Appendix 4 Header

APPENDIX 4

NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS

Page

Caithness & Sutherland Peatlands SPA 1

Caithness & Sutherland Peatlands SAC 4

Caithness & Sutherland Peatlands Ramsar 6

Shielton Peatlands SSSI 8

Reisgill Burn SSSI 14

East Caithness Cliffs SPA 18

Caithness Lochs SPA 20

Burn of Latheronwheel SSSI 22

NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4

SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA (SPA) CITATION THE CAITHNESS & SUTHERLAND PEATLANDS, HIGHLAND (UK9001151) Under European Community Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds “Birds Directive”

IMPORTANT NOTE Citations on a number of UK SPA are inaccurate subsequent to the national SPA review published in the “The UK SPA network; its scope and content”. It is intended that these citations will be amended once a formal process has been agreed. The following citation has been identified as requiring amendment following the above review. Please bear this in mind when then using the information, particularly with regard to qualifying species. For an up to date list of qualifying species for this site, please visit the UK SPA Network on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) website. NB: THE JNCC LIST IS REPRODUCED BELOW, FOLLOWING THE CITATION

Site description : The Caithness & Sutherland Peatlands Special Protection Area (SPA) contains a large proportion of the Caithness and Sutherland peatlands which form the largest and most intact area of blanket bog in Britain. Blanket bog is rare in world terms and Britain has a significant proportion of the total world resource. These peatlands, and the surrounding moorland and open water, are of international importance for conservation because they support a diverse range of rare and unusual breeding birds. The boundary of the SPA generally follows those of 39 peatland Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in Caithness and Sutherland: A’Mhoine, Bad na Gallaig, Badanloch Bogs, Ben Griams (Ben Griam Beag excluded), Ben Hutig (coastline excluded), Ben Loyal, Blar nam Faoileag, Cnoc an Alaskie, Coir’ an Eoin, Coire na Beinne Mires, Druim na Coibe, Druim nam Bad, Dunbeath Peatlands, East Halladale, Forsinard Bogs, Grudie Peatlands, Knockfin Heights, Loch Caluim Flows, Loch Meadie Peatlands, Lochan Buidhe Mires, Lon a’ Chuil, Mallart, Moss of Killimster, Oliclett, Rumsdale Peatlands, Shielton Peatlands, Skelpick Peatlands, Skinsdale Peatlands, Sletill Peatlands, Strath an Loin, Strath Duchally, Strathmore Peatlands, Strathy Bogs, Stroupster Peatlands, Syre Peatlands, Truderscaig, West Borgie, West Halladale, West Strathnaver. Qualifying interest : The SPA qualifies under Article 4.1 by supporting nationally important populations of eight Annex I species identified by the EC as being of special priority for conservation: red-throated diver (89 pairs, 10% of GB breeding population), black-throated diver (26 pairs, 15% of GB), hen harrier (14 pairs, 2% of GB), golden eagle (5 pairs, 1% of GB), merlin (54 pairs, 4% of GB), golden plover (1064 pairs, 5% of GB), wood sandpiper (1-5 pairs, 10-40% of GB), and short- eared owl (30 pairs, 2% of GB). The SPA also qualifies under Article 4.2 by supporting an internationally important population of dunlin (1,860 pairs, 20% of GB and 18% of temperate schinzii race). Non-qualifying interest : The internationally important assemblage of peatland breeding birds also includes an internationally important breeding population of North Scottish greylag geese and nationally important breeding populations of wigeon, teal, common scoter, curlew, greenshank and arctic skua; and sporadic breeding attempts by scaup. Area: 145,517 ha; Central grid reference: NC 9043; Central Latitude & Longitude: 58°20’N, 4° W; OS 1:50,000 sheets - 7,9,10,11,12,15,16,17

1 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4

Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands SPA Qualifying Species (from JNCC website) (information as published 2001)

Qualifying species

This site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European importance of the following species listed on Annex I of the Directive:

During the breeding season;

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica , 26 pairs representing at least 16.3% of the breeding population in Great Britain (11 year mean, 1986-1996)

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos , 5 pairs representing at least 1.3% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Count, as at 1992)

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria , 1,064 pairs representing at least 4.7% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Count, as at mid-1990s)

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus , 14 pairs representing at least 2.8% of the breeding population in Great Britain (5 year mean, 1993-1997)

Merlin Falco columbarius , 54 pairs representing at least 4.2% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Count, as at early 1990s)

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata , 89 pairs representing at least 9.5% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Two year mean, 1993-1994)

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus , 30 pairs representing at least 3.0% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Count, as at mid-1990s)

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola , 5 pairs representing up to 50.0% of the breeding population in Great Britain (Two year mean, 1994-1995)

This site also qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting populations of European importance of the following migratory species:

During the breeding season;

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra , 27 pairs representing <0.1% of the breeding Western Siberia/Western & Northern Europe/Northwestern Africa population (1996)

Dunlin Calidris alpina schinzii , 1,860 pairs representing at least 16.9% of the breeding Baltic/UK/Ireland population (Count, as at 1994)

Greenshank Tringa nebularia , 256 pairs representing at least 0.4% of the breeding Europe/Western Africa population (1994/95)

Wigeon Anas penelope , 43 pairs representing <0.1% of the breeding Western Siberia/Northwestern/Northeastern Europe population (1994)

2 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4

Conservation Objectives for Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Special Protection Area

Population of the species as a viable component of the site

Distribution of the species within site

Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species

Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species

No significant disturbance of the species

Qualifying Species:

