Working with Scotland’s people to care for our natural heritage To the Right Honourable Dr John Reid MP Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for Scotland

Sir,

I have the honour to present the report of Scottish Natural Heritage for 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000.

I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,

Scottish Natural Heritage John Markland CBE 12 Hope Terrace Chairman Edinburgh EH9 2AS

November 2000

Laid before Parliament under Section 10 of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 To the Right Honourable First Minister Scottish Parliament

Sir,

I have the honour to present the report of Scottish Natural Heritage for 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000.

I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,

Scottish Natural Heritage John Markland CBE 12 Hope Terrace Chairman Edinburgh EH9 2AS

November 2000

Laid before Parliament under Section 10 of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 Board Members at 31 March 2000 SNH BOARD WEST AREAS BOARD Chairman Chairman Dr John Markland CBE Barbara Kelly CBE Deputy Chairman Vice Chairman Michael Scott Dr Malcolm Ogilvie Simon Fraser Colin Carnie Professor David Ingram OBE, FRSE Andrew Gemmill Barbara Kelly CBE Lady Isobel Glasgow David Laird OBE Dr James Hansom Alice Lambert Dr Philip Ratcliffe Ivor Lewis Richard Williamson Dr Patricia Macdonald Dr Sheena Wurthmann Peter Mackay CB Professor Jeremy Rowan-Robinson SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY Professor Roger Wheater OBE COMMITTEE (to 30th October 1999) Chairman Professor Paul Racey NORTH AREAS BOARD Dr Richard Birnie Chairman Dr Nonie Coulthard Simon Fraser Ian Currie Vice Chairman Dr James Hansom Amanda Bryan Dr Susan Hartley Councillor Stuart Black Professor David Ingram OBE, FRSE Dr Michael Foxley Professor Fred Last OBE ii Hugh Halcro-Johnston Dr Murdo MacDonald John Henderson Dr Patricia MacDonald Isobel Holbourn Dr Donald McLusky Annie Macdonald Dr Malcolm Ogilvie John Macdonald Professor John Proctor Dr Murdo Macdonald Dr Philip Ratcliffe Roger Miket Michael Scott Andrew Thin Professor Brian Staines OBE Dr Nigel Trewin EAST AREAS BOARD Dr Sheena Wurthmann Chairman David Laird OBE Vice Chairman AUDIT COMMITTEE Ian Currie Chairman Dr Nonie Coulthard David Laird OBE Bill Howatson Barbara Kelly CBE Jim McCarthy Ivor Lewis Councillor Alison McInnes Professor Roger Wheater OBE (to 30th October 1999) Guy Wedderburn Michael Williams Captain Antony Wilks MBE

Board Members’ addresses and contact numbers are available from all our offices, in our publication Who we are & where we are and on our website: http://www.snh.org.uk Annual Report 1999/2000

iii Chairman’s Preface

It is my pleasure as Chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage to present the Annual Report of our activities for 1999/2000.

My appointment as Chairman took effect from April 1999, and this report therefore covers my first full year in that role. As someone who was well aware, from previous experience, of the important work which SNH carries out, it has nevertheless been an eye-opener to see just how broad-ranging that work is and how many productive partnerships we enjoy with a wide range of organisations and individuals. I hope you will get a flavour of that from this report.

1999/2000 was an exciting year for SNH, with the advent of the Scottish Parliament providing us with the opportunity to progress a number of key intiatives through into legislation. The first of these has been National Parks, where we saw our advice to Government taken forward by the Scottish Executive through further consultation on draft legislation. We now know, of course, that the National Parks (Scotland) Act is on the statute book - a truly historic event for the new millennium. Progress is also being made towards legislation on Access, as part of the forthcoming Bill on Land Reform, and possible reform of the SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) system. We look forward to working with the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Parliament and all Scotland’s people to take forward this legislative programme.

We have also been keen to respond to the Parliament’s agenda of openness, and to take further steps to provide the public with insight of, and involvement in, the work we do and the decisions we take. We are tackling this on many fronts - for example, through development of our website and publications, by undertaking public consultations, by making our Boards and Committee meetings open to the public and by holding open events throughout Scotland where people can hear about us and our work and question Board members and staff.

This report describes SNH’s achievements in 1999/2000 against each of the eleven Themes or iv Programmes by which we structure our work. A companion volume, SNH: Facts & Figures 1999/2000 is also available and contains detailed tables and statistics about our work. Our website (www.snh.org.uk) also contains a range of valuable information.

I am proud to present this account of our stewardship of Scotland’s Natural Heritage.

John Markland CBE Chairman Scottish Natural Heritage Annual Report 1999/2000

Contents

Chairman’s preface ...... iv

Table of contents ...... v

Chief Executive’s overview ...... vi

Performance against Government’s key targets ...... viii

Maintaining and enhancing diversity ...... 1

Managing special natural heritage sites ...... 5

Implementing National Parks ...... 9

Promoting environmental education and public engagement ...... 13

Improving land and freshwater management ...... 17 v

Encouraging the sustainable use of marine areas ...... 21

Facilitating access and recreation ...... 25

Supporting sustainable development ...... 29

Supporting the Central Scotland Forest Initiative ...... 33

Delivering special nature conservation functions ...... 37

Improving the management of SNH ...... 41

Financial results ...... 44

Summary financial statements ...... 47

Section 29 Nature Conservation Orders ...... 51

Board members’ interests ...... 53

SNH offices and staff ...... 58 Chief Executive’s Overview We now have a clearer framework for our work and, I hope, a clearer statement for our partners.

I am pleased to present the There have been notable highlights in policy report of our work for development and advice during the year. We responded 1999/2000. The number to the Minister’s request by providing advice on options and variety of tasks we for National Park boundaries, powers and representation undertake has increased for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and for Cairngorms. substantially during the We contributed material to the development of the year and our achievements have risen accordingly. consultation paper on the National Parks Bill, advised on Measured against the 20 performance measures the development of the draft legislation, and facilitated determined by the Scottish Executive, we exceeded the process of consultation with the two candidate target on two, met the target on 12, substantially met it on National Park areas. Working with other partners five and only failed to meet it on one. A detailed through the Access Forum, we developed a new code of breakdown of our performance against these targets is responsible behaviour for informal recreation and presented on pages viii and ix. During the year, we also passage in the countryside. The resulting Scottish received a total of 69,579 contacts and nearly all Outdoor Access Code was submitted to the Scottish enquiries were answered on the same day. Where Executive in January 2000. We continued our advisory further action was required, we met our published work on agriculture through the Common Agriculture standards on 95% of occasions. Recognising the Policy. We argued strongly for a substantial switch in substantial additional challenges, I consider this outcome resources from support for production to support for to be a significant accomplishment by SNH. farmers to undertake a wider diversity of roles, including management of biodiversity and of access. The establishment of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive’s ‘Partnership for Government’ agenda Our most significant work, acting as the Government’s vi has increased the pace of policy development and agent, was the Natura 2000 programme to deliver the advisory work by SNH. We are pleased to have been Government’s obligations under the EU Birds and able to provide advice on key policy initiatives such as Habitats Directives. We contributed to a major review of National Parks, National Scenic Areas, access to the the UK list of Special Protection Areas under the Birds countryside as well as responding to many other Directive which led to a Government announcement of consultation exercises. In the light of the partnership for the revised list by the year-end. We carried out government programme we have restructured our own consultation on 21 potential SPAs. We reviewed our programmes and re-ordered our priorities to ensure that advice to Government, along with the other statutory SNH plays its part in the delivery of government priorities nature conservation agencies through JNCC, on Special on social inclusion, job creation, rural development and Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Directive and community involvement. provided further proposals to Government in the hope of meeting the requirements of the European Commission. We have also reviewed our corporate mission, aims and As a result we made substantial preparations for a large operating principles. We re-affirmed our mission: working number of consultation exercises to be carried out in the with Scotland’s people to care for our natural heritage. following year on new SPAs and SACs. We recognise We revised our aim to recognise the international as well the considerable anxieties of owners and managers of as national and local value of Scotland’s natural heritage land and others in rural communities about the effects of and the role that we play. We also revised our operating these designations. We therefore welcomed the principles to strengthen our determination to work in opportunity given to us by Government to trial new partnership, to re-emphasise the delegation of decision- approaches for the safeguarding of key species, making within SNH, and to emphasise our new particularly the corncrake in the Hebrides, and approach on open accountability. The revised aim and internationally important areas of blanket bog in Lewis operating principles are printed on the rear cover of this without having to notify these areas as Sites of Special report. We also agreed and circulated widely a Scientific Interest. This approach has had a very positive statement of SNH Values. This is printed as an annex to affect and already by the year-end in Lewis, for example, this Report. we had attracted around 25% of potential entrants into our Lewis Peatlands Management Scheme. We continue to argue the case for new approaches which both met Government obligations and provide the basis for a to the political and institutional landscape have taken long-term positive relationship with those owning and place since the framework was last reviewed and managing these key wildlife sites. therefore we have developed a new framework to meet revised expectations. We drew on the existing We continued to obtain better value for the public purse framework and took account of government priorities in from management agreements negotiated for special developing a Corporate Strategy. We have identified sites. Over the past 10 years the total annual three medium-term goals relating to ‘caring for the expenditure has been of the order of £2.0-£2.5m, but natural world’, ‘enriching people’s lives’ and ‘promoting we have been able to negotiate many more sustainable use’. For each of these three themes we agreements and therefore secure a positive relationship have set down a series of priorities. We now have a to benefit individuals and wildlife. Average annual clearer framework for our work and, I hope, a clearer expenditure per management agreement has fallen statement for our partners. The Corporate Strategy was from over £11,000 to slightly under £3,000. launched after the end of the year being reported on.

SNH maintains its firm commitment to working in Recognising the immense diversity of Scotland’s natural partnership. During the course of the year, we funded heritage and its social and economic circumstances, we over 150 partnerships covering every aspect of our have been developing more specific visions for the remit, from major initiatives in conjunction with the natural heritage and our objectives and the actions we Scottish Executive and other public agencies through to would like to undertake with partners. We have exciting and innovative local initiatives with communities deliberately divided Scotland into 21 natural zones to and other interests. Without our input many projects, reflect that diversity and in the following year we will be which benefit not only the natural heritage but local discussing with local partners how we can make communities, would not have gone ahead. progress. We are also producing six national overviews dealing with different natural heritage settings — To reinforce our commitment to community involvement farmland, settlements, the coast, mountains and we were pleased that the Deputy First Minister launched moorlands, freshwater, forests and woodlands, which Working with Local Communities – Caring for our set out our vision and how we would like to work with Natural Heritage at one of our premier National partners to achieve this. Nature Reserves in October 1999. We are clear that when local people and other communities of interest My thanks to all who have contributed to our work, the feel connected with their natural heritage, then both progress we have made and our achievements during vii benefit. Our vision is for local communities in Scotland the year. Our Board members and especially our staff to exercise greater influence on their local natural have made sure that we achieved what we set out to do heritage, and to play active roles in its practical and what the Government expected of us. In addition, management. We have therefore taken the opportunity we are very reliant on the work of many partner to encourage community involvement on designated organisations and individuals throughout Scotland and sites and areas through our advice to government on my thanks go to them as well. National Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and access. To stimulate this activity further we also launched Finally, I would like to put on record our thanks to David our Community Grant Scheme. Laird for his many and varied contributions to SNH. As the last surviving Board member of the original SNH Recognising that 80% of Scotland’s people live in towns Board he has given wise counsel and opened up a and cities and that greenspaces within settlements and large number of networks which are beneficial to us in the surrounding countryside offer valuable and our work. opportunities to appreciate the natural heritage, we developed a new initiative — Greenspace for Roger Crofts CBE Communities — in conjunction particularly with local Chief Executive councils. We hope for financial support from the New Scottish Natural Heritage Opportunities Fund as well as deploying our own resources to bring further benefits to people, their lifestyles and their health by being able to have ready access to their local countryside and to be able to improve their surroundings. We also encouraged local councils to establish Local Nature Reserves which promote community interest in the natural heritage.

All of our work takes place within a strategic policy framework set by the Scottish Executive. Many changes Performance against Government’s key targets Annual measure Target Achievement Objective 1. Protect the natural heritage through appropriate management of special areas I. Undertaking local I. 15 consultations carried out and reports Exceeded target consultations on proposed submitted to The Scottish Executive. 21 consultations initiated and 16 consultation reports SPA/Ramsar sites submitted.

II. Informing owners and II. Statements completed and signed off by Substantially met target occupiers of site interests and Unit Managers for all SSSI by March Over 1400 (98%) Site Management Statements management needs 2000. completed.

III. Designating sites on behalf III. 15 SSSI notified or renotified in support Exceeded target of Government of Natura 2000. 18 SSSIs notified or renotified in support of Natura 2000.

IV. Advising Government on IV. NSA Review advice to Government in Met target Special Area measures Q1. NSA Review concluded, with advice submitted to Provide advice on Special Area measures. Government on time. Provided £850,000 in revenue Provide agreed support for LLT Joint costs to Joint Committee and attended 21 meetings of Committee. Committee and associated groups.

Objective 2. Maintain, and where appropriate, enhance the diversity of Scotland’s habitats, species and landscapes V. Production and V. SNH to initiate implementation of 3 Met target implementation of action plans HAP, 6 SAP as lead, contributing to others Implementation of 3 HAPs and 15 SAPs where SNH is for habitats and species as resources allow. the lead body initiated.

VI. Working with partners to VI. Respond to initiatives of others to Met target develop and implement local develop local BAPs: estimated support of 30 LA areas now working on 23 LBAP. Phase 3 of Biodiversity Action Plans 23 plans (including development of LBAPs national project started with appointment of project in 2 new areas). officer on 3 year project.

VII. Compiling the Landscape VII. Ensure SNH provides advice on Met target viii Character of Scotland landscape character in all development Commented on a total of 10 structure and 13 local plan consultations. plans during the year.

VIII. Operating the species VIII. Species licences issued to agreed Met target legislation standards: estimated demand 920. 679 licences issued within agreed standards.

Objective 3. Promote responsible access to the natural heritage and improve opportunities for public enjoyment IX. Improving provision of IX. PfA partnership to support 15 Substantially met target paths demonstration networks in Central 12 networks and 6 feasibility studies in development. Scotland. SNH grant aid 5 new access officers. 14 Access Officers in post with a further 5 to be appointed shortly. SNH support at least 10 new PfA networks 35 PfA networks in development across Scotland. and 10 other pathworks projects. Prepare 3-year rolling management plan Areas are assisting the LDR managing authorities to for each long distance route. prepare plans for each route as part of an ongoing process. Establish a national inventory of existing Feasibility study for a national inventory of routes and routes and facilities. facilities under way Work with 5 local authorities to prepare Projects under way with 7 pilot local authorities to for new legislation and draft guidance. prepare for new legislation and draft guidance.

X. Promoting responsible X. Submit Scottish Countryside Access Met target access Code for approval by Q3. Revised code and supporting advice submitted to Scottish Executive. Hill Phone service operated in minimum of Service run in 10 areas. 8 areas. Annual measure Target Achievement Objective 4. Improve understanding of the natural heritage and foster positive action by individuals, communities and organisations XI. Improving environmental XI. Support 60 school grounds projects. Met target education in schools 60 school grounds projects supported.

XII. Improving public XII. Maintain support for 270 fte posts in Met target understanding through 52 grant-aided Ranger services. Maintained support for 52 services. support to Ranger Services

Objective 5. Develop and promote coherent strategies for the natural heritage, its use and enjoyment XIII. Implement a new zonal XIII. 21 draft prospectuses produced. Failed to meet target framework 13 Local Prospectuses drafted. 7 national assessments produced. 7 national assessments completed, awaiting approval early in 2000/01.

XIV. Make input to local XIV. All plans commented on within Met target authority plans agreed timescales (estimated 6 structure SNH commented on 60 structure and local plans during and 54 local plans) the year.

Objective 6. Develop and advise others on policies and practices promoting sustainable use of the natural heritage XV. Promote awareness of XV. Contribute to strategies for c. 32 Met target economic benefit from the Community Plans, 4 EU Objectives 1 and SNH contributed to all community plans completed by environment 2 plans, and 2 EU LEADER framework councils by 31/3/00. plans. Review and promote socio- SNH contributed to the H&I Transitional Programme economic opportunities arising from NNR plan and the East, West and South of Scotland review. Objective 2 plans. SNH contributed to the strategic planning group for LEADER + at a national level. Outline implementation strategy proposed to NNR Steering Group. ix

XVI. Deliver demonstration XVI. Through financial aid, and advice, Substantially met target projects with partners assist 3 native woodlands projects, 4 SNH assisted 5 native woodlands projects, 2 farm/estate projects, one strategic crofting farm/estate projects, 4 area wide land management project, 2 area wide land management initiatives, one local sustainable development project, 2 initiatives, 2 local sustainable development CZMs, and one tourism initiative. projects, 4 Coastal Zone Management The new project for local value from designations has projects, one higher education not progressed due to partners unable to commit. demonstration project, 2 tourism initiatives, The crofting project did not take place as it was deemed and establish a new project for local value not feasible. from designations.

Objective 7. Manage SNH effectively and efficiently XVII. Achieve Investors in XVII. IiP action plan implemented. Seek Substantially met target People status formal IiP assessment, develop Elements of action plan being implemented. management competencies framework. IiP assessment undertaken with 50% of standards being met. Management competencies framework in draft form.

XVIII. Customer contacts to XVIII. Meet 100% of standards. Substantially met target meet Natural Standards 95% of contacts within standards.

XIX. Reduce running costs XIX. Net cash out turn on running costs Met target representing a 1% real terms reduction on 2% reduction on running costs achieved. previous year.

XX. Achieve Grant-in-aid out- XX. Net cash outturn within range 98- Met target turn within required limits 100% of approved funding (net Grant-in- Grant-in-aid outturn achieved within 2%. aid plus carry in). The Landscape Character Assessment Programme is a tribute to the collaborative working between SNH, local planning authorities and other partners across Scotland. The SNH contribution to improved development planning through its Landscape Character Assessment Programme was recognised in February 2000 with the award of a Commendation in the Royal Town Planning Institute’s 1999 Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.

The Award, which was presented by Sarah Boyack, Minister for Transport and the Environment, recognises the quality and value of the Landscape Character Assessment Programme and the contribution it is making to development planning in Scotland.

The LCA programme, which was initiated by SNH in 1994, consists of 29 regional studies covering the whole of Scotland and represents the most comprehensive landscape inventory anywhere in Europe. It gives key characteristics of the landscape, changes that are taking place and guidance for managing change in the future. The success of the programme is a tribute to the collaborative working between SNH, local planning authorities and other partners across Scotland. Maintaining and enhancing diversity Our aim is to maintain and enhance the diversity of landscape, habitats and species in Scotland. Our work focuses on understanding the status of, and trends in, the natural heritage, and taking action. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £3.6 m.

