NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2017-2022 Habitats Regulations Appraisal Report

Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal

Special Protection Areas

April 2017 [NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Special Protection Areas There is also one area currently under Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are strictly consideration for designation as a SPA. If protected sites classified in accordance with Ladder Hills is designated then it will create Article 4 of the EC Birds Directive. They an additional area of around 42 km2 of land are classified for rare and vulnerable birds within the National Park protected under (as listed on Annex I of the Directive), and the Birds Directive. for regularly occurring migratory species. 35 of these Annex I species can be found within the Cairngorms National Park, with SPAs designated to protect populations of 15 of them.

There are 15 SPAs within or overlapping the National Park, covering an area of around 2,013 km2 (or 45% of the National Park’s area, although large areas of this over). Of these, 11 have at least one notifiable feature that is in unfavourable condition. 4 SPAs, namely Anagach Woods, Craigmore Wood, Creag Meagaidh and Muir of Dinnet have no features in favourable condition.

With around 1,733 km2 of its 1,875 km2 within the National Park, The Cairngorms Massif SPA contributes 68% of the land protected as an SPA within the National Park. It is the largest in Scotland. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 105

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Location of Special Protection Areas

1. Abernethy Forest p. 107 North 2. Anagach Woods p. 109 2 3. Ballochbuie p. 111 4. Caenlochan p. 113 1 7 14 5. Cairngorms p. 115 12 6. Cairngorms Massif p. 117 13 7. Craigmore Woods p. 119 8. Creag Maegaidh p. 121 5 9. Drumochter Hills p. 123 17 10. Forest of Clunie p. 125 16 11. Glen Tanar p. 127 6 12. Kinveachy Forest p. 129 8 3 13. Ladder Hills (approximate p. 131 location) 14. Loch Vaa p. 133 11 15. Lochnagar p. 135 16. Muir of Dinnet p. 137 15 17. River Spey – Insh Marshes p. 139

9 4

Scale 1:700,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 106

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Abernethy Forest SPA Local Authority Highland Classified North SPA status 25/04/1990 Latitude 57 13 22 N Longitude 03 18 10 W SPA EU code UK9002561 Area (ha) 5,793.46 Area (ha) in CNP 5,793.46 (100%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 1% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 11.2% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana 27.6% Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 0.8% Coniferous woodland 59.3%

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Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

 Population of the species as a viable Factors currently influencing site component of the site.  Distribution of the species within site.  Grazing.  Distribution and extent of habitats  Burning. supporting the species.  Recreational disturbance.  Structure, function and supporting Sources processes of habitats supporting the  http://www.environment.scotland.gov. species. uk/get-interactive/data/protected-  No significant disturbance of the nature-sites/ species.  https://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/sitei Related European Sites nfo.jsp?pa_code=8461  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pa The site overlaps with Cairngorms Special ge=1925 Areas of Conservation and River Spey Special Area of Conservation. The site overlaps the Cairngorms Massif Special Protection Area.

Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 108

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Anagach Woods SPA Local Authority Highland Classified North SPA status 16/03/2006 Latitude 57 19 45 N Longitude 03 34 30 W SPA EU code UK9020297 Area (ha) 392.78 Area (ha) in CNP 392.78 (100%)

General site character

Dry grassland. Steppes 0.8% Coniferous woodland 95% Mixed woodland 4% Other land 0.2%

Conservation Objectives

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and

To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: Scale 1:40,000  Population of the species as a viable Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and component of the site. database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965

Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 109

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 Distribution of the species within site. Status of Qualifying Species  Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species. Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date  Structure, function and supporting Condition processes of habitats supporting the Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Recreation / Unfavourable 29/04/2015 species. breeding disturbance  No significant disturbance of the species.

Related European Sites

The site overlaps with River Spey Special Area of Conservation.

Factors currently influencing site

 Impact from disturbance from adjacent village and footpaths within the wood.

