced and the Resource will be produced by two footpath repair projects; the reduction of SNH in 1998/99. We also provided advice and red deer numbers to allow natural regeneration financial support for the development of a of native woodlands; the restructuring of Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan (see planted conifer blocks to soften their effect on Programme 1).
11 Every garden, no matter how small, forms part of a network covering thousands of acres of Scotland and so, as gardeners, we all manage a part of the environment. Our Plant for Wildlife campaign encourages gardeners to help wildlife by careful planting and the creation of miniature habitats.
The campaign has been promoted widely through participat- ing garden centres, on television, at national and local shows and now at a show house: the Beazer Homes Show House Garden is based on the winning design from a Plant for Wildlife competition held in summer 1997.
12 4: Environmental Education and Public Relations
Our aim is to promote the understanding of Scotland’s natural heritage and to inform and influence others to take positive action to benefit it. We work with partners to improve the quality of environmental education in Scotland, increase community involvement in the natural heritage and maximise the use of the media in communicating to a wider audience. Our expenditure in these areas was £2.4m. Key Achievements: Community Involvement • We promoted our Plant for We continued to support and develop a range of community Wildlife campaign at 25 garden initiatives with training courses, grants and national centres across Scotland. programmes of work such as our Plant for Wildlife campaign • We gave 146 press briefings and and the promotion of Community Chests. achieved favourable press coverage with 921 articles. In partnership with a number of other organisations we produced a handbook and training package designed to help • We produced 95 SNH communities to develop and use their own sustainability publications. indicators. It will be launched in 1998/99. • We led and co-ordinated Scottish Geology Week. Eight Environmental Youth Work training courses • We awarded 40 national grants for encouraged youth workers to take on an environmental environmental education. education role. The courses were supported by a manual to • We supported the development of help the tutors to disseminate the course to other youth 39 School Grounds Resource workers throughout Scotland. We completed research on the Boxes and helped 121 schools to attitudes of Scottish teenagers to the natural heritage; the develop their grounds. findings will be published in 1998/99.
• We held 6 open days at our Over recent years SNH has helped to provide and promote Battleby Centre. resource chests – imaginative collections of educational • We signed an accord with the materials such as books, audio tapes and videos – backed up Scottish Museums Council to with training for the volunteers and professionals who use encourage co-operation on them. In 1997/98 we produced a directory listing the location environmental education of each of the Community Chests and of the person activities. responsible for them. We also commissioned a study to review how, when and by whom the chests are being used and to evaluate their use.
We continued to develop our Plant for Wildlife campaign (PfW), which promotes plants which are attractive both to wildlife and to people. Three new plant packages were made available in 25 participating garden centres across Scotland, and we contributed to six programme slots on BBC Television’s Beechgrove Garden. In addition some 40,000 leaflets were distributed. With support from the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the RSPB we attended Scotland’s Ideal Home and Garden Show and Scotland’s National Gardening Show, where we wone the ‘Best Petit Jardin’ award, and displayed a garden designed for butterflies. SNH staff promoted the PfW project at four local shows and gave more than 30 talks.
13 Information, Advice and Promotion reviews, and produced leaflets and posters We are committed to the principle of open about places such as Endrick Valley, the Minch, government and are looking for ways in which Flanders Moss and Loch Maddy and about SNH can become a more open organisation. We Scotland’s special places. already have a proactive approach to the provision of information; we publish all our Overall, the year saw an increase in public research reports and, in addition, we issue a relations activities. We promoted SNH locally by range of leaflets and popular advisory attending 53 agricultural shows and fairs information to keep people aware of what we throughout Scotland. At the Royal Highland are doing and why. We developed and began to Show we launched a handbook for arable put into practice a new press and public farmers as part of our TIBRE (Targeted Inputs for relations strategy whose purpose is to increase a Better Rural Environment) initiative (see our openness and accessibility. In order to make Programme 5), and mounted an exhibition our decision–making processes more open to about different types of land use. More than the public we began to prepare and release 2,000 children tried out our Country Code trail to press briefings about each of our Board win posters and pencils. In 1997 we celebrated meetings. These were welcomed by the media. the 40th anniversary of the acquisition of the We made good progress in preparing for the island of Rum as a National Nature Reserve (see launch of an SNH website, to ‘go live’ early in Programme 2). 1998/99. We continued to work with colleagues in the Countryside Council for Wales and We also led and co-ordinated national events English Nature on protocols to operate under such as Scottish Geology Week, a programme of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), events sponsored by Amerada Hess and particularly in relation to the release of data. Chevron Oil, designed to promote the geological During the year we responded to more than wonders of Scotland. More than a hundred 20,000 enquiries for environmental information walks, talks, lectures and displays were held from the public. There were no cases in which during the week to explain Scotland’s world we had to refuse access to information under class heritage of rocks, fossils and landforms for the EIR. the benefit of people of all ages.
We believe it is important for the public to have We supported several environmental awards, access to us. During a visit to Islay we hosted a including Nature’s Prize, the Tourism Thistle reception for community representatives and Awards, the Environmental Regeneration Awards, held an Extraordinary Board Meeting which was the Crofting Township Award, an award at the open to the media, and as part of our policy National Mod, Community Corner and Nature on development (for example in relation to access, Glasgow’s Doorstep (the Glasgow Rosebowl National Parks and the European beaver) we Competition). SNH grant-aid is used to support have held extensive public consultations. the environmental elements of the Grizzly Challenge awards (for 14–18 year olds) and Gruff We achieved favourable press coverage in 921 Kids (for 10–14 year olds), sponsored by BP and articles and gave 146 press briefings. In Youth Clubs, Scotland. particular, we earned excellent press coverage for our campaigns on the protection of the Environmental Education freshwater pearl mussel, on biodiversity in Scotland and on the natural heritage of crofting. Environmental education plays a key role in nurturing a sense of personal responsibility for Over the year we published 95 titles ranging the natural heritage. By supporting from the ever-popular general interest booklets, environmental education, both in formal such as and education (schools and colleges) and in Badgers, Red Squirrels, Machair, Firths recreational settings (sites, visitor centres and the geology of Arran and the Clyde Islands, to our policy and technical reports. We produced two museums), we can encourage people of all ages to appreciate and care for Scotland’s natural issues of our magazine, Scotland’s Natural Heritage. Consultation papers and invitations to comment heritage. on topical issues form an important part of our publishing output. During 1997/98 we Through our programme of national grants for published supporting material for consultations environmental education we supported diverse on, for example, access, national parks and the projects, ranging from the funding for around possible re-introduction of the European beaver 8,000 volunteer days for the Scottish into Scotland. We updated our policy material, Conservation Trust’s Action Breaks to expanded our list of technical reports and supporting the Scottish Farming & Countryside Educational Trust’s Farm Links project, which
14 organises farm visits for children. Some 40 reinforced our commitment to working in national grants were awarded, totalling £275,000. partnership with others and to presenting the public with the whole story of a site, of which Our partnership project Grounds for Learning the natural heritage forms only one strand. (GFL) completed its demonstration phase. GFL, which is co-funded by the Learning Through For the past three years we have worked with Landscapes Trust, ensures that schools, and in the Scottish Museums Council and the Crown particular teachers, are well supported in Estates Commission on an environmental developing the natural heritage of their school initiative which promoted the appreciation of grounds both for enjoyment and as a teaching the natural environment through museums and resource. In 1997/98 we supported the their collections. The initiative drew to a close in development of 39 School Grounds Resource October 1997, ending with a seminar on the Boxes. In addition, our School Grounds Grant future of eco-museums in Scotland. Twelve Scheme helped 121 schools across Scotland to demonstration projects were successfully develop their grounds. completed during the initiative. In January 1998 we signed an accord with the Scottish Museums The improvement of the awareness and practice Council to build on this relationship and to of professionals and volunteers working in encourage co-operation across a range of education and the environment, through environmental education activities. demonstration and training in good practice, provides an effective means of targeting our We fostered closer links with the Scottish Arts resources. Our Getting to Grips with Learning Council to promote the use of the expressive (GGL) programme offers opportunities for arts in communicating environmental messages. experienced environmental educators to share Together we commissioned a report on The Arts good practice and develop new ideas. In and the Natural Heritage which will be published 1997/98 we ran seven GGL workshops on in 1998/99. We also contributed to the subjects such as Environmental Art, Drama and development of a ‘centre of excellence’ for Ceremony with Teenagers, and Environmental interpretation to be taken forward in Playschemes. We continued our support for the collaboration with the University of the co-ordination and delivery of the national Ranger Highlands and Islands. Training Course programme by the Ranger Training Consortium (see Programme 7) and A number of high-profile interpretive projects facilitated local training for professionals by were developed throughout the year. Several running a course on natterjack toads for RSPB visitor centres were opened with assistance from staff, an awareness day for SNH staff in SNH. They included those at Glenmore, Balmaha Strathclyde and Ayrshire on working with ethnic and Aberfoyle (see Programme 3). Funding was minorities (which was organised in secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the collaboration with the Black Environmental European Union (Objective 1 funding), Network), and a two-day training event on Caithness & Sutherland Enterprise and Ross & natural heritage information for Tourist Cromarty Enterprise to redevelop Knockan Information Centre staff in Aberfoyle. Visitor Centre. Knockan Crag Visitor Experience, as it will be known, is due to open its doors to the We are committed to developing our Battleby public in the year 2000. We planned and Centre as an environmental education resource. designed an interactive touring exhibition We held six open days at Battleby, including one entitled Wild, Wet and Wonderful, which aims to for World Oceans Day which attracted more than inspire communities to care for their local 400 members of the public. There were 16 visits peatlands. The exhibition will tour Scotland from by student and professional groups from summer 1998 onwards. Scotland and other EC countries and six visits to tour the grounds from local community Locally, several interpretation projects were organisations, who were able to enjoy the newly completed, including interpretive panels at completed Rookery Wood interpretive story- Riconich in Sutherland and at Aikerness and telling trail. Yesnaby on Orkney, and interpretive leaflets for Loch Leven, Glen Doll, Caerlaverock and Mousa. At the start of the year we disseminated our policy framework for interpretation of the natural heritage: Provoke, Relate, Reveal. It
15 On 31 October 1997 the report of what is widely known as the The heather cover at Langholm had declined by almost 50% ‘Langholm Study’ was launched in Edinburgh. This was the cul- between 1948 and 1988; the loss of heather and subsequent mination of five years of research by the Institute of Terrestrial increase in grass were attributed to sheep grazing. Ecology (ITE) and the Game Conservancy Trust (GCT) on six grouse moors in Scotland, which sought to unravel the impact Hen harriers, the main raptor threat to red grouse, were most of birds of prey (raptors) on red grouse. The work was funded attracted to grassy areas where there were large populations of by a consortium of interested organisations including SNH. small prey such as meadow pipits and voles; the raptors then There were four major findings. fed on grouse in the remaining heather later in their breeding season. At Langholm the number of grouse shot each year had been in decline since 1913, and during that period the numbers of The birds of prey removed a large number of grouse, reducing birds of prey and management techniques had varied; so the by about a half their post-breeding population. long-term decline of red grouse could not be blamed on rap- tors.
16 5: Improving Access Opportunities and Land Management
Our aims are to promote improved public access, and to provide advice and practical assistance to those who manage the natural heritage. We spent £5.6m to further those aims.
