4 Upland Ecosystems

Loch Lee © ANGUSalive Ranger Service

Background Tayside is richly blessed with upland habitats The dwarf shrub heaths which make up Tayside’s straddling as it does the Highland Boundary Fault. upland heathland contribute 16% to the total The montane habitat encompasses a large area, at Scottish area of this habitat. As they are largely least 5% of Tayside – stretching from the entrance confined to the UK and the Western seaboard of to the Cairngorm Plateau through the Angus Glens Europe, they have international conservation in the North East and across to Ben Laoigh and significance. in the West. Tayside holds 9% of the total Scottish area of upland heath which These habitats support an array of flora and fauna occurs in mosaic with peatland, rough grassland including the Mountain hare, Golden eagle and and montane habitats. Heather moorland, by far Red grouse. The sub-arctic conditions of the the most extensive single upland habitat in montane habitat host species not found anywhere Tayside, represents some 12% of the whole area. else in Britain and are very significant percentages

64 Objectives of the world population. Alpine gentian, the 1 Endeavour to reduce the direct pressures on evocatively-named Blue dew moss, alongside upland biodiversity by implementing projects lichens and other mosses are amongst those UK to enhance ecosystem health. species found only within the borders of Tayside. 2 Safeguard upland ecosystems, species and This unique combination of the exceptional and the genetic diversity by enhancing connectivity commonplace makes the Tayside upland habitats and where possible preventing its decline. very special. Not only do they provide a local asset 3 Mainstream biodiversity conservation much enjoyed by the people of Tayside, they are also action by raising awareness and the a national asset and are in no small part responsible enjoyment of upland ecosystems of local for attracting the many visitors who come to enjoy communities. this area’s outstanding natural heritage.

65 Priority Habitats • Montane • Upland Heath • Montane scrub • Blanket bog

Ben Vrackie from Moulin Moor © David Williamson

Key Sites Angus Glens Grouse Moors Key Species Strathbraan, Glenqueich and (Designated) • Upland mammals including Logiealmond Grouse Moors Montane (all SSSIs) Mountain hare and Water vole Kynachan, Strathtummel Beinn A Ghlo (SAC) • Upland birds, including Forest of Golden eagle, Snow bunting Caenlochan (SAC) Forest of Alyth and Scoter Drumochter Hills (SAC) Moor (SAC) • Upland plants, including Beinn A’ Chuallaich Oblong woodsia, Mountain Glas Tulaichean Scurvy grass and Snow Ben Chonzie Montane Scrub caloplaca Caenlochan/Corrie Fee Ben Vrackie Meall Ghaordie Drumochter Hills/ Carn Gorm Cama Choire Meall Garbh Coire Bhachdaidh

Blanket Bog Balnaboth Moor (Glen Prosen) The Cairnwell, Glenshee Atholl-Drumochter Hills

Upland Heath Forest of Clunie (SSSI SPA) and neighbouring areas Drumochter Hills (SSSI SPA)

66 Mountain hare © SNH Wooly willow © SNH Rare Vascular Plants in Tayside

Tayside is a vitally important area for a number of • Schoenus ferrugineus (Brown Bog-rush).This extremely rare upland species. These include: species is restricted to four SSSI sites in and one site in Selkirkshire. In current • (Alpine milk vetch). Of the Astragalus alpinus good condition, the plant could be vulnerable to few sites known in the UK, three of them occur disease, a single outbreak potentially wiping out in Tayside. The population is decreasing to a an entire local population. critical stage. • Veronica fruticans ( Rock Speedwell). Tayside is • (Close-headed Alpine-sedge). Carex norvegica the stronghold for this species. Populations are Nationally rare, most populations occur in Tayside typically small and the species may be decreasing. and have fewer than 200 plants. Overgrazing, • (oblong woodsia). Endangered trampling – and undergrazing – are all threats. Woodsia ilvensis in Britain and very rare in , Glen Clova is • (Yellow Milk-vetch). Three Oxytropis campestris one of only three sites known in Scotland. known sites in the UK: two are in Tayside, the The National Trust for Scotland has pioneered other in the Mull of . methods of regenerating montane willows and • (Whorled Solomon's- Polygonatum verticillatum other rare plants at Ben Lawers. The reserve has the seal). In the UK this Nationally Rare plant is largest abundance of arctic-alpine plants in the restricted to Tayside, but its populations are UK; these include Snow gentian (unique to decreasing because of habitat destruction, Tayside) and Alpine forget-me-not which is erosion and collecting. restricted to Tayside and Upper Teesdale. It also • Lathyrus japonicus subsp. acutifolius (Sea Pea). hosts over 500 lichens which makes it the UK’s Rare in Scotland. The variety occurring in Angus is most important site for lichens. The Vital Habitat genetically distinct from the species elsewhere. It Enhancement project at Ben Lawers is focussing is vulnerable to developments and under-grazing. on grazing management, habitat restoration and • Salix lanata (Woolly willow.) This montane willow restoration. Elsewhere, SNH manages an occurs locally in Tayside, but is sparse elsewhere. exclosure at the Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve Climate change and overgrazing is its main which is regenerating montane scrub and tall herb threat. vegetation.

