Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ UNITED KINGDOM, THE CHANNEL ISLANDS AND THE ISLE OF MAN

IAN FISHER, DAVID GIBBONS, GUY THOMPSON AND DAVE PRITCHARD

Breeding colony of Guillemot Uria aalge and Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla on the Farne Islands (IBA 023). (PHOTO: PAUL GORIUP)

■ THE UNITED KINGDOM

GENERAL INTRODUCTION given the differences in selection criteria. Though IBA boundaries are often the same as SPA or Ramsar Site boundaries (where relevant), The United Kingdom comprises Great Britain (England, Scotland this is not always the case. Many of the 61 sites added since the 1992 and Wales) and Northern Ireland, covering over 244,000 km2. It is inventory qualify because they hold important populations of species a densely populated and industrialized country, with diverse of European conservation concern. Since some of these species are landscapes, over 85% of which are used for agriculture or forestry. not yet identified in legislation for special protection, the Maritime influences are important, and the climate is warmer and corresponding sites may have no designation status at all. wetter than at the same latitudes in central or eastern Europe. Separate overviews are presented for the Channel Islands (p. 815) The United Kingdom has 287 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) which and for the Isle of Man (p. 817); data for these sites are not included cover more than 31,000 km2, representing over 12% of its surface within this UK overview text or the accompanying tables and figures. area (Table 1, Map 1). Of these, 80 are in England (covering over 9,000 km2), 17 are in Northern Ireland (over 1,900 km2), 173 are in Scotland (over 18,000 km2) and 17 are in Wales (over 2,000 km2). ORNITHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE The 1989 inventory of IBAs in Europe (Grimmett and Jones 1989) identified 261 IBAs in the United Kingdom. Of these, 239 One hundred and two species of European conservation concern are represented here, some with boundary amendments and many (SPECs) regularly breed in the UK (Tucker and Heath 1994). Among as combined sites (for details see Table 1). Seventy-six IBAs have these, Crex crex is globally threatened, Haliaeetus albicilla is near- been newly identified since the 1989 inventory. threatened and Loxia scotica is endemic. Fifty of these SPECs have In 1992, an IBA inventory covering the UK, Channel Islands an unfavourable conservation status in Europe. Seven species classed and Isle of Man was published (Pritchard et al. 1992), a joint as SPECs on the basis of their winter populations occur during winter publication between the RSPB, the Joint Nature Conservation or on passage in the UK, and four of these have an unfavourable Committee and the Statutory Conservation Agencies: the conservation status in Europe. Countryside Council for Wales, English Nature and Scottish Natural Table 1 and Map 1 present the criteria by which each IBA qualifies. Heritage. The IBAs corresponded with the list of designated and A total of 147 IBAs in the UK qualify under one or more ‘A’ criteria; proposed Special Protection Areas and Ramsar Sites as published a further 82 qualify under B (but not A) criteria. Twenty-one sites in Hansard (17 July 1991 columns 203–208 and 219–224 and 18 July qualify because they contain important populations of a species of 1991 columns 256–257). This latest review is based on the 1992 global conservation concern (Table 2). inventory (itself based on that of 1989), with 232 of the 239 UK sites A high proportion of UK IBAs are important for wintering and in the 1992 inventory represented here in some way, either as passage waterbirds (Table 3). One hundred and forty-nine sites identical, merged, amended or split sites. Despite this, the IBAs regularly support over 20,000 wintering or passage waterbirds or documented here differ somewhat from the 1992 inventory, with more than 1% of the biogeographic or flyway population of a IBAs defined on their ornithological interest, irrespective of waterbird species (i.e. meeting criteria A4i, A4iii or B1i). The five (proposed) designation status (Table 1). This divergence is inevitable most important sites are The Wash (077), Ribble and Alt estuaries

715 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Map 1. Location, area and criteria category of Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom.

159 110 128 228 160 215 141 0 150 300 206 km 222 220 149 262 240 245 208 267 219 253 194 235 223 140 217 214 249 138 131 265 132 177 243 ATLANTIC 216 252 234 OCEAN 197 250 193 105 163 199 119 124 188 134 136 248 241 170 257 226 264 158 116 115 251 225 145 103 224 186 187 211 227 166 207 238 242 195 182 259 233 NORTH 107 181 SEA 218 129 109 190 255 202 185 176 112 212 183 156 125 111 127 270 263 121 102 98 122 209 167 168 247 154 180 118 155 189 231 266 260 203 150 114 146 232 126 106 200 236 192 204 Highest category of 104 113 108 130 criteria met by IBA 178 147 143 A (147 IBAs) 256 254 179 133 B (82 IBAs) 258 246 175 117 C (58 IBAs) 198 123 144 173 137 142 165 148 Area of IBA (ha) 172 237 7,430 to 233,300 164 153 139 230 157 37 1,926 to 7,429 171 268 169 161 23 352 to 1,925 100 205 135 221 152 244 213 162 30 1 to 351 229 50 196 99 284 210 15 283 151 239 120 174 278 277 184 272 273 101 261 48 286 269 282 191 201 71 279 281 280 80 287 271 ISLE 18 49 275 276 OF 36 24 285 MAN 25 274 38 44 62 31 32 IRISH SEA 57 97 39 96 91 86 75 34 REPUBLIC 89 41 53 OF IRELAND 81 77 47

11 88 58 45 27 85 9 10 51 43 6 87 83 16 67 66 92 2 76 1 29 82 35 90 93 42 94 84 7 95 63 73 68 13 72 59 40 74 55 65 22 60 78 4 19 70 46 56 5 14 3 21 20 26 12 52 8 28 54 ATLANTIC 17 64 OCEAN 69 FRANCE 79 ENGLISH CHANNEL 61 33

716 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Table 1. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom. 287 IBAs covering 31,241 km2 IBA National 1989 code code code International/National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 001 914A GB175 Abberton reservoir South East 726 A4iii, B1i, C3, C4, C6 002 911A GB172 Alde/Ore estuary East Anglia 2,416 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 003 1216A GB201 Arun valley South East 1,373 A4iii, C4, C6 004 — — Ashdown forest South East 3,207 C6 005 1109A GB192 Avon valley South East, South West 1,385 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 006 — — Benacre to Easton Bavents East Anglia 516 C6 007 917A GB179 Benfleet and Southend marshes South East 2,750 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 008 1014B GB182 Bodmin Moor South West 7,996 B1i, B2, C2, C6 009e 920A GB170 Breckland heaths and Thetford forest East Anglia 26,419 B2, C6 010p 925A — Breydon Water East Anglia 515 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C4, C6 011p 925A GB166–169 Broadland East Anglia 5,485 B1i, B2, C3, C6 012 1009A GB187 Chesil Beach and The Fleet South West 1,000 B1i, B2, C3, C6 013 1004A GB186 Chew valley lake South West 570 B1i, C3 014 1101A GB196 Chichester and Langstone Harbours South East 5,970 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 015 603A GB145 Coquet Island North 22 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 016 926A — Deben estuary East Anglia 981 C6 017p 1010A GB188, GB189 Dorset heaths and forests South West 10,288 B2, C6 018 503A GB134 Duddon estuary North 5,120 A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 019 1209A GB204 Dungeness to Pett Levels South East 9,080 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 020 1012A — East Devon heaths South West 1,370 C6 021 1008A GB183 Exe estuary South West 2,180 A4iii, B2, C4, C6 022 — — Exmoor coast and heaths South West 24,300 B2, B3, C6 023 602A GB143 Farne Islands North 101 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 024 610A GB155 Flamborough Head and Bempton cliffs Yorkshire and Humberside 315 A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C3, C4 025 515A GB138 Forest of Bowland North West 80,300 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C3, C4, C6 026 — — Frome flood-plain South West 2,700 B2, C6 027 927A — Great Yarmouth North Denes East Anglia 146 B1i, B2, C2, C6 028 — — Haldon South West 2,910 C6 029 913A GB174 Hamford Water South East 2,143 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 030 604A GB146 Holburn Lake and Moss North 28 B1i, C3 031 617A GB156 Hornsea Mere Yorkshire and Humberside 230 A4i, B1i, C3, C6 032 611A GB157, G237 Humber flats, marshes and coast Yorkshire and Humberside, 16,490 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 East Midlands 033 1006A GB180 Isles of Scilly coastal habitats South West 926 A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 034 — — Laughton forest East Midlands 1,170 C6 035 1211A GB197 Lea valley South East 2,550 B1i, C3, C6 036 509A GB137 Leighton Moss North West 128 C6 037 601A GB142 Lindisfarne North 3,679 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 038 609A GB154 Lower Derwent valley Yorkshire and Humberside 915 A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 039 511A GB140 Martin Mere North West 120 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 040 1203A GB207 Medway estuary and marshes South East 6,840 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 041 513A GB158 Mersey estuary North West 7,274 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 042 924A GB176–178 Mid-Essex coast South East 22,817 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 043 910A GB171 Minsmere–Walberswick East Anglia 2,190 B3, C6 044 508A GB135 Morecambe Bay North, North West 41,970 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 045 803A GB162 Nene Washes East Anglia 1,310 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 046 1103A GB193 The New Forest South East 41,410 B2, C6 047 903A GB165 North Norfolk coast East Anglia 7,700 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 048 627A GB147–150 North Pennine moors North 136,547 B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 049 616A GB152 North Yorkshire moors North, Yorkshire and Humberside 142,250 C6 050 613A GB144 Northumberland coast North 1,926 A4i, B1i, B2, C3, C6 051 804A GB163 Ouse Washes East Anglia 2,403 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 052 1204A GB202 Pagham Harbour South East 636 B1i, C3 053 702A GB159 Peak District moors Yorkshire and Humberside, 37,092 B1i, B3, C3, C6 East Midlands, West Midlands, North West 054p 1011A GB188 Poole Harbour South West 5,130 A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 055 1110A GB190 Porton Down South East, South West 2,160 C6 056 1105A — Portsmouth Harbour South East 1,249 C7 057 510A GB139 Ribble and Alt estuaries North West 15,934 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 058 805A GB161 Rutland Water East Midlands 1,556 A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 059 — — Salisbury Plain South East, South West 19,690 C6 060 1003A GB185 Somerset Levels and Moors South West 6,390 A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 061 — — South Cornwall coast South West 11,170 A4i, B1i, C2, C6 062 — — South Pennine moors Yorkshire and Humberside, 21,000 B3, C6 North West

717 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom. 287 IBAs covering 31,241 km2 IBA National 1989 code code code International/National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 063 1217A GB198 South-west London water-bodies South East 1,830 B1i, C3, C6 064 1106A GB194 Southampton Water and Solent marshes South East 6,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 065 1212A GB205 Stodmarsh South East 481 C6 066 912A GB173 Stour and Orwell estuary East Anglia, South East 3,379 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 067 — — Suffolk Sandlings and coastal forest East Anglia 3,890 C6 068 1201A GB208 The Swale South East 6,514 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C3, C4, C6 069 1014A GB181 Tamar complex South West 2,380 B2, C6 070 1005A GB184 Taw and Torridge estuary South West 1,750 C7 071 606A GB151 Teesmouth and Cleveland coast North 1,300 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 072e 1214A GB199 Thames basin heathlands South East 9,150 B2, C6 073e 1202A GB206 Thames estuary and marshes South East 12,030 A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 074e 1207A GB209 Thanet coast and Sandwich Bay South East 2,560 A4i, B1i, C3 075 517A GB141 Thorne and Hatfield Moors Yorkshire and Humberside 3,320 C6 076 705A GB160 Walmore Common South West 90 B2, C6 077 802A GB164 The Wash East Midlands, East Anglia 67,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 078 1213A GB195, GB200 Wealden heaths South East 5,062 B2, C6 079 — — West Penwith coast and moors South West 3,390 B2, C6 080 621A GB153 Yorkshire Dale moorlands North, Yorkshire and Humberside 16,430 B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 081 1311A GB211 Berwyn Wales 24,187 B2, C6 082 1501A GB222 Burry Inlet Wales 6,600 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 083 — — Cardigan Island Wales 15 A4i, B1i, B3, C3 084 1409A GB221, GB240 Carmarthen Bay Wales 44,582 A4iii, B2, C4, C6 085 1401A GB216 Cors Fochno and Dyfi Wales 3,792 C6 086 1301A GB210 Dee estuary North West, Wales 16,688 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 087 1411A GB217 Elenydd–Mallaen Wales 30,022 B3, C6 088 1312A GB215 Glannau Aberdaron and Ynys Enlli Wales 505 A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3, C6 089 1310A GB214 Glannau Ynys Gybi Wales 352 B2, C6 090 1404A GB220 Grassholm Wales 10 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, C3, C4 091 — — North Wales coast Wales 13,660 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 092 1406A GB218 Pembrokeshire cliffs Wales 2,360 B2, B3, C6 093 1502A GB224 Severn estuary South West, Wales 59,950 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 094 1405A GB219 Skokholm and Skomer Wales 422 A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 095 1503A GB223 Swansea Bay–Blackpill Wales 490 C7 096 1303A GB212, GB239 Traeth Lafan, Conwy Bay Wales 2,700 B1i, C3 097 1306A GB213 Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay and The Skerries Wales 85 B1i, B2, C2, C6 098 256A GB081 Abernethy forest Scotland 5,800 A1, B1i, B2, C1, C3, C6 099 309A GB103 Ailsa Craig Scotland 100 A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C3, C4 100 — — Airds Moss and Muirkirk uplands Scotland 19,800 B2, C6 101 — — Almorness Point and Hestan Island Scotland 73 B3 102 254A GB084 Alvie Scotland 340 C7 103p 159A GB024 Assynt lochs Scotland 10,700 C6 104 285A — Atholl/Glen Tilt Scotland 6,166 C6 105 — — Auskerry Scotland 90 A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6 106 — — Ballochbuie forest Scotland 2,031 A1, B2, C1, C6 107 163A — Beinn Dearg Scotland 13,715 C7 108 255A — Ben Alder Scotland 6,548 C6 109 164A — Ben Wyvis Scotland 5,500 C6 110 272A GB038 Blackpark and Gutcher, Yell Scotland 1,050 C7 111 — — Bluemill Scotland 260 B2 112e 249B GB072 Buchan Ness to Collieston coast Scotland 208 A4iii, B3, C4 113 401A GB110 Caenlochan Scotland 6,600 C6 114 224A GB080 Cairngorms Scotland 49,113 A1, B2, C1, C2, C6 115 118A GB019 Caithness cliffs Scotland 1,053 A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4 116 117A GB020 Caithness lochs Scotland 3,016 A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3, C6 117 413A GB123 Cameron reservoir Scotland 68 A4i, B1i, C3 118 — — Canna and Sanday Scotland 1,356 A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3 119 123A GB022 Cape Wrath Scotland 1,010 A4iii, B3, C4 120 319A GB107 Castle Loch, Lochmaben Scotland 107 A4i, B1i, C3 121 156A GB031 Central Highland hills and glens Scotland 230,248 A1, B2, C1, C6 122 — — Coilacriech Scotland 390 A1, B2, C1 123e 317A GB089 Colonsay and Oronsay Scotland 5,086 A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C4, C6 124 215A GB065 Copinsay Scotland 152 A4iii, B3, C4 125 — — Correen Hills Scotland 266 A4i, B1i, B2, C3 126 261A — Creag Meagaidh Scotland 6,986 C6 127 — — Cromdale Hills Scotland 7,060 C6

718 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom. 287 IBAs covering 31,241 km2 IBA National 1989 code code code International/National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 128 235A GB036 Crussa Field and the Heogs Scotland 470 C7 129 — — Cuillin Hills, Skye Scotland 29,300 B2, C6 130 230A GB118 Drumochter Hills Scotland 9,445 C6 131 233A GB049 East Sanday Scotland 1,515 A4i, B1i, B2, C3, C6 132 243A GB054 Eday Scotland 930 A4iii, B3, C4 133 414A GB122 Eden estuary, Tentsmuir Point and Abertay sands Scotland 3,000 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C4, C6 134 — — Eilean Hoan Scotland 30 B1i, B2, C2, C6 135 305D GB096 Eilean na Muice Duibh, Islay Scotland 574 B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 136 — — Eilean nan Ron Scotland 180 B1i, C2 137e 302A GB104 Endrick Mouth and Loch Lomond Islands Scotland 820 C6 138 209A GB046 Fair Isle Scotland 561 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 139 424A GB127 Fala Flow Scotland 318 A4i, B1i, C3 140 — — Faray and Holm of Faray Scotland 80 B2, B3 141 203A GB037 Fetlar Scotland 2,450 A4iii, C4, C6 142 441A GB124 Firth of Forth Scotland 43,301 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 143 412A GB121 Firth of Tay Scotland 6,100 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 144 419A GB120 Flanders Moss and Lake of Menteith Scotland 1,170 B1i, C3 145 102A GB002 Flannan Isles Scotland 59 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C4, C6 146 — — Forest of Birse Scotland 850 A1, B2, C1 147 — — Forest of Clunie Scotland 12,050 B2, C6 148 417A GB125 Forth Islands Scotland 132 A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 149 206A GB042 Foula Scotland 1,323 A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 150 227A GB075 Fowlsheugh Scotland 10 A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 151 — — Galloway Forest Park Scotland 76,000 B2, C6 152 — — Gigha Island and islets Scotland 442 B1ii, B2 153 423A GB126 Gladhouse reservoir Scotland 187 A4i, B1i, C3 154 277A GB078 Glen Tanar Scotland 4,180 A1, B2, C1, C6 155 165A — Glengarry lochs Scotland 53,500 C6 156 — — Grantown-on-Spey Scotland 520 A1, B2, C1, C2 157 428A GB131 Greenlaw Moor and Hule Moss Scotland 1,200 A4i, B1i, C3 158 124A GB023 Handa Scotland 363 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 159 201A GB035 Hermaness and Saxa Vord, Unst Scotland 2,654 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, C3, C4 160 284A — Hill of Colvadale and Sobul Scotland 1,600 C7 161 — — Horse Island Scotland 20 B3 162 429A GB130 Hoselaw Loch Scotland 50 B1i, C3 163 214A GB062 Hoy Scotland 11,170 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 164 — — Inchinnan, Renfrew Scotland 1,030 B1i, B3, C2, C6 165 306A GB105 Inner Clyde estuary Scotland 1,670 B1i, C3 166p 151A GB024 Inverpolly, Loch Urigill and nearby lochs Scotland 27,880 C6 167 258A GB082 Kinveachy Scotland 5,250 A1, B2, C1, C6 168 — — Ladder hills Scotland 4,420 C6 169 305C GB095 Laggan, Islay Scotland 1,230 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 170 157A GB016 Lewis peatlands Scotland 64,000 B1i, B2, B3, C3, C6 171 — — Little Cumbrae Island Scotland 300 A4i, B1i, B3, C3 172 305A GB093 Loch Gruinart, Islay Scotland 3,261 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 173 305B GB094 Loch Indaal and Bridgend flats, Islay Scotland 3,750 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 174 311A GB109 Loch Ken and Dee marshes Scotland 1,090 B1i, C2, C3 175 411A GB117 Loch Leven Scotland 1,870 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C3, C4 176e 153A GB027 Loch Maree and nearby lochs and mountains Scotland 68,611 B2, C6 177e 271A GB244 Loch of Isbister Scotland 140 C7 178 405A GB233 Loch of Kinnordy Scotland 85 A4i, B1i, C3 179 406A GB112 Loch of Lintrathen Scotland 189 A4i, B1i, C3 180 226A GB074 Loch of Skene Scotland 124 A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3, C6 181 221A GB071 Loch of Strathbeg Scotland 913 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 182 274A GB068 Loch Oire Scotland 8 C6 183 155A GB032 Loch Ruthven and nearby lochs Scotland 5,490 C6 184 — — Loch Ryan Scotland 4,240 B2 185e 150A GB018 Loch Scadavay Scotland 5,564 B2, C2, C6 186 161A — Loch Shin and nearby lochs Scotland 48,500 A1, B1i, B2, C1, C3, C6 187 220A GB067 Loch Spynie Scotland 93 A4i, B1i, C3 188 160A — Loch Stack, Loch nam Brac and nearby lochs Scotland 10,410 C6 189 166A — Loch Tarff and nearby lochs Scotland 1,330 C6 190 275A GB083 Loch Vaa Scotland 45 A1, B2, C1, C6 191 312A GB106 Lochinch and Torrs Warren Scotland 4,710 B1i, C2, C3 192 228A GB079 Lochnagar Scotland 4,427 C6

719 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom. 287 IBAs covering 31,241 km2 IBA National 1989 code code code International/National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 193 213A GB060 Lochs of Harray and Stenness Scotland 1,930 B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 194e 265A GB045 Lochs of Spiggie and Brow Scotland 145 B3, C7 195 — — Lower Findhorn valley Scotland 4,280 B2, C6 196p 308A GB099 Machrihanish Scotland 2,520 B1i, C2, C3, C6 197 212A GB057 Marwick Head Scotland 9 A4iii, B1ii, C3, C4 198 — — Mid-Mull hills and glens Scotland 44,800 B2, C6 199 267A GB056 Mill Dam, Shapinsay Scotland 16 C7 200 112A GB015 Mingulay and Berneray Scotland 911 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 201 — — Mochrum and Castle Lochs Scotland 460 B1i, C3 202 107A GB007 Monach Islands Scotland 595 B1i, B1ii, B2, C2, C3 203 253A GB231 Monadhliath Scotland 10,696 C6 204 403A GB111 Montrose basin Scotland 984 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C3, C4 205 — — Moorfoot Hills Scotland 9,220 B3 206 280A — Moorland areas, Central Shetland Scotland 2,790 C7 207 162A GB028–030, Moray basin, firths and bays Scotland 134,660 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 GB033, GB034, GB066 208 236A GB044 Mousa Scotland 200 A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6 209 279A GB076 Muir of Dinnet Scotland 2,280 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C1, C3, C4, C6 210 — — Newcastleton Hills Scotland 7,679 C6 211 157B GB017 North Harris mountains Scotland 18,570 B2, C6 212 167A — North Inverness lochs Scotland 11,270 C6 213 — — North Lowther Hills Scotland 25,880 B2, C6 214 231B GB058 North Mainland coast Scotland 420 C7 215 204A GB040 North Roe and Tingon, Mainland Shetland Scotland 7,560 A4ii, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 216 101A GB001 North Rona and Sula Sgeir Scotland 130 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, C3, C4, C6 217 241A GB048 North Ronaldsay coast Scotland 220 C7 218p — GB005, GB008, North Uist machair and islands Scotland 6,900 A1, B1i, B2, C1, C2, C3, C6 GB009, GB241 219 — — North Westray coast Scotland 140 B1ii, B2, C2, C6 220 208A GB043 Noss Scotland 343 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, C3, C4 221 305H GB097 The Oa: Islay Scotland 4,380 B1i, C2, C3, C6 222 205A GB041 Papa Stour Scotland 590 C6 223 211A GB051 Papa Westray (North Hill and Holm) Scotland 245 B1ii, B2, C2, C6 224 — — Park, Lewis Scotland 16,220 B2, C6 225 115 GB021 Peatlands Scotland 140,570 B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 226 113A GB064 Pentland Firth Islands Scotland 270 A4iii, B3, C2, C4, C6 227 126A GB026 Priest Island Scotland 138 B2, C2 228 202A GB039 Ramna Stacks and Gruney Scotland 11 C6 229 307A GB098 Rhunahaorine Point Scotland 326 B1i, C2, C3 230 305G GB090–092 Rinns, Islay Scotland 12,084 A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 231 223A GB085 River Spey – Insh marshes Scotland 1,540 A1, B1i, B2, B3, C1, C3 232e — GB086 Rois-Bheinn Scotland 20,600 B2, C6 233e 268A GB070 Rosehearty to Fraserburgh coast Scotland 130 C7 234 — — Rothiesholm peninsula, Stronsay Scotland 310 B3 235 237A GB055 Rousay (Part) Scotland 2,310 C6 236 134A GB025 Rum Scotland 10,794 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, C3, C4 237 427A GB132 St Abbs Head to Fast Castle Scotland 247 A4iii, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 238 103A GB003 St Kilda Scotland 865 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 239 318A GB100 Sanda Island Scotland 210 B3 240 — — Sandwick and Clift Hills Scotland 2,100 A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 241 — — Scapa Flow Scotland 26,140 A4i, B1i, B1ii, B2, C2, C3, C6 242 104A GB004 Shiant Isles Scotland 212 A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4 243 — — Sounds around Wyre Scotland 4,800 A4i, B1i, C2, C6 244 — — South Arran Scotland 19,000 B2, C6 245 — — South Bressay Scotland 1,600 A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 246 440A GB114–116 South Tayside goose roosts Scotland 331 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 247 108A GB010–013 South Uist machair and lochs Scotland 8,900 A1, A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, C6 248 — — South Walls and Switha Scotland 260 B1i, B2, C2 249 232A GB053 South Westray coast Scotland 530 C7 250 242A GB050 South-eastern Stronsay Scotland 110 B2 251 — — Stornoway to Back, Lewis Scotland 2,130 A1, B2, C1 252 218A GB063 Sule Skerry and Sule Stack Scotland 19 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 253 251A GB047 Sumburgh Head Scotland 39 C7 254 407A GB113 Tay–Isla valley Scotland 760 A4i, B1i, B2, C3, C6

720 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Table 1 ... continued. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom. 287 IBAs covering 31,241 km2 IBA National 1989 code code code International/National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11) 255 — — Tips of Corsemaul and Mortlach Scotland 310 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 256 303A GB087 Tiree and Coll Scotland 16,510 A1, A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, C6 257 — — Tolsta Head, Lewis Scotland 150 B3 258 304A GB088 Treshnish Isles Scotland 240 A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C2, C4, C6 259 247A GB069 Troup, Pennan and Lion Heads Scotland 320 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 260 — — Upper Deeside plantations Scotland 1,010 A1, B2, C1 261 501A GB133 Upper Solway flats and marshes North, Scotland 45,240 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 262 283A — West Burrafirth Scotland 3,910 C6 263 — — West Coast of Benbecula Scotland 233,300 A1, B2, C1, C2, C6 264 — — West Coast, Lewis Scotland 2,230 A1, B2, C1, C6 265 231A, GB059, GB061 West Mainland moors Scotland 7,430 B2, C6 270A 266 111A GB014 West Sound of Barra Scotland 1,310 A1, B1i, B2, C1, C2 267 210A GB052 West Westray Scotland 350 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, C3, C4, C6 268 425A GB128 Westwater Scotland 50 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 269 316A GB108 Wigtown Bay Scotland 3,470 A4i, B1i, B2, C3 270 222A GB073 Ythan estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Scotland 1,040 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 271 2012A GB256 Annaghroe, River Blackwater Northern Ireland 440 C6 272 — — Antrim plateau Northern Ireland 71,100 B2, C6 273 2010A GB249 Belfast Lough Northern Ireland 11,700 A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 274 2016A GB254 Carlingford Lough including Green Island Northern Ireland 4,660 B1i, B2, C3, C6 275 2014A GB253 Dundrum Inner Bay Northern Ireland 500 B1i, C3 276 2015A GB251 Killough Harbour and Coney Island Bay Northern Ireland 240 B1i, C3 277 2004A GB248 Larne Lough and Swan/Blue Circle Islands Northern Ireland 1,160 B1i, B2, C3, C6 278e 2003A GB245 Lough Foyle and River Foyle Northern Ireland 21,803 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 279 2009A GB257 Lough Neagh and Lough Beg Northern Ireland 50,165 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 280 2008A GB260 Lower Lough Macnean Northern Ireland 510 C6 281 2017A GB250 Outer Ards peninsula Northern Ireland 1,016 A4i, B1i, C3, C6 282 2005A GB261 Pettigoe plateau Northern Ireland 2,700 C6 283 2001A GB247 Rathlin Island Northern Ireland 1,500 A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 284 2002A GB246 Sheep Island Northern Ireland 4 C7 285 — — South Down coast Northern Ireland 437 A4i, B1i, C3 286 2011A GB252 Strangford Lough and islands Northern Ireland 15,580 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 287 2007A GB259 Upper Lough Erne Northern Ireland 9,110 A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 e Area of IBA has been considerably extended since 1989/1992 IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989; Pritchard et al. 1992). p Area of IBA has been considerably reduced since 1989/1992 IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989; Pritchard et al. 1992). Sites identified in the first inventory of IBAs in Europe (Grimmett and Jones 1989) but no longer considered to be IBAs GB006 Loch an Duin; GB077 St Cyrus; GB101 North end of Bute; GB102 North Arran Mountains; GB119 Ben Dubhchraig; GB136 Shap Fells; GB191 Windsor Forest and Great Park; GB203 Pevensey levels; GB225 Clett Stacks; GB227 Inchnadamph; GB228 Isay; GB229 North Sutor of Cromarty; GB230 Black Isle sites; GB232 Forfar, Rescobie and Balgavies Lochs; GB234 Loch Mahaick; GB235 Haughs of Clyde; GB236 Loch Lyoch and Cleuch reservoirs; GB238 Great and Little Orme; GB242 Slapton Ley; GB243 Christchurch Harbour; GB255 Sandy Island including Gun’s Island; GB258 Lower Lough Erne. Site identified in the inventory of IBAs in the UK (Pritchard et al. 1992) but no longer considered to be an IBA 523A North of England montane sites.

(057), Mid-Essex coast (042), Morecambe Bay (044), and Humber One hundred and eighty-seven IBAs qualify on the basis of flats, marshes and coast (032). supporting an important population of one or more SPECs (criteria Because of its extensive Atlantic coastline, the UK has many large B2 and B3). Many of these sites also qualify under other criteria. breeding seabird colonies. Forty-six sites regularly hold over 10,000 Species for which B2/B3 are the only qualifying criteria at the A/B- pairs of breeding seabirds or more than 1% of the global or distinct level include breeding Gavia stellata, Milvus milvus, Circus cyaneus, population of a seabird species (i.e. meeting criteria A4ii, A4iii, or Aquila chrysaetos, Pandion haliaetus, Falco peregrinus, Tetrao tetrix, B1ii). The five most important such sites are St Kilda (238), Skokholm Larus marinus, Asio flammeus, Caprimulgus europaeus, Picus viridis, and Skomer (094), Caithness cliffs (115), Foula (149) and Shiant Isles Saxicola rubetra, Saxicola torquata, Turdus torquatus and (242). Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, and wintering Melanitta fusca. Table 4 Twenty sites regularly hold over 10,000 pairs of breeding waterbirds shows SPECs and those species listed on Annex I of the EC Birds (including gulls and terns), the five most important being Flamborough Directive with significant breeding populations at IBAs in the UK, Head and Bempton cliffs (024), Fowlsheugh (150), Caithness cliffs i.e. those species meeting criteria B2/B3 or C6, and the proportion (115), Troup, Pennan and Lion Heads (259) and Forth Islands (148). of the national population breeding at IBAs. Two sites qualify under A4i for non-breeding assemblages of gulls: The United Kingdom is a member state of the European Union, Loch of Skene (180) for Larus canus and Hornsea Mere (031) for so sites can additionally qualify under C criteria. Nearly all 287 Larus minutus. sites in the UK qualify under one or more C criteria, though only 58 under C criteria alone (41 mainly under C6, 17 under C7). Species Table 2. Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom that are which qualify at one or more sites under the C criteria (again mainly important for species of global conservation concern (meeting C6) alone are: Gavia arctica, Botaurus stellaris, Mergus albellus criterion A1). (winter only), Pernis apivorus, Circus aeruginosus, Circus pygargus, Falco columbarius, Tetrao urogallus, Porzana porzana, Grus grus, Species IBA code Burhinus oedicnemus, Charadrius morinellus, Philomachus pugnax Crex crex Corncrake 218, 247, 251, 256, 263, 264, 266 (mainly in winter), Tringa glareola, Phalaropus lobatus, Larus Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill 098, 106, 114, 121, 122, 146, 154, 156, 167, 186, melanocephalus, Sterna hirundo, Sterna paradisaea, Lullula arborea 190, 209, 231, 260 and Sylvia undata.

721 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Table 3. Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom that support important numbers of one or more congregatory species (i.e. meeting criteria A4 and/or B1). IBAs meeting both criteria A4 and B1 for the species are shown in bold. IBAs meeting only criterion B1 for the species concerned, and not A4, are shown in normal type. For key to ‘Season’, see p. 7). Species Season IBA code Species Season IBA code Gavia immer Great Northern Diver W 061, 241, 243 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 008, 032, 042 Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe W 061, 207, 241 P 032 Fulmarus glacialis Fulmar B 149, 238 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 007, 014, 029, 040, 042, 044, 057, 066, 068, Puffinus puffinus Manx Shearwater B 088, 094, 236 077, 086 Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 094, 105, 145, 208, 252, 258 P 014, 029, 032, 040, 042, 044, 057, 068, 077 Oceanodroma leucorhoa B 145, 238 Calidris canutus Knot W 007, 018, 032, 042, 044, 047, 057, 068, 071, Leach’s Petrel 077, 086, 142, 207, 261, 286 Sula bassana Gannet B 090, 099, 148, 159, 216, 220, 238, 252 P 018, 032, 042, 044, 057, 077, 086, 261 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant R 001, 201 Calidris alba Sanderling W 057 B 096, 148 P 032, 044, 057, 077 Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 023, 033, 115, 118, 138, 148, 149, 242 Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper W 050, 131 W 241 P 131 Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 005, 010, 019, 039, 045, 051, 057, 093, 279 Calidris alpina Dunlin R 048, 218, 247 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 039, 051, 164, 180, 193, 207, 247, B 053, 080, 170, 225 278, 279, 287 W 014, 032, 040, 041, 042, 044, 057, 066, 077, Anser brachyrhynchus W 039, 047, 057, 077, 117, 120, 139, 142, 144, 086, 093, 261 Pink-footed Goose 153, 157, 175, 178, 181, 204, 246, 261, 268, P 014, 032, 040, 042, 044, 057, 077 269, 270 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 014, 029, 042, 051, 054, 057, 064, 066, 068, Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 116, 135, 169, 172, 174, 191, 196, 221, 229, 086 230, 256 P 014, 029, 040, 042, 051, 054, 057, 066, 068, Anser anser Greylag Goose R 186, 225, 247, 256 077, 086 W 011, 030, 037, 098, 116, 162, 179, 180, 181, Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 014, 032, 037, 042, 044, 047, 057, 077, 133, 187, 191, 193, 207, 209, 218, 231, 246, 254, 142, 143, 207, 261, 278 256 P 014, 037, 042, 057, 077, 142, 207, 261 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 123, 134, 135, 136, 169, 172, 173, 181, 202, Numenius arquata Curlew W 042, 044, 077, 086, 093, 207, 261 218, 230, 242, 248, 256, 258, 261, 266 P 042, 044, 077, 086, 207, 261 Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 007, 012, 014, 029, 037, 040, 042, 047, 052, Tringa totanus Redshank R 025, 042, 077, 247 064, 077, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 281, 286 W 002, 014, 018, 032, 040, 041, 042, 044, 057, Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 032, 040, 041, 042, 044, 057, 066, 077, 086, 066, 068, 073, 077, 086, 093, 142, 165, 204, 093, 142 207, 261, 273, 286 Anas penelope Wigeon W 047, 051, 057, 207 P 014, 018, 032, 040, 041, 042, 044, 057, 066, Anas strepera Gadwall R 051 073, 077, 086, 093, 142, 204, 207, 261, 273, W 001, 005, 031, 035, 051, 058, 063 286 Anas crecca Teal W 001, 029, 038, 041, 042, 057, 060, 086, 207 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 033, 042, 044, 050, 057, 066, 074, 077, 131, Anas acuta Pintail W 018, 039, 040, 041, 044, 045, 047, 051, 057, 142, 247, 256, 273, 281, 285 066, 068, 077, 082, 086, 093, 261 P 040, 042, 044, 050, 066, 071, 074, 077, 131, Anas clypeata Shoveler W 001, 013, 019, 051, 058, 063, 068, 175 273 Aythya ferina Pochard W 279 Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 149, 159, 163, 215, 220, 238, 240, 245 Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck W 279 Larus minutus Little Gull N 031 Aythya marila Scaup W 279 Larus canus Common Gull B 125, 255 Melanitta nigra Common Scoter W 091 N 180 Bucephala clangula Goldeneye W 279 Larus fuscus B 002, 023, 025, 033, 044, 057, 083, 093, 094, Mergus serrator W 207 Lesser Black-backed Gull 099, 148, 171, 261 Red-breasted Merganser Larus argentatus Herring Gull B 044, 115, 148, 150 Haematopus ostralegus R 218, 247 Rissa tridactyla Kittiwake B 024, 115, 150, 259, 267 Oystercatcher W 042, 044, 057, 077, 082, 086, 207, 261 Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 015, 023, 047, 097, 270, 286 P 042, 044, 057, 077, 082, 086, 207, 261 Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern B 015, 148 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 002 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 027, 047 P 002 Uria aalge Guillemot B 024, 115, 138, 148, 149, 150, 158, 197, 200, Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover R 047, 218, 247 216, 220, 237, 259, 267, 283 W 014, 029, 040, 042, 064, 066, 131, 207, 218, Alca torda Razorbill B 024, 115, 150, 158, 200, 242, 283 247, 256, 281, 285 Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 115, 152, 159, 202, 219, 223, 241 P 007, 014, 018, 029, 032, 040, 042, 044, 047, Fratercula arctica Puffin B 015, 023, 138, 148, 149, 159, 238, 242, 252 057, 064, 066, 068, 073, 074, 077, 086, 093, 207, 261

No sites in the UK qualified under the A2, A3, A4iv, B1iii, B1iv with humid grasslands. Over 40% have some rocky areas, a significant or C5 criteria. One site which might have qualified under B1iii (a number of these being coastal cliffs (Figure 1). large Riparia riparia colony) was recently destroyed. It was not Estuaries provide some of the most important habitats at IBAs, considered appropriate for A2 to be applied to Loxia scotica. such as mud- and sandflats, saltmarshes, grazing marshes and dune systems. Almost two million waders and wildfowl winter on UK estuaries or use them as stop-over sites on migration. In total, 59 HABITATS IBAs are estuarine or non-estuarine coastal areas (such as rocky shores). Three of these sites are more than 50,000 ha in extent The UK’s unusual variations in geology and climate have produced (Moray basin, firths and bays 207; The Wash 077; and Severn a wide diversity of habitats in a restricted area, with natural and estuary 093), while 13 more are over 10,000 ha. semi-natural biological features of outstanding interest. At a broad In addition to estuarine wetlands, 63 sites encompass important scale, 80% of IBAs contain some wetland habitat, many of these inland wetlands. These include open water, river and stream being estuarine and coastal. Almost half contain heathland or systems, and flood-plains. Their ornithological importance includes moorland habitats, while over 65% have grassland habitats, 19% breeding divers and grebes, and wintering and breeding waterfowl.

722 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Table 4. Species of European conservation concern and species Figure 1. Occurrence of habitats at Important Bird Areas in the listed on Annex I of the EC Birds Directive with significant United Kingdom (see Appendix 3 for definitions of habitats). breeding populations at IBAs in the United Kingdom (meeting any IBA criteria). Wetland Minimum Proportion (%) of national breeding national population Grassland population breeding at all IBAs in Scrub Species 1 (pairs) 2 the United Kingdom Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver 935 53 Rocky areas Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver 155 70 Forest and woodland Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe 70 41 Puffinus puffinus Manx Shearwater 220,000 33 Artificial landscape Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel 20,000 1003 Marine areas Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach’s Petrel 10,000 33 Introduced/exotic Sula bassana Gannet 201,000 87 vegetation Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag 37,500 49 03010 204050 60 70 80 90 Botaurus stellaris Bittern 12 1003 Percentage of IBAs (100% = 287 sites) Anas strepera Gadwall 790 43 Anas acuta Pintail 8 1003 These sites include several extensive upland loch systems and their Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard 4 50 catchments. The largest freshwater body in the UK, Lough Neagh Milvus milvus Red Kite 160 13 (279), is in Northern Ireland. Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier 157 52 Forty-eight UK IBAs contain extensive components of upland Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier 670 29 moorland or grassland, important for upland breeding birds. The Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier 7 43 largest of these is Central Highland hills and glens (121), a massive Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle 422 31 area of over 230,000 ha, particularly important for breeding birds of Pandion haliaetus Osprey 99 12 prey and waders. Falco columbarius Merlin 1,330 39 Seventy sites support important rock and cliff habitats for breeding Falco peregrinus Peregrine 1,285 20 seabirds, gulls and terns. Many of these are islands, the largest being Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse 6,510 13 Tiree and Coll (256); Hoy (163); and Rum (236). Long stretches of coastal cliff include Pembrokeshire cliffs (092); Caithness cliffs (115); Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie 1,100 22 and Flamborough Head and Bempton cliffs (024). Porzana porzana Spotted Crake 1 1003 Peatland habitat is of exceptional importance in the UK, with Crex crex Corncrake 640 71 The Peatlands (225) in Caithness and Sutherland being one of the Grus grus Crane 3 100 world’s most outstanding examples of this ecosystem. Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet 450 1003 A further 33 sites encompass important areas of lowland Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew 210 39 heathland, the largest of these being The New Forest (046); Breckland Charadrius morinellus Dotterel 840 49 heaths and Thetford forest (009); Exmoor coast and heaths (022); Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover 22,600 44 and Salisbury Plain (059). 3 Philomachus pugnax Ruff 2 100 Two further habitats are of particular importance and are very Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel 530 66 characteristic of the UK. The machairs of the Hebrides support most Tringa totanus Redshank 32,000 17 of the UK’s remnant breeding population of Crex crex and are very Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper 1 1003 important for breeding waders. Remnant Caledonian pine forests, Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope 36 81 such as those found at Abernethy forest (098), are important for Stercorarius skua Great Skua 8,500 85 Tetrao tetrix, Tetrao urogallus and the endemic Loxia scotica. Larus melanocephalus Mediterranean Gull 13 1003 Larus canus Common Gull 68,500 25 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull 85,000 1003 IMPACTS ON IBAs – LAND-USE AND THREATS Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull 20,000 43 Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern 17,000 70 Figure 2 shows the most common forms of land-use on IBAs in the Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern 72 1003 UK. Although the degree of intensity of use is difficult to determine Sterna hirundo Common Tern 14,000 51 on many sites, agricultural operations are undertaken on 58% of them. Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern 44,000 53 Tourism and recreation directly affect 34% of IBAs. The next most Sterna albifrons Little Tern 2,400 71 frequent forms of land-use are forestry, hunting and fisheries/ Alca torda Razorbill 107,000 94 aquaculture, each of which occur on 16–18% of IBAs, with many Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot 18,500 24 IBAs being used for more than one activity. A third of UK IBAs have Fratercula arctica Puffin 451,500 95 some part of their area devoted to nature conservation and research. Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl 1,000 14 Figure 3 shows the key threats to and impacts on IBAs. Forty-six Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar 3,400 66 percent of sites are affected by recreation and tourism, mostly at Picus viridis Green Woodpecker 15,000 1 moderate levels, while 38% are threatened by industrial, urban or Lullula arborea Woodlark 600 74 infrastructure developments (7% highly threatened). Thirty-one Saxicola rubetra Whinchat 14,000 3 percent are under threat from agricultural intensification, mostly at Saxicola torquata Stonechat 9,000 20 moderate levels. Other common threats are those posed through water Turdus torquatus Ring Ouzel 5,500 3 management (drainage, filling of wetlands, groundwater abstraction, dredging and canalization, and construction of dykes and dams), Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler 1,600 1003 affecting 32% of sites (5% high), aquaculture and fisheries (25% of Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough 342 32 sites), and the minerals extraction industry (26% of sites). Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill 300 234 Seventeen percent of sites are under threat from ‘natural’ events, 1. Only those species of European conservation concern (see Box 1, p. 12) that meet IBA criteria most of these related to sea-level rise around coastal areas. This in the United Kingdom are listed, together with those species listed on Annex I of the EC Birds Directive that fulfil criterion C6 in IBAs in the United Kingdom. major threat to a large number of estuarine and low-lying coastal 2. Data are taken from the BirdLife/EBCC European Bird Database 1998 (Heath and Borggreve 2000). areas has two detrimental effects: flooding and erosion of areas, 3. The percentage of the national population in IBAs exceeds 100%. Usually this is because the and the destruction of habitats and disturbance to wildlife caused national population estimate has not been updated recently whilst the IBA population estimate has been recently updated with new data as a result of comprehensive surveys of IBAs themselves. by developments to ameliorate the effects of sea-level rise, such as Also, the individual site count for a species may be the maximum or average over recent years, and sea defences. summing these may record more birds than are present nationally in any single year. One hundred and nine IBAs (38%) have at least one high-impact 4. This is an absolute minimum as most of the population size is unknown. threat, a further 119 (41%) at least one medium-impact threat, and

723 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Figure 2. Occurrence of land-uses at Important Bird Areas in the are notified on the basis of biological, geological or physiographical United Kingdom (see Appendix 3 for definitions of land-uses). interest, under section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Special consultation arrangements apply to land-use operations on these sites and, generally speaking, adequate protection depends Agriculture on voluntary cooperation by owners and occupiers. Nature conservation/research 2. Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) Tourism/recreation ASSIs are the equivalent of SSSIs in Northern Ireland, and are Fisheries/aquaculture declared by the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Land Order 1985. Forestry 3. National Nature Reserve (NNR) Hunting NNRs are usually managed by the Statutory Agencies or by Water management agreement with the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), for the conservation of biological, geological or Urban/industrial/transport physiographical features. They are notified under section 19 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, or section Not utilized 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. There is a little-used Military Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) equivalent for marine sites.

Other 4. National Park (NP) Unknown Generally in upland areas, National Parks were designated in the 1950s for landscape and amenity purposes, under the National 0 10 20 3040 50 60 70 Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. They are inhabited, Percentage of IBAs (100% = 287 sites) and entail no special state ownership. There are some special planning constraints and consultative arrangements, administered an additional 21 sites (7%) at least one low-impact threat. Of the 17 by a National Park Authority for each Park. One or two additional sites under the most high-level threats, three are in the Thames estuary areas, although not formally designated in the same way, function (Medway estuary and marshes; Thames estuary and marshes; and in a similar manner under other arrangements. The Swale), where the main threats come from general disturbance to birds, recreation and tourism, urban, industrial and infrastructure Other designations include Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty developments, dredging and groundwater abstraction. (AONB); Heritage Coast; Local Nature Reserve (LNR); National Scenic Area; Country Park; and non-statutory nature reserve owned or managed by a non-governmental organization (NGO) or private PROTECTION STATUS body. Within the site accounts, protected area information is given only for international designations, SSSIs, ASSIs, NNRs, MNRs, Table 5 and Figures 4 and 5 summarize the national and NPs and NGO reserves, although IBAs also overlap with the other- international protection status of IBAs in the UK. mentioned designations. Information on the NGO reserves is restricted mainly to the holdings of the Royal Society for the ■ National protection Protection of Birds (RSPB, the BirdLife Partner in the UK). The main categories of protected area in the UK are: Over 85% of the UK IBAs are covered in some part by SSSI/ ASSI status, with almost 1,300 SSSIs/ASSIs partially or wholly 1. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) overlapping with IBAs (Table 5). Twenty percent of IBAs are also SSSIs are the backbone of statutory site protection in the UK, partly NNRs, 4% partly LNRs, and nearly 35% are partly reserves forming a network of nationally important sites. They are run by a wide variety of non-governmental conservation bodies such mostly in private ownership and are selected and notified by one of as the RSPB. Eighty NNRs, 15 LNRs and 148 other reserves partially the three Statutory Agencies: Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), or wholly overlap with the IBAs. The number and area of IBAs English Nature (EN) or Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). They covered by nationally protected areas is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 3. Threats at Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom (see Appendix 3 for definitions of threat types and impact categories).

Recreation/tourism Agricultural intensification/expansion Other Extraction industry Disturbance to birds Aquaculture/fisheries Infrastructure Natural events Industrialization/urbanization Afforestation Consequences of animal/plant introductions Drainage Abandonment/reduction of land management Filling-in of wetlands Groundwater abstraction Forest grazing Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage High impact Dredging/canalization Burning of vegetation Medium to low impact Intensified forest management Unknown impact Unsustainable exploitation Unknown 010203040 50 Percentage of IBAs (100% = 287 sites)

724 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Figure 4. The national protection status of Important Bird Areas Figure 5. The international protection status of Important Bird in the United Kingdom. Areas in the United Kingdom.

None 30 IBAs (10%) High None 128 IBAs (45%) 109 IBAs (38%) High 109 IBAs (38%)

% of area of % of area of individual individual IBA overlaps IBA overlaps with national with international protected areas: protected areas: High >90% High >90% Partial 10–90% Partial 10–90% Low <10% Low Low <10% 7 IBAs (2%) Partial None Partial None 62 IBAs (22%) 129 IBAs (45%) Total area of overlap between IBA network in the United Kingdom and national protected- Total area of overlap between IBA network in the United Kingdom and international area system (see Table 5 for categories) = 8,666–9,785 km2 (28–31% of total IBA area). protected-area system (see Table 5 for categories) = 7,832–7,882 km2 (25% of total IBA area).

