• 50 years of Forvie National Nature Reserve • – business bites back • Get out and cook • From quay to table

Newsletter Autumn/Winter 09 PARTNERSHIP NEWS ... we have had a fantastic“ year A word from our Chairman “ thanks to a growing team of I’m very pleased to say that in this copy of our Newsletter we are able to announce that our “State of the East Grampian Coast” report is volunteers. now becoming available for all to read. This new report looks at the state and condition of the East Grampian Coast and has aimed for the The project was set up to collect data on cetacean occurrence first time to gather information on social, economic and environmental and distribution in the northern between , issues along the East Grampian coast all the way from to Orkney and in summer 2002. Since then the project . has expanded greatly, and once again we have had a fantastic A healthy marine and coastal environment helps to maintain ecosystems year thanks to a growing team of volunteers. We have had some as well as providing us with employment opportunities, carbon storage, great sightings this year including bottlenose dolphins, porpoise, research and education, a natural sea defence, leisure, recreation and minke whale, white beaked dolphin, killer whales and common tourism opportunities, transportation of goods and people, sustaining dolphins as well as lots of birds, jellyfish and other wildlife. I biodiversity; and acting as a method of waste disposal. The report by would like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers East Grampian Coastal Partnership gives a snapshot of the coast in for all their hard work this year; it is much appreciated and 2009 and will be used as a template to identify opportunities for future without you the project would not be able to continue-thank work and to monitor the changes that take place on the coast in the you! coming years. It is hoped the findings of this report will be of interest to local stakeholders and decision makers as well as people that live or have an interest in the area. The report will shortly be available Minke whale online on the East Grampian Coastal Partnership website, on CD and a limited number of hard copies will be available upon request to view in locations in the area. This is just a start to the work-load to be undertaken by EGCP over the next couple of years and it is also an important foundation for the work that will be required in establishing our Scottish Marine Bill as well as it’s governing body, Marine . We have undertaken a great deal of environmental consideration over the last 5 years and we must now ensure that we link this with both social and economic factors, in order to offer a complete Integrated Coastal Zone Management policy, which will play an important part in future coastal sustainability. I hope you find the rest of the content of the Newsletter useful and interesting and that you will contact us if you have any queries about Photo: Nick Picozzi our work and our future programme. Your input is always welcome. ‘a big bull orca-came across the bow and right down the side of the boat’ Robbie Middleton Robin B Middleton Chairman EGCP ‘It’s been well exciting; minke whales, porpoises and white beaked Chairman - EGCP dolphins!’ MARINE BILL UPDATE ‘We saw 3 minke, 30+ porpoise, 40+ white beaked dolphins and a few bottlenose dolphins’ The Marine (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 29 April 2009. The bill introduces changes to manage growing and competing demands for the use of marine resources in the seas around Scotland, balancing environmental and socio-economic considerations whilst maximising economic growth. Evidence will be heard by the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee during the summer of 2009, which will be followed by further detailed consideration and debate and if agreed, the then Act is due to receive Royal Assent in November 2009, thus becoming law.

NORCET We have had another successful year of cetacean surveys as part of the Northern North Sea Cetacean Ferry Surveys (NORCET). The surveys are part of a joint project between researchers at the University of Aberdeen, the East Grampian Coastal Partnership and the South Grampian Seawatch Group. Photo: Simon Whitworth Sunset over Orkney BEACH CLEANS 2009 Council. The current system of locally important and protected sites which were identified in the 1970’s, are recognized as This year, as part of our ongoing work to tackle coastal litter Sites of Interest to Natural Science (SINS) but it is considered in the area, we have organised and taken part in a number of that a review of this system is now required. beach cleans most notably along Greyhope Bay and Nigg Bay in Aberdeen. Cleaning up rubbish may not be everyone’s idea of a fun Saturday but it really is rewarding, seeing all those These sites make a considerable“ bags heaped up after a morning’s hard work. From everyone at “ contribution to the biodiversity EGCP I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who have helped make our beaches a better place for everyone! resource ...

Nigg Bay beach clean In line with new guidance, sites of local and regional importance for their biodiversity and geological value will be selected as Local Nature Conservation Sites. These sites make a considerable contribution to the biodiversity resource and add to the quality of the local environment as well as providing education opportunities. For more information please contact; Judith Cox, Environment Planner (South), Council Tel 01467 628002 e-mail [email protected]

ST CYRUS NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE Andy Turner, Reserve Manager, St Cyrus NNR

If you would like to take part in future clean ups please get in St Cyrus National Nature Reserve (NNR) lies on the south touch. Aberdeenshire coast, around 5 miles north of Montrose. The Reserve comprises 92 hectares of mixed coastal habitat. Towering volcanic cliffs and yellow dunes enclose a spectacular

Aberdeen Harbour clean up wildflower meadow that supports a number of rare plants and

insects. Towering volcanic cliffs and yellow“ “ dunes enclose a spectacular wildflower meadow ...