Black-throated diver ( Gavia arctica ) Common scoter ( Melanitta nigra ) Dunlin ( Calidris alpina schinzii ) Golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos ) Golden plover ( Pluvialis apricaria ) Greenshank ( Tringa nebularia ) Hen harrier ( Circus cyaneus ) Merlin ( Falco columbarius ) Red-throated diver ( Gavia stellata ) Short-eared owl ( Asio flammeus ) Wigeon ( Anas penelope ) Wood sandpiper ( Tringa glareola )

The site overlaps with Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Special Area of Conservation, River Naver Special Area of Conservation and River Thurso Special Area of Conservation

3 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4

CAITHNESS AND SUTHERLAND PEATLANDS SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION (SAC)

Designation date: 17 March 2005

Administrative area: Highland

Qualifying Interests for which the site is designated:

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Blanket bogs* Blanket bog

Depressions on peat substrates of the Depressions on peat substrates Rhynchosporion

Lutra lutra Otter

Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds Acid peat-stained lakes and ponds

Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica Wet heathland with cross-leaved heath tetralix

Oligotrophic to mesotrophic standing waters Clear-water lakes or lochs with aquatic with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae vegetation and poor to moderate nutrient and/or of the Isoëto -Nanojuncetea levels

Saxifraga hirculus Marsh saxifrage

Transition mires and quaking bogs Very wet mires often identified by an unstable `quaking` surface

* Indicates a priority habitat

4 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4

Conservation Objectives for Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Special Area of Conservation To avoid deterioration of the qualifying habitats (listed below) thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and To ensure for the qualifying habitats that the following are maintained in the long term:

Extent of the habitat on site

Distribution of the habitat within site

Structure and function of the habitat

Processes supporting the habitat

Distribution of typical species of the habitat

Viability of typical species as components of the habitat

No significant disturbance of typical species of the habitat

Qualifying Habitats: • Acid peat-stained lakes and ponds • Blanket bog* • Clear-water lakes or lochs with aquatic vegetation and poor to moderate nutrient levels • Depressions on peat substrates • Very wet mires often identified by an unstable ‘quaking’ surface • Wet heathland with cross-leaved heath

* Indicates priority habitat

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

Population of the species as a viable component of the site

Distribution of the species within site

Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species

Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species

No significant disturbance of the species

Qualifying Species: • Marsh saxifrage • Otter

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Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat

RAMSAR CITATION (Montreux criteria, 1990) FOR PUBLIC ISSUE

THE CAITHNESS & SUTHERLAND PEATLANDS, HIGHLAND (7UK127)

Site Description: The Peatlands Ramsar site contains a large proportion of the Caithness and Sutherland peatlands which form the largest and most intact blanket bog in Scotland. Blanket bog is rare in world terms and Britain has a significant proportion of the total world resource of which the Caithness and Sutherland peatlands represent the extreme northern Atlantic part of the range of variation. Associated with these peatlands, and the surrounding moorland and open water, is a unique and diverse assemblage of breeding birds that is of international importance.

The boundaries of the Peatlands proposed Ramsar site generally follow those of 39 neighbouring SSSIs in Caithness and Sutherland: A’Mhoine, Bad na Gallaig, Badanloch Bogs, Ben Griams (Ben Griam Beag and Ben Griam Mor excluded), Ben Hutig (seacliffs excluded), Ben Loyal (montane area excluded), Blar nam Faoileag, Cnoc an Alaskie, Coir’ an Eoin, Coire na Beinne Mires, Druim na Coibe, Druim nam Bad, Dunbeath Peatlands, East Halladale, Forsinard Bogs, Grudie Peatlands, Knockfin Heights, Loch Caluim Flows, Loch Meadie Peatlands, Lochan Buidhe Mires, Lon a’ Chuil, Mallart, Moss of Killimster, Oliclett, Rumsdale Peatlands, Shielton Peatlands, Skelpick Peatlands, Skinsdale Peatlands, Sletill Peatlands, Strath an Loin, Strath Duchally, Strathmore Peatlands, Strathy Bogs, Stroupster Peatlands, Syre Peatlands, Truderscaig, West Borgie, West Halladale, West Strathnaver

The Caithness & Sutherland Peatlands Ramsar site qualifies under Criterion 1b by supporting one of the largest and most intact known areas of blanket bog in the world. It encompasses an exceptionally wide range of vegetation and surface pattern types, some of which are unknown elsewhere. The suite of mire types ranges from those of the Caithness plain in the east, with their continental affinities, through to those of the much more oceanic west and includes both upland and lowland areas. Extensive areas of ombrotrophic mire, where bog moss Sphagnum and other bog species ensure active peat accumulation, occur in intimate association with a range of open water, wet heath, grassland and fen communities to provide the diversity of habitats necessary to support a wide range of wetland and moorland species.

The Caithness & Sutherland Peatlands Ramsar site qualifies under Criterion 2a by supporting a number of rare species of wetland plants and animals. Two nationally rare moss species, Sphagnum lindbergii and S. majus , and 4 nationally scarce moss species and sub-species occur. The site also supports 5 nationally scarce higher aquatic plants including bog orchid Hammarbya paludosa . The invertebrate fauna includes the nationally rare water beetle Oreodytes alpinus and freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera and several nationally scarce species including the azure hawker dragonfly Aeshna caerulea . There is a diverse population of breeding waterfowl including nationally important populations of red-throated diver Gavia stellata , black-throated diver G. arctica , wigeon Anas penelope , teal A. crecca , scaup Aythya marila , common scoter Melanitta nigra , spotted crake Porzana porzana , golden plover Pluvialis apricaria , wood sandpiper Tringa glareola

6 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4 and greenshank T. nebularia . Mammals of importance include the otter Lutra lutra and within the site lie spawning grounds for the Atlantic salmon Salmo salar.