Key Achievements: Access • We supported and grant-aided the We provide support for access through our grant programmes, our Paths for All Partnership as part advice and policy lead, and our continued support for the two main of the Paths for All Initiative. initiatives flowing from our policy statement Enjoying the Outdoors: • We supported 5 Access Officers in the Paths for All Partnership (PfA) and the Access Forum. local authorities and assisted 8 local authorities in the In December 1997 the PfA Partnership, which is chaired by Magnus preparation of countryside and Magnusson, published its Strategy 1996 – 2000 for the development recreation strategies. of better local access. SNH met its target of supporting five access • We initiated a review of access officers in local authorities by the end of 1997/98, and eight local law with the Access Forum. authorities began to prepare, or completed, countryside recreation and access strategies. • We grant-aided repairs to 28 upland footpaths. In response to a request from the Government we began to review • We launched a handbook on the law of access with the help of the Access Forum, which arable farming as part of our represents the key interest groups. Together we initiated a Targeted Inputs for a Better Rural programme of research, debate and consultation which will inform Environment initiative. our advice to the Government later in 1998. • In total we gave more than £273,300 in financial support to Following the successful piloting in 1996 of the Hillphones Scheme, FWAG Scotland to fund 18 local SNH and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland extended the advisors and 3 HQ staff. scheme in 1997 to cover the South Glen Shiel Estate. The scheme, which is supported by the Access Forum, provides information on • The results of the Langholm Study stalking activities in four popular walking areas. were published. • We formalised our working SNH supports a variety of local access projects. Some 36 projects arrangements with Forest involving voluntary organisations in the development of path Enterprise in a Memorandum of networks received grants and assistance from SNH. For example, we Agreement. helped Aberdeen City Council to draw up an Access Strategy and • We signed a new Concordat with grant-aided an Access Officer post and four path projects. In the the Ministry of Defence uplands we supported 28 footpath projects including Scotland’s incorporating the protection and longest running and most expensive programme of footpath repairs, management of Natura 2000 sites. the Ben Lomond footpaths project, which was successfully • We published our State of Scottish completed in 1997 after 9 years of repair work. Greenspace report. • We provided financial support for Working with Land Managers 15 Countryside in and Around Most of Scotland’s countryside is farmed and agriculture has a Towns projects. significant effect on the natural heritage. SNH has a key role to play in • We signed a Concordat with the working with farmers, crofters and landowners to promote and Scottish Wildlife Trust to support encourage the care and management of the natural heritage on all their activities through a block types of farmed land. grant. We continued to advise The Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department (SOAEFD) on the Countryside Premium Scheme (CPS) and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Scheme. We also advised on the natural heritage aspects of the Highlands and Islands Agricultural
17 Programme and on the rules governing the have set up a Moorland Management Group to take management of Set-Aside land. forward the recommendations made in the report.
The TIBRE initiative (Targeted Inputs for a Better Rural SNH and the Game Conservancy Trust (GCT) pledged Environment) aims to encourage the use of various their support for each other’s key objectives in a developments in new technology to reduce the Statement of Common Interests and Co-operation harmful effects of modern agriculture on the which was signed by SNH Chairman, Magnus countryside while maintaining farm profitability. The Magnusson, and GCT Chairman, the Earl Peel, at the first phase of the TIBRE project focused on arable Scottish Game Fair in July. The statement cites our farming and a handbook New Options for Arable opposition to all illegal practices, not least the illegal Farming was launched by Lord Sewel at the Royal persecution of birds of prey; and aims to raise Highland Show in June 1997. The project has been awareness of wider nature conservation issues among developed to include intensive grassland farming. We the game shooting and angling public. commissioned a report (updating earlier work) on how new technology could improve the We published two volumes of A Guide to Upland environmental profile of livestock farming. We invited Habitats. A bog management handbook, which gives farmers to discuss the findings of this report at a guidance on caring for this sensitive habitat, was workshop in January 1998. published in association with the Scottish Wildlife Trust. These handbooks have been widely distributed. SNH continued to support the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group in Scotland (FWAG Scotland), and During the year we continued to work closely with the provided £258,720 core funding for 18 local advisors Forestry Commission on issues of biodiversity, and 3 headquarters staff. With the help of EU landscape, rural development, recreation and access Structural Funds we agreed to continue our support in order to deliver key objectives, including those over the next two years for four additional advisors in arising from the Habitats Directives and the the Highlands and Islands. In addition, with European Biodiversity Action Plan (see Programme 1). Working Union support we co-funded the appointment of a arrangements with Forest Enterprise were formalised Project Officer, based at Grampian FWAG, to in a Memorandum of Agreement which helped to implement the Ugie Wetlands Project. This project will clarify the relationship between the two organisations help Buchan farmers to care for the river banks and in maintaining and enhancing the natural heritage and wetlands on their farms, and to improve the quality of recreation value of the Forestry Commission estate in the watercourses. Scotland.
In a joint initiative with SOAEFD and the Scottish SNH pursued a number of initiatives through the Agricultural College, a new training programme was Caledonian Partnership, which was established in developed for their staff who need to offer advice on 1995 to secure European Life funding for the biodiversity in their local areas. Two courses took restoration and management of the Caledonian place in March. Forest. The Partnership involves SNH, The Forestry Authority, Forest Enterprise, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, SNH continued to fund collaborative research on the the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology and Highland management of farmland habitats, including work on Birchwoods, which leads the group. These initiatives arable field margins, and on the creation and included the continued support for the European management of species-rich grassland on long-term LIFE funded Atlantic Oak Woods Project which is Set-Aside. We also worked, with several organisations, assisting landowners from both the public and private on Habitat Action Plans for farmland habitats (see also sectors to work together in restoring Natura 2000 oak Programme 1). woods. Further progress was made in developing the Millennium Guide to Scotland’s Forest Resource We continued our support for four agricultural which will be the first widely available public demonstration projects across the Highlands and information service to provide an overview of the Islands. The projects aim to show how improved extent, location, nature and condition of semi-natural environmental practice can become an integral part of woods. SNH led the presentation of a bid for further agricultural operations. EU LIFE funds by the Caledonian Partnership to support the restoration of wet woods. The bid was Following five years of research into the interaction successful and work will begin in 1998/99. between birds of prey, grouse and their habitat, the results of the Langholm Study were published in We supported and provided advice to woodland October 1997. The research was funded by a initiatives and projects such as the Millennium Forest consortium of which SNH was a member. The for Scotland and Tayside Native Woodlands which findings of the study pointed to the need to restore facilitate the expansion and management of native heather to our grouse moors – a process which may woodland at the local level. We continued to support take up to 25 years to achieve. Since its publication, we the work of Highland Birchwoods in developing
18 sustainable use and management of native The number of golf clubs participating in the Scottish woodlands. Golf Course Wildlife Initiative rose dramatically to around 25% of all clubs. Promotional work included A new Declaration of Intent for the Natural Heritage of displays at the British Open and the Loch Lomond Scotland between SNH and the Ministry of Defence Invitational, a new edition of the booklet Golf’s was signed by Magnus Magnusson for SNH and Major Natural Heritage, a series of regional seminars and the General Jonathon Hall for the MOD, and launched by establishment of Scottish Golf Union Wildlife Liaison the Defence Minister, John Spellar, in October 1997. Officers. This revised concordat builds on the 1993 agreement on partnership working between the MOD and SNH Countryside in and Around Towns (CATs) projects and includes new commitments to protect and address some of the environmental and social issues manage Natura 2000 sites on MOD land, on increased affecting many urban and urban fringe areas of access subject to military operational requirements, Scotland. The 15 CATs projects are supported in and for the MOD to prepare Integrated Land partnership by SNH revenue and capital grant–aid. Management Plans for its most important sites. They operate across Scotland and work with local communities to find solutions to such problems as derelict or neglected land, vandalism, limited access Urban Areas and recreation opportunities, rubbish dumping and Around 80% of Scotland’s people live in towns and lack of understanding of the countryside. cities; so the natural heritage in and around settlements continues to be a focus of our work. There have been many achievements across the range of CATs projects in 1997/98. For example: SNH’s State of Scottish Greenspace report was published in December 1997. The report highlighted Clyde Calders Project. The Clyde Walkway was the loss of urban greenspace through development extended at West Thorn, near Dalmarnock. SNH pressures. Several recommendations were made to supported a community business at Carmyle on the the government and local authorities to encourage the Clyde Walkway, which repaired erosion caused by protection and enrichment of this important resource flooding. for both wildlife and people. Since then, SNH and Scottish Homes (supported by the Convention of Carts River Valley Project. The highly successful Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Greenbelt Kingfishers Schools Initiative, supported by SNH Company) have commissioned research into the block grant, allowed six Nursery, twenty-seven appropriate provision and use of greenspace in Primary, two Special and two Secondary Schools to be residential areas; the results will be available in initiated into the scheme. 1998/99. Kilpatricks Project. Twenty-seven schools were During 1997/98 we appointed several officers contacted by the SNH-supported Education Officer dedicated to urban issues. For example, an Urban and are now planning wildlife gardens. Conservation Officer was appointed in our Forth and Borders Area to support local authorities in their Edinburgh Green Belt Trust. Funding was secured delivery of natural heritage aspects of Local Agenda 21 through the National Lottery Charities Board in order (see Programme 7). Similarly, in our Strathclyde and to continue its work through a new Community Ayrshire Area, an officer dedicated to strategic urban Officer. A Community Handbook was launched issues was appointed to support work with an urban successfully. or urban-fringe focus, such as Paths for All, Local Biodiversity Action Plans, and Countryside in and around Towns Projects (CATs). Grants We implemented a new grants database across our Elsewhere in Scotland’s urban areas SNH continued to internal computer network, which will enable us to work in partnership with others, in particular with offer a better service to grant applicants. Of particular local authorities. Notable work took place in Dundee significance was the introduction of a new Concordat on an Open Space Strategy, and in Aberdeen in with the Scottish Wildlife Trust which enables SNH to forming a CATs project in partnership with Aberdeen support through a block grant those SWT activities City Council, Forest Enterprise and Grampian which further the shared aims of SNH and SWT. This Enterprise Ltd. With help from SNH, City of Edinburgh has significantly reduced the administrative burden Council pioneered a treatment of urban areas in its for both sides while continuing to develop the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (see also Programme 1). partnership between us.
19 Fishermen and environmentalists are often perceived to be at logger- heads over marine issues, but this year a major breakthrough was made in the search for a common understanding.
A new agreement was forged with Shetland’s sandeel fishermen, which aims to secure sustainable economic development while protect- ing internationally important seabird colonies. Concern about the impact of sandeel fisheries on Shetland’s seabirds peaked in the late 1980s, and in 1991 the sandeel fishery was closed by the Government. In 1995, discussions between the Government, the fishing industry, SNH and the RSPB led to the fishery being re-opened on terms which did not address fully fundamental concerns about potential conflicts between the fishery and the seabirds. However, the dialogue continued and both sides gained a new respect for and confidence in one anoth- er. A new agreement was reached in March 1998 which allows fisher- men to catch up to 7,000 tonnes of sandeels a year, more than twice the previous Total Allowable Catch, and prevents fishing from 1 June to 31 July when the demand for sandeels from seabirds is at its highest.