Natural Heritage Zones Key Achievements Natural Heritage Zones are being developed by Scottish Natural Heritage • Seven National Assessments of data on the to help people and the environment benefit from Scotland’s natural diversity. different components of the natural heritage The huge variety of rocks, soils, landscapes, wildlife, and land use within a were prepared relatively small area makes Scotland one of the most diverse countries in the world. • A full range of natural heritage and socio- economic profiles was prepared for each We have divided Scotland into 21 zones, each with distinctive Natural Heritage Zone characteristics reflected in species, habitats and landscapes. This provides us • SNH and the World Conservation Union with a framework to develop our own strategies and work programmes and, (IUCN) convened an international workshop through our work with partners, helps us to promote a long-term, integrated in Battleby on Integrated Planning approach for sustainable use of the natural heritage. • We commissioned a consultant’s report on the Biodiversity Agenda in Scotland, and its The initial phase of this work involves producing two series of Prospectuses recommendations were adopted by the outlining SNH’s long term objectives for the natural heritage: 21 Local Scottish Biodiversity Group Prospectuses, one for each zone, and six National Prospectuses setting out our national policies on coast and shore (including estuaries), farmland, • We funded key biodiversity posts: 6 Local forest and woodland, freshwater, mountain and moorland and settlements. Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) project National Prospectuses will present a brief description of the natural heritage officers, the National LBAP co-ordinator, the resource in each setting, examine the forces driving changes taking place, Local Biological Records Centre Officer for and outline our objectives, alongside actions and targets. Scotland and the National Biodiversity Maintaining and enhancing diversity Network Project Director In addition, data on the different aspects of the Natural Heritage are to be • We began the implementation of 3 Habitat 1 collected in a series of National Assessments. These provide the factual Action Plans and 15 Species Action Plans framework for the Prospectuses and will act as a valuable reference tool for where we act as lead partner all users of natural heritage information. • We participated in the launch of the UK Raptor Study Working Group Report In 1999/2000 we produced an initial local prospectus for 13 out of 21 Zones, and made substantial progress on the remainder. Work to produce • We progressed discussions on the trial re- six National Prospectuses continued and we completed seven National introduction of the European beaver Assessments during the year. We published an introductory leaflet for the • Landscape Character Assessment zones programme and key audiences, including crofters and planners, were Programme awarded a Commendation in briefed. We hosted a seminar to share European and North American the Royal Town Planning Institute’s 1999 experience on similar approaches. Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning Biodiversity • We completed landscape capacity studies Biodiversity is the variety of life. High biodiversity is an indicator of a healthy for various forms of development with 7 environment. SNH has continued to play an active role in implementing the local authorities UK policies for biodiversity set out in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. • We developed and published guidance on the natural heritage and mineral extraction in During 1999/2000, with the support of the Scottish Biodiversity Group, the Midland Valley SNH led a new approach to delivering the Government’s obligations arising from the Convention on Biological Diversity in Scotland. Integrating measures for biodiversity into all policies and programmes for sustainable development is essential. We made a full contribution to the major UK programme of drafting and publishing all remaining priority species and habitat action plans (SAP and HAP) in 1999/2000. Of the 226 species and 41 habitats found in Scotland, SNH has the role of Lead Agency for six habitat plans, Lead partner for 24 and contact point for 77 species plans. During the year, SNH began the implementation of three Habitat Action Plans and 15 Species Action Plans, where we act as the state of the environment. In Scotland, it has been lead partner. We have grouped the priority species estimated that the extent of semi-natural and long- occurring in Scotland by ecosystem along with their established habitats has been reduced by 18% over ecological requirements and, through the Scottish the past 50 years. Around 2% of native species Biodiversity Group, we intend to publish Action for known in Scotland from around 50 - 150 years ago Scotland’s Biodiversity, summarising the action plan have not been recorded since. Through a programme in Scotland. programme of environmental audits, we are drawing together knowledge equipping us to report The number of local biodiversity action plan (LBAP) on the state of the natural heritage. During the year, projects across Scotland has increased to 23, we worked with others in Scotland in developing covering some 30 local authority areas. SNH is environmental indicators. A report on this work will represented on all steering groups and provides be published during 2000/2001. grant aid towards project officers, publications and events, as well as supplying national and local data An audit of current land cover is continuing through and information. Our advice also enabled LBAP our collaboration in the UK ‘Countryside Survey’ projects to be given a significant role in the programme, known as CS2000; the results of this implementation of the forthcoming Rural are expected to be launched in November 2000. Stewardship Scheme, the successor agri-environment scheme to ESAs and CPS in Scotland. Prominent issues affecting biodiversity, identified by the European Environment Agency, include invasive National Biodiversity Network non-native species. During the year we completed Access to biological information is essential to an audit of non-native species in Scotland. The first inform decisions about sustainable development. stage in an assessment of impacts from air pollution The National Biodiversity Network Project (NBN) on habitats and species, through the Scotland and aims to establish a network of local and national Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research centres to store biological information in a (SNIFFER), is also nearing completion. We standardised manner and to make it easier for contracted a climate change project to assess everyone to find and use. With SNH and JNCC biological change on a regional basis in marine, support, the National Biodiversity Network made terrestrial and freshwater environments. An significant progress towards fruition during the year. assessment of the impact on coastal benthic species is also being undertaken by SNH specialists. 2 SNH continued to support the Project Director post for NBN and the announcement of £250,000 funding from the Department for Environment, These and other natural heritage trends are being Transport and the Regions secured the medium-term analysed, in support of policy analysis and the future of the project. SNH was invited to join the development of natural heritage indicators. An NBN as a founder trustee. important contribution to this has been the analysis of species trends, such as that shown below: Development of local biological record centres (LRCs) has continued across Scotland. SNH Changes in land bird populations in Scotland, 1994-98 supported the appointment of an LRC Officer for House Martin Scotland and the establishment of LRCs in Orkney Goldcrest Wren and Shetland during the year. We also supported Rook Wheatear the development work for setting up LRCs in Willow Warbler Grampian & Tayside and a feasibility study for a Grey Heron Linnet Lanarkshire LRC. With funding from SNH, A Source Starling Book for Biological Recording in Scotland was Pied Wagtail Red Grouse published by BRISC (Biological Recording in Coal Tit Scotland). Dunnock Great Tit Robin The State of the Natural Heritage Chaffinch Oystercatcher The quality of life in Scotland, and many Woodpigeon opportunities for economic prosperity, are intimately Pheasant Lapwing associated with the vitality and diversity of its earth Black-headed Gull

heritage, landscapes, wildlife, natural beauty and -100% -50% 0% 50% 100% 150% 200% amenity. Yet, at a European scale, declines in Decrease Increase biological and landscape diversity have been cited as among the greatest challenges for safeguarding Source: The Breeding Bird Survey, British Trust for Ornithology Between 1994 and 1998, 16 out of 21 bird species introduction and commissioned work to agree surveyed at 30 or more sites in Scotland showed a funding and locations for the release. statistically significant increase in abundance. Some of these changes are likely to reflect short-term Work continues on the invertebrates in the Species fluctuations, rather than long-term trends. Action Programme. The New Forest Burnet moth is now steadily re-occupying areas at its sole Dating back mainly to the 1950s, species remaining site which became over-grazed in the distribution data for Great Britain have been 1980s. A national survey of the medicinal leech collated through national recording schemes and by confirmed that it is confined to only two sites in amateur recorders. Made available at a scale of Scotland. 10x10km, these are being analysed to identify areas that are rich in particular species groups, so Landscape that conservation measures delivered through agri- After completing the Landscape Character environment schemes, for instance, can be targeted Assessment Programme we have now turned our more effectively. attention to creating a database, GIS and other applications of this information on the landscape Species Research and resource of Scotland. This will enable us to advise Management others on the landscape implications of many forms In 1999, a further 20 red kites were released at a of development and land use change decisions. site in central Scotland. This was the penultimate year of releases into this area, with birds taken from We are working with many local authorities to the wild in Germany. The red kite population in determine the landscape capacity for Scotland has now increased to some 34 breeding accommodating different types of development, pairs. During the year at least 54 chicks fledged. such as housing extension areas, new settlement Problems with illegal killing continue and a new planning, opencast coal extraction or wind energy threat from modern rodenticides has appeared, with generation. New forms of development such as several birds found dead with high levels of these telecommunications and wind farms are being chemicals in their bodies. introduced into the countryside, sometimes where there have been little or no built structural The white-tailed sea eagle re-introduction components previously. Using the landscape programme ended in 1998. The breeding season in character approach we are seeking to define a 3 1999 was generally successful with 18 pairs sustainable approach to landscape change. For producing 11 offspring. The Scottish population example, we are currently working to advise remains small and hence vulnerable, but the future government on a the landscape character for sea eagles appears good. capability in a strategic approach to wind energy development for Scotland. In February 2000, the UK Raptor Working Group report was published after five years of intensive Licensing work considering the substantial number of alleged SNH is responsible for licensing certain activities conflicts between birds of prey and other interests in under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, The the UK (see programme 10). SNH continued work Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the on the project to re-introduce the European beaver Conservation ( Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations with a Framework Document produced to guide the 1994. During 1999/2000 we issued 679 licences detailed work needed before a trial re-introduction for a range of activities including science, can be implemented. The SNH Board reviewed the conservation and photography. We met our programme and wished to proceed with the trial re- performance standards for licence issue on over 97% of occasions. ‘Wet Woods’ aims to restore many bog woodlands and alluvial forests which have been drained and converted to commercial forestry and agriculture.

‘Wet Woods’ is the collective name for two of the rarest and least known woodland types in the UK - bog woodland and alluvial forest.

Historically many bog woodlands and alluvial forests have been drained and converted to commercial forestry and agriculture.

In 1998, the Wet Woods LIFE Project received funding from the EC to restore important wet woodland sites in Scotland. The three-year project is part of the Caledonian Partnership and involves Scottish Natural Heritage, Forest Enterprise, the Forestry Commission, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Highland Birchwoods. Matching funding came from the European Union’s LIFE Nature Programme.

The project has made significant progress, particularly on the bog woodland sites. To date, approximately 240 hectares of non-native trees have been removed, with drain blocking restoring water levels over approximately 260 hectares. On the alluvial woodland site, work has begun on important areas targeted for the removal of exotic species. In total, we estimate that the project has now restored favourable conditions for bog and alluvial woodland on over 300 hectares. Managing special natural heritage sites Our aim is to protect, where appropriate influence, and secure management of areas and sites designated for their special natural heritage value. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £14.3m.

Natura 2000 Key Achievements Natura 2000 is the work programme implementing the European Union Habitats and Species, and Birds Directives. These Directives seek to establish • We submitted 25 scientific cases to the a network of sites of European importance - Special Areas of Conservation Scottish Executive for new SPAs (SACs) for habitats and species, and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds. SNH implements these Directives on behalf of Government. • We carried out consultations on 21pSPAs and 3 pSACs on behalf of the During the year, SNH contributed to a major review of the UK list of SPAs Scottish Executive leading to a Government announcement of a revised list at the end of • We completed 35 research projects March. We carried out consultation on 21 potential SPAs on behalf of the relating to the Natura 2000 programme Scottish Executive (SE). We also submitted 25 scientific cases to the SE setting out the scientific rationale for designation of new SPAs. Formal • We completed Site Management classification of sites by SE continued with 14 SPA classified during Statements for over 98% of SSSIs 1999/2000. • We responded to 134 Notices of Intent for SSSIs In June 1999, the UK list of candidate SACs was submitted to the European Commission; this included 134 Scottish sites. The Commission asked the UK • We determined the future status of 45 of Government to consider additional sites for some interests and SNH the 71 National Nature Reserves as part subsequently contributed to a major review of the UK candidate list. of our NNR Review

Consultations on proposed sites continued with SNH consulting on three • We notified 13 new SSSIs and 5 Managing special natural heritage sites possible SACs on behalf of SE during the year. extensions in support of the Natura 2000 programme 5 SNH encourages positive management of Natura sites, both through tailored schemes and targeted site management works. Examples include • We commented on 474 proposals affecting NSAs the Corncrake Management Scheme established in 1998, and the Peatland Management Scheme for the Caithness & Sutherland Peatlands. The latter • We introduced a new management scheme covered over 125,000 hectares (88% of site) by the year end. A scheme for the Lewis Peatlands cSAC new scheme, set up to support the Lewis Peatlands cSAC, had by the year end already attracted around 88% of potential entrants. • We submitted advice to Government on improving the effectiveness and extending the number of National Scenic Our programme of management initiatives supported by European Union Areas LIFE funding continued. The Wet Woods Partnership Project, restoring bog woodland and alluvial forest on four cSACs in the Highlands, has made • We initiated two pilot projects to develop rapid progress. The Restoration of Atlantic Oakwoods Project involving five Management Strategies in NSAs. cSACs on the west coast continued to develop innovative and co-ordinated management approaches for these woods. The UK Marine LIFE Project aims to develop demonstration management schemes on five Scottish cSACs including the production of guidelines on monitoring, survey and management of specific marine features.

We continued to review the citations and consents for SSSIs underpinning Natura sites. This work is required to ensure that Natura interests are properly protected. Where necessary, we can modify citations and modify or withdraw consents.

Raising awareness of these sites and their management requirements is of paramount importance. During the year, we held workshops with a number of key Competent Authorities with an important role in delivering the Government’s obligations for Natura sites. We published Natura 2000 leaflets for individual sites including the Firth of Lorn, Clyde SSSI. The Committee upheld SNH’s case for Loch nam Madadh, Papa Stour, St Kilda and the notification of the site, but advised some minor Sound of Arisaig, and a video for Papa Stour. boundary changes. The SNH Board subsequently confirmed the notification with a slightly amended We completed 35 research projects relating to the boundary. Natura 2000 programme; examples included the assessment of variation in horse mussel communities Owners and occupiers are legally required to in Scotland; a survey of visitor behaviour on Mousa consult SNH regarding proposed changes on SSSIs pSPA and habitat surveys of Yell Peatlands, both in to ensure that conservation objectives are Shetland, and the site for corncrakes on Tiree. considered. The formal mechanism for this is a Notice of Intent; SNH responded to 134 Notices of Natura work helps to meet the UK Government’s Intent during 1999/2000. responsibilities under the Ramsar Convention. Ramsar sites are wetlands of world-wide importance set up One of the ways SNH encourages and helps owners to ensure protection, sustainable management and and managers of land to care for SSSIs is through wise use of wetland habitats and associated wildlife. Management Agreements. The chart below shows During 1999/2000 we completed consultations on the total number and area covered by agreements behalf of SE on five proposed Ramsar sites. relating to SSSIs and Natura sites.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest Total Number and Area of Management Agreements Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are (Management Agreements on SSSI’s or Natura sites) 1,000 designated for their plants, animals, habitats, 300,000 landforms or rocks following scientific survey and 800 250,000 200,000 careful assessment against published guidelines. 600 Designation means that the site is notified to owners, 150,000 400

occupiers, local authorities, community councils and Agreements 100,000

200 (ha) of Area Total other interested parties and gives legal protection to 50,000 Total No of Management Total Management Agreements the features of special interest. 0 0 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 Total No of Agreements Total Area (ha) SNH worked closely with the Scottish Executive Rural 6 Affairs Department on proposals to reform the SSSI During 1999/2000, 43 new SSSI Management system in Scotland to make it more user-friendly and Agreements were concluded. In the last ten years, to involve local people in managing the natural the average area covered by SSSI agreements has heritage. Management statements summarising the increased from around 120 hectares to almost 315 conservation interest of sites and their management hectares. Apart from the period 1991/92 to requirements were completed for 98% of sites. 1993/94 where a number of large compensatory agreements inherited by SNH were concluded, some To make the notification process more transparent, involving sizeable capital payments, typical annual we changed our consultation procedures during the expenditure on SSSI and Natura agreements has year to involve local authorities in informal pre- remained at between £2m-£2.6m over the last ten notification consultations, formal notification of years. Over the same period, average annual community councils and advertisements in the local expenditure per agreement has fallen from over press. Where local interest in the notification was £11,000 to around £2.500. We have switched high, as was the case with the Tayport-Tentsmuir deliberately from compensatory to positive Coast SSSI, we held public meetings to explain the agreements resulting in an increase in value for process further. We hope that as many people as money and improved relations with owners and possible become aware and involved in the managers. conservation of individual sites. We continued to check Management Agreements to There are 1,458 SSSIs covering 990,809 hectares – ensure that owners and managers of land were about 12.6 % of Scotland’s land area. During complying with the agreed terms. Areas covered by 1999/2000 we notified 18 SSSIs covering 91,559 high value agreements are checked annually, while hectares in accordance with the Government’s policy others are checked at least triennially. During that cSAC and pSPA should be SSSIs. All unresolved 1999/2000 we checked 248 management scientific objections to notification from owners and agreements and detected non-compliance in only 4 occupiers of a site are referred to the independent (1.6%) of these. Advisory Committee on SSSIs. In 1999/2000 two objections were dealt with, in relation to the Inner We responded to 298 consultations with local the Board makes a final decision on their future as planning authorities about proposed planning NNRs. We intend to complete this work by early developments, and 91 consultations with the 2002. Forestry Commission on forestry applications affecting SSSIs. For most, we were able to suggest We have also worked with our partners to identify improvements, including planning conditions, to potential new National Nature Reserves. ensure that developments did not damage the Organisations like Forest Enterprise, the National natural heritage. Trust for Scotland, the RSPB and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, all own land which qualifies for the To determine the effectiveness of the designation accolade of National Nature Reserve. We propose and supporting management measures in that they could act as ‘approved bodies’ to manage conserving key features of interest we need to specific NNRs, with the first new declarations taking monitor our SSSIs. We apply common standards place during 2000. Thereafter we hope that other agreed between the statutory conservation agencies new sites will be put forward for consideration for in Scotland, England and Wales. Our Site Condition NNR status, including land that is owned privately Monitoring Programme (SCM) in 1999/2000 saw or by a community. 427 features being assessed on 224 sites. National Scenic Areas National Nature Reserves The National Scenic Area (NSA) is Scotland’s only There are 71 National Nature Reserves in Scotland. national designation for our finest landscapes, with These special places were initially protected under 40 NSAs covering some 13% of the land area. In the 1949 National Parks and Access to the September 1997, the then Secretary of State asked Countryside Act, but in the intervening years other SNH to review the NSA designation, and make designations have been introduced to safeguard the proposals for improving its effectiveness and to natural heritage. We have developed a new policy include other types of landscapes, such as the for National Nature Reserves reflecting today’s lowlands and coasts. The review also considered circumstances which requires that National Nature links with other designations, such as Areas of Great Reserves should: Landscape Value and National Parks. SNH • be a selection of areas that characterise the very completed its review in 1999 with the publication of best of Scottish nature; its advice to Government in October. • ensure the natural heritage interests of sites will 7 be put first; The main points of our advice to Government were • exemplify the best standards in the way they are that the NSA should continue to be a scenic cared for; and designation based on preferences for natural • provide special opportunities for people to learn beauty and amenity. It is currently an accolade for about and appreciate these outstanding those landscapes considered of unsurpassed qualities, and to be inspired by them. attractiveness, but if the series is to expand, it should be more comprehensive in its recognition of the Each NNR in Scotland was assessed against our diversity of Scotland’s best scenery than the present revised policy. Many existing reserves fit the new suite of 40 areas. The safeguarding of the existing policy very well, but others are not so suitable. We series of 40 NSAs is a priority before any sought the views of owners, local authorities and systematic effort is made to identify potential new local communities about the future of NNRs in their NSAs. NSAs should become a higher standing area. Obtaining local views reflects SNH’s desire to designation with the appropriate management follow ‘Openness in Ownership’, a statement we strategy, management incentives and promotion to made during the year, setting out our commitment to ensure that they are appreciated. involve local people in the management of the National Nature Reserves that we own. SNH awaits the Scottish Executive’s response to its recommendations, but in the meantime is developing In February, our Board decided that 31 of the its thinking on Management Strategies through two existing reserves will continue as NNRs, although pilot projects in Wester Ross and Dumfries & some will require modifications. They also approved Galloway in partnership with local councils. de-declaration of 14 NNRs, though recognising that these sites will continue to be safeguarded as Sites During the year we commented on 474 planning of Special Scientific Interest. The remaining 26 and forestry proposals affecting National Scenic Reserves have further issues to be resolved before Areas. The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park will require an emphasis on partnership working, quality and high standards of environmental stewardship.

In line with SNH’s advice, Scotland’s National Parks are set to play a major role in delivering sustainable development through the pioneering of new and more integrated approaches to the care and enjoyment of the natural heritage, community development and land management. This will require an emphasis in all that is done within the Park on partnership working, quality and high standards of environmental stewardship.

