Glencruitten Road Oban Site of Special Scientific Interest PA34 4DN SITE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT Tel. 01631 567228

Site ref: 681

Purpose This is a public statement prepared by SNH for owners and occupiers of the SSSI. It outlines the reasons it is designated as an SSSI and provides guidance on how its special natural features should be conserved or enhanced. This Statement does not affect or form part of the statutory notification and does not remove the need to apply for consent for operations requiring consent. We welcome your views on this statement. [This statement is available in Gaelic on request.]

Description of the site The Garvellachs consist of a notched escarpment which breaks the surface of the waves as a chain of four main islands, with associated skerries lying approximately 8 km south-west of the island . The escarpment is composed of a series of steeply dipping sedimentary rocks including tillites and magnesium limestone. The moulding of this chain of islands by the agents of glaciation and marine erosion has resulted in rocky dip slopes to the south-east and impressive sea-cliffs along the north-west.

Several strata of dolomitic limestone run along the axis of the islands and have weathered to form distinctive pavement formations. The vegetation on these strata is preferentially grazed and the rock stands out as distinctive pink bands on the hillside. Whilst these pavements are not as deeply etched by solution as the limestone pavements of northern England, a small-scale pattern of clints, grykes, runnels and solution cups is evident. The Garvellachs probably rank with Tulach Hill and Beinn A’ Ghlo (both sites are in Perthshire) for the extent of limestone pavement composed of Dalradian limestones.

The islands rise to a height of 110 metres and the exposed conditions on higher ridges and crags are characterised by the presence of populations of two uncommon arctic- alpines, both of which are found in association with the dolomitic limestone. The hoary whitlow-grass grows in pockets of soil in solution hollows, while the mountain aven is present on the north-west facing crags. In contrast, the warmth-loving spring cinquefoil and thyme broomrape contribute to the interest of the base-rich grasslands on the shallow skeletal soils on the south-east facing slopes of .

With the influence of both acidic and base-rich strata, these islands support a great diversity of woodland, mire, heath and grassland communities. The oak, birch, ash and alder woodlands are oceanic in nature and this is characterised by the presence of abundant hay-scented buckler fern. The tussock-sedge mires, and the presence of the forester moth are also indicative of the mild oceanic conditions on the west coast of

Scotland.

The assemblages of bryophytes, lichens and invertebrates on the Garvellachs are poorly known and would merit further investigation.

Natural features of Garvellachs

Name of natural feature

Dalradian Limestone pavement Maritime cliff

Current condition of the natural features Dalradian (assessment from a site visit June 2007) Irresponsible core sampling of the Dalradian exposures has damaged some rocks; the high visual impact of the coring at several exposures effectively ruins the exposure for use in photographic illustrations.

Limestone pavement (results of monitoring in 30 August 2004) The diverse range of plant communities on the Garvellachs are maintained as a result of the continued sheep grazing. Although the islands are lightly grazed overall, the calcareous grassland and limestone pavement formations are preferentially grazed. This is particularly noticeable on Holy Island, with some modification to the vegetation communities through dunging, and tall-herb and fern communities limited to the relatively infrequent deeper grikes. In general, the limestone pavements on Garbh Eilleach are less heavily grazed than those on Eileach an Naoimh. The condition of the limestone pavement was favourable.

Maritime cliff (results of monitoring in 15 August 2002) The feature was found to be in favourable condition. Current stock practices are generally appropriate. Deer numbers may require some management in the future. Bracken is widespread on the islands and could become a problem in the future.

Past and present management There is a long history of human occupation on the Garvellachs. The ruins of the monastery support a population of elecampane, a sunflower-like plant which was introduced from Europe for its medicinal properties. During the last few centuries the islands have been managed as grazing for cattle and sheep.

At present, the islands are managed for the winter grazing of sheep. A breeding ewe flock was taken off Eileach an Naoimh in 2005 and replaced with wintering hoggs, this grazing regime is practiced on the other three main islands which are winter-grazed by hoggs and free of domestic stock during the summer months. Red deer and rabbits also graze .

Objectives for Management (and key factors influencing the condition of natural features) We wish to work with the owner to protect the site and to maintain and where necessary enhance its features of special interest. SNH aims to carry out site survey, monitoring and research as appropriate to increase our knowledge and understanding of the site and its natural features.

1. To maintain the condition and extent of the Dalradian geological feature. (1.1) Ensure that researchers visiting the islands to undertake sampling are aware of their legal and social responsibilities

2. To maintain the extent and condition of Limestone pavement. (2.1) Maintain stock at a level which prevents the encroachment of scrub and bracken resulting in exposures becoming obscured. (2.2) Monitor current stock levels to ensure they are appropriate to maintain the characteristic assemblage of native plants. Monitor grazing pressure of deer population. (Achievable through Site Condition Monitoring).

3. To maintain the range of plant communities present on the Garvellachs. (3.1) ) Maintain stock at a level which prevents the encroachment of scrub and bracken. (3.2) Monitor plant communities to measure changes in viability, characteristics and extent. (achievable through Site Condition Monitoring).

4. To maintain populations of nationally scarce/uncommon vascular plants. (4.1) Monitor populations of mountain avens and hoary whitlow grass. (4.2) Monitor current stock levels on Eileach an Naoimh to ensure they are appropriate to maintain open outcrops of limestone and associated plant communities. ( 4.1 and 4.2 achievable through Site Condition Monitoring).

Date last reviewed: 09 April 2008