67 Ecosystem Pressures bracken is free to colonise. Erosion and sedimentation of Services & Overgrazing by Deer and watercourses may also occur. Ecosystem Scale Sheep Projects High grazing levels of both deer Increasing Recreational and sheep have left montane Use Ecosystem Services habitats such as dwarf shrub Hill-walkers, climbers and off- • Carbon storage heath, willow scrub, herb-rich piste skiers are increasing in • Photosynthesis and oxygen vegetation and moss-heath number and can cause damage production fragmented and seriously to fragile vegetation and soils, especially where paths cross wet • Renewable energy degraded. Grazing-tolerant boggy areas or traverse just species such as Mat grass have • Water quality regulation below cliffs in which calcareous taken over in large areas of • Recreation and leisure grassland and tall herb montane habitat and this has vegetation grow. Path • Health and wellbeing reduced the species diversity of management can ensure • Tourism grass swards. erosion does not escalate, • Woodland and peat Trampling damage is becoming especially on the summits. • Protection from floods a serious threat to blanket bog, Visitors and their dogs can • Climate regulation plants found in areas of high- cause disturbance to ground altitude, water seepage and nesting birds adjacent to Ecosystem Scale Projects sub-alpine calcareous popular montane routes. • Angus Upland Plant projects grassland. Trampling of Dotterel, Golden plover and – monitoring and restoring ground-nesting bird nests and Dunlin are all vulnerable, Twinflower and Woolly willow chicks by sheep and deer is also leading predators to take eggs populations. an issue. or young. There is also risk of direct trampling of eggs or • Linking and Exploring Fragmentation of young (especially for Dotterel Tayside’s Upland Habitat which often nest on the open Wildlife Sites. Mountain willow populations summit plateau) where walkers are now so small and dispersed, • Controlling invasive upland stray from designated clinging to inaccessible ledges species – Mink, INNS, etc. pathways. out of reach of browsing • Upland Tayside butterfly animals, that they are Climate Change and projects –surveying, susceptible to landslide or Pollution monitoring and habitat damage from rock-falls. As Our montane areas are very enhancement projects. these plants have male and vulnerable to the effects of • Woodland restoration. female flowers on different climate change with the mean • Grassland projects. plants (and female plants are annual temperature expected • Peatland projects. more common), isolated plants to rise between 1.4C and 3C by 2050. Many montane species • Tayside mammals projects. can no longer regenerate naturally. Other rare plants will be unable to colonise other suitable areas and there will be within the montane habitat are changes in the distribution and in a similarly precarious state abundance of species, and need long-term resources including invertebrates. and management to safeguard Changes in vegetation them. Construction routes for composition and structure may windfarms and new or cause the loss of many of our redesigned hill roads have also rare alpine plants. Acidification led to fragmentation. (atmospheric deposition of Muirburn sulphur and nitrogen Poorly-managed muirburn compounds) may alter the followed by heavy grazing is natural nutrient levels in the resulting in the loss of dwarf soil and affect the composition shrubs and leading to a and structure of vegetation transition to grassland where communities.

68 Unlocking carbon is peatland’s capacity to retain associated with such habitats, Destruction, erosion from carbon that in its release can especially lower plants and excessive grazing or contribute to increased invertebrates. development on peatland is atmospheric carbon levels and Afforestation very detrimental to the therefore climate change and Afforestation with non-native surrounding hydrology, as well increased greenhouse gases. conifers can seriously affect as to peatland species. species such as Black grouse Drainage of bogs over an Lack of Knowledge and Curlew, although clear- extended period has reduced There is a lack of information felling and replanting water levels leading to peat on the management of operations can create drying out and affecting the montane areas in Tayside, and temporary areas of suitable ability of sphagnum to limited basic information on habitat. Black grouse may use regenerate the peat. However, it the ecology of many species early stage plantations or small, restocked woodland. Calcareous grassland present in Tayside, should be retained for its floristic value, as well as that of Osmia inermis (a very rare mason bee). Wildlife Crime There has been an alarming increase in wildlife crime across Scotland in recent years, with incidents involving unauthorised use of snaring, badger baiting, deer and hare coursing and bird poisoning.