The view from the cliff top at the northern end of the reserve reveals the magnificent sandy sweep of Montrose Bay, bisected by the River North Esk. The river marks the boundary between

Angus to the south and Aberdeenshire to the north. On a

fine day it can be argued that it’s one of the most picturesque sections of coastline in north-east Scotland. WORK UNDERWAY AT LOCAL LANDFILLS “ A restoration project is underway to clean up and regenerate contaminated landfill sites in Aberdeen. The £15 million ... it can be argued that it’s one of venture by Aberdeen City Council will clean the city’s Ness “the most picturesque sections ... Farm and Tullos Hill landfill sites to minimise the environmental harm they cause and restore the land to provide a wildlife and recreational area for local residents. The visitor centre at St Cyrus – housed in an old lifeboat Included in the three year long programme of work are path station - receives around 15,000 visitors each year from all upgrades and new information boards describing the site’s over the world. archaeology, wildlife and history. Regular visitors to St Cyrus NNR will have noticed some new arrivals for 2009 in the shape of 15 highland cattle. DESIGNATED SITE REVIEW Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) who manage the Reserve Aberdeenshire Council is undertaking a review of sites of local has enlisted the help of a pedigree herd of Highlanders to and regional importance for biodiversity and geodiversity in transform an area of rank grassland in the south of the Reserve association with Scottish Natural Heritage and Aberdeen City to a flourishing wildflower and insect rich meadow. By grazing

The new arrivals ... the only known record of the“ “micro moth Lobesia abscisana on the Scottish mainland ...

Lobesia abscisana on the Scottish mainland - discovered by Brian Stewart and Dr Mark Young during a moth night event held at the Reserve in 2007. St Cyrus NNR is also home to over 65 different species of breeding birds and 244 species of flowering plants. Visitors

can learn more by visiting our website at www.nnr-scotland.

org.uk or by calling in at the visitor centre. away the rank grasses the cattle will bring light, water and “ nutrients to the ground, at the same time their hooves help to ... home to over 65 different

disturb the soil enabling suppressed wildflowers and dormant “species of breeding birds ... seeds to grow. “ Lovers of human history might be interested in the recent ... the cattle will bring light, water mysterious discovery of a French military rifle on the reserve. “ and nutrients to the ground ... The rifle which dates from 1880 was discovered in asea cave at the northern end of the Reserve in 2008, and has recently been returned to SNH by the National War Museum The pedigree cattle are owned by Mr Rowland Robertson of in Edinburgh. The wooden stock and the trigger mechanism Pitgarvie Farm, , who visits the Reserve regularly to are missing however the barrel is in excellent condition and check on their condition. Reserve staff have recently managed to get the bolt action

working again. ... have already made an impact,“ The rifle is a Fusil Modele 1874 Gras, manufactured in the town of Saint Etienne, near Lyon in south eastern France. It’s a “ with a significantly reduced single shot, bolt-action weapon with a bayonet fitting - typical vegetation height ... of military rifles from the late 19th century up until the 1960s. This particular design was only used by the French army for around a decade, it also saw service with the Greek army, and SNH have tried grassland burning and cutting techniques in many years later with resistance fighters in the Second World the past with limited success. Following their introduction War. in April 2009 the cattle have already made an impact, with a significantly reduced vegetation height inside the cattle enclosure compared to outside, and several wildflower species flourishing! The cattle will graze the area throughout the summer months, until being removed in the autumn and reintroduced again in early spring 2010. The public are permitted to walk through the area but dog walkers may wish to walk elsewhere. The large flocks of swallows and house martins present in the southern end of the Reserve are evidently enjoying the feast of Rifle found at St Cyrus insects attracted to the area as a result of cattle dunging, while butterflies and moths or lepidpotera as they are collectively known seem to be equally plentiful in 2009. Staff at the National War Museum are at a loss to explain how the rifle came to be in the cave, which is regularly inundated The completion of a new checklist by moth enthusiast Brian by the tide. A display case is currently being made for the rifle, Stewart has identified almost 400 different species to be which will find a new home in the SNH visitor centre at St present on the reserve, making it a very important site in both Cyrus. If anyone has any information on how the rifle came a local and national context. Some of the species recorded are to be in the cave SNH would love to hear from you on 01674 rare, such as the small blue butterfly which feeds on the yellow 830736. flowered kidney vetch plant that grows on the Reserve. The list also includes the only known record of the micro moth 50 YEARS OF FORVIE NATIONAL NATURE Much of the early days of the NNR were characterised by academic research, which continues to be an important use of RESERVE the reserve today. Botanical excursions, bird monitoring and Annabel Drysdale, Reserve Manager, Forvie NNR sand dune surveys are still common. Today the is also contributing to our understanding of climate change as One of the jewels of the North East coast is celebrating its scientists at the University of Aberdeen’s Oceanlab monitor golden anniversary this year. The Sands of Forvie, between

temperature and salinity on a daily basis. the Ythan Estuary and have been part of one of

Scotland’s most popular National Nature Reserves (NNRs)

for 50 years. ... the Ythan estuary is also“ “ contributing“ to our understanding One of the jewels of the North of climate change ... “ East coast ... Archaeological investigations have taken place at Forvie village, lost to the dunes after the 15th century and at late Neolithic Following the introduction of the National Parks and Access to and early Bronze Age village sites within the NNR. the Countryside Act 1949, the Nature Conservancy declared the Sands of Forvie as a nature reserve on 22 January 1959.