A major challenge of the new National Park Authorities will be to find ways to help create jobs, develop skills and secure long-term income to the area in ways which safeguard its natural and cultural importance. Particular opportunities will arise from heritage management, by adding value to local products through the appropriate development of local manufacturing enterprises and marketing, and by exploiting and enriching the ‘services’ which the environment of the area can offer for recreation and tourism. Implementing National Parks Our aim is to secure the integrated management of two key areas proposed as Scotland’s first National Parks. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £2.2m.

National Parks Key Achievements In May 1999, the Scottish Executive confirmed its intention to take forward legislation on National Parks in the first session of the new Scottish Parliament, National Parks with Scotland’s first National Park in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs to be • We worked closely with the Scottish established during the summer of 2001, with the second to be in the Executive on developing its legislative Cairngorms. Following our earlier work, SNH was again asked by the Minister proposals for National Parks to prepare the way for this by advising on options for the boundaries, powers • We responded to the Government’s and representation in these two areas. To inform this work, we commissioned consultation on the draft National Parks research on the experience of establishing the boundaries of protected areas Bill elsewhere in Britain. Working closely with key interests in both areas, we used • We provided briefing on National Parks the lessons from this study to develop and begin to apply a methodology for to the Rural Affairs and Transport & applying the ‘conditions’ within the proposed legislation to consider options for Environment Committees of the Scottish the potential area of the National Park. We also undertook some initial thinking Parliament on the implications of these options for the related issues of powers and • We commissioned research reviewing the representation. experience of National Park Plans and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty Throughout the year, we worked closely with Government officials on the management strategies in England and development of the legislation and policy framework necessary to establish Wales National Parks in Scotland. As well as advising on the development of the draft Loch Lomond and the Trossachs legislation, we contributed to the development of the consultation paper on the • We gave support of over £850,000 National Parks Bill, and facilitated the consultation process within the two areas. towards the revenue costs for the SNH itself responded to this major Government consultation. While generally establishment and operation of the Loch supportive of the draft legislative proposals, SNH expressed strong concern Lomond and the Trossachs Interim Implementing National Parks over a small number of areas where we considered that our advice on Committee 9 National Parks had not been fully reflected in the draft Bill. Similar messages • We provided over £400,000 of grant to were conveyed during the briefing we provided to the Rural Affairs Committee the Interim Committee and others for just prior to the publication of the National Parks Bill in March. projects to enhance the natural heritage

To underpin our thinking on aspects of the proposed legislation we Cairngorms commissioned research reviewing the experience in the preparation and • We continued to play an active role in the implementation of management plans and strategies for National Parks and Cairngorms Partnership and provided Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This research underlined the importance £450,500 in grant aid for core costs of these documents in playing a strong lead in the integrated planning of these • We worked with the Paths Task Force to areas and, through the process of their preparation, as a key tool for actively provide a paths framework for the involving key partners and local communities. Cairngorms and supported several local paths projects Loch Lomond and the Trossachs • We undertook a review of upland path We continued to support the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Interim Committee repair in the Cairngorms with the in its efforts to facilitate an enhanced level of integrated management in the National Trust for Scotland area and help prepare the way for the National Park. This included support of • We appointed a specialist officer to over £850,000 towards the establishment and revenue costs of the Interim ensure that significant attention was given Committee for the employment of 20 full-time and 30 seasonal posts involved in to environmental components of the planning, project development and visitor service activities. Cairngorm Funicular

The Committee worked to implement the policies of the Loch Lomond Subject Plan and advised on planning applications to ensure high standards of quality in the development of the area consistent with its status as a proposed National Park. It also worked with others to initiate the strategic thinking required for the park plan. This included production of a strategic environmental appraisal of the plans and policies in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs area to provide comprehensive background information for the developing park plan and the establishment of a GIS resource for the area. Visitor management continues to be a key issue in the Groups are: Recreation, Access & Visitor area and we managed a £6.5 million programme of Management; Natural & Cultural Heritage; capital works to enhance the visitor management Agriculture, Forestry & Sporting Management; Social infrastructure in the area. SNH also provides over & Economic Development; and the Association of £400,000 of grant assistance to the Interim Community Councils in the Loch Lomond and the Committee and other bodies for projects to enhance Trossachs National Park Area. The Reporting Groups the natural heritage and help to enable people to successfully engaged a wide variety of local and enjoy and appreciate the area. This included footpath national interests in the development of the National improvements at Luss and Balmaha, the completion of Park proposals and in consideration of people’s the Tarbet Visitor Centre, the development of a Balloch aspirations for the park plan. Slipway and the restoration of piers at Luss, Tarbet, Rowardennan, Inversnaid and Balmaha. We also To sustain all of this activity SNH increased its support worked in partnership with others to continue by £0.5 million in 1999/2000. development of key visitor management and environmental improvement works at Drumkinnon Bay, Cairngorms Rowardennan and Inveruglas. The Cairngorms are well known in Britain and are internationally important for many aspects of their We also funded the water-based ranger service on natural heritage. The most notable features are the Loch Lomond to encourage responsible enjoyment scale of the montane plateau, the extent of the pine and to monitor and enforce the by-laws and and birch forests and the dramatic landforms which administer the Boat Registration scheme. The land- record the earth’s recent history. The area offers a based ranger service continued to enhance public wide array of opportunities for outdoor recreation and understanding and enjoyment of the area through is well used and cherished by locals and visitors alike. liaison with the public and land use managers and provided a programme of educational events. We SNH continued to play an active role as a partner in also considered the requirements for a voluntary the Cairngorms Partnership, and provided £450,500 ranger service for the area. in grant aid for core costs. Our Chairman sat on the Advisory Panel and staff gave advice and funding for Good signage and interpretation will be central to the many projects which contribute to the delivery of the National Park. We undertook work aimed at Cairngorms Partnership Management Strategy. 10 improving signage and interpretation in the area including interpretation of the Clyde Sea-loch Trail, Significant attention was given to paths and access habitat surveys, woodland habitat enhancements and matters. We worked with the Paths Task Force to the production of an Access Gazetteer. We also provide an overarching framework for the Cairngorms began consideration of visitor management facilities at and supported several local projects. The Upper Cashel and access initiatives by Strathfillan. Deeside Access Trust, supported by SNH, made good progress with two path networks around Ballater and SNH worked with the Interim Committee and others to Braemar and started to resolve some of the long- further effective partnership working across a range of standing visitor management problems in and around interests in the area. This included: support for the Glen Muick. On Lochnagar, new repair work was production and distribution of two leaflets , displays at undertaken on the popular Glas Allt path. In Loch Lomond Visitor Centres, the Loch Lomond Golf Strathspey, a long period of development work and Event, Drymen Show, the Cashel Woodland Festival, negotiation came to fruition as the Speyside Way was and giving talks to a variety of community and extended to Aviemore. national organisations to provide an update on the developing National Park proposals. With the National Trust for Scotland, we undertook a review of upland path repair in the Cairngorms. We We continued to work closely with the Woodland held a workshop at Mar Lodge attended by over 40 Trust, supporting their efforts to recreate a native representatives from path management contractors, woodland in Glen Finglas. This included developing public bodies, NGOs and charitable organisations. access opportunities in close co-operation with the This had the aim of identifying key upland footpath local community. repair problems, reviewing the effectiveness of the range of techniques that had been used in recent We also initiated the establishment of the Interim times, and recommending a range of new techniques Committee’s five Reporting Groups to consider the or approaches to tackle the most difficult path repair draft legislation, along with issues and options to be situations. A report on the review will be published. addressed in the national park plan. These reporting We participated in several new working groups which to create a deer population in balance with its range were established during the year, for example, the and allow the regeneration of native woodland Cairngorms Wildlife Tourism Forum and the without fencing. This has been combined with an Cairngorms Moorlands Forum. The Moorlands Forum examination of new opportunities for safari deer aims to raise awareness and share experience of stalking which will help promote enjoyment of the moorland management issues, to co-ordinate existing natural heritage, while also reducing reliance on activities and to demonstrate good practice in vehicle use. Continuing repairs to important footpaths moorland management. SNH was able to offer and landscape restoration of sites affected by information from surveys and specialist advice. bulldozed hill tracks have been undertaken.

SNH, Forestry Authority and the Cairngorms At Rothiemurchus Estate, SNH was pleased to be able Partnership worked together with MLURI and others to to participate in the signing of an important produce the Cairngorms Forest and Woodland Concordat. The document sets out the basis for Framework, which identifies opportunities for the future arrangements between the Estate and a number of development of forests and woodland in the public agencies which will help to achieve the shared Cairngorms. The Framework is intended to assist those vision for the area. On the ground, we continued to involved in the establishment and management of assist the Estate with the provision of a range of visitor forests and woodland by giving broad strategic services and positive habitat management initiatives. guidance on the nature and location of woodland in the area. It will also help to implement the strategic Work commenced on the Cairngorm Funicular. To objectives for woodland as set out in the Cairngorms ensure that significant attention was given to Partnership Management Strategy. A successful environmental components of the scheme, we seminar for land managers was held at our Battleby appointed a specialist officer based in our Aviemore Centre to promote the Framework. office. We approved the Implementation Plan before work commenced on the site and continued to advise SNH grant aided 14 Ranger Services in the on the Baseline Survey, Monitoring Scheme and Cairngorms during the year. We financially supported Visitor Management Plan, to ensure that environmental a second rangers’ workshop which was held at impact of the development is minimised. Glenlivet Visitor Centre. This event attracted over 30 representatives from ranger services to discuss issues Significant progress was made with the protection of of common concern and looks set to become an the River Spey during the year. Documents for the 11 annual event. To improve communication between River Spey cSAC were sent to Brussels in June and the ranger services in the area, we worked with the designation of the Spey as an SSSI was confirmed in Cairngorms Partnership to produce a directory of July. The Spey Catchment Steering Group was set up contact details for Cairngorms rangers and also two to develop a more integrated approach to catchment editions of a bi-annual newsletter for Cairngorms management. We worked with others to develop ranger services . plans for a public consultation exercise on issues affecting the management of the Spey, with the long- Two substantial surveys of recreation activity were term aim of developing a widely supported catchment finalised and published during the year. The management plan. Cairngorms Mountain Recreation Survey, commissioned by SNH and partner organisations, Towards the end of the year we started to work collected baseline information on visitor characteristics, closely with each of the four Peer Groups of the patterns of activity and attitudes within the core Cairngorms Partnership to develop our thinking on the Cairngorms massif, over a one-year period . The aim is options for the size and location of a future National to improve management and enhance visitor Park, the powers of the Park Authority and enjoyment and understanding of the Cairngorm representation of interests on the Park Board. Each of mountains. A similar survey, the Rothiemurchus and the groups, including landowners, community councils, Glenmore Recreation Survey, was also published. The recreational users and Local Authority Councillors was results of this survey will be used to provide a baseline able to provide useful help and guidance on many for evaluating future trends in recreational use on the aspects of the proposals. Forest Enterprise owned estate at Glenmore and the privately owned Rothiemurchus Estate.

We have continued as a major financial supporter of the National Trust for Scotland in its management of Mar Lodge Estate. Deer numbers are being reduced Through its Sharing Good Practice programme, SNH aims to foster enjoyment and understanding of the countryside.

One of SNH’s key aims is to foster enjoyment and understanding of the countryside. Environmental awareness across Scotland will only be successfully raised if we can harness the efforts of like-minded individuals and organisations. One of the ways in which we do this is the Sharing Good Practice programme.

This year we organised 18 events for people involved with management of the natural heritage and environmental education. These included a workshop for 52 planners and operators on the way SNH assesses mineral extraction proposals, a course in basic habitat assessment skills for young professionals studying towards membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a workshop on environmental education techniques for people working with pre- school children.

The programme enables us to disseminate the results of research projects, to share knowledge, skills, experience and good practice as well as providing us with an invaluable opportunity to work with partners and practitioners in the generation of new ideas. Promoting environmental education and public engagement

Our aim is to improve people’s awareness, understanding and enjoyment of Scotland’s natural heritage and to foster commitment to its future care. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £3.5m.

Environmental Education Key Achievements Environmental education through all media is vital to all aspects of SNH’s work. We believe that enjoyment of the natural world, and recognition of • SNH Annual Open event held the role it plays in enhancing people’s lives, benefits from an understanding successfully at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh of how it works. From this understanding can grow a commitment to help care for our natural environment. We aim to develop and provide both • SNH Areas Boards held local Open formal and informal educational materials, as well as site-based Events in each of our 11 Areas interpretation and ranger services. • We helped 60 schools across Scotland develop their grounds for wildlife During the year, we supported a wide range of environmental education through our School Grounds Grants activities through our grants programme with around £600,000 being Scheme directed towards projects with an environmental education theme. These included the funding of environmental education officers, training workshops • We completed 18 events under our for both teachers and countryside rangers, a project to raise environmental Sharing Good Practice programme awareness amongst ethnic minorities, interpretation facilities, teaching packs • We signed-up to the Government’s and a school travel scheme enabling schools to conduct environmental ‘Scottish Compact with the Voluntary classes outwith school boundaries. Sector’ designed to support the

voluntary sector, volunteering, and education and public engagementPromoting environmental We continued to grant aid Grounds for Learning in partnership with the community development initiatives. Learning through Landscapes Trust. This initiative seeks to provide a national 13 advice and training service to help schools improve their grounds. During • Our ‘Kelp, Creels & Caves’ exhibition in our Shetland office coincided with the the year, we obtained agreement to fund the project for a further three visit of the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race in years. Our School Grounds Grant Scheme also continued with a further 60 August and attracted nearly 2000 schools across Scotland receiving funding to develop their grounds for visitors over three days wildlife. In Shetland, we worked with Shetland Amenity Trust, RSPB, and the Shetland Field Studies Trust to provide a Schools Week which attracted • We secured £85,000 funding from the pupils from six Shetland schools. Arts Lottery Fund over two years for the ‘Young people, arts and environment’ We recognise that SNH will not be effective in raising environmental project awareness across Scotland if we work in isolation. As a result, we • We successfully ran the ‘Earth Science disseminate examples of good practice and encourage closer working and the Natural Heritage’ conference at relationships between individuals and organisations with similar objectives of Dynamic Earth improving understanding of the natural heritage. During 1999/2000, we organised 18 events under our Sharing Good Practice programme which • We generated 1,291 positive press articles and gave 174 press briefings aims to maximise awareness of developments in the field of environmental education. • We produced over 60 SNH publications

Sometimes the most effective way of engaging the attention of the public on • We received 295,000 ‘hits’ on our web- natural heritage issues is to offer new alternatives. During the year, we site secured funding of £85,000 from the Arts Lottery Fund over a two-year period to develop the Young people, arts and environment project. This project will give young people the opportunity of exploring the countryside through a variety of art forms and eventually to bring the work to a wider audience.

Our travelling Wild, Wet and Wonderful display focussing on the unique wildlife, visual appeal and benefits of peat bogs continued to travel around Scotland during the year. This colourful celebration Community Learning Scotland. The Initiative aims to of Scottish peatlands was enjoyed by people the encourage and enable local communities to length and breadth of Scotland, from Golspie to participate actively in the long-term care and Kilmarnock. We also took advantage of the Cutty enhancement of their local heritage. It will also Sark Tall Ships Race visiting Shetland in August to provide the support needed by communities in hold an exhibition in our Lerwick office on Scotland to engage in this task. The two-year pilot Scotland’s rich marine life, Kelp, Creels & Caves. study will involve six selected regional networks with This attracted a grand total of nearly 2,000 visitors 12 community projects, in both rural and urban over three days. communities across Scotland.

We continue to be involved with the production of A fundamental need is to improve access to Environmental Interpretation Strategies across environmental information. We have achieved this Scotland. Where these do not yet exist we are through producing a suite of material in support of initiating work to rectify the shortfall, an example our community grant scheme and through increasing being the Lochaber Interpretative Strategy Group, the openness in the way we work through public convened by SNH for the first time this year. meetings and discussions. We have taken the opportunity to encourage community involvement on We reviewed our 71 National Nature Reserves as designated sites and areas through our advice to areas where we should be demonstrating best Government on National Parks, SSSIs and access, practice in environmental interpretation. We whilst for our own National Nature Reserves we held completed new interpretative boards at Glen Doll a reserve staff workshop which included sessions on which were developed in partnership with Fife working with communities. We also published a Enterprise and Angus Council Ranger Service, while leaflet setting out the ways in which local communities the signage at our Forvie NNR was upgraded. We can become involved in the management of land on provided a wide range of walks and talks on our NNRs owned or leased by SNH. During the year, we NNRs during 1999/2000 and initiated a continued to work with local authorities and substantial work programme which will culminate in communities across Scotland to deliver Local Agenda a week-long series of reserve-based events in the 21 and Local Biodiversity Action Plan Initiatives. summer of 2000 celebrating NNRs. In conjunction with the release of our policy statement 14 Community Involvement on working with communities, we also launched our We launched our policy statement on community Community Grants Scheme. This is a fast track involvement, Working with local communities - scheme for projects of up to £3,000 in value with a Caring for our natural heritage in October 1999. decision given within four weeks. The scheme can The policy is founded on our recognition that the provide funding for improving access by foot, cycle natural heritage of Scotland does not exist in a and horse, acquiring and managing land, staging vacuum, but is a result of the interaction with people community events, buying equipment and materials for five millennia. In support of the policy statement and helping the disabled. we published a booklet giving communities examples of the range of projects which can be Voluntary Sector undertaken. Voluntary organisations make an invaluable contribution to the natural heritage. Voluntary activity Research and experience shows that when local in relation to the natural heritage also provides scope people and other communities of interest feel for building relations with non-environmental connected with their environment and are organisations, such as youth or community groups. encouraged to use, enjoy and to improve it, then there is a win-win situation for people and the In accordance with the Government’s Compact with environment. Our vision is for local communities in the Voluntary Sector published in 1998, SNH Scotland to exercise greater influence in shaping the produced an Action Plan designed to support the decisions affecting their local natural heritage and, voluntary sector and volunteering, and community if they so wish, to play a more active role in its development initiatives relating to the natural heritage. practical management. This provides a new framework for significant areas of SNH’s activities with the voluntary sector. SNH works SNH secured funding from the Heritage Lottery with voluntary organisations through our grants Fund to pilot the Local Heritage Initiative. This programme, through concordats with major partners project will be carried out in partnership with (notably the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Wildlife Trust), joint research programmes and locally Reserve leaflets to instruction manuals on land with community interests. management techniques. We also provided additional advice and guidance on a further 30 Information, Advice and projects, including web pages for SNH-funded Promotion projects, site interpretation panels, visitor centre PR staff worked to maintain good links with key signage, and the provision of high-quality images journalists to ensure informed coverage of issues for a large display panel at Inverness Airport involving SNH. Amongst the many issues covered in geared towards tourists visiting the Highlands. the year, we generated widespread positive reports on birds of prey, the NNR review, and the proposed Part of SNH’s work also relates to the wider issue of trial reintroduction of beavers. At area level, SNH’s information management. We continue to receive, network of PR correspondents strove to keep local on average, 300 direct enquiries per annum via our media informed of our activities on the ground. The website e-mail address. People contact us via the fruits of this effort were 1,291 positive press articles website requesting information about general on SNH’s work through the year. natural heritage issues, specific SNH projects such as national parks and community grants initiatives, Major engagement with the public and interest and queries about job opportunities. In the main, groups took place at events such as the Royal the requests come largely from students of all levels Highland Show, The Game Fair and the Wildlife and looking for background information for research Countryside Fair. We also mounted a number of projects. national events including World Oceans Day, the Scottish Nature Photography Fair, Scottish Geology Direct requests for publications are received via the Week and the SNH Conference on Earth Sciences. publication on-line ordering facility. This is currently generating in the order of 350 requests per annum Scottish Natural Heritage produced approximately and includes UK and international orders. Overall 60 publications during the year ranging from hits to the website for the 12 month period to 31 educational posters, promotional National Nature March 2000 are around 295,000.

15 The Southern Upland Partnership is encouraging the formation of an environmental resource centre for southern Scotland.