The Caithness & Sutherland Peatlands Ramsar site qualifies under Criterion 3c by supporting internationally important breeding populations of North Scottish greylag goose (30 pairs, 5% of total world population) and dunlin schinzii race (1860 pairs, 18% of temperate schinzii population).

Area: 143,569 ha Central grid reference: NC 9040 Central Latitude & Longitude: OS 1:50,000 sheets - 7,9,10,11,12,15,16,17

February 1998 Natura 2000 Scottish Natural Heritage

7 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4

SHIELTON PEATLANDS SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

Caithness District, Highland Region

Midas Reference: 1426

PLANNING AUTHORITY: Highland Regional Council

DATE NOTIFIED UNDER 1981 ACT: 31 January 1990

NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE: ND 220465

OS 1:50,000 SHEET NO: 11 1:25,000 SHEET NO: ND 04/14, 05/15, 24/34, 25/35

AREA: 5,593 ha.

DESCRIPTION :

Peatland

This area of east-central Caithness is characterised by extensive development of deep peat over gently undulating, low altitude Old Red Sandstone. It rises gradually from an altitude of 50m up to 150m above sea level. The area is partially dissected by several small burns. These drain into larger rivers which form part of the northern and eastern boundaries. All but the southern end of the site lies within the bioclimatic zone classified as Euoceanic, humid southern boreal . This zone scarcely occurs elsewhere in Scotland and coincides with one of the major zones of agricultural reclamation in Caithness.

The range of hydromorphological mire types is more limited here than at some other peatland sites (eg West Halladale SSSI). All the mires are either of the watershed or valleyside type. Of particular note is Eastern watershed blanket bog , characterised by numerous, deep, widely spaced pools. This type is confined to the small area of Caithness in and around this site. Within the peatland expanse there are several discrete areas of pools. Between the pools the mire vegetation is fairly uniform both in structure and in species composition, but local variation occurs as a response to gradient and management history. The combination of features such as pools, mire and wet heath provides a suitable habitat for moorland and wetland wading birds, dragonflies and other aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates.

The mire vegetation is dominated by deer-sedge Trichophorum , cotton grass Eriophorum , heather Calluna and species of bog moss Sphagnum . Local variation in the relative abundance of these distinguishes several communities. Particularly distinctive is the community characterised by hare’s tail cotton grass Eriophorum vaginatum tussocks and the dwarf shrubs heather, bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and crowberry Empetrum nigrum . Wet heath vegetation covers the steeper slopes and a few peat mounds occur in the area.

In addition to the extensive areas of blanket bog there are localised flushes of several types. The range of variation includes soft rush Juncus effusus – Sphagnum recurvum mire, flushes

8 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4 dominated by small sedges such as yellow sedge Carex demissa , star sedge C.echinata and mud sedge C.limosa and, less frequently, black bog rush Schoenus nigricans .

The pool systems display a wide range of patterns, from scattered seasonal pools filled with Sphagnum to complex suites of concentric and eccentric flarks (elongated depressions), pools and lochans. Some of these pool systems contain areas of quaking mire a bog type comprising a floating carpet of Sphagnum moss, which is nationally rare. Among the Sphagnum species present are the hummock formers Sphagnum imbricatum and S.fuscum , indicating an absence of disturbance. Other notable species, having either restricted distributions or being at the limits of their range are: cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos , small cranberry V.microcarpum , lesser twayblade Listera cordata and the rare moss Dicranum undulatum.

Birds

The extent and diversity of habitats provide ideal conditions for a range of waders and other waterfowl. Seven species of wader, including dunlin, golden plover and greenshank, have been recorded as breeding on the site. Of the five breeding species of waterfowl, greylag goose and wigeon are particularly notable. Several pairs of Arctic skuas also breed on the mire.

PREVIOUS NOTIFICATIONS: 1971, 1984

REMARKS

Part of a Nature Conservation Review Site of national importance, citation overleaf.

Includes the Dubh Lochs of Shielton and the Flows Nature Conservation Review Site.

Site enlarged.

Formerly notified as Dubh Lochs of Shielton SSSI.

A definitive map is available at 1:25,000 scale.

THE PEATLANDS OF CAITHNESS AND SUTHERLAND

The peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland form the largest and most intact area of blanket bog in Scotland. A rare peatland type in world terms, Britain has 13% of the total and this composite site represents the extreme northern Atlantic part of the range of variation. Together with associated open waters and moorland it supports breeding populations of nationally rare birds qualifying for protection under EEC Directives.

Blanket bog develops where a persistently wet, cool climate allows the growth of Sphagnum - dominated vegetation over extensive areas of sloping ground as well as in hollows and on flat terrain to form a mantle covering all but steep rocky slopes and open waters. One of the distinguishing characteristics of these bogs is the presence of intricate patterns of pools on level and gently sloping ground. Such a diversity of these features is not known elsewhere.

9 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4

These northern peatlands are underlain by Old Red Sandstone rocks in Caithness which form a gently undulating low-level plateau, mostly below 100m altitude. In Sutherland by contrast, they are underlain by Moine Schist but with a number of sizeable granite intrusions in the east bordering Caithness. This landscape mainly comprises a series of parallel straths with a north-south orientation. Between the straths are higher plateaux (100-200m) with numerous glacial features such as knolls and lochs. Higher hills and mountains occur towards the southern part of this area.