Sources

 http://www.environment.scotland.gov.u k/get-interactive/data/protected-nature- sites/  https://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/sitein fo.jsp?pa_code=9166  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SPA/UK902 0297.pdf

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Ballochbuie SPA Local Authority Aberdeenshire North Classified SPA status 12/06/1998 Latitude 56 59 30 N Longitude 03 19 06 W SPA EU code UK9002781 Area (ha) 1,881.73 Area (ha) in CNP 1,881.73 (100%).

General site character

Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 13% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 36% Phygrana Humid grassland. Mesophile 1% grassland Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 1% Coniferous woodland 48% Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. 1% Permanent snow and ice

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Status of Qualifying Species Conservation Objectives Summary To avoid deterioration of the habitats of Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date Condition the qualifying species or significant Forestry operations, disturbance to the qualifying species, thus Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), natural event, over- Unfavourable 14/04/2014 ensuring that the integrity of the site is breeding grazing, under- maintained; and grazing. Scottish crossbill (Loxia scotica), No negative Favourable 01/03/2015 To ensure for the qualifying species that the breeding pressures identified following are maintained in the long term: overlaps the Cairngorms Massif Special  Population of the species as a viable Protection Area. component of the site  Distribution of the species within site Factors currently influencing site  Distribution and extent of habitats  Grazing. supporting the species  Burning.  Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the Sources species  http://www.environment.scotland.gov.u  No significant disturbance of the k/get-interactive/data/protected-nature- species sites/ Related European Sites  https://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/sitein fo.jsp?pa_code=8467 The site overlaps with Ballochbuie Special  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pag Area of Conservation and River Dee e=1930 Special Area of Conservation. The Site

Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 112

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Caenlochan SPA Aberdeenshire, North Local Authority Perth and Kinross, Angus Classified SPA status 25/09/1997 Latitude 56 52 54 N Longitude 03 17 30 W SPA EU code UK9004011 Area (ha) 5,975.28 Area (ha) in CNP 5,975.28 (100%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 0.6% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 30.8% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 34.1% Phygrana Dry grassland. Steppes 7.6% Humid grassland. Mesophile 1.5% grassland Alpine and sub-alpine grassland 19.9% Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 0.2% Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Scale 5.3% Permanent snow and ice 1:100,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 113

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Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date the qualifying species or significant Condition disturbance to the qualifying species, thus Over-grazing, Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus), ensuring that the integrity of the site is Favourable recreation / 01/01/1999 breeding maintained; and disturbance Over-grazing, Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), To ensure for the qualifying species that the Favourable recreation / 04/12/2009 breeding following are maintained in the long term: disturbance

 Population of the species as a viable Factors currently influencing site component of the site  Burning  Distribution of the species within site  Grazing  Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species Sources  Structure, function and supporting  http://www.environment.scotland.gov.u processes of habitats supporting the k/get-interactive/data/protected-nature- species sites/  No significant disturbance of the  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/siteinf species o.jsp?pa_code=8474  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pag Related European Sites e=1962

The site overlaps with Caenlochan Special Area of Conservation and River Dee Special Area of Conservation. The site overlaps the Cairngorms Massif Special Protection Area.

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Cairngorms SPA Highland, Local Authority Aberdeenshire North Classified SPA status 25/09/1997 Latitude 57 04 30 N Longitude 03 38 30 W SPA EU code UK9002241 Area (ha) 50,586.64 Area (ha) in CNP 50,586.64 (100%) General site character Inland water bodies (standing 2% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 16% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 44% Phygrana Dry grassland. Steppes 2% Humid grassland. Mesophile 1% grassland Alpine and sub-alpine grassland 14% Improved grassland 1% Other arable land 1% Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 1%

Coniferous woodland 6% Scale Mixed woodland 1 % 1:300,000 Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. 5.3% Permanent snow and ice Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and Other land 1% database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 115