Table 5. Protection status of Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom. A tick (✔) indicates that an IBA overlaps with a protected area (to any extent). National International National International

IBA International IBA International code name National Nature Reserve Marine Nature Reserve National Park Reserve Site of Special Scientific Interest Area of Special Scientific Interest Ramsar Site Heritage Site World Biosphere Reserve Area Special Protection code name National Nature Reserve Marine Nature Reserve National Park Reserve Site of Special Scientific Interest Area of Special Scientific Interest Ramsar Site Heritage Site World Biosphere Reserve Area Special Protection 001 Abberton reservoir ✔✔ ✔038 Lower Derwent valley ✔✔✔✔✔ 002 Alde/Ore estuary ✔✔✔✔✔039 Martin Mere ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 003 Arun valley ✔✔ 040 Medway estuary and marshes ✔✔✔✔✔ 004 Ashdown forest ✔✔ ✔ 041 Mersey estuary ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 005 Avon valley ✔✔ ✔042 Mid-Essex coast ✔✔✔✔✔ 006 Benacre to Easton Bavents ✔✔ ✔043 Minsmere–Walberswick ✔✔✔✔✔ 007 Benfleet and 044 Morecambe Bay ✔✔ ✔ ✔ ✔✔✔✔ Southend marshes 045 Nene Washes ✔✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 008 Bodmin Moor 046 The New Forest ✔✔ ✔ 009 Breckland heaths 047 North Norfolk coast ✔✔✔✔✔ and Thetford forest ✔✔✔ 048 North Pennine moors ✔✔✔✔ 010 Breydon Water ✔✔✔ ✔ ✔ 049 North Yorkshire moors ✔✔ ✔ 011 Broadland ✔✔✔✔✔ ✔ 050 Northumberland coast ✔ 012 Chesil Beach and The Fleet ✔✔ ✔ 051 Ouse Washes ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 013 Chew valley lake ✔✔ 052 Pagham Harbour ✔✔ ✔ 014 Chichester and 053 Peak District moors ✔✔ ✔ Langstone Harbours ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 054 Poole Harbour ✔✔ 015 Coquet Island ✔✔ ✔ 055 Porton Down ✔✔ 016 Deben estuary ✔✔ ✔ 056 Portsmouth Harbour ✔✔ ✔ 017 Dorset heaths and forests ✔✔ ✔ 057 Ribble and Alt estuaries ✔✔✔✔✔ 018 Duddon estuary ✔✔✔ ✔ ✔ 058 Rutland Water ✔✔ ✔ 019 Dungeness to Pett Levels ✔✔ 059 Salisbury Plain ✔✔ 020 East Devon heaths ✔✔ ✔ 060 Somerset Levels and Moors ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 021 Exe estuary ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 061 South Cornwall coast ✔ 022 Exmoor coast and heaths ✔✔ 062 South Pennine moors ✔✔ 023 Farne Islands ✔✔ 063 South-west London 024 Flamborough Head water-bodies ✔ and Bempton cliffs ✔✔ ✔ 064 Southampton Water ✔✔ 025 Forest of Bowland and Solent marshes ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 026 Frome flood-plain 065 Stodmarsh ✔✔ ✔ ✔✔ ✔ 027 Great Yarmouth North Denes 066 Stour and Orwell estuary ✔✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 028 Haldon 067 Suffolk Sandlings 029 Hamford Water ✔✔✔✔✔ and coastal forest ✔✔ 030 Holburn Lake and Moss ✔✔ ✔068 The Swale ✔✔✔✔✔ 031 Hornsea Mere ✔✔ ✔ 069 Tamar complex ✔✔ 032 Humber flats, marshes 070 Taw and Torridge estuary ✔✔ ✔✔ ✔ ✔ and coast 071 Teesmouth 033 Isles of Scilly coastal habitats ✔ and Cleveland coast ✔✔ ✔ 034 Laughton forest ✔ 072 Thames basin heathlands ✔✔ 035 Lea valley ✔✔ 073 Thames estuary and marshes ✔✔✔ 036 Leighton Moss ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 074 Thanet coast 037 Lindisfarne ✔✔✔✔and Sandwich Bay ✔✔ ✔ Subtotal of IBAs 8 0 4 19 37 0 16 0 0 27 Subtotal of IBAs 18 0 6 38 74 0 38 0 0 56

725 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Table 5 ... continued. Protection status of Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom. A tick (✔) indicates that an IBA overlaps with a protected area (to any extent). National International National International

IBA International IBA International

code name National Nature Reserve Marine Nature Reserve National Park Reserve Site of Special Scientific Interest Area of Special Scientific Interest Ramsar Site Heritage Site World Biosphere Reserve Area Special Protection code name National Nature Reserve Marine Nature Reserve National Park Reserve Site of Special Scientific Interest Area of Special Scientific Interest Ramsar Site Heritage Site World Biosphere Reserve Area Special Protection 075 Thorne and Hatfield Moors ✔ 129 Cuillin Hills, Skye ✔ 076 Walmore Common ✔✔ ✔130 Drumochter Hills ✔✔ 077 The Wash ✔✔✔✔✔131 East Sanday ✔✔ ✔ 078 Wealden heaths ✔✔ ✔132 Eday ✔✔ 079 West Penwith coast 133 Eden estuary, Tentsmuir Point and moors ✔ and Abertay sands ✔✔ 080 Yorkshire Dale moorlands ✔✔ 134 Eilean Hoan ✔✔ ✔ ✔✔✔ ✔ 081 Berwyn 135 Eilean na Muice Duibh, Islay ✔✔✔✔ ✔✔ ✔ 082 Burry Inlet 136 Eilean nan Ron ✔✔ 083 Cardigan Island 137 Endrick Mouth 084 Carmarthen Bay ✔ and Loch Lomond Islands ✔✔✔✔ 085 Cors Fochno and Dyfi ✔✔✔ ✔ 138 Fair Isle ✔✔ 086 Dee estuary ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 139 Fala Flow ✔✔ ✔ 087 Elenydd–Mallaen ✔✔✔✔140 Faray and Holm of Faray 088 Glannau Aberdaron 141 Fetlar ✔✔ ✔ and Ynys Enlli ✔✔ 142 Firth of Forth ✔✔ 089 Glannau Ynys Gybi ✔✔ ✔ 143 Firth of Tay ✔✔ 090 Grassholm ✔✔✔ ✔ 144 Flanders Moss ✔ 091 North Wales coast and Lake of Menteith ✔✔ ✔ ✔✔✔ ✔ 092 Pembrokeshire cliffs 145 Flannan Isles ✔✔ ✔✔✔✔ 093 Severn estuary 146 Forest of Birse 094 Skokholm and Skomer ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 147 Forest of Clunie ✔ 095 Swansea Bay–Blackpill ✔ 148 Forth Islands ✔✔✔✔ 096 Traeth Lafan, Conwy Bay ✔✔ ✔ 149 Foula ✔✔ 097 Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay 150 Fowlsheugh ✔✔ ✔ and The Skerries ✔✔ ✔ 151 Galloway Forest Park ✔ ✔✔✔ 098 Abernethy forest ✔✔✔✔ 099 Ailsa Craig ✔✔152 Gigha Island and islets ✔✔ ✔ 100 Airds Moss 153 Gladhouse reservoir and Muirkirk uplands ✔✔154 Glen Tanar ✔✔ ✔ 101 Almorness Point 155 Glengarry lochs ✔ and Hestan Island 156 Grantown-on-Spey 102 Alvie ✔✔ 157 Greenlaw Moor 103 Assynt lochs ✔ and Hule Moss ✔✔ ✔ 104 Atholl/Glen Tilt ✔ 158 Handa ✔✔✔✔ 105 Auskerry ✔✔159 Hermaness ✔✔ ✔ 106 Ballochbuie forest ✔ and Saxa Vord, Unst ✔ 107 Beinn Dearg ✔✔160 Hill of Colvadale and Sobul ✔ 108 Ben Alder ✔ 161 Horse Island ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 109 Ben Wyvis ✔✔162 Hoselaw Loch ✔✔ 110 Blackpark and Gutcher, Yell ✔✔ 163 Hoy 111 Bluemill 164 Inchinnan, Renfrew ✔✔ 112 Buchan Ness 165 Inner Clyde estuary to Collieston coast ✔✔166 Inverpolly, Loch Urigill 113 Caenlochan ✔✔and nearby lochs ✔✔ 114 Cairngorms ✔✔✔✔167 Kinveachy ✔✔ 115 Caithness cliffs ✔✔168 Ladder Hills ✔ 116 Caithness lochs ✔✔ ✔169 Laggan, Islay ✔✔ 117 Cameron reservoir ✔✔ ✔170 Lewis peatlands ✔ 118 Canna and Sanday ✔✔171 Little Cumbrae Island 119 Cape Wrath ✔✔172 Loch Gruinart, Islay ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 120 Castle Loch, Lochmaben ✔✔ ✔173 Loch Indaal 121 Central Highland hills and Bridgend flats, Islay ✔✔ ✔ and glens ✔✔ 174 Loch Ken and Dee marshes ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 122 Coilacriech 175 Loch Leven ✔✔✔✔ 123 Colonsay and Oronsay ✔✔ ✔ 176 Loch Maree and nearby 124 Copinsay ✔✔ ✔ lochs and mountains ✔✔✔✔ 125 Correen Hills ✔ 177 Loch of Isbister ✔✔ 126 Creag Meagaidh ✔✔ ✔178 Loch of Kinnordy ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 127 Cromdale Hills 179 Loch of Lintrathen ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 128 Crussa Field and the Heogs ✔ 180 Loch of Skene ✔✔ ✔ Subtotal of IBAs 27 1 13 52 122 0 49 0 0 90 Subtotal of IBAs 38 1 13 69 166 0 65 0 1 121

726 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Table 5 ... continued. Protection status of Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom. A tick (✔) indicates that an IBA overlaps with a protected area (to any extent). National International National International

IBA International IBA International code name National Nature Reserve Marine Nature Reserve National Park Reserve Site of Special Scientific Interest Area of Special Scientific Interest Ramsar Site Heritage Site World Biosphere Reserve Area Special Protection code name National Nature Reserve Marine Nature Reserve National Park Reserve Site of Special Scientific Interest Area of Special Scientific Interest Ramsar Site Heritage Site World Biosphere Reserve Area Special Protection 181 Loch of Strathbeg ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 235 Rousay (Part) ✔✔ 182 Loch Oire ✔ 236 Rum ✔✔ ✔ 183 Loch Ruthven 237 St Abbs Head to Fast Castle ✔✔ ✔ ✔✔ ✔ and nearby lochs 238 St Kilda ✔ ✔ ✔✔✔ 184 Loch Ryan 239 Sanda Island ✔ ✔✔ 185 Loch Scadavay 240 Sandwick and Clift Hills ✔✔ 186 Loch Shin and nearby lochs 241 Scapa Flow ✔✔ 187 Loch Spynie ✔✔ ✔ 242 Shiant Isles ✔✔ 188 Loch Stack, Loch nam Brac 243 Sounds around Wyre ✔ and nearby lochs ✔ 244 South Arran ✔ 189 Loch Tarff and nearby lochs ✔ 245 South Bressay 190 Loch Vaa ✔✔ ✔✔ ✔ 191 Lochinch and Torrs Warren ✔✔246 South Tayside goose roosts ✔✔✔✔✔ 192 Lochnagar ✔ 247 South Uist machair and lochs 193 Lochs of Harray and Stenness ✔ 248 South Walls and Switha 194 Lochs of Spiggie and Brow ✔✔ ✔ 249 South Westray coast 195 Lower Findhorn valley ✔ 250 South-eastern Stronsay ✔ 196 Machrihanish ✔✔251 Stornoway to Back, Lewis ✔✔ 197 Marwick Head ✔✔ ✔ 252 Sule Skerry and Sule Stack 198 Mid-Mull hills and glens ✔ 253 Sumburgh Head ✔✔ ✔ 199 Mill Dam, Shapinsay ✔ 254 Tay–Isla valley ✔ 200 Mingulay and Berneray ✔✔255 Tips of Corsemaul 201 Mochrum and Castle Lochs ✔ and Mortlach ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 202 Monach Islands ✔✔ ✔256 Tiree and Coll 203 Monadhliath ✔ 257 Tolsta Head, Lewis ✔✔ 204 Montrose basin ✔✔ ✔258 Treshnish Isles 205 Moorfoot Hills ✔ 259 Troup, Pennan ✔✔ 206 Moorland areas, and Lion Heads Central Shetland ✔ 260 Upper Deeside plantations ✔ 207 Moray basin, firths and bays ✔✔✔✔✔261 Upper Solway flats ✔✔✔✔✔ 208 Mousa ✔✔and marshes 209 Muir of Dinnet ✔✔ 262 West Burrafirth ✔ 210 Newcastleton Hills ✔ 263 West coast of Benbecula ✔ 211 North Harris mountains ✔✔264 West coast, Lewis 212 North Inverness lochs ✔✔265 West Mainland moors ✔✔ 213 North Lowther Hills ✔✔266 West Sound of Barra ✔ 214 North Mainland coast 267 West Westray ✔✔ ✔ 215 North Roe and Tingon, 268 Westwater ✔✔ ✔ Mainland Shetland ✔✔ ✔269 Wigtown Bay ✔ ✔✔ 216 North Rona and Sula Sgeir 270 Ythan estuary, Sands of Forvie 217 North Ronaldsay coast and Meikle Loch ✔✔ 218 North Uist machair 271 Annaghroe, River Blackwater ✔✔ and islands 272 Antrim plateau ✔✔ 219 North Westray coast 273 Belfast Lough ✔✔ ✔ 220 Noss ✔✔ ✔ 274 Carlingford Lough 221 The Oa: Islay including Green Island ✔✔✔✔✔ ✔ 222 Papa Stour 275 Dundrum Inner Bay ✔✔ 223 Papa Westray 276 Killough Harbour ✔✔ ✔ (North Hill and Holm) and Coney Island Bay 224 Park, Lewis 277 Larne Lough and Swan/Blue ✔✔✔✔ 225 Peatlands Circle Islands ✔✔✔✔ ✔✔ 226 Pentland Firth Islands 278 Lough Foyle and River Foyle ✔✔✔ ✔✔ ✔ 227 Priest Island 279 Lough Neagh and Lough Beg ✔✔✔✔✔ ✔✔ ✔ 228 Ramna Stacks and Gruney 280 Lower Lough Macnean ✔ ✔✔ 229 Rhunahaorine Point 281 Outer Ards peninsula ✔ 230 Rinns, Islay ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 282 Pettigoe plateau ✔✔ ✔ 231 River Spey – Insh marshes ✔✔ ✔ ✔ 283 Rathlin Island ✔✔✔✔ 232 Rois-Bheinn ✔✔✔ 284 Sheep Island ✔✔ 233 Rosehearty to ✔ Fraserburgh coast ✔ 285 South Down coast ✔✔ ✔ ✔✔ ✔ 234 Rothiesholm peninsula, 286 Strangford Lough and islands Stronsay 287 Upper Lough Erne ✔✔✔✔ Subtotal of IBAs 45 1 13 82 211 0 73 0 1 150 Total number of IBAs 60 2 13 95 239 13 86 1 3 173

727 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Box 1. International legislation and initiatives that are relevant Crex crex). Numbers of territories, singing males, nests and to site conservation in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands apparently occupied nests/territories were considered to be and the Isle of Man (see Appendix 1 for a general description of equivalent to numbers of pairs. Breeding-season counts were these agreements). sometimes of individual birds—particularly for gulls, terns and United Kingdom Channel Islands Isle of Man auks. All counts of individuals were divided by two to convert to Jersey Guernsey pairs, except for Sterna spp., Uria aalge and Alca torda which Global were divided by 1.5 (as recommended by Lloyd et al. 1991). Biodiversity Convention ✔ • All counts have been rounded as follows: 1–100, not rounded; Ramsar Convention ✔✔ ✔ 101–1,000 to nearest 5; 1,001–5,000 to nearest 10; 5,001–10,000 Bonn Convention ✔✔ ✔ to nearest 50; 10,001–50,000 to nearest 100; 50,001–100,000 to World Heritage Convention ✔✔✔✔ nearest 500 and 100,001+ to nearest 1,000. Population data are ✔ MAB Programme often extrapolated or calculated from accurate counts, and are Pan-European therefore estimates based on scientific knowledge. An accuracy ✔✔ Bern Convention code of A has been applied in such cases. Regional For 20 sites, three species (Oceanodroma leucorhoa, Tetrao EC Birds Directive ✔ • ✔ urogallus and Loxia scotica) were allowed to qualify under one or EC Habitats Directive more criteria in the absence of quantitative data. For all other ✔ Convention ratified/initiative supported (✔) Convention signed cases, quantitative data were used. • Counts of wintering and passage wildfowl and waders are largely ■ International protection derived from the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). The majority of The UK is bound by several international directives for the these counts are ‘five-year peak means’ (the peak count of each conservation of sites (Box 1). The main categories of international season averaged over the five years). protection in the UK are Special Protection Area (SPA), Special • Non-breeding waders were split into passage (P) and wintering Area for Conservation (SAC), Ramsar Site, Biogenetic Reserve, (W) on the basis of the months in which they were recorded. Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. UK policy is for all Counts of waders during the months of April to October were SPAs, SACs and Ramsar Sites also to be notified as SSSI/ASSI. taken to be passage birds, those during November to March Over 60% of UK’s IBAs are protected in some part by SPA status, wintering birds. For wildfowl, counts during the months of and nearly 30% by Ramsar Site designation (Table 5). In total, 173 September to March were taken to be wintering birds. Five-year SPAs and 86 Ramsar Sites partially or wholly overlap with the peak means were calculated for each species of waterbird for inventory sites. Because of slow progress in implementing the EC passage and wintering periods separately. This is a very simplistic Birds Directive, the UK has assumed a policy of protecting identified approach to a complex problem. There will have been great candidate SPAs as though they were already designated, so the actual overlap between passage and wintering birds for a given species; number of IBAs potentially protected by SPA status is much higher, different species have different dates of passage/wintering; passage about 220 IBAs (76%). A small number of IBAs overlap with counts are unreliable because of a continual throughput of birds. proposed SACs, three with Biosphere Reserves and one with a World • Breeding visitors (B) were distinguished from breeding residents Heritage Site (Table 5). The number and area of IBAs covered by (R) as follows: first, all migrants were classified as B, as were all internationally protected areas is shown in Figure 5. breeding seabirds (Rissa tridactyla, Uria aalge, Alca torda, Cepphus grylle, Fratercula arctica), gulls (Larus spp.), terns (Sterna spp.), Phalacrocorax carbo and P. aristotelis, even though some seabirds ANALYTICAL METHODS do remain at their breeding colony during the winter. Second, a species was classified as resident if there were breeding and • Many species of conservation concern in the UK, the Channel wintering records at the same site. Finally, if the season remained Islands and the Isle of Man are dispersed species (non- unclear, an atlas of wintering bird distributions (Lack 1986) was congregatory when breeding), such as Alauda arvensis and Turdus examined to see whether the species remained in the general area philomelos, which have declined dramatically on a national scale over winter; if it did it was classified as R. This was a very grey over the past 25 years. A site-based approach will not guarantee area. For example, some Falco columbarius may leave their the conservation of these species; ‘wider countryside’ measures breeding grounds in the winter in north-west Scotland but not in are therefore required. southern Scotland. • Information on habitats, land-uses, threats to sites and the overlap • In order to determine which sites qualified as A4iii, the following between IBAs and protected areas proved difficult to collect, and were calculated: the number of pairs of breeding seabirds, the for many sites is minimal. number of wintering waterbirds and the number of passage • Bird data have been collated from a wide variety of sources. These waterbirds. If the total was greater than 10,000 (for the first include the major national generic monitoring schemes, measure) or 20,000 (last two) for one or more of these measures particularly the Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) for waterfowl and then the site qualified as A4iii. The definition of A4iii does not the Seabird Colony Register (SCR) for breeding seabirds and really consider breeding waterbirds, but as the definition of some waterbirds, but also numerous national single-species and waterbirds in this review incorporates gulls, terns and cormorants, site-specific surveys. The most up-to-date counts have been used; etc. there could be several sites with more than 20,000 birds in the however, because some areas have not been surveyed for many breeding season. To see whether or not this was the case, the number years, the data used range from the 1980s to 1997. Where surveys of breeding pairs of waterbirds at each site was also calculated. If from different years have been combined to provide a figure for this value was greater than 10,000, then the site qualified as A4iii. a site, this has been done using common sense and local knowledge The results of these calculations are given in the site-account texts. of the sites. • The species-specific values of ‘n’ in the application of the B2/B3 • Almost 8,000 bird records are included in the BirdLife IBA criterion have been adhered to, with only two exceptions (Crex Database for the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Over crex and Asio flammeus, where two and one additional sites were 1,000 of these pass one or more site-specific criteria; over 800 of nominated respectively). Similarly, species-specific numerical the remainder occur in numbers equal to or greater than 1% of thresholds have been adhered to, the only exceptions being two UK populations, but do not qualify under any of the IBA criteria. sites for Cepphus grylle which fell just below the threshold. In no These latter records are listed in the main text of the ‘Birds’ section; case was a species at a site allowed to qualify if there were fewer unless otherwise stated, the counts quoted are five-year means than two breeding pairs or four non-breeding individuals. for the period 1990–1995, and quoted percentage figures refer to • The UK is split into 11 Level 1 NUTS regions (the ‘administrative the proportion of the national UK population of that species regions’ which feature in Table 1 and the site accounts). These present at the IBA in question. regions are based on human population sizes and as a consequence • All non-breeding-season counts refer to numbers of individuals, Scotland is a single, large Level 1 NUTS region. This presents a all breeding-season counts to pairs. This is the case even if breeding problem for criterion C6 (the best 5 sites for an Annex I species in season records were collected in other ways (e.g. singing male a NUTS region) as many of the best sites for Annex I species are

728 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

in Scotland. The criterion allows the ‘n=5’ ruling to be broken in GLOSSARY exceptional cases. This has been invoked for the following breeding species in Scotland (number of sites in parentheses): ASSI Area of Special Scientific Interest. Gavia stellata (7), G. arctica (8), Oceanodroma leucorhoa (6), Circus BAP Biodiversity Action Plan. cyaneus (10), Aquila chrysaetos (9), Falco columbarius (8), dubh lochan a small peaty pool found within mires. Charadrius morinellus (9) and Sterna paradisaea (8), and for Circus drumlin a long oval mound of boulder clay moulded by glacial action. aeruginosus (6) in one English region. SPA criteria in the UK ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area. allow a site to qualify if it holds ≥1% of the UK population of an GCT Game Conservancy Trust. Annex I species; if the ‘n=5’ ruling had not been broken, many IDB Internal Drainage Board. potential SPA sites would have been omitted from the inventory. in-bye land semi-improved rough grazing land lying between lowland arable • Even if a site was one of the best five in a NUTS region for an land and unenclosed upland moorland. Normally enclosed and may include Annex I species, it has not qualified as C6 if it held less than 1% hay-meadows or crops such as turnips. (rarely <0.5%) of the UK population for the relevant season, nor ITE Institute for Terrestrial Ecology. if there were fewer than two breeding pairs of the species in JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the UK government’s wildlife question or 20 non-breeding waterbirds. adviser. • In the UK, criterion C2 is equivalent to a subset of B1 but for LNR Local Nature Reserve. Annex I species only and with slightly lower thresholds for MoD Ministry of Defence. Hydrobates pelagicus and Sterna paradisaea; criterion C3 is NGO non-governmental organisation. equivalent to B1 for non-Annex I species; C4 is identical to A4iii. NNR National Nature Reserve. • Criterion C7 has been applied to 17 sites. A number of C7 sites in NUTS Nomenclature des Unités Territoriales Statistiques—the administrative Shetland have very high densities of breeding Numenius phaeopus regions of the European Union are called NUTS regions, and are designated (Blackpark and Gutcher, Yell; Crussa Field and the Heogs; Hill by the EC Statistical Office. of Colvadale and Sobul; Moorland areas, Central Shetland). RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife International Partner Although Numenius phaeopus is a SPEC, the UK population is in the UK). too small to allow these sites to qualify as B3. Nevertheless, SAC Special Area for Conservation. densities at these sites are probably substantially higher than skerry a reef or rocky island. elsewhere in the species’ range. SNH Scottish Natural Heritage. • Allocation of criteria B2/B3 in the Channel Islands and Isle of SPA Special Protection Area (designated under Article 4 of the EC Birds Directive). Man was complex. These islands are tiny and for no species do SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest. they contain populations which approach 1% of the European. voe a small bay or creek in Orkney or Shetland. Strictly, they should not be allowed to qualify under B2/B3 at all. WeBS the national Wetland Bird Survey, co-organized by the British Trust This approach would seem anomalous as, for example, the Isle for Ornithology, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, JNCC and RSPB. of Man Hills, which has many more breeding Circus cyaneus than some nearby sites in the UK, would not qualify while the nearby sites could. For this reason the UK B2/B3 thresholds have been ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS applied to the Channel Islands and Isle of Man – though any sites which qualified were not included in the ‘n’ sites for the UK. Many people helped directly and indirectly with the collation of data. Members • A small number of bird records were considered too sensitive to of RSPB staff across the United Kingdom were involved, and it is not possible to publish. At these sites, relevant criteria have not been allocated mention them all. Particular thanks are due to all of the RSPB’s Conservation to the species, only to the site itself. Officers who spent considerable time helping define IBAs and collating data, • Species for which ≥1% of their UK population (breeding or non- and to Ellen Kelly and James Phillips, and to a team of data-entry staff and breeding, separately) occurs at the site, but which do not meet volunteers: Paul Britten, Barbara Clitherow, Peter Levitt, Helen Morrow, and any criteria, are listed in the site-account text. Lisa Murfitt. The work would not have been possible without the large volumes • Readers requiring a comprehensive list of the species-specific of data that were provided by staff from other organisations, namely Kate thresholds for all criteria and values of ‘n’ for B2/B3 should Thompson at the JNCC Seabirds and Cetaceans Branch, Ray Waters and Julianne contact the RSPB’s Conservation Science Department. Evans at the British Trust for Ornithology and Peter Cranswick and Mark Pollitt • Site accounts within the review are numbered alphabetically within at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Allen Moore and Aron Sapsford kindly country to ensure that they are easy to find. Site numbers do not provided data for the Isle of Man sites. Particular thanks go to Melanie Heath relate back to either of the previous reviews because of the and Tony Payne at the BirdLife Secretariat for their help and support. Finally, significant changes in site boundaries, mainly splitting and we must also thank all of the volunteer workers who have participated in the lumping of sites. surveys (such as WeBS) which provided an invaluable source of data.

■ SITE ACCOUNTS

Phalacrocorax carbo (360 birds, 2%), Cygnus olor (440 birds, 1%), Abberton reservoir A4iii, B1i, C3, C4, C6 001 Anas penelope (3,170 birds, 1%), Anas acuta (390 birds, 1%), Aythya Admin region South East ferina (1,510 birds, 2%), Aythya fuligula (1,860 birds, 2%), Bucephala Coordinates 51°49’N 0°51’E clangula (550 birds, 2%), Fulica atra (12,200 birds, 10%), Philomachus Altitude 10–20 m Area 726 ha pugnax (28 birds, 4%) and Limosa limosa (79 birds, 1%). The IBA is also nationally important for summer moulting assemblages of Cygnus ■ Site description olor (590 birds, 2%) and Aythya ferina (3,120 birds, 4%). This reservoir was created following the flooding of a long shallow Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria valley, and supports fringing reed Phragmites and Salix swamp. Water Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant R 1995 505 505 A B1i, C3 is pumped mainly from the River Stour, 14 km to the north. Anas strepera Gadwall W 1995 430 430 A B1i, C3 Anas crecca Teal W 1995 4,550 4,550 A B1i, C3 Habitats Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1995 685 685 A B1i, C3 landscape (arable land) Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 3,300 3,300 A C6 Land-use Nature conservation/research, Water management (100%) ■ Protection status ■ Birds National High International High The reservoir and adjacent grassland are important for moulting IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated and wintering wildfowl. The site holds 36,500 wintering waterbirds areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Abberton Reservoir. Overlaps on a regular basis, and it is nationally important for wintering with international designated areas: 726 ha of IBA covered by Special

729 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Protection Area (Abberton Reservoir, 726 ha). 726 ha of IBA covered Alluvial grazing-marsh, pasture and cultivated land are all present, by Ramsar Site (Abberton Reservoir, 726 ha). forming a mixed wet and dry field and ditch network that supports a rich floral community. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Infrastructure (U), (scrub), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring), Recreation/tourism (C) Artificial landscape (arable land) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation A 1996 proposal to increase the size of the reservoir is being examined, with studies and consultation focusing on the impact on the reservoir’s bird populations. Research into the tree-nesting Phalacrocorax carbo ■ Birds colony is ongoing, and there is a management plan for the site. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 71 71 A C6 Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 99 99 A C6 Alde/Ore estuary A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 002 The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl and holds 37,800 Admin region East Anglia C2, C3, C4, C6 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. It is nationally important for Coordinates 52°04’N 1°30’E breeding Anas acuta (2 pairs, 1991, 5%) and Anas querquedula (2 pairs, Altitude 0–5 m Area 2,416 ha 1991, 2%). The site is also nationally important for wintering Anas crecca (2,130 birds, 2%), Anas clypeata (160 birds, 2%), Vanellus ■ Site description vanellus (28,500 birds, 2%) and Gallinago gallinago (1,410 birds, 1%). This estuary complex includes the Rivers Alde, Butley and Ore, with Havergate Island, and is of considerable geomorphological interest. ■ Protection status National Partial International None Habitats Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated saltmarsh; shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), areas. Reserves: Amberley Wildbrooks, Pulborough Brooks, Waltham Artificial landscape (arable land) Brooks. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Amberley Wild Brooks, Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research Arun Banks, Arundel Park, Hurston Warren, Pulborough Brooks, Waltham Brooks. ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Conservation issues Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet R 1994 105 — A B3, C6 Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Groundwater abstraction (A), Infrastructure (B), Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 735 735 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 Recreation/tourism (B) Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet P 1995 760 760 A B1i, C2, C6 Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 1,830 1,830 A B1i, C3 Management plans exist for Pulborough Brooks, Waltham Brooks Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1991 8,200 — A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 and Amberley Wildbrooks, in addition to Environment Agency Water Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1994 300 — A B2, C6 Level Management Plans and the Arun Valley Management Plan of Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1993 95 95 A C6 the Countryside Management Project. A breeding wader survey was Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 25 25 A C6 undertaken in 1996, and lobbying for SPA designation continues. Orfordness and Havergate Island are important for breeding gulls and terns. The IBA holds 12,200 pairs of breeding waterbirds and 23,100 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis, and is nationally Ashdown forest C6 004 important for breeding Larus argentatus (2,520 pairs, 1991, 1%). The Admin region South East site is also nationally important for wintering Tadorna tadorna (1,220 Coordinates 51°03’N 0°04’E birds, 2%), Anas penelope (3,970 birds, 1%), Anas crecca (1,900 birds, Altitude 111–218 m Area 3,207 ha 1%) and Limosa limosa (320 birds, 4%); and for passage Limosa limosa (295 birds, 4%). ■ Site description ■ Protection status A large expanse of woodland and heathland cut by streams, with National High International High scattered boggy areas. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), areas. National Nature Reserve: Orfordness–Havergate. Reserves: Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring) Boyton Marshes, Havergate Island, Hazelwood Marshes, Orfordness. Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Site of Special Scientific Interest: Alde–Ore Estuary. Overlaps with international designated areas: 2,416 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Alde/Ore Estuary, 2,416 ha). 2,416 ha of IBA covered ■ Birds by Ramsar Site (Alde/Ore Estuary, 2,416 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 36 36 A C6 ■ Conservation issues Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler R 1994 29 29 A C6 Threats Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (B) The heathland and woodland support a typical range of species. Threats include sea-level rise that may result in erosion and flooding, habitat loss caused by coastal defence works and increased recreational ■ Protection status disturbance. Management plans exist for the Suffolk Coast Project National High International High and the Suffolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserve: Old Lodge. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Ashdown Forest, Rock Wood, Scords Wood and Brockhoult Mount, Weir Wood Reservoir. Overlaps with international designated areas: 3,207 ha of Arun valley A4iii, C4, C6 003 IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Ashdown Forest, 3,207 ha). Admin region South East Coordinates 50°55’N 0°31’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 15–15 m Area 1,373 ha Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Infrastructure (B), Other (C), Recreation/tourism (A) ■ Site description The Arun valley exhibits an unusual range of physical and chemical Permission has been granted for inert waste deposition at the site. conditions and a correspondingly high diversity of flora and fauna. Additional threats include acid deposition over 62% of the site (‘Other’

730 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man threat, above), a lack of management, recreational pressure and road Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Grassland, Wetland development. The area is managed by the Ashdown forest (shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe conservators, whose recent management initiatives have included vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) fencing for grazing and some bird monitoring. A management plan Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research exists for the site.

■ Birds Avon valley A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 005 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region South East, South West Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1990 4 4 A C6 Coordinates 50°47’N 1°48’W The IBA holds a diverse assemblage of breeding and wintering species, Altitude 3–25 m Area 1,385 ha and is also nationally important for breeding Panurus biarmicus (16 pairs, 1992, 4%). ■ Site description The IBA comprises about 20 km of the Avon valley, the flood-plain ■ Protection status of which contains a variety of habitats. The river itself is probably the National High International High most diverse chalk river system in the UK, with an aquatic flora that IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated includes important Ranunculus beds, reflecting its chalk and acid areas. National Nature Reserve: Benacre to Easton Bavents. Site of qualities. Adjacent hay-meadows also support a rich flora. Special Scientific Interest: Benacre to Easton Bavents. Overlaps with international designated areas: 516 ha of IBA covered by Special Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Grassland Protection Area (Benacre to Easton Bavents, 516 ha). (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (highly improved reseeded grassland; ■ Conservation issues arable land) Land-use Agriculture Threats Natural events (A) Sea-level rise is a threat. Benacre NNR is under a nature reserve ■ Birds agreement, and there is ongoing Botaurus stellaris monitoring. A management plan exists for the site. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 170 170 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Anas strepera Gadwall W 1995 665 665 A B1i, C3 Lullula arborea Woodlark R 1994 4 4 A C6 Benfleet and A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 007 Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler R 1994 19 19 A C6 Southend marshes Admin region South East Meadows, fen and carr attract a wide range of wintering and Coordinates 51°31’N 0°40’E breeding wetland birds, with heathland species breeding in adjacent Altitude 0–46 m Area 2,750 ha areas. The site is also nationally important for breeding Cettia cetti (40 pairs, 1990, 14%); and for wintering Cygnus olor (315 birds, 1%), Anser albifrons albifrons (96 birds, 2%), Anas penelope (3,030 birds, ■ Site description 1%), Anas clypeata (155 birds, 2%) and Fulica atra (2,170 birds, 2%). The IBA extends eastwards from Canvey Island along the foreshore to Southend, covering extensive areas of mudflats and saltmarsh. It ■ Protection status supports distinct sea-wall and saltmarsh plant communities, in addition National High International High to a diverse ditch and grassland flora. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Habitats Scrub (scrub), Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/ areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Avon Valley (Bickton to sandflat; saltmarsh; standing fresh water; river/stream) Christchurch), Hurn Common, Kitten’s Farm Meadows, The New Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ Forest River Avon System, Town Common. Overlaps with recreation international designated areas: 1,385 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Avon Valley, 1,385 ha). 1,385 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Avon Valley, 1,385 ha). ■ Birds

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Conservation issues Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 5,050 5,050 A A4i, B1i, C3 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (A), Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 745 745 A B1i, C3 Extraction industry (B), Infrastructure (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 4,400 4,400 A A4i, B1i, C3 Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 8,550 8,550 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 The main threat is agricultural intensification, which has led to a Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 10,400 10,400 A B2 decline in numbers of breeding waders. A revised ESA programme, in conjunction with the Environment Agency Water Level Management The IBA is important for wintering geese and waders, and holds 34,700 Plan initiative, will be key mechanisms in improving management. wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important Additional threats include recreational disturbance and the for breeding Panurus biarmicus (20 pairs, 1992, 5%), for wintering development of the Christchurch and Salisbury bypasses. Charadrius hiaticula (370 birds, 1%), and for passage Pluvialis squatarola (1,420 birds, 3%). Branta bernicla are the bernicla subspecies.

■ Protection status C6 Benacre to Easton Bavents 006 National Partial International Partial Admin region East Anglia IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Coordinates 52°21’N 1°42’E areas. National Nature Reserve: Leigh. Site of Special Scientific Altitude 0–10 m Area 516 ha Interest: Benfleet and Southend Marshes. Overlaps with international designated areas: 2,251 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area ■ Site description (Benfleet and Southend Marshes, 2,251 ha). 2,251 ha of IBA covered Reedbeds and other wetland habitats situated along the Suffolk coast by Ramsar Site (Benfleet and Southend Marshes, 2,251 ha). just north of Southwold. The IBA includes ancient woodland, saltmarsh, shingle and sand-dune communities, and brackish and ■ Conservation issues freshwater communities that inhabit coastal lagoons, reedbeds and Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), the river valley. The cliffs and beach have geological and Industrialization/urbanization (C), Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (C) physiographical importance.

731 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Intensive recreational activity, an important shellfish industry, past IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated housing and marina proposals, and sea-level rise all pose threats to areas. National Nature Reserves: Cavenham Heath, Thetford Heath, the IBA. Southend Borough Council is coordinating the management Weeting Heath. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (several of and promoting public awareness of Southend flats. A management which are also Nature Reserves): Barnham Heath, Barnham Cross plan exists for the site. Common, Beeches Pit, West Stow, Berner’s Heath – Icklingham, Bridgham and Brettenham Heaths, Cavenham/Icklingham Heaths, Cranberry Rough, Hockham, Cranwich Camp, Deadman’s Grave – Icklingham, Didlington Park Lakes, East Wretham Heath, Bodmin Moor B1i, B2, C2, C6 008 Eriswell Low Warren, Foxhole Heath, Gooderstone Warren, Grimes Admin region South West Graves, Lakenheath Warren, Little Heath – Barnham, London Road Coordinates 50°35’N 4°35’W Industrial Estate – Brandon, Middle Harling Fen, Old Bodney Altitude 196–420 m Area 7,996 ha Camp, RAF Lakenheath, Rex Graham Reserve, Stanford Training Area, Thetford Golf Course and Marsh, Thetford Heath, Thompson ■ Site description Water Carr and Common, Wangford Warren and Carr, Weather and Bodmin Moor occupies much of the central part of east Cornwall, Horn Heaths, Weeting Heath, West Stow Heath, Wretham Park and is notable as a low-altitude moorland with Atlantic elements in Meres. its flora and fauna. Acid grassland, heathland, and bog and mire wetland plant communities are widespread. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland, Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Afforestation (C), Agricultural Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring), Rocky areas intensification/expansion (A), Extraction industry (C), Infrastructure (B), Other (U), (scree/boulders), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Recreation/tourism (B) Land-use Agriculture Threats include recreational disturbance, infrastructure developments, including roads, and overhead powerlines, and acidification (‘Other’ ■ Birds threat, above). The majority of the populations of three key breeding species exist outside nationally protected areas. Burhinus oedicnemus Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria occurs on arable land, and Caprimulgus europaeus and Lullula arborea Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 10,000 10,000 A B1i, C2, C6 occur in clear-felled or recently restocked areas of forest. All three Saxicola torquata Stonechat B 1984 200 200 A B2 are therefore vulnerable to changes in farming or forestry practices. The IBA is important for breeding waders and other moorland species, A forest design plan exists, which has a nature conservation and wintering raptors. component. Most heaths are in ESA agreements, and the RSPB operates a protection scheme for Burhinus oedicnemus. ■ Protection status National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Breydon Water A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C4, C6 010 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bodmin Moor – North, Admin region East Anglia Cabilla Manor Wood, Dozmary Pool, Upper Fowey Valley. Coordinates 52°36’N 1°40’E Altitude 0–10 m Area 515 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (U), Agricultural intensification/ ■ Site description expansion (A), Extraction industry (U), Infrastructure (C), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (C) A tidal estuary containing the only intertidal flats on the east coast of Threats include recreational disturbance and the use of microlight Norfolk, which is complemented by adjacent wet grassland in the aircraft, acidification in afforested areas (‘Other’ threat, above), Broadland IBA (011). overgrazing and neglect, and inappropriate land management. Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; water-fringe vegetation) Land-use Hunting, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Breckland heaths B2, C6 009 and Thetford forest ■ Birds Admin region East Anglia Coordinates 52°29’N 0°41’E Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Altitude 10–55 m Area 26,419 ha Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 375 375 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 4,350 4,350 A C6 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover P 1995 1,670 1,670 A C6 ■ Site description A large, fragmented area of heathland, forest and arable farmland, The IBA is important for wintering and passage wildfowl and waders, containing a wide variety of habitats. The IBA supports a flora, and holds 41,000 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. It is characterized by continental species, that is unique in Britain. nationally important for wintering Anser albifrons albifrons (165 birds, 3%), Anas penelope (4,540 birds, 2%), Anas clypeata (195 birds, 2%), Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub Vanellus vanellus (23,600 birds, 1%), Limosa limosa (215 birds, 3%). (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/ The site is also nationally important for passage Charadrius hiaticula transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (arable land; forestry plantation) (350 birds, 1%) and Limosa limosa (130 birds, 2%). Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Military, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation ■ Protection status ■ Birds National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria areas. Reserve: Breydon Water. National Park: The Broads. Site of Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B 1995 43 43 A C6 Special Scientific Interest: Breydon Water. Overlaps with international Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 315 315 A B2, C6 Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1994 150 150 A C6 designated areas: 515 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Breydon Water, 515 ha). 515 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site The IBA is important for a range of breeding heathland species. It is (Breydon Water, 515 ha). also nationally important for wintering Anas strepera (195 birds, 2%). ■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status Threats Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (B) National Partial International None

732 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Recreational disturbance can be a problem. The site is regularly ■ Conservation issues monitored as part of the WeBS scheme. Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Agricultural intensification/ expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (B), Groundwater abstraction (B), Industrialization/urbanization (C), Infrastructure (U), Natural events (B), Other (U), Broadland B1i, B2, C3, C6 011 Recreation/tourism (A) Admin region East Anglia Threats include poor water quality, erosion and disturbance caused Coordinates 52°44’N 1°29’E by boat traffic, disturbance caused by shooting and water-sports, waste Altitude 0–10 m Area 5,485 ha disposal, and residential, industrial and wind-power developments. The whole area is vulnerable to acid deposition (‘Other’ threat, above) ■ Site description and sea-level rise. Various reserve and water management plans exist A series of flooded medieval peat-diggings situated within the flood- for the area, and a range of research initiatives are undertaken, plains of five principal river valley systems. The IBA comprises a including monitoring of Botaurus stellaris, breeding waders and the mosaic of reed Phragmites-fringed shallow lakes, open water, fen ESA. A fen management strategy is in place, and part of the area has habitats, carr woodland and grazing-marshes. This area includes four been put forward as a candidate SAC. sites that were treated as separate IBAs in the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): ‘Upper Thurne Broads and Marshes’ (former site GB166), ‘Ant Broads and Marshes’ (former B1i, B2, C3, C6 site GB167), ‘Bure Broads and Marshes’ (former site GB168) and ‘Yare Chesil Beach 012 and The Fleet Broads and Marshes’ (former site GB169). Admin region South West Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet forest), Coordinates 50°37’N 2°33’W Scrub (scrub), Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; standing fresh water; Altitude 0–15 m Area 1,000 ha river/stream; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation ■ Site description Chesil Beach is one of the largest shingle structures in Britain, ■ Birds measuring 150–200 m in width, and running for 28 km from Burton Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Bradstock in the west to the Isle of Portland in the east. The beach Botaurus stellaris Bittern R 1995 2 2 A C6 encloses The Fleet, the largest tidal lagoon in Britain. Cygnus columbianus W 1995 67 67 A C6 Habitats Scrub (scrub), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (mudflat/ Bewick’s Swan sandflat; saltmarsh; shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; water-fringe vegetation) Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 1,050 1,050 A B1i, C3 Land-use Tourism/recreation Anas strepera Gadwall R 1992 — 60 A B2 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1992 19 19 A C6 1 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier W 1989 20 20 A C6 ■ Birds 2 Grus grus Crane R 1993 — — A C6 Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1993 155 155 A C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1. Mean annual peak 1984–1989. Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 3,220 3,220 A B1i, C3 2. No counts available. Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 90 90 A B2, C6 The IBA is important for a wide variety of breeding and wintering The IBA supports large numbers of wildfowl in winter, and is also birds. It is nationally important for breeding Anas querquedula (3 pairs, nationally important for wintering Cygnus olor (1,110 birds, 4%), Anas 1992, 2%), Anas clypeata (60 pairs, 1992, 6%), Aythya ferina (40 pairs, penelope (5,850 birds, 2%), Anas strepera (110 birds, 1%), Anas clypeata 1992, 10%), Cettia cetti (30 pairs, 1992, 11%), Locustella luscinioides (155 birds, 2%), Mergus serrator (225 birds, 2%) and Fulica atra (2,630 (6 pairs, 1992, 40%), Panurus biarmicus (74 pairs, 1992, 18%) and feral birds, 2%). Branta bernicla are the bernicla subspecies. Anser anser. The site is also important for wintering Phalacrocorax carbo (360 birds, 2%), Anser fabalis (175 birds, 39%), Anser albifrons ■ Protection status albifrons (205 birds, 3%), Anas penelope (4,280 birds, 1%), Anas strepera National Partial International Partial (295 birds, 4%), Anas crecca (1,710 birds, 1%), Anas clypeata (255 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated birds, 2%), Philomachus pugnax (10 birds, 1%) and Calcarius lapponicus areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Chesil Beach and The Fleet, (140 birds, 70%). Cogden Farm and Beach, Crookhill Brick Pit, Isle of Portland, Portland Harbour Shore, West Dorset Coast. Overlaps with ■ Protection status international designated areas: 750 ha of IBA covered by Special National High International High Protection Area (Chesil Beach and The Fleet, 750 ha). 750 ha of IBA IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated covered by Ramsar Site (Chesil Beach and The Fleet, 750 ha). areas. National Nature Reserves: Bure Marshes, Hickling Broad, Ludham Marshes, Mid-Yare. Reserves: Alderfen Broad, Barton ■ Conservation issues Broad, Berney Marshes, Buckenham and Cantley Marshes, Burgh Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Common, Carlton Marshes, Hardley Flood, Heigham Holmes, Hickling Broad, Horsey Mere, How Hill, Martham Broad, Mid-Yare, Threats include disturbance to Sterna albifrons in areas with public Oulton Marshes, Ranworth and Cockshoot Broads, Strumpshaw/ access, caravan and hotel developments, nutrient enrichment of saline Surlingham Marshes, Upton Fen. National Park: The Broads. Sites lagoons, and a conflict of interest that has arisen in areas of farmland of Special Scientific Interest: Alderfen Broad, Ant Broads and where Branta bernicla cause crop damage (‘Other’ threat, above). A Marshes, Barnby Broad and Marshes, Broad Fen (Dilham), Bure lottery-funded management plan for the SAC is in preparation. Broads and Marshes, Burgh Common and Muck Fleet Marshes, Calthorpe Broad, Crostwick Marsh, Damgate Marshes, Decoy Carr, Acle, Duncan’s Marsh, Claxton, Geldeston Meadows, Hall Farm Fen B1i, C3 (Hemsby), Hardley Flood, Havergate Marshes, Limpenhoe Meadows, Chew valley lake 013 Admin region South West Ludham – Potter Heigham Marshes, Poplar Farm Meadows Coordinates 51°20’N 2°37’W (Langley), Priory Meadows (Hickling), Shallam Dyke Marshes Altitude 60–60 m Area 570 ha (Thurne), Smallburgh Fen, Sprat’s Water and Marshes, Carlton Colville, Stanley and Alder Carrs, Upper Thurne Broads and Marshes, Upton Broad and Marshes, Yare Broads and Marshes. Overlaps with ■ Site description international designated areas: 5,485 ha of IBA covered by Special One of the largest freshwater bodies in south-west England, supporting Protection Area (Broadland, 5,485 ha). 5,485 ha of IBA covered by a sparse open-water plant community. The IBA also includes areas of Ramsar Site (Broadland, 5,485 ha). managed pasture.

733 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

for wintering Tachybaptus ruficollis (54 birds, 1%), Phalacrocorax Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous carbo (185 birds, 1%), Tadorna tadorna (2,360 birds, 3%), Anas crecca grassland; mesophile grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe (1,640 birds, 1%), Anas acuta (310 birds, 1%), Mergus serrator vegetation) (265 birds, 3%), Philomachus pugnax (18 birds, 3%) and Tringa Land-use Tourism/recreation nebularia (12 birds, 2%). The IBA is also important for passage Calidris alba (350 birds, 1%), Numenius phaeopus (125 birds, 3%) and ■ Birds Tringa nebularia (155 birds, 28%). Branta bernicla are the bernicla subspecies. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1995 420 420 A B1i, C3 ■ Protection status This large artificial reservoir supports breeding wetland species and National High International High attracts wintering and passage wildfowl. It is also nationally important IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated for breeding Podiceps cristatus (50 pairs, 1992, 1%), and for wintering areas. Reserves: Farlington Marshes, Langstone Harbour, Nutbourne Tachybaptus ruficollis (79 birds, 2%), Podiceps cristatus (530 birds, Marshes, Pilsey Island. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bracklesham 4%), Phalacrocorax carbo (175 birds, 1%), Anas strepera (185 birds, Bay, Chichester Harbour, Langstone Harbour, Warblington Meadow. 2%), Anas crecca (2,060 birds, 1%) and Mergus merganser (120 birds, Overlaps with international designated areas: 5,810 ha of IBA covered 1%). by Special Protection Area (Chichester and Langstone Harbours, 5,810 ha). 5,810 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Chichester and ■ Protection status Langstone Harbours, 5,810 ha). National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Conservation issues areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Chew Valley Lake. Overlaps Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Filling-in of wetlands (C), Industrialization/ with international designated areas: 565 ha of IBA covered by Special urbanization (B), Infrastructure (B), Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (B) Protection Area (Chew Valley Lake, 565 ha). Threats include sea-level rise that may result in erosion and habitat ■ Conservation issues loss due to coastal defence improvements, disturbance from leisure activities, and housing, infrastructure and leisure developments. Threats Recreation/tourism (C) Management plans exist for both Chichester Harbour and Langstone Disturbance from recreational activities including fishing, Harbour. The IBA is monitored as part of the WeBS. birdwatching and sailing pose a threat to the IBA.

Coquet Island A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, 015 Chichester and A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 014 Admin region North C2, C3, C4, C6 Langstone Harbours C2, C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 55°20’N 1°32’W Admin region South East Altitude 0–15 m Area 22 ha Coordinates 50°48’N 0°56’W Altitude 0–7 m Area 5,970 ha ■ Site description A small flat-topped island located about 1 km off the Northumberland ■ Site description coast at Amble. This site covers two harbours joined by a stretch of water that separates Habitats Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Hayling Island from the mainland. Tidal channels drain the river basins Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) and penetrate far inland. Habitats include extensive mudflats and associated saltmarshes, sand-dunes, islands, and areas of Juncus marsh and reedbed (Phragmites). ■ Birds Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (scrub), Grassland, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 1,540 1,540 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 beach; shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; standing fresh water; water-fringe Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern B 1994 36 36 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 vegetation) Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1993 765 765 A C2, C6 Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Nature conservation/research, Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1994 710 710 A C6 Tourism/recreation Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1994 12,700 12,700 A B1ii, B2, C3 The IBA supports large colonies of breeding seabirds, notably terns, ■ Birds and holds 12,800 pairs on a regular basis. It is also nationally important Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria for breeding Somateria mollissima (395 pairs, 1990, 1%) and Larus ridibundus Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 16,600 16,600 A A4i, B1i, C3 (3,080 pairs, 1994, 2%). Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 875 875 A B1i, C3 ■ Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 1,810 1,810 A B1i, C3 Protection status Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 3,770 3,770 A A4i, B1i, C3 National High International High Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P 1995 3,350 3,350 A A4i, B1i, C3 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 47,400 47,400 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 designated areas. Reserve: Coquet Island. Site of Special Scientific Calidris alpina Dunlin P 1995 22,700 22,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 Interest: Coquet Island. Overlaps with international designated areas: Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,090 1,090 A B1i, C3 22 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Coquet Island, Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 1,110 1,110 A B1i, C3 22 ha). Limosa lapponica W 1995 1,760 1,760 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Bar-tailed Godwit ■ Conservation issues Limosa lapponica P 1995 1,180 1,180 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Bar-tailed Godwit Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (C) Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,820 1,820 A B2 Threats include recreational disturbance, over-fishing, and Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 1,860 1,860 A B1i, C3 habitat degradation caused by high numbers of rabbits Oryctolagus Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 1,980 1,980 A B1i, C3 cuniculus and Fratercula arctica. This has led to a decrease in Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 95 95 A B2, C6 ground cover and increased predation of terns. The RSPB The IBA is important for breeding terns and wintering and passage undertakes research and seabird monitoring, while Durham wildfowl and waders. It holds 95,100 wintering and 40,200 University carries out research on terns. There is a management plan passage waterbirds on a regular basis. The site is nationally important for the site.

734 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Deben estuary C6 016 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region East Anglia Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier W 1992 12 12 A C6 Coordinates 52°03’N 1°20’E Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 545 545 A B2, C6 Altitude 0–15 m Area 981 ha Picus viridis Green Woodpecker R 1993 155 155 A B2 Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1994 65 65 A C6 Saxicola torquata Stonechat B 1993 750 750 A B2 ■ Site description Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler B 1994 610 610 A C6 A narrow estuary extending south-eastwards from the town of Woodbridge for a distance of over 12 km, reaching the sea just to the ■ Protection status north of the town of Felixstowe. Extensive intertidal mudflats support National Partial International Partial an important invertebrate community. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserves: Arne, Grange Heath, Heathlands Project – Trigon, Habitats Scrub (scrub), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; Heathlands Project – Black Hill, Stoborough Heath. Sites of Special saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; water-fringe vegetation) Scientific Interest: Arne, Avon Valley (Bickton to Christchurch), Bere Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Stream, Black Hill Heath, Blue Pool and Norden Heaths, Bourne Valley, Brenscombe Heath, Bugdens Copse and Meadows, Canford ■ Birds Heath, Christchurch Harbour, Corfe Meadows, Corfe and Barrow Hills, Cranborne Common, Cull-Peppers Dish, East Holme Meadows, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Ebblake Bog, Ferndown Common, Gore Heath, Hartland Moor, Holt Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1990 4 4 A C6 and West Moors Heaths, Holtheath and Forest, Holton Heath, Horton Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 83 83 A C6 Common, Hurn Common, Hyde Heath, Kitten’s Farm Meadows, The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl and waders, and is Lions Hill, Matchams, Moors River, Morden Bog, Norden, Oakers also nationally important for wintering Tachybaptus ruficollis Bog, Oakers Wood, Parley Common, Poole Harbour, Povington and (61 birds, 1%), Branta bernicla bernicla (2,440 birds, 2%), Tadorna Grange Heaths, Purbeck Ridge (East), Purbeck Ridge (West), tadorna (905 birds, 1%), Limosa limosa (96 birds, 1%), and Tringa Rempstone Heaths, Sandford Heath, Slop Bog and Uddens Heath, totanus (1,380 birds, 1%). The site is also nationally important for Stoborough and Creech Heaths, Studland Cliffs, Studland and passage Limosa limosa (210 birds, 3%) and Tringa totanus (1,240 birds, Godlingston Heaths, Talbot Pit, The Moors, Thrasher’s Heath, Town 1%). Common, Turbary and Kinson Commons, Turners Puddle Heath, Upton Heath, Verwood Heaths, Warmwell Heath, Winfrith Heath. ■ Protection status Overlaps with international designated areas: 8,169 ha of IBA covered National High International High by Special Protection Area (Dorset Heaths, 8,169 ha). IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bawdsey Cliff, Deben Estuary, ■ Conservation issues Ferry Cliff, Ramsholt Cliff. Overlaps with international designated Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Burning of vegetation (B), areas: 981 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Deben Extraction industry (A), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (B), Natural Estuary, 981 ha). 981 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Deben events (B), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (C) Estuary, 981 ha). Threats include pressure from road construction, housing ■ Conservation issues developments and mineral extraction, pollution from waste-disposal sites, natural and accidental fire hazards, recreational activities, and Threats Infrastructure (U), Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (B) inappropriate land management (‘Other’ threat, above). Funding from Threats include sea-level change that may result in flooding and English Nature’s Wildlife and Reserve Enhancement Scheme has been erosion, coastal defence improvements that may cause habitat loss, targeted for habitat restoration and management, with work also and disturbance from sailing and other leisure pursuits and underway through the RSPB Dorset Heathland Project. A revised developments. There is no site-specific management plan, but the Dorset Heathlands Strategy was adopted in 1997. IBA is covered by the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Project and Management Plan. Duddon estuary A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 018 Admin region North Dorset heaths B2, C6 017 Coordinates 54°12’N 3°13’W and forests Altitude 0–15 m Area 5,120 ha Admin region South West Coordinates 50°38’N 2°04’W ■ Site description Altitude 4–92 m Area 10,288 ha The IBA is situated to the north-west of Morecambe Bay, and covers a complex of habitats including intertidal mudflats, saltmarshes, sand- ■ Site description dunes and lagoons. The former iron-ore workings at Hodbarrow now A large, fragmented area situated around Poole Harbour and to comprise a lagoon of considerable wildlife interest. the west of Wareham, overlying the infertile and acidic Bagshot Habitats Forest and woodland (1%; broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (1%; scrub), Beds. The area comprises mainly lowland heathland and mires, Grassland (2%), Wetland (96%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; with associated woodland and grassland. This area includes two shingle/stony beach; standing fresh water; river/stream) sites that were treated as separate IBAs in the previous international Land-use Tourism/recreation IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): part of ‘Poole Basin’ (former site GB188) and ‘Horton Common and Holt Heath’ (former site GB189). ■ Birds Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest; Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria mixed forest), Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland, Wetland (saltmarsh; water-fringe Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 1,550 1,550 A B1i, C3 vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 585 585 A B1i, C3 Land-use Unknown Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 5,300 5,300 A B1i, B2, C3 Calidris canutus Knot P 1995 3,580 3,580 A B1i, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 10,600 10,600 A B2 ■ Birds Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 315 315 A C6 The IBA holds important populations of specialist heathland birds. Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 2,190 2,190 A B2 It is also nationally important for breeding Falco subbuteo (17 pairs, Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 1,720 1,720 A B1i, C3 1992, 3%). Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 1,630 1,630 A B1i, C3

735 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Protection status Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1993 100 100 A C6 National Partial International None Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 14 14 A C6 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserves: Dungeness, Rye Harbour. Sites of Special Scientific The estuary is important for breeding terns and wintering wildfowl Interest: Camber Sands and Rye Saltings, Dungeness, Hastings Cliffs and waders, and supports 36,100 wintering and 21,900 passage and Pett Beach, Houghton Green Cliff, North Lade, Pett Level, waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important for Romney Warren, Rye Harbour, Walland Marsh, Winchelsea Cutting. wintering Tadorna tadorna (1,100 birds, 1%), Mergus serrator (155 birds, 1%), Haematopus ostralegus (6,450 birds, 2%) and Calidris alba ■ Conservation issues (605 birds, 3%), and for passage Haematopus ostralegus (6,800 birds, Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Extraction industry (A), Groundwater 2%) and Calidris alba (880 birds, 4%). abstraction (A), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (A), Natural events (U), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Protection status National Partial International High Threats include the development of Rye Harbour, sea-level change, IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated disturbance from leisure activities and developments, airport areas. Reserve: Hodbarrow Lagoon. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: expansion, and water abstraction. Formal confirmation of SPA and Duddon Estuary, Duddon Mosses, Haverigg Haws, Hodbarrow Ramsar designations from the Department of the Environment, Lagoon, North Walney, Sandscale Haws. Overlaps with international Transport and the Regions are anticipated. Two major wetland designated areas: 5,120 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area creation initiatives have been undertaken by private land-owners in (Duddon Estuary, 6,806 ha). 5,120 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site the IBA, and there is a management plan for the site. (Duddon Estuary, 6,806 ha).