The peatlands span a west to east climatic gradient of oceanicity from the western hills with high rainfall up to 2000mm/annum a high proportion of wet days and high exposure to westerly gales, to a more continental but still cool and humid climate in central Caithness. Too exposed for extensive forest except in sheltered valleys, the natural blanket bog vegetation shows a west to east variation reflecting the climatic gradient. Superimposed on this variation is a hydromorphological one; the growing peat body is subject to the influence of the underlying land form and later in its development to that of the peat mass itself. Surface patterns and pool complexes occur in a variety of forms and under different climatic and hydrological conditions. A typical pattern has a cluster of larger rounded pools on flat or slightly rounded summits, spurs or terraces. As the bog surface slopes away, the pools become smaller and elongated or curvilinear along the contour. Together with their intervening ridges they form concentric or eccentric patterns, usually decreasing in scale downslope and grading into a more or less smooth surface until interrupted by flushes, seepage zones or streams dividing adjacent systems. Isolated peat lochans dubh lochain , larger lochs with stony shores, rivers, burns and rocky ridges with drier heath vegetation add further variety to the terrain.

In common with most blanket mires throughout Britain, the vegetation is dominated by dwarf shrubs, sedges and Sphagnum mosses. Where they differ from those elsewhere and from each other is in the relative abundance and distribution of the various species, particularly those with northern affinities. Amongst the dwarf shrubs, heather Calluna vulgaris and cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix are common and widespread, whereas the oceanic species bell heather Erica cinerea decreases towards the drier east. Also local in the east but increasingly common towards the west is bog myrtle Myrica gale . Of the sedges, deer sedge Trichophorum cespitosum is widespread and abundant. Cotton grass Eriophorum vaginatum is more locally abundant and its dominance is characteristic of particular mire types. In the west purple moor grass Molinia caerulea tends to assume dominance over the sedges, whilst in the east it is largely confined to areas of flushing. Sphagnum species are the most obvious and important of the mosses, particularly as they form the greater part of the peat deposit. The most widespread and abundant species are Sphagnum papillosum, S. tenellum and S. capillifolium . Rarer species and those of restricted distribution tend to be confined to undamaged mires or less common mire types. Racomitrium lanuginosum is frequent and in certain types of mire forms very large hummocks. The flora of the pools and depressions typically comprises Sphagnum cuspidatum and S. auriculatum – the latter more particularly in the more oceanic west, whilst bog bean Menyanthes trifoliata grows in deeper pools. Mud bottomed hollows are a particular feature of the oceanic west, in which beak sedges Rhynchospora spp and the sedges Carex rostrata, C. limosa and C. lasiocarpa are found. The least conspicuous members of the mire flora are the liverworts. They tend to live in close association with the Sphagna and like them show the greatest abundance and variation on the least disturbed mires. The most characteristic species is Pleurozia purpurea which, although occurring throughout most of the Caithness and Sutherland peatlands, has a very

10 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4 restricted world distribution. Abundant lichens tend to occur on the drier mire types. Of the many species which occur, the most frequent are the Cladonias and the most common of these is Cladonia portentosa.

The pattern of vegetation associated with physical features and their spatial relationships form wildlife habitats supporting characteristic communities of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna. Of particular interest and importance are the birds, the structural mosaic within the peatlands providing a habitat which satisfies the breeding and feeding requirements of waders, waterfowl and raptors. Many of these are typically northern species found here at the southern limit of their range. Several of the breeding bird species are nationally rare. There are also significant proportions of the breeding populations of certain species in an European context.

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SSSI MANAGEMENT STATEMENT: SHIELTON PEATLANDS SSSI

SNH Main Street Golspie Sutherland KW10 6TG Tel 01408 633602 Fax 01408 633071

Midas code: 1426 Location : The site is situated in Caithness approximately 15 km north of Latheronwheel. OS Grid Reference : ND 220465 Area : 5593 hectares Date Notified SSSI : 31 January 1990 (originally notified: 1971) Planning Authority : Highland Council (Caithness Area) Other Designations : Component of the Peatlands of Caithness & Sutherland Special Protection Area, Ramsar site and candidate Special Area of Conservation. Tenure : There are 16 owners and a total of 13 agricultural and sporting tenants. Management Agreements: There are 9 Management Agreements with SNH covering 1592.9ha and 6 Peatland Management Scheme agreements (PMS). Reasons for Notification : This is a biological site, notified on account of its peatland and bird interest.

Summary Description and Evaluation This is the largest peatland in the eastern half of Caithness and extends over a relatively flat area of flows including the Dubh Lochs of Shielton and Munsary. To the west, across the A9 trunk road, are Leavad SSSI and Blàr nam Faoileag SSSI. The gentle gradients and relatively uniform geology in this area mean that the associated blanket bog exhibits only a limited range of variation in overall structure and species composition.

Among the less common birds to breed on the site are greylag goose, arctic skua, and wigeon. Of particular interest are the moorland waders, especially greenshank, golden plover and dunlin. The peatland habitat and the breeding bird assemblage are both of national importance and form part of the wider area of peatland in Caithness and Sutherland which is of international importance.

Landuse and Management The land is managed primarily as agricultural holdings for sheep grazing, for conservation of the peatland habitat and for sporting purposes. Burning has occurred on a regular basis although this now more sensitively managed due to the Management Agreements and PMS Agreements.

SNH purchased Munsary Farm in 1997 with the intention for future management to be geared towards nature conservation.

Principal Factors Influencing Management The main interests are the peatland habitat and associated bird interest. All require minimal intervention and disturbance, with the principal requirement being to avoid damaging practices.