August 1999 saw the formation of a new organisation to address practical land use issues faced by those living and working in the Southern Uplands. Launched with overwhelming support from local people, the Southern Uplands Partnership will deal with land use issues at various levels and in different ways.

The Partnership aims to help communities shape their own future, act as a catalyst for land use projects in the area and promote integrated farming, forestry, tourism and other sustainable rural businesses as well as encouraging people to live and work in the Southern Uplands.

Initiatives under way include a quarterly newsletter to highlight new ideas and developments, promotion of joint working between partner bodies, for example arranging workshops on bracken control and native woodland management, and arranging cross-regional conservation projects. The Partnership is also encouraging the formation of an environmental resource centre for southern Scotland.

Future plans include discussions on organic farming, the feasibility of wool as an insulation material, developing the image of the Southern Uplands and getting more from the Southern Upland Way. Improving land and freshwater management Our aim is to assist owners and managers of land and freshwater resources to care for the natural heritage through advice, guidance and demonstration schemes. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £3.2m.

Partnerships Key Achievements SNH retains its firm commitment to working in partnership. Such partnerships reflect every aspect of our remit, from major initiatives in conjunction with the • We funded over 150 partnership Scottish Executive and key public agencies, through to very local initiatives projects with communities and specific interests. • We jointly commissioned several Much of SNH’s work takes the form of continuing support to a wide range important pieces of research related to of partnership initiatives. This may range from giving a grant to the provision more environmentally-friendly farming of advice or practical assistance on a site visit, much of it unheralded in • We provided substantial grant funding to terms of headline news but all of it critical in delivering SNH’s remit and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory assisting others who have a similar interest in Scotland’s natural heritage. Group

SNH continues to be committed to major partnerships such as the • We funded the three goose management Cairngorms Partnership, CSCT, the Firths Initiatives, LBAP groups, all of schemes (in the Solway Firth, on Islay which achieve in their own right but might have achieved less or not as well and on South Walls in Orkney) without SNH’s contribution. Although this contribution is often financial, • We responded to the consultation on SNH being a major funder of various partnerships, the input of staff time Scottish Forestry and contributed to the

and resources is equally important. draft Scottish Forestry Strategy management land and freshwater Improving

Agriculture • We financially supported a number of 17 woodland initiatives, including Highland Developments in agriculture over the past year have been dominated by the Birchwoods crisis in the farming industry with farm incomes at their lowest since the mid- 1980s. Against this background, the Agenda 2000 reforms of the Common • We worked in co-operation with others in Agricultural Policy (CAP) are being implemented. We believe that these preparing for the EU Water Framework reforms represent a further step, albeit a small one, towards the integration Directive of environmental objectives into agriculture. In particular, modulation of the • We co-sponsored the Hydrology 2000 main support payments as permitted by the new regulations could conference significantly increase the size of the agri-environment programme in Scotland. SNH has shown that this would not only benefit the natural heritage but would contribute to the longer-term viability of farming and the rural economy.

SNH has considered other ways in which the new regulations could be used to make farming more environmentally friendly. Working closely with the other UK countryside and conservation agencies we have commissioned several important pieces of research in this area, including projects on area- based subsidy payments and the pressures likely to arise from the further liberalisation of world trade in agricultural produce.

Farming must clearly change significantly if it is to survive in the remoter areas of Scotland. SNH believes that there should be more emphasis on the production of environmental goods and services. This should be encouraged through a radical reform of the support regime. There are other ways of developing a new approach, for instance through using the natural heritage to develop an attractive marketing image for Scottish farm produce, as we showed in our display at the Royal Highland Show: Quality Countryside, Quality Produce. SNH has assisted the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs changes in goose populations in different parts of Department in preparing the Scottish Rural their wintering range, which often occur largely Development Plan which serves as the blueprint for within Scotland. European support for a wide variety of rural development measures. We have also advised on After the NGF reported, we worked with the many aspects of a proposed new agri-environmental Scottish Executive to develop detailed arrangements scheme. for the implementation of the National Policy Framework. We also continued to provide substantial grant funding to the Farming and Wildlife Advisory We continued the three existing goose management Group. FWAG’s activities are crucial to the schemes in the Solway Firth, on Islay and on South successful operation of agri-environmental schemes. Walls in Orkney. Each scheme is tailored to the Its programme of conservation advice to farmers will needs of the location, the farmers and the geese. be an important component of the measures which On South Walls, for example, geese are will be needed to help the farming industry adjust to encouraged to use defined refuge areas which are the demands of a changing future. subject to enhanced re-seeding and fertilisation. On South Walls, £7,784 was spent on goose Geese management. On Islay, it cost £418,194 through The Government established the National Goose 118 individual agreements, to protect around Forum (NGF) in the summer of 1997 to advise 32,000 barnacle geese and 12,700 Greenland Ministers on future goose management in Scotland. white-fronted geese from disturbance and shooting. The NGF delivered its advice to Ministers in In the Solway area, some £82,149 was spent on December 1999, and its report was published in goose management. These schemes have been February 2000 inviting views on the broadly welcomed by farmers, and the lessons recommendations by April 2000. SNH was a learned by SNH in these areas have contributed member of the Forum and provided its secretariat. significantly to the development of the overall We have contributed to a number of aspects of the National Policy Framework work of the NGF including development of a national policy framework for the management of Forestry geese and agriculture, population viability analyses During 1999/2000, we responded to the 18 for goose populations wintering in Scotland, consultation on Scottish Forestry and contributed to preparation of interim arrangements for the the development of the draft Scottish Forestry management of geese wintering in Scotland until the Strategy. In doing so, we produced a new Position NGF’s recommendations are implemented, and Statement on Forestry to guide our contributions and input into the preparation of the NGF’s final report. our own work on woodlands and trees. At a local level we continued to contribute to the development The goose population viability analyses are of Local Forestry Frameworks, particularly in mathematical models which allow us to predict likely Dumfries and Galloway. We worked closely with the Forestry Commission on Framework Directive, which takes catchment a number of projects, most notably to help take management as an essential principle. Our support forward the native woodland habitat action plans for individual catchment initiatives has continued in for Scotland and to commission case studies of the two proposed National Park areas, in the community and rural development forestry in agricultural catchments of Aberdeenshire, in the Scotland. rivers where Natura 2000 designations will apply, and in the waters in the north and west most We continued to test and develop applications for a severely affected by salmon and sea trout decline. native woodland potential model which was developed with the Macaulay Land Use Research We gave grant aid to a number of initiatives which Institute. This shows where native woodland could match our strategic freshwater objectives. For be developed in upland Scotland and will help to example, our support to the UK River Restoration guide the development of Forest Habitat Networks. Centre enabled us to run a series of joint workshops with SEPA on river restoration practice. We also We provided financial support to a number of supported the publication of a farming and woodland initiatives, including Highland watercourse handbook (written by FWAG, SAC, Birchwoods. Working with Highland Birchwoods, SEPA, and WWF) which, following training of farm Forestry Commission and Highlands and Islands advisers, should ensure that river works on farmland Enterprise, we established two Community Forestry are consistent with natural heritage considerations. Facilitator posts working with local communities in Towards the year’s end, SNH co-sponsored the the Highlands. We also grant aided various Hydrology 2000 conference in Dundee. From this a projects, including the development of community clear consensus emerged on the need for more involvement principles for the Woodland Trust. hydrological and geomorphological expertise in Scottish river engineering practice, especially in the Freshwater light of predicted climate change impacts on river Much of our freshwater activity has focused on flows. Natura 2000, freshwater fisheries, biodiversity action plans, Natural Heritage Zones, National Our work with fishery interests continues to develop. Parks and the draft EU Water Framework Directive. Our Chairman held very positive meetings with the SNH’s freshwater objectives can often only be met Association of Salmon Fishery Boards and the 19 in partnership with other statutory bodies, the Angling for Change consortium (a group of fishing voluntary sector, private and commercial interests and conservation bodies campaigning for better and local communities. fishery legislation and practice), reflecting links which are now well-established. We provided grant For some years, SNH has promoted an integrated aid to a number of Fishery Trusts. At Government catchment approach to water management in level, we assisted the Tripartite Working Group Scotland. We believe this is essential if water (established between The Scottish Executive, the resources are to be used sustainably - supporting a salmon farming industry and wild fish interests) in its rich variety of freshwater habitats and species, efforts to reduce damaging interactions between providing a great source of public enjoyment, salmon farms and fish populations. With Scottish supplying jobs, and guaranteeing a fundamental Executive fishery staff we co-wrote the review paper part of our social and economic infrastructure. Protecting and Promoting Scotland’s Freshwater Fish Accordingly, we worked with SEPA, the Scottish and Fisheries. Executive and others in preparing for the EU Water SNH has been one of the key partners in establishing the Moray Firth Partnership and managing its evolution over the last four years.

The Moray Firth Partnership held its first meeting in June 1996 with a mission of bringing people and organisations together to work towards more integrated management of the Firth. The Partnership operates over 800km of coastline from Duncansby Head to Fraserburgh and adjacent territorial waters. The Partnership currently has over 500 members.

In September 1999, the Moray Firth Partnership launched a framework to guide the future management of the Firth. This represented the culmination of over two years intensive consultation with the members, including conferences and workshops. Over 130 Actions have been identified as required to deliver the 20 Management Guidelines contained within the framework. Together these provide a flexible forward plan for the Firth, whilst fostering a climate of co- operation and communication between different, often opposing, interests.

SNH has been one of the key partners in establishing the Partnership and managing its evolution over the last four years. SNH provides accommodation for the Partnership Manager and Administrator (at the SNH Ardconnel Terrace office in Inverness) as well as line management and the salaries for these core staff members. On behalf of the Partnership, SNH also fronted the successful EC LIFE Environment application (a three-year project) which has significantly boosted the work of the Partnership since November 1998. Encouraging the sustainable use of marine areas Our aim is to maintain the rich variety of wildlife in Scotland’s maritime areas by encouraging more sustainable use. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £1.3m.

Marine and Coastal Management Key Achievements The coastline of Scotland is some 11,800km in length and its rich and varied habitats support a wide range of species. The coastal waters, extending out • We responded to 23 oil pollution to the 12 nautical mile limit of territorial waters, cover an area almost incidents equivalent to that of the land mass of Scotland. These waters are home to a rich variety of wildlife and provide sustenance and a livelihood to many of • We commented on 40 seabed lease the people of Scotland. It is our aim to protect these resources and wherever applications possible to do this through working in partnership. • We advised on the potential for the extension of the St Kilda World Heritage SNH is consulted by various bodies on a wide range of activities relating to Site into the marine environment the marine and coastal environment, such as various civil engineering works, oil and gas exploration/production and decommissioning, contingency • We supported the launch of planning, fish farming and fisheries. management strategies for the Firth of Forth and the Moray Firth SNH has continued to work in partnership with the Scottish Executive Rural • We supported the appointment of a Affairs Department and various fishermen’s organisations towards the Project Officer to the Tay Estuary Forum development of more sustainable approaches to fisheries management and

the review of the Common Fisheries Policy in 2002. We have participated in • We supported the Cromarty Firth Liaison Encouraging the sustainable use of marine areas the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group and will continue to support Group and the Solway Firth Partnership in the implementation of their Strategies and encourage the efforts of local communities in the management of 21 selected fisheries through such initiatives as Regulating Orders.

There are an increasing number of civil engineering projects relating to the construction of causeways, piers and jetties which have potential effects on the marine and coastal natural heritage. SNH commented on a number of environmental statements and carried out local surveys and assessments.

The SNH Oil Pollution Officer, supported by local staff, provided 24-hour advice to the Marine Coastguard Agency and other organisations on the potential impact of oil pollution and any subsequent clean-up operations on the natural heritage. This year, we responded to 23 oil pollution incidents. We have also commented on a large number of oil spill contingency plans and the coastal protection plans being developed by the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Network.

Fish farming continues to play an important role in Scotland’s economy and last year SNH was consulted by the Crown Estate Commissioners on 40 seabed lease applications. We provided advice during the drafting of the Scottish Executive publication Locational Guidelines for the Authorisation of Marine Fish Farms in Scottish Waters. There is a growing interest in the farming of other species, such as cod and halibut, and we shall seek to ensure that any environmental implications of these developments are fully taken into account.

SNH has provided advice on the potential for the extension of the St Kilda World Heritage Site into the marine environment. We have been involved in the initial discussions and plan to carry out further survey work in 2000 before completing a proposal and draft Integrated Coastal Management management scheme to be presented to UNESCO The Firths Initiative continues to develop the by government in 2001. partnership work of Coastal Zone Management within Scotland. For the first time there are CZM We have continued to improve our knowledge of management projects and project officers in place the distribution of marine and coastal habitats and for all the major Scottish firths. During the year, the species. This is essential if we are to provide the best various projects began to work more closely with possible advice and protection to these precious the Scottish Coastal Forum (SCF), primarily through resources. The sand dune vegetation survey of the regular meetings of the Project Officers from the Scotland has been completed and we are now Firths and SCF to discuss progress, development looking at the best ways of disseminating the and future funding ideas. information that has been gathered during this major project. We have carried out seabed surveys Additional to the Firths Initiative, SNH took part in of a number of areas. These include around Sanday other Scottish CZM-type projects namely in Fair Isle, in Orkney to map the extensive kelp forests in that Loch Ryan, Orkney and to a certain extent within area together with work in Loch nam Madadh in the Minch. The Minch Project ended in June 1999. North Uist where there have been further trials into A draft business plan had been developed, various methods of monitoring the condition of elements of which have been taken forward by marine habitats and their associated flora and some partners. However, specific project work is fauna. under way to develop ideas expressed during the life of the Project and Forum and is being co- ordinated by the former Minch Project officer. In particular, work to explore integrated use of the inshore Loch Torridon area is delivering useful models for positive partnership work.

In 1999 the European Commission circulated two documents: lessons from the Commission’s demonstration programme on ICZM, and a consultation document on a European ICZM 22 strategy. SNH hosted and participated in a SCF meeting to discuss a response to this consultation, later submitting our own response. Work has also continued on the production of a SNH policy paper and position statement on ICZM.

Two further firths’ management strategies were launched: the Forth Estuary Forum’s (FEF) Forth Integrated Management Strategy was launched at its AGM; and the Moray Firth Management Guidelines and Action Programme were successfully launched at the Moray Firth Partnership (MFP) annual conference. This brings to four the published management strategies for the Scottish firths, the others being the Cromarty and the Solway Firths.

In addition to producing the Management Guidelines, the Forth Estuary Forum has developed There is a continuing need to increase awareness of a five-year Strategy and Business Plan and a new the marine and coastal environment with both the scheme of membership. The two-year EU LIFE Scottish public and visitors alike. This year we have Environment funded ICZM demonstration project, of produced a number of leaflets about marine SACs, which the Forth Estuary Forum was a part, has now namely Firth of Lorn and Lochs Duich, Long and come to an end but the Firths Initiative still has major Alsh, together with two videos on the underwater European funds as the Moray Firth Partnership is life of Papa Stour, Shetland and Loch nam Madadh, now over a year into the Moray Firth LIFE Project. North Uist. Under its auspices a number of projects have been developed, namely the: Local Community Grants to include a representative from the Minch, the Scheme; Moray Firth Information System; and Scottish Coastal Forum Project Officer and SNH’s Management Scheme for bottlenose dolphins. The External Funding Group to discuss possible long- Cromarty Firth Liaison Group (CFLG) has been term future funding ideas for the management working on implementing the Management Strategy initiatives. Additionally, new project ideas for and Action Plan published back in 1998. It has combined work across Scotland, including work on received funding from the European Union marine litter, have been developed. Objective One programme, and a range of other partners. The Cromarty Firth Liaison Group is also A major issue for the Solway Firth Partnership, part of the wider Moray Firth and so works closely which involved partnership working, was the with the Moray Firth Partnership to realise the aims proposed application for Regulatory Orders to re- for the future of the Cromarty Firth. A newsletter was open the Solway to sustainable levels and methods launched this year, Cromarty Firth Currents, to of shellfishing (cockles and mussels). publicise the work of the group. Finally, the Firth of Clyde Forum has spent this year The Tay Estuary Forum appointed a Project Officer. developing and consulting on a series of As a result there are now project officers for all the management proposals which will form the basis of Firths Initiative projects. During the year, regular an integrated Management Strategy. liaison meetings between the Firths Project Officers and the SNH Firths Co-ordinator were augmented

23 As well as improving access to the countryside, path creation provides local employment with the work been done by Environmental Task Force Trainees. The vision of a Paths for All network spanning East Renfrewshire and Glasgow City took a step closer to realisation with the completion of the first phase of a walkway which will eventually link Barrhead with Pollok.

The walkway, which is jointly funded by Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Enterprise and SNH, with further funds from the European Regional Development fund, gives the residents of Barrhead direct access to the countryside. The work links existing paths and makes them more accessible to people of all abilities, as well as planting more trees to create leafy shade and making the entrances to paths more inviting.

When the walkway is completed it will form the spine of a network which will encompass the Social Inclusion Partnership areas of Barrhead and Greater Pollok, as well as Newton Mearns and Darnley Mill.

As well as improving access to the countryside, the path creation also provided local employment with the work being done by Environmental Task Force Trainees. Facilitating access and recreation Our aim is to facilitate responsible access to land and enjoyment of the natural heritage by working co-operatively with local authorities, land managers and representative bodies. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £5.4m.

Access Key Achievements Following the agreement that there should be a general right of access for informal recreation and passage, subject to access being taken responsibly, • We submitted a draft Scottish Outdoor Government asked SNH and the Access Forum to develop a new Code of Access Code to the Scottish Executive responsible behaviour. This should set down the details of how the proposed right would operate. • We launched a set of pilot access projects with seven local authorities The Access Forum worked intensively through most of 1999 to develop this • We gave the Paths for All Partnership Code, now titled the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The Forum also extra funding of £200,000 for path provided an accompanying paper on paths and tracks. This set down projects detailed proposals on how core path networks could play a critical role in making welcoming provision for recreational visitors. These networks would • We funded a three-year path-upgrading provide welcoming access, arranged in ways to best suit land management programme for the West Highland Way and public needs, in those areas where demand for access was expected to • We finalised a three-year funding be greatest. package for the Southern Upland Way

The Code is a ground-breaking document in its broad and mature • We contributed to the two-year action approach, based on the promotion of responsibility by all, in the way access programme to extend two sections of the is to be provided and enjoyed. It is not yet a conventional promotional Speyside Way Code, but is the starting point for the preparation of a wide range of • We received approval from the First guidance for different audiences. A major promotion to back-up the Minister for our proposal to create the Facilitating access and recreation legislation and the codes will be needed. Great Glen Way 25 At present, not all of the details of the Code have been agreed by all the • We supported full-time and seasonal parties, and we continue to debate some of the difficult-to-resolve issues, Ranger posts equating to 264 full-time recognising the complexity and sensitivity of the issues involved. But we are jobs impressed by the degree of agreement between the parties, by their • We supported 4 Regional and 36 commitment to resolve issues through dialogue, and by the forward-looking Country Parks nature of this agreement. Also, the Code has been created through a period of intensive debate which has not undermined the original principles agreed previously. In December, SNH commented on the draft Code, aiming to strengthen it in various ways, and a revised draft was submitted to the Scottish Executive at the end of January, with a view to it being part of a consultation on the draft Bill later in the year.

We have launched a number of initiatives to help us pave the way for the changes ahead. The most important of these is a set of pilot projects with seven local authorities, aimed to explore the practicalities of implementation, and to help develop general guidance to Councils on the exercise of their proposed new duties and powers for access. Alongside these projects we have contracted the Ordnance Survey to undertake a feasibility study into a possible national inventory of rural paths and tracks, which would help Councils identify their core path networks. We have also set in hand a number of reviews in preparation for a campaign to promote responsibility in access.