■ Conservation issues East Devon heaths C6 020 Threats Consequences of animal/plant introductions (B), Construction/impact of dyke/ Admin region South West dam/barrage (A), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (B), Natural events (U), Coordinates 50°41’N 3°20’W Recreation/tourism (B) Altitude 61–176 m Area 1,370 ha Threats include increased recreational disturbance, proposed road, barrage and industrial developments, cord-grass Spartina ■ Site description encroachment, and sea-level change which may lead to flooding, These areas form the largest blocks of lowland heath in Devon. erosion and consequent improvements to existing sea defences. Part Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (scrub; heathland), Wetland (fen/ of the site will be incorporated into the Morecambe Bay SAC transition mire/spring) management scheme. Land-use Unknown

■ Birds Dungeness A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 019 to Pett Levels Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region South East Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 79 79 A C6 Coordinates 50°55’N 0°55’E Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler R 1994 130 130 A C6 Altitude 2–5 m Area 9,080 ha The site supports a range of breeding heathland birds.

■ Site description ■ Protection status The IBA includes inland wetlands, grazing-marsh and arable land, National Partial International Partial and two shingle-beaches at Dungeness and Rye Harbour. The shingle- IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated beach systems support very unusual vegetation-types. areas. Reserve: Aylesbeare and Harpford Commons. Site of Special Scientific Interest: East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Overlaps with Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; international designated areas: 1,119 ha of IBA covered by Special shingle/stony beach; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation; Protection Area (East Devon Heaths, 1,119 ha). fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (highly improved reseeded grassland; arable land) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Agriculture, Military, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (C), Extraction industry (A), Other (C), Recreation/tourism (C) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Mineral extraction poses a significant threat, and inappropriate land 1 Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1996 325 325 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 management is also a problem (‘Other’ threat, above). The 1996 East 1 Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1996 515 515 A B1i, C3 Devon Heathland Strategy is in place. These heaths are reported to 1 Mergus albellus Smew W 1996 38 38 A C6 be the best lowland heaths for butterflies in England. 1 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1996 2,850 2,850 A C6 1 Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1996 47 47 A C6 Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 100 100 A C6 Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 280 280 A C6 Exe estuary A4iii, B2, C4, C6 021 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 41 41 A C6 Admin region South West 1. Mean count. Coordinates 50°39’N 3°26’W Altitude 0–2 m Area 2,180 ha The IBA is important for breeding terns and wintering wildfowl, and holds 33,200 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important for breeding Anas strepera (8 pairs, 1995, 1%) ■ Site description and Panurus biarmicus (4 pairs, 1992, 1%), for wintering Podiceps A complex of habitats, extending over 10 km south from Exeter to the cristatus (320 birds, 1993–1996, 3%), Phalacrocorax carbo (315 birds, open sea at Dawlish Warren. Broad intertidal flats and grazing-marshes 1993–1996, 2%), Anser albifrons albifrons (185 birds, 1993–1996, 3%), are the dominant habitats. Extensive mussel, eel-grass Zostera and algal Anas penelope (5,750 birds, 1993–1996, 2%), Anas strepera (250 birds, beds and a sand-spit further increase the habitat diversity. 1993–1996, 3%), Anas crecca (1,760 birds, 1993–1996, 1%), Melanitta Habitats Grassland (7%; humid grassland), Wetland (93%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; nigra (885 birds, 1993–1996, 2%), Fulica atra (1,480 birds, 1993–1996, mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation) 1%) and Calidris alba (410 birds, 1993–1996, 2%), and for passage Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation Numenius phaeopus (440 birds, 1993–1996, 12%).

736 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds Much of the heathland and moorland has been neglected, or is threatened by the intensification of farming. The Exmoor Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National Park BAP is in preparation and an ESA-designation is in Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe W 1990 20 20 A C6 place. Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 360 360 A B2, C6 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 6,150 6,150 A B2 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 430 430 A C6 Farne Islands A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, 023 The site is important for wintering and passage wildfowl and waders, Admin region North C2, C3, C4, C6 and regularly holds 23,200 wintering waterbirds. It is nationally Coordinates 55°37’N 1°38’W important for breeding Cettia cetti (5 pairs, 1995, 2%), for wintering Altitude 0–19 m Area 101 ha Branta bernicla bernicla (2,120 birds, 2%), Mergus serrator (125 birds, 1%), Haematopus ostralegus (4,690 birds, 1%), Pluvialis squatarola (440 birds, 1%), Limosa limosa (585 birds, 8%) and Tringa nebularia ■ Site description (10 birds, 2%). The area is also nationally significant for passage A group of islands and rock stacks lying between 2 km and 6 km off Haematopus ostralegus (4,020 birds, 1%) and Limosa limosa (395 birds, the Northumberland coast at Bamburgh. Vegetation is limited to 5%). pioneer species due to the maritime conditions and the impact of large numbers of seabirds. ■ Protection status Habitats Grassland (mesophile grassland), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock National High International High stacks/islets) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) areas. Reserve: Exe Estuary. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Dawlish Cliffs, Dawlish Warren, Exe Estuary. Overlaps with international designated areas: 2,182 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area ■ Birds (Exe Estuary, 2,182 ha). 2,182 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Exe Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Estuary, 2,182 ha). Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1995 1,020 1,020 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1995 1,380 1,380 A B1i, B3, C3 ■ Conservation issues Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 1,840 1,840 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Disturbance to birds (C), Dredging/canalization (C), Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern B 1995 2 2 A C6 Industrialization/urbanization (U), Natural events (U), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (C) Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 250 250 A C6 Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1995 3,070 3,070 A C2, C6 Threats include sea-level changes that may lead to flooding, erosion Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1993 34,700 34,700 A B1ii, B2, C3 and coastal defence improvements, disturbance from leisure activities and developments, the extension of workshops and cesspit The IBA supports large numbers of breeding seabirds, especially construction, wildfowling and inappropriate land management terns and auks. It holds 54,200 breeding seabirds and 14,200 breeding (‘Other’ threat, above). Estuary and water-level management plans waterbirds on a regular basis, and is nationally important for breeding are in preparation. Phalacrocorax carbo (225 pairs, 1995, 3%), Somateria mollissima (1,450 pairs, 1989, 5%), Rissa tridactyla (6,300 pairs, 1995, 1%) and Uria aalge (19,000 pairs, 1995, 3%). Exmoor coast and heaths B2, B3, C6 022 ■ Protection status Admin region South West National High International High Coordinates 51°09’N 3°43’W IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Altitude 0–519 m Area 24,300 ha areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: The Farne Islands. Overlaps with international designated areas: 101 ha of IBA covered by Special ■ Site description Protection Area (Farne Islands, 101 ha). Upland moorland and grassland, including all of the heathland on Exmoor and the Quantocks, and rocky coastal habitats. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (B) (scrub; heathland), Grassland, Wetland (river/stream), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Threats include soil erosion caused by visitors and the Fratercula Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation arctica and seal colonies, disturbance caused by intense visitor pressure and over-fishing. The National Trust manages the islands, and the ■ Birds surrounding waters are of great value in terms of marine conservation. A management plan exists for the site. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1995 20 — A B2, C6 Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1994 56 56 A C6 Saxicola rubetra Whinchat B 1993 450 450 A B3 Flamborough Head A4i, A4ii, A4iii, 024 Saxicola torquata Stonechat R 1993 300 300 A B2 and Bempton cliffs B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C3, C4 Admin region Yorkshire and Humberside This highly fragmented site supports a number of moorland species, Coordinates 54°06’N 0°04’W including Falco columbarius. Altitude 0–135 m Area 315 ha ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Site description IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Chalk cliffs that project into the North Sea from the Yorkshire areas. National Park: Exmoor. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Barle coast. Valley, Barricane Beach, Braunton Burrows, Glenthorne, Mill Rock, Habitats Grassland, Marine areas (open sea), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Morte Point, Napp’s Cave, Nettlecombe Park, North Exmoor, Porlock Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ Marsh, Saunton to Baggy Point Coast, South Exmoor, The recreation, Urban/industrial/transport Quantocks, Watersmeet, West Exmoor Coast and Woods.

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds The site is important for its large breeding colonies, which hold 46,100 Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Agricultural intensification/ pairs of breeding seabirds and 76,000 pairs of breeding waterbirds on expansion (B) a regular basis.

737 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Frome flood-plain B2, C6 026 Rissa tridactyla Kittiwake B 1994 75,000 — A A4i, B1i, C3 Admin region South West Uria aalge Guillemot B 1994 30,000 — A B1ii, C3 Coordinates 50°41’N 2°15’W Alca torda Razorbill B 1994 7,500 — A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 Altitude 5–49 m Area 2,700 ha Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1994 6,000 — A B2

■ Site description ■ Protection status This site includes all of the flood-plain between Dorchester National High International High and Poole Harbour, with lowland wet grassland the dominant IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated habitat. areas. Reserve: Bempton Cliffs. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Habitats Grassland (80%; humid grassland), Wetland (20%; river/stream; water-fringe Flamborough Head. Overlaps with international designated areas: vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) 315 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Flamborough Head Land-use Agriculture and Bempton Cliffs, 315 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Extraction industry (A), Infrastructure (B), Recreation/tourism (A) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 0 110 A B2, C6 Threats include disturbance from oil and gas exploration and associated shipping and air traffic, disturbance from rock-climbing, The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl. hand-gliding and helicopter pleasure rides, line and hooks discarded by sea-anglers, and coastal defence maintenance works. A ■ Protection status Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast Management Strategy and National Partial International None shoreline management plan exists, and the candidate SAC will IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated eventually have a scheme of management. areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: East Holme Meadows, East Stoke Fen, Povington and Grange Heaths, Turners Puddle Heath, Winfrith Heath, Worgret Heath. Forest of Bowland A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 025 ■ Conservation issues Admin region North West C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 54°00’N 2°34’W Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U) Altitude 137–561 m Area 80,300 ha The Purbeck BAP has been prepared, and advisory work is underway. ■ Site description The Forest of Bowland forms a western outlier to the Pennines, with gentle slopes and level ground on ridges. Fast-flowing streams drain B1i, B2, C2, C6 an extensive area of upland moorland and blanket mire, and bracken Great Yarmouth 027 North Denes Pteridium may dominate on lower ground. Admin region East Anglia Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (75%; Coordinates 52°37’N 1°44’E heathland), Grassland (5%; humid grassland), Wetland (15%; river/stream; Altitude 0–5 m Area 146 ha blanket bog) Land-use Agriculture (90%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Forestry (5%), Hunting (90%), ■ Site description Water management (40%) The IBA comprises two component parts: an actively accreting low sand-dune system and a wide shingle-beach at Great Yarmouth, ■ Birds and the beach and fore-dune ridge at Winterton-Horsey dunes four miles to the north. Marram-grass Ammophila stabilizes the dune Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria system, while grey hair-grass Corynephorus also covers large areas. Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1994 14 — A C6 Falco columbarius Merlin R 1994 17 — A C6 Habitats Wetland (100%; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach) Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1994 10 — A C6 Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Tringa totanus Redshank R 1993 520 520 A B1i, B2, C3 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1992 11,500 11,500 A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 ■ Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl R 1994 9 — A C6 Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The IBA supports a typical range of breeding upland birds, and is a Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 250 250 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 breeding stronghold of Circus cyaneus. The site holds 12,000 pairs of breeding waterbirds on a regular basis, and is nationally important The IBA holds important numbers of Sterna albifrons. for breeding Vanellus vanellus (3,570 pairs, 1993, 2%) and Numenius arquata (895 pairs, 1993, 2%). ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated National Partial International Partial areas. National Nature Reserve: Winterton Dunes. Sites of Special IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Scientific Interest: Great Yarmouth North Denes, Winterton–Horsey areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bowland Fells, Tarnbrook Dunes. Overlaps with international designated areas: 146 ha of IBA Meadows. Overlaps with international designated areas: 16,002 ha of covered by Special Protection Area (Great Yarmouth North Denes, IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Bowland Fells, 16,002 ha). 146 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Afforestation (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Other (A) Threats Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (A) The impact of farming is the most important threat to birds. ‘Other’ Threats include disturbance of the Sterna albifrons colony by dogs threats are posed by human persecution of raptors, and acidification, and people, predation of the terns, tourism development, and beach which affects 51% of the site. The RSPB has an annual wardening erosion. There is no management plan for the Great Yarmouth North agreement on North-West Water’s estate. The heather moorland on Denes part of the IBA, except for the RSPB S. albifrons protection the steeper slopes is managed for Lagopus lagopus. scheme, in existence since 1986.

738 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Haldon C6 028 areas. National Nature Reserve: Hamford Water. Reserves: John Admin region South West Weston Reserve, Skipper’s Island. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Coordinates 50°37’N 3°33’W Hamford Water, The Naze. Overlaps with international designated Altitude 113–247 m Area 2,910 ha areas: 2,143 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Hamford Water, 2,143 ha). 2,143 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Hamford ■ Site description Water, 2,143 ha). Forested heathland to the west of the Exe estuary. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Scrub (20%; heathland), Artificial landscape (80%; forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry Threats Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (B) Threats include disturbance from caravan sites, past proposals for ■ Birds marina expansion, saltmarsh erosion caused by rising sea-level, and the flooding of nests of terns and Tringa totanus by high tides. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 100 100 A C6 Lullula arborea Woodlark R 1995 6 10 A C6 Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler R 1995 12 12 A C6 Holburn Lake and Moss B1i, C3 030 Admin region North The IBA supports a range of breeding heathland species. Coordinates 55°37’N 1°55’W Altitude 152–168 m Area 28 ha ■ Protection status National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Site description areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Buller’s Hill Quarry, Great This site comprises a lake and surrounding mire and swamp, and is Haldon Heaths, Haldon Forest, Little Haldon Heaths, Tower Wood situated about 5 km inland from the Northumberland coast. The lake Quarry. supports Typha and a floating mat of vegetation, with bracken Pteridium and gorse Ulex occurring in drier parts of the site. Human ■ Conservation issues activities include peat extraction (‘Other’ land-use, below). Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Afforestation (A) Habitats Scrub (heathland), Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) The site requires measures for heathland management including the Land-use Agriculture, Other clearance of existing areas of forest and encroaching trees. Forest Enterprise is preparing an integrated SSSI and forest design plan, and the Devon County Heathland Strategy is also in preparation. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 1,600 1,600 A B1i, C3 Hamford Water A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 029 The site is important for wintering wildfowl and waders. Anser anser Admin region South East are from the Icelandic breeding population. Coordinates 51°52’N 1°14’E Altitude 0–4 m Area 2,143 ha ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Site description IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated A large, shallow estuarine basin comprising tidal creeks and islands, areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Holburn Lake and Moss. sand-dunes and extensive areas of saltmarsh. Overlaps with international designated areas: 28 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Holburn Moss, 28 ha). 28 ha of IBA Habitats Scrub (scrub), Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/ covered by Ramsar Site (Holburn Moss, 28 ha). sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach) Land-use Agriculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation ■ Conservation issues Threats Afforestation (B), Burning of vegetation (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Drainage (B), ■ Birds Extraction industry (A), Recreation/tourism (C) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 5,400 5,400 A A4i, B1i, C3 Threats include unpermitted recreational disturbance by bird- Anas crecca Teal W 1995 4,020 4,020 A B1i, C3 watchers, uncontrolled heather-burning, and the effects of Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 290 290 A B2, C6 nearby shooting. Peat extraction may alter the underlying hydrology Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet P 1995 210 210 A C6 of the site. Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 640 640 A B1i, C3 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 1,180 1,180 A B1i, C3 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 3,270 3,270 A C6 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 1,970 1,970 A A4i, B1i, C3 Hornsea Mere A4i, B1i, C3, C6 031 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P 1995 2,490 2,490 A A4i, B1i, C3 Admin region Yorkshire and Humberside Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 6,000 6,000 A B2 Coordinates 53°54’N 0°11’W Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 44 44 A C6 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,520 1,520 A B1i, C3 Altitude 10–20 m Area 230 ha Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 1,620 1,620 A B1i, C3 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 380 380 A C6 ■ Site description Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 43 — A C6 Hornsea Mere lies immediately inland of Hornsea on the Humberside The IBA is important for wintering waders and wildfowl and coast. The lake is only 1–2 m deep and is the only remaining glacial breeding terns. It regularly holds 38,500 wintering waterbirds, and lake in east Yorkshire. It provides a classic example of wetland is nationally important for breeding Larus ridibundus (3,910 pairs, succession from open water to reedbed (Phragmites) to species-rich 1989, 2%) and for wintering Tadorna tadorna (1,400 birds, 2%) and fen and Alnus carr. Tringa totanus (1,430 birds, 1%). Branta bernicla are the bernicla Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet forest), subspecies. Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ ■ Protection status recreation, Water management National High International High

739 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds pairs, 1995, 15%). The site is nationally significant for wintering Branta bernicla bernicla (2,780 birds, 3%), Anas penelope (4,590 birds, 2%), Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anas crecca (1,480 birds, 1%), Anas acuta (290 birds, 1%), Aythya ferina Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1995 185 185 A C6 (950 birds, 1%), Haematopus ostralegus (5,350 birds, 1%), Charadrius Anas strepera Gadwall W 1995 300 300 A B1i, C3 hiaticula (325 birds, 1%), Pluvialis squatarola (1,570 birds, 4%), Vanellus Larus minutus Little Gull N 1995 2,000 2,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 vanellus (33,700 birds, 2%) and Calidris alba (595 birds, 3%). The site is The IBA supports a wide range of breeding and wintering wetland also important for passage Haematopus ostralegus (4,000 birds, 1%). birds. It is also nationally important for wintering Bucephala clangula (385 birds, 1%) and Fulica atra (1,650 birds, 1%). ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated National High International High areas. Reserves: Blacktoft Sands, Tetney Marshes. Sites of Special IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Scientific Interest: Humber Flats and Marshes – Barton Barrow Clay areas. Reserve: Hornsea Mere. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Pits, Humber Flats and Marshes, Pyewipe and Cleethorpes, Humber Hornsea Mere. Overlaps with international designated areas: 230 ha Flats and Marshes – Spurnhead to Saltflat, Humber Flats and Marshes of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Hornsea Mere, 230 ha). – Upper Humber, Humber Flats and Marshes – the Grues, North Lincolnshire Coast, Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe Dunes, South Ferriby ■ Conservation issues Cliffs, The Lagoons. Overlaps with international designated areas: 15,230 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Humber Flats, Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (U), Agricultural intensification/ Marshes and Coast, 15,230 ha). 15,230 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar expansion (B), Recreation/tourism (A) Site (Humber Flats, Marshes and Coast, 15,230 ha). Threats include disturbance from motorcycle and trail bike activities, agricultural pollution, and a lack of management. ■ Conservation issues Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Disturbance to birds (B), Dredging/canalization (U), Extraction industry (U), Filling-in of wetlands (C), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Humber flats, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 032 Infrastructure (B), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (C) C2, C3, C4, C6 marshes and coast Threats include intense industrial development, disturbance from Admin region Yorkshire and Humberside, leisure activities and development, especially motorcycling and water- East Midlands sports, discharged oil and industrial effluents from shipping activities Coordinates 53°43’N 0°17’W (‘Other’ threat, above), rubbish-tipping, wildfowling, and coastal Altitude 0–5 m Area 16,490 ha defence improvements. The Humber Estuary Management Strategy (HEMS) complements various shoreline, Heritage Coast, Wildlife ■ Site description Trust, and RSPB Reserve management plans. The IBA covers the Humber estuary, and coastline to the north and south of the Humber mouth. It includes an elongated shingle-spit capped by sand-dunes (Spurn Point), extensive intertidal habitats Isles of Scilly A4i, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 033 (especially mudflats), saline lagoons and reedbeds (Phragmites). This coastal habitats area includes two sites that were treated as separate IBAs in the Admin region South West previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): Coordinates 49°55’N 6°19’W ‘Humber Flats, Marshes, and Coast’ (former site GB157) and ‘Tetney Altitude 0–47 m Area 926 ha Marshes’ (former site GB237).

Habitats Scrub (scrub), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; ■ Site description sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; standing fresh water; river/ The Isles of Scilly comprise over 200 low-lying granitic islands and stream; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (arable land) rocks, situated 28 miles to the south-west of Land’s End. The habitats Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research, here are subject to extreme maritime influences. The flora includes a Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport number of Mediterranean and West European species not found elsewhere in Britain. ■ Birds Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (mesophile grassland), Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; standing fresh water), Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 3,850 3,850 A A4i, B1i, C3 Marine areas (80%; open sea), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1995 11 11 A C6 Land-use Tourism/recreation Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet R 1995 4 4 A C6 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 860 860 A B1i, C3 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 30,600 30,600 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 ■ Birds Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover P 1995 18,200 18,200 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P 1995 1,770 1,770 A A4i, B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 35,400 35,400 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 1992 2,130 2,130 A B2, C2, C6 Calidris canutus Knot P 1995 6,000 6,000 A B1i, C3 Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1987 1,200 1,200 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3 Calidris alba Sanderling P 1995 1,510 1,510 A A4i, B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1985 940 940 A A4i, B1i, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 24,400 24,400 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1987 3,760 3,760 A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin P 1995 21,700 21,700 A B1i, C3 Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull B 1987 1,000 1,000 A B3 Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 20 20 A C6 Philomachus pugnax Ruff P 1995 130 130 A C6 Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern B 1994 5 5 A C6 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,560 1,560 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1994 105 105 A C6 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 610 610 A C6 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 2,730 2,730 A B2 These islands are of prime importance for breeding seabirds and some Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 4,820 4,820 A A4i, B1i, C3 wintering wader species. They are also nationally important for Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 5,200 5,200 A A4i, B1i, C3 wintering Egretta garzetta (13 birds, 1995–1998, 3%), Charadrius Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 92 92 A B2, C6 hiaticula (310 birds, 1984–1985, 1%), Calidris alba (330 birds, 1984– Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl R 1995 5 — A C6 1985, 1%) and Tringa nebularia (13 birds, 1998, 3%). The IBA is important for breeding raptors and waders and wintering wildfowl and waders. It regularly holds 160,700 wintering and 69,100 ■ Protection status passage waterbirds. It is nationally important for breeding Tadorna National Partial International None tadorna (150 pairs, 1995, 1%), Aythya ferina (25 pairs, 1995, 6%), IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Charadrius hiaticula (100 pairs, 1995, 1%) and Panurus biarmicus (60 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Annet, Big Pool and Browarth

740 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Point (St Agnes), Castle Down (Tresco), Chapel Down (St Martins), the north-east of London. A rich aquatic and marginal flora is present Eastern Isles, Great Pool (Tresco), Gugh, Higher Moors and Porth in the reservoirs and streams. Hellick Pool (St Mary’s), Lower Moors (St Mary’s), Norrard Rocks, Peninnis Head (St Mary’s), Pentle Bay (Tresco), Plains and Great Bay ■ Birds (St Martin’s), Pool of Bryher and Popplestone Bank (Bryher), Porth Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Seal (St Martin’s), Rushy Bay and Heathy Hill (Bryher), Samson (with 1 Botaurus stellaris Bittern W 1998 7 7 A C6 Green, White, Puffin and Stoney Islands), Shipman Head and Anas strepera Gadwall W 1995 300 300 A B1i, C3 Shipman Down (Bryher), St Helens (with Northwethel and Men-a- 1. Mean for winters 1993/94–1997/98. Vaur), Tean, Western Rocks, White Island (off St Martin’s), Wingletang Down (St Agnes). The IBA is important for several breeding wetland bird species, including a large heronry, wintering wildfowl and late summer moults ■ Conservation issues of Aythya fuligula. It is also nationally important for breeding Ardea cinerea (160 pairs, 1992, 1%) and Anas strepera (10 pairs, 1995, 1%); Threats Other (U), Recreation/tourism (B) and for wintering Podiceps cristatus (190 birds, 2%), Phalacrocorax Threats include disturbance from visitors and inappropriate land carbo (345 birds, 2%), Anas clypeata (325 birds, 3%), A. fuligula (2,170 management (‘Other’ treat, above). Monitoring of breeding seabirds birds, 2%) and Fulica atra (2,020 birds, 2%). and wintering shorebirds has clarified the importance of the site, and it is awaiting SPA designation. ■ Protection status National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserve: Rye House Marsh. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: C6 Laughton forest 034 Chingford Reservoirs, Cornmill Stream and Old River Lea, Rye Admin region East Midlands Meads, Turnford and Cheshunt Pits, Waltham Abbey, Walthamstow Coordinates 53°29’N 0°42’W Marshes, Walthamstow Reservoirs. Altitude 3–30 m Area 1,170 ha ■ Conservation issues ■ Site description Threats Recreation/tourism (B) A small mixed forest, mainly pine Pinus, situated in the north-western corner of Lincolnshire. Areas of unimproved acid grassland and Recreational disturbance, particularly from water-sports, is a problem. heathland command SSSI status, and contain characteristic A Botaurus stellaris viewing scheme is in operation, and some reedbed communities. Scotton and Laughton forest ponds support plant species (Phragmites) creation has taken place. The local BAP is in preparation, of acid fen/mire. and part of the IBA and an adjacent site have been put forward as a candidate SPA on the basis of wintering Anas strepera, A. clypeata Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), and Botaurus stellaris. The site is monitored as part of the WeBS. Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Land-use Forestry (93%), Nature conservation/research (7%)

Leighton Moss C6 036 ■ Birds Admin region North West Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Coordinates 54°10’N 2°47’W Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1991 41 41 A C6 Altitude 15–15 m Area 128 ha Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1989 8 — A C6 The site is important for breeding Caprimulgus europaeus and Lullula ■ Site description arborea. The IBA is situated between Silverdale and Warton on the edge of Morecambe Bay, and contains the largest reedbed (Phragmites) in ■ Protection status north-west England. National Partial International None Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Wetland (standing fresh IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Scotton Beck Fields, Scotton Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) Common, Scotton and Laughton Forest Ponds.

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Botaurus stellaris Bittern R 1995 4 4 A C6 The two key breeding birds, Caprimulgus europaeus and Lullula arborea, occur mainly outside nationally protected areas in clear-felled The IBA is important for breeding reedbed species and wintering or recently restocked areas of forest. Both species are therefore wildfowl. It is also nationally important for breeding Anas clypeata vulnerable to changes in forestry practices. The area is managed on (12 pairs, 1994, 1%), Aythya ferina (14 pairs, 1994, 3%), Rallus behalf of a private owner by Forest Enterprise, to include Lullula aquaticus (40 pairs, 1994, 6%) and Panurus biarmicus (40 pairs, 1994, arborea monitoring. A management plan exists for the site. 10%); and for wintering Anas clypeata (140 birds, 1%).

■ Protection status National High International High B1i, C3, C6 Lea valley 035 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Admin region South East areas. Reserve: Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay. Sites of Special Coordinates 51°38’N 0°00’W Scientific Interest: Cringlebarrow and Deepdale, Hawes Water, Altitude 16–29 m Area 2,550 ha Leighton Moss, Morecambe Bay, Thrang End and Yealand Hall Allotment, Trowbarrow Quarry, Warton Crag. Overlaps with ■ Site description international designated areas: 128 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Leighton Moss, 128 ha). 128 ha of IBA covered by Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; fen/ Ramsar Site (Leighton Moss, 128 ha). transition mire/spring) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Military, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ ■ Conservation issues recreation, Urban/industrial/transport, Water management Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A) A series of wetlands and reservoirs situated along the River Lea, to

741 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Nutrient enrichment from agricultural run-off is a major threat, and Pocklington Canal and Thornton Beck. The unimproved flood- may influence water quality at the RSPB-owned reserve. A meadows are amongst the most important in Europe. management plan exists for the site. Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; alluvial/very wet forest), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; blanket bog; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) Lindisfarne A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C4, C6 037 Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Water management Admin region North Coordinates 55°40’N 1°50’W ■ Birds Altitude 0–20 m Area 3,679 ha Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 45 45 A C6 ■ Site description Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 52 52 A C6 A stretch of coastline running from near Berwick-upon-Tweed south 1 Anas strepera Gadwall R 1995 33 33 A B2 to Budle Bay, including Holy Island and the extensive intertidal flats Anas crecca Teal W 1995 5,800 5,800 A B1i, C3 of Holy Island Sands and Budle Bay. The rocky shores support a rich Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1995 6 6 A C6 algal flora, and areas of saltmarsh and sand-dune are also present. Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 5,050 5,050 A C6 Philomachus pugnax Ruff R 1995 6 6 A C6 Habitats Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 115 115 A C6 beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) 1. Mean count. Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research (80%), Tourism/recreation This site supports a variety of breeding wetland birds and attracts large numbers of wildfowl in winter. It regularly holds 38,100 wintering ■ Birds waterbirds, and is nationally important for breeding Podiceps Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria nigricollis (6 pairs, 13%), Anas penelope (9 pairs, 3%), Anas crecca (40 Anas acuta Anas querquedula Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 67 67 A C6 pairs, 3%), (4 pairs, 10%), (7 pairs, 6%), Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 1,700 1,700 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata (90 pairs, 9%), Aythya ferina (13 pairs, 3%), Rallus Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 2,115 2,115 A B1i, C3 aquaticus (12 pairs, 2%) and Larus ridibundus (1,940 pairs, 1%). The Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 3,180 3,180 A C6 site is also nationally important for wintering Anas penelope (9,750 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 6,950 6,950 A B2 birds, 3%), Anas clypeata (105 birds, 1%) and Aythya ferina (1,660 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 3,710 3,710 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 birds, 2%). Breeding species of global conservation concern that do Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 2,900 2,900 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex. Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 38 38 A C6 This area supports breeding terns and attracts large numbers of ■ Protection status wintering wildfowl, including the majority of the Spitzbergen breeding National High International High population of Branta bernicla hrota. The site regularly holds 41,500 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated wintering waterbirds, and is nationally important for wintering areas. National Nature Reserve: Derwent Ings. Reserve: Wheldrake Ings. Phalacrocorax carbo (315 birds, 2%), Tadorna tadorna (1,010 birds, 1%), Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Breighton Meadows, Derwent Ings, Anas penelope (8,150 birds, 3%), Somateria mollissima (2,130 birds, 3%), Melbourne and Thornton Ings, Newton Mask, Pocklington Canal, Melanitta nigra (710 birds, 2%) and Pluvialis squatarola (1,450 birds, River Derwent, Wheldrake Ings. Overlaps with international designated 3%). The area is also important for passage Charadrius hiaticula (400 areas: 915 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Lower birds, 1%), Pluvialis squatarola (1,510 birds, 3%), Calidris alba (365 birds, Derwent Valley, 915 ha). 915 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Lower 2%) and Tringa totanus (1,320 birds, 1%); and for summer moulting Derwent Valley, 915 ha). assemblages of Somateria mollissima (1,130 birds, 1%). Anser anser are from the Icelandic breeding population. ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Drainage (C), Extraction industry (B), ■ Protection status Groundwater abstraction (A) National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Coal extraction may result in surface subsidence, with hydrological areas. National Nature Reserve: Lindisfarne. Sites of Special Scientific implications for the site. An English Nature management plan exists Interest: Bamburgh Coast and Hills, Lindisfarne, Spindlestone for the National Nature Reserve. Heughs. Overlaps with international designated areas: 3,679 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Lindisfarne, 3,679 ha). 3,679 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Lindisfarne, 3,679 ha). Martin Mere A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 039 Admin region North West C2, C3, C4, C6 ■ Conservation issues Coordinates 53°37’N 2°52’W Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (B), Disturbance Altitude 3–3 m Area 120 ha to birds (A), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (A) Threats include cord-grass Spartina encroachment and eel-grass Zostera ■ Site description decline, housing and leisure developments, intense visitor pressure, and The IBA comprises a low-lying wetland complex. disturbance from shooting, wind-surfing and microlights. Changes in Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water) sea-level may lead to erosion and flooding, requiring coastal defence Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) improvements. A management plan for Holy Island and a Recreation Strategy are being drafted. English Nature has undertaken research on wildfowling, and put forward a proposal for trial sanctuary areas. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 600 600 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 595 595 A B1i, B3, C2, C6 Lower Derwent valley A4iii, B1i, B2, 038 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1995 5,600 5,600 A A4i, B1i, C3 Admin region Yorkshire and Humberside C3, C4, C6 Pink-footed Goose Coordinates 53°53’N 0°55’W Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 1,010 1,010 A B1i, C3 Altitude 6–8 m Area 915 ha Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 34 34 A C6 The IBA holds internationally important numbers of wintering ■ Site description wildfowl, supporting 24,300 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. A mosaic of neutral alluvial flood-meadows, fens, swamps, Alnus carr It is also nationally important for wintering Anas penelope (7,650 birds, and freshwater habitats lying adjacent to the River Derwent, 3%) and Anas crecca (2,860 birds, 2%).

742 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Protection status ■ Conservation issues National High International High Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Dredging/ IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national canalization (A), Extraction industry (C), Filling-in of wetlands (C), Groundwater designated areas. Reserve: Martin Mere Wildfowl Trust. Sites of abstraction (U), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A), Natural events (U), Special Scientific Interest: Martin Mere, Burscough. Overlaps with Recreation/tourism (A) international designated areas: 119 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Martin Mere, 119 ha). 119 ha of IBA covered by Threats include road, powerline, industrial, wharf, marina and Ramsar Site (Martin Mere, 119 ha). recreational developments, sea-level rise and associated coastal defence work, erosion of saltmarsh, and land-based dredging disposal. An ■ Conservation issues estuary management plan is in preparation for the Medway and Swale. English Nature, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Other (U) the Medway Ports Authority are carrying out trials designed to retain The IBA is threatened by intensive shooting close to the reserve, and dredging material within the estuary. is at particular risk from acid deposition (‘Other’ threat, above). There is a management plan for the site. Mersey estuary A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 041 Admin region North West Medway estuary A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 040 Coordinates 53°18’N 2°50’W and marshes C3, C4, C6 Altitude 0–12 m Area 7,274 ha Admin region South East Coordinates 51°23’N 0°37’E ■ Site description Altitude 0–15 m Area 6,840 ha Extensive intertidal areas in the Mersey estuary, including large areas of mudflats and saltmarshes. ■ Site description Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; standing The Medway estuary forms a single tidal system with the Swale and fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) joins the Thames estuary between the Isle of Grain and Sheerness. It Land-use Nature conservation/research, Urban/industrial/transport has a complex arrangement of tidal channels, which drain around large islands of saltmarsh and grazing-marsh. The mudflats support extensive beds of algae and eel-grass Zostera. ■ Birds Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; shingle/stony beach; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 5,300 5,300 A A4i, B1i, C3 Artificial landscape (arable land) Anas crecca Teal W 1995 12,400 12,400 A B1i, C3 Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 3,210 3,210 A B1i, C3 Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 2,650 2,650 A C6 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 46,600 46,600 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 ■ Birds Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,230 1,230 A B2 Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 4,610 4,610 A A4i, B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 4,350 4,350 A A4i, B1i, C3 Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 4,420 4,420 A A4i, B1i, C3 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 5,900 5,900 A A4i, B1i, C3 The estuary is of international importance for wintering wildfowl and Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 695 695 A B1i, C3 waders. It regularly holds 102,900 wintering waterbirds, and is also Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet R 1992 34 34 A C6 nationally important for wintering Podiceps cristatus (130 birds, 1%), Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 170 170 A C6 Phalacrocorax carbo (360 birds, 2%), Anas penelope (10,800 birds, 4%), Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet P 1995 310 310 A C6 Pluvialis squatarola (1,450 birds, 3%) and Limosa limosa (250 birds, Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 730 730 A B1i, C3 3%). Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 1,160 1,160 A B1i, C3 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 3,690 3,690 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P 1995 3,430 3,430 A A4i, B1i, C3 Protection status Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 27,700 27,700 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 National Partial International Partial Calidris alpina Dunlin P 1995 16,600 16,600 A B1i, C3 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 1,310 1,310 A B1i, C3 areas. Reserve: Seaforth NR. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Altcar Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,960 1,960 A B2 Sand-dunes and Foreshore, Mersey Estuary, North Wirral Foreshore. Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 3,630 3,630 A A4i, B1i, C3 Overlaps with international designated areas: 5,033 ha covered by Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 5,800 5,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 Special Protection Area (Mersey Estuary, 5,033 ha). 5,033 ha covered Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1995 1,140 1,140 A A4i, B1i, C3 by Ramsar Site (Mersey Estuary, 5,033 ha). The IBA is important for wintering and passage wildfowl, holding 69,200 wintering and 35,200 passage waterbirds on a regular basis. ■ Conservation issues Terns and gulls breed on saltmarsh islands, and wildfowl breed on Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (U), Extraction industry (B), Filling-in the grazing-marshes. The site is also nationally important for wintering of wetlands (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (B), Natural events (B), Tachybaptus ruficollis (52 birds, 1%), Podiceps cristatus (120 birds, Recreation/tourism (C) 1%), Phalacrocorax carbo (420 birds, 3%), Anas penelope (4,920 birds, 2%), Anas crecca (2,020 birds, 1%), Anas clypeata (115 birds, 1%), Threats include the development of an airport, hotels, a river crossing, Limosa limosa (695 birds, 9%), Tringa erythropus (18 birds, 4%) and pipelines, a power station and the proposed Mersey barrage, and sea- Tringa nebularia (9 birds, 2%). Branta bernicla are the bernicla level rise that may result in flooding, erosion and improvements to subspecies. coastal defences. The RSPB leases parts of the estuary for management as reserves. A management plan exists for the area. ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Mid-Essex coast A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 042 areas. National Nature Reserve: Chetney. Reserve: Nor Marsh and Admin region South East C2, C3, C4, C6 Motney Hill. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Medway Estuary and Coordinates 51°47’N 1°00’E Marshes, South Thames Estuary and Marshes. Overlaps with Altitude 0–6 m Area 22,817 ha international designated areas: 4,683 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Medway Estuary and Marshes, 4,683 ha). 4,683 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Medway Estuary and Marshes, ■ Site description 4,683 ha). A large complex of estuaries and sand-silt flats, including the

743 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Blackwater, Crouch, Colne and Dengie Estuaries. Foulness and Threats include disturbance caused by recreational and air activities, Maplin Sands is one of the three largest continuous sand-silt flats in the development of a wharf, sea defences, homes and shops, carparks, Britain. This area includes three sites that were treated as separate marinas, holiday parks and an airport, and saltmarsh loss caused by IBAs in the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones sea-level rise. A management plan exists for the Blackwater estuary 1989): ‘Blackwater, Colne and Dengie’ (former site GB176), ‘River (Maldon and Colchester Districts), where experiments on managed Crouch marshes’ (former site GB177) and ‘Foulness and Maplin retreat are being carried out. A harbour management plan also exists Sands’ (former site GB178). for the Crouch estuary (Crouch Harbour Authority). Part of the area has been put forward as a candidate SAC. Habitats Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Military, Nature conservation/research Minsmere–Walberswick B3, C6 043 Admin region East Anglia ■ Birds Coordinates 52°18’N 1°36’E Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Altitude 0–21 m Area 2,190 ha Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 29,600 29,600 A A4i, B1i, C3 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 5,700 5,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Anas crecca Teal W 1995 4,150 4,150 A B1i, C3 ■ Site description Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher W 1995 15,800 15,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 The IBA covers a complex of habitats, including one of the largest intact Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher P 1995 11,100 11,100 A A4i, B1i, C3 reedbeds (Phragmites) in the UK. The site also includes the tidal Blyth Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 120 120 A C6 estuary, and areas of brackish lagoon, lowland heathland and woodland. Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 835 835 A B1i, C3 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 1,700 1,700 A B1i, C3 Habitats Forest and woodland (native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Scrub (scrub; heathland), Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 12,500 12,500 A B1i, C2, C6 Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/ Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 8,700 8,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 stony beach; standing fresh water; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe vegetation) Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P 1995 6,500 6,500 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 37,600 37,600 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Calidris canutus Knot P 1995 7,450 7,450 A B1i, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 48,300 48,300 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 ■ Birds Calidris alpina Dunlin P 1995 30,800 30,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 50 50 A C6 Botaurus stellaris Bittern R 1995 8 8 A C6 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,130 1,130 A B1i, C3 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1994 7 — A C6 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 1,090 1,090 A B1i, C3 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet R 1994 105 — A B3, C6

Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 7,550 7,550 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 195 195 A C6 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 3,380 3,380 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1994 28 — A C6 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 5,500 5,500 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1994 24 — A C6 Numenius arquata Curlew P 1995 6,550 6,550 A A4i, B1i, C3 Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1994 19 — A C6 Tringa totanus Redshank R 1993 895 895 A B1i, B2, C3 Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 5,650 5,650 A A4i, B1i, C3 The IBA supports a rich diversity of breeding, wintering and passage Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 5,450 5,450 A A4i, B1i, C3 species, and is noted for breeding Recurvirostra avosetta. It is also Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 1,030 1,030 A A4i, B1i, C3 nationally important for breeding Anas strepera (14 pairs, 1994, 2%), Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1995 900 900 A A4i, B1i, C3 Aythya ferina (5 pairs, 1994, 1%), Rallus aquaticus (20 pairs, 1994, Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 330 330 A B2, C6 3%) and Panurus biarmicus (35 pairs, 1992, 9%), for wintering Anas Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 125 — A C6 strepera (90 birds, 1%) and Limosa limosa (335 birds, 4%), and for Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 58 58 A B2, C6 passage Limosa limosa (285 birds, 4%). The IBA is important for wintering and passage waders and wildfowl and for breeding terns. It regularly holds 230,400 wintering and 81,300 ■ Protection status passage waterbirds, and is also nationally important for breeding National High International High Panurus biarmicus (19 pairs, 1992, 5%), for wintering Tachybaptus IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ruficollis (80 birds, 2%), Podiceps cristatus (370 birds, 3%), areas. National Nature Reserves: Walberswick, Westleton Heath. Phalacrocorax carbo (725 birds, 5%), Anas penelope (5,350 birds, 2%), Reserve: Minsmere. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Minsmere– Anas strepera (120 birds, 1%), Anas acuta (365 birds, 1%), Anas Walberswick Heaths and Marshes. Overlaps with international clypeata (205 birds, 2%), Bucephala clangula (545 birds, 2%), Mergus designated areas: 2,004 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area serrator (145 birds, 1%), Vanellus vanellus (34,200 birds, 2%), Calidris (Minsmere–Walberswick, 2,004 ha). 2,004 ha of IBA covered by alba (315 birds, 1%), Tringa erythropus (4 birds, 1%), Tringa nebularia Ramsar Site (Minsmere–Walberswick, 2,004 ha). (8 birds, 1%) and Tringa ochropus (10 birds, 1%); and for passage Calidris alba (555 birds, 2%) and Tringa nebularia (205 birds, 37%). ■ Conservation issues Branta bernicla are the bernicla subspecies. Threats Industrialization/urbanization (C), Infrastructure (B), Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (C) ■ Protection status National High International High Threats include sea-level rise that may result in erosion and flooding, IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated saline intrusion, coastal erosion caused by the construction of the areas. National Nature Reserves: Blackwater Estuary, Colne Estuary, Sizewell C nuclear power-station, habitat loss caused by coastal Dengie, Old Hall Marshes. Reserves: Blue House Farm, Bradwell Shell defence development, and disturbance to tern colonies. Management Bank, Colne Point, Fingringhoe Wick, Lion Creek, Northey Island, plans exist for Walberswick National Nature Reserve and Minsmere Old Hall Marshes, Ray Island, Tollesbury Wick Marshes. Sites of RSPB Reserve. Intensive Botaurus stellaris monitoring is carried out, Special Scientific Interest: Blackwater Estuary, Burnham-on-Crouch, and heathland re-creation is underway at Minsmere in an area adjacent Colne Estuary, Crouch and Roach Estuaries, Dengie, Foulness, The to the IBA. Cliff. Overlaps with international designated areas: 22,817 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Mid-Essex Coast, 22,817 ha). 22,817 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Mid-Essex Coast, Morecambe Bay A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 044 22,817 ha). Admin region North, North West C2, C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 54°07’N 2°58’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 0–30 m Area 41,970 ha Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Disturbance to birds (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (C), Natural events (A), ■ Site description Recreation/tourism (B) The IBA covers Morecambe Bay and the Lune estuary, with the Leven,

744 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Kent, Keer, Lune and Wyre river channels draining through intertidal Nene Washes A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 045 flats of sand and silt. The whole system is dynamic, with shifting Admin region East Anglia C2, C3, C4, C6 channels formed by the cycle of erosion and accretion. The site also Coordinates 52°33’N 0°13’W includes important saltmarshes. Altitude 2–3 m Area 1,310 ha Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; standing fresh water; standing brackish ■ Site description and salt water; water-fringe vegetation) The cycle of winter storage of flood-waters and traditional summer Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research, cattle-grazing at this site has given rise to a mosaic of rough grassland Tourism/recreation and wet pasture, with a diverse ditch flora.

Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; ■ Birds standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 5,800 5,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 2,930 2,930 A B1i, C3 Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher W 1995 52,000 52,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Birds Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher P 1995 61,000 61,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 1,720 1,720 A B1i, C3 Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 1,640 1,640 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 3,700 3,700 A C6 Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 1,210 1,210 A B1i, C3 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 1,820 1,820 A A4i, B1i, C3 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P 1995 1,780 1,780 A A4i, B1i, C3 Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1995 2 2 A C6 Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 29,600 29,600 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 95 95 A C6 Calidris canutus Knot P 1995 12,400 12,400 A A4i, B1i, C3 The IBA supports a variety of breeding ducks and waders, and is Calidris alba Sanderling P 1995 1,970 1,970 A A4i, B1i, C3 important for wintering wildfowl. It holds 22,600 wintering waterbirds Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 60,500 60,500 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin P 1995 26,800 26,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 on a regular basis, and is also nationally important for breeding Anas Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 2,490 2,490 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 penelope (3 pairs, 1995, 1%), Anas strepera (24 pairs, 1995, 3%), Anas Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 840 840 A C6 querquedula (2 pairs, 1995, 2%), Anas clypeata (41 pairs, 1995, 4%) Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 13,500 13,500 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 and Limosa limosa (14 pairs, 1995, 26%), and for wintering Anas Numenius arquata Curlew P 1995 17,400 17,400 A A4i, B1i, C3 penelope (6,400 birds, 2%), Anas strepera (175 birds, 2%), Anas crecca Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 6,600 6,600 A A4i, B1i, C3 (1,930 birds, 1%), Anas clypeata (270 birds, 3%), Aythya ferina (1,040 Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 8,300 8,300 A A4i, B1i, C3 birds, 1%) and Limosa limosa (290 birds, 4%). Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 1,750 1,750 A A4i, B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1995 1,950 1,950 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Protection status Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1991 17,000 — A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 National High International High Larus argentatus Herring Gull B 1990 11,000 — A A4i, B1i IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1994 380 380 A B2, C6 areas. Reserve: Nene Washes. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: This area is of outstanding importance for wintering and passage Adventurers’ Land, Nene Washes (Whittlesey). Overlaps with wildfowl and waders, and for breeding wildfowl, gulls and terns. It holds international designated areas: 1,310 ha of IBA covered by Special 28,600 pairs of breeding waterbirds, and 222,800 wintering and 149,100 Protection Area (Nene Washes, 1,310 ha). 1,310 ha of IBA covered passage waterbirds on a regular basis. The site is also nationally by Ramsar Site (Nene Washes, 1,310 ha). important for breeding Somateria mollissima (950 pairs, 1992, 3%), for wintering Podiceps cristatus (265 birds, 2%), Phalacrocorax carbo (905 ■ Conservation issues birds, 6%), Anser brachyrhynchus (2,040 birds, 1%), Anas penelope (6,150 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Disturbance to birds (A), Infrastructure (C), birds, 2%), Anas crecca (2,020 birds, 1%), Somateria mollissima (7,450 Industrialization/urbanization (C), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (C) birds, 10%), Bucephala clangula (355 birds, 1%), Mergus serrator (285 birds, 3%), Charadrius hiaticula (470 birds, 2%), Vanellus vanellus (16,600 Threats include a proposed relief road within 500 m of the north-east birds, 1%), Calidris alba (270 birds, 1%), Limosa limosa (120 birds, 2%) end of the site, residential development, spring flooding, and and Tringa nebularia (8 birds, 1%), for passage Limosa limosa (305 birds, wildfowling, which causes disturbance to feeding and roosting birds. 4%), and for summer moulting assemblages of Somateria mollissima A RSPB management plan exists for part of the site. (5,250 birds, 7%).