20 6: Encouraging sustainable use of Maritime Areas
Our seas and coasts offer some of Scotland’s richest and most varied resources, which offer sustenance both to people and to a rich variety of wildlife. Our aim is to protect and improve the natural heritage of marine and coastal areas. Much of our work in conserving the maritime heritage involves close partnership with others who have a role in coastal management. We spent £1.0m on this work.
Key Achievements: Focus on Firths • The Moray Firth topic groups The Focus on Firths Initiative brings together representatives completed their work. from industry, business, local government, and • The Cromarty Firth Liaison Group environmental and community organisations to form produced a Management Strategy partnerships which aim to secure the voluntary integrated and Action Plan. management of our firths. Partnerships have been formed for the Clyde, Forth, Solway, Cromarty and Moray Firths, and • The Forth Estuary Forum progress was made during the year on establishing a Tay completed Phase I of its Forth Estuary Forum. Each partnership began by addressing Estuary Modelling Seminar. management issues through topic groups before preparing a • We completed our work on the management strategy for the firth, and initiating specific Firths GIS. environmental and educational projects. Our expenditure on • We consulted on two possible this programme of work in 1997/98 was £167,600. marine SACs. • We surveyed and mapped the sea- During the year the Cromarty Firth Liaison Group produced a bed around St Kilda. Management Strategy and an Action Plan, which they will begin to put into action during 1998/99. A draft Management • We developed a monitoring Strategy was prepared for the Solway Firth and sent out to methodology for marine Natura consultation; it will be published during 1998/99. The Moray 2000 sites. Firth Partnership topic groups completed their work and a bid • We commented on 84 for EU LIFE funding was made to support the aquaculture consultations and implementation of their management strategy. more than 70 FEPA consultations. • We gave advice on 78 oil The Forth Estuary Forum, with the help of EU LIFE funding, pollution incidents. continued its involvement in the European Demonstration Programme on Integrated Coastal Zone Management which • We held a conference on aims to demonstrate how integrated management of our Scotland’s Living Coastlines and coasts can work in practice. The Demonstration Programme published two coastal titles in our covers a number of projects, such as the Forth Estuary Scotland’s Living Landscape Modelling Seminar (FEMS). Phase I of FEMS was completed series. with a seminar at Stirling University in February. Work began on Phase II in March 1998 to develop a CD-ROM of an interactive ecological management model of the Forth.
We completed our work on the development of geographical information systems (GIS) for the firths; in particular some 33 maps were produced for the Forth.
The firths partnerships produce a variety of publications and publicity material to raise awareness of the importance of the natural heritage of the firths; for example the Solway Firth Partnership published Setting the Scene, Who’s Who and a newsletter, Tidelines.
21 The Sea Chest, an education resource comprising We contributed to a UK-wide, EU LIFE-funded books, videos, audio cassettes and models, is project to develop appropriate management attracting increasing interest. We continued to schemes for marine Natura 2000 sites. The five monitor its use (see Programme 4). Scottish (or shared) sites included in the project are: Loch Maddy, the Sound of Arisaig, Papa The leading role taken by the Focus on Firths Stour, the Berwickshire and North Initiative in developing coastal zone Northumberland coast, and the Solway Firth. management in Scotland was recognised in The Project officers were appointed to two of these Scottish Office National Planning Policy sites, and we reached agreement with our Guideline NPPG13 Coastal Planning; it stated the partners on the appointment of project officers Government’s support for this approach to to the three other sites. We completed research coastal planning and encouraged a similar in the Sound of Arisaig to develop a monitoring approach by local fora in all coastal areas. methodology for these sites, and surveyed and mapped the waters around St Kilda. We also carried out an extensive public awareness Scottish Coastal Forum campaign with workshops, open meetings, Proposals by SNH and other agencies led to a publications and other promotional materials commitment by The Scottish Office in its which aimed to foster appreciation of the publication, Scotland’s Coasts, to establish a importance of these marine SACs. national coastal forum. We supported the establishment by The Scottish Office of the Scottish Coastal Forum which met for the first Marine Casework time in 1997 and contributed to the SNH is consulted regularly by various agencies development of its role and remit. on development proposals in the marine environment. This marine casework ranges from The SCF represents a range of organisations with commenting on the location of fish farms and interests in the coastal environment from the sewage outfall pipes to contingency planning private, voluntary and public sectors including for dealing with oil spills. SNH. It is chaired by SNH East Areas Board Member Captain Tony Wilks. During 1997/98 Fish farming plays an important role in Scotland’s the members of the Forum concentrated on the economy; however, inappropriate siting of fish development of a work programme and farms can damage the sea-bed and cause conflict assessed the need for support staff. with sea mammals and birds. We are consulted by the Crown Estates Commissioners (CEC) on all sea-bed leases, including those for fish farms. Natura 2000 In most cases we are able to offer positive Marine protected areas offer a practical way in comment and advice on good environmental which to conserve biodiversity, to maintain the practice, while in the remainder an objection productivity of the seas, and to contribute to the often leads to discussions on an alternative welfare of our own communities. The EC Birds solution such as the more appropriate siting of and Habitats Directives (through the Natura fish cages. In the year we commented on 84 2000 Programme) allow the Government to aquaculture consultations. We also responded to designate and protect some of our most more than 70 consultations relating to dumping at important marine areas (see also Programme 2). sea and sea-bed works from SOAEFD under the Food and Environmental Protection Act (FEPA). On behalf of The Scottish Office we consulted on 2 marine possible Special Areas of Oil pollution is a continual threat to the marine Conservation (pSACs). By the end of the year 14 environment and coastal communities. Major marine candidate SACs had been submitted to spills are rare, but the SNH Oil Pollution Officer the European Commission and we had and local staff regularly provide 24-hour advice consulted on a further 4 pSACs, including the 2 to the Marine Pollution Control Unit and other pSACs mentioned above. agencies over minor oil spills. In 1997/98 we responded to 78 oil pollution incidents. We completed a programme of marine surveys which identified potential marine SACs and clarified their boundaries. We also studied the Raising Awareness features within existing marine candidate SACs We encourage people to take a more informed (those pSACs which have been submitted to the interest in our marine and coastal natural EC) to help in the setting of objectives for heritage through conferences, presentations, managing and monitoring these sites. contributions to the press, special events and publications.
22 During the year we produced booklets on Coasts World Oceans Day is celebrated around the and on Firths in our Living Landscape series, and world on 8 June each year. More than 400 promoted another title in the series, Sea Lochs, at children and adults attended a World Oceans Scottish Book Fortnight events. We held a Open Day at our Battleby Centre (see conference on Scotland’s Living Coastline at the Programme 4), and we collaborated with Ministry of Defence training camp at Barry partners to secure lottery funding from the Buddon in October; it provided an opportunity Scottish Arts Council for a weekend event at the for coastal managers, scientists and policy Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and to makers to discuss issues of current concern and support four other World Oceans Day events to look towards the future management of the across Scotland. World Oceans Day events help Scottish coast. More than 140 people attended to illustrate the importance of the seas around the conference; the variety of presentations, Scotland. workshops and field visits contributed to a stimulating programme and lively discussions.
23 We worked with two communities and two local authorities nate the work on establishing the reserves. Inverclyde Council on either side of the Clyde to develop two very different Local and Argyll and Bute Council were very supportive, and the Nature Reserves. Coves Community Park on the south shore of work at Duchess Wood could not have taken place without the the Clyde is a gentle mixture of grasslands and open water sit- co-operation of the owners, Luss Estates. uated high above the towns of Gourock and Greenock. Looking across the water you might just spot Duchess Wood Both Coves Community Park and Duchess Woods will be rising behind Helensburgh. Duchess Wood has an altogether designated as Local Nature Reserves early in April 1998. different mood; here the open vistas of Coves Community Park are replaced with enclosing gorge walls and soaring trees.
The two reserves are, however, linked by more than the Clyde. They testify to the determination of the local communities to secure the protection of well-loved natural areas. Both lie with- in the Lower Clyde Countryside in and Around Towns Project area, and the Project worked with the communities to co-ordi-
24 7: Assisting Local Authorities
Local Authorities have specific responsibilities for the natural heritage and are also our key partners. We assist local authorities in looking after Long Distance Routes, Regional and Country Parks, ranger services and other recreational facilities. We advised local authorities on policies within development plans and on other policies relating to the natural heritage, and assisted them in carrying out national programmes for countryside recreation and access. Our expenditure in 1997/98 on this work was £7.8m.
Key Achievements: Rangers • We supported 72 ranger services Ranger services operate throughout Scotland, and provide a throughout Scotland employing magnificent service to visitors to the countryside. By working the equivalent of 262 full–time with ranger services, we aim to put into action at a local level rangers. many elements of SNH’s remit, such as integrated land • We worked with local authorities management, the enjoyment of the natural heritage, community to develop a three-year funding participation, environmental education and the provision of package to upgrade the West information. Highland Way. We supported 185 full-time ranger posts and more than 100 • Proposals for the Great Glen Way seasonal appointments which were equivalent to around 50 were completed. full-time posts. The number of services supported (72 in • We commented on 893 1997/98) was smaller than in previous years; this was a result of development proposals. the structural changes arising from local government • We supported 4 Regional Parks reorganisation, and because we now support the Scottish and 36 Country Parks in Scotland. Wildlife Trust (SWT) through a national Concordat which includes their ranger posts (see Programme 5).
Early in 1997 we published a policy statement in which we defined a set of funding criteria for ranger services; our key task for 1997/98 was to explain and promote the policy, and to assess services against these criteria to help us set the level of funding for three years from 1998/99. We advised all supported ranger services on the preparation of medium-term management strategies, and we assessed 66 services against our new criteria. This process should result in the better targeting of ranger work-programmes.
Long Distance Routes There are three official Long Distance Routes (LDRs) in Scotland: the Speyside Way, the Southern Upland Way and the West Highland Way. The West Highland Way is the best established route, but all three LDRs are used extensively for both long distance journeys and day walks. These routes generate considerable economic benefits for the communities on the way.