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Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date the qualifying species or significant Condition disturbance to the qualifying species, thus Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), No negative Favourable 25/04/2011 ensuring that the integrity of the site is breeding pressures identified Not monitored No negative maintained; and Merlin (Falco columbarius), breeding N/A to date pressures identified To ensure for the qualifying species that the No negative Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), breeding Favourable 01/06/2006 following are maintained in the long term: pressures identified Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Game / fisheries Favourable 31/07/2009  Population of the species as a viable breeding management component of the site Recreation / Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus), Unfavourable disturbance; over- 01/07/2011  Distribution of the species within site breeding  Distribution and extent of habitats grazing Scottish crossbill (Loxia scotica), No negative supporting the species Favourable 14/03/2012 breeding pressures identified  Structure, function and supporting No negative Peregrine (Falco peregrinus), breeding Favourable 25/04/2011 processes of habitats supporting the pressures identified species  No significant disturbance of the species Protection Area and the Cairngorms Lochs Sources Ramsar site. Related European Sites  http://www.environment.scotland.gov.u Factors currently influencing site k/get-interactive/data/protected-nature- The site overlaps with Cairngorms Special sites/ Area of Conservation, River Dee Special  Grazing  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/siteinf  Area of Conservation and River Spey Burning o.jsp?pa_code=8475 Special Area of Conservation. The site also  Recreation  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pag  overlaps the Cairngorms Massif Special Trampling e=1910  Invasive species Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 116

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Cairngorms Massif SPA Aberdeenshire, Angus, Highland, North Local Authority Moray, Perth and Kinross Classified SPA status 28/10/2010 Latitude 56 58 08 N Longitude 03 29 29 W SPA EU code UK9020308 Area (ha) 187,504.06 Area (ha) in CNP 173,254.64 (92.4%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 0.2% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 27.6% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 45.3% Phygrana Humid grassland. Mesophile 5.9% grassland Alpine and sub-alpine grassland 17.8% Improved grassland 0.1% Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 0.1% Coniferous woodland 0.8% Scale Mixed woodland 1.5% 1:600,000 Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and 0.7% Permanent snow and ice database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 117

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Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date the qualifying species or significant Condition disturbance to the qualifying species, thus Plant pests & Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Favourable diseases; proactive 31/08/2003 ensuring that the integrity of the site is breeding maintained; and onsite management

 To ensure for the qualifying species that the Cairngorms, Factors currently influencing site  Coyles of Muick, Glen following are maintained in the long term:  Tanar,  Grazing   Burning  Population of the species as a viable River Dee,  River South Esk,  Recreation component of the site  River Spey and  Trampling  Distribution of the species within site  River Tay.  Invasive species  Distribution and extent of habitats Sources supporting the species Site also overlaps with the following Special  Structure, function and supporting Protection Areas (SPAs):  http://www.environment.scotland.gov.u processes of habitats supporting the k/get-interactive/data/protected-nature-  species Abernethy Forest, sites/  Ballochbuie,  No significant disturbance of the  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/siteinf  Caenlochan, o.jsp?pa_code=10234 species  Cairngorms,  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SPA/UK902  Forest of Clunie, Related European Sites 0308.pdf  Glen Tanar and This site overlaps with the following Special  Lochnagar. Areas of Conservation (SACs): The site also overlaps the Cairngorm  Ballochbuie, Lochs Ramsar site.  Beinn a’ Ghlo,  Caenlochan, Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 118

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Craigmore Wood SPA Local Authority Highland Classified North SPA status 30/10/2001 Latitude 57 17 00 N Longitude 03 37 00 W SPA EU code UK9001801 Area (ha) 654.09 Area (ha) in CNP 654.09 (100%)

General site character

Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 0.5% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 3% Phygrana Humid grassland. Mesophile 0.5% grassland Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 10% Coniferous woodland 85% Other land 1%

Scale 1:50,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 119

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Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To ensure for the qualifying species that the Factors currently influencing site following are maintained in the long term:  Burning  Population of the species as a viable  Grazing component of the site  Game or fisheries management  Distribution of the species within site Sources  Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species  http://www.environment.scotland.gov.u  Structure, function and supporting k/get-interactive/data/protected-nature- sites/ processes of habitats supporting the  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/siteinf species o.jsp?pa_code=8486  No significant disturbance of the  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SPA/UK900 species 1801.pdf

Related European Sites

The site overlaps with River Spey Special Area of Conservation.