■ Protection status The New Forest B2, C6 046 National Partial International Partial Admin region South East IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Coordinates 50°52’N 1°34’W areas. Reserves: Foulney Island, Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay. Altitude 2–127 m Area 41,410 ha Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Arnside Knott, Barker Scar, Barnaby Sands Marsh, Burrows Marsh, Cockerham Marsh, Far Arnside, Humphrey Head, Iron Pit Spring Quarry, Jack Scout, Leighton ■ Site description Moss, Lune Estuary, Meathop Woods and Quarry, Morecambe Bay, A large expanse of enclosed woodland, both ancient and more recent, Roudsea Wood and Mosses, Sea Wood, Skelwith Hill, South Walney with open areas of heathland, and broken by numerous valleys and and Piel Channel Flats, Wyre Estuary. Overlaps with international mires. The forest supports a rich lichen, fern, moss and liverwort flora. designated areas: 35,863 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub (Morecambe Bay, 35,863 ha). 35,863 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar (scrub; heathland), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (river/stream; fen/transition Site (Morecambe Bay, 35,863 ha). mire/spring), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism/recreation ■ Conservation issues Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (U), Extraction industry (U), Industrialization/ ■ Birds urbanization (B), Infrastructure (B), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Threats include the proposed Morecambe Bay Barrage, the Lancaster Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard B 1996 2 2 A C6 Western bypass, mobile home developments, recreational pressure, Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier W 1992 15 15 A C6 and sea-level rise, which may result in erosion and flooding. The Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 325 325 A B2, C6 Morecambe Bay Strategy is in place, and the Wyre estuary is a Lullula arborea Woodlark R 1994 58 58 A C6 candidate SPA. The RSPB manages 2,587 ha of Morecambe Bay, and Saxicola torquata Stonechat R 1992 430 — A B2 owns about 1,514 ha. Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler R 1994 540 540 A C6

745 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

The IBA is also nationally important for breeding Falco subbuteo Anas strepera (165 birds, 2%), Anas crecca (3,150 birds, 2%), Anas (25 pairs, 1992, 5%) and Phylloscopus sibilatrix (350 pairs, 1992, 2%). clypeata (170 birds, 2%), Melanitta nigra (1,900 birds, 5%), Charadrius hiaticula (360 birds, 1%), Pluvialis squatarola (1,200 birds, 3%) and ■ Protection status Calidris alba (395 birds, 2%), and for passage Pluvialis squatarola (945 National Partial International Partial birds, 2%) and Calidris alba (535 birds, 2%). Branta bernicla are the IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated bernicla subspecies. areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Fletchwood Meadows, Landford Bog, Landford Heath, Langley Wood and Homan’s Copse, ■ Protection status Loosehanger Copse and Meadows, Norley Copse and Meadow, North National High International High Solent, Poors Common, Roydon Woods, Sowley Pond, The New Forest, IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Whiteparish Common. Overlaps with international designated areas: areas. National Nature Reserves: Blakeney Point, Holkham, Scolt Head. 28,002 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (New Forest, Reserves: Blakeney Point, Cley/Salthouse, Holme, Titchwell Marsh. 28,002 ha). 28,002 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (New Forest, Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Morston Cliff, North Norfolk Coast. 28,002 ha). Overlaps with international designated areas: 7,700 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (North Norfolk Coast, 7,700 ha). 7,700 ha ■ Conservation issues of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (North Norfolk Coast, 7,700 ha). Threats Infrastructure (U), Other (U), Recreation/Tourism (U) ■ Conservation issues ‘Other’ threats are posed by acid deposition and commercial mushroom Threats Extraction industry (C), Filling-in of wetlands (C), Natural events (A), Recreation/ picking. Road development (associated with port expansion, for tourism (B) example) and considerable recreational disturbance are additional threats. Areas of privately-owned land surround a large central core Threats include proposals for marinas and golf courses, sea-level rise of Crown Land. NGOs are pressing for improved management of the that may lead to erosion, flooding and habitat loss through sea defence forest, with clear objectives and a proper management plan. The New development, and disturbance and trampling damage caused by Forest Committee coordinates the work of the statutory bodies. visitors. English Nature, the RSPB, National Trust, Norfolk Wildlife Research on birds and other taxa has been undertaken, and the area is Trust and Norfolk Ornithologists’ Association manage much of the a candidate SAC. coast as a nature reserve. The Norfolk Coast Project visitor management strategy exists alongside a shoreline management plan and various nature reserve management plans. Botaurus stellaris monitoring is undertaken, and part of the area is a candidate SAC. North Norfolk coast A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 047 Admin region East Anglia C2, C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 52°58’N 0°49’E Altitude 0–5 m Area 7,700 ha North Pennine moors B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 048 Admin region North Coordinates 54°41’N 2°26’W ■ Site description Altitude 170–893 m Area 136,547 ha This site extends for over 40 km from Hunstanton in the west to Salthouse in the east, and includes extensive intertidal sand and mudflats, and some of Europe’s best saltmarshes. A diverse saltmarsh ■ Site description flora, extensive reedbeds (Phragmites) and dune systems are present A series of upland moorland sites, straddling the Cumbrian, Durham, alongside grazing-marshes that hold a rich diversity of aquatic plant North Yorkshire and Northumberland borders. The heather Calluna species. The site is also of great geomorphological interest. and grass moorlands are predominantly managed for game interests. This area includes four sites that were treated as separate IBAs in the Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (scrub), Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; standing fresh ‘Muggleswick, Stanhope and Wolsingham Commons’ (former site water; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe vegetation) GB147), ‘Bollihope and Middleton Commons’ (former site GB148), Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ ‘Upper Teesdale and Moor House’ (former site GB149) and ‘Bowes recreation Moor’ (former site GB150).

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub ■ Birds (scrub; heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; blanket bog; Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria fen/transition mire/spring) Botaurus stellaris Bittern R 1995 5 5 A C6 Land-use Agriculture (90%), Forestry (3%), Military (5%), Nature conservation/ Anser brachyrhynchus W 1995 15,800 15,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 research (2%) Pink-footed Goose Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 12,100 12,100 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anas penelope Wigeon W 1995 13,800 13,800 A B1i, C3 ■ Birds Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 1,280 1,280 A B1i, C3 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1990 8 8 A C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet R 1989 110 110 A B3, C6 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1994 5 — A C6 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 120 120 A C6 Falco columbarius Merlin R 1996 88 88 A C6 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover R 1993 280 280 A B1i, C3 Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1994 115 115 A B2 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 885 885 A B1i, C3 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover R 1992 2,250 2,250 A B3, C2, C6 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 2,640 2,640 A C6 Calidris alpina Dunlin R 1992 80 — A B1i, C3 Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 7,600 7,600 A B1i, B2, C3 Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 39 39 A C6 The IBA is important for breeding raptors, waders and other upland Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,280 1,280 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 birds. It is also nationally important for breeding Numenius arquata Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 740 740 A C6 (1,000 pairs, 1992, 3%). Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 3,040 3,040 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1993 155 155 A C6 ■ Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 370 370 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Protection status National Partial International Low The IBA is important for a variety of breeding species, wintering IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated wildfowl and migrating waders. It regularly holds 79,500 wintering areas. National Nature Reserve: Upper Teesdale. Reserve: Geltsdale. waterbirds, and is also nationally important for breeding Haematopus Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Appleby Fells, Bollihope, Pikestone, ostralegus (410 pairs, 1993, 1%), Larus ridibundus (4,100 pairs, 1992, Eggleston and Woodland Fells, Bowlees and Friar House Meadows, 2%) and Panurus biarmicus (41 pairs, 1992, 10%), for wintering Anser Geltsdale and Glendue Fells, Helbeck Wood, Middle Crossthwaite, albifrons albifrons (300 birds, 5%), Tadorna tadorna (960 birds, 1%), Middleton Quarry, Moor House and Cross Fell, Park End Wood,

746 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Pus Gill, Swindale Wood, Teesdale Allotments, Upper Teesdale. where heather management is poor. ‘Other’ threats are posed by Overlaps with international designated areas: 3,894 ha of IBA covered acid deposition and raptor persecution. A North York Moors National by Special Protection Area (Moor House, 3,894 ha). Park management plan is currently being developed (but not specifically to address nature conservation). An Objective 5b moorland ■ Conservation issues regeneration programme will run until 2000, except in the Cleveland part of the IBA and a few other small areas run by the National Park. Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Agricultural intensification/ expansion (A), Extraction industry (U), Infrastructure (B), Other (A) ‘Other’ threats to the IBA are posed by raptor persecution and acid A4i, B1i, B2, C3, C6 deposition, with wind-farm developments an additional threat. A Northumberland coast 050 Admin region North management plan exists for the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Coordinates 55°28’N 1°35’W Natural Beauty, and English Nature are designating an SPA in phases. Altitude 0–15 m Area 1,926 ha Research is being carried out into Tetrao tetrix and waders.

■ Site description The IBA covers much of the coastline between the Scottish border North Yorkshire moors C6 049 and the Tyne estuary, which consists of sandy bays separated by rocky Admin region North, Yorkshire and Humberside headlands and backed by sand-dunes and both soft and hard cliffs. Coordinates 54°19’N 1°15’W Altitude 30–394 m Area 142,250 ha Habitats Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; sand- dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; standing fresh water), Marine areas (sea inlet/ coastal features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) ■ Site description Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation The largest continuous tract of open heather Calluna moorland in England and Wales, with long fingers of moor and heath extending down to farmland or abutting woodland edges. Boggy flushes and valley ■ Birds mires are dominated by Juncus. The area is managed for game interests. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 68 68 A C6 (scrub; heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland; humid grassland; Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper W 1995 535 535 A A4i, B1i, C3 Philomachus pugnax Ruff P 1995 38 38 A C6 mesophile grassland), Wetland (river/stream; blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring), Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 1,130 1,130 A A4i, B1i, C3 Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore), Artificial landscape (arable land; forestry plantation) Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1995 970 970 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Agriculture (30%), Forestry (15%), Hunting (30%), Military (10%), Nature Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1993 — 245 A C6 conservation/research (10%), Urban/industrial/transport (5%), Water management (5%) Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1993 49 49 A B2, C6 The IBA is important for breeding terns and wintering waders. It is ■ Birds also nationally important for wintering Phalacrocorax carbo (165 birds, 1%), Cygnus olor (370 birds, 1%), Somateria mollissima Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria (2,100 birds, 3%), Bucephala clangula (590 birds, 2%) and Charadrius Falco columbarius Merlin R 1996 40 40 A C6 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover R 1996 615 615 A C6 hiaticula (320 birds, 1%), for passage Calidris maritima (290 birds, Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 89 89 A C6 1%), and for summer moulting assemblages of Cygnus olor (460 birds, 2%) and Somateria mollissima (860 birds, 1%). The IBA supports a variety of breeding upland species, and is also nationally important for breeding Numenius arquata (950 pairs, 1996, ■ Protection status 3%). National High International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Protection status areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Alnmouth Saltmarsh and Dunes, National High International Partial Bamburgh Coast and Hills, Bamburgh Dunes, Burnmouth Coast, Castle IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Point to Cullernose Point, Cresswell Ponds, Cresswell and Newbiggin areas. National Park: North Yorkshire Moors. Sites of Special Scientific Shores, Hadston Links, Howick to Seaton Point, Low Hauxley Shore, Interest: Ashberry and Reins Wood, Barn Hill Meadows, Beast Cliff – Newton Links, Northumberland Shore, River Coquet and Coquet Valley Miller’s Nab, Beck Hole, Biller Howe Dale, Blaiskey Bank Springs, Woodlands, River Tweed, Sandy Bay, Tweed Estuary, Tynemouth to Botton Head, Boulby Quarries, Bride Stones, Broughton Bank, Bull Seaton Sluice, Warkworth Dunes and Saltmarsh. Ings, Castle Hill Wood, Castlebeck and Scar Woods, Cawthorn Moor, Cliff Ridge, Cockrah Wood, Cropton Banks and Howlgate Head ■ Conservation issues Woods, Duncombe Park, Ellerburn Bank, Ellers Wood and Sand Dale, Threats Extraction industry (B), Infrastructure (U), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Fairy Call Beck, Farndale, Fylingdales Moor, Gowerdale Windy Pits/ Peak Scar, Hackness Head Quarry, Hackness Rock Pit, Haugh and Threats include erosion and flooding caused by sea-level rise, and Gundale Slacks, Hawsker Bottoms, Hayburn Wyke, Hill House Nab, associated improvements to sea defences, disturbance from Hole of Horcum, Iron Scar and Hundale Point to Scalby Ness, Kildale recreational activities, and the development of caravan sites, holiday Hall, Langbaurgh Ridge, Littlebeck Wood, Low Pasture, Hawnby, homes, car parks and marinas. The site is a candidate SPA. A Maw Wyke to Miller’s Nab, May Moss, Nabgate, Newtondale, Noddle management plan was drawn up in 1993, and a Recreational Strategy End, Pinkney and Gerrick Woods, Raincliffe and Forge Valley Woods, in 1998. Estuary Management Plans have been prepared for the Tweed, Rievaulx Woods, Roseberry Topping, Runswick Bay, Ruston Cottage Aln, Coquet, Blyth and Wansbeck rivers. Tern research is undertaken Pasture, Ryedale Windy Pits, Scar End Wood, Seive Dale Fen, Shaws by Northumbria Water plc. Gate Quarry, Sleightholme Dale, Snaper Farm Meadows, Spikers Hill Quarry, Spring Wood, Hawnby, Staithes – Port Mulgrave, Tranmire, Tripsdale Troutsdale and Rosekirk Dale Fens, Whitby Saltwick. A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, Overlaps with international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special Ouse Washes 051 Admin region East Anglia C2, C3, C4, C6 Protection Area (North York Moors). Coordinates 52°21’N 0°02’E Altitude 1–2 m Area 2,403 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (U), Burning of vegetation (U), ■ Site description Other (B) The Ouse Washes lie between the Old and New Bedford Rivers and act Deliberate and accidental fires threaten ground-nesting species, and as a flood-water storage system during the winter months, subjecting bracken Pteridium invasion of open moorland is a problem the unimproved neutral grassland to regular winter flooding. The flood

747 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man meadow sward is characterized by many reed, grass and herb species. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated A diverse aquatic flora also exists at the site. areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bognor Reef, Pagham Harbour. Overlaps with international designated areas: 636 ha of IBA Habitats Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation) covered by Special Protection Area (Pagham Harbour, 636 ha). 636 ha Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Water management of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Pagham Harbour, 636 ha).

■ Birds ■ Conservation issues Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Threats Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (C) Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 4,690 4,690 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 820 820 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 Threats to the IBA are posed by sea-level rise, which may result in Anas penelope Wigeon W 1995 28,500 28,500 A A4i, B1i, C3 erosion, flooding and habitat loss associated with coastal defence Anas strepera Gadwall R 1995 155 155 A B1i, B2, C3 development, and leisure developments. The site is monitored as part Anas strepera Gadwall W 1995 370 370 A B1i, C3 of the WeBS, and there is a management plan. Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 1,550 1,550 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1995 765 765 A B1i, C3 Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 135 135 A C6 Philomachus pugnax Ruff P 1995 135 135 A C6 Peak District moors B1i, B3, C3, C6 053 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,540 1,540 A B1i, C3 Admin region Yorkshire and Humberside, Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 705 705 A B1i, C3 East Midlands, West Midlands, North West Coordinates 53°21’N 1°44’W The IBA is important for breeding ducks and wintering wildfowl. It Altitude 98–636 m Area 37,092 ha holds 62,900 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis, and is also nationally important for breeding Anas penelope (14 pairs, 1995, 5%), Anas acuta (3 pairs, 1995, 7%), Anas querquedula (2 pairs, 1995, 2%), ■ Site description Anas clypeata (67 pairs, 1995, 7%), Aythya ferina (5 pairs, 1995, 1%) This IBA marks the southernmost extent of a habitat typical of northern and Limosa limosa (5 pairs, 1995, 9%), and for wintering Phalacrocorax British uplands. It is cut by fast-flowing rivers and streams, and contains carbo (235 birds, 2%), Cygnus olor (610 birds, 2%), Anser fabalis (6 areas of wet in-bye land and reservoirs. Dwarf shrubs dominate the birds, 1%), Anas crecca (3,690 birds, 3%), Aythya ferina (2,580 birds, open moorland and mire habitats, with adjacent unenclosed pasture 3%) and Fulica atra (1,850 birds, 1%). and grassland. The Eastern Moors block is included in the site.

Habitats Scrub (35%; heathland), Grassland (40%), Wetland (25%; standing fresh water; river/ ■ Protection status stream; blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (5%; forestry plantation) National High International High Land-use Agriculture (90%), Forestry (5%), Hunting (50%), Military (5%), Water IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated management (50%) areas. Reserves: Ouse Washes, Welney. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Ouse Washes. Overlaps with international designated areas: 2,403 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Ouse Washes, 2,403 ha). ■ Birds 2,403 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Ouse Washes, 2,403 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Conservation issues Falco columbarius Merlin R 1991 25 25 A C6 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover R 1991 500 500 A C6 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (C), Calidris alpina Dunlin B 1991 70 70 A B1i, C3 Extraction industry (C), Infrastructure (C), Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (C) Turdus torquatus Ring Ouzel B 1991 80 80 A B3 Threats include disturbance caused by wildfowling and footpath use, The IBA is important for breeding waders, raptors and other upland and flooding, which can result in a major loss of habitat and breeding species. It is also nationally important for breeding Numenius arquata species during spring and summer. There is a management plan for (450 pairs, 1991, 1%) and for summer breeding and non-breeding the site, part of which is a candidate SAC. assemblages of Larus fuscus (2,760 birds, 1994, 6%).

■ Protection status National High International High B1i, C3 Pagham Harbour 052 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Admin region South East areas. National Park: Peak District. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Coordinates 50°45’N 0°45’W Dark Peak, Eastern Moors, Leek Moors. Overlaps with international Altitude 0–1 m Area 636 ha designated areas: 37,092 ha of IBA is covered by Special Protection Area (South Pennine Moors (Phase 1), 37,092 ha). ■ Site description A central area of mudflats and saltmarsh, and surrounding brackish ■ Conservation issues marsh and pasture. The harbour itself has a narrow opening to the Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Infrastructure (U), Other (U), sea, flanked by shingle-beaches. Recreation/tourism (C) Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (scrub), Grassland, Threats include overgrazing of many moorland areas, which has led Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; shingle/stony to a loss of heather Calluna, the drainage and improvement of farmland beach; coastal lagoon; water-fringe vegetation) that fringes areas of moorland, which has led to a decline in wader Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation populations and other moorland-edge species, and acid deposition (‘Other’ threat, above). The Peak District BAP is being prepared, and ■ Birds the RSPB undertook surveys of the North Staffordshire moors in 1985, 1992 and 1997. There is a management plan for the area. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 3,010 3,010 A B1i, C3 The IBA supports large numbers of wintering wildfowl, and is also Poole Harbour A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 054 nationally important for wintering Phalacrocorax carbo (150 birds, Admin region South West 1%), Anas acuta (600 birds, 2%), Pluvialis squatarola (1,100 birds, 3%), Coordinates 50°42’N 2°00’W Limosa limosa (165 birds, 2%), and for passage Pluvialis squatarola Altitude 0–21 m Area 5,130 ha (555 birds, 1%). Branta bernicla are the bernicla subspecies.

■ Protection status ■ Site description National High International High A drowned valley that forms one of the largest natural harbours in

748 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man the world, with the five islands representing high ground between the ■ Protection status former river valleys. Habitat-types include mudflats, saltmarsh, reed National Partial International Partial Phragmites-swamp and heathland. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Porton Down. Overlaps with Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub international designated areas: 1,227 ha of IBA covered by Special (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; Protection Area (Porton Down, 1,227 ha). saltmarsh; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Other (U) ■ Birds Threats include conflicts with military use of the site and inappropriate land management (‘Other’ threat, above). The MoD and English Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Nature are producing a management plan, and the RSPB undertake Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 315 315 A B2, C6 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet P 1995 125 125 A C6 monitoring of Burhinus oedicnemus. Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 5,500 5,500 A B2 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,490 1,490 A B1i, C3 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 810 810 A B1i, C3 C7 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,790 1,790 A B2 Portsmouth Harbour 056 Larus melanocephalus B 1996 6 6 A C6 Admin region South East Mediterranean Gull Coordinates 50°49’N 1°07’W Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 105 105 A C6 Altitude 0–3 m Area 1,249 ha Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 150 150 A C6 Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 43 43 A C6 ■ Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler R 1994 71 71 A C6 Site description A large industrialized estuary that includes one of the four largest The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl, and regularly holds expanses of mudflats and tidal creeks on the south coast of Britain. 27,000 wintering waterbirds. It is also nationally important for Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; breeding Larus ridibundus (3,000 pairs, 1992, 2%), and for wintering river/stream) Phalacrocorax carbo (360 birds, 2%), Egretta garzetta (100 birds, 1997, Land-use Tourism/recreation 17%), Branta bernicla bernicla (1,480 birds, 1%), Tadorna tadorna (2,790 birds, 4%), Anas clypeata (135 birds, 1%), Mergus serrator (360 birds, 3%), Tringa erythropus (5 birds, 1%), Tringa totanus (1,400 birds, ■ Birds 1%) and Tringa nebularia (7 birds, 1%). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 2,820 2,820 A C7 ■ Protection status Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 52 52 A C7 National Partial International None Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 4,650 4,650 A C7 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 21 21 A C7 areas. Reserve: Arne. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Arne, Ham Common, Hartland Moor, Holton Heath, Morden Bog, Poole The IBA holds important numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders. Harbour, Rempstone Heaths, Sandford Heath, Stoborough and Branta bernicla are the bernicla subspecies. Creech Heaths, Studland and Godlingston Heaths, The Moors, Wareham Meadows. ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Conservation issues IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Portsmouth Harbour. Overlaps Threats Extraction industry (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Infrastructure (U), with international designated areas: 1,249 ha of IBA covered by Special Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (U) Protection Area (Portsmouth Harbour, 1,249 ha). 1,249 ha of IBA Threats include infrastructure and urban development, disturbance covered by Ramsar Site (Portsmouth Harbour, 1,249 ha). from marinas and hotel/leisure facilities, oil pollution caused by exploration in the harbour, and sea-level rise that may result in erosion, ■ Conservation issues flooding and associated sea defence development. An aquatic Threats Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (C), Natural events (A), management plan is complete and being implemented. The Poole Recreation/tourism (B) Harbour steering group is reviewing the terrestrial management plan, and there is an advisory effort following completion of the Purbeck Threats include residential development, the effects of erosion and BAP. The area is a candidate SPA and Ramsar Site. flooding following possible sea-level rise, habitat loss from coastal defence development, disturbance caused by marina development and the possibility of water pollution as a result of ongoing tipping adjacent to the site. A management plan is in preparation. Porton Down C6 055 Admin region South East, South West Coordinates 51°07’N 1°39’W Altitude 100–171 m Area 2,160 ha Ribble and Alt A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 057 estuaries C2, C3, C4, C6 Admin region North West ■ Site description Coordinates 53°42’N 2°56’W Porton Down, to the north-east of Salisbury, is one of the largest Altitude 0–15 m Area 15,934 ha uninterrupted tracts of semi-natural chalk grassland in Britain.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub (scrub; ■ Site description heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh extending from the Ribble estuary Land-use Military in the north to Crosby in the south, and includes the mouth of the River Alt. ■ Birds Habitats Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; river/stream) Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B 1996 20 20 A C6 Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/ industrial/transport The IBA supports breeding downland bird species.

749 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Nature conservation/research, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Tourism/recreation, Water management Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 180 180 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 94 94 A B3, C6 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1995 17,900 17,900 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Birds Pink-footed Goose Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 3,530 3,530 A B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anas penelope Wigeon W 1995 78,000 78,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Anas strepera Gadwall W 1995 1,160 1,160 A B1i, C3 Anas crecca Teal W 1995 7,050 7,050 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1995 550 550 A B1i, C3 Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 1,880 1,880 A B1i, C3 Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher W 1995 16,700 16,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 This site is internationally important for wintering wildfowl, holding Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher P 1995 13,000 13,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 21,900 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 1,230 1,230 A B1i, C3 important for wintering Podiceps cristatus (855 birds, 7%), Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 4,470 4,470 A C6 Phalacrocorax carbo (555 birds, 4%), Anas penelope (4,110 birds, 1%), Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover P 1995 2,340 2,340 A C6 Aythya ferina (1,000 birds, 1%), Aythya fuligula (2,110 birds, 2%), Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 5,400 5,400 A A4i, B1i, C3 Bucephala clangula (425 birds, 1%) and Fulica atra (3,470 birds, 3%), Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P 1995 7,550 7,550 A A4i, B1i, C3 Cygnus olor Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 56,000 56,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 and for summer moulting assemblages of (300 birds, 1%). Calidris canutus Knot P 1995 64,000 64,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Calidris alba Sanderling W 1995 3,150 3,150 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Protection status Calidris alba Sanderling P 1995 6,800 6,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 National High International High Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 37,000 37,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Calidris alpina Dunlin P 1995 33,400 33,400 A A4i, B1i, C3 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Burley and Rushpit Woods, Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 820 820 A B1i, C3 Rutland Water. Overlaps with international designated areas: 1,556 ha Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 2,600 2,600 A B1i, C3 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 15,500 15,500 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Rutland Water, 1,556 ha). Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 13,500 13,500 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 1,360 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Rutland Water, 1,360 ha). Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,840 1,840 A B2 Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 3,040 3,040 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Conservation issues Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 3,480 3,480 A A4i, B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 830 830 A A4i, B1i, C3 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Groundwater abstraction (U), Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1993 1,780 1,780 A B1i, B3, C3 Recreation/tourism (C) Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1994 230 230 A C6 Threats include disturbance caused by increased recreational use, damage These estuaries are of international importance for wintering and to sensitive areas of the site caused by the cycle track, increased water passage wildfowl and waders. The IBA regularly holds 11,300 pairs abstraction, and nutrient enrichment of the reservoir. Pandion haliaetus of breeding waterbirds, 281,200 wintering waterbirds and 159,400 has been reintroduced to the site in recent years. Constant ringing of passage waterbirds. It is also nationally important for breeding Larus Phalacrocorax carbo is undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, ridibundus (9,000 pairs, 1993, 5%), and for wintering Phalacrocorax Fisheries and Food, and a management plan exists for the site. carbo (220 birds, 1%), Melanitta nigra (415 birds, 1%) and Vanellus vanellus (25,000 birds, 2%). Salisbury Plain C6 059 ■ Protection status Admin region South East, South West National Partial International High Coordinates 51°13’N 2°04’W IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Altitude 94–212 m Area 19,690 ha areas. National Nature Reserves: Ainsdale Sand-dunes, Ribble Marshes. Reserves: Marshside, Southport Sanctuary. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Ainsdale Sand-dunes, Altcar Sand-dunes and ■ Site description Forshore, Formby Sand-dunes and Foreshore, Freshfield Dune Heath, Three large expanses of heathland and grassland with scattered woods, Helsketh Golf Links, Lytham St Annes Dunes, Newton Marsh, Ribble supporting an exceptional chalk grassland flora and fauna. Much of Estuary, Southport Sand-dunes and Foreshore. Overlaps with the site is a military training area. international designated areas: 15,934 ha of IBA covered by Special Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Protection Area (Ribble and Alt Estuaries, 15,934 ha). 15,934 ha of Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland; humid grassland), Wetland (river/stream) IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Ribble and Alt Estuaries, 15,934 ha). Land-use Military ■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Extraction industry (B), Filling-in of wetlands (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Infrastructure (B), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier W 1996 10 10 A C6 Threats include wind-power development, a hovercraft service, Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew B 1996 18 18 A C6 development proposals for an airport, pipeline, trunk road, leisure centre and marina, recreational disturbance, and sea-level rise that The site also supports large numbers of farmland and grassland could result in erosion, flooding and habitat loss through associated passerines. coastal defence improvements. A Ribble Estuary Strategy and Sefton Coast management plan both exist. ■ Protection status National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bratton Downs, Salisbury Rutland Water A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 058 Plain. Overlaps with international designated areas: 19,690 ha of IBA Admin region East Midlands covered by Special Protection Area (Salisbury Plain, 19,690 ha). Coordinates 52°39’N 0°37’W Altitude 90–110 m Area 1,556 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Disturbance to birds (B), ■ Site description Infrastructure (B) The largest man-made reservoir in Britain and a mosaic of associated wetland and lakeside habitats. Conflicts arise due to the extensive use of the site for military purposes. English Nature and the MoD are preparing a management plan, and Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (scrub), Grassland, Wetland monitoring and research on Burhinus oedicnemus is carried out by the (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) RSPB.

750 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Somerset Levels A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 060 Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria and Moors Gavia immer Great Northern Diver W 1995 84 84 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Admin region South West Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe W 1995 50 50 A B1i, C2, C6 Coordinates 51°05’N 2°51’W The nearshore area supports important numbers of divers and Altitude 3–14 m Area 6,390 ha grebes . The site is also nationally important for wintering Podiceps grisegena (26 birds, 1995, 17%) and Podiceps nigricollis (26 birds, 1995, ■ Site description 22%). The Levels and Moors have formed in the valleys of five rivers, which drain a large part of north Somerset. The whole area is low-lying, and ■ Protection status the naturally poor drainage has encouraged peat build-up. Habitat- National Partial International None types include wet grassland, fen and raised bog. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Fal complex, Merthen Wood, Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub Rosemullion. (scrub; heathland), Grassland, Wetland (river/stream; raised bog; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (arable land) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Agriculture, Water management Threats Disturbance to birds (B) ■ Birds Naval training off Dodman Point causes problems of disturbance. The Fal estuary and SAC management plans are being developed. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 160 160 A B2, C6 Anas strepera Gadwall R 1996 60 60 A B2 Anas crecca Teal W 1995 8,900 8,900 A B1i, C3 South Pennine moors B3, C6 062 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 1,720 1,720 A C6 Admin region Yorkshire and Humberside, North West Coordinates 53°54’N 2°04’W The IBA is important for breeding and wintering wildfowl and other Altitude 0–317 m Area 21,000 ha wetland birds. It holds 49,700 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. The area is also nationally important for wintering Cygnus olor (385 birds, 1%), Anas penelope (8,850 birds, 3%), Anas strepera (97 birds, ■ Site description 1%), Anas clypeata (350 birds, 3%), Vanellus vanellus (25,900 birds, Several huge upland blocks comprising heather moorland and blanket 2%) and Gallinago gallinago (1,010 birds, 1%), and for passage peatland habitats, which fall within the broader South Pennine Moors Numenius phaeopus (1,100 birds, 1992, 31%). Natural Area.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub ■ Protection status (heathland), Wetland (blanket bog) National Partial International High Land-use Agriculture, Tourism/recreation IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserve: West Sedgemoor. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Aller and Beer Woods, Catcott, Edington and Chilton Moors, Curry ■ Birds and Hay Moors, Fivehead Woods and Meadow, Greylake, Kings Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Sedgemoor, Meare Heath, Moorlinch, North Curry Meadow, North Falco columbarius Merlin R 1995 51 51 A C6 Moor, Shapwick Heath, Southlake Moor, Tealham and Tadham Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1995 — 10 A C6 Moors, West Moor, West Sedgemoor, Westhay Moor, Westhoy Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover R 1995 705 705 A B3, C6 Heath, Wet Moor. Overlaps with international designated areas: 6,390 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Somerset Levels The IBA holds important numbers of upland species, and is also and Moors, 6,390 ha). 6,390 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site nationally important for breeding Numenius arquata (695 pairs, 1995, (Somerset Levels and Moors, 6,390 ha). 2%).

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National Partial International High Threats Drainage (A), Extraction industry (C), Groundwater abstraction (B), Other (U) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Threats to the IBA are posed by land drainage and raising, and areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Broadhead Clough, inappropriate land and water management (‘Other’ threat, above). Crimsworth Dean, Derby Delph Quarry, Haworth Moor, Ladcastle Wetland habitat creation is being carried out at Avalon marshes, and and Den Quarries, Park Clough, Pule Hill, Standedge Road Cutting, water-level management plans are in preparation. Withens Clough. Overlaps with international designated areas: 21,000 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (South Pennine Moors (Phase II), 21,000 ha). South Cornwall coast A4i, B1i, C2, C6 061 ■ Conservation issues Admin region South West Coordinates 50°11’N 4°56’W Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Infrastructure (U), Recreation/tourism (U) Altitude 0–76 m Area 11,170 ha The main threats arise from a lack of coordinated strategic conservation management, increased recreational disturbance and development, ■ Site description wind-power development and inappropriate grazing management. A long stretch of coastline running from the Helford River to St Austell, incorporating the estuary complexes of the Fal and Helford, and extending 6 km out to sea. South-west London B1i, C3, C6 063 Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony water-bodies beach), Marine areas (open sea; sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Admin region South East Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Military Coordinates 51°27’N 0°28’W Altitude 10–18 m Area 1,830 ha ■ Birds ■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria These widely scattered water-bodies on the south-west margins of Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver W 1995 135 135 A C6 London are used primarily as water-supply reservoirs. Some are now

751 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man disused and include flooded gravel-pits and alluvial grassland. The clypeata (175 birds, 2%), Mergus serrator (115 birds, 1%), Pluvialis shorelines are fringed with dense Salix scrub, and the river and ditch squatarola (1,320 birds, 3%), Philomachus pugnax (10 birds, 1%), networks support a diverse aquatic flora. Tringa erythropus (13 birds, 3%), Tringa totanus (1,230 birds, 1%) and Tringa nebularia (17 birds, 3%), and for passage Pluvialis squatarola Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (scrub), Grassland, Wetland (835 birds, 2%) and Limosa limosa (480 birds, 6%). Branta bernicla (standing fresh water; river/stream) are the bernicla subspecies. Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation, Water management ■ Protection status ■ Birds National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bouldnor and Hamstead Anas strepera Gadwall W 1995 580 580 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1995 645 645 A B1i, C3 Cliffs, Brading Marshes, Eling and Bury Marshes, Freshwater Mergus albellus Smew W 1995 28 28 A C6 Marshes, Gurnard Ledge to Saltmead Ledge, Hart’s Farm Meadows, Hurst Castle and Lymington River Estuary, Hythe–Calshot Marshes, The IBA supports large numbers of wintering wildfowl, and is also Kings Quay Shore, Lee on the Solent to Itchen Estuary, Lincegrove nationally important for wintering Podiceps cristatus (715 birds, 6%), and Hackett’s Marshes, Locks Farm Meadow, Lower Test Valley, Phalacrocorax carbo (700 birds, 5%), Aythya fuligula (2,080 birds, 2%) Lymington River Reedbeds, Medina Estuary, Newton Harbour, North and Fulica atra (2,220 birds, 2%). Solent, Ryde Sands, Sowley Pond, St Helen’s Duver, St Helen’s Ledges, Titchfield Haven, Upper Hamble Estuary and Woods, ■ Protection status Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge Ledges, Yar Estuary. Overlaps with National Partial International None international designated areas: 5,508 ha of IBA covered by Special IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Protection Area (Southampton Water and Solent Marshes, 5,508 ha). areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Dumsey Meadow, Staines 5,508 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Southampton Water and Moor, Wraysbury and Hythe End Gravel Pits. Solent Marshes, 5,508 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (U), Extraction industry (U), Filling-in of wetlands (C), Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Dredging/canalization (A), Extraction industry (C), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Filling-in of wetlands (C), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A), Natural events (U), Recreation/tourism (B) Threats to these sites include disturbance from maintenance works and unpermitted access, aggregate extraction, and pressures for further Threats include extensive recreational disturbance to wildfowl rafts industrial, recreational, infrastructure and urban development. Major and wader roosts, marina, carpark and port developments, and sea- opportunities exist for enhancement. The sites have been put forward level rise. A management plan is being written for the Solent SAC for designation as an SPA and Ramsar Site, and are monitored as (much of the remainder of the site is a candidate SAC), and shoreline part of the WeBS. management plans already exist. The IBA is monitored as part of the WeBS.

Southampton Water A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 064 and Solent marshes C3, C4, C6 Stodmarsh C6 065 Admin region South East Admin region South East Coordinates 50°46’N 1°25’W Coordinates 51°18’N 1°11’E Altitude 0–15 m Area 6,000 ha Altitude 2–15 m Area 481 ha

■ Site description ■ Site description The estuaries, saltmarshes and mudflats around Southampton Water The IBA covers about 6 km of the Stour flood-plain downstream of and the western Solent, including habitats on both the mainland and Canterbury. The site includes flooded gravel-pits, reedbeds the Isle of Wight. The mudflats support beds of algae and eel-grass (Phragmites) and lagoons, in an area that has undergone colliery Zostera. Shingle and both neutral and calcareous grassland vegetation subsidence. Margins are well-vegetated with scrub and Alnus carr, communities exist within the IBA. which supports a diverse ground flora. Fen communities exist in areas of cut reedbed, with a rich aquatic flora present in some of the dykes. Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; shingle/stony Habitats Forest and woodland (alluvial/very wet forest), Scrub (scrub), Grassland, beach; coastal lagoon; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation) Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/ Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/ spring) transport Land-use Nature conservation/research

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 7,700 7,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 Botaurus stellaris Bittern W 1996 — 5 A C6 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 575 575 A B1i, C3 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier W 1987 — 9 A C6 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 615 615 A B1i, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 12,300 12,300 A B2 The site supports a wide range of wetland birds including notable Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 985 985 A B1i, C3 populations of breeding and wintering reedbed species. It is also Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,750 1,750 A B2 nationally important for breeding Panurus biarmicus (40 pairs, 1992, Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1994 300 300 A C6 10%), and for wintering Anas strepera (130 birds, 2%) and Anas Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1994 450 450 A C6 clypeata (160 birds, 2%). Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1994 41 41 A C6 The IBA is important for breeding terns and wintering wildfowl, and ■ Protection status holds 15,000 pairs of breeding waterbirds and 49,000 wintering National High International High waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important for IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated breeding Larus ridibundus (14,200 pairs, 1994, 7%), for wintering areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Stodmarsh. Overlaps with Tachybaptus ruficollis (77 birds, 2%), Phalacrocorax carbo (225 birds, international designated areas: 481 ha of IBA covered by Special 2%), Tadorna tadorna (1,360 birds, 2%), Anas penelope (4,160 birds, Protection Area (Stodmarsh, 481 ha). 481 ha of IBA covered by 1%), Anas strepera (100 birds, 1%), Anas crecca (3,750 birds, 3%), Anas Ramsar Site (Stodmarsh, 481 ha).

752 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Conservation issues Suffolk Sandlings C6 067 Threats Extraction industry (C), Groundwater abstraction (B), Industrialization/ and coastal forest urbanization (C), Infrastructure (U), Recreation/tourism (C) Admin region East Anglia Coordinates 52°07’N 1°29’E Threats include residential development adjacent to the site, Altitude 2–31 m Area 3,890 ha recreational disturbance, problems of water quantity and quality, and reservoir development. An English Nature management plan exists for the National Nature Reserve. ■ Site description A fragmented site, comprising forested areas and heathland, running from Dunwich in the north to Rendlesham forest in the south. Stour and Orwell A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 066 Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), estuary C3, C4 Grassland, Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Admin region East Anglia, South East Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Nature conservation/research Coordinates 52°01’N 1°09’E Altitude 0–15 m Area 3,379 ha ■ Birds

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Site description Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 135 135 A C6 The Stour estuary straddles the eastern part of the Essex/Suffolk border Lullula arborea Woodlark B 1986 25 25 A C6 and comprises five main bays, whilst the Orwell is a relatively long and narrow estuary. Both estuaries support extensive mudflats and The IBA is also nationally important for wintering Anas strepera (93 saltmarshes. birds, 1%) and Anas clypeata (175 birds, 2%).

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Grassland (humid ■ Protection status grassland), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh), National Partial International None Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Urban/ areas. Reserves: Hollesley Heath, North Warren. Sites of Special industrial/transport Scientific Interest: Blaxhall Heath, North Warren and Thorpeness Mere, Snape Warren, Sutton and Hollesley Heaths, Tunstall Common. ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Conservation issues Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 3,140 3,140 A B1i, C3 Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A) Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 700 700 A B1i, C3 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 665 665 A B1i, C3 The two key breeding birds, Caprimulgus europaeus and Lullula Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 925 925 A B1i, C3 arborea, occur mainly outside nationally protected areas in clear-felled Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 3,460 3,460 A A4i, B1i, C3 or recently restocked areas of forest. Both species are therefore Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 3,330 3,330 A B2 vulnerable to changes in forestry practices. The Suffolk Coast and Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 24,700 24,700 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Heaths Project is developing a management plan for the whole area, Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 2,110 2,110 A B1i, C3 which includes large areas managed by Forest Enterprise. Many of Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 1,710 1,710 A B1i, C3 the heaths are managed through the Sandlings Group, with several Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 2,140 2,140 A B2 subject to Countryside Stewardship agreements. Lullula arborea Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 3,320 3,320 A A4i, B1i, C3 monitoring is carried out. Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 2,210 2,210 A B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 850 850 A A4i, B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1995 750 750 A A4i, B1i, C3 A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C3, C4, C6 The IBA supports important numbers of wintering waders and The Swale 068 Admin region South East wildfowl. It regularly holds 63,000 wintering and 21,600 passage Coordinates 51°21’N 0°52’E waterbirds, and is also nationally important for wintering Podiceps Altitude 0–27 m Area 6,514 ha cristatus (230 birds, 2%), Phalacrocorax carbo (190 birds, 1%), Branta bernicla bernicla (2,420 birds, 2%) and Anas penelope (4,110 birds, 1%), and for passage Pluvialis squatarola (1,610 birds, 1%). ■ Site description Mudflats and saltmarshes bordering the Swale, which separates the ■ Protection status Isle of Sheppey from the Kent mainland, in addition to extensive National High International High brackish and freshwater grazing-marshes on both sides of the channel. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Habitats Scrub (scrub), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal areas. Reserves: Hogmarsh, Stour, Wrabners Marsh. Sites of Special water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; shingle/stony beach; standing fresh water; water- Scientific Interest: Orwell Estuary, Stour Estuary. Overlaps with fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (arable land) international designated areas: 3,379 ha of IBA covered by Special Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Tourism/recreation, Urban/ Protection Area (Stour and Orwell Estuary, 3,379 ha). 3,379 ha of industrial/transport IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Stour and Orwell Estuary, 3,379 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Dredging/canalization (A), Filling-in of wetlands (A), Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Industrialization/urbanization (B), Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (B) Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 830 830 A B1i, C3 Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1995 460 460 A B1i, C3 Threats include oil, industrial and sewage pollution, sea-level rise that Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet R 1995 75 — A B3, C6 may lead to flooding, erosion and habitat loss through harbour Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 170 170 A C6 dredging, and industrial and recreational developments and disturbance. Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet P 1995 130 130 A C6 Major losses of intertidal land to port/commercial development have Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 605 605 A B1i, C3 taken place at Fagbury flats (Orwell) and Bathside Bay (Stour), the Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 2,640 2,640 A C6 latter being outside nationally protected areas. The Stour/Orwell Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 2,020 2,020 A A4i, B1i, C3 management plan has been produced through the Suffolk Coast and Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P 1995 1,890 1,890 A A4i, B1i, C3 Heaths Project. A major research and monitoring programme is Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 4,760 4,760 A B1i, B2, C3 underway with the aim of understanding and addressing the problem Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 11,500 11,500 A B2 Philomachus pugnax Ruff W 1995 73 73 A C6 of saltmarsh erosion.

753 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Lake, Tamar–Tavy Estuary, Warleigh Point. Overlaps with Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,520 1,520 A B1i, C3 international designated areas: 1,955 ha of IBA covered by Special Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 760 760 A B1i, C3 Protection Area (Tamar Estuaries Complex, 1,955 ha). Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 460 460 A C6 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 410 410 A C6 ■ Conservation issues Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,550 1,550 A B2 Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 1,540 1,540 A B1i, C3 Threats Industrialization/urbanization (U), Recreation/tourism (C) Larus melanocephalus B 1995 5 5 A C6 Threats include plans for the development of a power station, the Mediterranean Gull construction of homes and marinas and associated reductions in water The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl, regularly holding 67,400 quality, and recreational disturbance. The Tamar/Tavy estuary and wintering waterbirds. It is also nationally important for breeding Anas Tamar SAC management plans are in preparation. clypeata (25 pairs, 1995, 3%), Aythya ferina (33 pairs, 1995, 8%), Larus ridibundus (2,000 pairs, 1995, 1%) and Panurus biarmicus (6 pairs, 1992, 1%), for wintering Tachybaptus ruficollis (110 birds, 3%), Taw and Torridge estuary C7 070 Phalacrocorax carbo (205 birds, 1%), Anser albifrons albifrons (1,450 Admin region South West birds, 24%), Branta bernicla bernicla (2,710 birds, 3%), Tadorna tadorna Coordinates 51°03’N 4°11’W (2,650 birds, 3%), Anas penelope (11,600 birds, 4%), Anas strepera (87 Altitude 0–10 m Area 1,750 ha birds, 1%), Anas crecca (2,960 birds, 2%) and Tringa erythropus (5 birds, 1%), and for passage Tringa totanus (1,250 birds, 1%). ■ Site description ■ Protection status The two major arms of this estuarine complex, the Rivers Taw and National High International High Torridge, enter the sea between the dune systems of Northam and IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Braunton Burrows, and extend inland as far as Barnstable and areas. National Nature Reserves: South Swale, Swale. Reserves: Elmley Bideford respectively. Marshes, Oare Marshes. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: The Swale, Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; Warden Point. Overlaps with international designated areas: 6,514 ha sand-dunes/sand beach; river/stream) of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (The Swale, 6,514 ha). Land-use Tourism/recreation 6,514 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (The Swale, 6,514 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Drainage (U), Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Extraction industry (C), Filling-in of wetlands (C), Groundwater abstraction (U), Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,000 1,000 A C7 Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A), Natural events (U), Recreation/ The IBA supports a diverse assemblage of wintering wildfowl and tourism (A) waders. It is also nationally important for wintering Tringa nebularia Threats include development (for example, the second Swale crossing), (14 birds, 3%). sea-level rise that may result in erosion, flooding and habitat loss through coastal defence development, and disturbance from ■ Protection status recreational activities. An estuary management plan is in preparation National Partial International None for the Medway and Swale, and water-level management plans are IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated being drawn up by the IDB. areas. Reserve: Isley Marsh. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Braunton Burrows, Fremington Quay Cliffs, Northam Burrows, Taw– Torridge Estuary. Tamar complex B2, C6 069 ■ Conservation issues Admin region South West Coordinates 50°25’N 4°12’W Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Extraction industry (C), Infrastructure (U), Other (B), Altitude 0–15 m Area 2,380 ha Recreation/tourism (B) Threats include development proposals for marinas and a holiday ■ Site description village that threaten intertidal areas, recreational demands and The Tamar estuary system is a large marine inlet on the English disturbance, a proposed tidal defence scheme, inappropriate land and Channel coast, and includes the estuaries of the Rivers Tamar, Lynher water management (‘Other’ threat, above) and wildfowling. An estuary and Tavy, which collectively drain an extensive part of Devon and management plan was adopted in 1995. Cornwall. The site comprises extensive mudflats and areas of saltmarsh, freshwater reedmarsh Phragmites, and fen. Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Grassland, Teesmouth and A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 071 Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; river/stream; fen/ Cleveland coast transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Admin region North Land-use Tourism/recreation Coordinates 54°38’N 1°10’W Altitude 0–85 m Area 1,300 ha ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Site description Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 195 195 A C6 The IBA comprises the Tees estuary, nearby marshes, rocky and sandy Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 5,700 5,700 A B2 beaches on either side of the mouth of the estuary, and surrounding damp grassland. The IBA is important for wintering waders, and is also nationally Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; important for wintering Egretta garzetta (100 birds, 1997, 17%), mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon), Marine areas (sea Tadorna tadorna (830 birds, 1%), Limosa limosa (95 birds, 1%), Tringa inlet/coastal features) erythropus (17 birds, 4%) and Tringa nebularia (26 birds, 5%). Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Urban/industrial/transport ■ Protection status National High International Partial ■ Birds IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated The IBA is important for breeding terns and wintering wildfowl. It areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Lynher Estuary, St John’s regularly holds 20,500 wintering waterbirds, and is also nationally

754 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man important for wintering Phalacrocorax carbo (310 birds, 2%), Tadorna Sandhurst to Owlsmoor Bogs and Heaths, Smarts and Prey Heaths, tadorna (1,040 birds, 1%), Calidris alba (360 birds, 2%) and Calidris Snelsmore Common, Warren Heath Ponds, Wasing Wood Ponds, maritima (300 birds, 1%), and for passage Charadrius hiaticula (390 Wellington College Bog, Whitmoor Common. birds, 1%), Calidris alba (590 birds, 3%), Calidris ferruginea (12 birds, 2%), Calidris maritima (230 birds, 1%), Tringa totanus (1,360 birds, ■ Conservation issues 1%) and Tringa nebularia (10 birds, 2%). Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Afforestation (A), Burning of Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria vegetation (U), Disturbance to birds (U), Industrialization/urbanization (C), Infrastructure (C), Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 3,780 3,780 A B1i, B2, C3 Natural events (A), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Philomachus pugnax Ruff P 1995 45 45 A C6 The main threat is lack of appropriate management. Additional threats Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1995 765 765 A A4i, B1i, C3 include increased noise and emissions pollution, military training and Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 80 80 A B2, C6 recreational disturbance, residential developments, acid deposition (‘Other’ threat, above), and summer heathland and scrub fires. Parts ■ Protection status of the site have been put forward for SPA-designation. Monitoring of National Partial International Partial Caprimulgus europaeus, Lullula arborea and Sylvia undata is carried IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated out in most years. Heathland Management Projects exist in Hampshire areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Castle Eden Dene, Cowpen and Surrey. Countryside Stewardship and the Wildlife Enhancement Marsh, Durham Coast, Hart Warren Dunes, Hawthorn Dene, Scheme are in operation. Hawthorn Quarry, Redcar Rocks, Seal Sands, Seaton Dunes and Common, South Gare and Coatham Sands. Overlaps with international designated areas: 942 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area A4iii, B1i, B2, (Teesmouth/Cleveland Coast (Phase 1), 942 ha). 942 ha of IBA covered Thames estuary and marshes 073 Admin region South East C3, C4, C6 by Ramsar Site (Teesmouth/Cleveland Coast (Phase 1), 942 ha). Coordinates 51°28’N 0°32’E Altitude 0–15 m Area 12,030 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Filling-in of wetlands (A), Industrialization/ ■ Site description urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A), Recreation/tourism (C) These marshes extend for about 15 km along the coast on the south Threats include bait-gathering, recreational disturbance, coastal side of the Thames, and include areas of the inner Thames up to the defence improvements, and oil refinery, pipeline and industrial Thames barrier. Habitat-types include extensive grazing-marshes, developments. The Tees Estuary Management Plan is complete, and saltmarshes, mudflats and pits. Reed Phragmites and duckweed Lemna Durham University has undertaken considerable research, including dominate the freshwater dykes, with Ceratophyllum in the more post-barrage monitoring. brackish dykes.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub (scrub), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/ Thames basin heathlands B2, C6 072 sandflat; saltmarsh; coastal lagoon; standing fresh water; river/stream; water-fringe Admin region South East vegetation), Artificial landscape (arable land) Coordinates 51°22’N 0°36’W Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Urban/industrial/transport Altitude 60–140 m Area 9,150 ha ■ Birds ■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The IBA contains several widely separated fragments of what was Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet R 1995 33 — A C6 once an almost continuous block of heathland in the Thames basin. Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 205 205 A B2, C6 It includes much of the remaining heathland and mire in Surrey, north- Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 585 585 A B1i, C3 east Hampshire and south Berkshire. The habitat mosaics comprise Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 12,900 12,900 A B2 acidic grassland and heathland, and areas of invasive Ulex, Betula, Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 1,890 1,890 A B1i, C3 Quercus and Pinus sylvestris. Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 1,680 1,680 A B1i, C3 Waders and wildfowl breed on the grazing-marshes, which also attract Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub wintering raptors. The IBA attracts a wide range of wintering estuarine (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; fen/transition mire/spring), and wetland birds, and regularly holds 36,000 wintering waterbirds. It Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) is also nationally important for breeding Ardea cinerea (225 pairs, Land-use Forestry, Military, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/ 1995, 2%) and Panurus biarmicus (12 pairs, 1992, 3%), for wintering industrial/transport Tachybaptus ruficollis (145 birds, 3%), Phalacrocorax carbo (165 birds, 1%), Anser albifrons albifrons (79 birds, 1%), Branta bernicla bernicla ■ Birds (1,240 birds, 1%), Tadorna tadorna (1,830 birds, 2%), Anas strepera (130 birds, 2%), Anas crecca (1,570 birds, 1%), Anas acuta (295 birds, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1%), Anas clypeata (155 birds, 2%), Charadrius hiaticula (405 birds, Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 155 155 A B2, C6 1%), Pluvialis squatarola (965 birds, 2%), Philomachus pugnax (12 birds, Lullula arborea Woodlark R 1994 67 67 A C6 2%) and Limosa limosa (255 birds, 3%), and for passage Pluvialis Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler R 1994 115 115 A C6 squatarola (580 birds, 1%) and Limosa limosa (515 birds, 7%). The IBA holds important breeding populations of specialist heathland birds. ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated National Partial International None areas. National Nature Reserves: High Halstour, Northward Hill. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Reserves: Higham Bight, Northward Hill. Sites of Special Scientific areas. National Nature Reserves: Castle Bolton, Chobham Common. Interest: Inner Thames Marshes, Lion Pit, Mucking Flats and Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Ash to Brookwood Heaths, Bourley Marshes, Northward Hill, Purfleet Chalk Pits, South Thames Estuary and Long Valley, Bramshill, Broadmore to Bagshot Woods and and Marshes, West Thurrock Lagoons and Marshes. Heaths, Castle Bottom to Yateley Common, Chobham Common, Colony Bog and Bagshot Heath, Eelmoor Marsh, Foxlease and ■ Conservation issues Ancells Meadow, Greenham Common, Greenham and Crookham Threats include sea-level rise that may result in erosion and flooding, Commons, Hazeley Heath, Horsell Common, Ockham and Wisley considerable infrastructure development, including the Channel Common, Pamber Forest and Silchester Common, Rapley Lakes, Tunnel Rail Link and road development, dredging proposals, a lack

755 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man of management, and water shortages for wetland enhancements. ■ Birds An estuary management plan initiative is in place. The RSPB is Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria pressing for the mudflats and grazing-marshes of the inner Thames Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 82 82 A C6 to be included in the existing SSSI and candidate SPA and Ramsar Site. The IBA is also important for a range of breeding waders and wintering raptors, and is a northern outpost for Luscinia megarhynchos. It is also Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Agricultural intensification/ nationally important for breeding Anas crecca (18 pairs, 1993, 1%). expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Drainage (U), Dredging/canalization (U), Extraction industry (C), Groundwater abstraction (A), Industrialization/urbanization (A), ■ Protection status Infrastructure (A), Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (B) National High International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Hatfield Moors, Thorne Crowle and Goole Moors. Thanet coast A4i, B1i, C3 074 and Sandwich Bay ■ Conservation issues Admin region South East Coordinates 51°18’N 1°23’E Threats Drainage (B), Extraction industry (A), Groundwater abstraction (B), Altitude 0–15 m Area 2,560 ha Industrialization/urbanization (C) There are both short- and long-term implications of continued peat ■ Site description extraction for both sites, and a further threat is posed to the mire hydrology The IBA covers Sandwich Bay and the estuary of the River Stour at by continuing over-extraction of water from the underlying aquifer. A Pegwell Bay, incorporating a wide range of habitats including rocky management plan has been drafted, and the site put forward for SAC, coastline, mudflats and shingle-beaches. SPA and Ramsar designation. A mineral review is also underway, and the Thorne and Hatfield Moors Conservation Forum has been set up. Habitats Scrub (scrub), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring), Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore), Artificial landscape (arable land) Walmore Common B2, C6 076 Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Admin region South West Coordinates 51°49’N 2°22’W Altitude 5–15 m Area 90 ha ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Site description Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 500 500 A B1i, C3 This IBA lies in the Severn Vale, about 10 km south-west of Gloucester, Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 1,100 1,100 A A4i, B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1995 940 940 A A4i, B1i, C3 in an area subject to winter flooding. A network of ditches that support aquatic and marginal plants separates grass fields, which hold small The IBA is important for wintering and passage waders. It is also numbers of breeding waders. Part of the site is common land. nationally important for wintering Podiceps cristatus (390 birds, 3%), Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) Pluvialis squatarola (530 birds, 1%), Calidris alba (610 birds, 3%), and Land-use Agriculture (100%) for passage Calidris alba (325 birds, 1%).