An area of around 1700 acres of Slains Estate, which belonged Sunset over the Ythan Estuary ... regarded as one of Scotland’s“ “ great natural assets ... to Sir Ian Walker-Okeover at that time, was regarded as one of Scotland’s great natural assets which would allow nature conservation and scientific research to flourish. In 1979, the Ythan estuary from the mouth at Newburgh to Logie was added and in 2003, Scottish Natural Heritage purchased most of the reserve, securing it for future generations. When Forvie became the 20th National Nature Reserve for Scotland, it joined a list of important wildlife and landscape sites such sites as Beinn Eighe, St Kilda and the Isle of May.

Sand dunes on the reserve

Photo: Catriona Reid

The future of the reserve places nature conservation at the

fore, but opportunities for people to learn about the outdoors

and nature are also important. Planning and provision of Forvie is well placed as a site “ to “achieve this and is looking forward to another 50 years ...

information for visitors will be vital to manage the balance between human activities and wildlife in years to come. However, Forvie is well placed as a site to achieve this and is looking forward to another golden 50 years and beyond! Photo: Lorne Gill, SNH CLIFFS WILDLIFE RESERVE Rab Potter, Reserve Manager Longhaven Cliff Wildlife Reserve is a narrow 4 km long strip of coastline. It lies on granite which has given rise to cliffs

30-60m in height that have eroded into a spectacular coastline of headlands, deep inlets, stacks, arches and steep cliff faces. ... have eroded into a spectacular“ “ coastline of headlands, deep inlets, stacks ...

Granite used to be quarried here many years ago and the The Longhaven coast Photo: Rab Potter remains of the old quarry operations can still be seen today. The cliffs provide nesting sites for internationally important We hope in the near future to upgrade this track and make the numbers of kittiwakes and guillemots. Other bird species reserve more accessible to all groups of visitors. present include fulmars, razorbills and puffins. Further information can be obtained from our website www.

swt.org.uk or by contacting the Reserves Manager North East ... internationally important“ on [email protected] “ numbers of kittiwates and A READERS TALE FROM guillemots. NEWBURGH…… Grace Banks The narrow cliff-top zone contains varied plant communities with a number of plants unusual to the north east of Scotland, It was a day of boredom when I suggested to a lethargic family including devil’s-bit scabious and grass of Parnassus. we go to see the seal pups at Newburgh; reluctantly Josh

responded. Looking out over the water one can often see seals basking on rocky outcrops just offshore, and occasionally dolphins, “ porpoises and even minke whales have been spotted! ... the reflections on the water “ were lovely ...

It had been a very long time since I had been down to the estuary and although it wasn’t great weather, the reflections on the water were lovely and the eiders were all calling; we began to cheer up. I was peering ahead to see if there were any seal pups on the other side when I saw something on the sand ahead, I thought a dog, running into the water. I raised the binoculars - it was a roe deer speedily swimming across the Ythan. The seals on the far bank weren’t best pleased and two of the bulls went for the deer. So it swerved course and hopping out the far side, the

The Longhaven Reserve Photo: Rab Potter graceful rust brown creature sped off across the sand towards the distant dunes. The reserve is around 4 miles south of and 2 miles “ north of Cruden Bay (OS Grid Ref Sheet 30 NK 116395) and ... a roe deer speedily swimming is most easily accessed from our car park at the northern edge of “Ennstone Thistles” Blackhills Quarry Access Track “ across the Ythan. at the northern end of the village of Longhaven. From the car-park, (NK 114394) sign posts direct visitors onto a rough track along the coastline. This track is very close to the cliff It was a lovely sight and well pleased, we had a good explore edge in places and great care must be taken along the track. around. But Josh was bored, so I left him to wander on his own Stout footwear is a must for all visitors. The track ends near a while I rounded the dunes to make my way back to the mouth lay-by on the main A90 trunk road of the estuary. As I looked seaward, I saw a buzzard fly in; I turned and signalled COASTAL PLANT TRAINING DAY AT to a trailing son. Terns were dive-bombing and screaming at the predator and the seals became very restless as the bird landed just beyond where they were grouped. Glenn Roberts, NESBReC Manager Excitedly, we peered through the binoculars. At the beginning of the summer on 13 June, the first of “It’s like a vulture Josh!” I said, and at that moment the bird four biological training days funded by a grant from the East effortlessly lifted off the ground……its wingspan like a barn Grampian Coastal Partnership was held at Rattray Head near door! St. Fergus. These training days are organised by the North East Scotland Biological Records Centre (NESBReC) in order to “Eagle! Eagle!” I began to jump up and down totally excited and educate people in the identification of various types of wildlife as quickly as we could the pair of us moved closer to watch the and to encourage wildlife recording across the North East of amazing sight. No wonder the terns were going demented and Scotland. In addition, a wider appreciation of the biodiversity even the eider raft was skimming in the other direction! of the coast is gained. ... we watched this great sea“ “eagle soar above us, its great wings hardly moving.