The owners of Shielton Peatlands aim to maintain the agricultural, sporting, and conservation interest of their land. Thus, they manage for minimal disturbance during stalking and shooting season and, where appropriate, use muirburn as a tool for maintaining

12 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4 suitable grouse habitat and grazing, and allterrain vehicles for access. The majority of the site is covered by Management Agreements or PMS agreements which encourages good conservation management and indicates understanding of the owner/occupiers about the needs of nature conservation. SNH aims to monitor Peatland Management Scheme agreements on an annual basis and the other Management Agreements every 3 years.

Obligations under the Habitats & Birds Directives require SNH to ensure that: Damage to the features of European interest (active blanket bog, oligotrophic & mesotrophic standing waters, northern atlantic wet heaths, depressions on peat substrate, transition mires & quaking bogs, breeding birds and otters) likely to be caused by proposals is avoided or minimised; Steps are taken to ensure that the habitat and the peatland bird interest do not deteriorate; Conservation measures are put in place to maintain the habitat in a favourable condition; The SSSI consents, Potentially Damaging Operations list and citation are amended if necessary, to ensure their compatibility with the conservation objectives for the site; Reports on the above are submitted to the European Community at 6-yearly intervals starting in 2000.

Long Term Objectives for Management (25 years) 1. To protect the bog system and associated features of European interest (active blanket bog, oligotrophic & mesotrophic standing waters, northern atlantic wet heaths, depressions on peat substrate, transition mires & quaking bogs, breeding birds and otters) against damage and disturbance and thereby safeguard the condition and diversity of the bog habitat and dependant species, within the scope of existing legislation and agreements. 2. To allow natural processes to continue to maintain favourable condition of the site and where possible pursue opportunities to enhance the site by means of continued peatland management scheme agreements. 3. To conduct detailed monitoring in order to detect any changes to the condition of the peatland and aquatic habitats and to associated flora and fauna. 4. To maintain an up-to-date inventory of the flora and fauna and pursue any reasonable opportunity that arises to extend the inventory. 5. Submit reports to Scottish Executive on the condition of the site every 6 years.

Key Management Requirements (5 years) 1. To encourage the continuation of natural processes in association with traditional low intervention agricultural and sporting management in order to maintain the natural heritage interest of the site. 2. To maintain the hydrology integrity of the mire system, especially protecting against lowering of the water table by drainage, peat cutting and afforestation. 3. To maintain the quality, composition and structure of the mire vegetation, particularly by protecting against deterioration from inappropriate muirburn or vehicle use, and to enhance by means of the Peatland Management Scheme. 4. To monitor progress of the Peatland Management Scheme and Management agreements and encourage continuation of the schemes. 5. To monitor the condition of the peatland habitat and associated flora and fauna and record as necessary. 6. To liaise and co-operate with owners and occupiers to develop awareness of each party’s aims and interests.

Date: 01/02/2001

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CITATION REISGILL BURN SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST Highland (Caithness)

Site code: 1344

NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE: ND 241353

OS 1:50,000 SHEET NO: Landranger Series 11

1:25,000 SHEET NO: Explorer Series 450

AREA: 4.26 hectares

NOTIFIED NATURAL FEATURES: Biological: Woodlands: Scrub

DESCRIPTION Reisgill Burn Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is situated 1km west of the village of Lybster and 20km south west of Wick, Caithness. The site is notified for the scrub woodland. This is the most diverse native gorge woodland in Caithness.

This steep-sided coastal gorge contains scrub woodland and a rich ground flora. The woodland consists of downy birch Betula pubescens and hazel Corylus avellana scrub, with rowan Sorbus aucuparia , aspen Populus tremula , bird cherry Prunus padus and willow Salix spp . Shrubs such as dog rose Rosa canina , bramble Rubus fruticosus , raspberry Rubus idaeus , ivy Hedera helix and juniper Juniperus communis are also present. The rich ground flora is dominated by fine stands of tall flowering plants and ferns, with species such as greater woodrush Luzula sylvatica , wood sage Teucrium scorodonia , chickweed wintergreen Trientalis europaea , bloody crane’s-bill Geranium sanguineum , and stone bramble Rubus saxatilis .

NOTIFICATION HISTORY First notified under the 1981 Act: 23 August 1985 Notification reviewed under the 2004 Act: 11 February 2010

REMARKS Measured area of site corrected (from 4.01 ha).

14 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4

REISGILL BURN Site of Special Scientific Interest

SITE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT Site code: 1344

The Links, Golspie Business Park, Golspie, Sutherland, KW10 6UB. Tel 01408 634063 [email protected]

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

Natural features of Reisgill Burn SSSI Condition of feature (date monitored) Scrub (woodland) Favourable, maintained (June 2008)

Description of the site Reisgill Burn Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is situated 1km west of the village of Lybster and 20km south west of Wick, Caithness. It is notified for the scrub woodland which is the most diverse native gorge woodland in Caithness. The SSSI covers the woodland along a 600m stretch of the gorge along Reisgill Burn, upstream of the road bridge at Invershore. The woodland consists mainly of birch and hazel scrub with some rowan, aspen, bird cherry and willow. Shrubs such as dog rose, bramble, raspberry, gorse, ivy and juniper are also present. The rich ground flora is dominated by fine stands of tall flowering plants and ferns, with species such as hard fern, buckler fern, greater woodrush, wood sage, primrose, chickweed wintergreen, bloody crane’s-bill and stone bramble. The woodland was monitored in 2008 and was assessed as being in favourable condition. The presence of saplings and a small number of tree seedlings indicates regeneration is occurring within the site. Grazing pressure on the site was light, as demonstrated by the presence of grazing-intolerant species such as honeysuckle and greater woodrush. Fences either side of the burn exclude stock from the site. There was evidence of browsing by roe deer, but only at low intensity and the steeper slopes of the gorge are probably inaccessible to deer. Bracken was found to be widespread within the site and dominated open areas within and outside the woodland.