■ Protection status ■ Birds National High International Partial Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 120 120 A B2, C6 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Sandwich Bay and Hacklinge Marshes, Thanet Coast. Overlaps with international designated areas: The site is important for wintering wildfowl and waders. 1,870 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay, 1,870 ha). 2,169 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar ■ Protection status Site (Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay, 2,169 ha). National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Conservation issues areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Walmore Common. Overlaps with international designated areas: 53 ha of IBA covered by Special Threats Groundwater abstraction (U), Infrastructure (B), Natural events (U), Recreation/ Protection Area (Walmore Common, 53 ha). 53 ha of IBA covered tourism (B) by Ramsar Site (Walmore Common, 53 ha). Recreational disturbance, road and hoverport development, sea-level rise that may result in erosion, flooding and habitat loss through coastal ■ Conservation issues defence development all pose threats to the IBA. A management plan Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Drainage (B) exists for Sandwich and Pegwell Bay Local Nature Reserve. The area is a candidate SAC for its shingle-beach flora and fauna. Surface water drainage poses a threat. The production of a water- level management plan by the West Gloucestershire IDB is therefore a high priority. English Nature/RSPB/Walmore Common Trustees operate an ongoing hydrological monitoring programme that will Thorne and Hatfield moors C6 075 inform such a plan. The common land is subject to a management Admin region Yorkshire and Humberside plan drawn up by English Nature and the Trustees. Coordinates 53°32’N 0°56’W Altitude 2–6 m Area 3,320 ha

The Wash A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 077 ■ Site description Admin region East Midlands, C2, C3, C4, C6 These two moors, lying to the east and north-east of Doncaster, are East Anglia the largest remaining areas of lowland peatbog in England. Much Coordinates 52°56’N 0°18’E peat extraction has already taken place (‘Other’ land-use, below). Altitude 0–6 m Area 67,000 ha Habitats Scrub (scrub; heathland), Wetland (standing fresh water; raised bog; fen/ transition mire/spring) ■ Site description Land-use Agriculture (10%), Nature conservation/research (30%), Other (60%) The IBA comprises one of the most important areas of estuarine

756 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man mudflats, sandbanks and saltmarsh in the UK. Included at the eastern Threats include proposals for the expansion of steelworks, power end of the site are the low chalk cliffs at Hunstanton. Dune and stations and chemical works, sea-level rise that may lead to erosion saltmarsh communities show a typical flora and fauna, although much and changes in fishery/shellfishery management, sewage and other of the upper saltmarsh zone has been reclaimed. The Wash supports effluent, and disturbance from a military firing range. A management an important shellfishery. plan exists for the area, and part of the site is a candidate SAC.

Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand- dunes/sand beach; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe vegetation), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Wealden heaths B2, C6 078 Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Military, Nature conservation/research, Urban/ Admin region South East industrial/transport Coordinates 51°06’N 0°47’W Altitude 37–260 m Area 5,062 ha ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Site description Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 76 76 A B2, C6 Extensive heathland fragments located in north-east Hampshire, Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 68 68 A C6 south-west Surrey and West Sussex, overlying the acidic soils of the Anser brachyrhynchus W 1995 23,900 23,900 A A4i, B1i, C3 Folkstone and Sandgate Beds. The IBA comprises areas of heath, mire Pink-footed Goose and woodland. This area includes two sites that were treated as Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 22,200 22,200 A A4i, B1i, C3 separate IBAs in the previous international IBA Inventory (Grimmett Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 16,300 16,300 A A4i, B1i, C3 and Jones 1989): ‘Woolmer Forest’ (former site GB195) and ‘Thursley, Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 1,230 1,230 A B1i, C3 Hankley and Frensham Commons’ (former site GB200). Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier R 1995 23 — A C6 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier B 1995 2 2 A C6 Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Scrub Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher W 1995 27,300 27,300 A A4i, B1i, C3 (scrub; heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; fen/transition mire/spring) Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher P 1995 26,500 26,500 A A4i, B1i, C3 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet R 1995 45 45 A B3, C6 Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Military, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet W 1995 95 95 A C6 recreation Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet P 1995 200 200 A C6 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 1,720 1,720 A B1i, C3 ■ Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 6,100 6,100 A C6 Birds Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover P 1995 4,650 4,650 A C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 9,700 9,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover P 1995 13,300 13,300 A A4i, B1i, C3 Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar B 1992 140 140 A B2, C6 Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 139,000 139,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Lullula arborea Woodlark R 1994 44 — A C6 Calidris canutus Knot P 1995 133,000 133,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Sylvia undata Dartford Warbler R 1994 160 160 A C6 Calidris alba Sanderling P 1995 1,530 1,530 A A4i, B1i, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 36,000 36,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 The IBA supports breeding populations of specialist heathland birds. Calidris alpina Dunlin P 1995 46,700 46,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 1,450 1,450 A B1i, C3 ■ Protection status Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 11,200 11,200 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 National Partial International Partial Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 13,300 13,300 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 3,740 3,740 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Blackmoor, Bramshott and Numenius arquata Curlew P 1995 8,800 8,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 Tringa totanus Redshank R 1994 580 580 A B1i, B2, C3 Ludshott Commons, Broxhead and Kingsley Common, Charleshill, Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 3,180 3,180 A A4i, B1i, C3 Coates Castle, Conford Moor, Devil’s Punchbowl, Forest Mere, Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 7,000 7,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Hankley Farm, Iping Common, Lavington Common, Northpark Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 800 800 A A4i, B1i, C3 Copse to Snapelands Copse, Shortheath Common, Thursley, Hankley, Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1995 1,150 1,150 A A4i, B1i, C3 Frensham Commons, Woolmer Forest. Overlaps with international Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1989 230 230 A C6 designated areas: 3,923 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1993 38 38 A C6 (Wealden Heaths (Phase 1 & 2), 3,923 ha). 625 ha of IBA covered by This extensive site is an important breeding area for several species of Ramsar Site (Thursley and Ockley Bog, 625 ha). wildfowl, and supports large concentrations of passage and wintering waders and wildfowl. The IBA holds 336,700 wintering and 264,400 ■ Conservation issues passage waterbirds on a regular basis, and is also nationally important Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Burning of vegetation (U), for breeding Larus ridibundus (2,870 pairs, 1989, 2%), for wintering Infrastructure (B), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (C) Tachybaptus ruficollis (87 birds, 2%), Phalacrocorax carbo (250 birds, 2%), Anser fabalis (7 birds, 2%), Anser albifrons albifrons (99 birds, 2%), Threats include disturbance from recreational activities, acid Anas penelope (3,530 birds, 1%), Calidris alba (305 birds, 1%), Limosa deposition (‘Other’ threat, above), the accidental and deliberate limosa (585 birds, 8%), Tringa erythropus (6 birds, 1%) and Carduelis lighting of fires, motorway and trunk road development, and a lack flavirostris (17,000 birds, 1986, 9%), and for passage Numenius phaeopus of management leading to vegetation succession. Heathland Projects (270 birds, 8%), Tringa erythropus (140 birds, 33%) and Tringa nebularia exist in Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, and Lullula arborea and (225 birds, 40%). Branta bernicla are the bernicla subspecies. Sylvia undata monitoring is undertaken almost annually. MoD management plans exist for some sites, and both Countryside ■ Protection status Stewardship and the Wildlife Enhancement Scheme are in operation. National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserves: Gibraltar Point, The Wash. Reserves: B2, C6 Frampton Marshes, Gibraltar Point, Snettisham. Sites of Special West Penwith coast 079 and moors Scientific Interest: Gibraltar Point, Hunstanton Cliffs, The Wash. Admin region South West Overlaps with international designated areas: 62,211 ha of IBA covered Coordinates 50°09’N 5°35’W by Special Protection Area (The Wash, 62,211 ha). 414 ha of IBA Altitude 0–252 m Area 3,390 ha covered by Special Protection Area (Gibraltar Point, 414 ha). 62,211 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (The Wash, 62,211 ha). 414 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Gibraltar Point, 414 ha). ■ Site description A stretch of rocky coastline and a large number of moorland areas, ■ Conservation issues situated mainly to the north and west of Land’s End. Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Dredging/canalization (B), Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Filling-in of wetlands (C), Industrialization/urbanization (C), Natural events (B) Land-use Agriculture

757 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (blanket bog; water-fringe vegetation) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism/recreation Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1995 12 — A C6 Saxicola torquata Stonechat R 1993 100 160 A B2 ■ Birds The IBA is important for cliff-nesting and heathland species. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1990 14 14 A C6 ■ Protection status Falco columbarius Merlin R 1991 15 15 A C6 National Partial International None Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1990 18 18 A B2, C6 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl B 1988 5 — A C6 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Aire Point to Carrick Du, This area supports a wide range of upland birds, including several Chyenhal Moor, Porthgwarra to Pordenack Point, Treen Cliff. species of breeding raptor.

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National High International High Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated The areas of heathland are largely neglected, although an ESA has areas. National Nature Reserve: Berwyn. Reserve: Lake Vyrnwy. now been designated with 2,775 ha of heathland covered under the National Park: Snowdonia. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Afron agreement. Dyfrdwy, Berwyn, Cynwyd Forest Quarry. Overlaps with international designated areas: 24,187 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Berwyn, 24,187 ha).

Yorkshire Dale B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 080 ■ moorlands Conservation issues Admin region North, Yorkshire and Humberside Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (A), Afforestation (A), Agricultural Coordinates 54°21’N 2°12’W intensification/expansion (A), Other (A) Altitude 261–716 m Area 16,430 ha ‘Other’ threats are posed by acidification and human persecution of raptors. The area is a candidate SAC. ■ Site description An upland area rich in habitat-types, including extensive areas of moorland, associated grassland and blanket bog. Areas of limestone Burry Inlet A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 082 plateau support herb-rich calcareous grassland. The heather Calluna- Admin region Wales dominated heath is managed for game interests. Coordinates 51°39’N 4°10’W Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring), Altitude 0–15 m Area 6,600 ha Artificial landscape (highly improved reseeded grassland) Land-use Agriculture, Tourism/recreation ■ Site description The Burry inlet forms a large intertidal area between the Gower ■ Birds peninsula and Llanelli. Large sand-dune systems and the most Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria extensive area of saltmarsh in Wales occur within the IBA. Falco columbarius Merlin B 1996 80 80 A C6 Habitats Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1996 20 20 A B2, C6 saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach) Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover R 1992 2,000 — A B3, C2, C6 Land-use Unknown Calidris alpina Dunlin B 1992 100 — A B1i, C3

The IBA is important for a range of breeding upland species. ■ Birds

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status National Partial International None Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 1,420 1,420 A B1i, C3 Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher W 1995 12,600 12,600 A A4i, B1i, C3 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher P 1995 11,000 11,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 areas. National Park: Yorkshire Dales. Sites of Special Scientific Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 7,050 7,050 A B2 Interest: Abbotside/Askrigg Commons, Cliff Beck Meadow, Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,390 1,390 A B2 Buttertubs, Feetham Holme, Harkers House Meadows, Len Pastures, Crackpot, Lovely Seat – Stainton Moor, Mallerstang to Swaledale The IBA attracts internationally important numbers of wintering Head, Muker Meadows, New Close, Calvert Houses, Ox Close, wildfowl and waders. It holds 33,900 wintering waterbirds on a regular Stephen Ings, Crackpot. basis, and is also nationally important for wintering Tadorna tadorna (1,110 birds, 1%), Anas clypeata (240 birds, 2%), Pluvialis squatarola ■ Conservation issues (445 birds, 1%), and for passage Numenius phaeopus (150 birds, 4%). Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Extraction industry (U), Other (C), ■ Protection status Recreation/tourism (B) National High International High ‘Other’ threats are posed by the continued persecution of raptors and IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated acid deposition. Disturbance and erosion caused by recreation and areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Broughton Bay, Burry Inlet tourism are additional problems. and Loughor Estuary, Cwm Ivy Marsh Dunes and Tor, Pembrey Coast, Pyllau Machynys (Machynys Ponds), Whiteford Burrows – Landimore Marsh. Overlaps with international designated areas: 6,600 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Burry Inlet and Berwyn B2, C6 081 Loughor Estuary, 6,660 ha). 6,600 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site Admin region Wales (Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary, 6,660 ha). Coordinates 52°57’N 3°18’W Altitude 305–827 m Area 24,187 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Disturbance to birds (U), Extraction industry (B), ■ Site description Filling-in of wetlands (A), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Natural events (B), One of the largest areas of Calluna-dominated heath and blanket mire Recreation/tourism (U) remaining in Wales, running south-west from near Llangollen.

758 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Threats include sea-level change that may result in erosion and ■ Conservation issues flooding, proposed marina developments, and disturbance from Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance to birds (C), Natural events (C), Other (B), recreation and unregulated shooting. The area is a candidate SAC. Recreation/tourism (C) Threats include bivalve harvesting, disturbance from motorbike scrambling and uncontrolled shooting, dune erosion and invasion by A4i, B1i, B3, C3 Cardigan Island 083 Hippophae rhamnoides, and the possibility of oil spills (‘Other’ threat, Admin region Wales above). Part of the site is a candidate SAC. Coordinates 52°07’N 4°41’W Altitude 0–52 m Area 15 ha

Cors Fochno and Dyfi C6 085 ■ Site description Admin region Wales A small rocky island just to the north of the Cardigan estuary. Coordinates 52°32’N 3°59’W Habitats Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Altitude 0–15 m Area 3,792 ha Land-use Not utilized ■ Site description ■ Birds This west coast estuary is of outstanding physiographic interest for its sand-dune complex, extensive tract of actively-growing raised mire Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria and diverse flood-plain habitats. The sand-dune system comprises all Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1993 3,540 3,540 A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 stages of dune formation and associated flora. The IBA is important for breeding seabirds. Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; river/stream; raised bog; fen/ ■ Protection status transition mire/spring) National None International None Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture ■ Conservation issues No serious threats are known at the site. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1995 140 140 A C6 Carmarthen Bay A4iii, B2, C4, C6 084 The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl, and is also nationally Admin region Wales important for wintering Anas penelope (3,900 birds, 1%). Anser Coordinates 51°40’N 4°27’W albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies. Altitude 0–56 m Area 44,582 ha ■ Protection status ■ Site description National High International Partial The site comprises three broad estuaries that drain into the Bay IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated (the Taf, Tywi and Gwendraeth) in addition to the Bay itself, areas. Reserve: Ynys-Hir. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Craig y Laugharne Burrows, St Margaret’s Island and part of the Pembrey Don, Dyfi, Pencarreg-Gopa a Moel Hyrddod. Overlaps with coast. A wide range of coastal habitats are represented. This area international designated areas: 2,492 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar includes two sites that were treated as separate IBAs in the previous Site (Cors Fochno and Dyfi, 2,492 ha). international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): ‘Carmarthen Bay’ (former site GB221) and ‘St Margaret’s Island’ (former site ■ Conservation issues GB240). Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Extraction industry (U), Infrastructure (C), Natural Habitats Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; events (U), Other (B) saltmarsh; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Threats include sea-level change that may result in erosion, flooding Marine areas (open sea), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore), Artificial landscape and habitat loss through coastal defence development, oil and gas Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation exploration, acid deposition (‘Other’ threat, above) and infrastructure developments. The area is a candidate SAC. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 4,520 4,520 A C6 Dee estuary A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4, C6 086 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,250 1,250 A B2 Admin region North West, Wales Coordinates 53°18’N 3°09’W The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl, and holds 33,000 Altitude 0–15 m Area 16,688 ha wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important for breeding Phalacrocorax carbo (270 pairs, 1989, 4%), for wintering Phalacrocorax carbo (215 birds, 1%), Melanitta nigra (11,000 birds, ■ Site description 1990, 29%), Haematopus ostralegus (4,910 birds, 1%) and Calidris alba The Dee estuary lies between the Wirral peninsula and the north Wales (425 birds, 2%), and for passage Haematopus ostralegus (4,760 birds, coast and consists of a very large intertidal area, some 20 km long 1%) and Calidris alba (430 birds, 2%). and up to 9 km wide. The site comprises extensive mudflats and saltmarshes, with sand-dune and maritime cliff-top communities also ■ Protection status represented. National Partial International None Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; water-fringe vegetation) areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Amroth to Wiseman’s Bridge Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research Cliffs, Broughton Bay, Cors Penally (Penally Marsh), Craig Ddu – Wharley Point Cliffs, Creigiau Llansteffan (Llansteffan Cliffs), Cwm Ivy Marsh Dunes and Tor, Gower Coast – Rhossili to Port Eynon, ■ Birds Hean Castle Cliffs, Laugharne and Pendine Burrows, Marros–Pendine Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Coast, Pembrey Coast, Rhossili Down, Saint Margaret’s Island, Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 54 54 A C6 Saundersfoot Cliffs, Taf/Ely Estuary, Tenby Cliffs, Whiteford Burrows Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 7,000 7,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 – Landimore Marsh, Whitehill Down.

759 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Protection status Anas crecca Teal W 1995 5,950 5,950 A B1i, C3 National Partial International High Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 7,200 7,200 A B1i, C3 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher W 1995 30,200 30,200 A A4i, B1i, C3 areas. National Nature Reserves: Alt Rhyd y Groes, Claerwen. Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher P 1995 28,200 28,200 A A4i, B1i, C3 Reserves: Gwenffrwd/Dinas, Wye/Elan. Sites of Special Scientific Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 535 535 A B1i, C3 Interest: Cabon Lakeside Woodlands, Cae’r Meirch, Caeau Cnwch – Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover W 1995 1,940 1,940 A A4i, B1i, C3 Ty’n-y-Graig a Llanfadog, Caeau Penglaneinon, Caeau Troed-Rhiw- Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 19,300 19,300 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Drain, Caen Cnwch a Ty’n-y-Graig, Carn Gafallt, Carn Gafallt, Coed Calidris canutus Knot P 1995 5,900 5,900 A B1i, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 23,800 23,800 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 y Cefn, Coedydd Glannau a Cwm Coel, Cwm Doethie – Mynydd Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,610 1,610 A B1i, C3 Mallaen, Cwm Gwynllyn, Elenydd, Gweunydd Ty’n-y-Llidiart, Rhos Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit P 1995 1,620 1,620 A B1i, C3 Yr Hafod, Rhosydd Llanwrthwl, Vicarage Meadows. Overlaps with Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 935 935 A B2, C6 international designated areas: 30,022 ha of IBA covered by Special Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 3,860 3,860 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Protection Area (Elenydd–Mallaen, 30,022 ha). Numenius arquata Curlew P 1995 4,740 4,740 A A4i, B1i, C3 Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 7,250 7,250 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Conservation issues Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 8,350 8,350 A A4i, B1i, C3 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 65 65 A B2, C6 Threats Afforestation (B), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Burning of vegetation (U), Drainage (B), Extraction industry (B), Forest grazing (B), Other (C), Recreation/tourism (B) The IBA is important for wintering and passage wildfowl and waders, and holds 126,200 wintering and 64,500 passage waterbirds on a Threats include overgrazing, the illegal burning of moorland, acid regular basis. It is also nationally important for wintering deposition (‘Other’ threat, above), and disturbance in some areas from Phalacrocorax carbo (340 birds, 2%), Anas penelope (4,500 birds, 2%), four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorcycles. The area is a candidate SAC. Calidris alba (965 birds, 4%), Tringa erythropus (10 birds, 2%) and Tringa nebularia (7 birds, 1%), and for passage Pluvialis squatarola (1,090 birds, 3%) and Calidris alba (300 birds, 1%). Glannau Aberdaron A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3, C6 088 and Ynys Enlli ■ Protection status Admin region Wales National Partial International Partial Coordinates 52°45’N 4°47’W IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Altitude 0–191 m Area 505 ha areas. Reserves: Dee Estuary, Dee Estuary – Tayton Sands, Dee Estuary – Oakenholt Marsh, Dee Estuary – Point of Air and NRA. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Dee Cliffs, Dee Estuary, Gronant ■ Site description Dunes and Talacre Warren, Heswall Dales, North Wirral Foreshore, A section of coast at the tip of the Llyn peninsula together with the Red Rocks. Overlaps with international designated areas: 13,055 ha island of Bardsey and the smaller Gwylan islands. The coastline is of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Dee Estuary, 13,055 ha). rocky with many crags, screes and low cliffs. Maritime heathland 13,055 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Dee Estuary, 13,055 ha). dominated by Calluna and Ulex is diversified by flushes and adjoining grassland. A rich fern and bryophyte flora occurs on Bardsey, whilst ■ Conservation issues sea spray and guano influence the Gwylan flora. Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (B), Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (fen/transition mire/spring), Rocky areas Disturbance to birds (B), Extraction industry (U), Filling-in of wetlands (C), Industrialization/ (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets; scree/boulders) urbanization (U), Infrastructure (U), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Threats include sea-level change and associated coastal defence measures, disturbance from shooting and increased public access, ■ Birds pollution from industrial sources, sewage and tipping, infrastructure Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria and industrial developments, and accretion of cord-grass Spartina. The RSPB owns, leases or has management agreements for a total of Puffinus puffinus Manx Shearwater B 1992 4,300 4,300 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1995 12 — A C6 4,715 ha, and a Dee Estuary Strategy is in place. Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1992 19 19 A B2, C6 The site is important for breeding seabirds and other cliff-nesting species. Elenydd–Mallaen B3, C6 087 ■ Protection status Admin region Wales National High International High Coordinates 52°16’N 3°39’W IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Altitude 141–641 m Area 30,022 ha areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Glannau Aberdaron, Ynys Enlli – Bardsey Island, Ynysoedd y Gwylanod – Gwylan Islands. ■ Site description Overlaps with international designated areas: 505 ha of IBA covered One of the most important areas of hill country in Wales, this area is by Special Protection Area (Glannau Aberdaron, 505 ha). dominated by blocks of upland rising to 460 m, separated by steep- sided valleys. The uplands are covered by Calluna heath and mire, ■ Conservation issues with woodland and grassland in the valleys. The cliff crags hold an Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Recreation/tourism (U) interesting flora, whilst the Quercus woodland supports many mosses, liverworts and lichens. The maintenance of appropriate grazing regimes is important for Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. The site is a candidate SAC. Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (river/stream; raised bog; fen/transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (inland cliff) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism/recreation Glannau Ynys Gybi B2, C6 089 Admin region Wales ■ Birds Coordinates 53°18’N 4°41’W Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Altitude 0–220 m Area 352 ha Milvus milvus Red Kite R 1997 20 20 A B3, C6 Milvus milvus Red Kite W 1996 50 — A C6 ■ Site description Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1996 11 11 A C6 The site comprises the cliffs on the western side of Holy Island, which The IBA supports a wide range of breeding birds, including five species are formed from geologically complex and impressively folded strata of raptor. Corvus corax occur in nationally important numbers. rising to 120 m. There are also many small offshore stacks and islets.

760 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds Habitats Scrub (heathland), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets; scree/boulders) Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Melanitta nigra Common Scoter W 1995 — 50,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Birds The site holds 52,200 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis, and Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Tadorna tadorna and Charadrius hiaticula breed along the shoreline. Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1992 9 9 A B2, C6 ■ Protection status The site is important for seabirds and other cliff-breeders. National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Protection status areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Little Orme’s Head, Llanddules National High International High Beach, Rhyd y Foel Limestone. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserve: South Stack Cliffs. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: ■ Conservation issues Glannau Ynys Gybi – Holy Island Coast, Pant Yr Hyman, Rhoscolyn Threats Extraction industry (U), Infrastructure (U) Coast, Rhoscolyn Reedbed, Tre Wilmot. Overlaps with international designated areas: 352 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Threats include offshore exploration for gas and oil and the potential (Glannau Ynys Gybi/Holy Island Coast, 352 ha). for oil spills, as well as possible wind-turbine developments.

■ Conservation issues Threats Industrialization/urbanization (C), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (B) Pembrokeshire cliffs B2, B3, C6 092 Admin region Wales The proposed development of housing, and a hotel, golf course and Coordinates 51°54’N 5°18’W equestrian centre threatens maritime heathland, whilst acid deposition Altitude 0–136 m Area 2,360 ha is also a problem (‘Other’ threat, above).

■ Site description The coastline around St David’s and Strumble Heads is varied and Grassholm A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, C3, C4 090 highly indented with many offshore islands and stacks. The cliffs vary Admin region Wales in aspect and exposure to prevailing winds, with some near-vertical Coordinates 51°43’N 5°28’W faces up to 140 m in height. Altitude 0–15 m Area 10 ha Habitats Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland, Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/ stony beach; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; ■ Site description rock stacks/islets; scree/boulders; caves) A low-lying, flat-topped basalt island situated about 18 km west of Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation the mainland Dyfed coast. Vegetation is limited by exposure to wind, salt spray and the large numbers of seabirds. ■ Birds Habitats Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1995 12 — A C6 Alca torda Razorbill B 1994 1,480 — A B3 ■ Birds Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1992 30 30 A B2, C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The IBA is important for breeding seabirds and other cliff-nesting Sula bassana Gannet B 1996 — 33,000 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 species. The site is important for its seabird colonies, including a very large gannetry. The site regularly holds 33,500 pairs of breeding seabirds. ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial ■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated National High International High areas. Reserve: Ramsey Island. National Park: Pembrokeshire. Sites IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated of Special Scientific Interest: Castlemartin Cliffs and Dunes, areas. Reserve: Grassholm. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Castlemartin Corse, Dwrhyd Pit, Ramsey, St David’s Peninsula Coast, Grassholm. Overlaps with international designated areas: 10 ha of Stackpole Courtyard Flats and Walled Garden, Stackpole Quay – IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Grassholm, 10 ha). Trewent Point, Stackpole to Castlemartin Cliffs and Bosherston, Strumble Head to Llechdafad Cliffs. Overlaps with international ■ Conservation issues designated areas: 845 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Ramsey and St David’s Peninsula Coast, 845 ha). 1,122 ha of IBA Threats Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) covered by Special Protection Area (Castlemartin Coast, 1,122 ha). Threats include pollution from oil spills, discarded netting and waste (‘Other’ threat, above), and disturbance from visitors. ■ Conservation issues Threats Industrialization/urbanization (A) Being so close to the Milford Haven oil refinery makes the site very A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 North Wales coast 091 vulnerable to oil pollution. Admin region Wales Coordinates 53°18’N 3°39’W Altitude 0–15 m Area 13,660 ha Severn estuary A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 093 Admin region South West, Wales C2, C3, C4, C6 ■ Site description Coordinates 51°32’N 2°44’W An expanse of the Irish Sea coastline stretching from Little Orme’s Altitude 0–78 m Area 59,950 ha Head to Rhyl, and extending about 6 km seawards.

Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach), Marine areas (open ■ Site description sea; sea inlet/coastal features) The estuary is fed by five major rivers (the Severn, Wye, Usk, Parrett Land-use Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport and Avon) in addition to other lesser rivers. Classically funnel-shaped,

761 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man the estuary has the second widest tidal range in the world and is from seabirds affect the vegetation, which includes maritime grassland characterized by strong currents, mobile sediments and high turbidity. and Juncus flushes. Large expanses of cord-grass Spartina occur. Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; scree/ (steppe/dry calcareous grassland; humid grassland), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal boulders) water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; shingle/stony beach; standing brackish and salt Land-use Unknown water; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore), Introduced/exotic vegetation ■ Birds Land-use Unknown Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Birds Puffinus puffinus Manx Shearwater B 1996 — 157,000 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 1995 4,400 4,400 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1995 18,500 18,500 A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 285 285 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Alca torda Razorbill B 1995 2,870 2,870 A B3 Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 3,420 3,420 A B1i, C3 Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl R 1996 0 15 A B2, C6 Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 610 610 A B1i, C3 Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1992 5 5 A C6 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 985 985 A B1i, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 46,500 46,500 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 The IBA is important for its breeding colonies, which hold 176,000 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 3,890 3,890 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 pairs of breeding seabirds and 21,800 pairs of breeding waterbirds on Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 2,330 2,330 A B1i, C3 a regular basis. The site is also nationally important for breeding Anas Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 1,800 1,800 A B1i, C3 acuta (2 pairs, 1996, 5%) and Fratercula arctica (4,580 pairs, 1995, Larus fuscus B 1987 2,050 2,050 A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 1%). Lesser Black-backed Gull The site supports internationally important numbers of wintering and ■ Protection status passage wildfowl and waders, in addition to important breeding National High International High bird populations. It holds 84,900 wintering waterbirds on a regular IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated basis, and is also nationally important for wintering Anser albifrons areas. Marine Nature Reserve: Skomer. Sites of Special Scientific albifrons (2,750 birds, 45%), Anas penelope (4,200 birds, 1%), Anas Interest: Skokholm, Skomer Island. Overlaps with international strepera (300 birds, 4%), Anas crecca (2,890 birds, 2%), Anas clypeata designated areas: 422 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (110 birds, 1%), Aythya ferina (1,610 birds, 2%) and Pluvialis (Skokholm and Skomer, 422 ha). squatarola (830 birds, 2%), and for passage Numenius phaeopus (2,000 birds, 1992, 56%). ■ Conservation issues Threats Consequences of animal/plant introductions (C), Industrialization/urbanization (B), ■ Protection status Recreation/tourism (C) National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Threats include overgrazing by rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, some areas. National Nature Reserve: Bridgewater Bay. Sites of Special disturbance of breeding birds by visitors, and the possibility of oil Scientific Interest: Aust Cliff, Berrow Dunes, Brean Down, pollution from the nearby Milford Haven oil terminal. The site is a Bridgewater Bay, Bushey Close, Court Farm, Sydling, Ellenborough candidate SAC. Park West, Flat Holm, Frampton Pools, Gwent Levels – Magor and Undy, Gwent Levels – Nash and Goldcliff, Gwent Levels – Redwick and Llandevenny, Gwent Levels – Rumney and Peterstone, Gwent C7 Levels – St Brides, Gwent Levels – Whitson, Lydney Cliff, Middle Swansea Bay–Blackpill 095 Admin region Wales Hope, Penarth Coast, Portishead Pier to Black Nore, Purton Passage, Coordinates 51°35’N 3°59’W Severn Estuary, Spring Cove Cliffs, Steep Holm, Sully Island, Sydling Altitude 0–10 m Area 490 ha Valley Downs, Taf/Ely Estuary, Uphill Cliff, Upper Severn Estuary. Overlaps with international designated areas: 2,703 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Bridgewater Bay, 2,703 ha). 16,940 ha of IBA covered ■ Site description by Special Protection Area (Severn Estuary, 16,940 ha). 16,940 ha of The site covers parts of Swansea Bay, including mudflats at the eastern IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Severn Estuary, 16,940 ha). 1,357 ha of and western ends that extend for over 1 km at low water. A small area IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Upper Severn Estuary, of sand-dunes are also present, although these have been partly 1,357 ha). 1,357 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Upper Severn converted to a golf course. Estuary, 1,357 ha). Habitats Wetland (100%; mudflat/sandflat; sand-dunes/sand beach) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation ■ Conservation issues Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (U), Dredging/canalization (U), ■ Birds Extraction industry (U), Filling-in of wetlands (U), Industrialization/urbanization (A), Infrastructure (A), Natural events (A), Recreation/tourism (U) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 175 175 A C7 Threats include sea-level rise that may result in erosion, flooding and Calidris alba Sanderling W 1995 180 180 A C7 habitat loss from coastal defence measures, development for industry, housing, infrastructure and recreation, and recreational disturbance. The site is important for wintering waders. The area is a candidate SAC. ■ Protection status National High International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, Skokholm 094 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Blackpill–Swansea, and Skomer B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 Oystermouth Old Quarry. Admin region Wales Coordinates 51°44’N 5°17’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 0–79 m Area 422 ha Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (C), Filling-in of wetlands (C), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Site description These two islands have a plateau-like form, and are bounded by cliffs Threats include invasion of the saltmarsh by cord-grass Spartina, and reaching 70 m in height on Skomer. Salt spray and nutrient enrichment recreational disturbance from dogs and bait-diggers.

762 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Cemlyn Bay, Rhosneigr, Rhosneigr Reefs, The Skerries, Ynys Feurig. Traeth Lafan, Conwy Bay B1i, C3 096 Overlaps with international designated areas: 85 ha of IBA covered Admin region Wales by Special Protection Area (Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay and The Coordinates 53°15’N 4°03’W Skerries, 85 ha). Altitude 0–50 m Area 2,700 ha ■ Conservation issues ■ Site description Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Natural events (B) This large intertidal area, at the eastern end of the Menai Straits, contains a range of habitats including exposed and sheltered sands Nesting terns are vulnerable to human disturbance and predation by and mudflats diversified by freshwater streams. The site includes red fox Vulpes vulpes. ‘Traeth Lafan (Lavan Sands), Conway Bay’ (former site GB212) and ‘Puffin Island’ (former site GB239) that were treated separately in the previous European IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Abernethy forest A1, B1i, B2, C1, C3, C6 098 Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; river/stream), Rocky Admin region Scotland areas (rock stacks/islets) Coordinates 57°13’N 3°38’W Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation Altitude 200–505 m Area 5,800 ha

■ Birds ■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The largest tract of native pinewood Pinus sylvestris in Britain, representing part of a once continuous area of woodland that covered Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 1995 705 705 A B1i, C3 the lower slopes of the Cairngorms. The site includes some completely The IBA is important for breeding Phalacrocorax carbo on Puffin undisturbed high forest, with a Juniperus scrub layer. Island, and wintering and passage wildfowl. It is also nationally Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest), important for wintering Haematopus ostralegus (4,060 birds, 1%), Scrub (heathland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring) Tringa nebularia (14 birds, 3%), and for summer moulting assemblages Land-use Forestry (90%), Hunting (10%), Nature conservation/research of Podiceps cristatus (500 birds, 1992, 4%).

■ Protection status ■ Birds National High International High Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Coedydd Afon Menai, Friars Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 1,300 1,300 A B1i, C3 Road Shore, Lleiniog, Puffin Island – Ynys Seiriol, Traeth Lafan. Pandion haliaetus Osprey B 1994 2 2 A B2, C6 Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1996 140 140 A B2 Overlaps with international designated areas: 2,642 ha of IBA covered Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie R 1996 45 45 A C6 by Special Protection Area (Traeth Lavan, 2,642 ha). Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper B 1994 3 — A C6 Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1994 Abundant — A1, B2, C1, C6 ■ Conservation issues The IBA is important for various pinewood bird specialists. The site is Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (U), nationally important for breeding Bucephala clangula (27 pairs, 1994, Extraction industry (U), Other (C) 25%). It is also nationally important for wintering Mergus merganser Threats include oil pollution (‘Other’ threat, above) and the (215 birds, 2%). Anser anser are from the Icelandic breeding population. establishment of cord-grass Spartina in a small area of the site. ■ Protection status National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated B1i, B2, C2, C6 Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay 097 areas. National Nature Reserve: Abernethy Forest. Reserve: Loch and The Skerries Garten. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Abernethy. Overlaps with Admin region Wales international designated areas: 5,800 ha of IBA covered by Special Coordinates 53°24’N 4°37’W Protection Area (Abernethy Forest, 5,800 ha). Altitude 0–15 m Area 85 ha ■ Conservation issues ■ Site description Threats Burning of vegetation (B), Forest grazing (B) Ynys Feurig is a group of small, low-lying islands situated up to 1 km offshore, whilst the very exposed Skerries lie 3 km out to sea. The Grazing pressure from red deer Cervus elaphus poses a threat, although vegetation on most of the islands is sparse. At Cemlyn Bay, a shingle this has reduced in importance over recent years, and forest fires remain storm-beach forms a bar between a tidal lagoon surrounded by a hazard. Research projects are undertaken on the RSPB Reserve, saltmarsh and the open shore. and there is a management plan for the site.

Habitats Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; standing brackish and salt water), Rocky areas (rock stacks/islets) Land-use Not utilized Ailsa Craig A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, C3, C4 099 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 55°15’N 5°06’W ■ Birds Altitude 0–338 m Area 100 ha Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 650 650 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 ■ Site description Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern B 1995 10 10 A B2, C6 A cone-shaped granitic island in the outer part of the Firth of Clyde. Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 125 125 A C6 Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1995 1,280 1,280 A C2, C6 Habitats Rocky areas (100%; sea cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Not utilized (100%) The IBA supports large tern colonies.

■ Protection status ■ Birds National High International High The high cliffs support important seabird colonies, which hold 36,700 The IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national breeding pairs on a regular basis. The IBA is also nationally important designated areas. Reserve: Skerries. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: for breeding Larus argentatus (2,350 pairs, 1987, 1%).

763 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Birds Sula bassana Gannet B 1995 32,500 32,500 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1987 1,800 1,800 A B1i, B3, C3 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1995 1,300 1,300 A B3 An important area for breeding seabirds, it holds nationally important ■ Protection status numbers of breeding Larus argentatus (2,000 pairs, 1995, 1%). National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Protection status areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Ailsa Graig. Overlaps with National None International None international designated areas: 100 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Ailsa Craig, 100 ha). ■ Conservation issues Threats Natural events (U), Other (U) ■ Conservation issues The main threats to seabirds are from ground predators (red foxes Threats Consequences of animal/plant introductions (C) Vulpes vulpes) and outbreaks of botulism (‘Other’ threat, above). An Predation by rats Rattus norvegicus was a problem, but eradication ESA (Stewartry) plan has been drawn up for the Almorness peninsula. has now been achieved following a Glasgow University monitoring and eradication programme. Alvie C7 102 Admin region Scotland Airds Moss and Muirkirk uplands B2, C6 100 Coordinates 57°09’N 3°51’W Admin region Scotland Altitude 210–358 m Area 340 ha Coordinates 55°27’N 4°07’W Altitude 198–593 m Area 19,800 ha ■ Site description A complex area consisting of the wooded Torr Alvie, which slopes ■ Site description down to the north to a series of lochs and marshes. The mainly Betula Includes the largest remaining continuous block of unforested woodland also includes Populus, Sorbus, Pinus sylvestris and Juniperus, moorland in south-west Scotland. The main habitats include heather and one of the few pure Quercus stands in the middle Spey valley. and grass moorland and blanket bog. Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; mixed forest), Wetland Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (river/stream; blanket bog), Artificial (standing fresh water; fen/transition mire/spring) landscape (forestry plantation) Land-use Forestry (70%), Water management (30%) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Urban/industrial/transport ■ Birds ■ Birds The lochs and marshes are important for both breeding and wintering waterbirds. The site is also nationally important for breeding Turdus Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria iliacus (2 pairs, 1989, 3%). 1 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1995 16 16 A C6 1 Falco columbarius Merlin R 1995 10 10 A C6 ■ Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover R 1989 180 180 A C6 Protection status Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl R 1995 10 10 A B2, C6 National High International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated 1. Mean count. areas. National Nature Reserve: Craigiellachie. Sites of Special The site is also nationally important for breeding Numenius arquata Scientific Interest: Alvie, Craigiellachie. (510 pairs, 1989, 1%). ■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status Threats Unknown National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Ongoing Bucephala clangula monitoring takes place. The site is a areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Birk Knowes, Blood Moss candidate SPA. and Slot Burn, Dunside, Garpel Water, Greenock Mains, Ree Burn and Glenbuck Loch. Overlaps with international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area (Muirkirk Uplands and Assynt lochs C6 103 North Lowther Hills). Admin region Scotland Coordinates 58°11’N 5°13’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 0–764 m Area 10,700 ha Threats Afforestation (B), Extraction industry (A), Infrastructure (U), Other (A) Under serious threat from open-cast mining. Additional threats include ■ Site description windfarms and persecution of raptors (‘Other’ threat, above). SNH Loch Assynt is the largest of these nutrient-poor lochs in the north- are undertaking research to fill in gaps in knowledge of the site. west Highlands. Broadleaved Betula and Sorbus forest survives on higher ground with blanket and valley mires, wet heath and acid fen vegetation lower down. Almorness Point B3 101 Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), and Hestan Island Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring) Admin region Scotland Land-use Hunting (100%) Coordinates 54°50’N 3°48’W Altitude 0–62 m Area 73 ha ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Site description 1 Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver B 1995 6 6 A C6 A small island and rocky headland at the mouth of Auchencairn Bay. 1. Mean count. Habitats Grassland (80%), Rocky areas (20%; sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) The site is also nationally important for breeding Gavia stellata (10 Land-use Agriculture (100%) pairs, 1994, 1%) and Turdus iliacus (6 pairs, 1996, 8%).

764 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National Partial International None National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Ardvar Woodlands, Ben More areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Auskerry. Overlaps with Assynt, Inchnadamph, Loch Beannach Islands. international designated areas: 90 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Auskerry, 90 ha). ■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Afforestation (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/ fisheries (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Disturbance to birds (C), Threats Extraction industry (U) Extraction industry (B), Forest grazing (B) There is an ongoing threat of oil pollution. Disturbance from mining activity, grazing pressure from red deer Cervus elaphus, hydroelectric schemes and fish-farming all threaten the IBA. Breeding Gavia arctica are monitored by the RSPB annually. Ballochbuie forest A1, B2, C1, C6 106 The area is a candidate SPA and Ramsar Site. Admin region Scotland Coordinates 56°59’N 3°19’W Altitude 290–770 m Area 2,031 ha Atholl/Glen Tilt C6 104 Admin region Scotland ■ Site description Coordinates 56°54’N 3°29’W A large area of native pinewood and associated old Pinus plantations. Altitude 800–1,120 m Area 6,166 ha Habitats Forest and woodland (40%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest), Scrub (10%; heathland), Grassland (10%), Rocky areas (1%; inland cliff), ■ Site description Artificial landscape (39%; forestry plantation) A series of 11 montane plateaux ranging from Beinn Dearg in the Land-use Forestry (40%), Hunting (70%), Nature conservation/research (10%) west to Carn a Gheoidh in the east, most of which are above 800 m. Various uncommon plant communities are present, including sugar limestone grassland and heath vegetation, and both montane and ■ Birds summit communities. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Habitats Scrub (40%; heathland), Grassland (59%; steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1995 Common — A1, B2, C1, C6 Rocky areas (1%; inland cliff) The IBA also supports breeding Tetrao tetrix and Tetrao urogallus. Land-use Agriculture, Hunting ■ Protection status ■ Birds National None International Partial Overlaps with international designated areas: 1,629 ha of IBA covered Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria by Special Protection Area (Ballochbuie, 1,629 ha). Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1987 — 27 A C6 The IBA is important for breeding upland birds. ■ Conservation issues Threats Forest grazing (A), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (C) ■ Protection status National Partial International None Threats to the IBA are deer overgrazing, inappropriate forestry practices IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated (‘Other’ threat, above) and recreational disturbance. SNH has a areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Beinn a Ghlo, Glas ‘memorandum of understanding’ with Balmoral Estate over the Tulaichean. management of the site.

■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Beinn Dearg C7 107 Admin region Scotland Threats include disturbance from tourism, recreation and increased Coordinates 57°47’N 4°54’W public access, and the effects of atmospheric pollution (‘Other’ threat, Altitude 30–1,084 m Area 13,715 ha above). The only known survey of the site was a joint Nature Conservancy Council/SNH Montane Plateaux Ecology Project undertaken during the late 1980s and early 1990s. ■ Site description A large and diverse massif that has been deeply dissected by glacial action, but exhibits rounded summits. Landform and geological diversity has resulted in a wide range of upland vegetation communities A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6 Auskerry 105 including summit communities of cushion herbs, lichens and Admin region Scotland mosses. Coordinates 59°01’N 2°33’W Altitude 0–10 m Area 90 ha Habitats Forest and woodland (native coniferous forest), Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog; fen/ transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (scree/boulders; inland cliff) ■ Site description Land-use Hunting A small island to the south of Stronsay in the Orkney archipelago.

Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Marine areas (open sea), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (100%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1993 6 — A C7 ■ Birds The site holds an assemblage of breeding upland birds. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 1995 3,610 3,610 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6 ■ Protection status The IBA supports large numbers of breeding seabirds, and is also National Partial International Partial nationally important for breeding Sterna paradisaea (670 pairs, 1993, IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated 2%). areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Beinn Dearg. Overlaps with

765 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man international designated areas: 5,568 ha of IBA covered by Special ■ Protection status Protection Area (Beinn Dearg, 5,568 ha). National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national ■ Conservation issues designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Allt nan Caorach, Ben Wyvis, Carn Gorm. Overlaps with international Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (B), Forest designated areas: 5,500 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area grazing (B), Recreation/tourism (B) (Ben Wyvis, 5,500 ha). Problems are posed by disturbance from increased public access and recreation, and habitat degradation due to high densities of grazing ■ Conservation issues animals (mainly red deer Cervus elaphus, but also sheep). This is the Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (A), Recreation/ third most botanically diverse mountain in Britain. tourism (A) The IBA is affected by disturbance from increased public access and recreation, and habitat degradation due to high densities of grazing Ben Alder C6 108 animals. There is also a possibility of development for skiing, including Admin region Scotland a funicular railway. Coordinates 56°50’N 4°28’W Altitude 367–1,148 m Area 6,548 ha

Blackpark and Gutcher, Yell C7 110 ■ Site description Admin region Scotland Remote summit plateaus with high altitude limestone outcrops, Coordinates 60°40’N 1°01’W situated between Lochs Ericht and Laggan. The site is geographically Altitude 0–110 m Area 1,050 ha and ecologically intermediate between the mountains of the western and eastern Highlands. Highly diverse plant communities are present, including those associated with lengthy snow cover and limestone ■ Site description outcrops. A mosaic of moorland and blanket bog, which overlies deep peat. Calluna, Eriophorum and Scirpus dominate the blanket bog plant Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland community, which is interspersed with areas of acid grassland and (blanket bog), Rocky areas (scree/boulders; inland cliff) Sphagnum-rich mire. Land-use Hunting Habitats Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (100%), Nature conservation/research Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1993 11 — A C6 ■ Birds The IBA supports an assemblage of breeding upland species. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver B 1994 6 6 A C7 Protection status Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel B 1992 23 23 A C7 National High International None Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Skua B 1992 27 27 A C7 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Ben Alder and Aonach Beag. The IBA supports an assemblage of breeding moorland birds.

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National Partial International None Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Habitat disturbance occurs as a result of high livestock levels, and areas. Reserve: Black Park. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Gutcher, overgrazing by deer (‘Other’ threat, above). The area is a candidate North Sandwick. SPA, with a smaller area a candidate SAC. There is an ongoing survey of divers (Gaviidae). ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) A management plan exists for the RSPB reserve. Ben Wyvis C6 109 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°41’N 4°33’W Altitude 220–1,046 m Area 5,500 ha Bluemill B2 111 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°11’N 2°57’W ■ Site description Altitude 290–411 m Area 260 ha The only major mountain massif in the eastern Highlands north of the Great Glen. Its size, altitude and location give it a unique character midway between the continental Cairngorm massif and the ■ Site description oceanic mountains of the western Highlands. Summit heath and A small area of moorland and acid grassland in south Grampian. bryophyte-rich snowbed areas complement montane and submontane Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; mixed forest), Scrub (55%; heathland), Grassland (40%) dwarf shrub heath, upland Betula forests and blanket bog. Land-use Agriculture (100%) Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog; ■ Birds fen/transition mire/spring) Land-use Agriculture, Hunting Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Larus canus Common Gull B 1995 3,250 — A B2 ■ Birds The IBA supports a number of breeding moorland and grassland species. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1993 9 — A C6 ■ Protection status The site holds an assemblage of breeding upland birds. National None International None

766 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Conservation issues Red Craig. Overlaps with international designated areas: 5,975 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Caenlochan, 5,975 ha). Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) Regular ringing of gull chicks takes place. ■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (A), Infrastructure (A) The IBA is threatened by the development of skiing infrastructure, Buchan Ness A4iii, B3, C4 112 to Collieston coast and increased public access. Part of the site is located within the scope of the East Grampian Deer Management Plan being developed by Admin region Scotland the Deer Commission for Scotland. Coordinates 57°28’N 1°46’W Altitude 0–72 m Area 208 ha

Cairngorms A1, B2, C1, C2, C6 114 ■ Site description Admin region Scotland The IBA comprises south-east facing granitic cliffs, interrupted by Coordinates 57°04’N 3°38’W the sandy beach at Cruden Bay, and offshore stacks. Altitude 340–1,309 m Area 49,113 ha Habitats Scrub (2%; heathland), Grassland (5%), Wetland (2%; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing brackish and salt water), Rocky areas (91%; sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) ■ Site description Land-use Not utilized An area of massive summits, cut into separate areas by steep-sided glacial troughs. ■ Birds Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest), Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (blanket bog) Alca torda Razorbill B 1995 1,940 1,940 A B3 Land-use Forestry (10%), Hunting (50%), Nature conservation/research (50%), Tourism/recreation The site holds 23,800 pairs of breeding seabirds and 28,100 pairs of breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. The IBA is nationally important ■ Birds for breeding Larus argentatus (2,960 pairs, 1995, 2%), Rissa tridactyla Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria (25,000 pairs, 1995, 5%) and Uria aalge (18,700 pairs, 1995, 3%). Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1990 — 15 A C6 Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1992 8 8 A B2, C6 ■ Protection status Pandion haliaetus Osprey B 1991 2 2 A B2, C6 National High International High Falco columbarius Merlin B 1992 25 25 A C6 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1990 10 10 A C6 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bullers of Buchan Coast, Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie R 1990 125 125 A C6 Collieston to Whinnyfold Coast. Overlaps with international designated Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1990 240 240 A C2, C6 areas: 208 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Buchan Ness Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1996 Abundant — A1, B2, C1, C6 to Collieston Coast, 208 ha). This site is very important for a range of breeding birds associated with montane plateaus and pinewoods Pinus sylvestris. The site is also ■ Conservation issues nationally important for breeding Bucephala clangula (5 pairs, 1989, 5%), Lagopus mutus (1,500 pairs, 1990, 15%) and Plectrophenax nivalis Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A) (40 pairs, 1990, 40%). Auks are accidentally caught in fixed offshore salmon nets. Monitoring for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee Seabird Colony Register ■ Protection status is carried out here. National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Cairngorms. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Allt Mor, Cairngorms, Dollar Glen, Eastern Cairngorms, Caenlochan C6 113 Inchrory, Morrone Birkwood, North Rothiemurchus Pinewood, Admin region Scotland Northern Corries, River Feshie. Overlaps with international designated Coordinates 56°52’N 3°18’W areas: 49,113 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Altitude 450–1,068 m Area 6,600 ha (Cairngorms, 49,113 ha). 173 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Cairngorm Lochs, 173 ha). ■ Site description A wide variety of habitats are supported by these hills, with their many ■ Conservation issues crags and steep rocky slopes. Dwarf shrub communities predominate, Threats Afforestation (A), Forest grazing (U), Infrastructure (A), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (A) although small areas of herb-rich communities do occur. The IBA is also notable for its high-altitude bog and lichen-rich communities, and Threats include disturbance and habitat degradation associated with snow-bed vegetation. Base-rich flushes increase the plant diversity increased public access and the proposed railway development to despite grazing by deer and sheep. replace the existing chairlift, overgrazing by deer, problems with birds striking deer fences and inappropriate forestry management (‘Other’ Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (fen/ threat, above). A partnership management strategy is being developed, transition mire/spring) with most NGOs campaigning for better management of this proposed Land-use Agriculture (50%), Hunting (100%), Tourism/recreation (10%) National Park, SPA, SAC and World Heritage Site. Research is ongoing, and a management strategy is being developed. ■ Birds

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1992 — 47 A C6 Caithness cliffs A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, 115 Admin region Scotland B2, B3, C2, C3, C4 The IBA also holds important populations of raptors and other upland Coordinates 58°37’N 3°03’W breeding birds. Altitude 0–130 m Area 1,053 ha ■ Protection status National Partial International High ■ Site description IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated The IBA comprises sections of cliff-lined coast at Dunnet Head, areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Caenlochan, Glen Callater, Duncansby Head to Skirza Head, and Wick to Helmsdale. Patches of

767 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man species-rich maritime heath occur, giving way to acidic heath further IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated inland. areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Broubster Leans, Loch Heilen, Loch Lieurary, Loch of May, Loch Scarmclate, Loch Watten. Overlaps Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) with international designated areas: 240 ha of IBA covered by Special Land-use Agriculture Protection Area (Caithness Lochs, 240 ha). 240 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Caithness Lochs, 240 ha). ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Conservation issues

Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1987 2,540 2,540 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3 Threats Afforestation (A), Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/ Larus argentatus Herring Gull B 1987 9,550 9,550 A A4i, B1i fisheries (B), Drainage (A), Infrastructure (C), Recreation/tourism (U) Larus marinus B 1987 875 875 A B3 Great Black-backed Gull Threats include disturbance from recreational activities and loss of Rissa tridactyla Kittiwake B 1987 40,800 40,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 semi-natural habitat, whilst proposed wind-farm developments may Uria aalge Guillemot B 1987 87,000 87,000 A A4ii, B1ii, C3 increase the risk of bird strikes. Wintering Anser albifrons flavirostris Alca torda Razorbill B 1987 11,100 11,100 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1987 725 725 A B1ii, B2 are monitored by a study group.