Alongside this major policy development, SNH has continued with its support to a wide range of recreational initiatives. The Paths for All Partnership has played a signal role, through its promotional and advisory work, to help energise action and commitment to the concept of path networks. The Partnership has exceeded its targets The poor condition of many upland paths continues with 25 completed projects, nine in the last year. to be a matter of concern, notwithstanding very There are also 22 projects under development. We considerable effort by a number of bodies - often were able to offer further additional funding of assisted by SNH. There is, however, good £250,000 which resulted in 12 path networks, of collaborative action between many of the parties which six will be completed by the year end. The involved in this issue. We continue to support the Partnership’s role in helping the implementation of Path Industry Skills Group, which has led in the the legislative changes will be critical, because it is development of vocational training for upland path an important reservoir of skills and experience. Our management, and compiled recently published grant commitment to the core costs of the guidance on upland footpath repair. We shall Partnership was extended for a further three-year continue to work with our partners to help resolve period from March 2000. this long-standing issue.

We have, as part of our advisory work, also published practical advice on the construction of lowland paths and on small rural car parks. We have continued with a programme of survey and monitoring of recreational use of the countryside, including major visitor surveys of the Cairngorms and of the Rothiemurchus and Glen More area, to inform visitor management.

We have increased our support for access officers with 14 in post and five more to be appointed soon. Our successful Hill Phones demonstration project with deer range managers to alert walkers to when and where stalking is taking place was extended to cover 10 upland areas. Long Distance Routes 26 There are three official Long Distance Routes (LDRs) in Scotland: the West Highland Way, the Speyside Way, and the Southern Upland Way. All three LDRs are used extensively for both long distance journeys and day walks. These routes generate considerable local economic benefits.

We continued to service the National Long Distance Route Forum which met twice during the year. The Forum enables local authorities managing LDRs, and SNH to work together to deliver a co-ordinated approach to the management of all routes. We have finalised and agreed standards for the At our Area level, we have supported a wide range management of LDRs, developed guidance on the of excellent local access work, some of it linked to preparation of three-year Development and Paths for All, others in providing help on local paths Management Programmes, and commenced work or in the management of upland paths. We have on future user surveys and the promotion and maintained our grant support to key voluntary marketing of LDRs. bodies for mountaineering, riding and cycling, in recognition of the important role that all these Work has continued on a three-year, path- bodies have to play in the current consensual upgrading programme for the West Highland Way, approach to provision for access. We also welcome this being the second year of the programme. The the cross-over between our access work and other funding package includes grant-aid from SNH, the policy initiatives, such as the Government’s Lottery Sports Fund, and European Objective 1 & integrated transport initiative and the role which 5b programmes. SNH is providing grant totalling walking and cycling can play. £570,000 over the three years towards the cost of managing and maintaining the route. Work to construct the extended Speyside Way was land management, mean that they are well placed largely completed during the year by Moray to contribute to the current access debate and its Council and Highland Council with grant support future implementation. from SNH, Moray, Badenoch & Speyside Enterprise and the EU. The 8km section along the Moray coast SNH has continued to implement its Ranger policy, from Spey Bay to Buckie was opened for use. Work refining its approach and applying the national to establish the 48km extension from Ballindalloch framework to allow for sensitive treatment of local to Aviemore was completed in spring 2000. A Path circumstances. SNH continues to support public, Manager was appointed, with grant from SNH, to voluntary and private sectors to employ full-time oversee the management and maintenance of the Rangers and seasonal posts. In total these equate to route. 264 full-time jobs. Increasingly Ranger services are extending their scope of operation to areas of wider A three-year funding package for the management countryside, thus expanding their influence and and maintenance of the Southern Upland Way was developing their skills. finalised with the local authorities managing the route, underpinned by a new three-year Having contributed to the review of the operation of Development and Management Programme. SNH’s the Ranger Training Consortium, 1999/2000 saw grant support to the route over the three years will the broadening of the remit of this body, renamed total nearly £196,000. the Countryside Training Network. The Scottish Countryside Rangers’ Association continues, largely Proposals to establish a fourth official LDR, the through time volunteered by its membership, to offer Great Glen Way, linking Fort William to Inverness, services including a link to the international were approved by the First Minister. We have rangering network. continued to participate in the Great Glen Working Group, chaired by The Highland Council, to help Regional and Country Parks oversee the programme of work required to create Scotland’s 36 Country Parks remain a key the new route on the ground. The route is scheduled recreation resource close to where people live, to open in 2002. providing a welcoming environment for a range of open air activities, and in many instances, a Rangers gateway into the wider countryside. We have The Ranger services in Scotland continue to continued to work with each of the Regional Parks 27 contribute effectively to the delivery of many of with the aim of putting our support to them on a SNH’s key operational objectives. Rangers provide more strategic level. 1999/2000 saw the further a vital link between people and the natural development of moves towards the Loch Lomond heritage, providing a well managed and welcoming and Trossachs National Park and in 2000/01 we environment for informal recreation. Rangers’ skills shall be looking at the most effective ways to nurture in mediating between public use for enjoyment and the concept of Regional Parks in Scotland within the other land uses, and their role in raising people’s changing legislative framework for designated awareness of the needs of nature conservation and areas. The North East Caithness Tourism Initiative was taken forward with a one- day conference looking at good practice in wildlife tourism in February 2000

A new wildlife tourism initiative is being piloted in North East Caithness. It aims to establish a co- ordinated approach to the management, promotion and marketing of the area’s wildlife resources.

Working together the group, comprising Scottish Natural Heritage, The Tourism and Environment Initiative, Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board, The Highland Council and the RSPB, plan to use the largely untapped natural heritage resources to add value to the visitor experience of tourists.

The natural attractions of North East Caithness, such as the cliffs of Duncansby and Dunnet Heads and the famous Caithness and Sutherland peatlands, together with their associated stunning plants, noisy seabird colonies and wet and wonderful bogland habitats, can be promoted in a way that will attract a new and more discerning visitor.

The initiative was taken forward with a one-day conference looking at good practice in wildlife tourism in February 2000, which attracted 90 representatives of tourism operators and providers from all over Scotland. Supporting sustainable development Our aim is to support and encourage economic and social development which is compatible with the long-term needs of the environment. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £3.6m.

Advice to local authorities Key Achievements SNH is responsible for advising central and local government on all aspects of Scotland’s natural heritage. The Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 obliges • We published guidance on Minerals and SNH to seek to ensure that anything done in relation to the natural heritage is the Natural Heritage in Scotland’s undertaken in a sustainable manner. Sustainability principles therefore underlie Midland Valley all our dealings with local authorities on planning casework, and the advice we provide in consultation responses. • We responded to about 60 consultations from planning authorities on SNH received consultations from planning authorities on about 60 development development plans plans (Structure Plans and Local Plans). We recognise the importance of • We responded to consultations on development plan policies in caring for natural heritage interests, and consider approximately 950 planning our inputs carefully. We also responded to consultations on approximately 950 applications planning applications, providing advice on how development could affect natural heritage interests, and how potential damage could be avoided or • We responded to 12 national mitigated. consultations on planning issues • We commissioned a review of the SNH’s Environmental Assessment Handbook was updated in line with the new effectiveness of SNH’s planning Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 1999 and the corresponding consultation responses Scottish Executive Circular 15/1999. • We produced guidance on the use of landscape character assessments in Land Use Planning development plans SNH seeks to influence national planning policy to enhance the care, Supporting sustainable development enjoyment, understanding and sustainable use of the natural heritage. We do • We worked jointly with the Scottish this through undertaking research, responding to Government consultations, and Executive to produce guidance on open 29 providing natural heritage advice to Government on specific land-use issues. space strategies We also hold regular liaison meetings with a number of professional planning • We advised the Scottish Parliament on bodies, NGOs, developer organisations and others. policy for telecommunication developments Recognising the importance of the planning system in helping to achieve our aims and objectives, we produced a Policy Guidance Note SNH Involvement in the Town and Country Planning System. This provides a framework for us to make the most effective use of the planning system in pursuit of our statutory obligations.

In terms of national planning policy, SNH gave evidence to the Transport and Environment Committee inquiry into the control of telecommunication developments. The Committee agreed with the case made by SNH, as well as many others who contributed evidence, for bringing such developments fully within normal planning control. As the very first full inquiry of this Committee, we were also pleased that natural heritage issues featured so significantly in its final report. Community Planning We continued to work with local authorities and other agencies in the community planning process in the most appropriate way for each individual area. We contributed to the work of the core and working groups in the 11 council areas of Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Clackmannanshire, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk, Highland, North Ayrshire, Borders, Renfrewshire and Stirling, and responded to consultations in others. In this work, we have built on existing programmes on environmental education, community involvement, rural development strategies and Local Agenda 21 programmes and have supported local councils in Web-based system being developed by the Scottish taking an integrated approach. Tourist Board to offer visitors better holiday choices, on how best to include information on natural places to In Highland, SNH along with other public sector visit. partners have developed the Wellbeing Alliance. This aims to lead towards the ideal of a healthy, safe, well- Wildlife tourism - visits to nature reserves or other housed society in a well cared for natural environment distinctive habitats, birdwatching, or looking for elusive with good services and employment. species - is a sector of growing importance. We assisted with a conference in Caithness on wildlife Rural Development tourism which was strongly supported by tourism We continued to pursue a number of initiatives relating businesses in the area. specifically to rural development. We prepared an internal statement of SNH policy on rural Settlements development, along with guidance to staff. The action The review of the Countryside in and around Towns plan arising from the policy statement is now being (CAT) initiative is now in its development stage with the implemented. launch of the Greenspace for Communities initiative planned for April 2001. SNH evaluated a number of As part of our NNR review, we are considering how management mechanisms for delivering this NNRs contribute to rural development. As a first step, partnership initiative. A decision on the best way we have commissioned work to standardise our forward will be made in the summer of 2000. This approach to monitoring visitors to Reserves, including partnership initiative will continue to support the collection of tourism-related data. greenspace action with local authorities and communities throughout Scotland, particularly those in Following from our Jobs and the Natural Heritage Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. publication, which sets out the substantial contribution made by the natural heritage to Scotland’s rural We have supported grant applications to communities economy, SNH appointed a rural development and other interest groups for greenspace action economist to assist our staff in identifying and through, for example Local Biodiversity Action promoting this contribution. The rural development Planning, Local Agenda 21, increasing accessibility, economist has been preparing a number of studies to and community woodland initiatives. We have 30 further our understanding of rural development and continued to develop research and to encourage natural heritage. We shall be disseminating the support for open and green space strategic resulting information widely. We have also continued development. Research concentrated on “Greenspace to contribute to the Scottish Executive Rural Partnership 2000”. This project produced a review of greenspace Group, and assisted with prioritising bids to the Rural activities and action throughout Scotland to aid the Challenge funds, as well as taking the lead in future development of the Greenspace for organising a research project to identify rural Communities initiative by identifying community community support needs following the cessation of groups, formal initiatives and organisations who were Rural Forum. actively involved in improving the greenspace in and around Scotland’s settlements. Responding to questions raised by the Environmental Task Force Advisory Group, SNH joined Scottish Work has been completed on the development of Enterprise in a review of opportunities for employment policy and guidance for Local Nature Reserves. This and training in the environment sector. Guidance is has been developed with advice from COSLA. The being developed to help advise young people seeking policy will encourage an increased number of LNRs to a career in that sector. be established by local authorities. LNRs will be developed in close association with communities as a Tourism focus of community interest in the natural heritage. The SNH contributed to the preparation of the Scottish launch is planned for September 2000. Executive’s New Strategy for Scottish Tourism. Following its publication, the Tourism and Environment Renewable energy Initiative, funded by SNH in partnership with the SNH encourages an approach to developing Scottish Tourist Board, Highlands and Islands renewable energy which is sympathetic towards the Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise, launched its second, natural heritage. Renewable energy developments three-year Operational Plan outlining steps to be taken have the potential to affect the scenic value of an in developing a more environmentally sustainable area, landscape character, wild land qualities, industry. The Initiative has advised Project Ossian, a protected habitats and species. The frameworks of policy, planning, and support need to help get the and processes and aims to ensure that the natural right developments in the right place to minimise heritage is appropriately represented. impacts on the natural heritage. SNH continued to attend Scottish Local Agenda 21 Early in the year, we responded to Government’s Co-ordinators Network meetings. SNH has been consultation on New and Renewable Energy: involved in developing a number of the Local Agenda Prospects for the 21st Century. We outlined natural 21 strategies, and in implementing them through our heritage impacts which should be considered as local programmes and partnerships. constraints in developing Scotland’s renewable energy resource. Developing the International dimension Guidance has been developed for our staff on the Scotland’s natural heritage is recognised as a global assessment of windfarm and small hydro-electric asset and many of our responsibilities and duties have schemes, on which we are consulted within the a European or international dimension. We envisage planning system. A methodology for the assessment of that the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and bird collision risks is being developed jointly with the devolved administration will increase emphasis on British Wind Energy Association. European and international aspects of our work.

SNH has made use of its national landscape These developments provide a new framework for character assessment database in developing a view SNH’s operation in Europe and internationally, on the capacity of different landscapes to requiring a new strategic approach. The SNH accommodate windfarms. This will inform our advice European & International Influencing strategy was to Government on proposals for a new renewable developed and approved by the Board. energy obligation on electricity suppliers. We hosted the Scotland based meeting of Scotland Transport Europa and in October SNH supported Scotland In responding to Government consultations on aspects Week to present and position Scotland in Europe and of transport policy including road tolling, speed limits open the new Scottish Executive Brussels office. We and the preparation of local transport strategies, SNH also hosted the European Steering Group meeting of continues, wherever possible, to make the links the World Commission on Protected Areas in between sustainable transport policies and the Edinburgh. 31 forthcoming legislation on access and National Parks. We also continue to advise the Executive on the Our Chief Executive was elected as Chairman of the natural heritage impacts of individual transport UK Committee of the World Conservation Union schemes, and the development of more strategic (IUCN) in February 2000, bringing new leadership to assessment methodologies including the Strategic the group as it developed a new programme of work Roads Review. In addition, this year we played an and reviewed its operating systems. SNH also active part in the conference held by the Scottish continued to lead for the UK statutory Agencies with Cycling Forum to promote awareness of the National the group and contributed to the drafting of the future Cycling Strategy to a wide-ranging policy audience. European Work Programme to be agreed at the We supported Scottish Executive research on World Conservation Congress in 2000. mitigating the landscape impacts of road furniture, improved design guidance for traffic calming schemes SNH and IUCN convened an international workshop and an inventory of wildlife mitigation measures, and in Battleby on Integrated Planning at Different Scales: contributed to the preparation of a draft Biodiversity Policy and Practice. The multi-national participants Action Plan for the Trunk Road Network. We continue explored current developments in ecosystem to support the Scottish Forum for Transport and management, bioregional planning and integrated Environment as a means for promoting debate across approaches to land use planning such as the SNH a range of transport interests, and seeking consensus Natural Heritage Zonal Programme. The Proceedings on many transport issues. will be published shortly.

Local Agenda 21 We continued to develop our links with the European Local Agenda 21 is about developing local strategies Commission, and other European environmental for sustainable development and building partnerships organisations, including a staff secondment to the to implement them. Recognising the lead role of local European Environmental Agency in Paris, and work authorities in Local Agenda 21 strategies, SNH with European Environmental Advisory Councils, the endorses the benefits to be gained from both the plans Europarc Federation, and Eurosite. The Central Scotland Forest Challenge Fund seeks to improve habitat quality, enhance the landscape and involve local communities. The Central Scotland Forest Challenge Fund for Forest Expansion was created in April 1998 by the Forestry Commission. Its introduction has provided a tremendous boost to the Central Scotland Forest with a record amount of woodland planted during the year. Designed to run for three years, its general aims are to diversify rural land use, increase wood supplies for industry and provide access and recreation opportunities. In addition, the Fund seeks to improve habitat quality, enhance the landscape and involve local communities. In particular, the Challenge encourages well- designed, productive forests, with good public benefits, as a sensible alternative to agriculture.

Candie Farm, near Avonbridge in Falkirk District, is a good example of what can be achieved by the Fund. The additional funding available through the Challenge Fund, has resulted in the planting of the new 34 hectare Candie Wood. Over half of the trees planted are broadleaves and incorporated into the design is a series of woodland walks, a car park, pond, bridge and picnic area, all inter-linked with a right of way that already existed from Standburn. Supporting the Central Scotland Forest Initiative Our aim is to support the Central Scotland Forest Initiative to meet the Government’s targets. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £0.8m.

Management Key Achievements Central Scotland Countryside Trust (CSCT) provides leadership of the initiative with core grant from Scottish Executive, through SNH, of • 924 hectares of woodland was created, £800,000. This is supplemented by funding from EU and the wider including 411 hectares resulting directly partnership of around £1.5m. Through working with the private sector, from the Forestry Commission’s Central CSCT was also able to attract around £150,000 of contract work on Scotland Forest Challenge Fund for woodlands. Forest Expansion

By comparison with the previous year, costs for the Trust’s management • 86 hectares of derelict land were of the initiative and delivery of its own part of the programme of work restored to woodland delivered fell by 1%. The continued development of business and • 83 Woodland Grant Scheme operational plans, and funding support from partners especially the applications were approved Forestry Commission, has resulted in the largest ever extent of new woodland being created - over 900 hectares. • more than 110 community events were held As part of the process of delivering social and economic benefits, the • 5,508 members of the public were Initiative also received 9,300 employment days through contractors, over involved in Central Scotland Forest Supporting the Central Scotland Forest Initiative 4,000 training days, support from almost 900 volunteers and generated events more than 110 community events. 33 • 12 community woodland projects were Community involvement set up The Trust continued to develop its role with communities and this is • 1,458 volunteer work days were reflected through its delivery and support for local path networks, with organised by partners for Central 22 km of new footpath being created and almost 14 km being upgraded. Scotland Forest related projects • 31 schools were involved in Forest CSCT is represented on both the Falkirk and West Lothian Access Fora, projects and has been closely involved in the preparation of the two Access Strategies which went out to public consultation. These strategies include • 101 trainees benefited from 4,543 a five-year work programme guiding much of the future activity in this training days area. The Government’s support for access for communities is reinforced • 22 km of new footpath was created and through the linkage between the creation and improvement of woodland almost 14 km upgraded linked with local path networks providing a resource for local people to enjoy, appreciate and take their recreation.

CSCT, in partnership with local authorities and others, is also supporting projects adjacent to the Millennium Link project to improve the canals between Edinburgh and the Clyde at Bowling. As a result new woodlands will be created along the route, together with new paths and will enhance the recreational experience for local people and visitors alike. Planting progress The total woodland created across the Forest exceeded 900 hectares. In large part this is due to the valuable support for new woodlands delivered through the Central Scotland Challenge Fund which delivered additional schemes totalling more than 400 hectares. The Fund helps to encourage the development of well-designed and produced following an extensive community commercially viable forests in local communities consultation programme. Work has begun to as a sensible alternative to agriculture. The develop an extensive network of paths, and to importance of the Challenge Fund to meeting the rehabilitate Greenhead Moss, a raised bog, targets for delivery of the Forest cannot be through drain blocking and removal of invading understated. It clearly demonstrates that this birch trees. additional support translates directly to significantly more woodland creation than has As part of its brief for sustainable development, ever been possible before. Lanarkshire Development Agency, with the Trust and others, initiated a series of discussions to Native Woodlands consider the possibilities of woodland creation for This was the final year of the Native Woodland biomass, as a means of local fuel and heating Initiative, which had been supported by the systems, as well as for the supply of electricity to Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust and SNH. the National Grid. One of the findings of research The inclusion of native and broadleaved was that there are large amounts of waste wood woodland within Local Biodiversity Action plans is already available that may be suitable for this expected to assist continued extension, purpose. Further investigation is required to enhancement and management of native establish the sustainability of such a proposal. 34 woodland. In addition, the Central Scotland However, the expected introduction of a biomass Forest Native Woodland Action Plan promotes the fuelled power station near Carlisle is just one establishment of Forest Habitat Networks which factor which suggest further investigation is seek to link woodland habitats, particularly any required. rivers and other corridor features. Awareness of the potential and opportunities for such networks was raised by a farm walk in association with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group near Kilsyth in North Lanarkshire. At Cameron Glen, between Airdrie and Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire, a series of farm visits resulted in a plan to extend and link broadleaved woodland through a series of valleys. Working in partnership CSCT continued to work with partners across the project area. Amongst these, Lanarkshire Development Agency, SNH and North Lanarkshire Council continued to support the restoration of derelict land adjacent to Greenhead Moss near Wishaw as a local natural heritage resource for local people. This 120 hectare site had formerly been opencasted and used as a landfill site. Following its purchase by North Lanarkshire Council, in the region of £1.3 million of funding was secured from a variety of partners, allowing a Master Plan for the site to be SNH continued to provide grant directly to CSCT publishes three times a year. The New Leaf for projects in Lanarkshire, West Lothian and includes news articles, feature articles about Falkirk. Grant was also provided to Ranger aspects of the Forest, such as the activities of Services and others operating in the area, community woodland groups, and a regular farm- including appropriate Countryside Around Town forestry section of particular interest for farmers projects which provide similar benefits for their and rural landowners. local communities through woodland planting and management and the creation of paths. Anyone wishing to know more about the Trust and the Initiative can access the Trust’s Web site at Progress and events in the Forest are recorded in www.csct.co.uk or alternatively through links with a newsletter, The New Leaf, which CSCT SNH’s Web site - www.snh.org.uk.