Peregrine falcon © SNH Operation Countrywatch

This initiative began in 2000 as a Tayside Police-led accounts of other species such as Merlin. The project involving Tayside Raptor Study Group and Police also provide a summary of wildlife crime two Estates. The project expanded in 2004 to issues and updates. include SNH, RSPB and five participating Estates, Partnership meetings provide a neutral forum in becoming known as the Operation Countrywatch which issues of concern to participating Estates Partnership. The project enables the police, may be discussed. Positive news is publicised to conservation and estate interests, through help promote the role and reputation of sporting improved communication and co-operation, to management on participating Estates; it illustrates combat wildlife crime, work for the conservation a way forward in best practice management for of heather moorland and its birds, and promote sport shooting estates. Identifying the presence of the role and reputation of sporting management. protected nesting birds of prey as factors in A fieldworker, employed by RSPB Scotland and moorland management helps promote part-funded by SNH, works with the Raptor Study professional management. Overall, it is a novel Group to carry out surveys. Annual reports for each project to promote the conservation value, the Estate are produced. These detail the breeding economic value and the wise management of success of the focal species - Hen harrier, Golden heather moorland. eagle, Peregrine and Black grouse, and shorter

69 Upland Ecosystems Actions Schedule Key for timescale Short: 1-3 yrs Medium: 4-6 yrs Long: 7-10 yrs Actions will be input into the UK Biodiversity Action System (UKBARS) where Lead Partners will be outlined Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

1 Restore montane Twinflower Scottish Natural Heritage Long plant species Survey twinflower annually - use fixed point Cairngorms National populations and photography at identified sites to monitor Park Authority genetic diversity and plant number fluctuations. enhance species Angus Council connectivity. Monitor land use regimes on identified sites encouraging favourable management Perth & Kinross Council techniques. Landowners Woolly Willow National Trust For Monitor replanting and plant colonisation. Scotland

Support new projects which identify additional threatened species.

Other Species Support new projects which identify additional threatened species.

2 Promote the Ensure TAYplan (Strategic Development Cairngorms National Long sustainable Plan), Angus Local Development Plan, PKC Park Authority development of the Development Plan and Indicative Forestry Partnership’s Strategies take into account protecting Scottish Natural Heritage upland areas biodiversity as a component of sustainable Forestry Commission through increased development. Scotland policy integration. Annually produce updates for Local Authority Climate Change Declaration Angus Council reporting. Perth & Kinross Council Annually produce updates for Local Authority statutory biodiversity reporting Tayside Biodiversity against the 2020 challenge. Partnership

3 Reduce the direct Tackle littering and invasive non-native Angus Council Long pressures on species at problem sites focusing Perth & Kinross Council montane and particularly on upland catchments. upland heath River South Esk Raise awareness of pollution and the biodiversity by Catchment Partnership damage caused to upland environments and enhancing species. Scottish land & Estates ecosystem health. Encourage measures which reverse habitat The Moorland fragmentation. Association Encourage and support Muirburn good The Heather Trust practice. Scottish Natural Heritage Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association

70 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

4 Showcase best Maintain species richness within the Scottish Natural Heritage Long practice land different upland zones (upper, middle and management lower). Cairngorms National techniques. Park Authority Identify areas where (a) grazing can be more intense to create a National Trust Scotland sward attractive to wintering and passage wildfowl and waders; River South Esk (b) areas suitable for lower grazing pressure Catchment Partnership to favour breeding waders and ensure Angus Council flowering and fruiting of key species. Perth & Kinross Council Reduce grazing pressure from deer and encourage lower levels of sheep grazing Landowners and Land where appropriate. Managers

Protect montane areas from inappropriate Royal Society for the development, disturbance and damage Protection of Birds (including recreation and development). British Trust for Establish a landscape-scale montane scrub Ornithology restoration project, taking account of designated sites and features. North East Green Network Promote demonstration sites and advice on good muirburn practices. Scotland's Rural College Encourage sympathetic management of Deer Management upland heath for wildlife, structural diversity Groups and rich lower plant communities.