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Creag Maegaidh SPA Local Authority Highland Classified North SPA status 30/03/1998 Latitude 56 57 00 N Longitude 04 35 00 W SPA EU code UK9002161 Area (ha) 2,872.64 Area (ha) in CNP 71.18 (2.5%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 0.3% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 3.8% vegetation. Fens Alpine and sub-alpine grassland 93.3% Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. 2.6% Permanent snow and ice

Scale 1:100,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 121

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Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

Related European Sites

The site overlaps with Creag Meagaidh Special Area of Conservation.

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Drumochter Hills SPA Local Authority Highland Classified North SPA status 25/09/1997 Latitude 56 51 54 N Longitude 04 14 48 W SPA EU code UK9002301 Area (ha) 9,445.56 Area (ha) in CNP 7,382.22 (72.2%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 2% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 25% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 45% Phygrana Alpine and sub-alpine grassland 22% Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. 5% Permanent snow and ice Other land 1%

Scale 1:130,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 123

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Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date the qualifying species or significant Condition disturbance to the qualifying species, thus Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus), Favourable Other 11/02/2004 ensuring that the integrity of the site is breeding Burning, over- maintained; and Merlin (Falco columbarius), breeding Unfavourable 31/08/2004 grazing To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term: Factors currently influencing site  Grazing  Population of the species as a viable  Burning component of the site  Trampling  Distribution of the species within site  Recreational disturbance  Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species Sources  Structure, function and supporting  http://www.environment.scotland.gov.u processes of habitats supporting the k/get-interactive/data/protected-nature- species sites/  No significant disturbance of the  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/siteinf species o.jsp?pa_code=8491  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pag Related European Sites e=1914

The site overlaps with Drumochter Hills Special Area of Conservation and River Spey Special Area of Conservation.

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Forest of Clunie SPA Local Authority Perth and Kinross Classified North SPA status 13/08/2001 Latitude 56 40 00 N Longitude 03 35 00 W SPA EU code UK9004381 Area (ha) 19,349.38 Area (ha) in CNP 905.22 (4.7%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 3% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 21% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 64% Phygrana Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 0.2% Coniferous woodland 4.4% Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. 0.4% Permanent snow and ice

Scale 1:250,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 125

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Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

This site overlaps with the River Tay Special Area of Conservation and the Cairngorms Massif Special Protection Area.

Factors currently influencing site

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Glen Tanar SPA Local Authority Aberdeenshire North Classified SPA status 19/09/1994 Latitude 57 01 10 N Longitude 02 53 30 W SPA EU code UK9002771 Area (ha) 4,180.09 Area (ha) in CNP 4,142.25 (99.1%)

General site character

Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 10% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 30% Phygrana Dry grassland. Steppes 5% Coniferous woodland 45%

Scale 1:75,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 127

[NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date the qualifying species or significant Condition disturbance to the qualifying species, thus Forestry operations, ensuring that the integrity of the site is Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), recreation / Unfavourable 18/04/2011 maintained; and breeding disturbance, under- grazing To ensure for the qualifying species that the Hen harrier (Circus cyaneus), No negative Favourable 19/07/2010 following are maintained in the long term: breeding pressures identified Forestry operations,  Population of the species as a viable Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), breeding Favourable recreation / 13/10/2010 component of the site disturbance Scottish crossbill (Loxia scotica), No negative  Distribution of the species within site Favourable 23/03/2012 breeding pressures identified  Distribution and extent of habitats

supporting the species  Structure, function and supporting Factors currently influencing site processes of habitats supporting the  Burning. species  No significant disturbance of the Sources species  http://www.environment.scotland.gov.u Related European Sites k/get-interactive/data/protected-nature- sites/ The site overlaps with Glen Tanar Special  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/siteinf Area of Conservation and River Dee o.jsp?pa_code=8508 Special Area of Conservation. The site also  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pag overlaps the Cairngorms Massif Special e=1929 Protection Area.