35 The UK Raptor Working Group Report presented clear scientific evidence that raptor numbers are still under threat of decline.

The report of the UK Raptor Working Group published in February 2000 marked the culmination of five years’ work considering alleged conflicts between birds of prey and other interests in the UK. The UK Raptor Working Group was chaired by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

The report presented clear scientific evidence that UK raptor numbers are still under threat of decline. Population levels have not increased significantly over the last 10 years. The balance of evidence indicates that songbird populations are declining due to agricultural change rather than a recovery in raptor populations.

A number of recommendations were made by the Working Group. Practical and immediate measures should be taken to reduce raptor impacts on racing pigeons and grouse moor interests. More effective implementation of current legislation is needed to protect birds of prey from illegal killing. Enhanced support is needed for improved moorland management, especially heather regeneration. Further research is required, notably on ways of reducing raptor predation on racing pigeons.

SNH has been asked to give its advice to the Scottish Executive by spring 2001. It is in the process of consulting with other key bodies in Scotland. Delivering special nature conservation functions Our aim is to deliver our GB and international special nature conservation functions with English Nature, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment and Heritage Service (Northern Ireland) through the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. In 1999/2000 our expenditure on this work was £1.3m.

The Role of the JNCC Key Achievements The JNCC was established by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It enables the statutory nature conservation agencies (SNH, English Nature • The JNCC published Selection and Countryside Council for Wales) to advise ministers jointly and to act Guidelines for Special Protection Areas together on nature conservation issues which affect Great Britain as a whole, or which have an international dimension. It is the role of the • The JNCC submitted data to the Committee to establish common standards for data gathering, monitoring European Commission, on the UK’s 340 and research in nature conservation, and to support or commission proposed Special Areas of Conservation appropriate research to advance its work. • The JNCC compiled and published the full set of Habitat Action Plans and Funding for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee is agreed jointly and Species Action Plans for priority habitats contributed to by three statutory nature conservation agencies. The funds are planned and managed within the framework of the JNCC Corporate Plan. • The JNCC published, jointly with DETR, a The JNCC produces its own Annual Report. Its Committee has 13 members: Report of the UK Raptor Working Group a Chairman and three independent members appointed by Government, the • The JNCC provided advice to Chairman and one other member from each of the statutory nature Government on about 20,000 conservation agencies, the Chairman of the Countryside Agency, and two applications under the Convention on special nature conservation functions Delivering members from Northern Ireland. The involvement of the Environment and International Trade in Endangered Heritage Service (an agency of the Department of the Environment, Species (CITES) 37 Northern Ireland) enables the JNCC to adopt a consistent approach across the United Kingdom wherever this is appropriate. Advice on European matters JNCC published Selection Guidelines for Special Protection Areas, which sets out the process to be undertaken in identifying and classifying SPAs under the Birds Directive. The guidelines clearly define the two-stage process by which the suitability of sites as SPAs is assessed. The JNCC is embarking on a comprehensive review of all Annex I species and all other migratory species occurring in the UK to enable publication of a definitive SPA site catalogue. This task is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2000 and published early in 2001.

JNCC co-ordinated a programme of 16 field trials testing various monitoring techniques for marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). The trials were undertaken at sites throughout the UK, as part of the Marine SACs Project supported by the EU LIFE-Nature fund, to establish the most appropriate techniques for monitoring marine habitats and species in the SACs. As monitoring marine sites is a major new task for the statutory nature conservation agencies, the development of appropriate techniques represents an important area of work. The results of the trials are being prepared for publication and will lead to the production of a Marine Monitoring Handbook, due to be launched in autumn 2000.

A submission was completed, on behalf of DETR and all four statutory nature conservation agencies, to the European Commission of data on the UK’s 340 proposed SACs. JNCC also participated in two seminars organised by the European Commission and the European Nature conservation in the UK Environment Agency. This was the first part of a two- JNCC published jointly with DETR a Report of the stage process to confirm sites in the Atlantic UK Raptor Working Group. The membership of the Biogeographical Region (of which Scotland and the group was composed of representatives of the UK is part) that should be designated as SACs following organisations: British Association for under the Habitats Directive. Shooting and Conservation, The Confederation of Long Distance Racing Pigeon Unions of Great Preparations were begun to compile the first report Britain and Ireland (also representing the Royal to the European Commission on the UK Pigeon Racing Association), DETR, Game implementation of the Habitats Directive, due to be Conservancy Trust, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, submitted in June 2000. JNCC has initiated work on JNCC, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the report on behalf of the DETR. 38 Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department, Scottish Landowners Federation and Scottish Raptor Study During the year, negotiations have continued on the Groups. The purpose of the Working Group was to formulation of a European Union Directive on provide a forum for parties interested in the establishing a framework for European Community implications of increasing British raptor populations. action in the field of water policy. It is anticipated The report includes a detailed review of the status of that the Water Framework Directive will be adopted birds of prey in Britain, including their current during 2000. The JNCC’s Freshwater Lead Co- populations and trends. It reviews four key issues of ordination Network has been considering the concern to different parties: birds of prey and implications of the proposed Directive for nature grouse moors; birds of prey and racing pigeons; conservation. The Directive, which covers ground birds of prey and lowland game birds; and birds of waters and both inland and marine surface waters, prey and songbirds. The report concludes with 17 could bring substantial benefits to the conservation recommendations, agreed by all members of the of water-dependent habitats and species in the UK, Working Group, which aim to provide positive and discussions on implementation will continue in solutions to the tensions that exist between different the coming year. interest groups and the raptor population in Britain.

JNCC completed the task of compiling and During this year, JNCC launched a new initiative to publishing the full set of Habitat Action Plans and develop a threatened plant species database. The Species Action Plans for priority habitats and aim of the threatened plants database is to provide species as defined under the UK’s Biodiversity a continuously updated information resource that Action Plan. will be readily accessible to assess and to track changes in the distribution and conservation status A key role was played in development of the of higher plants. The information will enable National Biodiversity Network. This was established progress with plant Biodiversity Action Plans, among as an independent facility during the year, securing other initiatives, to be assessed. The database will the future progress for access to UK biodiversity be expanded to include bryophytes and other lower information. plants next year. JNCC commissioned a detailed study on the (Chief Executives) and Chief Scientists’ Group, and effectiveness of existing species protection contributed to the Joint Management Group, the legislation in Britain. JNCC and the statutory nature formal inter-agency management structure for the conservation agencies considered options from this Committee’s work. report, together with other possible legal measures for improving conservation of species in Britain. We supported various interagency networks, in Their joint recommendations were submitted to DETR particular we acted as co-ordinator for the JNCC’s for improving the operation of Part I of the Wildlife work on freshwaters, peatlands and upland habitats and Countryside Act. This advice has been throughout Britain and undertook the lead agency published on the JNCC’s website role on soils issues. [www.jncc.gov.uk]. Publications International Conventions JNCC published a wide range of scientific, advisory JNCC has continued to provide advice to and corporate information, in both traditional paper Government on around 20,000 consultations and electronic format, via CD ROM and the regarding applications for CITES (Convention on Internet. During the year, 18 books, 14 JNCC International Trade in Endangered Species) permits. reports and a reprint of the internationally Support has also been given on the Biological recognised British Red Data Book on vascular plants Diversity, Ramsar, Bonn (Migratory Species) and were produced. The half-way mark in the OSPAR (Convention for the Protection of the Marine publication of the planned 42 volumes of the Environment in the North-East Atlantic) Conventions. Geological Conservation Review was achieved. The full set is to be published in the next two years SNH and the JNCC bringing to a close a massive exercise to collate In 1999/2000 we supported the JNCC in a information on British Earth science and to identify number of ways. We provided financial support all the important sites for Earth heritage totalling £1.207m of ring-fenced funds. At the conservation in Great Britain. management level, we were represented on the JNCC itself by our Chairman, John Markland, and Professor David Ingram. In addition, we participated in quarterly meetings of the Chief Officers’ Group 39 SNH Area Open Events have been very successful with many local people coming along to hear presentations about the work of SNH in the area, what we do and why.

The SNH open event at Stirling formed part of a Scotland-wide initiative to make the work of SNH more transparent and accessible for the public. The deliberations of the SNH Board, Areas Boards and the Scientific Advisory Committee are now open to the press and public, giving people the opportunity to see and hear our deliberations first hand. We make the agendas for all of these meetings available on the SNH website (www.snh.org.uk) one week before the meeting. Recognising that members of the public attending the open board meeting are unable to take part in debate or ask questions, we have staged open events prior to the meeting where the public, through general presentations, can find out about the work of SNH in their area and put questions to staff and Board members.

These have been very successful with many local people coming along to hear presentations about the work of SNH in the area, what we do and why. Many people have taken advantage of the opportunity to engage Board Members and staff in frank and open discussions on a range of issues. This kind of feedback is an essential means whereby we can keep in touch with public perceptions of our work. Improving the management of SNH Our aim is to ensure that SNH is a credible, effective and efficient organisation, delivering our natural heritage remit and living within our means.

Management Strategy Key Achievements The Management Strategy is SNH’s contribution to the Modernising Government initiative. Under this umbrella we have initiated a programme of • We met our target to achieve a net cash improvements to deliver a high quality service in the information age and make out turn on running costs representing a best use of the efforts of our staff. The Strategy has the following objectives: 1% real terms reduction on previous year • improving collaboration with key stakeholders. •developing our remit in an integrated way, • We met our target to achieve a net cash •providing effective leadership from all managers, out turn within the range of 98-100% •reducing excessive work pressure, approved funding (net grant-in-aid plus •developing effective and efficient management, carry in) •developing and implementing a Staff Development Strategy • We made £1.2m of efficiency savings •and improving collaboration within SNH • We paid 89% of suppliers’ invoices Our mission, aim and operating principles were updated. We developed within agreed terms systems to enable us to respond quickly to Parliamentary Questions and other • We provided 2,165 training days for queries from MSPs and to requests for briefings from Parliamentary Committees. staff We extended our policy of openness and accountability, holding Open Events throughout Scotland and making meetings of our Boards and Committees open • We implemented our Information to the public. Systems Strategy, with several remote sites added to the SNH network and We took action to improve our internal communications, producing a monthly external e-mail made available to desktop PCs staff newsletter to ensure that staff are kept informed of managerial and theImproving management of SNH organisational issues and planning further development of our IS network, and • We contributed to partnership projects introduction of an SNH Intranet. In October and November 1999, we held a attracting £18.4m of EU, sponsorship 41 series of staff conferences, attended by well over 90% of staff. and Lottery (Heritage and Arts) funding in total We continued to make progress on Staff Development, moving towards • We achieved an average response rate Investors in People status, carrying out development work on a system of of 95% for Natural Standards Management Competencies for SNH and making improvements in our system of Staff Induction. Every member of staff now has a Personal Development Plan, to ensure that they receive necessary training and development. Corporate Strategy SNH’s work takes place within a strategic policy framework set by the Scottish Executive. The most recent statement, ’Natural Priorities’ (1996), set out the aims for the natural heritage, the main issues to be addressed, and the broad priority areas for SNH activities and allocation of resources. Drawing on this framework and responding to current Government priorities, SNH developed a Corporate Strategy which describes our medium-term aims and objectives.

The strategy, to be launched in September 2000, identifies how use of and pressures upon the natural heritage are changing, and sets out the goals which SNH wishes to be achieved and the priorities to be addressed. Guided by sustainable development principles, it has three themes: caring for the natural world, enriching people’s lives, and promoting sustainable use.

These themes demonstrate both how the natural heritage could benefit from incorporation of the environment in other policy sectors, as well as how the natural heritage can itself help deliver social and economic well-being. The strategy will establish a clearer framework for SNH’s work, and should enable a better understanding of SNH’s role and strategic objectives by our partners. Openness three quarters of enquiries sought information or The Scottish Parliament has provided an opportunity advice with most of these satisfied immediately, and for SNH to develop closer working links with for the 9,278 which were not, a final response was politicians and the political process, as well as offering supplied within our published standards on 98.4% of the opportunity for legislation on a number of key occasions. areas of our work. We have developed internal systems and procedures to ensure that we are in a In line with our commitment to improve constantly our position to respond speedily to Parliamentary service, we commissioned research to develop an Questions and other requests from MSPs, and to ongoing method of finding out what our customers provide briefing on natural heritage issues to Ministers, think of us. their officials and to Parliamentary Committees. Greening the Workplace Following our first successful Annual Open Event in The programme of Green Office Audits continues, with November 1998, we repeated this in December visits and reports now completed for 24 SNH offices. 1999, attracting a capacity audience of 200 to As well as identifying energy efficiency opportunities, Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. Our Areas Boards have these show good practices in, for example, held similar, local Open Events in each of our 11 procurement, transport, waste management, paper Areas. Open Events provide a important opportunity use, recycling, grounds management and will be where people can learn about and question us about, reviewed for wider adoption. our work. In November we also opened up meetings of our Boards, Areas Boards and Scientific Advisory For our larger offices, we have produced energy Committee to allow the public and press to listen to the reports which show the patterns of energy use discussions and see how decisions are taken. throughout the year and are then compared against Agendas and minutes for these meetings are available efficiency standards. Significant savings in energy and on the SNH website. costs have been identified for a number of offices.

Corporate Governance A range of guidance is planned to ensure SNH’s SNH remains strongly committed to the principles and purchasing is as environmentally sustainable as requirements of good corporate governance. We are possible. Guidance is in preparation for the carefully implementing each new accounting and procurement of paper, IT equipment, and IT 42 control requirement emanating from the Scottish consumables. A general Guide for staff on Green Executive and HM Treasury, as the way forward Procurement is also set to be issued. within Government continues to be debated and decided. We are also continuing our own long- Under the SNH loan scheme to help staff buy bikes standing efforts to ensure that the funds entrusted to us for travel to work and at work, 14 loans have been are spent properly and carefully. These include our awarded this year. own Internal Audit team, a strong system of financial monitoring and review, and the operation of an Audit Information Systems Committee, composed primarily of independent Board The year has been dominated by two major tasks: the members, whose role is to oversee and advise on all upgrade of the IS infrastructure and the aspects of risk and control within SNH. implementation of the IS Strategy.

Customer care We have continued to increase the quality and High quality customer care underpins all of our work. quantity of IS services. During the year, the additional Natural Standards is our response to the Citizens facilities, such as external email to the desktop PC, Charter. We promise to deliver good quality services have been heavily used. The main infrastructure task and ensure that customer care is central to our work. for the year has been a major PC replacement process moving to Windows 95. Several additional We are committed to providing a quick, courteous sites have been added to the network as improved service in dealing with enquiries and we have telecommunications links to remoter SNH locations published standards in a free leaflet setting out our became available. response times for different types of enquiry. Good progress was made with implementing the IS During the year, we received a total of 69,579 Strategy which will satisfy the IS requirements of SNH enquiries; most were answered immediately or on the for the next few years in line with our business same day and, where further action was required, we direction. Given the background of “Modernising met the required standards in 95% of cases. Over Government” and related Scottish Executive initiatives, a data and information management project has been targets set by The Scottish Executive covering cash developed as part of the IS Implementation outturn and annual efficiency savings on running costs. Programme. Work is under way to develop and integrate solutions for a data catalogue, library system During the year, we installed a new Fixed Asset and records management. Register computer application to meet our capital accounting needs. Human Resources We were heartened by the outcome of our initial Grants Compliance Monitoring assessment against the Investors in People standard, Every year we sample over one hundred grants especially the Assessor’s view that we were “at heart awarded three or more years earlier to determine how an IiP organisation”. Work to address the remaining far the conditions of grant have been complied with. standards will continue into 2000/01. This provides us with valuable insights to ways in which we can further improve our grants system. In We have developed a framework of Management 1999/2000 the serious non-compliance failure rate Competencies to help develop the skills of our was only 1.5% of the sample, and these cases are managers and have identified the areas where being resolved with the recipients. training is needed. This will be completed during 2000/01. External Funding There is an increasing range of funding opportunities During the year, our staff received 2,165 training days to support the development and implementation of off the job, 1,564 of which were provided in-house projects with natural heritage benefit. As well as and 601 through attendance at external courses. In- influencing the development and distribution of such house events comprised 120 courses covering a range funding programmes, SNH also works with other of topics such as task, self and people management; agencies to help them to secure funds. communication skills; IT skills; specific natural heritage issues; health and safety; and personal development. Together with the other countryside agencies we In addition, staff attended 201 external training events, influenced the New Opportunities Funds, Green 95 of which were for health and safety. For self- Spaces and Sustainable Communities Programme, directed learning, our Learning Resource Centre and advised the Heritage Lottery Fund on natural provides a range of materials and 337 packages heritage priorities for inclusion in its Scottish Strategy. were issued on loan to staff. There was an increased 43 interest in further and higher education courses with Staff have continued to be active in influencing the 35 staff receiving support. direction of the EU Structural Funds and the Rural Development Programme in Scotland through work on Finance the various planning teams which are developing the The robustness of finance procedures was strategies for the new round of funding. demonstrated generally through Audit and Review examinations of travel and subsistence procedures, payments processing, fixed assets inventory and sales and debtor management. A variety of assignments have been undertaken including the review of options for future SNH pension provision and possible revisions to our Financial Memorandum. We helped devise ways of assessing value for money on National Nature Reserves, delivered requests for assistance over business cases, VAT efficiency, delegations and other accounting issues.

Our prompt payment performance resulted in 89% of invoices paid (95% in 1998/1999) within agreed terms. A number of initiatives are in hand to improve further on this performance.

During the year, SNH made an estimated £1.2m of efficiency savings in its operations as recorded in our Efficiency Plan. We achieved both key financial Financial Results SNH is primarily funded through grant-in-aid from the Scottish Executive - Rural Affairs Department. Its broad financial framework and accountability to the Department is set out in a Financial Memorandum which includes amongst other things, SNH’s financial delegations to commit expenditure, details of running cost control and budget management rules. The Financial Memorandum was reviewed by the Department at the end of 1999/2000 and a number of revisions are under consideration.

In 1999/2000 we received £38.979m from Government including an additional £1m to enable a survey of existing paths and tracks to be conducted and to increase the provision of path networks through the Paths for All Partnership. Within this total, it was stipulated that the following amounts should be ring-fenced:

£m Agreed share of JNCC’s annual budget 1.207 Central Scotland Countryside Trust 0.800 Cairngorms Partnership 0.451

We were also set a running costs target of £17.827m including a paybill cash limit of £12.6m. Both of these cash limits were met in 1999/2000 with cash outturns of £17.7m and £12.5m respectively.