Other interests There are very few areas of broad-leaved woodland in Caithness, so this site is also important for a variety of bird species that breed in woodland, including tawny owl and woodcock. Dipper and grey wagtail are also found along the stream. Several unusual plant species can also be found on the site outwith the woodland, including early purple orchid, fragrant orchid and wild strawberry.

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Past and present management The gorge forms part of four adjacent farms. In the past, much of the gorge was either open to grazing or the fencing present was in a state of disrepair, allowing both sheep and cattle access to the less steep slopes and banks. The grazing pressure was enough in places to repress woodland regeneration. All four farms now have fences excluding stock from the steep banks. Repairs to the fence on the eastern side of the burn were carried out in 2003 to ensure it remained stock-proof. Apart from maintenance of fences, no active management of the site is required, as long as regeneration continues. A Management Agreement between SNH and one of the landowners was agreed in 1982 to fence the eastern side of the gorge and exclude domestic stock from the broad- leaved woodland. This has resulted in good levels of natural tree regeneration, with the rich woodland ground flora benefiting as well. The successful regeneration of birch, rowan, hazel and other tree species under the present management has ensured that this site will continue to be woodland in the future. The Management Agreement expired in 2008. SNH would encourage land managers to apply to the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) for continued funding of conservation management of the site. Bracken control has been carried out in the past by volunteer groups. Bracken was cut by hand in 1989, avoiding areas where saplings had already become established. Some burning has occurred previously on the site, damaging the scrub interest, but there has been no burning in recent years. The steep sided gorge with its series of cascades is a noted landscape feature of the local area. The site attracts both visitors and local people who generally view it from the road bridge rather than walking on the site itself due to the very steep ground.

Objectives for Management (and key factors influencing the condition of natural features) We wish to work with the owners to protect the site and to maintain and where necessary enhance its features of special interest. SNH aims to carry out site survey, monitoring and research as appropriate to increase our knowledge and understanding of the site and its natural features. A list of Operations Requiring Consent forms part of the formal notification documents of the SSSI. These, and the discussions on land management involved in the issuing of formal consents, are intended to minimise the threat of any damage to the natural features.

1. To maintain the condition, extent and species composition of the scrub woodland habitat Stock should continue to be excluded from the site by well-maintained fences as heavy grazing, browsing or trampling would damage the site. Complete lack of grazing can be a problem too but the small number of roe deer on the site will help to maintain open areas which are necessary for establishment of young trees in future, as well as discouraging excessive bracken growth. Bracken encroachment could potentially damage this site in the future by suppressing tree regeneration and dominating the ground flora to the exclusion of the current diverse and unusual range of plants. The extent of bracken and gorse within the site should be monitored and bracken control may be needed in future.

Other factors affecting the natural features of the site • Fly-tipping : There have been some problems with fly-tipping off the bridge and into the gorge at this site, including some recent dumping of household and garden waste. Dumping of garden waste is a concern because of the potential for garden plants which are not native to this site to become established.

Date last reviewed: 11 February 2010

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Date: 11 February 2010

REISGILL BURN SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

OPERATIONS REQUIRING CONSENT FROM SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE

If you propose to carry out, or permit to be carried out, any of the operations listed below, you must first obtain consent from SNH unless a local authority has granted you planning permission (under Part III of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997) or a designated regulatory authority has given you written permission (under s.15 of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004). If you have such a permission you may proceed without obtaining consent from SNH for the same operation.

Standard. Type of Operation Ref. No 2 The introduction of grazing. 3 The introduction of stock feeding. 5 Application of manure, fertilisers and lime. 6 Application of pesticides, including herbicides (weedkillers). 7 Dumping, spreading or discharge of any waste materials. 8 Burning. 9 The introduction or release into the site of any wild, feral or domestic 1 2 animal , plant or seed. 11 The destruction, displacement, removal or cutting of any plant or plant Remains, including tree, shrub, herb, dead or decaying wood, moss, lichen or fungus. 12 The introduction of tree and/or woodland management (including afforestation, planting, clear and selective felling). 21 Construction, removal or destruction of roads, tracks, walls, fences, banks, ditches, hardstands or other earthworks. 26 Use of vehicles likely to damage gorge vegetation.

Notes 1 "animal" includes any mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish or invertebrate. 2 “plant” includes any flowering plant, fern, alga, fungus, lichen or moss.

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EC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds

CITATION FOR SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA (SPA) EAST CAITHNESS CLIFFS (UK9001182) INCLUDING MARINE EXTENSION

Site Description: East Caithness Cliffs Special Protection Area is of special nature conservation and scientific importance within Britain and the European Community for supporting very large populations of breeding seabirds. It includes most of the sea-cliff areas between Wick and Helmsdale on the north-east coast of the Scottish mainland.

The boundary of the SPA overlaps either partly or wholly with the following Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): Castle of Old Wick to Craig Hammel SSSI, Craig Hammel to Sgaps Geo SSSI, Dunbeath to Sgaps Geo SSSI, Burn of Latheronwheel SSSI, Berriedale Cliffs SSSI, Ousdale Burn SSSI and Helmsdale Coast SSSI. The seaward extension extends approximately 2km into the marine environment to include the seabed, water column and surface.