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Kinveachy Forest SPA Local Authority Highland Classified North SPA status 02/02/2000 Latitude 57 14 15 N Longitude 03 54 00 W SPA EU code UK9002581 Area (ha) 2,849.36 Area (ha) in CNP 2,232.59 (78.4%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 1% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 10% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 40% Phygrana Humid grassland. Mesophile 10% grassland Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 5% Coniferous woodland 25% Mixed woodland 9%

[NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

 Population of the species as a viable  Grazing component of the site  Burning  Game and fisheries management  Distribution of the species within site  Distribution and extent of habitats Sources supporting the species  Structure, function and supporting  http://www.environment.scotland.gov.u k/get-interactive/data/protected-nature- processes of habitats supporting the sites/ species  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/siteinf  No significant disturbance of the o.jsp?pa_code=8519 species  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pag e=1926 Related European Sites The site overlaps with Kinveachy Forest Special Area of Conservation and River Spey Special Area of Conservation.

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Ladder Hills pSPA Aberdeenshire, Local Authority Moray North SPA status Candidate SPA Latitude 57 12 12 N Longitude 03 15 00 W SPA EU code UK9002951 4,240.4, but to be Area (ha) confirmed on classification 4,240.4 (100%), but Area (ha) in CNP to be confirmed on classification The Ladder Hills comprise a large block of upland between Corgarff and Tomintoul in inland north-east Scotland. The site supports extensive areas of dry heath, summit heath and blanket bog. The Ladder Hills are important for their assemblages of breeding birds typical of upland moorland areas. The site is of European importance for its breeding population of Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), with 9 pairs representing at least 1.8% of the breeding population in Scale Great Britain (1998 National Survey). 1:125,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and Map displays area of Ladder Hills SAC and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 approximate location of the proposed SPA. Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 131

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Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To be confirmed on classification. Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date Condition Related European Sites Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Not monitored No negative N/A The site potentially overlaps the Ladder breeding to date pressures identified Hills Special Area of Conservation.

Factors currently influencing site  Grazing  Burning  Recreational disturbance Sources

 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pag e=1935

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Loch Vaa SPA Local Authority Highland Classified North SPA status 19/09/1994 Latitude 57 14 20 N Longitude 03 48 00 W SPA EU code UK9002751 Area (ha) 44.6 Area (ha) in CNP 44.6 (100%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 26.7% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 4.4% vegetation. Fens Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 15.6% Coniferous woodland 48.9% Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. 2.2% Permanent snow and ice Other land 2.2%

Scale 1:10,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 133

[NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date the qualifying species or significant Condition disturbance to the qualifying species, thus Natural event, Slavonian grebe (Podiceps auritus), ensuring that the integrity of the site is Unfavourable recreation / 30/06/2007 breeding maintained; and disturbance

To ensure for the qualifying species that the Sources following are maintained in the long term:  http://www.environment.scotland.gov.  Population of the species as a viable uk/get-interactive/data/protected- nature-sites/ component of the site  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/sitein  Distribution of the species within site fo.jsp?pa_code=8541  Distribution and extent of habitats  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pa supporting the species ge=1928  Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species  No significant disturbance of the species

Related European Sites

No Related European Sites.