SNH’s two key financial targets for 1999/2000 as agreed with the Department were: • to operate to a cash outturn within 2% of grant-in-aid; and • that expenditure on running costs should represent a 1% cumulative annual reduction in real terms.

Both key financial targets were met in 1999/2000. Our cash outturn represented an underspend of less than 1% of grant-in-aid and we also delivered a 2% saving (real terms) compared to our running costs baseline.

No interest payments were made during the year under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 and SNH’s performance under the Better Payment Practice Code was 89% within agreed payment terms on invoice receipt. 44 SNH actively seeks to supplement its grant-in-aid by securing funds from other sources including the EU, charges for certain publications, contributions to research projects and using bequest funds as specified. In addition, we actively participate in a range of partnership projects where the value of our contribution either in time or money, can often help lever in further contributions to a project.

Our annual Efficiency Plan contributes to managing our running costs and delivering improved levels of service from limited resources. In 1999/2000, estimated efficiency savings and gains of £1.2m were achieved principally through ongoing investment in Information Systems, procurement savings, our accommodation strategy and efficient manpower planning.

The following two tables complement the summary financial statements which follow by presenting management information on a cash accounting basis in formats relevant to how SNH manages its finances.

Table 1 analyses our net spend by expenditure head, i.e. type of cost. The planned column is reproduced from our approved Corporate Plan and excludes funding carried forward from 1998/99 with Departmental approval. Table 1 - Spend in 1999/2000 by expenditure head 1999/00 1999/00 1998/99 Planned(£m) Actual(£m) Actual(£m) Salaries and Superannuation 12.5 12.5 11.8 Administrative expenditure 5.2 5.2 5.1 Capital 1.5 1.6 1.4 Maintenance of National Nature Reserves 0.8 1.1 0.9 Publicity, Information and Training 1.0 1.0 0.9 Research & Technical Support 3.5 3.2 3.5 Grants 8.4 8.8 7.7 Natural Heritage safeguard and management 3.8 3.4 3.6 Ring fenced funds for JNCC, CSCT and the Cairngorms Partnership 2.5 2.4 2.3 Miscellaneous Receipts -0.2 - - Total Expenditure 39.0 * 39.2 37.2 1. expenditure heads are shown net of related income. * excludes £0.372m of approved funding carried over from 1998/99.

Table 2 shows our net expenditure by the ten Natural Heritage Programmes. An eleventh programme which collects management and administrative costs, has been reallocated to these operational programmes based on staff work recording information.

Table 2 - Spend by Natural Heritage Programme 1999/2000 1999/00 1999/00 1998/99 Planned(£m) Actual (£m) Actual (£m) Maintaining and enhancing diversity 3.4 3.6 2.8 Managing special natural heritage sites 14.3 14.3 12.9 Implementing National Parks 2.4 2.2 2.0 Promoting environmental education and public engagement 3.5 3.5 3.8 45 Improving land and freshwater management 3.5 3.2 4.1 Encouraging the sustainable use of maritime areas 1.1 1.3 1.3 Facilitating access & recreation 5.3 5.4 4.7 Supporting sustainable development 3.4 3.6 3.5 Supporting Central Scotland Forest Initiative 0.8 0.8 0.8 Delivering our special nature conservation functions 1.3 1.3 1.3 Total Expenditure 39.0 * 39.2 37.2 * excludes £0.372m of approved funding carried over from 1998/99.

Planned spending by natural heritage programme is also agreed with the Department through SNH’s Corporate Plan submission. Cash and accruals accounting SNH’s annual Efficiency Plan, Corporate Plan, key financial targets and budget management performance are currently managed under cash accounting rules. As a Non-Departmental Public Body, SNH also presents annual accounts that have been prepared along commercial lines under the accruals accounting convention.

The two bases report SNH’s financial performance differently. Cash accounting records income and expenditure when physically paid or received, whereas accruals accounting recognises income and expenditure transactions when earned or incurred and includes capital costs incurred over the life of an asset as if it were a commercial concern. The tables above present SNH’s spending under the cash accounting convention, rather than the summary financial statements that follow below.

In future, drawing on the Government’s wider resource accounting and budgeting initiative, it is likely that there will be greater prominence during the year to monitoring financial performance by natural heritage programme on an accruals basis. Scottish Natural Heritage Account 1999/2000 Summary Foreword The financial statements on pages 47 to 50 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, Finance Services, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS. The SNH accounts were approved and signed by Roger Crofts, Accounting Officer, on 27 September 2000. SNH’s auditor, the Comptroller and Auditor General, has given an unqualified audit opinion on these accounts. Principal activities The statutory purpose of SNH is to secure the conservation, enhancement, understanding and enjoyment of Scotland’s natural heritage. In recognition that Scotland’s natural heritage is a local, national and global asset, SNH aims to promote its care and improvement, its responsible enjoyment, its greater understanding and appreciation and its sustainable use now and for future generations. Its mission is “working with Scotland’s people to care for our natural heritage”. Results for the year SNH is required to manage its resources on a cash basis determined by its annual grant-in-aid payable by the Scottish Executive. As a Non-Departmental Public Body, SNH is also required to produce accruals accounts. These include a number of notional items and reserved funds in accordance with various accounting conventions. The accruals accounts can present either a surplus or deficit each year. Generally speaking these are not indications of financial performance for the year in terms of under or over spending in relation to grant-in-aid income. SNH’s financial results for the year to 31 March 2000 are set out in the following summary financial statements. The statutory accounts from which the summary financial statement is drawn have been prepared in accordance with Section 10 of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 and in a form directed by Scottish Ministers. The Annual Report provides details of the activities undertaken during the year by SNH. 46 Future developments 1999/2000 saw the establishment of the Scottish Parliament, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges for Scotland’s environment and for SNH. The year 2000/2001 promises to be equally challenging for SNH. We anticipate that the enabling legislation for National Parks in Scotland will be passed by the Parliament, and that consultation will be undertaken on establishing parks in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the Cairngorms.

Legislation on access to the countryside, as part of the Scottish Executive’s land reform proposals, is also expected, in line with proposals from SNH and the Access Forum. Major work to move towards completion of the Natura series of designations required by European Directives will also be undertaken. We shall continue to keep under review opportunities to ensure that people can contribute to, and comment on, our work. Summary Financial Statements

Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 2000 Notes 2000 1999 £000 £000

Income (Re-stated) Government grant-in-aid 36,031 34,786 Transferred from deferred government grant account 1,340 1,960 Ring fenced grant-in-aid to JNCC 1,185 1,100 Income from activities 1,420 898 39,976 38,744

Expenditure Board members and staff costs 2 14,060 12,900 Grants 9,975 8,522 Other operating charges 3 6,525 6,483 Management agreements 3,597 3,676 Research and advisory services 2,801 3,045 Notional costs 2,332 2,184 Depreciation 1,321 1,871 Annual JNCC contribution 1,185 1,100 Grants to Local Authorities for loan charges 113 373 Maintenance of National Nature Reserves 748 598 Permanent diminution in asset values 183 0 42,840 40,752

(Deficit) on operating activities (2,864) (2,008) Interest receivable 113 157 47 (Deficit) on ordinary activities (2,751) (1,851) Notional charges 2,332 2,184 Retained (deficit) / surplus for the year (419) 333

The 1999 salaries figures have been re-stated this year to include superannuation receipts. This treatment is in line with SNH approved Budget management practice to retain these receipts. Summary Financial Statements

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2000 2000 2000 1999 £000 £000 £000

Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 10,176 8,826

Current assets Stocks 211 306 Debtors 1,055 1,399 Short term investment 32 31 Cash at bank and in hand 295 570 1,593 2,306

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (400) (899)

Net current assets 1,193 1,407

Total assets less current liabilities 11,369 10,233

Financed by: Provisions for liabilities and charges Early retirement provision 223 252 Deferred rental income 42 0 Accruals and deferred income Deferred government grant 7,930 7,528

48 Capital and reserves Capital reserve 1,878 1,878 Revaluation reserve 1,996 864 Bequest reserve 32 31 Share of JNCC provisions and reserves 187 180 Income and expenditure account (919) (500) 11,369 10,233

Roger Crofts 27 September 2000 Summary Financial Statements – additional disclosure

1.Basis of preparation This summary financial statement has been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 section 251 and the Companies (Summary Financial Statement) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995/2092). 2.Staff costs and Board Members’ remuneration 2000 1999 £000 £000 (Re-stated) Wages & salaries Chairman 35 38 Main Board members 103 111 Area and Advisory Board Members 170 156 Wages and salaries 10,949 10,179 Temporary staff working on research projects & NNRs 1,371 1,348 12,628 11,832

Social security costs 875 885

Other pension costs Pensions 414 381 Pension transfer values out 436 394 Pension transfer values in (158) (456) Lump sum and short services awards 106 177 Net movement on early retirement provision (29) (117) Widow(er)s Pension Scheme contributions (209) (189) Pension receipts for staff on secondment (3) (7) 557 183

Total Costs 14,060 12,900 49

SNH’s Main Board is appointed by the responsible Minister and meets at least six times a year to undertake its formal business. Its responsibilities comprise both executive and advisory functions set down by the Scottish Parliament and the responsible Minister and advisory functions in relation to the organisation and staff of SNH. The Board has corporate responsibility for ensuring that: (1) the statutory purposes of SNH are being fulfilled; and (2) the deployment of resources represents appropriate and effective use of public monies.

Main Board members’ emoluments, excluding the Chairman, cover membership of subsidiary Boards and Committees as indicated: Main Board Member Committee membership Emoluments (key below) £ Professor Roger Wheater, 1,5,6 9,803 Deputy Chair Main Board to 31.10.99 Michael Scott, 1,2,5 11,086 Deputy Chair Main Board from 1.11.99 Simon Fraser, Chair North Areas Board 1,2 16,533 Barbara Kelly, Chair West Areas Board 1,3,6 16,962 David Laird, Chair East Areas Board 1,4,6 7,067 Alice Lambert 1 6,889 Professor David Ingram 1,5 6,889 Ivor Lewis 1,6 6,656 Dr Patricia Macdonald 1,5 6,889 Peter Mackay 1 6,889 Professor Jeremy Rowan-Robinson 1 6,889 Key: Main Board member = 1, North Areas Board member = 2, West Areas Board member = 3, East Areas Board member = 4, Scientific Advisory Committee member = 5 , Audit Committee member = 6. SNH has the statutory power to establish further Committees as necessary. Currently there are 3 Areas Boards, a Scientific Advisory Committee and an Audit Committee. The Main Board has responsibility for maintaining an overview of the matters delegated to them. It is a statutory requirement that all Committees of SNH should have Main Board member representation.

The average number of employees during the year was as follows: 2000 1999

(Re-stated) Operational, professional and managerial 465 447 Administration and support 164 148 Estate workers, manual and domestic 11 10 Management team 5 5 645 610

3.Other operating costs comprise: 2000 1999 £000 £000 Staff travel and subsistence 1,652 1,434 Accommodation 1,626 1,393 Equipment and consumables 1,038 1,247 Publicity, information and training 1,008 1,044 Dispatch and communications 474 527 Other administration 357 401 Design and information 189 167 Contractors and consultants fees ( excluding land agency) 52 129 Board members’ T & S 93 105 Audit fee 36 36 50 6,525 6,483

Statement of the Comptroller and Auditor General to the Scottish Parliament and Houses of Parliament I have examined the summary financial statements on pages 47 to 50 which have been prepared on the basis and form set out in Note 1 on page 49.

Respective responsibilities of the Board, Accounting Officer and Auditor The summary financial statement is the responsibility of the Board and the Accounting Officer. My responsibility is to report to you my opinion on its preparation and consistency with the full financial statements and foreword.

Basis of opinion I have conducted my work in accordance with the Auditing Guideline “The auditors’ statement on the summary financial statement” adopted by the Auditing Practices Board.

Opinion In my opinion the summary financial statement is consistent with the full financial statements and foreword of Scottish Natural Heritage for the year ended 31 March 2000 and has been properly prepared on the basis set out in Note 1 to the summary financial statement.

John Bourn Comptroller and Auditor General

Date: 26 October 2000 Edinburgh Section 29 Nature Conservation 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 1999 to 31 March 2000.

Section 29 Orders are made by the Secretary of State for Scotland, after consultation with SNH, where it becomes necessary to reinforce the safeguard of land of special interest either being, or likely to be, damaged. Recourse to the use of Section 29 Orders is a means of last resort and is used primarily as a means of safeguarding a site whilst negotiations continue to secure its future appropriate management.

Section 29(11) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 imposes an obligation on SNH to publish a list of all Orders which have come into operation during the year in its Annual Report.

No new Orders were made in 1999/2000.

The following table provides a full list of Section 29 Orders in force during the year. Name of Order Date Made Area Name of Order Date Made Area (ha) (ha)

The Carstairs Kames North Fetlar Nature Conservation Order (Virda Water Apportionment) 1984 31/5/84 73.0 Nature Conservation Order 1993 19/5/93 39.0 The North Fetlar Nature Conservation Order Cobbinshaw Moss 1987 22/10/87 86.0 Nature Conservation Order 1994 18/2/94 197.1 Kinneil Lagoon Nature Conservation Order Ardersier Glacial Deposits 1989 16/8/89 27.8 (Hillhead Farm) Nature Conservation Order Drimnin to Killundine Woods 1996 26/5/96 23.6 Nature Conservation Order 51 1990 7/11/90 8.5 The Rora Moss Nature Conservation Order Black Loch (Abdie) 1998 13/5/98 113.2 Nature Conservation Order 1990 7/11/90 5.5 Section 29 Orders having effect as Special Nature Conservation Orders

Nature Conservation Orders made by the Secretary of State under Section 29 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which have effect as Special Nature Conservation Orders and were in force during the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000.

Regulation 27 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994 provides that where the land covered by a Section 29 Order has subsequently been designated as a European site after 30 October 1994, the Section 29 Order is to be treated as if it was a Special Nature Conservation Order under Regulation 22. This means that compulsory purchase is no longer the last resort power for protection of the land from damaging operations listed in the Order.

The following table provides a full list of Section 29 Orders in force during the year to which this provision applies. Name of Order Date Made Area Name of Order Date Made Area (ha) (ha)

The Loch of Strathbeg *Culbin Sands and Findhorn Bay Nature Conservation Order Nature Conservation Order 1987 31/8/87 2.2 1995 (Amendment Order 1996) 19/3/96 Culbin Foreshore Nature Conservation Order Nigg and Udale Bays 1989 9/6/89 2.0 Nature Conservation Order 1995 22/6/95 2,130.0 The Rivers Spey-Feshie Confluence Nature Conservation Order *Nigg and Udale Bays 1992 3/8/92 20.3 Nature Conservation Order 1995 *The Rivers Spey-Feshie Confluence (Amendment Order 1996) 19/3/96 Nature Conservation Order 1992 Morrich More and Dornoch Firth 52 Amendment Order 1993 28/4/93 Nature Conservation Order 1995 22/6/95 2,155.0 Shielton Peatlands Nature Conservation Order *Morrich More and Dornoch Firth 1993 18/8/93 1,365.0 Nature Conservation Order 1995 Loch Fleet and Dornoch and (Amendment Order 1996) 19/3/96 Cuthill Sands Nature Conservation Order The Coire na Beinne Mires 1995 4/4/95 1,467.0 Nature Conservation Order 1997 9/9/97 44.6 Culbin Sands and Findhorn Bay Nature Conservation Order 1995 22/6/95 910.0