These cliffs support 127,000 pairs of breeding seabirds, and 54,000 pairs of breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. The site is also A4i, B1i, C3 nationally important for breeding Fulmarus glacialis (27,100 pairs, Cameron reservoir 117 Admin region Scotland 1986–1987, 5%) and Phalacrocorax carbo (250 pairs, 1985–1986, 3%). Coordinates 56°17’N 2°50’W Altitude 152–152 m Area 68 ha ■ Protection status National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Site description areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Berriedale Cliffs, Berriedale Situated about 5 km west of St Andrews, this reservoir was formed Water, Burn of Latheronwheel, Castle of Old Wick to Craig following the impoundment of the Cameron Burn. The reservoir is Hammel, Craig Hammel to Sgaps Geo, Dunbeath to Sgaps Geo, moderately nutrient-rich and supports fringing aquatic and marginal Duncansby Head, Dunnet Head, Helmsdale Coast, Hill of vegetation, which is succeeded by Salix carr. Warehouse, Knockinnon Heath, Langwell Water, Ousdale Burn. Habitats Scrub (scrub), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) Overlaps with international designated areas: 443 ha of IBA covered Land-use Not utilized (90%), Tourism/recreation (10%) by Special Protection Area (East Caithness Cliffs, 443 ha). 610 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (North Caithness Cliffs, 610 ha). ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Conservation issues 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1994 13,700 13,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Extraction industry (B), Other (B), Recreation/ Pink-footed Goose tourism (U) 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. Threats to the coastline include oil pollution from passing tankers The IBA is important for wintering waterbirds, and as an autumn (‘Other’ threat, above), development of oil-extraction facilities and and winter roost for geese. inshore oil fields, and disturbance from recreational activities. ■ Protection status National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Caithness lochs A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3, C6 116 areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Cameron Reservoir. Overlaps Admin region Scotland with international designated areas: 68 ha of IBA covered by Special Coordinates 58°35’N 3°16’W Protection Area (Cameron Reservoir, 68 ha). 68 ha of IBA covered by Altitude 20–100 m Area 3,016 ha Ramsar Site (Cameron Reservoir, 68 ha).

■ Site description ■ Conservation issues A series of lochs spread over a wide area in north-east Caithness, and Threats Disturbance to birds (A), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (A) situated roughly in the triangle formed by Wick, Duncansby Head and Thurso. The lochs are rich to moderately rich in nutrients, and The decommissioning of the reservoir as a public water supply may support a diverse aquatic flora. A mire system has developed along affect the future presence of areas of open water (‘Other’ threat, above). the old course of the River Forss. Disturbance to roosting wildfowl caused by increased shooting activity is an additional problem. The Local Authority have proposed that Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog; fen/ the site be designated as a Local Nature Reserve, enabling a transition mire/spring) management plan to be drawn up. Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism/recreation

■ Birds Canna and Sanday A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3 118 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region Scotland Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1996 — 185 A B3 Coordinates 57°03’N 6°32’W 1 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1994 410 410 A B1i, C2, C3 Altitude 0–210 m Area 1,356 ha 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1994 4,490 4,490 A A4i, B1i, C3 Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1992 2 2 A C6 ■ 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. Site description Two islands and associated islets and stacks, to the north-west of the The IBA is important for both breeding and wintering waterbirds, much larger island of Rum. They support a variety of grassland and is also nationally important for breeding Anas penelope (9 pairs, habitats along with species-rich maritime heathland and machair-type 1993–1994, 3%). Anser albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies, and calcareous grassland. Anser anser are from the Icelandic breeding population. Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland; mesophile grassland; machair), Wetland (blanket bog), Rocky ■ Protection status areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) National Partial International Low

768 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Land-use Agriculture Land-use Agriculture (5%), Nature conservation/research (90%), Tourism/recreation (95%)

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1995 980 980 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1994 13,300 13,300 A A4i, B1i, C3 Pink-footed Goose The IBA holds important seabird colonies. Breeding species of global 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (2 pairs). The IBA is important for wintering geese and other wildfowl. ■ Protection status National Partial International High ■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated National Partial International High areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Canna and Sanday. Overlaps IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated with international designated areas: 1,341 ha of IBA covered by Special areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Castle Loch. Overlaps with Protection Area (Canna and Sanday, 1,341 ha). international designated areas: 107 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Castle Loch, 107 ha). 107 ha of IBA covered by ■ Conservation issues Ramsar Site (Castle Loch, 107 ha). Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C) ■ Conservation issues There is a management plan for the site, which includes management Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Consequences of animal/plant for Crex crex. introductions (U), Disturbance to birds (U), Recreation/tourism (B) Threats include human disturbance, e.g. controlled shooting activity, and nutrient pollution through agricultural run-off. An additional Cape Wrath A4iii, B3, C4 119 threat is posed by the introduction of Nymphoides peltata to Admin region Scotland neighbouring lochs. The RSPB have recently been appointed to the Coordinates 58°37’N 4°59’W LNR advisory/management committee. Inland WeBS counts are Altitude 0–371 m Area 1,010 ha carried out by the warden and a management plan exists for the site.

■ Site description Two stretches of sandstone cliff on the Cape Wrath headland. The Central Highland hills A1, B2, C1, C6 121 lower slopes are vegetated by Calluna and Juniperus heath. Sheep graze the area, and some deer-stalking takes place. and glens Admin region Scotland Habitats Scrub (heathland), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Coordinates 57°19’N 5°03’W Land-use Agriculture, Hunting, Military Altitude 30–1,183 m Area 230,248 ha

■ Birds ■ Site description A massive area that extends from Ross and Cromarty in the north to Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria the Affric–Cannich mountains in the south. Extensive stands of native Alca torda Razorbill B 1988 1,330 1,330 A B3 pinewood Pinus sylvestris support rich lichen communities, and are The IBA holds 17,100 pairs of breeding seabirds and 10,800 pairs of interspersed with glens. breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. The site is also nationally Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest), important for breeding Rissa tridactyla (10,300 pairs, 1987–1988, 2%) Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (standing fresh and Uria aalge (9,800 pairs, 1987–1988, 1%). water; river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring) Land-use Forestry (10%), Hunting (80%), Water management (10%) ■ Protection status National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Birds areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Cape Wrath–Durness, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Durness. Overlaps with international designated areas: 1,010 ha of Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1992 — 31 A B2, C6 IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Cape Wrath, 1,010 ha). Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1996 Common — A1, B2, C1, C6 This is an important area for raptors and other specialist montane ■ Conservation issues and forest birds. The IBA is also nationally important for breeding Gavia arctica (4 pairs, 1991–1995, 3%). Threats Disturbance to birds (U) Disturbance results from a MoD bombing and live firing range. ■ Protection status National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Strath Farrar. Sites of Special Castle Loch, A4i, B1i, C3 120 Lochmaben Scientific Interest: Achanalt Marshes, Achnasheen Terraces, Affric– Cannich Hill/Glen, Allt Tigh Cumhaig, Attadale, Glen Affric, Glen Admin region Scotland Strathfarrar, Hangman’s Bridge, Levishie Wood, Liatrie Burn, Monar Coordinates 55°07’N 3°25’W Forest, Urquhart Bay Woods. Altitude 43–46 m Area 107 ha ■ Conservation issues ■ Site description Threats Afforestation (C), Burning of vegetation (U), Forest grazing (B), Other (A) A shallow loch with large stands of emergent Phragmites and Glyceria, surrounded by swamps, Salix scrub, mature woodland and an area of Threats include over-grazing by red deer Cervus elaphus, forest fires, grazed wet grassland at the southern end. The IBA also includes the and bird strikes caused by deer fences (‘Other’ threat, above). Parts of nearby Hightae Mill Loch. the site are managed as National Nature Reserves through a management scheme, with conservation a prime objective at Glen Habitats Forest and woodland (5%), Grassland (5%), Wetland (90%; standing fresh Affric. Part of the area is a candidate SAC, and the Affric–Cannich water; water-fringe vegetation) Hills and Glens are a candidate SPA.

769 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Coilacriech A1, B2, C1 122 Copinsay A4iii, B3, C4 124 Admin region Scotland Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°03’N 3°07’W Coordinates 58°53’N 2°41’W Altitude 233–580 m Area 390 ha Altitude 0–48 m Area 152 ha

■ Site description ■ Site description A wooded valley side along the River Dee, located to the west of The island of Copinsay, three islets and a rock stack. The south-east Ballater. Comprises mainly self-sown coniferous forest of native stock, face of Copinsay consists of sheer cliffs. The three islets to the west are with small open areas and scree. linked to Copinsay by a storm beach exposed at low water. Splash zone communities occur, with grassland covering the majority of the island. Habitats Forest and woodland (90%; native coniferous forest; mixed forest), Scrub (5%; heathland), Rocky areas (5%; scree/boulders) Habitats Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Land-use Hunting Land-use Agriculture (50%)

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1996 Frequent — A1, B2, C1 Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull B 1994 — 695 A B3 Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill W 1995 Frequent — A1, B2, C1 The site is important for breeding seabirds, holding 16,500 pairs on a This site also supports Tetrao tetrix and Lagopus lagopus, and regular basis. It is also nationally important for breeding Uria aalge wintering Tetrao urogallus. (20,440 birds, 1994, 2%).

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National None International None National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Conservation issues areas. Reserve: Copinsay. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Copinsay. No serious threats are known at the site. Overlaps with international designated areas: 152 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Copinsay, 152 ha).

■ Conservation issues Colonsay and Oronsay A4iii, B1i, B2, 123 Admin region Scotland C2, C4, C6 Threats Extraction industry (U) Coordinates 56°06’N 6°09’W A management plan exists for the RSPB Reserve. Attempts are being Altitude 0–143 m Area 5,086 ha made to encourage Crex crex recolonization.

■ Site description Inner Hebridean island group with high craggy cliffs, machair, sand- Correen Hills A4i, B1i, B2, C3 125 dunes, heathland and farmed areas. A herb-rich sward occurs under Admin region Scotland the influence of sea spray, whilst the mainly acidic underlying rock Coordinates 57°17’N 2°49’W supports wet, dry and maritime heaths. Altitude 396–487 m Area 266 ha Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Grassland (mesophile grassland), Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; ■ Site description standing fresh water; blanket bog), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; inland cliff), The western hilltops of the Correen Hills, situated in Grampian region. Artificial landscape (highly improved reseeded grassland; arable land) Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Habitats Scrub (40%; heathland), Grassland (60%) Land-use Agriculture (100%) ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Birds 1 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1994 500 500 A B1i, B2, C2 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1996 10 — A B2, C6 Larus canus Common Gull B 1995 — 6,600 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. The IBA supports several species of breeding gulls. The IBA holds 11,000 pairs of breeding seabirds on a regular basis, and is also nationally important for breeding Crex crex (globally ■ Protection status threatened: 8 calling males, 1996, 2%), Rissa tridactyla (5,650 pairs, National High International None 1986, 1%) and Uria aalge (9,050 pairs, 1986, 1%), and for wintering IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Anser albifrons flavirostris (200 birds, 1%). Branta leucopsis are from areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Correen Hills. the Greenland breeding population. ■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated The gull colony is rapidly decreasing in size. There is periodic Joint areas. Reserve: Oronsay. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Loch Nature Conservation Committee gull monitoring. Fada, North Colonsay, Oronsay, West Colonsay Seabird Cliffs. Overlaps with international designated areas: 973 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (North Colonsay and Western Cliffs, Creag Meagaidh C6 126 973 ha). Admin region Scotland Coordinates 56°57’N 4°33’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 260–1,130 m Area 6,986 ha Threats Recreation/tourism (C) Tern colonies are under increasing pressure from disturbance by ■ Site description tourists. The RSPB lease and manage Oronsay. An outstanding upland site, with uninterrupted vegetation transition

770 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

from the shores of Loch Laggan to the summit of Creag Meagaidh at Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria over 1,100 m. The site encompasses some massive cliffs, the highest Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Skua B 1992 42 42 A C7 measuring 400 m on Coire Ardair. Grass, heath and flush vegetation occur alongside extensive Betula forest, with typical summit plateau communities at higher elevations. ■ Protection status National High International None Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; fen/ areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Crussa Field and the Heogs, transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (inland cliff) Keen of Hamar. Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) ■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1993 21 21 A C6

This montane area supports a suite of breeding upland birds. Cuillin Hills, Skye B2, C6 129 Admin region Scotland ■ Protection status Coordinates 57°14’N 6°10’W National Partial International Partial Altitude 0–993 m Area 29,300 ha IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Creag Meagaidh. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Creag Meagaidh. Overlaps with international ■ Site description designated areas: 2,873 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area A series of mountain peaks and associated river valleys in the southern (Creag Meagaidh, 2,873 ha). half of the Isle of Skye.

Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland ■ Conservation issues (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (river/stream; blanket bog), Rocky areas Threats Recreation/tourism (C) (scree/boulders, inland cliff) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism/recreation SNH manage a reserve here, and there is an ongoing management plan.

■ Birds Cromdale Hills C6 127 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region Scotland Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1992 9 9 A B2, C6 Coordinates 57°20’N 3°28’W The site is important for breeding upland bird species. Altitude 280–722 m Area 7,060 ha ■ Protection status ■ Site description National Partial International None A large block of upland that straddles the boundary between the IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Grampian and Highland regions. areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Allt Geodh a’Ghamna, Allt Grillan Gorge, Cuillins, Elgol Coast, Lochs at Sligachan, Meall Habitats Forest and woodland (1%; broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (89%; heathland), a’Mhaoil, Talisker. Grassland (10%) Land-use Agriculture (100%) ■ Conservation issues Threats Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Birds The IBA supports breeding waders and other upland birds. Some restoration of native forest has taken place.

■ Protection status National None International None Drumochter Hills C6 130 Admin region Scotland ■ Conservation issues Coordinates 56°51’N 4°14’W Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Burning of vegetation (U), Altitude 366–1,010 m Area 9,445 ha Disturbance to birds (B), Intensified forest management (B) ■ Site description The site includes the rounded summits on either side of the Drumochter pass, and several plateaus, which are divided by steep-sided stream Crussa Field and the Heogs C7 128 gullies. Montane communities present include grassland, high altitude Admin region Scotland blanket mires and lichen-rich heaths. Coordinates 60°46’N 0°51’W Altitude 40–140 m Area 470 ha Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (scree/boulders) ■ Site description Land-use Agriculture (50%), Hunting (100%) The site comprises herb-rich maritime heathland, the Heogs rocks and a number of disused chromite quarries. ■ Birds Habitats Scrub (90%; heathland), Rocky areas (10%) Land-use Agriculture (100%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1992 70 — A C6 ■ Birds This area supports a range of birds associated with montane plateaus The site is important for breeding moorland birds. and open moorland. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel B 1994 23 23 A C7 National High International High

771 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Birds areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Drumochter Hills. Overlaps Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria with international designated areas: 9,445 ha of IBA covered by Special Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull B 1996 940 940 A B3 Protection Area (Drumochter Hills, 9,445 ha). The IBA supports notable breeding populations of seabirds (10,700 ■ Conservation issues pairs on a regular basis) and upland species. The site is also nationally important for breeding Gavia stellata (10 pairs, 1991–1996, 1%), Threats Disturbance to birds (U), Forest grazing (U), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (A) Phalacrocorax carbo (225 pairs, 1995, 3%), Numenius phaeopus (8 pairs, Trampling from red deer Cervus elaphus is problematic for some 1995, 2%), Stercorarius parasiticus (110 pairs, 1992, 3%) and Uria aalge ground-nesting species (‘Other’ threat, above), with additional threats (8,450 pairs, 1986, 1%), and for wintering Calidris maritima (250 birds, posed by C. elaphus overgrazing, and disturbance and erosion caused 1992, 1%). by increased public access and recreation (to potentially include skiing). SNH research on Charadrius morinellus is ongoing. The site is currently ■ Protection status undergoing designation as a SAC. National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Calf of Eday, Doomy and Whitemaw Hill, Mill Loch – Eday. Overlaps with international East Sanday A4i, B1i, B2, C3, C6 131 designated areas: 238 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Admin region Scotland (Calf of Eday, 238 ha). Coordinates 59°16’N 2°28’W Altitude 0–10 m Area 1,515 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Drainage (B), ■ Site description Extraction industry (B) A low-lying rocky coastline interspersed with sandy bays. Sand-dune and machair habitats support species-rich plant communities. The expansion of aquaculture into offshore feeding areas poses a threat. Habitats Grassland (machair), Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (5%), Not utilized (95%) Eden estuary, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 133 ■ Tentsmuir Point C2, C4, C6 Birds and Abertay Sands Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Admin region Scotland Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1994 — 710 A B1i, C3 Coordinates 56°22’N 2°48’W Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper W 1994 — 780 A A4i, B1i, C3 Altitude 0–29 m Area 3,000 ha Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper P 1987 1,060 1,060 A A4i, B1i, C3 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1994 — 870 A B2 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1994 — 1,270 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Site description Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1987 1,800 1,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 A fairly small estuary situated just north of St Andrews that supports Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1994 135 135 A C6 a wide diversity of habitats. The site includes extensive sandflats at The IBA is important for both wintering and breeding waders, and is the mouth of the estuary, and mudflats that support eel-grass Zostera. also nationally important for breeding Sterna paradisaea (450 pairs, Saltmarsh, wetland and sand-dune habitats also occur. 1994, 1%) and for wintering Calidris alba (300 birds, 1993–1994, 1%) Habitats Forest and woodland, Scrub (scrub), Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; and Plectrophenax nivalis (340 birds, 1993–1994, 4%). mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; standing fresh water; standing brackish and salt water) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation ■ Protection status National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Birds areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Central Sanday, East Sanday Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Coast, Northwall. Overlaps with international designated areas: Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 1,650 1,650 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 1,515 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (East Sanday Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1994 40 40 A C6 Coast, 1,515 ha). 1,515 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (East Sanday Coast, 1,515 ha). The IBA supports large numbers of wintering waders and wildfowl, holding 35,100 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. The site is ■ Conservation issues also nationally important for wintering Tadorna tadorna (1,190 birds, 2%), Somateria mollissima (15,000 birds, 1992, 19%), Melanitta nigra Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Extraction industry (B) (1,630 birds, 4%), Mergus serrator (115 birds, 1%), Haematopus The cockle Cardium fishery in Otterswick is currently unregulated. ostralegus (4,210 birds, 1%), Pluvialis squatarola (940 birds, 2%), Regulating orders are under discussion. Limosa limosa (155 birds, 2%) and Tringa totanus (1,370 birds, 1%), and for passage Pluvialis squatarola (735 birds, 2%), Limosa limosa (130 birds, 2%) and Tringa totanus (1,320 birds, 1%). Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex. Eday A4iii, B3, C4 132 Admin region Scotland ■ Protection status Coordinates 59°11’N 2°46’W National Partial International Partial Altitude 0–101 m Area 930 ha IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Barry Links, Earlshall Muir, ■ Site description Eden Estuary, Morton Lochs, Tayport – Tentsmuir Coast. Overlaps The IBA covers three separate parts of the island of Eday, in addition with international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special to the island of the Calf of Eday, which is located to the north. Protection Area (Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary). Maritime grassland and moorland, sometimes submontane in character, occur with nutrient-poor freshwater lochs. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Infrastructure (C), Natural events (B), Recreation/tourism (B) water), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Threats include coastal erosion, and disturbance from the adjacent Land-use Agriculture airport and from wildfowling. SNH has a management plan for

772 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Tentsmuir Point, and a management plan exists for the Eden estuary ■ Conservation issues Local Nature Reserve. The spread of Rhododendron ponticum poses a threat to the site, as does the possibility of bird strikes caused by a proposed wind power development on adjacent ground. SNH lease part of the IBA and hold management agreements over other areas, enabling them to operate a Eilean Hoan B1i, B2, C2, C6 134 management plan for the whole site. They have also undertaken Admin region Scotland positive remedial management, including the damming of drains and Coordinates 58°34’N 4°40’W restoration of high water-tables. Altitude 0–24 m Area 30 ha Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (U), Disturbance to birds (U), Drainage (A), Extraction industry (A), ■ Site description Infrastructure (B) A small rocky island off the north coast of Sutherland. Human activities include sheep-grazing.

Habitats Grassland (100%), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Agriculture (100%), Nature conservation/research (100%) Eilean nan Ron B1i, C2 136 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 58°33’N 4°20’W ■ Birds Altitude 0–250 m Area 180 ha Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach’s Petrel B 1994 — — A C6 ■ Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1994 495 495 A B1i, B2, C2 Site description A small rocky island off the north coast of Sutherland. 1. No counts available. Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Notable breeding birds include a few pairs of Sterna paradisaea and Land-use Agriculture Hydrobates pelagicus. Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland breeding population. ■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National High International High Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1994 — 350 A B1i, C2 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserve: Eilean Hoan. Overlaps with international designated This is also an important site for breeding seabirds. Branta leucopsis areas: 30 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (North are from the Greenland breeding population. Sutherland Coastal Islands). ■ Protection status ■ Conservation issues National High International High No serious threats are known at the site. There is no visitor access to IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated this leased RSPB Reserve, and a management plan is available. areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Eilean nan Ron. Overlaps with international designated areas: 180 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (North Sutherland Coastal Islands). Eilean na Muice Duibh, Islay B1i, B2, 135 ■ Conservation issues Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C6 No serious threats are known at the site. Coordinates 55°42’N 6°16’W Altitude 15–30 m Area 574 ha

■ Endrick Mouth C6 137 Site description and Loch Lomond Islands The site is bounded by the Rivers Duich and Laggan and two roads, Admin region Scotland and comprises a relatively undisturbed expanse of patterned mire with Coordinates 56°04’N 4°31’W scattered peaty pools and lochs. These include deep watershed pools, Altitude 14–85 m Area 820 ha a feature normally associated with more northerly blanket mires. In some areas the vegetation is modified by the trampling and nutrient input of gulls. ■ Site description The site includes a series of large, wooded islands in the southern part Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; of Loch Lomond, and an area of marshland in the south-east corner fen/transition mire/spring) of the loch. Land-use Nature conservation/research Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; fen/transition mire/spring) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (20%), Forestry, Nature conservation/research (80%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1996 1,210 1,210 A B1i, C2, C3, C6 ■ Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1990 — 1,530 A B1i, B2, C2 Birds 1. Seasonal mean 1995–1996. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie R 1998 35 35 A C6 The IBA is important as a roost especially in winter, and as a night feeding area for Anser albifrons flavirostris. Branta leucopsis are from The site is also nationally important for wintering Anser albifrons the Greenland breeding population. flavirostris (265 birds, 2%).

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National High International High National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Duich Moss. Site of Special Scientific areas. National Nature Reserve: Loch Lomond. Sites of Special Interest: Islay – Eilean na Muice Duibh (Duich Moss). Overlaps with Scientific Interest: Aber Bog, Gartocharn Bog and Bell Moss, Endrick international designated areas: 574 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site Mouth and Islands, Inchlonaig, Inchmoan, Inchmurrin, (Eilean na Muice Dubh, Islay, 574 ha). 574 ha of IBA covered by Inchtavannach and Inchconnachan, Portnellan–Ross Priory– Special Protection Area (Eilean na Muice Duibh, Islay, 574 ha). Claddochside, Ross Park. Overlaps with international designated

773 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man areas: 486 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Loch ■ Birds Lomond, 486 ha). 236 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Loch Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Lomond, 236 ha). 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1996 9,400 9,400 A A4i, B1i, C3 Pink-footed Goose ■ Conservation issues 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1996. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Groundwater abstraction (U), The site is a major wintering roost site for Anser brachyrhynchus, and Industrialization/urbanization (U), Recreation/tourism (A), Unsustainable supports a suite of breeding moorland birds including Lagopus lagopus, exploitation (U) Tetrao tetrix, Numenius arquata, Gallinago gallinago, Vanellus vanellus, Threats include disturbance from intensive watersports and other Tringa totanus and Pluvialis apricaria. recreational activities, and sewage pollution. Joint SNH/RSPB/ Scottish Ornithological Club counts of Tetrao urogallus are undertaken ■ Protection status annually on the Loch Lomond Islands. National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Fala Flow. Overlaps with international designated areas: 318 ha of IBA covered by Special Fair Isle A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, 138 Protection Area (Fala Flow, 318 ha). 318 ha of IBA covered by Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C4, C6 Ramsar Site (Fala Flow, 318 ha). Coordinates 59°32’N 1°37’W Altitude 0–217 m Area 561 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C) ■ Site description An island of Old Red Sandstone situated halfway between the Shetland mainland and Orkney, which has been home to a bird observatory since 1947. Maritime grassland occurs around the coasts. Faray and Holm of Faray B2, B3 140 Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Admin region Scotland Land-use Agriculture (90%) Coordinates 59°13’N 2°49’W Altitude 0–32 m Area 80 ha ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Site description Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1990 1,070 1,070 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3 The site comprises the small island of Holm of Faray and the majority Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1995 130 130 A B3 of the coastline of the larger island of Faray, with the exception of the Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1995 1,200 1,200 A C2, C6 south-east section between The Nev and the Point of Scaraber. Uria aalge Guillemot B 1994 25,200 25,200 A B1ii, C3 Alca torda Razorbill B 1988 2,050 2,050 A B3 Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1995 8,700 8,700 A B1ii, B2, C3 Land-use Agriculture The island supports large colonies of breeding seabirds, and is also important as a stop-over site for migrating birds. It holds 72,400 ■ Birds breeding seabirds and 21,900 breeding waterbirds on a regular basis, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria and is nationally important for breeding Fulmarus glacialis (35,200 Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull B 1987 270 270 A B3 pairs, 1991, 6%), Stercorarius parasiticus (87 pairs, 1995, 3%) and Rissa Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1984 165 165 A B2 tridactyla (19,300 pairs, 1988, 4%). Fair Isle also has an endemic subspecies of Troglodytes troglodytes. These small islands are important for breeding seabirds.

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National High International High National None International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Fair Isle. Overlaps with ■ Conservation issues international designated areas: 561 ha of IBA covered by Special No serious threats are known at the site, which is a candidate SAC. Protection Area (Fair Isle, 561 ha).

■ Conservation issues Fetlar A4iii, C4, C6 141 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance Admin region Scotland to birds (C) Coordinates 60°36’N 0°52’W Altitude 0–158 m Area 2,450 ha Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential threat to seabirds. There is a management plan for the site. ■ Site description The site covers a large expanse of the island of Fetlar, comprising mainly species-rich heathland and grasslands, marshes, cliffs and rocky Fala Flow A4i, B1i, C3 139 shore. Admin region Scotland Coordinates 55°49’N 2°54’W Habitats Scrub (heathland), Wetland (blanket bog), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Altitude 270–320 m Area 318 ha Land-use Agriculture (100%), Nature conservation/research

■ Site description ■ Birds The IBA comprises an area of blanket mire and pools, situated in the Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Lammermuir Hills to the south-east of Edinburgh. Such mires are Phalaropus lobatus B 1995 27 — A C6 scarce and declining in Midlothian, and this example is relatively Red-necked Phalarope undisturbed. The IBA holds 13,100 breeding seabirds on a regular basis, and is the Habitats Scrub (20%; heathland), Grassland (20%), Wetland (60%; standing fresh water; best site in the UK for breeding Phalaropus lobatus. It is also nationally blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring) important for breeding Fulmarus glacialis (12,600 pairs, 1986, 2%) Land-use Agriculture (98%), Tourism/recreation (80%), Water management (2%) and Numenius phaeopus (70 pairs, 1989, 13%).

774 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Protection status Leith to Prestonpans, North Berwick Coast, Ruddons Point, Skinflats, National High International High Torry Bay, Tyninghame Shore, Wardie Shore. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserve: Fetlar. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Fetlar, ■ Conservation issues Funzie, Lamb Hoga, North Fetlar, Tressa Ness to Colbinstoft, Trona Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (U), Extraction industry (U), Filling-in Mires, Virva. Overlaps with international designated areas: 2,450 ha of wetlands (B), Industrialization/urbanization (B), Infrastructure (C), Natural events (U), of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Fetlar, 2,639 ha). Other (U), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Conservation issues Threats include pollution from refuse disposal, disturbance from increased recreational activity, nutrient enrichment of the estuary Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B) (‘Other’ threat, above) and sea-level rise. Infrastructure development Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential threat and industrial expansion pose additional problems, with housing, to seabirds. A management plan exists for the RSPB reserve. marina and oil terminal developments planned, and a proposal put forward for a barrage. Proposals also exist for marine aggregate extraction and deep mining, which may lead to subsidence and habitat change. A Forth Estuary Forum has been established. Firth of Forth A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 142 The area is a candidate SPA, to include the existing Firth of Forth Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C4, C6 Islands SPA. Coordinates 55°59’N 3°18’W Altitude 0–30 m Area 43,301 ha

Firth of Tay A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 143 ■ Site description Admin region Scotland A complex site that stretches for over 100 km from the River Forth Coordinates 56°25’N 3°05’W at Stirling eastwards past Edinburgh, and along the coasts of Fife Altitude 0–15 m Area 6,100 ha and East Lothian before culminating in a wide mouth. The IBA covers large areas of intertidal flats and inshore waters, in addition to saltmarsh and sand-dune systems, maritime grassland, heath ■ Site description and fen. This site includes the Inner Tay, with some of the largest reedbeds (Phragmites) in Britain, and the extensive intertidal mudflats on one Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/ side of the mouth of the river. sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; coastal lagoon; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Marine areas Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; shingle/ (open sea; sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) stony beach; water-fringe vegetation) Land-use Nature conservation/research (5%), Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/ Land-use Agriculture (5%), Nature conservation/research (20%), Urban/industrial/ transport (5%) transport (5%)

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser brachyrhynchus W 1995 12,800 12,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1996 1,500 — A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Pink-footed Goose Tadorna tadorna Shelduck W 1995 3,560 3,560 A B1i, C3 The IBA is important for wintering and passage wildfowl and waders, Aythya marila Scaup W 1995 195 195 A B2 and supports several breeding reedbed species. It is also nationally Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 3,130 3,130 A C6 important for breeding Rallus aquaticus (125 pairs, 1992, 18%) and Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover P 1995 3,340 3,340 A C6 Panurus biarmicus (18 pairs, 1994–1995, 4%), and for wintering Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 7,550 7,550 A B1i, B2, C3 Somateria mollissima (1,730 birds, 2%). Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 8,650 8,650 A B2 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 2,380 2,380 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 ■ Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 1,530 1,530 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Protection status Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 2,220 2,220 A B2 National Partial International Partial Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 4,190 4,190 A A4i, B1i, C3 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 4,150 4,150 A A4i, B1i, C3 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Balmerino – Wormit Shore, Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 1,080 1,080 A A4i, B1i, C3 Barry Links, Flisk Wood, Inner Tay Estuary, Monifeith Bay. Overlaps 1 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1990 865 865 A B3 with international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1996 690 690 A C2, C6 Protection Area (Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary). 1. Rosyth Dockyard only. The site holds 82,100 wintering and 28,600 passage waterbirds on a ■ Conservation issues regular basis. It is also nationally important for wintering Podiceps Threats Burning of vegetation (U), Filling-in of wetlands (A), Recreation/tourism (B) cristatus (655 birds, 6%), Phalacrocorax carbo (710 birds, 5%), Anas crecca (1,570 birds, 1%), Somateria mollissima (7,550 birds, 10%), Threats include disturbance from recreational activities, landfill on Clangula hyemalis (710 birds, 3%), Melanitta nigra (2,650 birds, 7%), the intertidal area, dumping of rubbish in the reedbeds, and reedbed Bucephala clangula (2,300 birds, 7%), Mergus serrator (610 birds, 6%), fires during the Panurus biarmicus breeding season. The landfill can Haematopus ostralegus (8,650 birds, 2%), Charadrius hiaticula (355 support large rat Rattus populations in the estuary reedbeds, which birds, 1%) and Pluvialis squatarola (665 birds, 2%), for passage in turn threaten breeding birds. Haematopus ostralegus (8,200 birds, 2%), Charadrius hiaticula (470 birds, 2%) and Pluvialis squatarola (565 birds, 1%), and for summer moulting assemblages of Somateria mollissima (5,950 birds, 8%). Flanders Moss B1i, C3 144 and Lake of Menteith ■ Protection status Admin region Scotland National Partial International None Coordinates 56°09’N 4°12’W IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Altitude 17–20 m Area 1,170 ha areas. Reserves: Aberlady Bay, Cambus Pool, Skinflats, Torry Bay. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Abbey Craig, Aberlady Bay, Alloa Inches, Barnsmuir Coast, Blackness Bay, Burntisland – Kirkcaldy ■ Site description Coast, Carlingnose, Dumbarnie Links, Dunbar coast, East Wemyss – The Lake of Menteith is a shallow water-body, with fringing reedbeds Anstruther Coast, Fife Ness Coast, Forth Bridge – Granton Shore, (Phragmites) in some bays. The nearby Flanders Moss is the largest Gosford Bay to Port Seton, Gullane to Broad Sands, Kinneil Kerse, remaining intact lowland raised mire in the UK, whose plant

775 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man communities are relatively undisturbed. Human activities include peat Forest of Birse A1, B2, C1 146 extraction (‘Other’ land-use, below). Admin region Scotland Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; fen/transition Coordinates 57°00’N 2°42’W mire/spring) Altitude 160–380 m Area 850 ha Land-use Nature conservation/research (50%), Other (17%), Water management (33%) ■ Site description ■ Birds This site covers the section of the Forest of Birse situated between Burnfoot and Turfgate, and contains mainly coniferous woodland. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1994 2,550 2,550 A B1i, C3 Habitats Forest and woodland (30%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous Pink-footed Goose forest), Scrub (30%; heathland), Artificial landscape (40%; forestry plantation) 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. Land-use Forestry (40%), Hunting (60%) The IBA is important for wintering waterbirds. ■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National Partial International Partial Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1995 Frequent — A1, B2, C1 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Flanders Moss. Sites of Special Important for breeding raptors and other upland and forest species. Scientific Interest: Flanders Moss, Killlorn Moss, Lake of Menteith, Loch Macanrie Fens. Overlaps with international designated areas: ■ Protection status IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area (Lake of Menteith). National None International None

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Afforestation (B), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to Threats Forest grazing (C), Intensified forest management (C) birds (A), Drainage (B), Extraction industry (B), Recreation/tourism (A) Threatened by intensive forestry practices and deer-grazing. Disturbance and recreation are interlinked through fishing, shooting and other activities. Peat extraction was formerly the main threat to the site, but planning permission was bought-out by SNH. SNH and Forest of Clunie B2, C6 147 the Scottish Wildlife Trusts are involved in the removal of Betula Admin region Scotland scrub which has invaded some sites, whilst drainage ditches Coordinates 56°40’N 3°33’W require blocking. The site has also been damaged by forestry, and Altitude 244–641 m Area 12,050 ha commercial plantations owned by Forest Enterprise and SNH are to be removed. ■ Site description An area of heather moorland to the north-west of Blairgowrie. Flannan Isles A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, 145 Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest), Admin region Scotland C2, C4, C6 Scrub (heathland), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Coordinates 58°17’N 7°35’W Land-use Agriculture (80%), Forestry (20%), Hunting (80%), Tourism/recreation (5%) Altitude 0–88 m Area 59 ha ■ Birds ■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Six rocky islands and outlying skerries located about 30 km west of Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1996 — 20 A B2, C6 Lewis, and supporting predominantly maritime grassland vegetation. Pandion haliaetus Osprey B 1995 8 8 A B2, C6 A lighthouse is situated within the IBA (‘Other’ land-use, below). Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1996 400 — A B2 Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl R 1994 — 15 A B2, C6 Habitats Grassland (90%; humid grassland), Rocky areas (10%; rock stacks/islets) This upland area is important for raptors, and also supports a large Land-use Not utilized (98%), Other (2%) number of breeding waders.

■ Birds ■ Protection status National Partial International None Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated

Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 1991 100 10,000 A A4ii,B1ii,B2,C2,C6 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Balyoukan Juniper Wood, Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach’s Petrel B 1991 100 10,000 A B1ii, B2, C2, C6 Brerachan Meadows, Den of Riechip, Pitarrig Meadow, Straloch Alca torda Razorbill B 1988 1,770 1,770 A B3 Moraines. These islands are of major importance for their breeding seabird colonies, which support 30,000 pairs on a regular basis. They are ■ Conservation issues also nationally important for breeding Uria aalge (9,050 pairs, 1988, Threats Afforestation (U), Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Other (U) 1%). Overgrazing occurs on the margins, whilst raptor persecution remains ■ Protection status a problem (‘Other’ threat). Long-term monitoring of Circus cyaneus National High International High and Tetrao tetrix is undertaken here. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Flannan Islands. Overlaps with international designated areas: 59 ha of IBA covered by Special Forth Islands A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, 148 Protection Area (Flannan Islands, 59 ha). Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 56°04’N 2°46’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 0–76 m Area 132 ha Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), Extraction industry (B), Other (B) ■ Site description Threats include the effects of introduced rats Rattus and the possibility A large group of islands situated in the Firth of Forth. The inner of oil spills (‘Other’ threat, above). islands are generally low-lying, whilst those in the Outer Firth are

776 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man higher, steeper and rockier. The islands support extensive maritime with international designated areas: 1,323 ha of IBA covered by Special cliff-top grasslands. Protection Area (Foula, 1,323 ha).

Habitats Grassland, Rocky areas (rock stacks/islets) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%), Tourism/recreation (80%) Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (B) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential threat Sula bassana Gannet B 1994 39,800 39,800 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 to seabirds. The predation of breeding birds by introduced species, Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 1995 470 470 A B1i, C3 particularly feral cats Felis catus, rats Rattus norvegicus and hedgehogs Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1995 885 885 A B1i, B3, C2, C3 Erinaceus europaeus, is also a problem. Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1995 7,200 7,200 A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 Larus argentatus Herring Gull B 1995 13,000 13,000 A A4i, B1i Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1994 130 — A C6 Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern B 1995 17 — A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Fowlsheugh A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B3, 150 Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1994 305 — A C6 Admin region Scotland C3, C4 Uria aalge Guillemot B 1995 20,700 — A B1ii, C3 Coordinates 56°54’N 2°11’W Alca torda Razorbill B 1994 2,480 — A B3 Altitude 0–30 m Area 10 ha Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1995 20,000 — A B1ii, B2, C3 The IBA holds 84,700 pairs of breeding seabirds and 32,500 pairs of ■ Site description breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important The IBA covers sheer cliffs on the east coast of Grampian region, and for breeding Somateria mollissima (1,660 pairs, 1995, 5%), Rissa associated species-poor cliff-top grassland. tridactyla (9,900 pairs, 1995, 2%) and Sterna paradisaea (540 pairs, Habitats Grassland (10%), Rocky areas (90%; sea cliff/rocky shore) 1994, 1%). Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial ■ Birds IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria areas. National Nature Reserve: Isle of May. Reserves: Fidra Islands, Larus argentatus Herring Gull B 1992 6,250 6,250 A B1i Inchmickery, Long Craig. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bass Rock, Rissa tridactyla Kittiwake B 1992 61,500 61,500 A A4i, B1i, C3 Forth Islands, Gullane to Broad Sands, Inchmickery, Isle of May, Long Uria aalge Guillemot B 1992 44,400 44,400 A B1ii, C3 Craig. Overlaps with international designated areas: 105 ha of IBA Alca torda Razorbill B 1992 5,650 5,650 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 covered by Special Protection Area (Firth of Forth Islands, 105 ha). The site holds 52,900 pairs of breeding seabirds and 67,900 pairs of ■ Conservation issues breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. Threats Natural events (B) ■ Protection status Threats include gull predation, which may lower the breeding success National High International High of terns. A management plan is in preparation. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Fowlsheugh. Reserve: Fowlsheugh. Overlaps with international designated areas: 10 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Fowlsheugh, 10 ha). Foula A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, 149 Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C4, C6 ■ Conservation issues Coordinates 60°08’N 2°04’W Altitude 0–418 m Area 1,323 ha Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Disturbance to birds (U), Other (C) Threats to the IBA are posed by offshore oil spills (‘Other’ threat), an ■ Site description inshore fishery, and disturbance. The RSPB own the reserve and there An island characterized by steep slopes and a cool oceanic climate. is ongoing annual monitoring of seabird plots and productivity. A Vegetation types include mire and cliff-top communities, with management plan exists for part of the site. submaritime and montane communities on higher ground.

Habitats Grassland, Wetland (fen/transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Agriculture (90%) Galloway Forest Park B2, C6 151 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 55°10’N 4°30’W ■ Birds Altitude 13–843 m Area 76,000 ha Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Fulmarus glacialis Fulmar B 1987 46,800 46,800 A A4ii, B1ii, C3 1 Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach’s Petrel B 1987 — — A C6 ■ Site description Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1987 2,400 2,400 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3 A very large area of forest, including lochs, rivers and moorland, that Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1992 2,170 2,170 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 stretches from Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway into the Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1995 1,000 1,000 A C6 Strathclyde region. Uria aalge Guillemot B 1987 25,100 25,100 A B1ii, C3 Alca torda Razorbill B 1987 4,150 4,150 A B3 Habitats Forest and woodland (2%; broadleaved deciduous forest), Grassland (humid Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1987 48,000 48,000 A B1ii, B2, C3 grassland; mesophile grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; blanket 1. No counts available. bog), Artificial landscape (60%; forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture (8%), Forestry (60%), Nature conservation/research (65%), Water The site holds very large populations of cliff and moorland nesting management (7%) seabirds, totalling 127,000 pairs on a regular basis. The IBA is also nationally important for breeding Gavia stellata (11 pairs, 1994, 1%) and Stercorarius parasiticus (125 pairs, 1995, 4%). ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status National High International High Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1995 19 19 A B2, C6 Tetrao tetrix Black Grouse R 1995 120 — A B2 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl R 1995 10 — A B2, C6 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Foula, Foula Coast. Overlaps

777 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

The IBA supports a range of breeding waders and waterbirds, in ■ Birds addition to species of forest and moorland. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1996 2,940 2,940 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Protection status Pink-footed Goose National Partial International Partial 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1996. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Silver Flowe. Sites of Special Scientific The IBA is important for wintering waterbirds. Interest: Cairnbaber, Cairnsmore of Fleet, Clatteringshaws Dam Quarry, Cleugh, Ellergower Moss, Glentrool Oakwoods, Kenmure ■ Protection status Holms, Laughenghie and Airie Hills, Loch Doon, Merrick-Kells, National High International High Talnotry Mine. Overlaps with international designated areas: 8,924 ha IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated of IBA covered by Biosphere Reserve (Silver Flowe–Merrick-Kells, areas. Reserve: Gladhouse Reservoir. Site of Special Scientific Interest: 8,924 ha). 619 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Silver Flowe, 619 ha). Gladhouse Reservoir. Overlaps with international designated areas: 187 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Gladhouse ■ Conservation issues Reservoir, 187 ha). 187 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Gladhouse Reservoir, 187 ha). Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Other (U) Threats include overgrazing by sheep, deer and feral goats, and ■ Conservation issues acidification (‘Other’ threat, above). The Galloway Forest Bird Project Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Other (C), Recreation/tourism (B) is Forest Enterprise-led and encompasses a range of ongoing survey and monitoring work on, amongst others, Aquila chrysaetos, Falco Threats include the disturbance caused by shooting to roost and peregrinus, F. columbarius, Tetrao tetrix, Circus cyaneus, Tyto alba, foraging areas, nutrient enrichment of the reservoir and changes in F. tinnunculus, Corvus corax and Cinclus cinclus. There is a water-level (‘Other’ threat, above). There is a management plan for management plan for the site, part of which is a candidate SAC. the site.

Gigha Island and islets B1ii, B2 152 Glen Tanar A1, B2, C1, C6 154 Admin region Scotland Admin region Scotland Coordinates 55°41’N 5°44’W Coordinates 57°01’N 2°53’W Altitude 0–56 m Area 442 ha Altitude 170–640 m Area 4,180 ha

■ Site description ■ Site description A large island and series of smaller islets, stacks and rocks, located to The Forest of Glen Tanar covers the slopes of Glen Tanar and the west of Rhunahaorine Point. tributary valleys. It is the third largest expanse of native pinewood Pinus sylvestris in Britain, with heather moorland above the treeline. Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Marine areas (open sea), Rocky areas (sea cliff/ rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Habitats Forest and woodland (30%; native coniferous forest), Scrub (60%; heathland), Land-use Agriculture, Not utilized Wetland (1%; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (9%; forestry plantation) Land-use Forestry (20%), Hunting, Tourism/recreation ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Birds Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1991 290 290 A B1ii, B2 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie R 1990 — 45 A C6 The IBA is important for breeding seabirds. Breeding species of global Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1990 Frequent — A1, B2, C1 conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (1 pair in 1995, although none present 1997–1998). The IBA is important for several characteristic pinewood species, including Tetrao tetrix which occurs at nationally important levels. ■ Protection status National None International None ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Conservation issues IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Glen Tanar. Site of Special Scientific Threats Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A) Interest: Glen Tanar. Overlaps with international designated areas: A potential threat exists from American mink Mustela vison predation 4,180 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Glen Tanar, if they move from the mainland. There is therefore an urgent need to 4,180 ha). establish the breeding location of the large numbers of Cepphus grylle. ■ Conservation issues Threats Forest grazing (U), Other (U) A4i, B1i, C3 Gladhouse reservoir 153 Inappropriate forestry practices (‘Other’ threat, above) and deer- Admin region Scotland grazing threaten the IBA. A considerable number of research projects Coordinates 55°46’N 3°07’W are ongoing, including monitoring of Tetrao urogallus by the Institute Altitude 240–280 m Area 187 ha of Terrestrial Ecology.

■ Site description Lying at the foot of the Moorfoot Hills, about 29 km south of Glengarry lochs C6 155 Edinburgh, Gladhouse reservoir is a large, moderately nutrient-rich Admin region Scotland loch containing several small islands. It supports some aquatic and Coordinates 57°04’N 5°06’W marginal vegetation. Altitude 87–1,035 m Area 53,500 ha Habitats Forest and woodland (1%; mixed forest), Scrub (1%; scrub), Wetland (97%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial ■ Site description landscape (1%; forestry plantation) Nutrient-poor lochs and lochans with fringing aquatic vegetation. The Land-use Tourism/recreation (97%), Water management (100%) surrounding catchment area incorporates upland heath and mire,

778 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man upland broadleaved woodland, commercial forestry plantations and Land-use Agriculture (98%), Tourism/recreation (90%), Water management (3%) remnants of Caledonian pine forest.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest), Scrub ■ Birds (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/ stream; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting, Water management 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1996 15,400 15,400 A A4i, B1i, C3 Pink-footed Goose ■ Birds 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1996. The site also supports a suite of breeding and wintering moorland Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria birds including waders, Tetrao tetrix, Falco columbarius, Circus Falco columbarius Merlin B 1995 10 10 A C6 cyaneus and Falco peregrinus. The site is also nationally important for breeding Gavia arctica (4 pairs, 1991–1995, 3%), Melanitta nigra (16 pairs, 1995, 21%) and Aquila ■ Protection status chrysaetos (4 pairs, 1992, 1%). National High International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Protection status areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Greenlaw Moor. Overlaps National Partial International None with international designated areas: 248 ha of IBA covered by Special IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Protection Area (Greenlaw Moor, 248 ha). 248 ha of IBA covered by areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Garry Falls, Quoich Spillway. Ramsar Site (Greenlaw Moor, 248 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Afforestation (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/ Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U) barrage (B), Recreation/tourism (B), Unsustainable exploitation (B) Agricultural change in surrounding farmland may affect use of the All of the main lochs are already dammed, and flooding has negative site by Anser brachyrhynchus. consequences for the breeding success of divers (Gaviidae) and Melanitta nigra. There is a continued threat from egg-collecting. Forest Enterprise runs the Caledonian Pinewood Regeneration Scheme on A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 the south side of Loch Garry, while other native forest regeneration Handa 158 Admin region Scotland schemes exist elsewhere within the IBA. Coordinates 58°22’N 5°11’W Altitude 0–123 m Area 363 ha

Grantown-on-Spey A1, B2, C1, C2 156 ■ Site description Admin region Scotland A sandstone island with precipitous cliffs located a short way off the Coordinates 57°19’N 3°34’W west coast of Sutherland. The vegetation comprises submaritime grass Altitude 200–210 m Area 520 ha and heathland, with more species-rich maritime heathland on the clifftops. Herb-rich grassland occurs in more sheltered areas. ■ Site description Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water), Rocky areas (sea cliff/ An area of coniferous woodland immediately adjacent to the town of rocky shore) Grantown-on-Spey. Land-use Nature conservation/research Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest) Land-use Forestry (100%) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Birds Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1995 115 115 A B3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Uria aalge Guillemot B 1994 76,000 76,000 A B1ii, C3 Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1994 15 15 A A1, B2, C1, C2 Alca torda Razorbill B 1987 11,000 11,000 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 The site also supports breeding Parus cristatus and Tetrao urogallus. The island is of major importance for breeding seabirds, holding 91,100 pairs on a regular basis. It is also nationally important for breeding ■ Protection status Rissa tridactyla (7,400 pairs, 1995, 1%). National None International None ■ Protection status ■ Conservation issues National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Threats Other (U) areas. National Nature Reserve: Handa. Reserve: Handa. Site of Special Inappropriate forest management is a problem (‘Other’ threat, above). Scientific Interest: Handa Island. Overlaps with international designated areas: 363 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Handa, 363 ha).

■ Conservation issues Greenlaw Moor and Hule Moss A4i, B1i, C3 157 No serious threats are known. The island is leased by the Scottish Admin region Scotland Wildlife Trust, and monitoring of the seabird colonies takes place. Coordinates 55°44’N 2°28’W Altitude 183–285 m Area 1,200 ha

Hermaness A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, 159 ■ Site description C3, C4 The IBA is located in the south Lammermuir Hills, and comprises and Saxa Vord, Unst heather moorland in the east and raised mire in the west, in addition Admin region Scotland Coordinates 60°49’N 0°53’W to the two pools of Hule Moss. The heath is the largest remaining Altitude 0–280 m Area 2,654 ha example of mid-altitude moorland in the Borders.