For ten minutes we watched this great sea eagle soar above us, its great wings hardly moving. I have never seen anything quite so awe inspiring. And the magnificent bird appeared completely unfazed by the havoc he was causing below. A buzzard happened to fly in and I had to laugh at me thinking the eagle was one as we watched the much smaller bird soar alongside the eagle for a while! Attendees looking at the characteristics of Curved Sedge at Rattray Head

This first event focused on coastal plants and was led by Ian Green who is a local vice county recorder for the Botanical Society of the British Isles. The attendees were of differing levels of experience in plant identification, from beginners upwards. What they all had in common was a keen interest

in knowing more about the native plants that are present on

our coastline. ... with a network of mobile“ and A sea eagle at Newburgh “fixed dunes with some fine damp dune slacks. Apparently this eagle was tagged and was a young one, with not much white on it (so someone with a very posh camera told me!). I took shots but what came out does an injustice to The area at Rattray Head is a dune system with a network of the great bird that soared 20 feet above our heads. A sight to mobile and fixed dunes with some fine damp dune slacks. All be savoured in memory for a long time to come! together, a total of 55 different plant species were encountered

on the day. Not all of these were restricted to purely coastal “ habitats, of course. However, there were some purely coastal A sight to be savoured in memory species and some which were actually quite rare either locally or nationally.

“ for a long time to come! Thanks for those involved in the sea eagle reintroduction ... some which were actually quite “ programme who have made sightings of this great creature on “ rare either locally or nationally. the east coast a possibility again. If you have a tale you would like to share, please contact us. One of the dune slacks where rabbits had been keeping the turf In other wet areas we came across Juncus balticus (baltic short contained a nice assemblage of species. In amongst the rush) and Carex disticha (brown sedge). The former has well-grazed Festuca rubra (red fescue) were diminutive versions smooth greyish stems and is noticeable for its creeping rows of plants that can grow larger if left ungrazed. There was Carex of plants. It is not very common nationally but does have a arenaria (sand sedge), the most common sedge of sand dunes, fairly good distribution along the Moray Firth coast and also Euphrasia sp. (eyebright) and Glaux maritima (sea milkwort) with south Angus coast. Brown sedge, in contrast, is quite common their tiny attractive flowers, only truly appreciated with the aid nationally in both inland and coastal sites. However, it is very of a hand lens. But the rarest of all was Carex maritima (curved uncommon north of Angus and this site is one of only a few sedge), only known at a couple of locations in Aberdeenshire in Aberdeenshire. and very much confined to the north and east coasts of mainland Scotland, as well as the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and “ Shetland. This is not the prettiest of plants but it does show an ... this site is one of only a few in interesting growth habit, with the stems and leaves arching to the side in a pronounced curve, hence the species’ common “ Aberdeenshire. name. It is a difficult plant to spot at first due to its small size but once you have found one plant there will probably be many more in the vicinity since it has a network of far-reaching The very distinctive sedge, Carex otrubae (false fox sedge), underground roots producing new growth. It may well be with its sharply-edged three sided stems was also found. This under-recorded due to its inconspicuous nature. species is mostly confined to coastal locations in Scotland but can be found in many wet places such as stream sides in “ England. ... there was a fantastic amount Another interesting find was Plagiobothrys scouleri (white “ of orchids. forget-me-not) which is actually an alien species originating from North America but one which is not a threat to our own native flora. It was seen growing in a sandy hollow which is wet over the winter but drains freely in summer. This is only the In another, much wetter and larger dune slack, there was a second recorded site for this species in Scotland since 2000. fantastic amount of orchids. These were of two different Ian Green reported that he had also seen it on a path on a hill species. The first was the most common orchid in North-East in the Cairngorms. Perhaps it had been imported with some Scotland, Dactylorhiza purpurella (northern marsh orchid). This gravel used in the path’s construction? White forget-me-not is species has flowers which are usually a dark pink-purple and better known for its presence in the New Forest in Hampshire can be seen in a variety of wet grassland types. The second and there are really only a handful of other records of it from type was Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. incarnata (early marsh elsewhere in the UK and Ireland. orchid) which is not very common in this area and has flowers that are usually flesh pink in colour but other subspecies can “ also be mauve, purple, white and even bright red. This site contained the greatest numbers of early marsh orchid that Ian ... enjoyable and interesting day Green had seen in Aberdeenshire to date. “ with some unlikely surprises.