5 Promote restoration Explore options for fencing to protect Cairngorms National Medium projects and species sensitive habitats from disturbance. Park Authority management programmes. Encourage collaborative sustainable flood Angus Council management projects at a catchment scale starting at the headwaters. Perth & Kinross Council Explore the setting up of a Green Habitat Scottish Natural Heritage Network to create stepping stones for key species. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Promote and develop new demonstration sites for the restoration of peatland - explore Tay Fisheries Board the opportunity to set up Bog Squad River South Esk projects to tackle ditch blocking and other Catchment Partnership tasks. Establish a landscape-scale peatland project, taking account of designated sites and features. Promote and support the creation and restoration of montane scrub in suitable areas.

71 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

6 Investigate and Promote spatial planning tools that help Forestry Commission support projects landowners to consider how best they can Scotland and policy which develop woodland in order to maximise Cairngorms National create more native benefits for wildlife through improving Park Authority habitat connectivity. woodland and Angus Council forest cover, where Promote the findings of the Native appropriate, in Woodland Survey of Scotland (Tayside area). Perth & Kinross Council Tayside. Support catchment led tree planting Scottish Natural Heritage initiatives that encourage natural flood Tayside Biodiversity management and mitigate against the Partnership impacts of climate change. River South Esk Revitalise and expand the areas of Woolly Catchment Partnership willow scrub.

7 Support land Promote Scottish wildcat-friendly forestry Scottish Natural Heritage management practice. Forestry Commission actions for wildcats Promote Scottish wildcat-friendly Scotland in the Angus Glens management on estates, farms and crofts. Angus Council from “the Scottish Ensure adequate protection for Scottish Wildcat Cairngorms National wildcats from development pressures by Park Authority Conservation Action increasing wildcat awareness amongst Plan” which will in developers and planning authorities to Perth & Kinross Council turn benefit a range ensure adequate survey and mitigation for National Farmers Union of native species. wildcats prior to approvals. Scotland Promote competency of ecological surveys Tayside Biodiversity for Scottish wildcat. Partnership River South Esk Catchment Partnership Scottish Wildlife Trust Scottish Land & Estates Scottish Gamekeepers' Association Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Landowners

8 Encourage Identify and promote “cross-boundary” John Muir Trust collaborative opportunities to join up paths and habitats Tayside Biodiversity regional working for between local authorities, Biodiversity Partnership green networks. Partnerships and other geographically based organisations. Scottish Natural Heritage In collaboration with partners, share and Angus Council promote good practice to other land users. Perth & Kinross Council Encourage or co-ordinate regional-scale Cairngorms National projects and surveys and advise on funding. Park Authority Highlight projects being developed and create Forestry Commission opportunities of scale, collaboration etc. Scotland River South Esk Catchment Partnership Landowners and land managers Scottish Environment Protection Agency North East Green Network 72 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

9 Investigate the Undertake survey to identify remnant areas John Muir Trust Long effects of climate of near-natural montane communities. Scottish Natural Heritage change on the Generate records of upland wildlife by Angus Council movement of facilitating biological surveys at sites around Perth & Kinross Council montane species upland Tayside. through regular Scottish Wildlife Trust Raise awareness of upland species and surveying and conservation amongst the wider Butterfly Conservation monitoring. community. Scotland Promote the CNPA as a key area for North East Scotland monitoring climate change impacts on Biological Records Centre montane habitats and species. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Cairngorms National Park Authority

10 Investigate mammal Investigate expanding the NESBReC Scottish Natural Heritage Long spatial and temporal Mammal Survey to Tayside. Scottish Wildlife Trust distribution patterns Promote the availability of data and Forestry Commission in Tayside (e.g. disseminate to relevant organisations. Scotland Scottish wildcat, Support ongoing projects such as Scottish Mountain hare, Pine North East Scotland Wildcat Action. marten and Water Biological Record Centre vole. Support the ANGUSalive Ranger Service in Mammal Trust ongoing surveys of Scottish wildcat, Pine Tayside Biodiversity marten and Water vole. Partnership Facilitate and support training for upland Tayside Recorders’ species survey techniques. Forum Community ANGUSalive Ranger Service Cairngorms National Park Authority River South Esk Catchment Partnership

11 Investigate upland Support the ‘What’s Up’ and Mountain Bird Royal Society for the bird spatial and surveys to increase biological recording in Protection of Birds temporal upland habitats to ascertain changes in land British Trust for distribution patterns use and climate change. Ornithology in Tayside.