* The area of the amended Order is the same as the original S.29 Order listed immediately above Board members’ interests A summary of Board Members’ backgrounds and undergraduates, schools science, public interests is printed below, covering appointments understanding of science, horticulture and during 1999/2000. SNH maintains a full register of horticultural education, writing (books and scientific Board Members’ interests listing Members’ papers), and journalism. He represents SNH on the employment, directorships and professions. Copies Joint Nature Conservation Committee. are available from the Board Secretary, Scottish Natural Heritage, 12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 Barbara Kelly is Chairwoman of SNH’s West Areas 2AS. Board. She is a partner in a family beef farming enterprise. In addition to SNH, she contributes to a Scottish Natural Heritage Board number of other Boards, Trusts and Committees, and Dr John Markland is Chairman of SNH, having she chairs the Southern Upland Partnership, the formerly been Chief Executive of Fife Council. He Arran Access Trust and the Millennium Forest for represents SNH on the Joint Nature Conservation Scotland Trust. Committee. In addition to his work for SNH, he is active in a number of environmental organisations — David Laird is Chairman of SNH’s East Areas Forward Scotland, Environmental Campaigns and Board. He is a land manager, farmer, estate factor, Going for Green. He has a particular interest in chartered surveyor and solicitor employed as a sustainable development issues, having previously Senior Partner in a law firm, specialising in the law chaired the Secretary of State for Scotland’s of rural land ownership. He has interests in stalking, Advisory Group on Sustainable Development. gardening, shooting and fishing, and is a member of the East Grampian Deer Management Group. Michael Scott is SNH’s Deputy Chairman (from October 1999). He is the Scottish Officer for Alice Lambert is an environmental and shellfish Plantlife, the wild-plant conservation charity, and a consultant with a working knowledge of, and freelance natural history writer and consultant. He involvement in, West Coast and Island matters, both is, with his wife, joint editor and publisher of human and environmental. She runs a successful SCENES. He has a strong interest in all holiday accommodation business and is involved in environmental issues, particularly biodiversity and various community organisations on Mull. marine. Ivor Lewis is a chartered engineer and 53 Professor Roger Wheater was Deputy Chairman of businessman. He was formerly Director of SNH until October 1999 when he left to become Operations with United Distillers, and manufacturing Chairman-designate of the National Trust for engineering director and operations director with Scotland. He is a Zoologist and was previously Rover Group. He is a Council member of CBI Director of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association, of Scotland. In addition to his work for SNH he has which he is Treasurer. been Chairman of the Access Forum and the Tourism and Environment Forum and Deputy Dr Patricia Macdonald is a biologist by training Chairman of the Zoo Forum. He enjoys outdoor who is currently a partner in family business, pursuits, painting, photography and gardening. Aerographica. A practising photographic artist, specialising in oblique aerial photography she has Simon Fraser is Chairman of the North Areas a background of voluntary sector involvement and is Board. He is a full-time solicitor and part-time crofter a keen hillwalker. in the Western Isles and is Director of several companies, including the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust. Peter Mackay is a former Scottish Office civil A fluent Gaelic speaker with a lifelong interest in the servant, and now works for the Competition social and natural history of the Western Highlands Commission, the Bank of Scotland and the Northern and Islands, he has a particular interest in rural Lighthouse Board. He is a keen sailor, sea kayaker, development. cross country skier and hillwalker, with a particular interest in access and National Parks issues. He is a Professor David Ingram is a botanist, plant member of the Loch Lomond Sailing Club, the John pathologist and teacher and was previously Regius Muir Trust, the Mountain Bothies Association and Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. He the Mountaineering Council of Scotland. is currently actively involved in: conservation, research on diseases of wild plants, lecturing to Professor Jeremy Rowan-Robinson is a Professor of Board, he has particular responsibilities for Orkney Planning and Environmental Law at Aberdeen within SNH’s Northern Isles Area. University with expertise in Planning Law, Environmental Law, Countryside Law and the Law Isobel Holbourn is a crofting tenant of part of a relating to Compulsory Purchase and joint holding within the Isle of Foula which is entirely Compensation. He has a strong interest in outdoor SSSI and within the Shetland ESA. She is a part-time recreation, and is currently Chairman of the Access Auxiliary Observer for the Meteorological Office Forum. and a part-time community home carer. She is also Director of Highlands and Islands Forum and Co- North Areas Board president of Forum Synergies, a trans-national Councillor Stuart Black has worked a Strathspey hill network promoting bottom-up sustainable farm for 35 years. He is also a partner in a self development throughout central, east and west catering business and is Councillor for North East Europe. On the Areas Board, she has particular Strathspey. He was involved in the setting up of the responsibilities for Shetland within SNH’s Northern Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group in the Isles Area. Cairngorms and was its first Director. He is Chairman of Explore Abernethy, a local John Henderson is a farmer at Scrabster in interpretative project, and a Member of the Caithness, and Chairman of the National Farmers Agricultural Task Group of the Cairngorms Union of Scotland Highland Board. He is also a Partnership. On the Areas Board, he has particular member of the LEADER II Advisory Group and a responsibilities for Badenoch & Strathspey within Council Member of the Chamber of Commerce. He SNH’s East Highland Area. has particular experience of, and interest in, agricultural marketing, rural development and the Amanda Bryan is employed as a Sustainability sea fish industry. On the Areas Board, he has Project Officer for the Scottish Institute of particular responsibilities for Caithness within SNH’s Sustainable Technology at Heriot Watt University. North Highland Area. She is a Member of the BBC Scottish Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee and has a wide range of Annie MacDonald is an Education Advisor in experience and interests, including electronic Primary Education specialising in Gaelic and engineering, community initiatives, particularly environmental education. She has worked in 54 LEADER and PESCA, and marine resource curriculum development, written Gaelic books for management. She is Deputy Chairman of the North schools, and been involved in the production of Areas Board. Gaelic language software. She has an interest in tourism, crofting and fishing. On the Areas Board, Councillor Dr Michael Foxley is a crofter on a she has particular responsibilities for the Uists and family croft in Achaphubuil, a GP in Fort William Barra within SNH’s Western Isles Area. and surrounding area and Councillor for Ardnamurchan and Morvern. He is actively involved John Macdonald is an active crofter in Sutherland. in promoting the interests of rural communities and He is involved in the Scottish Crofters Union, is Area in ensuring that nature conservation and community Assessor for the Crofters Commission and Chairman developments work in partnership. To this end, he is of Commann Eachdraidh Sgeire Raoird. On the Director of several bodies including the Isle of Eigg Areas Board, he has particular responsibilities for Heritage Trust and the Knoydart Foundation, and Sutherland within SNH’s North Highland Area. Chairman of the Highland Council Land and Environment Committee. On the Areas Board, he Dr Murdo Macdonald is a biologist and naturalist, has particular responsibilities for Lochaber within teaching Biology and Computing Studies at SNH’s West Highland Area. Dingwall Academy. He is also Scottish Co-ordinator of the UKBAP Bumblebee Working Group. On the Councillor Hugh Halcro-Johnston is a farmer and Areas Board, he has particular responsibilities for landowner in Orphir on Orkney, on land which has Ross-shire within SNH’s East Highland Area. been in his family for 250 years. Amongst other involvements he is Convenor of Orkney Islands Roger Miket is an archaeologist, author, publisher, Council, Vice President of the Convention of Scottish part-time lecturer and cultural heritage consultant. Local Authorities and a Board Member of He is also Secretary for the Hebridean Highlands & Islands Enterprise. On the Areas Archaeological Forum, a Member of the Institute of Field Archaeologists and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of both Scotland and London. On the Councillor Alison McInnes is a member of Areas Board, he has particular responsibilities for Aberdeenshire Council of which she is: Chair of the Skye & Lochalsh within SNH’s West Highland Area. Infrastructure Services Committee and Member of the Policy & Resources and Formartine Area Andrew Thin is a Management Consultant Committees. She is also the Council’s representative specialising in what he describes as ‘the search for for Local Agenda 21 UK. She is a Board Member synergy and compatibility between environmental, of Scottish Enterprise Grampian, Chair of the social and economic imperatives in the Highlands Formartine Rural Partnership and is Vice Chair of the and Islands’. He is a non-executive director of James North Sea Commission’s Environment Group. She is Thin Ltd, Ardtornish Estate Company and particularly interested in sustainable rural ILM(Highland) Ltd and is also Chairman of the John development and community participation. On the Muir Trust and the Footpath Trust. He has a strategic Areas Board, she has responsibilities for SNH’s responsibility across all areas covered by the Areas Grampian Area. Board. Guy Wedderburn currently manages two estates, in East Areas Board Falkirk and in Fife, both of which include SSSI’s. He Dr Nonie Coulthard is a consultant ecologist is Associate Director of Bell Ingram Ltd and Land specialising in biodiversity conservation and project Agent for the Central Scotland Countryside Trust. management in Scotland and Africa. With her He is also Chairman of Falkirk Countryside Access husband, she is joint director of Logical Cobwebs, a Forum and Perth and Kinross Cycle Campaign. On company providing ecological and software the Areas Board, he has particular responsibilities development expertise. She is a keen outdoor for Fife and Falkirk District within SNH’s Forth & sportswoman, with a particular interest in canoeing. Borders Area. On the Areas Board, she has particular responsibilities for SNH’s Tayside Area. Michael Williams runs a farm in East Lothian on which he has made use of various grants to create a Ian Currie was formerly Director of the Tweed River farm ‘sympathetic’ to the countryside by imaginative Purification Board, played a key part in the setting habitat creation and enhancement. He also uses this up of the Tweed Forum and is currently a Member farm to demonstrate to other farmers, and to of the Tweed Foundation Technical Committee. He is educate various other groups on, the wide range of also currently Chairman of Border Access Forum. conservation practices possible. He is heavily 55 On the Areas Board, he has particular involved in the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group responsibilities for the Borders within SNH’s Forth & (FWAG) – is Vice Chairman of FWAG Scotland Borders Area. and Director of FWAG UK. He lectures regularly on farm conservation. On the Areas Board, he has Councillor Bill Howatson is a columnist for the Press particular responsibilities for Lothians within SNH’s and Journal and agricultural contributor to the Forth & Borders Area. Scotsman, the Herald and the Press and Journal. He is also a Councillor for Aberdeenshire Council and Captain Anthony Wilks is an expert in coastal and Chairs the Council’s Agricultural Advisory Working marine issues. He is Chairman of the Forth Estuary Group. He has a keen interest in rural policy Forum and a member of the Scottish Environment making, farming systems throughout Scotland and Protection Agency (East) Board. He is also a education at all levels. In addition to being Deputy founding member of the Friends of the National Chairman of the Areas Board, he has particular Maritime Museum and a member of the Scottish responsibilities for SNH’s Grampian Area. Coastal Forum. On the Areas Board, he has particular responsibilities for Falkirk District within Jim McCarthy is currently an Environmental and SNH’s Forth & Borders Area. Educational/Training Consultant, having previously been Deputy Director (Scotland) of the Nature West Areas Board Conservancy Council. He is Chairman of the Youth Colin Carnie is a self employed engineer and Environment Project of YouthLink Scotland and specialising in river and fishery management and is a Member of the Scottish Council for National Chairman of Integrated Environmental Solutions Ltd. Parks. He has a strong interest in environmental On the Areas Board he has particular education and training and in sustainable responsibilities for SNH’s Strathclyde and Ayrshire development. On the Areas Board, he has particular Area. responsibilities for SNH’s Tayside Area. Andrew Gemmill runs a family farm in Ifferdale, Dr Sheena Wurthmann is a Senior Lecturer at the Kintyre upon which he has undertaken considerable Department of Energy and Environmental conservation measures. He is a member of the Technology at Glasgow Caledonian University. She National Farmers Union and is also a committee is an ecologist with interests in river catchment issues member of the local Rural Initiative. On the Areas and urban ecology. She is Board Member of the Board, he has particular responsibilities for SNH’s Scottish Field Studies Association and a member of Argyll & Stirling Area. the SQA Advisory Panel on Land & Environment. She is active in educational developments Lady Isobel Glasgow is co-founder of Kelburn associated with entry to and participation in tertiary Country Centre in Ayrshire. She is a Member of education and has national and international Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Interim Committee experience of environmental education. On the and Chairman of its Natural and Cultural Heritage Areas Board, she has particular responsibilities for Reporting Group. She is also, amongst other SNH’s Strathclyde & Ayrshire Area. involvements, Chairman of the Scottish Council for National Parks and Member of the Joint Advisory Scientific Advisory Committee Committee of Clyde-Muirshiel Regional Park. On the Dr Richard Birnie’s background is in Areas Board, she has particular responsibilities for geomorphology, resource assessment, remote SNH’s Strathclyde & Ayrshire Area. sensing and land use research. He is Manager of the ‘Land Use Change’ programme at The Dr Jim Hansom is a Reader in Geography and Macaulay Land Use Research Institute. His research Topographic Science at the University of Glasgow, is now principally concerned with land resource with research and consultancy interests in coastal assessment and environmental impact assessment. and lake-shore processes, sea level change and He convenes the Hill Land Use and Ecology coastal zone management. He is a Member of the Discussion Group. Council of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Dr Sue Hartley is Head of Community Ecology He has a general interest in geographical and Section at the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology environmental education at all levels. On the Areas (formerly Institute of Terrestrial Ecology) and has 15 Board, he has particular responsibilities for SNH’s years of experience of scientific research in plant Argyll & Stirling Area. and community ecology. She has provided advice 56 on the sustainable management of heather Dr Malcolm Ogilvie is a self employed wildlife moorlands to estate managers and owners, has consultant, having formerly been a research scientist collaborated on projects with a range of with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. He is the organisations (e.g. the Heather Trust, The Macaulay author of many books on wildfowl and is Secretary Land Use Research Institute and the RSPB), and has of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. In addition to served on the “Links with Young People Committee” being Deputy Chairman of the Areas Board, he has of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Dr Hartley is particular responsibilities for SNH’s Argyll & Stirling currently a member of the Advisory Committee on Area. Releases to the Environment, a statutory body which advises the Government on the safety of releasing Dr Philip Ratcliffe is an independent consultant genetically modified organisms. specialising in land use issues. With his wife, he owns ‘Cowal Bird Garden’, a small tourist attraction Professor Fred Last is an Applied Biologist with near Dunoon. On the Areas Board, he has particular interests in fungi and atmospheric particular responsibilities for SNH’s Argyll & Stirling pollutants on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Area. He was formerly Head of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Edinburgh and is the Richard Williamson is a Countryside Management editor of several books and author of many Professional with Buccleuch Estates Ltd, responsible academic papers. He was awarded the Scottish for strategy and communications, training and Horticultural Medal in 1992. development and recreation and tourism. He is a Director of Solway Heritage, Director and Vice Dr Donald McLusky is Senior Lecturer in Biological Chairman of the Southern Uplands Partnership and Sciences at the University of Stirling and was Chairman of Dumfries and Galloway Access Forum. formerly the Head of the Department of Biological On the Areas Board, he has particular Sciences. His main research interest is in estuarine responsibilities for SNH’s Dumfries & Galloway ecology, especially of the Forth Estuary. He has Area. been involved with assessing the impact of refinery discharges on coastal habitats, estuarine eco- toxicology and the conservation of a variety of aquatic habitats. He has been closely involved with coastal issues in Scotland for the last thirty years.

Professor John Proctor is currently involved in the Conservation Degree Teaching Programmes at the University of Stirling. His particular expertise is in serpentine environments, but he has a more general interest in Scottish terrestrial plants, and a special interest in their soil environment. He also has considerable experience in tropical conservation, particularly of rain forests.

Professor Paul Racey, who Chairs the Scientific Advisory Committee, is Regius Professor of Natural History at the University of Aberdeen. His major long standing research interests are in mammalian reproductive biology, ecology and ecophysiology and in 1996 he was awarded the Mammal Society Medal for outstanding contribution in the fields of mammalian reproduction and ecology. He is heavily involved in a wide range of Trusts, Committees and Institutes as well as having membership of many learned societies and organisations relating to his interest in biology and mammalogy.

Dr Nigel Trewin is reader in Geology at the University of Aberdeen with 30 years experience of Scottish geology and geological sites. He is editor of ‘Geology in Scotland’, author of geological 57 guide books and many contributions on Scottish geology and has broad interests in natural history, archaeology and fishing. His current research themes involve sedimentology, palaeontology and geochemistry, and include the Old Red Sandstone, the Rhynie Chert and the Jurassic. SNH Main Offices 12 Hope Terrace 2 Anderson Place Battleby, Redgorton Caspian House Fraser Darling House Edinburgh EH9 2AS Edinburgh EH6 5NP Perth PH1 3EW Mariner Court 9 Culduthel Road t: 0131 447 4784 t: 0131 447 4784 t: 01738 444177 Clydebank Business Inverness IV2 4AG f: 0131 446 2277 f: 0131 446 2405 f: 01738 444180 Park Clydebank G81 t: 01463 723100 total staff: 112.5 total staff: 100 total staff: 73.5 2NR f: 01463 723119 t: 0141 951 4488 total staff: 41 f: 0141 951 4510 total staff: 46 SNH Area Offices Argyll and Strathclyde and Northern Isles Stirling Ayrshire Ground Floor, Stewart Building The Beta Centre, Innovation Park, Caspian House, Mariner Court Alexandra Wharf, Lerwick University of Stirling Clydebank Business Park Shetland ZE1 0LL Stirling FK9 4NF Clydebank G81 2NR t: 01595 693345 t: 01786 450362 t: 0141 951 4488 f: 01595 692565 f: 01786 451974 f: 0141 951 8948 total staff: 10.5 total staff: 12 total staff: 46 54-56 Junction Road 1 Kilmory Industrial Estate, Kilmory 22 Bannatyne Street Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1AW Lochgilphead Lanark ML11 7JR t: 01856 875302 Argyll PA31 8RR t: 01555 665928 f: 01856 876372 t: 01546 603611 f: 01556 661966 total staff: 5.5 f: 01546 602298 total staff: 5 total staff: 13 East Highland 2 Beresford Terrace Fodderty Way, Dingwall Business Park Glencruitton Road, Oban Ayr KA7 2EG Dingwall IV15 9XB Argyll PA34 4DN t: 01292 261392 t: 01349 865333 t: 01631 567228 f: 01292 269493 f: 01349 865609 f: 01631 567229 total staff: 3.5 total staff: 15 total staff: 7.5 58 Dumfries and Achantoul, Aviemore Main Street, Bowmore Galloway Inverness-shire PH22 1QD Isle of Islay Carmont House, The Crichton t: 01479 810477 Argyll PA43 7JJ Bankend Road f: 01479 811363 t: 01496 810711 Dumfries DG1 4ZF total staff: 16 f: 01496 810665 t: 01387 247010 total staff: 4 f: 01387 259247 Creag Meagaidh NNR, Aberarder, total staff: 16.5 Kinlochlaggan 17 John Street, Dunoon by Newtonmore Argyll PA23 8BN Holmpark Industrial Estate Inverness-shire PH20 1BX t: 01369 705377 New Galloway Road t/f: 01528 544265 f: 01369 705788 Newton Stewart DG8 6BF total staff: 3 total staff: 1 t: 01671 401075 f: 01671 401078 North Highland total staff: 4.5 Main Street, Golspie Sutherland KW10 6TG Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR Reserve Office t: 01408 633602 Dromore Farm, Gatehouse of Fleet f: 01408 633071 Castle Douglas total staff: 16.5 Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 2BP t: 01557 814435 17 Pulteney Street, Ullapool f: 01557 815044 Ross-shire IV26 2UP total staff: 3 t: 01854 613418 f: 01854 613419 Caerlaverock NNR Reserve Office total staff: 5 Hollands Farm Road, Caerlaverock Dumfries DG1 4RS t/f: 01387 770275 total staff: 2.5 West Highland Forvie NNR, Stevenson Forvie Centre Forth and Borders The Governor’s House Little Collieston Croft, Collieston, Ellon Laundry House, Dalkeith Country Park The Parade, Fort William Aberdeenshire AB41 8RU Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 2NA Inverness-shire PH33 6BA t/f: 01358 751330 t: 0131 654 2466 t: 01397 704716 total staff: 2 f: 0131 654 2477 f: 01397 700303 total staff: 11 total staff: 14.5 Tayside and Clackmannanshire 46 Crossgate, Cupar Bridge Road, Portree Fife KY15 5HS Battleby, Redgorton Isle of Skye IV51 9ER t: 01334 654038 t: 01478 613329 Perth PH1 3EW f: 01334 656924 f: 01478 613470 t: 01738 444177 total staff: 4 total staff: 4 f: 01738 444180 total staff: 73.5 Anderson’s Chambers, Anancaun, Kinlochewe Market Street by Achnasheen Galashiels TD1 3AF West Lodge, Lindertis, Airlie Ross-shire IV22 2PA t: 01896 756652 by Kirriemuir, Angus DD8 5NP t: 01445 760254 f: 01896 750427 t: 01575 530333 f: 01445 760301 total staff: 8 f: 01575 530220 total staff: 6 total staff: 4.5 Lerwick The Reserve Office, The White House The Pier, Loch Leven Northern Isles Isle of Rum PH43 4RR Kinross KY13 8UF (Shetland) t: 01687 462026 t: 01577 864439 f: 01687 462805 f: 01577 865166 total staff: 11.5 total staff: 1.5

Western Isles Northern Isles 32 Francis Street, Stornoway (Orkney) Isle of Lewis HS1 2ND Kirkwall t: 01851 705258 f: 01851 704900 total staff: 9 59

Stornoway Stilligarry, South Uist North Highland Western Isles HS8 5RS t: 01870 620238 Western Isles Golspie Ullapool f: 01870 620350

total staff: 4.5 Kinlochewe Dingwall Elgin Portree Grampian South Uist Inverness Forvie 16/17 Rubislaw Terrace Grampian East Highland Aviemore Aberdeen AB10 1XE Aberdeen

t: 01224 642863 Rum Creag Meagaidh Dinnet f: 01224 635020 West Highland total staff: 42 Fort William Tayside and Airlie 32 Reidhaven Street, Elgin Clackmannanshire Morayshire IV30 1QH Oban Battleby Argyll & Stirling t: 01343 541551 Kinross Cupar f: 01343 546406 Lochgilphead Stirling Dunoon total staff: 2.5 Clydebank Edinburgh Dalkeith Bowmore Muir of Dinnet NNR, New Kinord House Lanark Forth and Borders Dinnet, Aboyne Strathclyde Galashiels and Ayrshire Aberdeenshire AB34 5LQ Ayr t: 01339 881669 f: 01339 881022 Dumfries and Galloway Cairnsmore Dumfries total staff: 1 of Fleet SNH Headquarters Newton Stewart Caerlaverock Area offices

The staff numbers given are the full-time equivalent complement of SNH. Numbers do not include staff seconded to JNCC and temporary staff. Staff numbers for SNH Main Offices at Battleby and Clydebank include Area Office Staff and vice versa.

Scottish Natural Heritage Our mission: Working with Scotland’s people to care for our natural heritage. Our aim: Scotland’s natural heritage is a local, national and global asset. We promote its care and improvement, its responsible enjoyment, its greater understanding and appreciation and its sustainable use now and for future generations. Our operating principles: We work in partnership, by co-operation, negotiation and consensus, wherever possible, with all relevant interests in Scotland: public, private and voluntary organisations, and individuals.

We operate in a devolved manner, delegating decision-making to the local level within the organisation to encourage and assist SNH to be accessible, sensitive and responsive to local needs and circumstances.

We operate in an open and accountable manner in all our activities. Our values: We wish to achieve positive outcomes for the natural heritage. SNH needs professional and motivated staff. And we aim to instigate and respond to change, to be respected for our qualities, to influence the policies and practices of others, to deliver or exceed contracted targets, and to provide an efficient and effective service.

We value staff. We encourage your development; self management; leadership, direction and support; and, motivation and commitment to SNH and to our work. 61

We value professionalism and high quality standards; rigour but not perfection; objectivity; and, political awareness and understanding.

We value collaborative working styles and practices; team working; delegation of appropriate responsibility; openness, honesty and tact in communication; and, active engagement with stakeholders.

We value achievement; innovation and initiative; and, judicious risk taking. 62