We worked with the local authorities involved in managing LDRs to put into action the recommendations and programmes of action set out in our policy on LDRs, which we published in 1996/97. We explored approaches and structures for improving
25 the management and effectiveness of these routes, planning and development procedures, updated including the establishment of a National Long our technical guidance to staff on planning Distance Forum (NLDF) to discuss and co- procedures, and issued a new handbook to staff ordinate national issues, such as the management, on Environmental Assessment procedures. We operation and marketing of all Scottish LDRs. also began an indicative minerals strategy to guide future developments. A package to fund a three-year path-upgrading programme for the West Highland Way was We responded to more than 20 Government developed in collaboration with the relevant local consultations on planning issues. Opencast coal authorities. The funding package includes grant- mining can have a major impact on the natural aid from SNH for a path manager to manage and heritage. We welcomed the strengthening of the co-ordinate work along the whole length of the regulation of this industry signalled by the route. Government’s review of planning policy for opencast development in Scotland. We also The proposals to extend two sections of the contributed to the preparation of National Speyside Way received approval in principle from Planning Policy Guidance on the Coast, and began the Secretary of State. The extensions will run work with The Scottish Office on a national from Ballindalloch to Aviemore and from Spey framework for the developed, undeveloped and Bay to Buckie. These proposals were developed in remote coastlines of Scotland. partnership with Highland Council, Moray Council, Moray, Badenoch & Strathspey Government and EU targets for reduction of CO2 Enterprise, the Cairngorms Partnership and the emissions are stimulating increasing interest in Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board. A bid for utilising Scotland’s renewable energy potential. To European Objective 1 funding was successful. address this The Scottish Office has awarded a second round of contracts under the Scottish Proposals were finalised for the establishment of Renewables Orders (SROs). The contracts in this the Great Glen Way, linking Fort William to round of SROs included seven wind farms in Inverness. They include an alternative route to the Argyll and the Borders, and nine small-scale hydro- north of Drumnadrochit, which was devised by electric schemes in the Highlands. While we Highland Council to address concerns raised welcome in principle a move towards more against the previously identified route. sustainable energy, we are concerned that, without careful planning, the utilisation of these resources may cause significant damage to Planning Consultations Scottish landscapes and wildlife. We discussed The Town and Country Planning system provides with The Scottish Office how the existing subsidy one of the most important mechanisms for and planning regimes for renewables might be achieving our aims and objectives. We work modified to minimise such conflicts by guiding closely with government and local authorities on development towards areas of relatively low the preparation of policies for development plans, environmental sensitivity. We believe that the and give advice on planning applications when current level of conflict over planning proposals is they are in designated areas or have particular wasteful of resources both for developers and for natural heritage implications. the public agencies involved. A more strategic approach which takes account of cumulative Structure, Local and other statutory Development impacts is highly desirable. Plans have a very significant influence on the pattern of development in an area, and commenting on them is an important part of our Examples of Planning Casework work. We commented on 74 such plans during • We objected to a 2.1 MW hydro-electric 1997/98. We also provided advice and comments scheme proposed for the Shieldaig Forest, on some 893 specific development applications. Wester Ross and attended a three-week Public We advise on the ways in which development Inquiry. Our concerns were mainly about the could affect the natural heritage interests of a site, scheme’s effect on the landscape of the and on how any potential damage might be Wester Ross National Scenic Area, its effect on avoided. We have no wish to inhibit development; a core wild land area which is highly valued as instead we want to ensure that it is appropriate a recreational resource, its potential effect on and sensitive. As in previous years we opposed breeding black-throated divers, and the only a small proportion of cases (45 cases, about potential risk to freshwater pearl mussels. We 5%). await the results of the Inquiry.
In support of our involvement in planning • We prepared evidence for a public local inquiry casework we provided training for staff on to consider a proposed industrial development
26 at Turfhills, Kinross, in the Loch Leven are within easy access of our towns and cities. We catchment area. Agreements were secured with continued to support four Regional and 36 the principal parties on how to avoid any Country Parks through grant-aid. adverse effects on the internationally important qualities of the loch. We completed a review of the value for money provided by Country Parks; it found that they • Area staff have worked closely with local offered local authorities good value, particularly in authority planners in Perth and Kinross Council comparison with other types of recreation on their strategy for future housing facilities such as swimming pools and leisure developments. centres. This work is informing a policy review of Country Parks which is due to be published in • We provided advice to Fife Council planners on 1998/99. their strategies for housing development in the St Andrews area, and for hard rock quarry Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are declared by developments in Fife generally. local authorities after consultation with SNH. They reflect areas which are locally important for their • We commented on draft Local Plans for Harris natural interest and environmental education, and and rural Lewis. provide a countryside amenity which is accessible to the public. We initiated the development of a • We worked with Western Isles Council to policy and strategy for LNRs in collaboration with prepare a rabbit control scheme designed to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities prevent rabbits reaching the island of Berneray (COSLA). across the new Berneray causeway. Locally, we supported work on new LNRs, for • We provided Shetland Islands Council with example those at Coves Community Park and financial and practical assistance for a botanical Duchess Wood within the Lower Clyde CATs survey of several rural settlements, the results of project, and the provision of promotional and which will be incorporated in the Council’s educational material for existing LNRs. development plan review. Local Agenda 21 (LA21) is the process of • We worked with Dumfries & Galloway Council developing local strategies for sustainable to integrate the needs of a colony of natterjack development and of building partnerships toads with essential sea defence repairs at between local authorities and other sectors to put Powfoot. these strategies into practice. Our role is to promote and facilitate LA21, but not to lead it; • We commented on a proposed 14-turbine wind leadership rests with the local authorities. During farm at Craigenlee, Dumfries & Galloway. 1997/98 we established an internal working group to update our policy on LA21, and to produce • We worked with Aberdeenshire Council and guidance for SNH staff on how it should be others to develop guidance for riperian carried out. We were represented on the Scottish landowners on planning requirements and on LA21 Co-ordinators Network (SLACN), and met the environmental sensitivities of riverbank with COSLA, which co-ordinates LA21, to identify maintenance. ways in which we can work together to implement LA21. • We worked with Falkirk Council and developers on a practical working scheme which would We assisted LA21 developments in several local minimise the impact of Wester Jawcraig authorities, for example, we agreed the joint Opencast Colliery on the local people and their funding for two LA21 officers with Scottish environment. Borders Council through the LEADER programme, and with support from Scottish Borders Enterprise. This is the first time LA21 Officer posts Other Projects have been created in partnership with a local Regional Parks are large areas of attractive authority, the local enterprise company and SNH. countryside where there is a need to manage and One of the officers’ first tasks will be to initiate a facilitate recreational use in the context of land use Local Biodiversity Action Plan (see Programme 1). management and conservation. Country Parks are We also supported the production of a leaflet to relatively small areas of countryside which help explain LA21 to local people in the Borders provide more formal and managed opportunities area. for recreation and enjoyment. Most of these parks
27 Scottish Natural Heritage, the Millennium Forest Scotland Trust (MFST) and the Central Scotland Countryside Trust (CSCT) funded a project which seeks to consolidate and expand the surviving native woodland resource in the Central Belt by extending exist- ing woodlands through the planting of native trees. This Native Woodlands Initiative will provide a substantial pro- portion of the eventual Forest. A project report is in preparation; it is expected to recommend greater community involve- ment with native woodlands and, where MFST is already involved, to provide better links with communities. This reflects the increasing interest of com- munities in non-commercial woodlands for recreation and for the enjoyment of their land- scapes. 8: Supporting the Central Scotland Forest Initiative
By 2015 the Central Scotland Forest Initiative aims to plant up to 17,000 ha. of new woodland in Central Scotland, thus doubling woodland cover in the Forest area. This imaginative woodland regeneration project links the establishment of multi-purpose woodland to other countryside initiatives, such as cycle paths, footpaths, Countryside in and Around Towns (CATs) projects and local nature sites. We support the Central Scotland Forest through a ring-fenced allocation determined by Government Ministers and through our grants programme. Our expenditure in 1997/98 was £1.7m.
Key Achievements: Management • We delivered £0.85m in The Central Scotland Forest Initiative is managed by the ring–fenced funds to the CSCT. Central Scotland Countryside Trust (CSCT) which is • A further 454ha. of woodland was accountable for its own work and produces a separate annual planted. report. SNH has a formal role in supporting the Trust to meet • CSCT achieved Investors in its objectives on behalf of the Secretary of State for Scotland. People status. We continued to provide advice and support to the CSCT through our membership of Area and Project Working • The Airdrie Woodlands Initiative Groups, including involvement with the Native Woodlands was launched by HRH The Initiative and the working group on bean geese issues. We Princess Royal. also continued to assist the Trust in its efforts to improve its • CSCT purchased 3 sites from efficiency and effectiveness, and its leadership of the British Coal for woodland Initiative. During the year the Central Scotland Countryside reinstatement. Trust achieved Investor in People status; this reflects well on the CSCT’s management of its staff and their development. CSCT also succeeded in attracting financial support through the Landfill Tax and from EU Funds.
In the spring of 1998 Sir David Montgomery retired as the chairman of the CSCT Board. He has been succeeded as chairman by Ken Collins MEP. We wish to acknowledge the substantial contribution by Sir David and look forward to further success under the leadership of Ken Collins with his extensive experience as Chairman of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee.
Planting Progress A further 454 ha. of woodland were created during the Trust’s 1996/97 year, of which 21 ha. were new native woodland. This represented a welcome increase in the area of plantings on farmland through the Farm Woodland Premium scheme; in total some 265 ha. were planted on farmland. There were also increases in the number of planting schemes on derelict land and on mineral and landfill sites. However, the total area planted fell below the target as a result of the withdrawal of several fairly large projects.
The work to develop a Native Woodlands Initiative for the Central Scotland Forest continued. By the end of the year the Central Scotland Countryside Trust had completed its own
29 analyses and commissioned consultants to In May 1997 HRH The Princess Royal launched produce an Action Plan to increase the the Airdrie Woodlands Initiative, which aims to proportion of native woodlands. This will be provide an attractive woodland setting for this available in the summer of 1998. This work also Central Belt town, and to improve recreational supports targets for improving the biodiversity opportunities for its residents. of the Central Scotland Forest.
The Central Scotland Countryside Trust Improving the Environment continued to develop its systems and mapping The Central Scotland Forest Initiative needs to of the area. The Forestry Opportunities Mapping engage with the traditional industries of this area project aims to identify areas, agreed with to reinstate woodland on waste ground. During partners, which are most suitable for particular the year CSCT purchased three sites from British types of planting. This means that the Coal. The sites offer opportunities to create identification of the area’s native woodland will around 97 ha. of new woodland close to local be the foundation for managing, improving and communities. In addition, the CSCT and Scottish extending the area of native woodlands within Coal signed a joint charter to achieve the the Forest. objectives of the Central Scotland Forest
Central Scotland Forest The Central Scotland Forest Initiative aims to create a vibrant, attractive and functional wooded environment throughout central Scotland. By 2015 it plans to have increased twofold the area which was covered by woods at its inception in 1995. The Initiative plans to achieve this by:
• establishing new woodlands; • improving the management of existing woods; • realising the productive potential of woodlands and wood industries; • encouraging farm diversification, restructuring and woodland development; • improving the environment and image of the Forest area; • regenerating economic potential of the area; • enhancing recreational, leisure and tourism opportunities in the countryside; • involving the community and promoting education and training; and • safeguarding the valuable natural and cultural heritage.
The Forest, and the activities which take place in it, will bring a number of benefits to a range of beneficiaries – the resident population at home, at work and at play, visitors, businesses, investors, farmers and commuters. These benefits include:
• a better quality of life for the local people; • improved visual amenity; • an improved resource base – viable forestry industry; • better land and resource management and viable farm units; • increased employment; • improved access to the countryside; • greater leisure and recreational opportunities for local communities; • greater potential for tourism and its earnings; • greater demand for local services, and higher levels and quality of provision; • improved ‘climate’ for economic development and investment; • more local indigenous investment; and • more inward investment. [This information is based on the Central Scotland Forest Strategy, 1995.]
30 Initiative through the restoration of derelict sites. the contribution which the Forest can make to Scottish Coal will seek to give active assistance to carbon reduction. Carbon reduction targets have forest development when restoring its sites. been set for the UK (-20% by 2010). Continued planting to create the Forest will make a In its own Annual Report (1996-97), the Central substantial contribution to the reduction of Scotland Countryside Trust published data about Scottish carbon emissions.