12 Support Upland Bird Prepare Code of Practice leaflet; feature it on Royal Society for the Long populations and appropriate websites and create a poster for Protection of Birds encourage distribution. Angus & Dundee Bird appropriate site Review the existing nesting sites for Dotterel Group management. and advise on additional safeguarding of the Tayside Raptor Study sites, i.e. signage to reduce human and dog Group disturbance. British Trust for Create and expand montane and juniper scrub Ornithology to support Ring ouzel. Scottish Natural Heritage

73 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

13 Survey and monitor Collect annual survey data in upland areas. Butterfly Conservation Long threatened upland Scotland Analyse collected, verified data annually and butterfly and moth Tayside Biodiversity develop adaptive management strategy to populations. Partnership develop surveying and monitoring protocol. ANGUSalive Ranger Investigate the connectivity of upland Service populations. Landowners and land managers Community

14 Survey and monitor Collect annual survey data via Operation Royal Society for the Long breeding upland Countrywatch for upland species, e.g. Protection of Birds bird species. raptors, Black grouse, divers, etc. and bi- Angus Council annually within the Forest of Clunie SPA. Maintain a minimum level of human disturbance at breeding sites.

15 Prepare baseline Identify further survey effort required, Scottish Natural Heritage Long study of upland particularly looking at population Scottish & Southern Water vole. density etc. Electric Research data available in SSE Wind Farm Landowners and land Ecological Reports and prepare baseline managers map to show upland population extent. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Investigate potential impact of climate Cairngorms National change. Park Authority Consider conservation targets for the ANGUSalive Ranger species to ensure the survival of populations Service in Tayside in to the future.

16 Increase awareness Determine current status and distribution, Cairngorms National Long of upland species in and monitor populations of Mountain hare, Park Authority Tayside and Scottish wildcat and Pine Marten in Tayside. North East Scotland facilitate Biological Records Centre community Determine current status and distribution of Tayside Biodiversity participation in data upland birds. Partnership recording. Determine current status and distribution of Community upland butterflies and moths. Butterfly Conservation Promote Citizen Science websites where (Scotland) community sightings can be submitted to a British Trust for central database. Ornithology River South Esk Focus on awareness-raising through local Catchment Partnership and national press, specialist publications and events. ANGUSalive Ranger Service Develop web and social media used by local Royal Society for the communities and tourists e.g. VisitScotland, Protection of Birds CNPA, and Angus Ahead website. Tayside Raptor Study Group VisitScotland

74 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

17 Encourage school Highlight the Mountains & The People Cairngorms National Long age participation in project in the Cairngorms National Park Park Authority. projects relating to which brings together young people and Tayside Biodiversity montane and volunteers to train and address serious path Partnership upland heath issues. erosion issues. Angus Council

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Butterfly Conservation Scotland

Police Scotland (PAW)

Scottish Land & Estates

18 Promote local Maintain an up to date database of local Tayside Biodiversity Long recorders, clubs and recorders and specialist clubs on the TBP Partnership biodiversity open website. days. Tayside Recorders Forum Utilise the skills of local recorders and clubs to target specific projects. North East Scotland Biological Records Centre Encourage local open days and promote to the partnership’s extended network. Scottish Wildlife Trust Butterfly Conservation Scotland

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Land & Estates

75 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

19 Encourage Encourage projects that raise awareness on Cairngorms National Long responsible how best to tackle montane and upland heath Park Authority interactions when disturbance. Scottish Natural Heritage encountering Collect bi-annual survey data for breeding montane and wader populations. Angus Council upland heath in minimising Analyse collected data bi-annually and Perth & Kinross Council investigate any changes in trends. disturbance Tayside Biodiversity potential. Maintain a minimum level of human Partnership disturbance at breeding sites. Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association Scottish Land & Estates VisitScotland

20 Raise awareness of Report regularly to community planning Cairngorms National Long montane and thematic partnerships on project Park Authority upland heath to contributions to local and national Single Scottish Natural Heritage Local Authorities, Outcome Agreement objectives. Community Regularly provide biodiversity seminars and Angus Council Planning Partners workshops to local authority staff on and the wider relevant legislation and good practice. Perth & Kinross Council stakeholder Tayside Biodiversity network. Use social media and targeted websites to promote montane and upland issues to as Partnership wide an audience as possible. River South Esk Catchment Partnership

21 Hen Harrier Engage schools through a series of tailored Royal Society for the Short Education Project. outreach programmes. Protection of Birds

76 Invasive Non-Native Species

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

22 Reduce the direct Raise awareness of invasive non-native Angus Council Long pressures on species and demonstrate the impact that montane and can be achieved by control. Perth & Kinross Council upland heath Tayside Biodiversity biodiversity and Partnership ecosystem health from invasive non- Landowners native species, particularly River South Esk American mink. Catchment Partnership Scottish Mink Initiative

Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

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