Qualifying Interest (N.B. All figures relate to numbers at the time of classification except where amended by the 2001 SPA Review):

East Caithness Cliffs SPA qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting populations of European importance of the Annex 1 species peregrine Falco peregrinus (6 pairs, 0.5% of the GB population).

East Caithness Cliffs SPA further qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting populations of European importance of the migratory species: common guillemot Uria aalge (106,700 individuals, 3.1% of north Atlantic biogeographic population); razorbill Alca torda (15,800 individuals, 1.8% of total A. t. islandica biogeographic population), herring gull Larus argentatus (9,400 pairs, 1.0% of NW European biogeographic population), black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (32,500 pairs, 1.0% of north Atlantic biogeographic population), and European shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis (2,300 pairs, 1.8% of the north Europe biogeographic population).

East Caithness Cliffs SPA also qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting in excess of 20,000 individual seabirds. It regularly supports 300,000 individual seabirds including nationally important populations of the following species: great black-backed gull Larus marinus (800 pairs, 4% of the GB population), cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (230 pairs, 3% of the GB population), Northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis (15,000 pairs, 3% of the GB population), razorbill (15,800 individuals, 11% of the GB population), common guillemot (106,700 individuals, 10% of the GB population ), black-legged kittiwake (32,500 pairs, 7% of the GB population), herring gull (9,400 pairs, 6% of the GB population), European shag (2,300 pairs, 6% of the GB population) and Atlantic puffin (1750 pairs, over 10% of the minimum qualifying assemblage of 20,000 individuals.)

Area: 11,690.92 ha National Grid References: ND056172 to ND371489 OS Sheet 1:50,000 – 12 & 17 Classified on 27th March 1996, with marine extension classified on 25th September 2009 Scottish Natural Heritage, September 2009

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Conservation Objectives for East Caithness Cliffs Special Protection Area

Population of the species as a viable component of the site

Distribution of the species within site

Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species

Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species

No significant disturbance of the species

Qualifying Species:

• Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo) *

• Fulmar ( Fulmarus glacialis) *

• Great black-backed gull ( Larus marinus) *

• Guillemot ( Uria aalge)

• Herring gull ( Larus argentatus)

• Kittiwake ( Rissa tridactyla)

• Peregrine ( Falco peregrinus )

• Razorbill (A lca torda)

• Shag ( Phalacrocorax aristotelis)*

• Seabird assemblage

* indicates assemblage qualifier only

The site overlaps with East Caithness Cliffs Special Area of Conservation

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EC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds

SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA (SPA) CITATION FOR PUBLIC ISSUE CAITHNESS LOCHS, HIGHLAND REGION (UK900171A)

Site Description: The Caithness Lochs Special Protection Area consists of a suite of six lochs and a mire (Broubster Leans) in Caithness. The lochs cover a range of types from oligotrophic to eutrophic, and support a wide diversity of aquatic and wetland vegetation. The potential SPA comprises the entire area of the Broubster Leans SSSI, Loch of Mey SSSI, Loch Calder SSSI, Loch Heilen SSSI, Loch Scarmclate SSSI, Loch Watten SSSI and Loch of Wester SSSI. Part of the site (Broubster Leans, Loch of Mey) was previously classified on the 2 February 1998 as Caithness Lochs SPA for Greenland white-fronted geese only.

Qualifying Interest: The site qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting, in winter, populations of European importance of the Annex 1 species whooper swan Cygnus cygnus (1993/94-1997/98 winter peak mean of 240 representing 4% of GB and 1% of Icelandic population) and Greenland white-fronted goose Anser albifrons flavirostris (1993/94-97/98 winter peak mean of 440 representing 3% of GB and 1% of Greenlandic population). The site lies at the northern limit of these species’ wintering distributions and is important to the maintenance of the species’ wintering ranges.

The site qualifies under Article 4.2 by regularly supporting, in winter, a population of European importance of the greylag goose Anser anser (1993/94-1997/98 winter peak mean of 7,190 representing 7% of the GB and Icelandic populations). The site lies towards the northern limit of this species’ wintering distribution and is important to the maintenance of the species’ wintering range.

Area: 1,378 ha National Grid References: Broubster Leans ND 035611 Loch of Mey ND 271735 Loch Calder ND 072601 Loch Heilen ND 255684 Loch Scarmclate ND189596 Loch Watten ND 230560 Loch of Wester ND 325592 OS 1:50,000 sheet - 12

November 1999 Natura 2000 Scottish Natural Heritage

20 NATURE CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS APPENDIX 4

Conservation Objectives for Caithness Lochs Special Protection Area

Population of the species as a viable component of the site

Distribution of the species within site

Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species

Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species

No significant disturbance of the species

Qualifying Species:

• Greenland white-fronted goose ( Anser albifrons flavirostris)

• Greylag goose ( Anser anser)

• Whooper swan ( Cygnus cygnus)

The site overlaps with Loch Watten Special Area of Conservation

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BURN OF LATHERONWHEEL

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST

Caithness District, Highland Region

Midas Reference: 275

PLANNING AUTHORITY: Highland Regional Council

DATE NOTIFIED UNDER 1981 ACT: 13 June 1984

NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE: ND 189388 to ND 191322

OS 1:50,000 SHEET NO: 11 1:25,000 SHEET NO: ND 03/13

AREA: 45 ha.

DESCRIPTION :

Biology

A eutrophic stream arising partly from the Old Red Sandstone hills and partly from blanket bog. It is enriched with lime from some bands of the sandstone and in its lower parts it is rich in nutrients. Rich streams are uncommon in the Highlands and this is of national importance as a representative example.