Marsh Lousewort and Early March Orchid All in all, despite some cold wind and rain, this was a very enjoyable and interesting day with some unlikely surprises. It just goes to show how different the coastal vegetation can be. The other three biological training days organised in 2009 as part of the EGCP grant-aided project were: Coastal Butterflies and Moths, Coastal Birds, and Spiders of Coastal Dunes.

THE STATE OF THE EAST GRAMPIAN COAST A new report looking at the state and condition of the East Grampian coast aims to gather, for the first time, information on social, economic and environmental issues along the East Grampian coast from Fraserburgh to St Cyrus.

At the other side of this same large wet slack there was a large population of Hippuris vulgaris (marestail), again not that ... information on social, economic“ common a species in this area. It prefers areas of stagnant or “and environmental issues along the slow-moving water, so its presence indicated that this area of the slack was usually inundated all year round. East Grampian coast ... A healthy marine and coastal environment is not only CRUDEN BAY-BUSINESS BITES BACK important for maintaining ecosystems but it is also essential for employment opportunities, carbon storage, research and Boris Stroud education, a natural sea defence, leisure, recreation and tourism, If you have just finished walking your dog or visiting the harbour transportation of goods and people, sustaining biodiversity; in the lovely village of Cruden Bay you may have noticed there preserving examples of our history and heritage and acting as have been a few things going on…..Two small local companies a method of waste disposal. However with a changing climate have pulled together with local volunteers and taken it upon and an increasing population in the coastal zone many of these themselves to drive forward some community based projects services are now at risk. in and around the village. The report by East Grampian Coastal Partnership gives a snapshot of the coast in 2009 and will be used as a template to identify opportunities for future work and to monitor the changes that take place on the coast in the coming years. ... the marine and coastal “ environment“ plays a fundamental role in all of our lives ...

Emily Hastings, author of the report said “The East Grampian Coastal Partnership decided to write the report as the marine and coastal environment plays a fundamental role in all of our lives and as such, its health is important to everyone who lives in, works in or visits the north east”. “It is hoped the findings of this report will be of interest to local stakeholders and decision makers as well as people that live or have an interest in, the area”. The report has shown that a great deal of information exists on the local coast, though locating this information has proved both difficult and time consuming in some cases. Large data gaps also exist particularly relating to social data at the local level. Some trend data has been found and where it has not, initial data sets have been gathered to allow trends to be shown in the future. Local volunteers lend a hand ... shows the area to“ be Having been requested to take a seat on the village community performing“ well in terms of its council association, Managing Director of Marin Subsea Ltd and J Buchan & Sons have many skills and services that their

society ... companies freely give to the community. ‘’Cruden Bay has so much to offer the public, comments George Stroud (or Boris Overall, the social data collected shows the area to be performing “ well in terms of its society with many of the aspects being quite positive; the economic data shows high levels of variations, ... all have an obligation to make with some aspects performing much better than others. The “sure we look after where we stay ... environmental section identified a number of weaknesses, with the majority of aspects needing further work. to his friends’) but we all have an obligation to make sure we This report has allowed an assessment of the local coast to look after where we stay and help to keep it clean and tidy. I be made, indicating whether each of the aspects are good, have listened to all the things that people grumble about in satisfactory or in need of further work and improvement the village, yet they do nothing about it. My company and all at the local level. Where it was felt improvement is needed the volunteers who help saw the amount of rubbish that’s left or achievable, actions and partner organisations have been behind and have decided to change that. For example we have identified. It is recommended that each of the ‘work required’ a recycling area in Cruden Bay where people come to recycle issues and topics are taken forward as projects to meet the and yet drop litter! We are left with their empty plastic bags actions arising from this plan. that get blown into the river, or down the street, and end up The report will shortly be available online on the East Grampian adding to the beach litter-of what is otherwise the pride of Coastal Partnership website, on CD and a limited number of the Cruden Bay community; 2 miles of unspoiled golden sands hard copies will be available to view in locations in the area- that sadly becomes a refuge for the rubbish that people throw please contact the Partnership for further information. away.

comments, ‘’my kids will grow up here; I want to give something ... unspoiled golden sands that “ back, why should we just walk on by when we can all make a

“sadly becomes a refuge for the difference. ‘’ rubbish that people throw away. “ ... why should we just walk on by Access to the beach is via Ladies Bridge, unfortunately she is “ when we can make a difference. falling away due to age-it was built over 100 years ago! She’s an old girl that’s seen her time, but we want to make sure she looks good despite all the rotting wood, we have given her Many days have been spent cleaning up the beach with the one last face lift with a project to paint her up and make her removal of loads of old fishing net, ropes and other rubbish that shine……until we get a new one. litters the beach-about 30 tonnes of it to date and with only

three or four volunteers it’s been very hard work! I have been She’s an old girl that’s seen“ her asked why we get out there and do this…..I guess my answer would be if we don’t, know one else will, and I personally want “time, but we want to make sure to give something back to the village that makes a difference

she looks good ... for all. If I can give something back to the community I am a very happy man! Painting Ladies Bridge “ ... they will inherit a rubbish dump “ if we do nothing about it.