31 The JNCC Freshwater Lead Co-ordination Network carries out the Committee’s special functions in relation to freshwater habitats. The Network, which is co-ordinated by SNH, is involved in a range of work from implementing the Biodiversity Action Plan to liaising with international partners, as well as surveying, monitoring and classifying freshwater habitats.
32 9: Delivering our Special Nature Conservation Functions
Under this programme we deliver our statutory special nature conservation functions with English Nature (EN) and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), through the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. We spent £2.4m on furthering this work.
Key Achievements: The Role of the JNCC • We delivered £1.25m in ring- The JNCC was established by the Environmental Protection fenced funds to the JNCC. Act 1990. It enables the Country agencies (SNH, EN and • The framework for common CCW) to advise ministers jointly and to act in concert over standards in monitoring SSSIs was nature conservation issues which affect Great Britain as a agreed. whole, or which have an international dimension. • The JNCC supported the work of DETR in implementing the It is the role of the Committee to establish common Natura 2000 network in Britain. standards for data gathering, monitoring and research in nature conservation, and to support or commission • The JNCC advised on about appropriate research to advance its work. 12,000 licence applications under CITES regulations. Funding for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee is • The JNCC promoted agreed jointly and contributed to by the three Country development of the National agencies. The funds are planned and managed through the Biodiversity Network. separate JNCC Corporate Plan. The JNCC produces its own • The JNCC published a further annual report. Its Committee has thirteen members: a volume of the Geological Chairman and three independent members appointed by Conservation Review. Government, the Chairman and one other member from each of the Country agencies, the Chairman of the • Selection guidelines for SPAs, Countryside Commission and two members from Northern under the EC Birds Directive, Ireland. The involvement of the Environment and Heritage were submitted to Government. Service (an agency of the Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland) enables the JNCC to adopt a consistent approach across the United Kingdom wherever this is appropriate.
Advice During the year the Committee provided high standards of international advice and continued its good work on CITES, Ramsar and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Reports were prepared for a number of European and international agreements and conventions.
The Committee continued its high-level advisory work on UK and European issues and made significant contributions to the implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan and the EC Habitats Directive. Common standards were agreed for site monitoring and the selection guidelines for Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
Strategic Work Work was initiated by the Committee on several important strategic issues, including the marine environment, species translocations and Genetically Modified Organisms 33 (GMOs). It delivered a marine biotopes the Environment, Transport and the Regions classification via the Marine Nature (DETR) with written scientific advice on more Conservation Review and re-negotiated major than 150 separate species proposals or draft bird monitoring contracts. Good progress was resolutions. Support was also provided on the also made on specifying redevelopment of Ramsar and Berne Conventions. Recorder. The JNCC’s Biodiversity Information Service is now providing the secretariat for Freshwaters development of the National Biodiversity In 1997/98 the JNCC Freshwater Lead Co- Network which will establish a framework for ordination Network, which is co-ordinated by sharing and accessing UK biological records. SNH, played a key role in drafting Habitat These are currently held in several isolated Action Plans for various river environments, and unconnected databases. An application and helped to develop Biodiversity Action for support from the Heritage Lottery Fund is Plans for species such as the freshwater pearl at an advanced stage of preparation. mussel and the otter. On an international front, links were made with the International Working Group on the Conservation and Publications Management of Running Waters, and with the During the year the JNCC published six out of European Committee for Standardisation, the seven remaining volumes of the Coastal which is working towards devising standard Directory series (the last of which reached an methods for running water assessment. advanced stage in the publications process).
Work was carried out to update the botanical In partnership with SNH and the other classification of British rivers, which enables Country agencies, the JNCC produced an us to make comparisons between broadly additional volume in the Geological similar habitats and form management plans Conservation Review series: Fluvial for different river habitats. An update of the Geomorphology of Great Britain. These Nature Conservancy Council publication volumes provide a public record of the Typing British Rivers According to their Flora features of earth science interest at localities was prepared. Work began on a project to already notified or being considered for upgrade the Rivers Database, which stores notification as SSSIs. river survey data collected by the Country agencies. SNH and the JNCC SERCON (System for Evaluating Rivers for In 1997/98 we supported the JNCC in a Conservation) is a new technique for number of ways. assessing the conservation status of rivers and their corridors. It gives scores to river features • We provided financial support totalling on the basis of various conservation criteria, £1.3m of ring-fenced funds. including physical diversity, naturalness, representativeness, rarity and species • At the management level we were richness. The technique, which was developed represented on the JNCC itself by our over the past five years, was promoted at Chairman, Magnus Magnusson, and venues across the UK and abroad, where it Professor Fred Last. received encouraging responses. • We participated in quarterly meetings of the Chief Officers’ Group (Chief Executives) and European and International Conventions Chief Scientists’ Group, and contributed to Much of the work of the JNCC, in common the Joint Management Group, the formal with the Country agencies, is related to inter-agency management structure for the European and other international agreements. Committee’s work.
In 1997/98 the JNCC continued to support the • We supported various inter-agency networks, Government through technical advice on in particular, we acted as co-ordinator for the submissions to the European Commission for JNCC’s work in freshwaters, peatlands and the implementation of the Habitats Directive. upland habitats throughout Britain. Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the JNCC • We actively participated in our role as lead advised on about 12,000 licence applications agency for liaison with the World in the year, and provided the Department of Conservation Union (IUCN), including
34 membership of the European Regional • We seconded staff to the JNCC Support Unit, Steering Group of its World Commission on which consists of staff from the three Protected Areas and its UK Executive Country agencies assigned full-time to the Committee. work of the JNCC for fixed periods of time.
35 The natural heritage makes an important contribution to employment in Scotland: through offering an attractive working environment for new business, through tourism; and through the jobs involved in actively caring for the natural heritage itself.
Some 8,000 jobs in Scotland relate to caring for the natur- al heritage, a further 29,000 relate to open-air recreation while around 2,600 relate to field or nature study trips.
During the year we prepared a publication, entitled Jobs in the Natural Heritage, which brought together the results from a number of employment studies. It will be launched in May 1998 by Scottish Office Environment Minister, Lord Sewel.
36 10: Developing Policy and Providing Advice
Developing a clear strategic framework is important in ensuring that we are consistent and focused in the advice we give to others, and in generating a forward view of how new developments might affect the natural heritage. We spent £0.2m on this work.
Key Achievements: Advising Government • We responded to 85 national SNH is consulted by the Government and others on the government consultations. development and formulation of policy. During the year we • We developed practical proposals responded to 85 government consultations at a national level, for agricultural reform. some of which provided us with an important opportunity to • We completed work on job ensure that the care and enjoyment of the natural heritage is creation in the natural heritage. recognised and addressed in relation to the policy developments and initiatives of others. The most significant • We promoted a new approach to concerned the establishment of National Parks, the law of tourism and the environment. access, rural development and transport.
We welcomed the announcement by the Government in September 1997 that Scotland should have a new top-tier designation of National Parks. We were asked to carry out a public consultation in order to develop recommendations for legislation on National Parks by the new Scottish Parliament (see also Programme 3).
The Government asked us to advise on the need for changes in the law of access (see Programme 5). We asked the Access Forum to act as a working group of the key interests, and began a joint programme of debate, fact-finding and consultation so that we can advise the Government by the end of 1998.
Since coming to power in May 1997, the Government in Scotland has placed particular emphasis on unlocking the potential for rural development. SNH supports such a move. We continued to be represented on the National Rural Partnership, which is an invaluable forum for debate and for offering cross-sectoral advice to The Scottish Office on rural policy issues. In February our Chief Executive gave a presentation to the Partnership on the role of the natural heritage in rural development.
We developed our advice to The Scottish Office on the challenges presented by the integration of the various sectoral interests in the rural environment, and on the best ways in which to promote such integration while at the same time empowering rural communities. Our response, which will be returned to The Scottish Office early in April 1998, will emphasise the role which the natural heritage should play as a foundation for many aspects of rural development.
We prepared our response on The Scottish Office’s first consultation on land reform, Identifying the Problems. Our view is that, for natural heritage interests, what matters most is not
37 who owns the land but how it is managed, and Scottish Parliament what obligations and incentives are in place to During the year the Government published its encourage good stewardship of it. plans for a Scottish Parliament and, later, the draft Scotland Bill which, when enacted, will There were two major consultations from the bring these plans to fruition. Government on transport in 1997/98. We took the opportunity to underline to the Government We welcomed the opportunities which a new the importance of developing sound transport Scottish Parliament will bring for fostering closer policies which safeguard the natural heritage contact between the work of elected and provide more sustainable opportunities for representatives of Government and the work of people’s enjoyment of it. Like many public agencies in Scotland. We also look Government organisations, we began reviewing forward to more opportunities, where our activities in the light of the new priorities the appropriate, to tailor legislation relating to the Government set out in its White Paper, Travel natural heritage in a way which best meets Choices for Scotland. Scottish interests. At the same time we recognise that Scotland’s natural heritage is of international Following the announcement of the significance and acknowledge the Government’s intention to review wildlife responsibilities which will thereby be placed on legislation, we set up a working group to consider the Scottish Parliament. It is intended that the the possible implications of the review. Towards Joint Nature Conservation Committee should be the end of the year we responded to a request formally recognised as a cross-border public from The Scottish Office for information relating authority and that appropriate arrangements for to the notification and management of SSSIs. consultation should be established. We provided advice to the Government on the implications of the draft EC Framework Directive Local Authorities and Other Partners on Water Policy for fresh waters, estuaries, coastal Policy development and advice to local waters, and wetlands. We were also represented authorities, and links with other partners such as on the steering group for a Scottish Office the Scottish Tourist Board and the Enterprise funded project which will produce Agencies, enable us to influence the care of the recommendations for implementing the natural heritage through the work of others. Directive in Scotland. We discussed with the Scottish Tourist Board In the autumn, the Government was developing and the Enterprise Agencies how best to take its New Deal scheme to help young people into forward the work of the Tourism and the employment. We offered advice on the Environment Task Force. The Task Force has development of the Environmental Task Force achieved a great deal in encouraging tourism option and were represented on the Scottish businesses to adopt sound environmental Advisory Group for the Task Force. Tayside principles; but many tourism strategies still fall acted as a pathfinder for the New Deal and short of recognising that Scotland’s natural already a number of places in environmental heritage is an important, arguably the most projects have been filled. important, asset upon which tourism is founded. We believe that the Tourism and the Of great interest to us were two consultations Environment Initiative will play a vital part in from Government towards the end of the year. securing a fuller commitment by a range of The first, Opening up Quangos, related to how public agencies to managing the natural heritage Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) like as a resource for sustainable tourism. ourselves could be more accountable to the people we serve. The second, Freedom of Information: We gave evidence to the Lord Provost’s Your right to know, covered proposals for public commission on Sustainable Development for the access to the information and records held by the City of Edinburgh, and commented on a number Government and its agencies. We have long of consultations. We have also supported several recognised that our objectives can only be partnership projects, including: achieved with the understanding and support of the public. Our positive responses to the • a member of staff was seconded to Highlands Government on these consultations, and our and Islands Enterprise (HIE), where he now programme aimed at increasing public access to has a prominent role promoting sustainable our workings, demonstrated this commitment. development through the HIE network;
38 • the Areas Sustainability Strategies initiative set Strategy Task Force, and helped to progress up pilot projects in Skye, Sutherland and Government commitments under the EC North Uist; and Habitats Directive and the Biodiversity Action Plan. Work began on a document describing • a number of activities was initiated by the SNH’s role, objectives and policies for fish Minch Project, including an evaluation of the conservation and fishery management. contribution of Loch Torridon to the social and economic welfare of the local community. Advisory Committee on SSSIs The Advisory Committee on SSSIs is an We collaborated with the Scottish independent body established by Statute to Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on consider unresolved scientific objections to SSSI several issues under our Memorandum of notifications in Scotland and provide advice to Understanding. These included discussions on SNH. SNH provides the Secretariat to the the draft EC Framework Directive on Water Committee. In March we referred to the Policy, research on the pollution history of Committee an unresolved scientific objection to freshwater lochs, and collaboration over the notification of Kintyre Goose Lochs SSSI. responses to Government consultations. This was the first such referral since 1995.