Open Water

The tributaries flowing through peat bog are typical of base-poor upland streams. The lower stretches are eutrophic and are rich in invertebrate species. The abundance of invertebrate life is exceptional for a site north of the Highland Boundary Fault. The banks are wooded in the lower stretches and have grassland and moorland higher up.

REMARKS

Amended boundary.

A Grade 1 site.

Adjoins Dunbeath to Sgaps Geo SSSI.

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SSSI MANAGEMENT STATEMENT - BURN OF LATHERONWHEEL

SNH Main Street Golspie Sutherland KW10 6TG Tel. 01408 633602 Fax. 01408 633071

Midas code: 275 Location : The site extends from Crofts of Benachielt, in the north downstream to meet the North Sea. The site can be accessed from the nearby A9 road and from unclassified roads at Landhallow and Leodebest. OS Grid Reference : ND189388 to ND191322 Area : 45 hectares Date Notified SSSI : 24 February 1984. Planning Authority : Highland Council (Caithness Area) Other Designations : None Tenure : One owner and fourteen tenants. Management Agreements : None with SNH. Reason for Notification : A biological site, notified for its aquatic invertebrates.

Summary Description and Evaluation A shallow burn arising partly from old red sandstone hills and partly from blanket bog. The boundary of the SSSI exists 30m either side of the burn, for its entire 8km length. The burn is rich in invertebrates and the site has a very varied flora which ranges from dry dwarf shrub heath through to marshy grassland and mixed woodland.

The Burn of Latheronwheel is enriched with lime from bands of sandstone and in the lower parts it is particularly rich in minerals. The burn is diverse in species composition of invertebrates, these include larval species of stonefly, caddisfly and mayfly. The site is also supports many species of water beetle. The presence of a diverse invertebrate community within the burn is a reflection on good water quality habitat. The abundance of invertebrate life is exceptional for a site north of the Highland Boundary Fault.

In places the burnside vegetation consists of woodland with a mixture of birch, ash, alder, rowan and willow. Near the main A9 road this woodland is dominated by planted mature non-native tree species, (e.g. sycamore) to enhance the landscape. Within these wooded habitats the shrub layer is dominated by the introduced shrub, salmonberry. Dog rose, bramble, broom and raspberry are also present. A rich ground flora exists consisting of grasses, tall herbs and ferns including species such as creeping softgrass, sweet vernal- grass, bilberry, greater woodrush, hard fern, broad-buckler fern and an array of mosses. The site hosts five species of wild rose, of which stone bramble is locally rare. Both acid grassland and marshy grassland exist within the boundaries of the site. The acid grassland is poor in diversity of species, consisting mainly of fescue, bents and wavy-hair grass. The marshy grassland is somewhat more diverse with species such as soft rush, purple-moor grass, tufted-hair grass, meadow-sweet, valerian, yellow flag and various sedges. Eared willow is often present by the burn with this habitat type. Within this vegetation community the locally rare melancholy thistle can be found. Areas of heath are also present, consisting of species such as heather, bell heather, cross-leaved heath and patches of deer grass.

Rich streams are uncommon in the Highlands and this site is of national importance as a representative example.

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Landuse and Management Many parts of the site are grazed by stock, however the majority of the site has no intensive forms of land use. The present management for the burn and the woodland areas is largely by non-intervention. Some areas of acid grassland and marshy grassland along the water margins are currently managed by stock grazing that occurs during the autumn months through the Countryside Premium Scheme (CPS), administered by Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department (SERAD) for “management of water margins”. Under this management agreement grazing is only to take place from 1 August to 30 September, with a limit imposed on stocking density.

A footpath used by the public runs from near the harbour, north for about half a mile. The footpath is managed and encroaching vegetation often cut back to allow easier public access.

Principal Factors Influencing Management The main factors influencing management of the site are hydrological factors and stock grazing density.

Given the hydrology of the site, external factors have the potential to change the sites features of interest, these have been identified; afforestation within the catchments leading to acid run-off and increasing sedimentation; agricultural intensification with the associated nitrate run-off, assisted by adjoining ditches and streams. The CPS management agreement that is currently being undertaken at some parts of this site should help to achieve ideal management of the water margins. Management of the water margin vegetation will benefit the conservation interest of the burn, as lush bankside vegetation will encourage invertebrates to utilise these areas to lay eggs for a future generation.

Stock grazing densities have impacts on both grassland and heathland vegetation communities. The site was monitored in 1998 by SNH staff and no damaging activies were found. The path was becoming overgrown by Salmonberry but was still well used.

Long Term Objectives for Management (25 years) 1. To protect the botanical interest of the SSSI from loss or damage within the existing legislation. 2. To maintain the favourable condition of the site and where appropriate, enhance existing freshwater, water margins, grassland and woodland vegetation communities. 3. To detect any changes to the key features of the site by conducting detailed monitoring. 4. To compile, maintain and extend an inventory of natural life and earth resources for this site, at present prioritising on invertebrates and lower plants.

Key Management Requirements (5 years) 1. To liaise with owners and occupiers over ideal management for the site. 2. To protect the burn and its associated vegetation communities from damage including inappropriate levels of stock grazing and activities which may alter the hydrology of the site. 3. Continue data collection for all species groups and maintain species lists. 4. To undertake monitoring: * to ensure that all features of interest are safeguarded. * to evaluate, as far as resources and expertise permit, the effectiveness of management on the woodland by regular visits. * to locate locally rare species, such as stone bramble and melancholy thistle and other species of note, also assess impacts of stock grazing pressure on burnside vegetation. * to detect as far as resources and expertise permit, any natural changes that require management action, giving priority to aquatic invertebrates and burnside vegetation.