Habitats Forest and woodland (2%), Scrub (30%; heathland), Wetland (68%; standing ■ Site description fresh water; river/stream; blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring) The IBA is situated at the most northern tip of Britain, and comprises

779 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man heathland, small nutrient-poor lochans and burns, and sea cliffs. Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential threat Closely grazed species-rich maritime grassland occurs on the cliff-tops, to seabirds. with blanket bog and acid grassland vegetation communities also present. Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (blanket bog), Rocky Horse Island B3 161 areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Admin region Scotland Land-use Agriculture (100%) Coordinates 55°38’N 4°50’W Altitude 0–5 m Area 20 ha ■ Birds ■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria A small rocky island close to the coastline north of Ardrossan. Sula bassana Gannet B 1994 12,000 12,000 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1992 1,220 1,220 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 Habitats Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1982 190 190 A B1ii, B2 Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1995 19,100 — A B1ii, B2, C3

The site holds 70,600 pairs of breeding seabirds on a regular basis, ■ Birds and is also nationally important for breeding Gavia stellata (9 pairs, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1994, 1%), Fulmarus glacialis (26,200 pairs, 1986–1987, 5%), Numenius Larus fuscus B 1994 1,150 1,150 A B3 phaeopus (14 pairs, 1994, 3%), Stercorarius parasiticus (115 pairs, 1992, Lesser Black-backed Gull 4%) and Uria aalge (11,400 pairs, 1991, 2%). The site is also nationally important for breeding Somateria mollissima ■ Protection status (365 pairs, 1994, 1%). National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Protection status areas. National Nature Reserve: Hermaness. Sites of Special Scientific National High International None Interest: Hermaness, Norwick, Norwick Meadows, Saxa Vord, Tonga IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Greff. Overlaps with international designated areas: 980 ha of IBA areas. Reserve: Horse Island. covered by Special Protection Area (Hermaness and Saxa Vord, Unst, 980 ha). ■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (U) ■ Conservation issues Human access to the island is the main cause of disturbance. An RSPB Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Extraction management agreement exists for the site. industry (U) A proposal exists to extract peat commercially from a small part of the IBA. Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses Hoselaw Loch B1i, C3 162 a potential threat to seabirds. There is a management plan for Admin region Scotland the site. Coordinates 55°34’N 2°18’W Altitude 183–183 m Area 50 ha

Hill of Colvadale C7 160 ■ and Sobul Site description A small loch located on the northern slopes of the Cheviot Hills, Admin region Scotland supporting little emergent vegetation. The IBA also includes Coordinates 60°43’N 0°52’W surrounding fen and well-developed raised mire. Altitude 20–120 m Area 1,600 ha Habitats Forest and woodland (2%; mixed forest), Scrub (5%; scrub), Wetland (83%; standing fresh water; raised bog; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (10%; ■ Site description highly improved reseeded grassland) Heathland overlying magnesium silicate rocks, with areas of Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (3%), Nature conservation/research (100%), Water deep peat, wet flush and mire. Plant communities present include management (40%) herb-rich sedge grass heath and also species-poor wet and dry heaths. ■ Birds Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (fen/transition mire/spring) Land-use Agriculture (100%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 1,430 1,430 A B1i, C3 ■ Birds The IBA is important for wintering waterbirds. Anser anser are from the Icelandic breeding population. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel B 1994 23 23 A C7 ■ Protection status Stercorarius parasiticus B 1992 77 77 A C7 Arctic Skua National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated The IBA holds a rich assemblage of breeding birds. areas. Reserve: Din Moss and Hoselaw Loch. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Din Moss and Hoselaw Loch. Overlaps with international ■ Protection status designated areas: 50 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area National Partial International None (Din Moss and Hoselaw Loch, 50 ha). 50 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Site (Din Moss and Hoselaw Loch, 50 ha). areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Hill of Colvadale and Sobul, Qui Ness to Pund Stacks, Skeo Taing to Clugan. ■ Conservation issues Threats Disturbance to birds (A), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (A) ■ Conservation issues Disturbance to wildfowl from shooting on adjacent land and Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Extraction nutrient pollution of the loch (‘Other’ threat, above) pose threats to industry (U) the IBA.

780 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Hoy A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, 163 Inner Clyde estuary B1i, C3 165 Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C4, C6 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 58°53’N 3°20’W Coordinates 55°56’N 4°38’W Altitude 0–479 m Area 11,170 ha Altitude 0–5 m Area 1,670 ha

■ Site description ■ Site description The IBA covers a large part of the high island of Hoy, with Old Red Extensive areas of intertidal habitats bounded by areas of heavy Sandstone cliffs on the west coast reaching 338 m. These include the industry. Habitats present include saltmarsh, mudflats and eel-grass famous 137 m high rock stack, the Old Man of Hoy. The site includes Zostera and mussel Mytilus beds. Orkney’s only remaining piece of relict deciduous woodland, and Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh) lichen and bryophyte-rich heaths. Land-use Nature conservation/research Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland (alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream), Rocky ■ Birds areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Land-use Agriculture (65%), Nature conservation/research (35%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 2,180 2,180 A B1i, C3 ■ Birds The IBA is important for wintering waders and wildfowl, and is also nationally important for wintering Phalacrocorax carbo (280 birds, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 2%), Bucephala clangula (370 birds, 1%), Haematopus ostralegus (5,250 Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver B 1994 58 58 A B2, C2, C6 birds, 1%) and Tringa nebularia (11 birds, 2%), and for passage Tringa Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1996 2,120 2,120 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 totanus (1,340 birds, 1%). Larus marinus B 1996 645 645 A B3 Great Black-backed Gull ■ Protection status The IBA is important for breeding seabirds (56,000 pairs on a National High International None regular basis), raptors and waders. It is also nationally important IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national for breeding Fulmarus glacialis (37,000 pairs, 1986, 7%), Stercorarius designated areas. Reserves: Dumbuck, Finlaystone, Inner Clyde, parasiticus (96 pairs, 1996, 3%), Sterna paradisaea (525 pairs, 1987– Langbank. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Ardmore Point, 1995, 1%) and Uria aalge (13,900 pairs, 1986, 2%). Dumbarton Rock, Dumbuck Foreshore – Pillar Bank, Erskine to Langbank, Geilston Burn. ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Conservation issues IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance to birds (B), Filling-in of wetlands (B), areas. Reserve: Hoy. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Hoy. Industrialization/urbanization (A), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Conservation issues Threats to the estuary include disturbance from recreational activities including wildfowling and motorcycling, and leisure, Threats Afforestation (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) industrial, housing and retail developments. Three RSPB reserves are Native woodland regeneration is being encouraged through planting included: Dumbuck at Dumbarton, Finlaystone at Port Glasgow, and protection measures, with progress being monitored. Monitoring and Langbank. The Clyde Forum has been established and is in of heathland regeneration and of geomorphological features is also the process of drawing up management guidelines. The area is a undertaken. The area is a candidate SPA, and a management plan candidate SPA. exists for the RSPB Reserve.

Inverpolly, C6 166 Inchinnan, Renfrew B1i, B3, C2, C6 164 Loch Urigill Admin region Scotland and nearby lochs Coordinates 55°52’N 4°27’W Admin region Scotland Altitude 3–29 m Area 1,030 ha Coordinates 58°02’N 5°02’W Altitude 20–849 m Area 27,880 ha ■ Site description A small site situated along the Black Cart River in Renfrewshire. ■ Site description The site comprises several large nutrient-poor lochs and many lochans Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (river/stream) along with their catchments. Land-use Agriculture (95%), Water management (5%) Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture, Hunting, Tourism/recreation Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1994 260 260 A B1i, B3, C2, C6 ■ Birds The IBA is important for wintering Cygnus cygnus. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver B 1995 9 9 A C6 ■ Protection status National None International None 1. Mean count. The IBA is also nationally important for breeding Anas penelope (12 ■ Conservation issues pairs, 1994, 4%) and Tringa nebularia (15 pairs, 1995, 1%). Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (U), ■ Protection status Industrialization/urbanization (U) National Partial International None SNH has undertaken a swan survey during the winters of 1994/95– IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated 1998/99 as part of development studies. The main swan roosting area areas. Reserve: Ben More Coigach. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: is at the consultation stage for SSSI designation, but feeding areas Ben More Assynt, Cam Loch Islands, Inchnadamph, Inverpolly, remain unprotected. Knockan Cliff (including Port Inverpolly).

781 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Conservation issues Laggan, Islay A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 169 Threats Afforestation (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/ Admin region Scotland fisheries (B), Extraction industry (B) Coordinates 55°43’N 6°18’W Altitude 0–39 m Area 1,230 ha Part of the area carries a NNR designation (leased), for which SNH has a management plan. The site is a candidate SPA. ■ Site description The IBA includes the rocky headland of Laggan Point, the broad, sandy sweep of Laggan Bay and adjacent Juncus-rich grassland. Kinveachy A1, B2, C1, C6 167 Admin region Scotland Habitats Grassland (dry siliceous grassland; humid grassland), Wetland (sand-dunes/ Coordinates 57°14’N 3°53’W sand beach; blanket bog) Altitude 290–741 m Area 5,250 ha Land-use Agriculture (95%), Forestry (5%)

■ Site description ■ Birds The principal stands of this remnant Caledonian pine Pinus sylvestris Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria forest lie south-west of Carrbridge on either side of the River Dulnain. 1 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1997 330 330 A B1i, C2, C3 The stocking is irregular, with dense stands of mature woodland 1 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1997 2,760 2,760 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 separated by open moorland with scattered trees. Broadleaved Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1988 3 — A C6 woodland, Juniperus scrub, moorland, wet heathland and fen areas 1. Mean seasonal peak 1994–1997. occur within the forest. The IBA is important for wintering geese, which come from Eilean na Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest), Muice Duibh (135) to feed. Anser albifrons are the flavirostris Scrub (heathland), Wetland (river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring) subspecies, and Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland breeding Land-use Forestry (25%), Hunting (75%) population. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (2 pairs, 1995, although none present ■ Birds in 1997/98). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status Tetrao urogallus Capercaillie R 1996 30 30 A C6 National High International High Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1996 Abundant — A1, B2, C1, C6 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national The site is notable for breeding pinewood species, and nationally designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Laggan Peninsula important numbers of breeding Parus cristatus. and Bay. Overlaps with international designated areas: 1,230 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Laggan Peninsula and Bay, ■ Protection status 1,230 ha). National High International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Conservation issues areas. National Nature Reserve: Craigiellachie. Sites of Special Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Scientific Interest: Craigiellachie, Kinveachy Forest. Disturbance caused to waders and terns by human visitors is a ■ Conservation issues problem. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Forest grazing (A), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (B) B1i, B2, B3, C3, C6 Threats include overgrazing by red deer Cervus elaphus and birds Lewis peatlands 170 Admin region Scotland striking deer fences (‘Other’ threat, above). Some research has been Coordinates 58°21’N 6°21’W carried out into pinewood birds and also into bird strikes. The site is Altitude 50–397 m Area 64,000 ha a candidate SPA.

■ Site description These peatlands cover the greater part of the island, and are Ladder Hills C6 168 interspersed with freshwater lochs and complexes of bog pools. Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°13’N 3°14’W Habitats Scrub (10%; heathland), Grassland (5%), Wetland (85%; standing fresh water; Altitude 426–802 m Area 4,420 ha blanket bog), Rocky areas (scree/boulders) Land-use Agriculture (95%), Fisheries/aquaculture (3%), Forestry (2%) ■ Site description An upland block to the north-east of the Cairngorms. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Habitats Scrub (69%; heathland), Grassland (10%), Wetland (21%; river/stream; blanket bog) Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver B 1992 23 23 A B2, C6 Land-use Hunting (95%) Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver B 1992 10 10 A C6 Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1992 9 — A B2, C6 ■ Birds Falco columbarius Merlin R 1995 9 9 A C6 The IBA supports a wide range of breeding moorland species. Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover R 1995 710 710 A B3, C6 Calidris alpina Dunlin B 1995 850 850 A B1i, C3 ■ Protection status The area is important for breeding waders, divers and raptors. It is National High International None also nationally important for breeding Tringa nebularia (63 pairs, 1995, IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated 6%). Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not meet areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Ladder Hills. IBA criteria: Crex crex (4 pairs).

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National Partial International None Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Recreation/tourism (U) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated The area is threatened by agricultural practices (grazing), and by a areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Achmore Bog, Little Loch potential expansion of skiing facilities. Roag Valley Bog, Loch Laxavat Ard and Loch Laxavat Iorach, Loch

782 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man na Cartach, Loch nan Eilean Valley Bog, Loch Scarrasdale Bog, North ■ Conservation issues Harris. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Disturbance to birds (B) ■ Conservation issues A management plan exists for the RSPB Reserve, with SNH Threats Afforestation (A), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/ management agreements at Ardnave and Craigens. fisheries (B), Extraction industry (B) Crofter forestry constitutes a threat. Loch Indaal A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 173 and Bridgend Flats, Islay Little Cumbrae Island A4i, B1i, B3, C3 171 Admin region Scotland Admin region Scotland Coordinates 55°46’N 6°15’W Coordinates 55°43’N 4°57’W Altitude 0–15 m Area 3,750 ha Altitude 0–107 m Area 300 ha ■ Site description ■ Site description The site includes large sea loch of Indaal and the sheltered Bridgend A small island in the Outer Clyde estuary, just south of Great Cumbrae Flats. Saltmarsh and mudflat communities occur that are scarce within and the town of Millport. the Inner Hebrides.

Habitats Scrub, Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Habitats Wetland (13%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh), Marine areas (87%; sea inlet/coastal Land-use Agriculture (100%) features) Land-use Agriculture (5%) ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Birds Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1986 3,000 3,000 A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1997 10,000 10,000 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 The site is important for breeding seabirds, and is also nationally Aythya marila Scaup W 1995 975 975 A B2 important for breeding Larus argentatus (3,500 pairs, 1986, 2%). 1. Estimate of numbers of birds regularly using site as a night roost 1994–1997. ■ Protection status The IBA is important for wintering geese and other wildfowl, and National None International None is also nationally important for wintering Mergus serrator (160 birds, 2%). Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland breeding ■ Conservation issues population. No serious threats are known at the site, which is private land. ■ Protection status National Partial International Low IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Loch Gruinart, Islay A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 172 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Islay – Bridgend Flats, Laggan Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C4, C6 Peninsular and Bay. Overlaps with international designated areas: Coordinates 55°48’N 6°20’W 331 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Bridgend Flats, Islay, Altitude 0–60 m Area 3,261 ha 331 ha). 331 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Bridgend Flats, Islay, 331 ha). ■ Site description The IBA comprises a north-facing sea loch over 5 km in length, and ■ Conservation issues adjacent grassland, heathland, saltmarsh, mudflat and sand-dune Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Infrastructure (A), Other (A) habitats. An oil spill in 1996 caused little long-term damage but reoccurrences Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (heathland), Grassland (humid pose a threat (‘Other’ threat, above). grassland; mesophile grassland), Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; river/stream; blanket bog), Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features), Artificial landscape (arable land) Land-use Agriculture (30%), Nature conservation/research (30%) Loch Ken B1i, C2, C3 174 and Dee marshes Admin region Scotland ■ Birds Coordinates 54°59’N 4°00’W Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Altitude 48–50 m Area 1,090 ha 1 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 135 135 A B3 2 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1997 940 940 A B1i, C2, C3 ■ 2 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1997 11,800 11,800 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Site description A highly complex system of lochs, swamps, fens, grassland and Salix 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1995. 2. Mean seasonal peak 1994–1997. carr, stretching for about 20 km along the courses of the Rivers Ken and Dee. The site holds 23,200 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis, and is Habitats Scrub (scrub), Grassland (2%), Wetland (90%; standing fresh water; also nationally important for breeding Crex crex (globally threatened: fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (8%; highly improved reseeded 10 pairs, 1995, 2%). Anser albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies, while grassland) Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland breeding population. Land-use Agriculture (10%), Nature conservation/research (5%), Tourism/recreation (90%), Urban/industrial/transport (10%), Water management (80%) ■ Protection status National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Birds areas. Reserve: Loch Gruinart – Islay. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Gruinart Flats. Overlaps with international designated areas: 3,261 ha Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1995 265 265 A B1i, C2, C3 of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Gruinart Flats, Islay, 3,261 ha). 3,261 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Gruinart Flats, The IBA is also nationally important for wintering Anser fabalis Islay, 3,261 ha). (5 birds, 1%). Anser albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies.

783 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Protection status Loch Maree and nearby lochs B2, C6 176 National High International Partial and mountains IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Admin region Scotland areas. Reserves: Loch Ken and Dee Marshes, Threave. Sites of Special Coordinates 57°41’N 5°31’W Scientific Interest: Airds of Kells Wood, Kenmure Holms, River Dee Altitude 10–1,010 m Area 68,611 ha (Parton to Crossmichael), Threave and Carlingwark Loch, Water of Ken Woods. Overlaps with international designated areas: 769 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Loch Ken and River Dee ■ Site description Marshes, 769 ha). 769 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Loch Ken A large loch containing many wooded islands. The adjacent catchment and Dee Marshes, 769 ha). covers freshwater lochs and a variety of habitat-types, including important stands of native pinewood. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest), Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/ Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (standing fresh barrage (B), Recreation/tourism (B) water; blanket bog) Land-use Hunting (100%) Threats include disturbance of goose roosting and feeding areas, mainly as a result of water-sports and other recreational activities, and water-level fluctuations caused by hydroelectric operations. An ■ Birds advisory/management committee operates, and the site is counted as Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria part of the inland WeBS and by the RSPB, who lease part of the site Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver B 1991 17 — A C6 as a reserve. There is a management plan for the site. Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1992 13 — A B2, C6 Nationally important numbers of breeding Tringa nebularia are also present. Loch Leven A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C3, C4 175 Admin region Scotland ■ Protection status Coordinates 56°11’N 3°22’W National Partial International Low Altitude 113–335 m Area 1,870 ha IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Loch Maree Islands. Sites of Special ■ Site description Scientific Interest: An Teallach, Ardlair–Letterewe, Baosbheinn, Beinn Loch Leven lies midway between the estuaries of the Forth and Tay Eighe, Coille Dubh, Coulin Pinewood, Fionn Loch Islands, Loch Maree, rivers, and is the largest nutrient-rich loch in Britain, supporting a Loch Maree Islands, Meall-an t-Sithe–Creag Rainich, Talladale Gorge, range of aquatic plants. The IBA also covers adjacent damp, Torridon Forest. Overlaps with international designated areas: 3,174 ha unimproved pasture. of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Loch Maree, 3,174 ha). 3,174 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Loch Maree, 3,174 ha). Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water), Artificial landscape (arable land) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Agriculture (5%), Fisheries/aquaculture (100%) Threats Afforestation (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Forest grazing (U), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Birds Threats include overgrazing by red deer Cervus elaphus and, to a lesser Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria extent, by sheep, and recreational disturbance. Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 120 120 A B3 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1995 19,200 19,200 A A4i, B1i, C3 Pink-footed Goose Anas strepera Gadwall R 1992 — 70 A B2 Loch of Isbister C7 177 Anas clypeata Shoveler W 1995 520 520 A B1i, C3 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 59°05’N 3°18’W This site is of major importance for both breeding and wintering Altitude 15–20 m Area 140 ha wildfowl, and holds 31,900 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important for breeding Anas penelope (6 pairs, 1992, 2%), Anas clypeata (20 pairs, 1992, 2%), Aythya fuligula (500 ■ Site description pairs, 1992, 6%) and Larus ridibundus (8,000 pairs, 1992, 4%); for This site includes both the nutrient-enriched Loch of Isbister and basin wintering Phalacrocorax carbo (450 birds, 3%), Anas strepera (220 mire separated from the loch by low ridges of glacial till. Open water birds, 3%), Anas crecca (2,150 birds, 2%), Aythya ferina (830 birds, transitional plant communities and bog habitats support a very rich 1%), Aythya fuligula (3,280 birds, 4%) and Bucephala clangula (335 assemblage of wetland plants. A reedbed (Phragmites) is also present. birds, 1%); and for summer moulting assemblages of Cygnus olor (300 Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition birds, 1%). mire/spring) Land-use Agriculture (5%), Nature conservation/research (95%) ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Birds areas. National Nature Reserve: Loch Leven. Reserve: Vane Farm. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Site of Special Scientific Interest: Loch Leven. Overlaps with 1 Anas acuta Pintail R 1994 7 7 A C7 international designated areas: 1,612 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. Site (Loch Leven, 1,612 ha). The IBA is important for both breeding and wintering wildfowl. The ■ Conservation issues site is also nationally important for breeding Anas penelope (5 pairs, 1989–1994, 2%) and for wintering Anser albifrons flavirostris (150 birds, Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Industrialization/urbanization (A), 1991–1996, 1%). Natural events (B) Threats include shoreline erosion, and the release of industrial and ■ Protection status domestic effluent, including sewage, which has led to increased algal National High International None blooms and a reduction in aquatic vegetation. The Loch Leven IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Catchment Management Group has produced a catchment plan with areas. Reserve: Loons and Loch of Banks. Sites of Special Scientific the aim of reducing phosphate input. Interest: Loch of Banks, Loch of Isbister and the Loons.

784 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National High International High Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Disturbance to birds (C), Drainage (B), Recreation/ IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated tourism (C) areas. Reserve: Loch of Lintrathen. Site of Special Scientific Interest: The creation of a no-shooting buffer zone by the RSPB and local Loch of Lintrathen. Overlaps with international designated areas: 189 ha land-owners has reduced disturbance to birds. A management plan of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Loch of Lintrathen, 189 ha). exists for the RSPB Reserve. 189 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Loch of Lintrathen, 189 ha).

■ Conservation issues No serious threats are known at the site. Loch of Kinnordy A4i, B1i, C3 178 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 56°40’N 3°02’W Altitude 150–150 m Area 85 ha Loch of Skene A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3, C6 180 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°09’N 2°21’W ■ Site description Altitude 75–75 m Area 124 ha A nutrient-rich loch that was formerly much larger in extent, and surrounding wetland communities. ■ Site description Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Grassland (humid Situated about 15 km west of Aberdeen, the Loch of Skene is less grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; fen/transition mire/spring) than 2 m in depth and is fringed by reedbed and Betula–Salix carr. Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation Habitats Scrub (scrub), Grassland (5%; humid grassland), Wetland (95%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) ■ Birds Land-use Hunting (100%), Tourism/recreation (100%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1994 7,050 7,050 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Pink-footed Goose Birds 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 265 265 A B1i, B3, C2, C6 The site is also nationally important for breeding Podiceps nigricollis Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 12,200 12,200 A A4i, B1i, C3 (11 pairs, 1994, 23%), Anas strepera (9 pairs, 1994, 1%), Anas clypeata 1 Larus canus Common Gull N 1992 — 45,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 (18 pairs, 1994, 2%), Aythya ferina (7 pairs, 1994, 2%) and Larus 1. Roosting birds. ridibundus (7,000 pairs, 1992, 4%). The site is important for large numbers of wintering wildfowl, and is ■ Protection status also nationally important for breeding Aythya fuligula (100 pairs, 1992, National High International High 1%) and for wintering Cygnus olor (310 birds, 1%). Anser anser are IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated from the Icelandic breeding population. areas. Reserve: Loch of Kinnordy. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Loch of Kinnordy. Overlaps with international designated areas: 85 ha ■ Protection status of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Loch of Kinnordy, 85 ha). National High International High 85 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Loch of Kinnordy, 85 ha). IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Loch of Skene. Overlaps with ■ Conservation issues international designated areas: 124 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Loch of Skene, 124 ha). 124 ha of IBA covered by Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Agricultural intensification/ Ramsar Site (Loch of Skene, 124 ha). expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Natural events (A), Other (B), Recreation/ tourism (B) ■ Conservation issues Threats include disturbance to wintering wildfowl from fishermen, Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Consequences of animal/plant fluctuations in water-level that may affect the breeding success of introductions (B), Disturbance to birds (A), Recreation/tourism (A) wildfowl (‘Other’ threat, above), and nutrient-enrichment from large gull and wildfowl colonies. A management plan exists for the RSPB Threats include disturbance to wildfowl particularly from shooting reserve. and sailing, deterioration in water quality due to nutrient enrichment from agricultural run-off, and some American mink Mustela vison predation. Loch of Lintrathen A4i, B1i, C3 179 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 56°40’N 3°10’W Loch of Strathbeg A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 181 Altitude 213–213 m Area 189 ha Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 57°37’N 1°52’W Altitude 0–15 m Area 913 ha ■ Site description The Loch of Lintrathen is situated in the foothills above Strathmore, and occupies a glacial basin. It contains no emergent vegetation, and ■ Site description is now used as a reservoir. The Loch of Strathbeg is the largest dune-lake in Britain (an area of 200 ha), and is situated inland from Rattray Head, the north-eastern Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water) point of the Buchan coast. The IBA also covers surrounding calcareous Land-use Water management (100%) dunes and dune-slacks.

Habitats Wetland (80%; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; ■ Birds fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (20%; highly improved reseeded grassland) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture (15%), Nature conservation/research (95%) 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1994 3,610 3,610 A A4i, B1i, C3 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. ■ Birds The IBA is important for wintering waterbirds. Anser anser are from The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl and breeding terns, the Icelandic breeding population. and holds 42,800 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. The

785 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man site is also nationally important for wintering Anas crecca moderately rich in nutrients, with rocky margins. The catchment (1,860 birds, 1%). Anser anser are from the Icelandic breeding includes additional smaller lochs. Stands of Carex rostrata border the population, while Branta leucopsis are from the Svalbard breeding lochs, with extensive marshy zones and transitional plant communities population. also present.

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 155 155 A B3 fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Anser brachyrhynchus W 1995 32,500 32,500 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Agriculture (60%), Forestry (20%), Water management (20%) Pink-footed Goose 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1994 2,270 2,270 A B1i, C3 ■ Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1995 130 130 A B1i, C2 Birds Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 480 480 A B2, C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe B 1996 15 15 A C6 The IBA is important for breeding waterbirds, waders and raptors. ■ Protection status National High International Partial ■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated National Partial International Partial areas. Reserve: Loch of Strathbeg. Site of Special Scientific Interest: IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national Loch of Strathbeg. Overlaps with international designated areas: designated areas. Reserve: Loch Ruthven. Sites of Special Scientific 615 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Loch of Strathbeg, Interest: Creag nan Clag, Loch Ruthven. Overlaps with international 615 ha). 615 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Loch of Strathbeg, designated areas: IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Great 615 ha). Glen Lochs).

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Disturbance to birds (C), Other (B), Threats Afforestation (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (B), Natural Recreation/tourism (C) events (B), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (A) Threats include pressure from shooting, and a decrease in water quality Threats include competition for food from introduced rainbow that is thought to have resulted in a decline in the numbers of diving trout Salmo gairdneri, predation by American mink Mustela vison, duck (‘Other’ threat, above). There is a management plan for the RSPB recreational disturbance, changing water-levels (‘Other’ threat, above), Reserve, with research and monitoring ongoing. and natural predation by red fox Vulpes vulpes, Eurasian otter Lutra lutra and pike Esox lucius. Ruthven is managed as an RSPB reserve with monitoring an ongoing activity. A management plan exists for the site. Loch Oire C6 182 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°37’N 3°11’W Altitude 30–30 m Area 8 ha Loch Ryan B2 184 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 54°57’N 5°02’W ■ Site description Altitude 0–8 m Area 4,240 ha Located about 7 km east of Elgin, Loch Oire is one of the few lochans remaining in the hummocky glacial deposits of lowland Moray. An undisturbed aquatic plant community is present, including a variety ■ Site description of emergent and submerged vegetation-types, and sedge-fen. A large, shallow sea loch at the western end of Dumfries and Galloway, which supports the only commercial native oysterbeds Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition in Scotland. Stranraer is located at the base of the loch, with its mire/spring) ferry port. Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (100%) Habitats Wetland (98%; mudflat/sandflat; shingle/stony beach; standing brackish and salt water), Marine areas (2%; sea inlet/coastal features) ■ Birds Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation (1%), Urban/industrial/ The IBA is important for both breeding and wintering waterbirds. transport (2%) ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Birds IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria area. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Loch Oire. 1 Aythya marila Scaup W 1995 780 780 A B2 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1995. ■ Conservation issues The IBA supports important numbers of wintering waterbirds. It is Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Consequences of animal/plant also nationally important for wintering Podiceps cristatus (210 birds, introductions (A), Disturbance to birds (B) 1991–1995, 2%), Podiceps nigricollis (7 birds, 1991–1995, 6%), Threats to the site include human disturbance from adjacent roads Somateria mollissima (985 birds, 1991–1995, 1%) and Mergus serrator and lay-bys, and high levels of American mink Mustela vison (110 birds, 1991–1995, 1%). predation. ■ Protection status National None International None

Loch Ruthven C6 183 ■ and nearby lochs Conservation issues Admin region Scotland Threats Disturbance to birds (A), Dredging/canalization (B), Infrastructure (B) Coordinates 57°20’N 4°17’W The main threats are from dredging, port development and Altitude 0–464 m Area 5,490 ha disturbance caused by ferry bow-waves. In 1986 the site was designated a Marine Consultation Area, and is now being pushed ■ Site description as a SAC by Scottish Wildlife Link. Monitoring is undertaken by Loch Ashie and Loch Ruthven are of a medium size and are WeBS and RSPB.

786 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Alaskie, Druim nam Bad, Grudie Peatlands, Strath Duchally. Overlaps Loch Scadavay B2, C2, C6 185 with international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special Admin region Scotland Protection Area (Lairg/Strathbrora Lochs). Coordinates 57°35’N 7°15’W Altitude 10–160 m Area 5,564 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Afforestation (B), Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Aquaculture/ ■ Site description fisheries (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (C), Forest grazing (B) The largest freshwater body in North Uist, defined by an intricate shoreline and containing many islands. The water is nutrient-poor. The Loch Shin Dam is a source of hydroelectric power. Additional threats include overgrazing by red deer Cervus elaphus and sheep, Habitats Scrub (35%; scrub; heathland), Wetland (65%; standing fresh water; coniferous afforestation, and phosphate run-off from the catchment blanket bog) area. There are also ongoing concerns regarding the expansion of Land-use Agriculture, Hunting salmon smolt farms on Loch Shin and the implications for Gavia arctica. Breeding G. arctica are monitored annually by the RSPB. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver B 1994 51 51 A B2, C2, C6 Loch Spynie A4i, B1i, C3 187 Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver B 1993 5 — A C6 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°40’N 3°17’W The site holds important numbers of breeding divers, and is Altitude 2–14 m Area 93 ha nationally important for breeding Hebridean Anser anser (8 pairs, 1993, 1%). ■ Site description ■ Protection status Loch Spynie developed during the 16th century following the closure National Partial International Partial of a tidal inlet by a shingle-spit. This gave rise to a shallow, fertile IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated lagoon, surrounded by marshes. areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Loch Scadavay. Overlaps with Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special Protection mire/spring) Area (Mointeach Scadabhaigh). Land-use Nature conservation/research (40%), Tourism/recreation ■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Afforestation (U), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), Extraction industry (C), Other (U) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1994 5,650 5,650 A A4i, B1i, C3 Threats include changes in water quality due to nutrient-enrichment (‘Other’ threat, above), peat extraction, and the adverse effects of 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. introduced American mink Mustela vison, polecat M. putorius, ferret The site is important for wintering wildfowl. Anser anser are from the M. putorius furo and hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus. The site is a Icelandic breeding population. candidate SAC. ■ Protection status National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated A1, B1i, B2, C1, C3, C6 Loch Shin 186 areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Loch Spynie. Overlaps with and nearby lochs international designated areas: 93 ha of IBA covered by Special Admin region Scotland Protection Area (Loch Spynie, 93 ha). 93 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Coordinates 58°07’N 4°34’W Site (Loch Spynie, 93 ha). Altitude 94–613 m Area 48,500 ha ■ Conservation issues ■ Site description Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Drainage (B), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (B) One very large, and several smaller, nutrient-poor lochs and surrounding catchments. The IBA supports a flora and fauna Threats include recreational disturbance and the effects of lead characteristic of upland heaths, mires and lochs. poisoning (from shot) on wildfowl (‘Other’ threat, above).

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting, Water management Loch Stack, Loch nam Brac C6 188 and nearby lochs Admin region Scotland ■ Birds Coordinates 58°20’N 4°54’W Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Altitude 38–801 m Area 10,410 ha Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver B 1995 7 — A C6 Anser anser Greylag Goose R 1994 — 100 A B1i, C3 ■ Falco columbarius Merlin R 1995 9 9 A C6 Site description 1 Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1995 — — A A1, B2, C1 Numerous open water-bodies ranging from dubh lochans to quite large, shallow nutrient-poor lochs, of which Loch Stack is the largest. 1. No counts available. Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland The IBA is also nationally important for breeding Gavia stellata (standing fresh water; blanket bog) (9 pairs, 1995, 1%), Anas penelope (8 pairs, 1995, 3%), Aquila chrysaetos Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting (4 pairs, 1992, 1%), Tringa nebularia (17 pairs, 1988–1991, 2%) and Turdus iliacus (7 pairs, 1988–1991, 9%). Anser anser are from the Hebridean population. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status 1 Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver B 1995 5 5 A C6 National Partial International Partial 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1995. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Ben Klibreck, Cnoc an The IBA is important for breeding upland species.

787 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated National Partial International None areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Loch Vaa. Overlaps with IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated international designated areas: 45 ha of IBA covered by Special areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Foinaven, Loch Stack, Stack Protection Area (Loch Vaa, 45 ha). Woods. ■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Other (A), Recreation/tourism (B) Threats Afforestation (C), Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Aquaculture/ The IBA is vulnerable to recreational disturbance, particularly from fisheries (C) anglers and birdwatchers, and fluctuations in water level (‘Other’ There is potential for aquaculture in the lochs. Breeding Gavia arctica threat, above). There is ongoing monitoring of grebes. are monitored annually by RSPB. The area is a candidate SPA.

Lochinch and Torrs Warren B1i, C2, C3 191 Loch Tarff and nearby lochs C6 189 Admin region Scotland Admin region Scotland Coordinates 54°54’N 4°57’W Coordinates 57°08’N 4°36’W Altitude 0–29 m Area 4,710 ha Altitude 200–786 m Area 1,330 ha ■ Site description ■ Site description Lochinch (also known as White Loch) is shallow and rich in nutrients. Lochs and lochans with wooded islands and locally extensive sedge- Torrs Warren lies to the south, at the head of Luce Bay, and is the beds, and the surrounding catchment area. largest acidic dune system in western Scotland, with a very varied dune morphology. Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring) Habitats Scrub (15%; heathland), Wetland (35%; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water), Land-use Agriculture (40%), Forestry (40%), Water management (20%) Artificial landscape (50%; highly improved reseeded grassland; arable land; forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture (45%), Forestry (5%), Military (45%), Tourism/recreation (10%) ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Birds Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe B 1996 5 5 A C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1994 630 630 A B1i, C2, C3 The site is also nationally important for breeding Gavia arctica (2 pairs, 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1994 2,790 2,790 A B1i, C3 1991–1996, 1%), Melanitta nigra (4 pairs, 1995, 5%) and Turdus iliacus 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. (2 pairs, 1995, 3%). The IBA is important for wintering geese. Anser albifrons are the ■ Protection status flavirostris subspecies, while Anser anser are from the Icelandic National Partial International None breeding population. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated area. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Easter Ness Forest. ■ Protection status National Partial International High ■ Conservation issues IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Torrs Warren – Luce Sands, Threats Afforestation (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), White Loch – Lochinch. Overlaps with international designated areas: Industrialization/urbanization (A), Recreation/tourism (B) 4,710 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Loch of Inch American mink Mustela vison predation and the potential development and Torrs Warren, 4,710 ha). of small-scale hydro-power schemes pose threats to the IBA. There is ongoing monitoring of divers and grebes, and part of the IBA is ■ Conservation issues undergoing designation as a SPA. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (U), Drainage (A) Disturbance is caused to birds by illegal shooting. The MoD operates a conservation group at Torrs Warren, and there is a management Loch Vaa A1, B2, C1, C6 190 plan for the site. Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°14’N 3°48’W Altitude 230–230 m Area 45 ha Lochnagar C6 192 Admin region Scotland ■ Site description Coordinates 56°56’N 3°13’W A small spring-fed loch, moderately rich in nutrients, about 500 m in Altitude 400–1,155 m Area 4,427 ha diameter and surrounded by deciduous woodland and Pinus sylvestris plantations. ■ Site description Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Wetland (standing fresh Lochnagar is the highest of the hills to the south of Deeside. It is water; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) drained by fast-flowing streams, and there are scattered lochs. An Land-use Forestry (15%), Tourism/recreation, Water management (85%) extensive area of Betula nana scrub is present.

Habitats Scrub (50%; scrub; heathland), Grassland (45%; steppe/dry calcareous ■ Birds grassland), Rocky areas (5%; inland cliff) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Hunting (100%) Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1996 Abundant — A1, B2, C1, C6 The site is also important for breeding waterbirds, and is nationally ■ Birds important for breeding Parus cristatus. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1996 27 27 A C6 ■ Protection status National High International High The IBA supports an assemblage of upland breeding birds.

788 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Protection status ■ Birds National None International Partial Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria IBA partly or wholly overlaps with international designated area: Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 135 135 A B3 1,178 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Lochnagar, 1,178 ha). The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl.

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National High International High Threats Other (A), Recreation/tourism (A) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Disturbance from increased public access and overgrazing by deer areas. Reserve: Loch of Spiggie. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: (‘Other’ threat, above) pose threats to the IBA. The site does not have Lochs of Spiggie and Brow, Quendale. Overlaps with international SSSI status as it is owned by the Queen, and is managed through a designated areas: 145 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area Memorandum of Understanding. (Lochs of Spiggie and Brow, 145 ha).

■ Conservation issues Lochs of Harray B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 193 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to birds (U), Drainage (B), and Stenness Other (U), Recreation/tourism (B) Admin region Scotland Threats to the site include disturbance to birds from wildfowlers and Coordinates 59°01’N 3°14’W fishermen, and pollution (‘Other’ threat, above). A management plan Altitude 0–10 m Area 1,930 ha exists for the RSPB Reserve.

■ Site description Run-off from a large part of Orkney’s West Mainland enters the sea B2, C6 via these two lochs. The shallow freshwater Loch of Harray becomes Lower Findhorn valley 195 Admin region Scotland brackish at the junction with the Loch of Stenness, which is entirely Coordinates 57°33’N 3°40’W brackish and classed as a lagoon. The flora and fauna therefore consists Altitude 32–240 m Area 4,280 ha of brackish, marine and freshwater species.

Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe ■ Site description vegetation) A large wooded area along the River Findhorn, including Darnaway Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (100%), Water management (100%) forest and Altyre woods.

Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; broadleaved deciduous forest), Grassland (1%; ■ Birds humid grassland), Wetland (2%; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria landscape (92%; arable land; forestry plantation) Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 215 215 A B1i, B3, C2, C6 Land-use Agriculture (10%), Forestry (90%) Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 2,050 2,050 A B1i, C3 Aythya marila Scaup W 1995 315 315 A B2 ■ Birds The lochs support large numbers of wintering wildfowl. The site is The IBA is important for breeding raptors and Tetrao urogallus. also nationally important for wintering Cygnus olor (560 birds, 2%), Anas penelope (4,630 birds, 2%), Aythya ferina (985 birds, 1%), Aythya ■ Protection status fuligula (1,570 birds, 2%) and Bucephala clangula (370 birds, 1%). Anser National Partial International None anser are from the Icelandic breeding population. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Boghole – Muckle Burn, ■ Protection status Lower Findhorn Woods, Randolph’s Leap. National High International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Conservation issues area. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Lochs of Harray and Stenness. Threats Disturbance to birds (B), Other (C) ■ Conservation issues The only real threats are inappropriate forestry practices (‘Other’ threat, above), and disturbance. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (U) The spread of Canadian pondweed Elodea canadensis has threatened Machrihanish B1i, C2, C3, C6 196 the long-term ecological balance of the Loch of Harray, although it has Admin region Scotland recently begun to die back. Nutrient pollution as a result of agricultural Coordinates 55°26’N 5°42’W run-off is a problem that has been investigated by the Scottish Altitude 0–137 m Area 2,520 ha Agricultural College. The Loch of Stenness is a candidate SAC.

■ Site description The IBA comprises pasture and arable farmland, and a loch situated Lochs of Spiggie and Brow B3, C7 194 about 4 km to the north-east. Admin region Scotland Coordinates 59°55’N 1°19’W Habitats Grassland, Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; water-fringe Altitude 0–50 m Area 145 ha vegetation), Artificial landscape (arable land) Land-use Agriculture (83%), Tourism/recreation (4%), Urban/industrial/transport (10%), Water management (3%) ■ Site description The Loch of Spiggie was formed by a sand-bar cutting off a shallow voe from the sea. Both lochs have slightly brackish waters. The IBA ■ Birds also includes the smaller Loch of Hinwell. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water; standing brackish and salt water; water-fringe Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1994 — 1,100 A B1i, C2, C3, C6 vegetation) The site is also nationally important for wintering Mergus serrator (200 Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research birds, 1992, 2%). Anser albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies.

789 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Protection status Ardura–Auchnacraig, Ben More – Scarisdale, Coladoir Bog, Cruach National Partial International Partial Choireadail, Gribun Shore and Crags, Loch Ba Woodland, Loch IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Squabain, South Mull Coast. areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Machrihanish Dunes, Tangy Loch. Overlaps with international designated areas: IBA overlaps with ■ Conservation issues Special Protection Area (Kintyre Goose Roosts). Threats Afforestation (A), Disturbance to birds (B) ■ Conservation issues The main threat is posed by afforestation. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (U) Westport Marsh (an Anas querquedula breeding site) has recently been Mill Dam, Shapinsay C7 199 drained. Admin region Scotland Coordinates 59°02’N 2°53’W Altitude 15–15 m Area 16 ha Marwick Head A4iii, B1ii, C3, C4 197 Admin region Scotland ■ Site description Coordinates 59°06’N 3°21’W An artificial water-body now largely choked by encroaching Altitude 0–76 m Area 9 ha vegetation, with open water appearing mainly after heavy rains.

Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) ■ Site description Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) A short section of eroded sandstone cliffs and associated maritime grassland on the west coast of Orkney Mainland. ■ Birds Habitats Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 60 60 A C7 Anas acuta Pintail R 1994 4 4 A C7 ■ Birds The site is also nationally important for breeding Anas clypeata (15 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria pairs, 1994, 2%). Uria aalge Guillemot B 1991 24,400 24,400 A B1ii, C3 The site holds 26,000 pairs of breeding seabirds on a regular basis, ■ Protection status and is also nationally important for breeding Rissa tridactyla (6,850 National High International None pairs, 1994, 1%). IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated area. Reserve: Mill Dam – Shapinsay. ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Conservation issues IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) areas. Reserve: Marwick Head. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Marwick Head. Overlaps with international designated areas: 9 ha of Vegetation succession is occurring as a result of fertilizer run-off. The IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Marwick Head, 9 ha). RSPB warden now closely controls water-levels, and a management plan exists for the site. ■ Conservation issues Threats Extraction industry (U) A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 Oil pollution poses an ongoing threat. Monitoring of seabird breeding Mingulay 200 and Berneray success is carried out by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Admin region Scotland A management plan exists for the RSPB Reserve. Coordinates 56°48’N 7°38’W Altitude 0–273 m Area 911 ha

Mid-Mull hills and glens B2, C6 198 ■ Site description Admin region Scotland Two islands at the southern end of the Outer Hebridean chain, both Coordinates 56°25’N 5°53’W with sheer cliffs. The vegetation present comprises maritime grassland, Altitude 0–966 m Area 44,800 ha machair and heath. Four to five crofters farm the land.

Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (humid grassland; machair), Rocky areas (sea ■ Site description cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) A very large upland block that covers the main part of the island of Land-use Agriculture (100%) Mull.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), ■ Birds Grassland, Wetland (blanket bog), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; scree/boulders; inland cliff), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture (85%), Forestry (15%) Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1985 720 720 A B3 Uria aalge Guillemot B 1985 21,400 21,400 A B1ii, C3 Alca torda Razorbill B 1985 11,300 11,300 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 ■ Birds These islands are of major importance, holding 45,800 pairs of breeding Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria seabirds and 10,000 pairs of breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. The Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1992 16 16 A B2, C6 IBA is also nationally important for breeding Fulmarus glacialis (10,500 The IBA is important for breeding upland species. pairs, 1985, 2%) and Rissa tridactyla (8,600 pairs, 1985, 2%).

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National Partial International None National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Allt Molach, Ardmeanach, areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Mingulay and Berneray.

790 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Overlaps with international designated areas: 911 ha of IBA covered designated areas: 595 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area by Special Protection Area (Mingulay and Berneray, 911 ha). (Monach Isles, 595 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), Threats Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), Extraction industry (A), Extraction industry (B), Other (A) Other (A) Threats include fish-stock depletion and the predatory effects of Threats include the predatory effects of introduced American mink introduced American mink Mustela vison and rats Rattus norvegicus. Mustela vison, polecat Mustela putorius, rats Rattus norvegicus and Oil spills and oil pollution also pose a threat to the islands (‘Other’ hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus, and oil spills and associated pollution threat, above). (‘Other’ threat, above).

Mochrum and Castle Lochs B1i, C3 201 Monadhliath C6 203 Admin region Scotland Admin region Scotland Coordinates 54°50’N 4°39’W Coordinates 57°06’N 4°15’W Altitude 74–77 m Area 460 ha Altitude 350–945 m Area 10,696 ha

■ Site description ■ Site description Two lochs, with associated wetlands and numerous islands, situated A large area of high-altitude plateau, with steep-sided gullies and large about 3 km from the coast of outer Wigtown Bay. cliff-fringed corries. Species-poor lochs punctuate the plateau, which supports continental and oceanic heaths rich in lichens and a wide Habitats Wetland (100%; standing fresh water; blanket bog; water-fringe vegetation) range of late snow-bed communities. Land-use Agriculture (30%), Water management (70%) Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (inland cliff) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (20%), Hunting (80%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant R 1991 520 520 A B1i, C3 ■ Birds These lochs hold the largest inland Phalacrocorax carbo colony in Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Great Britain. Sixty different bird species breed within the SSSI. Charadrius morinellus Dotterel B 1993 8 — A C6 ■ Protection status The IBA supports a suite of breeding upland birds, including a number National High International None of species of raptor. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated area. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Mochrum Lochs. ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Conservation issues IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated No serious threats are known at the site. The active blanket mire is a area. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Monadhliath. listed candidate SAC, and the freshwater lochs are intermittently covered by an inland WeBS count, though not currently. The North ■ Conservation issues Solway Ringing Group visits the Phalacrocorax carbo colonies every Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (B), Other (U), year or two, and counts are derived from these trips. Recreation/tourism (U) Threats include raptor persecution, habitat degradation as a result of high livestock levels and deer grazing (‘Other’ threat, above), and the Monach Islands B1i, B1ii, B2, C2, C3 202 possibility of development for skiing. Part of the IBA is a candidate Admin region Scotland SPA. Coordinates 57°31’N 7°37’W Altitude 0–19 m Area 595 ha

Montrose basin A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C3, C4 204 ■ Site description Admin region Scotland A chain of five uninhabited islands, located about 10 km off the west Coordinates 56°42’N 2°30’W coast of North Uist, which support the best uncultivated machair in Altitude 0–76 m Area 984 ha the UK.

Habitats Grassland (humid grassland; machair), Wetland (fen/transition mire/spring), ■ Site description Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; inland sand-dunes) The Montrose basin is about 3 km across, almost circular in shape, Land-use Agriculture (100%) and forms the estuary of the South Esk River. Duns Dish, a lowland loch about 4 km north-west of Montrose basin, is also included within ■ Birds the IBA. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; fen/transition 1 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1988 760 760 A B1i, B2, C2 mire/spring) Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1987 425 425 A B1ii, B2, C3 Land-use Agriculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research 1. Mean annual peak 1984–1988. The machair and coastline attracts wintering geese and breeding ■ Birds seabirds. Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland breeding population. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 105 105 A B3 ■ Protection status Anser brachyrhynchus W 1995 26,000 26,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 National High International High Pink-footed Goose IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 3,120 3,120 A B2 areas. National Nature Reserve: Monach Islands. Site of Special Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 2,450 2,450 A B1i, C3 Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 2,320 2,320 A B1i, C3 Scientific Interest: Monach Islands. Overlaps with international

791 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

The IBA supports large numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders, The IBA supports a suite of breeding moorland birds. The site is also holding 49,400 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. The site is nationally important for breeding Gavia stellata (10 pairs, 1994, 1%). also nationally important for breeding Somateria mollissima (400 pairs, 1992, 1%), for wintering Anas penelope (4,440 birds, 2%) and Somateria ■ Protection status mollissima (1,790 birds, 2%), and for summer moulting assemblages National Partial International None of Somateria mollissima (880 birds, 1%). IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Catfirth, Loch of Girlsta, ■ Protection status Sandwater, South Whiteness. National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Conservation issues areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Dun’s Dish, Montrose Basin. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) Overlaps with international designated areas: 984 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Montrose Basin, 984 ha). 984 ha of IBA Part of the site is a candidate SPA. covered by Ramsar Site (Montrose Basin, 984 ha).

■ Conservation issues Moray basin, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 207 Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Recreation/tourism (C) firths and bays C2, C3, C4, C6 Admin region Scotland Shooting is restricted in the Basin since the creation of an Local Nature Coordinates 57°36’N 4°00’W Reserve (LNR) in 1981. The Scottish Wildlife Trusts manage the LNR Altitude 0–10 m Area 134,660 ha on behalf of Angus Council.

■ Site description A complex area of coastline and estuary, including Loch Fleet, B3 Moorfoot Hills 205 Dornoch Firth, Loch Eye, Cromarty Firth, Beauly Firth, and Moray Admin region Scotland Firth (south shore including Burghead and Spey Bay), stretching from Coordinates 55°42’N 3°01’W Helmsdale south to Spey Bay. This area includes six sites that were Altitude 170–659 m Area 9,220 ha treated as separate IBAs in the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): ‘Lower Dornoch Firth (including Morrich ■ Site description More)’ (former site GB028), ‘Loch Eye’ (former site GB029), One large and several smaller blocks of upland moorland to the north- ‘Cromarty Firth’ (former site GB030), ‘Beauly Firth’ (former site east of Peebles. GB033), ‘Moray Firth: Munlochy Bay to Findhorn Bay’ (former site GB034) and ‘Moray Firth: Burghead and Spey Bays’ (former site Habitats Scrub (40%; heathland), Grassland (40%), Wetland (20%; river/stream; GB066). blanket bog) Land-use Agriculture (100%), Tourism/recreation (50%) Habitats Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; standing fresh water), Marine areas (open sea), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) ■ Birds Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Turdus torquatus Ring Ouzel B 1986 — 66 A B3 ■ Birds The IBA holds an assemblage of breeding upland species. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe W 1995 — 66 A B1i, C2 ■ Protection status Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 295 295 A B1i, B3, C2, C6 National High International None 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1994 23,200 23,200 A A4i, B1i, C3 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Anas penelope Wigeon W 1995 31,400 31,400 A A4i, B1i, C3 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Dundreich Plateau, Moorfoot Anas crecca Teal W 1995 4,760 4,760 A B1i, C3 Hills. Aythya marila Scaup W 1995 — 455 A B2 Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter W 1995 — 540 A B2 ■ Conservation issues Mergus serrator W 1995 — 1,790 A B1i, C3 Red-breasted Merganser Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U) Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher W 1995 11,100 11,100 A A4i, B1i, C3 The area is overgrazed by sheep in parts. Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher P 1995 10,600 10,600 A B1i, C3 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 500 500 A B1i, C3 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 670 670 A B1i, C3 Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 5,400 5,400 A B1i, B2, C3 Moorland areas, central Shetland C7 206 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 13,500 13,500 A B2 Admin region Scotland Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 3,970 3,970 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Coordinates 60°15’N 1°13’W Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 2,020 2,020 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Altitude 10–200 m Area 2,790 ha Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 5,300 5,300 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Numenius arquata Curlew P 1995 3,720 3,720 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 5,150 5,150 A A4i, B1i, C3 Site description Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 5,600 5,600 A A4i, B1i, C3 The IBA comprises stretches of blanket bog, with lochans, in addition Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 310 310 A C6 to a variety of other habitats including wet and dry heaths and mires, 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. acid grassland and areas of marsh. These coastal areas form an integral unit that is internationally Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog; important for populations of wintering and passage wildfowl. The water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) IBA holds 130,000 wintering and 31,000 passage waterbirds on a Land-use Agriculture (100%) regular basis, and is also nationally important for breeding Phalacrocorax carbo (280 pairs, 1990, 4%), and for wintering ■ Birds Phalacrocorax carbo (775 birds, 5%), Cygnus olor (380 birds, 1%), Anser brachyrhynchus (2,140 birds, 1989–1994, 1%), Tadorna tadorna Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria (1,060 birds, 1%), Somateria mollissima (1,710 birds, 1994–1995, 2%), Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel B 1992 93 93 A C7 Clangula hyemalis Melanitta nigra Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Skua B 1992 43 43 A C7 (3,740 birds, 1994–1995, 16%), (2,760 birds, 1994–1995, 7%), Bucephala clangula (975 birds, 1994–

792 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

1995, 3%), Mergus merganser (605 birds, 1994–1995, 7%), Calidris Muir of Dinnet A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 209 maritima (260 birds, 1%) and Tringa nebularia (8 birds, 1%). Anser Admin region Scotland C1, C3, C4, C6 anser are from the Icelandic breeding population. Coordinates 57°05’N 2°56’W Altitude 161–498 m Area 2,280 ha ■ Protection status National Partial International Low IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Site description areas. National Nature Reserve: Mound Alderwoods. Reserves: Two large lochs and associated heath, woodland and mire habitats Cromarty Firth, Edderton Sands, Fairy Glen, Loch Fleet, Udale Bay. that exhibit a classic vegetational succession from open water to Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Ardersier Glacial Deposits, fen. Ballinreach Coastal Gorges, Beauly Firth, Clashach–Covesea, Conon Habitats Forest and woodland (58%; broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous Islands, Cromarty Firth, Culbin Sands, Forest and Findhorn Bay, forest), Scrub (15%; heathland), Wetland (20%; standing fresh water; water-fringe Dornoch Firth, Dunrobin Coast, Easter Fearn, Garbh Allt, Helmsdale vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring), Artificial landscape (7%; highly improved Coast Inverbrora, Ledmore Wood, Loch Fleet, Lossiemouth East reseeded grassland; arable land) Quarry, Lossiemouth Shore, Masonshaugh, Morrich More, Mound Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) Alderwoods, Munlochy Bay, Nigg Bay, Rosemarkie to Cromarty/ Shandwick Coast, Spey Bay, Tarbat Ness, The Dens, Whiteness Head. Overlaps with international designated areas: 7,836 ha of IBA covered ■ Birds by Special Protection Area (Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet, 7,836 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 7,836 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Dornoch Firth and Loch Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 19,800 19,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 Fleet, 7,836 ha). 205 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area 1 Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill N 1995 — — A A1, B2, C1 (Loch Eye, 205 ha). 205 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Loch 1. Occurs at low densities in non-breeding season. Eye, 205 ha). 2,410 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Moray and Nairn Coast, 2,410 ha). 2,410 ha of IBA covered by The site holds 21,700 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. Anser Ramsar Site (Moray and Nairn Coast, 2,410 ha). anser are from the Icelandic breeding population.