I would hope that by my efforts and actions people will realise they have a duty of care for our community and the safety of all our children; after all they will inherit a rubbish dump if we do nothing about it. For me, I want it to be a clean and safe environment for the future, Cruden Bay is a place that people really like to visit and I want this to continue. If you are a local business, why not take the lead and sponsor a few clean ups, get out there and do it, make a difference to community projects. It’s got mileage and shows you are active in giving back to the community. We have a real sense of community spirit now and it is fun! So why not join together and make your local area a better place for everyone to live? It takes very little to make that difference; pick up that piece of litter…..report the graffiti to the council…….or sweep up that broken glass! Choose not to walk on by -stop, think and do something about it!

GET OUT AND COOK BBQ Lobster with garlic butter and lemon The nights are drawing in and the weather getting cooler but why not treat yourself to one last BBQ…… To date we have carried out lots of other projects including Lobster must be the king of all seafood with a price to match! cleaning up lots of the village, pathways to the beach removed However as a treat, the cost of a wonderful local lobster of unsightly rubbish, and in the river we spent a whole day cooked by yourself is less than a cheap meal out, and far nicer. cleaning up the river banks of all surface rubbish, now we are taking the rotting metal hidden in its depths to make it a safe place again. The inshore waters of the“ East The local company Marin has given free use of a small digger “ Grampian coast are home to and driver with fuel to get some of the projects pushed forward. Our recycling centre became very unsightly so we lobsters ... transformed it into a tidy area. We took the digger round and all got stuck in, with some kerbing that was replaced by our The inshore waters of the East Grampian coast are home to partners Scott Buchan of J Buchan’s & Son of Peterhead. Scott lobsters which are exported all over Europe and further afield but are rarely eaten locally. This is a shame as it is a wonderful food so let’s cut down on the food miles and eat it ourselves. 6am on a winters morning Lobsters are best bought from a local fishmonger and preferably one that is close to the sea, you may need to order it in advance. Avoid pre-cooked supermarket ones as they have generally been flown in from the USA (we live in a strange world!). The lobster must be alive, if it is dead but not cooked stay clear as lobster has to be very fresh. Ok the next bit is not for the squeamish. Killing a lobster is not easy; the boiling water technique is not advised as simply most people do not have a pan big enough to do the job properly. The best idea is to put the live lobster in the freezer for an hour before killing it, this effectively sends the lobster to sleep and reduces any pain the animal feels. Once the lobster is in the freezer, start the BBQ and remember you need it very hot but with glowing coals not flames. Placing any food above flames will make it sooty and inedible, a crime with all food but even worse with something as wonderful as lobster. Grind 2 cloves of garlic with 100g of butter. When the BBQ is hot enough remove the lobster from the freezer and using a 10 inch chef’s knife, cut in half down the centre. To do this sit the lobster on a table, flatten it out and in one hand grasp the tail where it joins the body. In the other hand, take the knife’s point and place it an inch from between the eyes towards the tail. The blade of the knife should be facing away from your hand that is holding the tail i.e. towards its face. Press the point of the knife into the head at that point cutting The story of how the fish gets to the market is best told by all of the way through to the cutting board, and then bring the the BBC in the excellent Trawlermen series, but to see what blade down between the eyes to finish the cut of the head. This happens next I was invited by the Harbour to come and have kills the lobster as quickly and painlessly as possible. a look. Once the lobster is prepared, season the flesh of the lobster Once into the whites and through the disinfectant boot bath with salt and a little olive oil. Place the lobster halves cut side I entered the trading floor. At the other end of the hall, three down on the BBQ, cook for 3 minutes. auctions were already taking place; however my eyes were

Turn the lobster over and dot the butter on the flesh, cook for drawn to the range, size and quality of the fish on offer. a further 2 minutes, serve with salad and good fresh bread. Once you have tried this, BBQ burgers will never be the ... my eyes were drawn“ to the same! “range, size and quality of the fish FROM QUAY TO TABLE on offer. 6 am and I have been up for nearly three hours! The harbour

at Peterhead is already busy, with lorries arriving and parking in Monk fish, the size of which you certainly do not see at the their specific bay awaiting a cargo of fish. fish counter are next to small numbers of spurdog. Huge coaly “ and pollock can be seen close to boxes of squid along with an impressive range of flatfish and in a box on its own in the In an hour the business will corner lays a lonely John dory. The main action though is with

“ begin in earnest. the cod and haddock, the staple of the nation’s fish shops. The Dolphin café is doing a brisk trade for such an early hour Huge coaly and pollock can be “ with fishermen and trader alike enjoying the banter. Last night 10 trawlers landed 3766 fish boxes of mainly white fish. In an “seen close to boxes of squid ... hour the business will begin in earnest. Peterhead fish market is the largest in the UK and one of the At any one time three mobile auctions are taking place, one each biggest in Europe. It handles 143,000 tonnes of fish a year, for cod and haddock and another for the rest. I had expected destined for markets across Europe. these to be difficult to follow, a mix of high speed Doric and industry code but they were clear and concise-when the box has been purchased the buyers card is placed on the box and the auction moves on.