Policy Development and Review The Voluntary Sector in Scotland We considered the environmental implications The year saw useful clarification of the way in of the European Commission’s proposals for which Government inter-relates with the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). voluntary sector, first through the work of the Working with English Nature, the Countryside Commission on the future of the Voluntary Commission, and the Countryside Council for Sector in Scotland, and at the year end in the Wales, we produced a series of papers on key publication of a draft compact between aspects of the Agenda 2000 proposals. We Government and the voluntary sector. As much submitted evidence to the House of Commons of this report makes clear, SNH works with and Agriculture Committee on CAP reform and to through voluntary environmental bodies and Sub-Committee D of the European Communities provides considerable support for the Committee of the House of Lords on rural policy continued development and growth of their in the light of Agenda 2000. We maintained close work in Scotland. We also find their contacts with the National Farmers’ Union of contributions to our deliberations and debates Scotland and met regularly to discuss of enormous value. Accordingly, we were agricultural policy development. In particular pleased to see the recognition given by we discussed the need to maintain farming Government to the contribution to society made practices which provide wildlife habitats and by voluntary bodies and the encouragement conserve the landscape. provided for placing public sector support to them on a sounder and more robust footing. In November we agreed 11 strategic priorities During the year we consolidated our concordat for our freshwater work, and approved a with the Scottish Wildlife Trust (see Programme programme for developing freshwater policy in 5), worked assiduously to help Scottish a number of areas, of which perhaps the most Conservation Projects Trust overcome its busy relates to freshwater fish conservation and difficulties, and explored formalised concordats fishery management. Here, we responded in with a range of other bodies. detail to the Report of the Scottish Salmon
39 We restructured Scottish Natural Heritage by removing the intermediate Regional tier and establishing new Area teams, each with the resources and authority to take for- ward most of our local and community-based work. We introduced new streamlined procedures for our business practices, enabled by our computer network, which permit greater delegation.
We identified internal communications and staff develop- ment as the key components of our continuing programme of organisational development. These are, in part, being tackled under the useful disciplines of the Investors in People standard.
40 11: Improving the Management of SNH
In seeking to deliver our natural heritage objectives, we aim for the most efficient, effective and economic use of all our resources and the highest standards of public accountability. Our expenditure is reflected in the cost of the previous ten operational programmes which this work directly supports.
Key Achievements: Organisational Development Programme • We carried out the Organisational Last year we reported on the preparatory working on our Development Programme which Organisational Development Programme. The aim of this had been developed in 1996/97. programme is to make SNH more accountable locally, to promote team working, to devolve decision-making, to • We introduced a new Grants improve internal communications, to improve the co- Database which will enable us to ordination and focus of our advisory and development work, improve the management and and to increase the clarity, focus and impact of our strategic administration of our grants. thinking. The improved leadership and delegation derived • Our new Management Forum met from this programme will also secure increased efficiency twice, bringing together all our and effectiveness. Line Managers to address issues at a corporate level. This preparation allowed us to make rapid progress in putting the Programme into effect this year. From 1 April, we • We undertook a programme of restructured the organisation, removing the Regional tier and work aimed at acquiring establishing 11 Area teams with delegated authority to take Investors in People status. forward most of our local and community-based work. These teams are supported by a unified Advisory Service of • We provided staff with a total of scientific and other specialists, a small National Strategy 1,760 days’ training. group and teams delivering Corporate Services. We reduced the number of Directors who comprise our Management • We completed an upgrade of our Team, chaired by the Chief Executive, from eight to four. We Information Systems created a Chief Scientist’s unit to provide it and the Board Infrastructure, and brought with the necessary reassurance that scientific advice in SNH together our work in to a Year was being appropriately handled and to oversee the peer 2000 Programme to avoid review of our research programme. We reconstituted our disruption by the ‘Millennium four Regional Boards as three Areas Boards, and gave our Bug’. Areas Boards members larger roles in supporting our Area • We paid 91% of suppliers invoices staff. within their terms. This restructuring was accompanied by a streamlining of • We met The Scottish Office’s key decision-making and clarification of roles. This has been financial targets on cash outturn made possible, in part, through our investment in and on running costs reduction. Information Systems over recent years. The IS infrastructure has supported the Organisational Development Programme • We made £2.1 million efficiency by increasing the effectiveness of geographically-dispersed savings. teams and hence reducing the need to relocate staff. It includes a new Grants Database which makes use of our computer network to enable greatly improved grants management and administration. All the new processes, supported by written guidance, help desks and training, were introduced alongside the structural changes.
During the year all our Line Managers came together twice in a Management Forum to share and solve problems, and to take forward at a corporate level the ambitions of the
41 Organisational Development Programme. This undertook initial work on the path towards Management Forum is now regarded as an Investors in People status. A Steering Group essential component of management comprising a cross-section of staff was set up to development in SNH. To support the seek and co-ordinate views, promote and implementation of the Programme we held a explain the concept and assist with the series of six 24-hour conferences which around preparation of Action Plans. Briefings on our 80% of our staff attended. These enabled us to plans took place at a series of staff conferences further develop team working and collaboration. in December 1997 and January 1998.
In December, we reviewed progress and During the year staff received 1,760 training reported to the Board. It was clear that the days off the job, of which some 1,384 days were structural changes were settling down and that provided internally while the remaining 376 the new procedures had improved efficiency. days involved attendance at external courses. We ran 40 courses for 502 participants as part of our Corporate Training Programme, and a Corporate Governance further 16 Health and Safety training events for The term corporate governance describes the 50 participants. Some projects, such as our work processes which are used to ensure that on Natura 2000, often have very specific training management systems, including financial requirements; we ran 73 project-specific training monitoring and control systems, are operating events for 438 participants, and 99 staff attended effectively. 73 external training courses. We continued to develop and expand our Learning Resource We continued to exercise careful control of our Centre which enables our staff to address expenditure, and to operate monitoring and training issues on an individual basis; we reporting systems which allow senior managers indexed the resource materials, made them to identify and attend to problems at an early easier to access, and issued some 208 learning stage. Our Internal Audit Unit regularly assesses packages (books, videos, CD-ROMs) to staff. In the effectiveness of our systems, and addition, 29 members of staff benefited from recommends improvements as required. attendance at further or higher education courses. In addition to these long-standing measures, we monitored the development of public sector corporate governance issues and mechanisms, Greening the Workplace and complied with all the appropriate Our Greening the Workplace policy marks our requirements and good practices that have commitment to improving our own emerged so far. We adopted a Code of Best environmental performance in the workplace. Practise for Board Members, which covers issues We continued to develop strategy statements for such as public service values, accountability and greening issues such as waste management, conflicts, and registers of interests. Our Audit recycling, energy management, green Committee, comprising Board Members and procurement and transport. These will form the senior staff, met to oversee our corporate main thrust of our effort to provide practical governance arrangements, and review internal guidance to staff, and will supplement the audit plans and progress reports. information and advice provided in our internal Greening Handbook.
Human Resource Management To maintain staff enthusiasm and participation The staff of SNH are the most important element in the project, we appointed greening in delivering our natural heritage and other ‘champions’ from across the organisation to organisational objectives. We aim to recruit, work with local staff. A switch to energy-efficient retain and enable people to fulfil their roles lighting and individual heating controls for those effectively. Our Staff Development Policy helps offices which were refurbished during the year us do this through planned and appropriate resulted in reductions in overall energy training and development, which begins with consumption. We established and promoted the induction of new staff and continues paper, board and aluminium recycling facilities throughout their careers. in all our larger offices.
Key to our success as an organisation are the skills of our managers. We embarked on the Information Systems development of management competencies on A recent review demonstrated that our which future programmes of management Information Systems have provided greater training and development will be based. We benefits than had been projected in the five
42 years since SNH was established, more than Our payment performance was very creditable justifying the major investment we have made in with 91% of invoices paid within supplier terms them. compared to 85% in 1996/97. We made £2.1m of efficiency savings in our operations as set out in We completed an upgrade of our Information our agreed Efficiency Plan, and achieved both Systems infrastructure to provide greater the key financial targets set by The Scottish reliability and improved communication links Office on cash outturn and real savings on between offices, facilitating local decision- running costs. making by providing technology which allows rapid access to the key information. This was necessary in order to enable the restructuring Customer Care required by the Organisational Development Natural Standards is our response to the Citizens Programme. Charter. In our own charter we promise to deliver good-quality services and to foster We commenced work on a review of our customer care in everything we do. Information Systems Strategy to ensure that future investment is directed to meet our We are committed to responding to enquiries as identified business needs. We also brought quickly as possible. Most of the enquiries we together into a formal Year 2000 Programme the receive fall into eight broad categories: continuing work of avoiding disruption from information and advice; publications; SSSI the ‘Millennium Bug’. consultations; management agreements; consultations by others; licences; and permits. Each category has its own standards for making Finance responses; these are set out in a free leaflet Our Financial Memorandum with The Scottish available from all our offices. Office was updated and revised to give greater stability to our financial framework of During the year we received a total of 72,275 accountability and control. enquiries; most were answered on the same day and, where further action was needed, we met In line with the Organisational Development the required standards in more than 96% of the Programme changes, we overhauled our system cases. By far the majority of the enquirers sought of internal delegations in order to simplify and information or advice; our performance on this increase financial delegation to operational staff. type of contact was better than on any other; We streamlined successfully our finance most enquiries were satisfied immediately, and function and related procedures; as a result, the for the 9,500 which were not, a final response number of staff working in financial was supplied within our published standards on administration across SNH has been reduced, 97% of occasions. The relevant statistics on our producing a higher value for money service. 1997/98 performance against all the performance measures as set out in Natural We provided operational staff with training and Standards are summarised in the Chief support on financial procedures, the corporate Executive’s summary. accounting system and casework to help them to take on their increased responsibilities for managing budgets, meeting targets and carrying out activities.