Factors currently influencing site

 Recreational disturbance

Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 134

[NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Lochnagar SPA Angus, Local Authority Aberdeenshire North Classified SPA status 12/06/1998 Latitude 56 56 30 N Longitude 03 16 00 W SPA EU code UK9002281 Area (ha) 1,431.28 Area (ha) in CNP 1,431.28 (100%)

General site character

Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 6.3% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 48.1% Phygrana Alpine and sub-alpine grassland 40.7% Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. 4.9% Permanent snow and ice

Scale 1:60,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 135

[NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date the qualifying species or significant Condition disturbance to the qualifying species, thus Over-grazing, Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus), ensuring that the integrity of the site is Favourable recreation / 31/05/1999 breeding maintained; and disturbance

Sources To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:  http://www.environment.scotland.gov. uk/get-interactive/data/protected-  Population of the species as a viable nature-sites/ component of the site  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/sitein  Distribution of the species within site fo.jsp?pa_code=8542  Distribution and extent of habitats  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?pa supporting the species ge=1913  Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species  No significant disturbance of the species

Related European Sites

The site overlaps the Cairngorms Massif Special Protection Area.

Factors currently influencing site None identified.

Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 136

[NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Muir of Dinnet SPA Local Authority Aberdeenshire Classified North SPA status 10/05/1999 Latitude 57 05 00 N Longitude 02 55 00 W SPA EU code UK9002791 Area (ha) 157.6 Area (ha) in CNP 157.6 (100%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 66.9% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 23% vegetation. Fens Humid grassland. Mesophile 1% grassland Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 9% Coniferous woodland 0.1%

Scale 1:25,000 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Natural Heritage. Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 137

[NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

Related European Sites

The site overlaps with Muir of Dinnet and River Dee Special Areas of Conservation and the Muir of Dinnet Ramsar site.

Factors currently influencing site

Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 138

[NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

River Spey – Insh Marshes SPA Local Authority Highland Classified North SPA status 02/02/1997 Latitude 57 05 23 N Longitude 03 59 48 W SPA EU code UK9002231 Area (ha) 1,158.87 Area (ha) in CNP 1,158.87 (100%)

General site character

Inland water bodies (standing 15% water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed 43% vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. 8% Phygrana Humid grassland. Mesophile 25% grassland Improved grassland 1% Other arable land 5% Broad-leaved deciduous woodland 2% Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. 1% Permanent snow and ice

[NPPP HABITATS REGULATION APPRAISAL REPORT] April 2017

Conservation Objectives Status of Qualifying Species

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of Summary Qualifying Species Pressures Visit Date the qualifying species or significant Condition disturbance to the qualifying species, thus Hen harrier (Circus cyaneus), non- No negative Favourable 22/02/2010 ensuring that the integrity of the site is breeding pressures identified maintained; and Natural event, Wigeon (Anas penelope), breeding Unfavourable recreation / 30/05/2009 To ensure for the qualifying species that the disturbance Recreation / following are maintained in the long term: Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), breeding Favourable 07/09/2009 disturbance  Population of the species as a viable Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), No negative Favourable 31/12/2000 component of the site. non-breeding pressures identified Spotted crake (Porzana porzana), No negative  Distribution of the species within site. Favourable 31/12/2000 breeding pressures identified  Distribution and extent of habitats Unfavourable supporting the species. Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola), Recovering Due Forestry operations 31/12/2000 breeding  Structure, function and supporting to Management processes of habitats supporting the  http://www.environment.scotland.go species. Factors currently influencing site v.uk/get-interactive/data/protected-  No significant disturbance of the  Grazing. nature-sites/ species.  Recreational disturbance.  http://gateway.snh.gov.uk/sitelink/sit  Forestry operations. einfo.jsp?pa_code=8571 Related European Sites  Potential impacts from new  http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx? development due to additional nutrient page=1909 The site overlaps with Insh Marshes Special loading. Area of Conservation and River Spey Special Area of Conservation. The site also Sources overlaps the River Spey – Insh Marshes Ramsar site.

Cairngorms National Park Authority | Appendix 1: Information on European sites considered by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal 140