Valuable halibut

who are still in the industry following the decommissioning of

The auction the last few years are reportedly doing well. A brand new £20 million offshore fishing vessel sits at the entrance to the harbour By 08.30 it is all over and the lorries are heading away. Some “ are bound for local processors but Grimsby and the markets on the continent are bigger players. The best price of the day ... demonstrating that there is

is for the large halibut. Haddock prices are up for the day but “ still optimism for the future. cod is not doing quite so well. “ demonstrating that there is still optimism for the future. The ... Grimsby and the markets on marina is full, with a waiting list for moorings and credit crunch “the continent are bigger players. or no credit crunch people still enjoy eating fish.

Dawn has broken so it is back to the Dolphin Café where fish buyers are discussing the future of the industry and the credit crunch. Worries that fish shops will be selling less fish and that processors are dragging their feet over payment are the talk

of the hour. Peterhead Harbour is prospering“ “ with a healthy fleet ...

A quick visit to the harbour control tower follows. Peterhead Harbour is prospering with a healthy fleet and those fishermen On the road EVENTS

BKSA Wavemasters – Fraserburgh/ Beach Clean, RSPB 30th September - 4th October Saturday 17 October National kitesurfing wave championship event at Fraserburgh We’ll spend the morning tidying up the beach with a litter pick or St Combs beach. at the north end of the reserve. Every little bit of litter that you help remove is one less piece of rubbish that could get eaten Competitors will commence at 10 am each day. by a fulmar, turtle or whale. Free entry for spectators RSPB Loch of Strathbeg - meet at the north end of the reserve in the Tufted Duck Hotel car park, 9am - 12noon For more information about this event telephone: 01346 532234 or e-mail: [email protected]

Sharing Good Practice - Marine non-native Species - responding to the threat Tuesday 27 October This event is an opportunity for those who work in the marine environment to learn about and consider possible responses to the threat posed by non-native species to our seas, coasts and estuaries, and to economic activities in these areas. This will include potential methods and strategies for prevention, detection and control of invasive plants and animals.

For more information see www.snh.gov.uk Kite surfing Battleby Conference Centre, Perth Price: £55

Peterhead Fish Fest, Saturday 3rd October 2009 - Sunday 11th October 2009 Sharing Good Practice - Marine Renewables and Our Natural Heritage Peterhead Fish Market Thursday 5 November This workshop will consider how best to locate and enable renewables development at sea while safeguarding those Not Just Birds - tracks & signs, RSPB Loch of species and habitats most susceptible to harm, including those Strathbeg protected under national and international legislation. Themes Saturday 3 October include spatial planning, impact assessment, mitigation and monitoring. As we continue to look at the wealth of wildlife that inhabits the reserve, we’ll be paying attention to the clues that some of For more information see www.snh.gov.uk our more secretive species leave behind. Booking essential Battleby Conference Centre, Perth Price: £55 10 am – 12 noon Suggested donation £3 (RSPB members free) For more information about this event telephone: 01346 Aberdeen Beach Clean 532234 or e-mail: [email protected] Saturday 5th December, 10 am Volunteer to help your local environment by coming along to a beach clean at Aberdeen Beach. Please meet at the North end Fraserburgh Heritage Fair, Fraserburgh Lighthouse of the beach by Donmouth (city side). For more information Museum and to register for the event please contact Iain House: 10th October [email protected] The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses will be teaming up with Fraserburgh Heritage Centre and Aberdeenshire Council to show off Fraserburgh’s heritage. Entry will be free. J U N I O R C O A S T A L R A N G E R

Bored? Raining outside? We have a picture of the local coast for you to colour in