43 Financial Results Cash Outturn We also delivered efficiency savings and gains in the SNH is primarily funded by government grant from cost of our operations that have been estimated at The Scottish Office. It can also raise income from other £2.1m, managed through the annual Efficiency Plan. sources. In 1997/98 we received £37.005m from the This Plan covered areas such as the human resources Government, compared to £36.85m in the previous return on investment in IT infrastructure, procurement year. savings and the rationalisation of accommodation holdings and running costs. Six staff left under an In awarding its grant, The Scottish Office indicated that approved scheme of voluntary early severance/retiral. certain funds should be ring-fenced for the Cairngorms Partnership (£0.39m), Central Scotland SNH’s Efficiency Plan, Corporate Plan, key financial Countryside Trust (£0.85m) and for SNH’s agreed targets and budget management are all managed share of JNCC’s annual budget (£1.25m). under the cash accounting convention. As a Non- Departmental Public Body, we also present financial The Scottish Office set two key financial targets for performance in annual accounts prepared under the 1997/98. The first target was to achieve a cash outturn accruals accounting convention. within 2% of approved grant-in-aid. Second, running costs for 1997/98 were to be managed down to 1% Of necessity, the cash and accruals bases of reporting less than the previous year, in real terms after taking SNH’s financial performance are different. Cash account of inflation. accounting records income and expenditure when physically paid or received, whereas accruals The demands that this represented were increased by accounting recognises income and expenditure the implementation of the Organisation Development transactions when earned or incurred. This Financial Programme. In finance terms, this meant re-defining Results section presents SNH’s cash outturn under the budgets and responsibilities, revising systems of cash accounting convention. financial delegation, de-layering SNH’s finance operation and changing procedures. The table below shows our cash outturn by expenditure heads. The planned column represents Nevertheless, SNH met both its key financial targets. our indication to The Scottish Office of likely cash Our cash outturn was £37.1m, and within 1% of the outturn, based on spending priorities set out in the target of grant-in-aid plus approved funds carried over Corporate Plan. of £37.3m. Equally, we spent £17.0m on running costs against a target of £17.2m.
Expenditure by expenditure type in 1997/98 1997/98 1997/98 1996/97 planned actual actual (£m) (£m) (£m) Salaries and other direct costs of Running costs Staff and Board Members 12.0 11.8 12.1 Administration 5.2 5.2 5.3 Capital Capital Projects 1.0 1.4 0.9 National Nature Reserve Maintenance 0.5 0.6 0.6 Environmental Information 1.0 0.7 1.1 Operational Information Gathering and Development 3.5 3.4 3.6 Activity Capital and Revenue Grants 7.1 7.5 7.0 Management Agreements 4.5 4.2 4.0 International Subscriptions (De min) (De min) (De min) JNCC, CSCT and the Cairngorms Partnership 2.5 2.5 2.5 Receipts -0.2 -0.2 -0.4
TOTAL net expenditure (including funds brought forward and receipts retained) 37.1 37.1 36.7 Note: all figures are net. A detailed break down of the amounts paid and and actual expenditure. This is due to the active recipients of grants and management agreements is management of budgets, changing operational given in SNH: Facts and Figures 1997-98, the priorities and the flexible use of financial incentives to companion publication to this report. secure natural heritage objectives.
The cash outturn on the programme expenditure Our cash outturn can also be presented by our ten heads shows some minor variation between planned Natural Heritage Programmes.
44 Expenditure by Natural Heritage Programme in 1997/98
Maintaining and enhancing diversity 6.5%
Protecting and managing special natural heritage sites 28.3%
Integrated management of key areas 8.4%
Environmental education and public relations 6.5%
Improving land access opportunities and land management 15.1%
Encouraging sustainable use of maritime areas 2.7%
Assisting Local Authorities 21.0%
Supporting the Central Scotland 4.6% Forest Initiative
Delivering our special nature 6.5% conservation functions
Developing policy and providing advice 0.5%
0123456789101112 The cost of our eleventh Programme, ‘Managing SNH’, has been apportioned on a pro-rata basis to the Natural Heritage Programmes in £m order to represent the full expenditure on each programme.
Annual Accounts level across all of the Natural Heritage As a Non-Departmental Public Body, SNH is Programmes. All proposed significant financial required to prepare annual accounts that present incentives, projects and contracts are assessed its financial performance on an ‘accruals’ basis as internally, following HM Treasury guidance on if it were a commercial concern. These are economic appraisal techniques, and referred to presented to Parliament and made publicly The Scottish Office for approval to proceed. available. The different basis of preparation for the annual The accounts are audited by the National Audit accounts results in a number of accounting Office and signed by the Comptroller & Auditor adjustments, for example, including certain General. notional charges, depreciation, accruals and pre- payments. Consequently our financial results The accounts comply, as far as is appropriate, under cash and accruals accounting conventions with commercial accounting standards and will be different. conventions. However, SNH is not in business to make a profit, rather to maximise its impact on The summary financial statements that follow natural heritage issues through applying its grant- show a retained deficit for the year, although this in-aid judiciously. This requires determining the should not be taken as an indication of financial correct level of financial intervention and performance. The accounts have been certified support to promote our interests and yield value by the Comptroller and Auditor General without for money for the taxpayer. We often undertake qualification. our role in partnership with others and to secure leverage of funds from our own investment. An extract from the full statement is given in the next section. It is clearly difficult to relate inputs (£) directly to outputs for the Natural Heritage at a corporate
45 Scottish Natural Heritage Account 1997-98: Summary Financial Statements
The financial statements contained on pages 46-47 are a summary of the SNH accounts. The summary accounts may not contain sufficient information to allow a full understanding of the results and state of affairs of SNH. A copy of the audited accounts which contain the detailed information required by law and under best practice guidelines can be obtained from SNH, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. The SNH accounts were signed by the Accounting Officer on the 10th of November 1998.
Income and Expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 1998 1998 1997 £000 £000
Income HM Government grant-in-aid 34,250 34,856 Transferred from deferred government grant account 1,782 1,558 Ring fenced grant-in-aid to JNCC 1,156 1,164 Income from activities 705 857 37,893 38,435 Expenditure Board members and staff costs 12,966 13,655 Grants 7,708 7,796 Other operating charges 6,260 6,349 Management agreements 4,328 4,007 Research and advisory services 2,835 3,109 Notional charges 2,181 2,176 Depreciation 1,559 1,518 Annual JNCC contribution 1,156 1,164 Grants to Local Authorities for loan charges 947 471 Maintenance of National Nature Reserves 613 485 Permanent diminution in asset values 111 0 40,664 40,730
(Deficit) on operating activities before superannuation (2,771) (2,295) Superannuation receipts 336 264 (Deficit) on operating activities (2,435) (2,031) Interest income 156 124 Income from bequests and donations 126 0 (Deficit) on ordinary activities (2,153) (1,907) Notional charges 2,141 2,131 Retained (deficit) / surplus for the year (12) 224
46 Balance Sheet as at 31 March 1998
1998 1998 1997 £000 £000 £000 Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 8,911 8,887 Investment in JNCC 176 144 9,087 9,031 Current assets Stocks 221 246 Debtors 1,026 1,018 Cash at bank and in hand 2,214 314 3,461 1,578
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (412) (171)
Net current assets 3,049 1,407
Total assets less current liabilities 12,136 10,438 Financed by: Insurance provision 329 289 Early retirement provision 369 485 Accruals and deferred income Deferred government grant 8,209 8,486 Deferred grant-in-aid 1,842 0 Capital and reserves Capital reserve 1,878 1,878 Revaluation reserve 495 306 Share of JNCC provisions and reserves 176 144 Income and expenditure account (1,162) (1,150) 12,136 10,438
47 Section 29 Orders
Orders made by the Secretary of State under Section 29 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and in force during the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998. A Section 29 Order is also called a Nature Conservation Order, which under certain circumstances the Secretary of State may make after consultation with SNH in order to protect areas of land of special scientific interest which are either likely to be or are being damaged. This type of order is used only as a means of last resort, and is primarily a means of safeguarding a site whilst negotiations continue to secure appropriate management in the future. Under Section 29 (11) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 SNH is obliged to publish in its Annual Report a list of orders which have come into operation during the year.
Only one new order was made in 1997/98 although a full list of those in force during the period is given.
Name of Order Date made Area (ha.) The Carstairs Kames Nature Conservation Order 1984 31 May 1984 73.0 The River Spey and Insh Marshes Nature Conservation Order 19871 23 March 1987 121.0 The Loch of Strathbeg Nature Conservation Order 1987 31 August 1987 2.2 The North Fetlar Nature Conservation Order 1987 22 October 1987 86.0 Culbin Foreshore Nature Conservation Order 1989 9 June 1989 2.0 Kinneil Lagoon Nature Conservation Order 1989 16 August 1989 27.8 Drimnin to Killundine Woods Nature Conservation Order 1990 7 November 1990 8.5 Black Loch (Abdie) Nature Conservation Order 1990 7 November 1990 5.5 The Rivers Spey – Feshie Confluence Nature Conservation Order 1992 3 August 1992 20.3 The Rivers Spey – Feshie Confluence Nature Conservation Order 1992 Amendment Order 1993 28 April 1993 * North Fetlar (Virda Water Apportionment) Nature Conservation Order 1993 19 May 1993 39.0 Shielton Peatlands Nature Conservation Order 1993 18 August 1993 1,365.0 Cobbinshaw Moss Nature Conservation Order 1994 18 February 1994 197.1 Loch Fleet and Dornoch and Cuthill Sands Nature Conservation Order 1995 4 April 1995 1,467.0 Culbin Sands and Findhorn Bay Nature Conservation Order 1995 22 June 1995 910.0 Culbin Sands and Findhorn Bay Nature Conservation Order 1995 (Amendment Order 1996) 19 March 1996 * Nigg and Udale Bays Nature Conservation Order 1995 22 June 1995 2,130.0
48 Name of Order Date made Area (ha.) Nigg and Udale Bays Nature Conservation Order 1995 (Amendment Order 1996) 19 March 1996 * Morrich More and Dornoch Firth Nature Conservation Order 1995 22 June 1995 2,155.0 Morrich More and Dornoch Firth Nature Conservation Order 1995 (Amendment Order 1996) 19 March 1996 * Ardersier Glacial Deposits (Hillhead Farm) Nature Conservation Order 1996 26 May 1996 23.5 Rossie Moor Nature Conservation Order 19962 23 August 1996 34.5 The Coire na Beinne Mires Nature Conservation Order 1997 9 September 1997 44.6 Footnotes: 1. Revoked 19 January 1998 2. Lapsed 23 May 1997 * The area of the amended order is the same as the existing S.29 Order still in force.
49 Board Members’ Interests SNH maintains a register of Board Members’ Association of Zoos & Aquaria. Chairman, interests. An extract from the register is printed Federation of Zoological Gardens of GB & below, listing Members’ employment, Ireland. Trustee, Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund. directorships and professions. For more detailed Founder Patron, Dynamic Earth. Member, P & E information, enquiries should be addressed to Committee SWT. the Board Secretary, Scottish Natural Heritage, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. Professor Seaton H Baxter: Director, Drastic Design Ltd. Director, Centre for Environmental Studies. Director, Aberdeen Association for the Scottish Natural Heritage Board Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Chairman, Magnus Magnusson: Writer and broadcaster, BBC SWCL. Chairman, Grampian Environmental TV ‘Mastermind’. Education Forum.
Bill Ritchie: Crofter. Director, Assynt Crofters Professor T Christopher Smout: Director, Institute Trust Ltd. Director, Highlands & Islands Forum for Environmental History, University of St Ltd. Commissioner, Crofters’ Commission. Andrews. Royal Commissioner, Ancient & Historic Monuments of Scotland. Nan Burnett: Member, Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on Sustainable David Laird: Chairman, Cairngorms Partnership Development and Member of the Education for Board. Sustainable Development Group. Vice Chairman, State Hospital Board of Management. Ivor Lewis: Managing Director, Operations, Chairman, Children’s Panel Advisory Committee United Distillers plc. Director, Gleneagles Hotels for Borders. plc.
Barbara Kelly: Partner in Beef Farming Enterprise. Director, Clydesdale Bank plc. Director, Scottish North Areas Board Post Office Board. President, Rural Forum. Amanda Bryan: Manager, LEADER II and PESCA President, Scottish Conservation Projects Trust. Programmes, Ross & Cromarty Enterprise. Convenor, Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust. Member, BBC Scottish Rural Affairs & Member, BP plc. Scottish Advisory Board. Agricultural Advisory Committee. Member, BT plc. Scottish Advisory Forum. Dr Michael Foxley: Crofter and General Medical Professor Fred T Last: Applied Biologist. Chairman, Practitioner. Director, Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust. Tree Advice Trust. President, Dunbar’s John Muir Director, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Trust. Assoc. Vice-Chairman, Scottish Wildlife Trust. Director, Treslaig and Achaphubuil Crofters Programme Convenor (Honorary), Royal Society Trust. Director, Lochaber College. Chairman, of Edinburgh. Highland Council Land & Environment Committee. Councillor, Ardnamurchan & Peter Mackay: Lecturer and consultant. Director, Morvern, Highland Council. British Linen Bank. Director, Scottish Ballet. Director, Scottish Maritime Museum. Director, Simon Fraser: Solicitor. Director, Isles Business Wise Group. Director, Scottish Agricultural Management Ltd. Director, Lowland Properties College. Member, Monopolies and Mergers Ltd. Director, Urras nan Tursachan Ltd & Commission. Tursachan Trading Ltd. Director & Chairman, Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust. Peter J Peacock: Convenor, Highland Council. Honorary President, Scottish Library Association. Nigel Graham: Provost of Nairnshire. Member, Member, European Committee of Regions. Highland Council - Planning Committee; Member, Scottish Post Office Board. Member, Protective Services Committee; Culture & Leisure Cairngorms Partnership. Member, Convention of Services Committee; Education Committee; Scottish Local Authorities. Policy & Resources Committee. Convenor, Northern Joint Police Board. Member, North of Roger Wheater: Consultant, World Tourist Scotland Water Authority. Organisation, United Nations. Consultant, World Bank. Consultant, zoo-related activities. Guest Hugh Halcro-Johnston: Farmer and Landowner. lecturer, Swan Hellenic. Secretary, Ark Partner in firm of J Halcro-Johnston and Sons, Enterprises Ltd. Director, Royal Zoological Farmers. Underwriting member of Lloyds. Society of Scotland. Chairman, European Director, Orkney Towage Company. Director,
50 Orkney Meat Ltd. Director, Orkney Windpower Board of Management. Secretary, St Cyrus Ltd. Convenor, Orkney Islands Council. Member, Community Council. North of Scotland Electricity Consumers’ Committee. Elder, Orphir Church. JP (Ex Officio). Robert E T Kay: South of Scotland Regional Member of Institute of Electrical Engineers. Manager for the Scottish Landowners’ Federation. Member, Scottish Agricultural Isobel Holbourn: Crofter. Director, Highlands & College Advisory Council. Chairman, Borders Islands Forum (HIF). Convenor, Highlands & College of Further Education. Chairman, Islands Forum. Part-time Auxiliary Observer, The Association of Scottish Colleges. Member, East of Meteorological Office. Member, Scottish Crofters Scotland Area Committee of the Scottish Water & Union. Part-Time Community Home Care, Social Sewerage Customers Council. Member, Forestry Work Department, Shetland Islands Council. Commission Regional Advisory Committee for the South of Scotland. Annie Macdonald: Senior Staff Tutor in Primary Education, Western Isles Council. Member, Jim McCarthy: Part-time Environmental and Board of Acair Publishing Company. Educational/Training Consultant. Chairman, Youth & Environment Project, Youthlink James Hunter: Journalist, Author, Broadcaster and Scotland. Member, Scottish Council for National Consultant. Director, UHI Ltd. Board Member, Parks. SNH Representative, Edinburgh Greenbelt Scottish Tourist Board. Member, Scottish Trust. Crofters Union. Professor John McManus: School of Geography Janet Price: Principal, Inverness College. and Geosciences, University of St Andrews. Chartered Geologist. Member of the Institution Michael Scott: Writer and Consultant. Scottish of Environmental Sciences. Consultant to Officer, Plantlife. Chairman, Scottish Wildlife & Regional Councils on Coastal Management, Countryside Link. Joint editor/publisher, Reservoirs and Harbour Charting. Council SCENES (Scottish Environment News). Director, Member, European Union for Coastal Highland Birchwoods. Conservation. Member, Secretary of State’s Committee on Waste Disposal at Sea. British Dr K M Swanson: Farmer. Vice Lord Lieutenant, Standards Institution Panel on Sediments. Caithness. Director, Caithness & Sutherland Chairman Editorial Board, Transactions of the Enterprise. Retired Assistant Director, AEA Royal Society of Edinburgh. Associate Editor, Technology, Dounreay. Trustee, Scrabster Continental Shelf Research. Director, Tay Estuary Harbour Trust. Research Centre. Member, Fife and Tayside RIGS Groups. Fife Sustainability Roundtable. Forth and Tay Estuary Fora. East Areas Board Andrew Bradford: Working Landowner. Anthony Wilks: Employed by Forth Ports plc. Chairman, Dee District Salmon Fishery Board. Forth River Purification Board - Secretary of State Chairman, DWP Ltd. Chairman, Scottish appointment. Chairman, Forth Estuary Forum. Landowners’ Federation Rural Housing Committee. Chairman, James Allan of Midbeltie Trust. Standing Committee Member, Dee Salmon West Areas Board Improvement Association. Board Member, Colin Carnie: Self-employed. Director, Reeve Cairngorms Partnership Advisory Board. Analytical Ltd. Director, Integrated Environmental Solutions Ltd. Ian Currie: Member, Principal Management Committee, Chartered Institution of Water and Jim Hansom: Reader, Department of Geography Environmental Management. Member, Forest and Topographic Science, University of Authority RAC Committee. Glasgow. Director, Coastal Research Group, University of Glasgow. Member, British Mrs Elizabeth M B Hay: Landowner. Member, Geomorphical Research Group. Member, Royal Scottish Committee of RSPB. Trustee, Scottish Scottish Geographical Society. Member, Scottish Architecture Education Trust. Qualifications Authority, Geography Panel. Fellow, Institute of British Geographers, Royal William Howatson: Journalist and Broadcaster - Geographical Society. Fellow, British Schools The Dundee Courier; The Scotsman; The Press & Exploration Society. Journal. Member, Scottish Water & Sewerage Customers Council. Member, Health Education The Countess of Glasgow: Member, Joint Advisory Board for Scotland. Member, Angus College Committee of Clyde-Muirshiel Regional Park.
51 Chairman, Scottish Council for National Parks. Scientific Advisory Committee Member, Executive Committee of National Trust Professor Paul Racey: Regius Professor, Natural for Scotland. Member, Management Group of History, University of Aberdeen. Chairman, Scottish Wildlife and Countryside Link. Steering Committee, NERC Thematic Programme on ‘Large Scale Processes in Ecology’. Vice- Robin Malcolm: Farmer and Forester. Board President, Bat Conservation Trust. Chairman, Member, Argyll & Isles Enterprise. Board Conservation Committee of the Fauna & Flora Member, Scottish Board NFU Mutual Insurance Preservation Society. Chairman, IUCN’s Bat Co. Member, Management Committee, Royal Specialist Group. Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institute. Honorary Vice President, SAOS Ltd. Trustee, Professor John Davenport: Professor of Marine Argyll & Bute Countryside Trust. Underwriting Biology, University of London. Director, Member of Lloyds. University Marine Biological Station, Millport. Council and Board Member, Scottish Association Dr Malcolm Ogilvie: Consultant. Director, British for Marine Science. Council Member, British Birds Ltd. Secretary, Rare Breeding Birds Panel. Ecological Society. Board Member, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (West Region). Dr Phil Ratcliffe: Independent Consultant on Land- use (Ecological) Issues. Joint Owner, Cowal Bird Professor C H Gimingham: Chairman, Conservation Garden, near Dunoon. and Science Committee of the SWT. Member, Advisory Board, Robert Gordon University Richard Williamson: Director, Buccleugh Heritage Unit. Member, Scientific Advisory Panel Countryside Service, Buccleugh Estates Ltd. of RSK Environment Ltd. Chairman, Red Alert Southwest Scotland. Vice- Chairman, Southern Uplands Initiative Steering Professor Jack B L Matthews: Secretary, The Scottish Group. Member, Scottish Landowners’ Association for Marine Science. Federation Access and Tourism Committee. Board Member, Barony College, Dumfries. Professor T J Maxwell: Director, Macaulay Land Use Trustee, South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital. Research Institute. Member, Consortium of Heads of Agricultural & Biological Research Dr R C Kirkwood: Part-time Reader in Ecology, Organisation Scotland. Chief Executive & Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Director, Macaulay Research & Consultancy University of Strathclyde. Research Consultant, Services. Trustee, MacLagan Trust & Macaulay Plant Science Division, Scottish Agricultural Development Trust. Member, Secretary of State’s College. Member, Scottish Wildlife Trust. Hill Farming Advisory Committee. Director, Member, European Weed Research Society. CORDaH. Member, Joint Consultative Committee Fellow, Royal Society of Edinburgh. SOAEFD. Member, National Trust for Scotland, Countryside and Nature Conservation Committee. Member, BBSRC Institute Management Committee.
Professor Brian Staines: Former Head of Station, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology.
Photography: L Gill (SNH) Front cover, 1, 4, 12, 13, 21, 32, 33, 36, 37; Hans Reinhard (Bruce Coleman Ltd) x; Roger Crofts (SNH) 5; P & A Macdonald (SNH) 8; Glyn Satterley 9; Neil McIntyre 16; Laurie Campbell 17; Ian Leask 20; Graham Burns 28; George Logan (SNH) 40.
52 Scottish Natural Heritage is a government body established by Parliament in 1992, responsible to The Secretary of State for Scotland.
Our task is to secure the conservation and enhancement of Scotland’s unique and precious natural heritage – the wildlife, the habitats and the landscapes which have evolved in Scotland through long partnership between people and nature.
We advise on policies and promote Scottish Natural Heritage practical projects which aim to Publications Section improve the natural heritage and Battleby Redgorton support its sustainable use. Perth PH1 3EW Tel: 01738 627921 Fax: 01738 827411 Our aim is to help people to enjoy E-mail: [email protected] Scotland’s natural heritage Web site: http://www.snh.org.uk responsibly, understand it more ISBN: 1 85397 016 6 fully and use it wisely, so that it can TH1.5K1198 be sustained for future generations. Printed by J. Thomson Colour Printers