WILDLIFE WATCHING The entire length of the coast from Fraserburgh to St Cyrus is • Identifying animals by looking at their tracks is also fun, try great for wildlife watching-no matter where you go you are sure looking at the prints left in the sand by birds at low tide to see something. Even really busy places like the Donmouth and see if you can identify who made them. Swimming birds in Aberdeen or the busy harbours such as Fraserburgh and like ducks will leave webbed footprints, whereas wading Peterhead can be havens for all sorts of wildlife; don’t think birds which walk on mud, will leave tracks with long slender just because it is noisy there will be nothing to see. However, toes spread wide apart (their long toes help to spread their you do have to be in the right time at the right place and be weight and stops them sinking in the mud). prepared! • The wildlife and the coast are very special, take care not to disturb them and take all litter home with you or find a Wildlife Watching Tips! bin! • Move slowly and quietly-if you are in a quiet place watching animals any noise or fast movement will scare them away What to take • Use binoculars instead of trying to get really close • Warm clothes, including a hat as it gets very cold at the • Wear natural coloured clothes such as greens and browns- beach if you are sat still for a long time pink is very nice but it will scare stuff away • Waterproof jacket • Hide behind any trees or rocks when you are watching • Binoculars and camera if you have them • Why not take some paper and a pencil with you and draw • A notebook and pencil to write down and draw what you what you see to help you identify the wildlife when you get have seen home • Lunch (very important) WALK this was badly overgrown and boggy so I was forced to turn back after about 100 meters-much better choice for a winter’s Green Ladies, waterfalls and a mighty beast - a day! Back on the main path you can follow the coast north for short walk from another twenty meters before reaching a bench. Here you can If you read the summer 2009 edition of the newsletter you will head down to the beach via a steep path that is well made but have noticed that the ‘summer walk’ showed pictures of a mum rough-this is most definitely not a buggy walk. and child braced against the raw wind of a north east winter, now it is the winter issue and we will be including butterflies and rock pools, however the reason that this is a winter walk will become apparent.

A reminder of summer

Muchalls sea scape

Once you are on the beach the impressive cave known as Dunnyfell may cause a detour for further exploration but the rocks can be slippery. Close by is a cave entrance which once Presently Muchalls lies just south of , however this lead over a mile inland and is associated with tales of green is effectively New Muchalls, the original fishing village was ladies, phantom pipers and of course smugglers. However it located ¾ of a mile to the south and was a prosperous fishing will be the wonderful waterfall that descends the cliff that will community, however two fishing disasters in a short period catch your attention. contributed to the village being abandoned and the fishing boats moving south to . “ By the mid 19th century the new village of Muchalls was a ... tales of green ladies, phantom thriving resort town with visitors including Charles Dickens “pipers and of course smugglers. who described it as ‘a remarkably beautiful place’, hopefully you will agree.

From here you can head south along an indistinct path that

follows the high waterline past the first headland which is

... with visitors including Charles“ guarded by an impressive sea stack. Now check the tide as it is

“ Dickens who described it as ‘a possible to be cut off once you pass this point. remarkably beautiful place’ “ ... first headland which is guarded My walk started at the car park at the end of Marine Terrace, you can also reach Muchalls by the 101, 102 and 107 busses “ by an impressive sea stack. which stop by the A90. From the car park head south and pass below the railway line following the wooded path that heads to the sea. You are now Continuing south the beach remains wonderful and very rocky. walking along the edge of what was once the exclusive Marine You will notice two things- one is a pink cliff with a distinct Hotel which at one time even had its own railway station! This gorge, though I could not find it, a path is said to lead up to the area is great for wildlife; with a low flying sparrow hawk being cliff top close to this point. The second is a passage through the surprised to see me as it sped along the line of the path. Seconds headland to the south, this simply has to be explored and it is later a buzzard flew by being mobbed by some crows. well worth it as the sound of a waterfall fills the space, once through you come across a tumbling river as it reaches the “ sea with a deep pool to your right at the bottom of a stunning

... a low flying sparrow hawk waterfall. “being surprised to see me ... “ ... the beach remains wonderful The view soon opens out and you have a choice of routes, a “ and very rocky. small path heads south along the cliff top however on my visit “ The passage to ... once through you come across the waterfall “ a tumbling river ...

To get the best view you must carefully cross the river, it also looks a great place for a quick swim on a hot day, however this is the winter edition! Sadly you must now return the way you came but take the opportunity to look around, eiders on the water, fulmars over head and cormorant drying their wings on the rocks. On my visit large numbers of butterflies, including painted ladies and grasshoppers seen on the way back up the path. ... eiders on the water, fulmars“ “over head and cormorant drying their wings on the rocks.

If you visit in the winter this walk should be much easier as the vegetation will have died back and there is a surprise waiting at the end of the path. Normally this newsletter is full of amazing wild animals well this path leads to an amazing farm animal, the north American Buffalo. This must be one of the only places

in the world were you can see these impressive beasts by the

seaside. ... one of the only places in the “ “world where you can see these Muchalls burn entering the sea impressive beasts by the seaside.

BECOME AN AFFILIATE MEMBER If you would like to receive regular information on the Partnership’s activities and invitations to events please become an affiliate member. This is completely free of charge. You can register online at www.egcp.org.uk/membership or call 01224 395151 for an application. Contact EGCP, Project Officer, East Grampian Coastal Partnership, c/o The Macaulay Land Use Rearch Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH Tel: 01224 395151 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.egcp.org.uk

The East Grampian Coastal Partnership would like to thank the following Partners for their support