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National High International None Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Disturbance to birds (A), Extraction industry (B), IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Industrialization/urbanization (U), Infrastructure (U), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (A) areas. National Nature Reserve: Muir of Dinnet. Site of Special Threats include development for homes, oil-rig construction and Scientific Interest: Muir of Dinnet. decommissioning, sewage disposal, uncontrolled wildfowling in sensitive areas, recreational disturbance, commercial shellfisheries, ■ Conservation issues oil pollution (‘Other’ threat, above), land claim and land-fill. The Threats Other (U) area is monitored four times a year by means of a coordinated WeBS count. Cromarty Firth and the Inner Moray Firth are both Few obvious threats are apparent. The ITE have undertaken candidate SPAs. several projects on the lochs, including studies of Eurasian otter Lutra lutra and nutrient enrichment on Loch Davan (‘Other’ threat, above). There is a management plan for the site, which is also a candidate SPA. Mousa A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6 208 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 60°00’N 1°10’W Altitude 0–55 m Area 200 ha Newcastleton Hills C6 210 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 55°12’N 2°53’W ■ Site description Altitude 167–568 m Area 7,679 ha A low-lying island with a few freshwater lochs and tidal pools in the south-east corner. Habitat-types present include acidic and maritime grassland and heathland, and areas of marsh that are moderately rich ■ Site description in nutrients. An outstanding area of moorland that straddles the boundary between the Dumfries and Galloway region the and Borders region. Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; standing fresh water), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (blanket bog) Land-use Agriculture (100%) Land-use Agriculture, Tourism/recreation

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 1996 6,800 6,800 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1994 12 12 A C6 The island is also nationally important for breeding Sterna paradisaea This is an important site for a number of breeding upland species. (765 pairs, 1994, 2%). ■ Protection status ■ Protection status National High International None National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Langholm – Newcastleton areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Mousa. Overlaps with Hills. international designated areas: 200 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Mousa, 200 ha). ■ Conservation issues Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (U), Agricultural intensification/ ■ Conservation issues expansion (U) Threats Aquaculture/fisheries, Recreation/tourism Threats include inappropriate burning of heather and overgrazing by Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential sheep. Since 1991 the site has been the subject of an intensive study by threat to seabirds, and terns are susceptible to disturbance from ITE/GCT (part funded by RSPB) into the relationship between tourists. Lagopus lagopus and predators.

793 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

American mink Mustela vison predation and competition with rainbow North Harris B2, C6 211 mountains trout Salmo gairdneri are likely to affect breeding waterbirds, whilst Podiceps auritus are vulnerable to inadvertent and deliberate Admin region Scotland disturbance. Regular monitoring of P. auritus takes place. Coordinates 57°59’N 6°54’W Altitude 0–679 m Area 18,570 ha

North Lowther Hills B2, C6 213 ■ Site description Admin region Scotland Rocky hills with steep slopes, covered by montane grassland and Coordinates 55°27’N 3°53’W moorland. The hills are drained by fast-flowing streams, and there Altitude 171–587 m Area 25,880 ha are numerous nutrient-poor lochs (some of which are reverting to bog). Species-poor wet heath also occurs due to the oceanic character of the site. ■ Site description An upland block to the east of Airds Moss, comprising moorland and Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland areas of active blanket bog. (standing brackish and salt water; river/stream; blanket bog) Land-use Agriculture (95%), Fisheries/aquaculture (5%) Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (river/stream; blanket bog) Land-use Agriculture, Hunting, Tourism/recreation ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Birds Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1994 9 9 A B2, C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1995 — 19 A B2, C6 These mountains are important for breeding raptors, waders and other Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1989 8 — A C6 upland species. The IBA supports a range of breeding upland species. ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial ■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national National Partial International Partial designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: North Harris. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Overlaps with international designated area: 13,134 ha of IBA areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Back Wood, Leadhills– covered by Special Protection Area (North Harris Mountains, Wanlockhead, Ravengill, Ree Burn, Rough Flow Moss. Overlaps with 13,134 ha). international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area (Muirkirk Uplands and North Lowther Hills). ■ Conservation issues No serious threats are known at the site. Bryophytes typical of ■ Conservation issues Atlantic coasts are well represented, including a moss whose world Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (U), Recreation/ distribution is limited to western Scotland, Ireland and the Isle tourism (U) of Man. The northern part of the site is a study area for the ITE/GCT Langholm Project on relationships between raptors and Lagopus lagopus. A management agreement exists for Rough Flow Moss, and there is North Inverness lochs C6 212 ongoing monitoring of raptors by the South Strathclyde and Dumfries Admin region Scotland and Galloway Raptor Study Group. Coordinates 57°22’N 4°33’W Altitude 50–525 m Area 11,270 ha

North Mainland coast C7 214 ■ Site description Admin region Scotland A group of freshwater lochs and lochans characterized by moderate Coordinates 59°05’N 3°02’W nutrient levels, and surrounding catchment areas. Sedge-beds are Altitude 0–15 m Area 420 ha locally extensive.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), ■ Site description Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; fen/transition A low-lying rocky coastline interspersed with sandy bays. mire/spring) Land-use Agriculture (70%), Forestry (30%) Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Not utilized ■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe B 1995 9 9 A C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1995. Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper W 1994 — 89 A C7 The site is also nationally important for breeding Turdus iliacus Numenius arquata Curlew W 1994 — 575 A C7 Tringa totanus Redshank W 1994 — 405 A C7 (6 pairs, 1995, 8%). Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1994 — 655 A C7 ■ Protection status The IBA is important for wintering waders, and is also nationally National Partial International Partial important for wintering Clangula hyemalis (265 birds, 1993–1994, 1%) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national and Plectrophenax nivalis (110 birds, 1993–1994, 1%). designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Balnagrantach, Gartally Limestone Quarries. Overlaps with international designated ■ Protection status areas: IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area (Great Glen Lochs). National None International None

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Afforestation (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (B), Disturbance to Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U) birds (U) The expansion of aquaculture poses a threat.

794 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated North Roe and Tingon, A4ii, B1ii, B2, B3, 215 areas. National Nature Reserve: North Rona and Sula Sgeir. Site of Mainland Shetland C2, C3, C6 Special Scientific Interest: North Rona and Sula Sgeir. Admin region Scotland Coordinates 60°33’N 1°24’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 0–450 m Area 7,560 ha Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), Extraction industry (C), Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Site description This site contains some of the highest quality blanket bog in Shetland, Exploration licences exist for the seas to the north-west and oil in addition to many pools and acid lochans, some with small islands. pollution is therefore a threat. The islands are also vulnerable to The important tree and scrub cover comprises Betula, Sorbus, Salix pressure from increased numbers of visitors. The site is a candidate and Juniperus, and numerous Arctic-alpine species characterize the SPA. flora and invertebrate fauna.

Habitats Scrub (scrub; heathland), Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog) Land-use Agriculture (100%) North Ronaldsay coast C7 217 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 59°20’N 2°25’W ■ Birds Altitude 0–5 m Area 220 ha Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver B 1994 66 66 A B2, C2, C6 ■ Site description Falco columbarius Merlin R 1994 — 9 A C6 A low-lying rocky shoreline interspersed with sandy bays, where the Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1992 165 165 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 seaweeds are grazed by North Ronaldsay sheep. The IBA holds an important assemblage of breeding moorland birds, Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) and is nationally important for breeding Numenius phaeopus (31 pairs, Land-use Agriculture (100%) 1994, 6%) and Stercorarius parasiticus (140 pairs, 1992, 4%).

■ Protection status ■ Birds National Partial International Partial Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated 1 Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper W 1984 275 275 A C7 areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Ronas Hill – North Roe, Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1990 125 125 A C7 Tingon, Uyea – North Roe Coast, Villians of Hamnavoe. Overlaps 1. Mean count. with international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site (Ronas Hill, North Roe and Tingon, The IBA is also nationally important for wintering Plectrophenax 5,470 ha). nivalis (115 birds, 1993–1994, 1%).

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National None International None Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B) Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential threat ■ Conservation issues to seabirds. Threats Extraction industry (B) The channel between North Ronaldsay and Fair Isle is a tanker route, and oil pollution is therefore an ongoing threat. North Rona A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, 216 and Sula Sgeir C3, C4, C6 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 59°07’N 5°49’W North Uist machair A1, B1i, B2, 218 Altitude 0–108 m Area 130 ha and islands C1, C2, C3, C6 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°35’N 7°28’W ■ Site description Altitude 0–196 m Area 6,900 ha Two islands, with a number of outlying rocky islets, lying about 65 km north of the island of Lewis. Sula Sgeir is located about 15 km to the west of the far larger North Rona. The islands support submaritime ■ Site description grassland modified locally by sea spray. A complex of islands and coastal machair, on the west coast of North Uist. This area includes four sites that were treated as separate IBAs Habitats Grassland (85%), Rocky areas (15%; sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) in the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones Land-use Agriculture (90%), Not utilized (10%) 1989): ‘West Sound of Harris’ (former site GB005), ‘Balranald’ (former site GB008), ‘Baleshare and Kirkibost’ (former site GB009) and part ■ Birds of ‘Kilpheder to Smerclate’ (former site GB241). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Habitats Scrub (1%; heathland), Grassland (75%; humid grassland; machair), Wetland 1 Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach’s Petrel B 1986 — — A C6 (7%; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; fen/transition mire/spring), Sula bassana Gannet B 1994 10,400 10,400 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull B 1986 735 735 A B3 Rocky areas (2%; sea cliff/rocky shore; scree/boulders; inland sand-dunes), Artificial Uria aalge Guillemot B 1986 28,900 28,900 A B1ii, C3 landscape (15%; highly improved reseeded grassland; arable land) Alca torda Razorbill B 1986 1,550 1,550 A B3 Land-use Agriculture (100%), Hunting (100%) 1. No counts available. These islands are of major importance for breeding seabirds, holding ■ Birds 55,200 pairs on a regular basis. The site is also nationally important for breeding Fulmarus glacialis (9,000 pairs, 1985–1986, 2%), Rissa Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 tridactyla (5,050 pairs, 1986, 1%) and Fratercula arctica (5,250 pairs, Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 1990 225 — A B2 1986, 1%). Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1992 — 300 A B1i, C3 2 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1998 1,552 1,552 A B1i, B2, C2 Crex crex Corncrake B 1995 51 51 A A1, B2, C1, C2, C6 ■ Protection status Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher R 1995 875 — A B1i, C3 National Partial International None

795 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Species ... continued Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Birds Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover R 1995 335 335 A B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 585 — A B1i, C3 Sula bassana Gannet B 1994 7,300 7,300 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin R 1995 305 305 A B1i, C3 Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1992 425 425 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 Tringa totanus Redshank R 1995 485 485 A B2 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1991 27 27 A C6 Uria aalge Guillemot B 1991 26,100 26,100 A B1ii, C3 1. Shillay and Little Shillay only. One of the largest seabird colonies in Britain, holding 41,800 breeding 2. Mean annual peak 1994–1998. pairs on a regular basis. The IBA is also nationally important for The IBA is important for both breeding waders and wintering geese breeding Fulmarus glacialis (5,850 pairs, 1993, 1%). and waders. It is also nationally important for breeding Anas clypeata (13 pairs, 1991–1993, 1%), and for wintering Calidris alba (415 birds, ■ Protection status 1993, 2%) and Calidris maritima (365 birds, 1993, 2%). Anser anser National High International High are from the Hebridean population, while Branta leucopsis are from IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated the Greenland breeding population. areas. National Nature Reserve: Noss. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Noss. Overlaps with international designated areas: 343 ha of IBA ■ Protection status covered by Special Protection Area (Noss, 343 ha). National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Conservation issues areas. Reserve: Balranald. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Baleshare Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (U) and Kirkibost, Balranald Bog and Loch nam Feithean, Machairs Robach and Newton, Vallay. Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential threat to seabirds. Introduced rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and cats Felis catus ■ Conservation issues are subject to control measures. There is a management plan for the site. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), Drainage (B), Extraction industry (C), Other (A) The Oa: Islay B1i, C2, C3, C6 221 The main threats are posed by introduced American mink Mustela Admin region Scotland vison, polecats M. putorius, ferrets M. putorius furo, hedgehogs Coordinates 55°37’N 6°17’W Erinaceus europaeus and rats Rattus on coastal islands, and oil spills Altitude 0–200 m Area 4,380 ha (‘Other’ threat, above). There is ongoing monitoring of Crex crex. Part of the area is a candidate SPA and SAC. ■ Site description A peninsula in the south-west of Islay, exposed to the prevailing south- westerly weather. This results in a highly oceanic climate with closer North Westray coast B1ii, B2, C2, C6 219 ecological affinities to western Ireland than to the rest of Britain. The Admin region Scotland IBA includes rocky shore, blanket mire, heathland and farmland Coordinates 59°20’N 2°58’W habitats. Altitude 0–20 m Area 140 ha Habitats Scrub (heathland), Wetland (blanket bog), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore), Artificial landscape (arable land) ■ Site description Land-use Agriculture (95%), Forestry (5%) Two sections of coastline on North Westray.

Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/ ■ Birds rocky shore) Land-use Agriculture, Not utilized Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1989 1,490 1,490 A B1i, C2, C3, C6 Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1996 7 7 A C6 ■ Birds The site is also important for breeding raptors and other upland Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria species. Anser albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies. Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1994 — 1,300 A C2, C6 Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1984 205 205 A B1ii, B2 ■ Protection status The IBA is important for breeding seabirds. National None International None

■ Protection status ■ Conservation issues National None International None Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (U), Disturbance to birds (U) ■ Conservation issues Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax is vulnerable to disturbance at its nesting and roosting sites, and has been adversely affected by a decline in Threats Extraction industry (U) cattle-grazing levels. The area is a candidate SPA. Stone-quarrying has taken place in the past.

Papa Stour C6 222 Noss A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, C3, C4 220 Admin region Scotland Admin region Scotland Coordinates 60°19’N 1°42’W Coordinates 60°08’N 1°01’W Altitude 0–87 m Area 590 ha Altitude 0–181 m Area 343 ha ■ Site description ■ Site description This site covers the northern and western parts of Papa Stour, and An island located off the east coast of Bressay, which in turn lies off contains a number of lochs and offshore skerries. Lichen-rich heath is the east coast of mainland Shetland. The eastern part of the island the dominant habitat-type. slopes steeply. Habitats Scrub (70%; heathland), Wetland (standing fresh water), Rocky areas (sea cliff/ Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Land-use Agriculture (100%) Land-use Agriculture (100%)

796 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1994 1,060 1,060 A C6 Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1992 8 8 A B2, C6 The site supports an important assemblage of breeding seabirds and The IBA holds a typical assemblage of upland birds, and is also waders, and is also nationally important for breeding Charadrius nationally important for breeding Tringa nebularia (11 pairs, 1994, hiaticula (100 pairs, 1992, 1%). 1%).

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National High International None National None International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Papa Stour, Papa Stour Coast, ■ Conservation issues Papa Stour Fishbed. No serious threats are known at the site.

■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Other (C), Peatlands B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C6 225 Recreation/tourism (U) Admin region Scotland Coordinates 58°22’N 4°03’W Oil pollution (‘Other’ threat, above) and unsustainable fishing of sandeels Altitude 0–476 m Area 140,570 ha Ammodytes pose potential threats to seabirds. Disturbance from visitors to the visitor centre is also a problem. The site is a candidate SPA. ■ Site description The largest and most intact area of blanket bog in Scotland, lying across Caithness and Sutherland. Human activities include commercial B1ii, B2, C2, C6 Papa Westray 223 peat extraction (‘Other’ land-use, below). (North Hill and Holm) Admin region Scotland Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (blanket bog; water-fringe vegetation; Coordinates 59°22’N 2°52’W fen/transition mire/spring) Altitude 0–48 m Area 245 ha Land-use Hunting, Other

■ Site description ■ Birds North Hill is the northern part of Papa Westray, and consists of a Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria rocky coastline and maritime heath and grassland. The Holm is an Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver B 1995 155 155 A B2, C2, C6 island of 48 ha situated off the east coast of Papa Westray. Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver B 1995 31 31 A C6 Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water), Rocky areas (sea Anser anser Greylag Goose R 1995 200 200 A B1i, C3 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1995 54 54 A B2, C6 cliff/rocky shore) Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1992 5 5 A B2 Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research Falco columbarius Merlin B 1995 49 49 A C6 Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1995 9 9 A C6 ■ Birds Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover B 1995 2,410 2,410 A B3, C2, C6 Calidris alpina Dunlin B 1995 1,970 1,970 A B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper B 1995 6 6 A C6 Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1995 1,690 1,690 A C2, C6 Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl B 1995 35 — A B2, C6 Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1995 190 190 A B1ii, B2 The IBA is of outstanding international importance for breeding divers, The site is important for breeding seabirds, and is also nationally waders and raptors. It is also nationally important for breeding Anas important for breeding Stercorarius parasiticus (150 pairs, 1994, 5%). penelope (99 pairs, 1995, 33%), Anas crecca (335 pairs, 1995, 21%), Melanitta nigra (29 pairs, 1995, 38%), Tringa nebularia (395 pairs, 1995, ■ Protection status 36%) and Stercorarius parasiticus (140 pairs, 1995, 4%). Anser anser are National High International High from the Hebridean population. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserve: North Hill – Papa Westray. Sites of Special Scientific ■ Protection status Interest: Holm of Papa Westray, North Hill – Papa Westray. Overlaps National Partial International Partial with international designated areas: 245 ha of IBA covered by Special IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Protection Area (North Hill, Papa Westray, 245 ha). areas. National Nature Reserves: Blar nam Faoileag, Strathy Bogs. Reserves: Carn nam Muc, Forsinard. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: ■ Conservation issues Armadale Gorge, Bad na Gallaig, Bad nam Bo, Badanloch Bogs, Ben Griams, Ben Hope, Ben Hutig, Ben Klibreck, Ben Loyal, Blar nam Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C) Faoileag, Burn of Latheronwheel, Cnoc an Alaskie, Coire na Beinne Ongoing monitoring of breeding seabirds is undertaken on North Hill, Mires, Dirlot Gorge, Druim nam Bad, Dunbeath Water, Dunnet Head, whilst Glasgow University conduct studies of Cepphus grylle on Holm. Forsinard Bogs, Grudie Peatlands, Knockfin Heights, Lambsdale North Hill is subject to communal grazing under an RSPB Reserve Leans, Leavad, Loch Caluim Flows, Loch Meadie Peatlands, Loch Agreement. There is a management plan for the site. More Wetlands, Lochan Buidhe Mires, Lon a’Chuil, Mallart, Morven and Scaraben, Rumsdale Peatlands, Shielton Peatlands, Skelpick Peatlands, Skinsdale Peatlands, Slethill Peatlands, Strathmore Peatlands, Strathy Bogs, Stroupster Peatlands, Syre Peatlands, Park, Lewis B2, C6 224 Truderscaig, West Borgie, West Halladale, West Strathnaver. Overlaps Admin region Scotland with international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special Coordinates 57°59’N 6°37’W Protection Area (The Peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland). Altitude 0–572 m Area 16,220 ha ■ Conservation issues ■ Site description Threats Afforestation (B), Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Drainage (U), A large upland block to the east of the North Harris mountains. Extraction industry (C), Other (C) Habitats Forest and woodland, Scrub (95%; heathland), Grassland, Wetland (5%; blanket bog) Existing forestry and grazing damage by red deer Cervus elaphus are Land-use Agriculture a problem (‘Other’ threat, above).

797 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Pentland Firth Islands A4iii, B3, C2, C4, C6 226 Ramna Stacks C6 228 Admin region Scotland and Gruney Coordinates 58°41’N 3°07’W Admin region Scotland Altitude 0–30 m Area 270 ha Coordinates 60°39’N 1°18’W Altitude 0–30 m Area 11 ha ■ Site description The IBA comprises two islands and a group of rocky islets located in ■ Site description the Pentland Firth. These support a variety of habitats including With the exception of Gruney, where guano-enriched maritime maritime heath, rocky shores, marsh, moorland and open fresh grassland occurs, these rocky islands support little or no vegetation. water. Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water), Rocky areas (sea stacks/islets) cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Land-use Agriculture (70%) Land-use Agriculture, Not utilized ■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Oceanodroma leucorhoa B 1994 22 22 A C6 Larus marinus B 1986 285 — A B3 Leach’s Petrel Great Black-backed Gull The site is important for breeding seabirds. Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1994 1,750 1,750 A C2, C6 These islands are important for large numbers of breeding seabirds, ■ Protection status holding 11,600 pairs on a regular basis. They are also nationally National High International High important for breeding Uria aalge (9,200 pairs, 1986, 1%). IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserve: Ramna Stacks and Gruney. Site of Special Scientific ■ Protection status Interest: Ramna Stacks and Gruney. Overlaps with international National Partial International Partial designated areas: 11 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated (Ramna Stacks and Gruney, 11 ha). areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Stroma. Overlaps with international designated areas: 165 ha of IBA covered by Special ■ Conservation issues Protection Area (Pentland Firth Islands, 165 ha). Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Extraction industry (A) ■ Conservation issues The close proximity of the site to the Sullom Voe oil terminal makes the risk of oil pollution very high. Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Extraction Ammodytes poses a potential threat to seabirds. Part of the site is a industry (B) RSPB reserve with a management plan. A tanker route passes through the Pentland Firth, and oil pollution is therefore a threat. Rhunahaorine Point B1i, C2, C3 229 Admin region Scotland Priest Island B2, C2 227 Coordinates 55°40’N 5°40’W Admin region Scotland Altitude 0–10 m Area 326 ha Coordinates 57°57’N 5°30’W Altitude 0–78 m Area 138 ha ■ Site description Rhunahaorine is one of the largest vegetated shingle forelands in ■ Site description Britain, with older ridges running south-west to north-east, and The outermost and most exposed of the Summer Isles, lying about younger ridges running north-west to south-east. The site includes 6 km to the west of Ullapool. Heath communities are interspersed adjacent grasslands and associated coastal heath. with species-rich maritime heath and other cliff communities that exist Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (shingle/stony beach), Artificial where sea spray and guano supply nutrients. landscape (arable land) Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Land-use Agriculture (95%) Wetland (standing fresh water) Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Birds 1 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1994 995 995 A B1i, C2, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 1995 2,210 2,210 A B2, C2 The site is also nationally important for summer moulting assemblages The island is important for breeding seabirds. of Mergus serrator (400 birds, 1992, 4%). Anser albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies. ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national National High International Partial designated areas. Reserve: Priest Island. Site of Special Scientific IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Interest: Priest Island. Overlaps with international designated areas: areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Rhunahaorine Point. Overlaps 138 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Priest Island, with international designated areas: IBA overlaps with Special 138 ha). Protection Area (Kintyre Goose Roosts).

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues No serious threats are known at the site. The island is a RSPB Reserve, Threats Afforestation (B), Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Disturbance to with Hydrobates pelagicus the subject of sporadic monitoring and birds (A), Infrastructure (B), Recreation/tourism (C) research. There is a management plan for the site.

798 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Wintering wildfowl are vulnerable to disturbance, and nesting terns Land-use Agriculture (50%), Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research (80%), are disturbed by visitors to the nearby caravan park. The outcome of Tourism/recreation a proposal to build wind turbines at Largie Estate will be decided by a public inquiry. ■ Birds

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Rinns, Islay A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 230 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 135 135 A B3 Admin region Scotland Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1995 1,120 1,120 A B1i, C3 Coordinates 55°46’N 6°24’W Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill W 1995 Uncommon — A1, B2, C1 Altitude 0–232 m Area 12,084 ha The IBA supports diverse breeding and wintering bird communities, and is also nationally important for breeding Anas penelope ■ Site description (29 pairs, 1994, 10%), Anas crecca (84 pairs, 1994, 5%), Anas acuta A mosaic of natural and semi-natural habitats, exposed to the (2 pairs, 1994, 5%) and Bucephala clangula (46 pairs, 1994, 42%). Anser prevailing south-westerly weather and experiencing an oceanic climate. anser are from the Icelandic breeding population. The site consists of low hills running down to a rocky coastline. This area includes three sites that were treated as separate IBAs in the ■ Protection status previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): National Partial International Partial ‘Islay: Rinns’ (former site GB090), ‘Islay: Glac na Criche’ (former site IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated GB091) and ‘Islay: Feur Lochain’ (former site GB092). areas. Reserve: Insh Marshes. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Creag Dubh, River Spey – Insh Marshes. Overlaps with international Habitats Forest and woodland (mixed forest), Scrub (heathland), Grassland (humid designated areas: 1,159 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area grassland; machair), Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog), Rocky areas (sea (River Spey – Insh Marshes, 1,159 ha). 1,159 ha of IBA covered by cliff/rocky shore), Artificial landscape (arable land) Ramsar Site (River Spey – Insh Marshes, 1,159 ha). Land-use Agriculture (90%), Urban/industrial/transport (5%), Water management (5%) ■ Conservation issues Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Other (A), Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Loch Insh is vulnerable to disturbance from canoeists, water skiers and a commercial fishery, and bad water management elsewhere in 1 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1997 2,590 2,590 A B1i, C2, C3, C6 1 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1997 3,640 3,640 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 the system (‘Other’ threat, above). Management plans exist for the Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1994 21 21 A B2, C6 RSPB Reserve and ongoing monitoring takes place. 1. Mean seasonal peak 1994–1997.

The IBA supports breeding raptors and waders, and wintering geese Rois-Bheinn B2, C6 232 which come from roosts in other Islay IBAs to feed in this area. Anser Admin region Scotland albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies, and Branta leucopsis are from Coordinates 56°48’N 5°41’W the Greenland breeding population. The site is also nationally Altitude 10–882 m Area 20,600 ha important for breeding Anas crecca (16 pairs, 1994, 1%), Melanitta nigra (20 pairs, 1995, 26%) and Crex crex (globally threatened: 6 pairs, 1995, 1%). ■ Site description This site comprises Loch Shiel, Claish Moss and a large upland ■ Protection status block to the north-west. Habitats present include nutrient-poor lochs, National Partial International Partial raised mires, upland moorland, and small remnants of ancient IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national semi-natural acidic oak Quercus forest along some of the loch sides designated areas. Reserves: Loch Gruinart, Islay. Sites of Special and lower glens. Scientific Interest: Islay – Feur Lochain, Islay – Glac na Criche, Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Islay – Rinns of Islay. Overlaps with international designated areas: Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; raised bog) 9,407 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Rinns of Islay, Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting 9,407 ha). 3,586 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Rinns of Islay, 3,586 ha). ■ Birds ■ Conservation issues Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (B), Afforestation (B), Agricultural Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle R 1992 8 8 A B2, C6 intensification/expansion (B), Drainage (B), Recreation/tourism (B) The wet areas and lochs support breeding waterbirds and wintering High-intensity agricultural management and recreational disturbance wildfowl, whilst the upland blocks are important for breeding raptors pose threats to the IBA. and other species. The site is also nationally important for breeding Gavia arctica (3 pairs, 1996, 2%).

■ Protection status River Spey – A1, B1i, B2, B3, C1, C3 231 Insh marshes National Partial International Low IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Admin region Scotland areas. National Nature Reserve: Claish Moss. Sites of Special Scientific Coordinates 57°05’N 4°00’W Interest: Claish Moss, Loch Moidart, Loch Shiel, Lochailort. Overlaps Altitude 220–290 m Area 1,540 ha with international designated areas: 563 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Claish Moss, 563 ha). ■ Site description The Insh marshes form the largest single-unit flood-plain mire of the ■ Conservation issues poor-fen type in Britain. They are also the most northerly, the site lying Threats Recreation/tourism (B) within the flat valley floor of the River Spey between Kincraig and Kingussie. Pleasure boats and angling cause disturbance to birds on Loch Shiel. Claish Moss National Nature Reserve and Loch Shiel are partly Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; fen/ covered by management plans, and research is progressing into the transition mire/spring) fisheries present on the loch.

799 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Rosehearty to C7 233 Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Wetland Fraserburgh coast (standing fresh water; blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring) Admin region Scotland Land-use Agriculture (50%), Not utilized (50%), Nature conservation/research Coordinates 57°41’N 2°03’W Altitude 0–15 m Area 130 ha ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Site description Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1995 925 925 A C6 An exposed north-facing rocky and sandy shoreline running west from the town of Fraserburgh. The IBA includes a narrow fringe of sand- The IBA supports an important assemblage of breeding moorland dunes and saltmarsh. birds, including Stercorarius parasiticus (142 birds, 1992, 4%).

Habitats Wetland (70%; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/ ■ Protection status stony beach; coastal lagoon), Rocky areas (30%; sea cliff/rocky shore) National High International None Land-use Not utilized (100%) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserve: Trumland–Rousay. Site of Special Scientific Interest: ■ Birds Rousay. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Conservation issues Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper W 1995 120 120 A C7 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 570 570 A C7 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Extraction industry (B) The IBA is important for wintering waders. Monitoring of Sterna paradisaea, Stercorarius parasiticus, Rissa tridactyla and raptor breeding success is undertaken. Part of the IBA is a RSPB ■ Protection status Reserve, for which a management plan exists. The site is a candidate SPA. National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, C3, C4 Coast. Rum 236 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 56°59’N 6°19’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 0–812 m Area 10,794 ha Threats Disturbance to birds (U), Filling-in of wetlands (U), Other (U) Oil pollution and illegal dumping (‘Other’ threat, above) pose a threat ■ Site description to the IBA. An island consisting of mountainous terrain and contrasting rock types, which supports a variety of habitat-types.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), Rothiesholm peninsula, B3 234 Grassland (steppe/dry calcareous grassland), Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; sand-dunes/ Stronsay sand beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Admin region Scotland Land-use Nature conservation/research (100%) Coordinates 59°05’N 2°40’W Altitude 0–41 m Area 310 ha ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Site description Puffinus puffinus Manx Shearwater B 1990 63,000 63,000 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 A peninsula situated at the south-western end of the island of Stronsay, forming the western arm of the Bay of Holland. The IBA holds 66,200 pairs of breeding seabirds on a regular basis, and is also nationally important for breeding Aquila chrysaetos (4 pairs, Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (shingle/stony beach), Rocky areas (sea 1992, 1%). cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Agriculture (100%) ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Birds IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Rum. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Rum. Overlaps with international designated areas: 10,794 ha of IBA Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull B 1995 400 400 A B3 covered by Special Protection Area (Rum, 10,794 ha). The IBA holds important seabird colonies. ■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (C) National None International None Fisheries in the waters around Rum pose some threat to seabirds. ■ Conservation issues Various research and monitoring projects have been undertaken, including a long-term study of red deer Cervus elaphus. A management Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) plan exists for the island.

Rousay (Part) C6 235 St Abbs Head A4iii, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 237 Admin region Scotland to Fast Castle Coordinates 59°09’N 3°02’W Admin region Scotland Altitude 0–250 m Area 2,310 ha Coordinates 55°55’N 2°11’W Altitude 0–94 m Area 247 ha ■ Site description This site comprises moorland and hilltop montane communities, and ■ Site description a number of lochs, including the moderately nutrient-rich Muckle Exposed cliffs and cliff-ledges, which extend for over 10 km along the Water. Berwickshire coast.

800 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Introduced rats Rattus norvegicus pose a threat. The islands are also Habitats Forest and woodland (1%; broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (5%; scrub), vulnerable to disturbance from military activities and visitors, and to Wetland (5%; standing fresh water), Rocky areas (89%; sea cliff/rocky shore) oil spills (‘Other’ threat, above). A management plan is in progress, Land-use Agriculture (10%), Nature conservation/research (20%) and seabird research is carried out.

■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Sanda Island B3 239 Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1995 430 430 A B3 Admin region Scotland Uria aalge Guillemot B 1993 20,800 20,800 A B1ii, C3 Coordinates 55°16’N 5°34’W Alca torda Razorbill B 1993 1,470 1,470 A B3 Altitude 0–123 m Area 210 ha The site holds 23,200 pairs of breeding seabirds and 21,600 pairs of breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important ■ Site description for breeding Phalacrocorax carbo (305 pairs, 1989, 4%) and Rissa A grassy island with cliffs and associated islets. tridactyla (19,800 pairs, 1987–1995, 4%), and for wintering Somateria Habitats Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) mollissima (1,210 birds, 1995–1996, 2%). Land-use Agriculture, Not utilized ■ Protection status National Partial International High ■ Birds IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria areas. National Nature Reserve: St Abbs Head. Sites of Special Scientific Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1995 690 690 A B3 Interest: Berwickshire Coast Intertidal, Coldingham Loch, St Abbs Head– Alca torda Razorbill B 1995 2,170 2,170 A B3 Fast Castle. Overlaps with international designated areas: 247 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (St Abbs Head to Fast Castle, 247 ha). The island is important for breeding seabirds.

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National Partial International None Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Unsustainable fishing poses a potential threat to seabirds. Annual areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Sanda Islands. seabird monitoring is undertaken at the site. ■ Conservation issues Threats Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A) A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, St Kilda 238 Predation by American mink Mustela vison is a threat. Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C4, C6 Coordinates 57°48’N 8°34’W Altitude 0–384 m Area 865 ha Sandwick and Clift Hills A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 240 Admin region Scotland ■ Site description Coordinates 60°01’N 1°16’W A group of islands and smaller rocky islets with precipitous cliffs, Altitude 0–293 m Area 2,100 ha situated about 70 km west of North Uist. The vegetation, influenced by sea spray, seabirds and livestock, consists of acidic grassland and submaritime heath. ■ Site description A large block of moorland located to the south-west of Cunningsburgh. Habitats Scrub (83%; heathland), Grassland (5%; humid grassland), Rocky areas (10%; rock stacks/islets), Artificial landscape (2%; other urban/industrial areas) Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (river/stream) Land-use Military (2%), Nature conservation/research (98%) Land-use Agriculture (100%)

■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Fulmarus glacialis Fulmar B 1987 63,000 63,000 A A4ii, B1ii, C3 Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1992 155 155 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach’s Petrel B 1987 3,200 6,400 A B1ii, B2, C2, C6 Sula bassana Gannet B 1994 60,500 60,500 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 The site is also nationally important for breeding Numenius phaeopus Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1994 145 — A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 (6 pairs, 1992, 1%) and Stercorarius parasiticus (42 pairs, 1992, 1%). Alca torda Razorbill B 1987 2,560 2,560 A B3 Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1987 130,000 130,000 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 ■ Protection status These islands are of outstanding importance for their breeding National None International None seabirds, holding 275,700 pairs on a regular basis. The IBA is also nationally important for breeding Rissa tridactyla (7,850 pairs, 1987, ■ Conservation issues 2%) and Uria aalge (15,200 pairs, 1987, 2%). An endemic subspecies Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Aquaculture/fisheries (B) of Troglodytes troglodytes occurs on the islands. Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential threat ■ Protection status to seabirds. National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: St Kilda. Site of Special Scientific A4i, B1i, B1ii, B2, C2, C3, C6 Interest: St Kilda. Overlaps with international designated areas: 865 ha Scapa Flow 241 Admin region Scotland of IBA covered by Biosphere Reserve (St Kilda, 865 ha). 865 ha of Coordinates 58°52’N 3°05’W IBA covered by Special Protection Area (St Kilda, 865 ha). 865 ha of Altitude 0–32 m Area 26,140 ha IBA covered by World Heritage Site (St Kilda, 865 ha).

■ Conservation issues ■ Site description A large sea area that separates the islands of Orkney Mainland, Hoy Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), and South Ronaldsay. An oil terminal occupies part of the IBA Disturbance to birds (U), Extraction industry (B), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) (‘Other’ land-use, below).

801 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

The introduced population of black rats Rattus rattus may predate Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach), Marine areas ground-nesting seabirds, and there are threats from oil spills (‘Other’ (open sea; sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock threat, above) and shipping. stacks/islets) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Other

Sounds around Wyre A4i, B1i, C2, C6 243 ■ Birds Admin region Scotland Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Coordinates 59°06’N 2°59’W Gavia immer Great Northern Diver W 1989 — 170 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Altitude 0–18 m Area 4,800 ha Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe W 1995 50 50 A B1i, C2 Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag W 1989 — 2,800 A A4i, B1i, C2, C3 ■ Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter W 1989 — 41 A B2 Site description Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1983 415 415 A B1ii, B2 A large sea area comprising the sounds of Eynhallow, Gairsay, Rousay and Wyre. Human activities include marl extraction (‘Other’ land- The IBA is important for wintering waterbirds, and is also nationally use, below). important for wintering Podiceps grisegena (5 birds, 1988–1989, 3%), Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach), Marine areas Somateria mollissima (895 birds, 1988–1989, 1%), Clangula hyemalis (open sea; sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock (1,010 birds, 1988–1989, 4%) and Mergus serrator (425 birds, 1988– stacks/islets) 1989, 4%). Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Other ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Birds IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria areas. Reserves: Hobbister, North Hoy. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Hoy, Lochs of Harray and Stenness, Muckle Head and Gavia immer Great Northern Diver W 1990 — 100 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Selwick, Stromness Heaths and Coast, Waulkmill. The IBA is important for wintering divers, and is also nationally important for wintering Somateria mollissima (2,590 birds, ■ Conservation issues 1989–1990, 3%) and Clangula hyemalis (2,160 birds, 1989–1990, 9%). Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Extraction industry (U) Threats include fish-farming, the destruction of the seabed through ■ Protection status shellfish dredging, and oil pollution. A repeat waterbird survey is National Partial International None scheduled for 1998/1999. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Eynhallow, Rousay. Shiant Isles A4i, A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, 242 ■ Conservation issues Admin region Scotland C2, C3, C4 Coordinates 57°53’N 6°21’W Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Extraction industry (U) Altitude 0–125 m Area 212 ha Marl extraction poses a threat. A five-year licence has been granted to ascertain whether the process is sustainable. ■ Site description Two large and two small islands with associated skerries, lying about 6 km west of Lewis in the Minch. The vegetation consists primarily of South Arran B2, C6 244 maritime heath and grassland. Admin region Scotland Habitats Scrub (80%; heathland), Grassland (10%; humid grassland), Rocky areas (10%; Coordinates 55°29’N 5°13’W sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Altitude 0–512 m Area 19,000 ha Land-use Agriculture (90%), Not utilized (10%) ■ Site description ■ Birds A large upland area at the southern end of the Isle of Arran, located Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria in the Outer Clyde estuary. Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1986 1,780 1,780 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C3 Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) 1 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1988 490 490 A B1i, B2, C2 Alca torda Razorbill B 1986 7,350 7,350 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 Land-use Agriculture (100%) 2 Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1970 76,000 76,000 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 1. Mean annual peak 1984–1988. ■ Birds 2. No recent counts. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The islands support 102,600 pairs of breeding seabirds on a regular Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1995 — 19 A B2, C6 basis, and are used by wintering and passage Greenland Branta leucopsis. They are also nationally important for breeding Fulmarus The IBA is important for breeding raptors and other upland species. glacialis (6,800 pairs, 1986, 1%) and Uria aalge (12,300 pairs, 1986, 2%). ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Protection status IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated National High International High areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Ard Bheinn, Benlister Glen, IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Gleann Dubh. areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Shiant Isles. Overlaps with international designated areas: 212 ha of IBA covered by Special ■ Conservation issues Protection Area (Shiant Isles, 212 ha). Threats Afforestation (B), Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Recreation/ tourism (U) ■ Conservation issues There are proposals for further afforestation of this area, which is Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (U), affected by overgrazing and disturbance from tourism and recreation. Extraction industry (A), Other (A) Raptor Study Group monitoring is carried out here.

802 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

South Bressay A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 245 South Uist machair A1, A4i, B1i, B2, B3, 247 Admin region Scotland and lochs C1, C2, C3, C6 Coordinates 60°07’N 1°04’W Admin region Scotland Altitude 0–226 m Area 1,600 ha Coordinates 57°19’N 7°20’W Altitude 0–80 m Area 8,900 ha ■ Site description The southern half of the island of Bressay, situated off the eastern ■ Site description coast of the Shetland Mainland. A coastal strip of typical wet and dry machair, containing both large and small shallow lochs. This area includes four sites that were treated Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland as separate IBAs in the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett Land-use Agriculture (100%) and Jones 1989): ‘Bagh nam Foailean to Ardivachar’ (former site GB010), ‘Iochdair and Geirinish Machair and Loch Bee’ (former site ■ Birds GB011), ‘Na Meadhoinean Iar (including Loch Druidibeg)’ (former site GB012) and ‘Machair Lochs (including Lochs Hallan and Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Kilpheder), South Uist’ (former site GB013). Stercorarius skua Great Skua B 1992 230 230 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 Habitats Forest and woodland (1%; mixed forest), Scrub (10%; heathland), Grassland The site is also nationally important for breeding Stercorarius (50%; machair), Wetland (18%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; standing fresh water; parasiticus (69 pairs, 1992, 2%). river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Rocky areas (1%; inland sand-dunes), Artificial landscape (20%; highly improved reseeded grassland; arable land) ■ Protection status Land-use Agriculture (100%), Hunting (100%) National None International None

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Aquaculture/fisheries (B) Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1989 — 1,010 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential threat Anser anser Greylag Goose R 1995 30 30 A B1i, C3 to seabirds. Porzana porzana Spotted Crake B 1990 2 2 A C6 Crex crex Corncrake B 1995 52 52 A A1, B2, C1, C2, C6 Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher R 1995 615 615 A B1i, C3 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover R 1995 465 465 A B1i, C3 1 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 785 785 A B1i, C3 South Tayside A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 246 Calidris alpina Dunlin R 1995 405 405 A B1i, C3 goose roosts Tringa totanus Redshank R 1995 545 545 A B1i, B2, C3 Admin region Scotland 1 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 850 850 A A4i, B1i, C3 Coordinates 56°22’N 3°34’W Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1991 32 32 A C6 Altitude 61–124 m Area 331 ha 1. Mean count. The IBA holds a rich assemblage of breeding and wintering birds. It ■ Site description is also nationally important for wintering Calidris alba (1,060 birds, A series of freshwater lochs and smaller water bodies with associated 1993–1995, 5%) and Calidris maritima (310 birds, 1993–1995, 1%). wetland habitats, including raised mire, base-rich flushes and fen. Anser anser are from the Hebridean population. Ancient woodland notable for its lichen flora also occurs within the IBA. This area includes three sites that were treated as separate IBAs in ■ Protection status the previous international IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): National Partial International Partial ‘Dupplin Lochs’ (former site GB114), ‘Drummond Lochs’ (former site IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated GB115) and ‘Carsebreck and Rhynd Lochs’ (former site GB116). areas. National Nature Reserve: Loch Druidibeg. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bornish and Ormiclate Machairs, Howmore Estuary, Lochs Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Wetland (standing fresh Roag and Fada, Loch Bee, Loch Bee Machair, Loch Druidibeg, Loch water; raised bog; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) Hallan. Overlaps with international designated areas: 1,677 ha of IBA Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation, Water management covered by Biosphere Reserve (Loch Druidibeg, 1,677 ha). 3,352 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (South Uist Machair and Lochs, ■ Birds 3,352 ha). 3,352 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (South Uist Machair and Lochs, 3,352 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1994 47,000 47,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Pink-footed Goose Conservation issues 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1994 4,340 4,340 A A4i, B1i, C3 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Consequences of animal/plant 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. introductions (A), Drainage (B), Extraction industry (C), Other (A) The IBA is important as a roost for wintering geese, and holds 56,700 Main threats are introduced American mink Mustela vison, polecats wintering waterbirds on a regular basis. Anser anser are from the M. putorius, ferrets M. putorius furo and hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus, Icelandic breeding population. and oil spills (‘Other’ threat, above). Crex crex monitoring and research into the causes of declines in wader numbers are taking place. A rabbit ■ Protection status Oryctolagus cuniculus exclusion zone of c.700 ha has been set up with a National High International High view to controlling their numbers. Most of the site is a candidate SAC, IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated while much of the area outside the existing SPA is a candidate SPA. areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Carsebreck and Rhynd Lochs, Drummond Lochs, Dupplin Lakes. Overlaps with international designated areas: 331 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area South Walls and Switha B1i, B2, C2 248 (South Tayside Goose Roosts, 331 ha). 331 ha of IBA covered by Admin region Scotland Ramsar Site (South Tayside Goose Roosts, 331 ha). Coordinates 58°47’N 3°06’W Altitude 0–57 m Area 260 ha ■ Conservation issues Threats Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (U), Disturbance to birds (U) ■ Site description Repairs to the dam at Carsebreck Loch have caused problems of water- This site comprises three separate areas on the island of South Walls, level fluctuation and disturbance. in addition to the much smaller island of Switha.

803 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Conservation issues Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Agriculture (100%) Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Other (C) The coastline is vulnerable to disturbance and oil pollution (‘Other’ ■ Birds threat, above). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1995 1,100 1,100 A B1i, B2, C2 Stornoway to Back, Lewis A1, B2, C1 251 The area is important for breeding seabirds and waders, and wintering Admin region Scotland geese. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not Coordinates 58°12’N 6°20’W meet IBA criteria: Crex crex. Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland Altitude 0–50 m Area 2,130 ha breeding population.

■ Protection status ■ Site description National None International None An area of agricultural land situated to the east and north of Stornoway. ■ Conservation issues Habitats Forest and woodland, Scrub (5%; heathland), Grassland (80%), Artificial Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U) landscape (3%; arable land) Land-use Agriculture (80%), Military (5%), Urban/industrial/transport (15%) SNH run a refuge scheme for the geese, and contract a researcher to monitor Branta leucopsis utilization of the site. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria South Westray coast C7 249 Crex crex Corncrake B 1995 27 27 A A1, B2, C1 Admin region Scotland The site is also nationally important for breeding Sterna paradisaea Coordinates 59°16’N 2°56’W (570 pairs, 1990, 1%). Altitude 0–10 m Area 530 ha ■ Protection status ■ Site description National Partial International None A low-lying rocky coastline interspersed with sandy bays. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Gress Saltings, Stornoway Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/ Castle Woodlands, Tong Saltings. rocky shore) Land-use Not utilized (100%) ■ Conservation issues Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U) ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Calidris alba Sanderling W 1994 — 27 A C7 Calidris maritima Purple Sandpiper W 1994 — 415 A C7 Sule Skerry A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B2, B3, 252 and Sule Stack C2, C3, C4, C6 The IBA is important for wintering waders. Admin region Scotland Coordinates 59°04’N 4°24’W ■ Protection status Altitude 0–15 m Area 19 ha National None International None

■ Conservation issues ■ Site description Sule Skerry lies about 60 km west of Orkney Mainland, with Sule Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Extraction industry (U), Infrastructure (U) Stack a further 8 km to the south-west. The vegetation on Sule Skerry Sand extraction at the site has recently been proposed. is limited by sea spray and bird activity, and is dominated by Tripleurospermum inodorum during the summer. A lighthouse is present (‘Other’ land-use, below). Sule Stack is a high, bare rock stack, with no vascular plants. South-eastern Stronsay B2 250 Admin region Scotland Habitats Rocky areas (100%; rock stacks/islets) Coordinates 59°04’N 2°32’W Land-use Not utilized (95%), Other (5%) Altitude 0–23 m Area 110 ha ■ Birds ■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The IBA comprises a low-lying rocky shoreline, interspersed with Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 1986 1,000 10,000 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6 sandy bays. Sula bassana Gannet B 1994 4,890 4,890 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1993 700 700 A B3 Land-use Not utilized (100%) Fratercula arctica Puffin B 1993 43,400 43,400 A B1ii, B2, C3 The site holds 63,800 pairs of breeding seabirds on a regular basis, ■ Birds and is also nationally important for breeding Uria aalge (9,600 pairs, Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria 1993, 1%). Cepphus grylle Black Guillemot B 1983 165 165 A B2 ■ Protection status The IBA is important for breeding seabirds and wintering waders and National High International High wildfowl. Breeding species of global conservation concern that do not IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national meet IBA criteria: Crex crex. designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Sule Skerry, Sule Stack. Overlaps with international designated areas: 19 ha of ■ Protection status IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Sule Skerry and Sule Stack, National None International None 19 ha).

804 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Conservation issues ■ Conservation issues Threats Extraction industry (U) Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U) Oil pollution is a threat. Attempts are being made to make the The site is a candidate SPA. surrounding sea area a Marine Environment High Risk Area (MEHRA). A ringing group regularly visit Sule Skerry to ring seabirds, especially Fratercula arctica, and to census breeding species. Tips of Corsemaul A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, C3, C4 255 and Mortlach Admin region Scotland Sumburgh Head C7 253 Coordinates 57°26’N 3°00’W Admin region Scotland Altitude 300–439 m Area 310 ha Coordinates 59°51’N 1°16’W Altitude 0–80 m Area 39 ha ■ Site description Three upland areas to the east and south-east of Dufftown. ■ Site description Habitats Scrub (60%; heathland), Grassland (40%) The IBA comprises boulder-strewn beaches and cliffs along the east Land-use Agriculture (30%) side of Sumburgh Head, the most southerly tip of the Shetland mainland. ■ Birds Habitats Grassland (80%), Wetland (shingle/stony beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/ rocky shore) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture (80%), Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation Larus canus Common Gull B 1995 — 22,300 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 The site holds 22,500 pairs of breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. ■ Birds The IBA is important for its colonies of breeding seabirds. ■ Protection status National None International None ■ Protection status National High International High ■ Conservation issues IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Burning of vegetation (U) designated areas. Reserve: Sumburgh Head. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Sumburgh Head. Overlaps with international designated Possible threats are posed by sheep-grazing and moor-burning. Joint areas: 39 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Sumburgh Nature Conservation Committee Seabird Colony Register monitoring Head, 39 ha). is carried out here.

■ Conservation issues Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (B) Tiree and Coll A1, A4i, B1i, B2, B3, 256 Admin region Scotland C1, C2, C3, C6 Unsustainable fishing of sandeels Ammodytes poses a potential threat Coordinates 56°30’N 6°52’W to seabirds. The site is a RSPB reserve, and has a management plan. Altitude 0–141 m Area 16,510 ha

■ Site description Tay–Isla valley A4i, B1i, B2, C3, C6 254 Two large Inner Hebridean islands and associated islets. Coll is a Admin region Scotland whale-backed island, with many lochs, while Tiree is a low, flat island Coordinates 56°32’N 3°23’W overlooked by three hills. Unlike Coll, most of the peat deposits on Altitude 46–274 m Area 760 ha Tiree have been cut away in the past. Extensive sand-dune, machair, moorland and grassland complexes are present. ■ Site description Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (humid grassland; mesophile grassland; The IBA covers the confluence of the Tay and Isla rivers, about 15 km machair), Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; standing fresh water; north of Perth. The valley floors in this area support a complex of river/stream; blanket bog; fen/transition mire/spring), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; wetland habitats, including shallow lochs, rivers, pastures and some scree/boulders; inland cliff), Artificial landscape (highly improved reseeded grassland; especially diverse marginal fens. Unusual vegetation-types found arable land) along the River Tay include unimproved pasture and riverine Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation shingle-beds.

Habitats Grassland (humid grassland; mesophile grassland), Wetland (standing fresh ■ Birds water; river/stream; fen/transition mire/spring) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture (100%), Nature conservation/research (10%) 1 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1989 145 145 A B3 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1996 2,110 2,110 A B1i, C2, C3, C6 ■ Birds Anser anser Greylag Goose R 1996 90 — A B1i, C3 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1989 380 380 A B1i, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1996 2,010 2,010 A B1i, B2, C2 1 Anser anser Greylag Goose W 1994 5,100 5,100 A A4i, B1i, C3 Crex crex Corncrake B 1996 155 155 A A1, B2, C1, C2, C6 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. 1 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1989 1,030 1,030 A B1i, C3 1 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1989 1,040 1,040 A A4i, B1i, C3 The site is important for breeding raptors and wintering waterbirds. Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1995 — 70 A B2, C6 Anser anser are from the Icelandic breeding population. 1. Mean count. ■ Protection status This IBA is of major international importance for a range of birds of National High International None wetland and low intensity agricultural land. It is also nationally IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated important for breeding Gavia stellata (10 pairs, 1993–1996, 1%), Anas areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Cardney Wood, Den of acuta (2 pairs, 1994, 5%), Charadrius hiaticula (100 pairs, 1994, 1%), Riechip, Fungarth Juniper Wood, Hare Myre, Monk Myre and Stercorarius parasiticus (49 pairs, 1987, 2%), Sterna hirundo (185 pairs, Stormont Loch, Lochs Clunie and Marlee, Lochs of Butterstone, 1995, 1%) and Sterna paradisaea (465 pairs, 1995, 1%), as well as for Craiglush and Lowes, Meikleour Area. wintering Calidris alba (380 birds, 1989, 2%). Anser albifrons are the

805 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man flavirostris subspecies, A. anser are from the Hebridean population, least 2 pairs). Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland breeding and Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland breeding population. population.

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Reserves: Coll, The Reef. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: An areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Treshnish Isles. Overlaps with Fhaodhail and the Reef, Ceann a’Mhara, Crossapol and Gunna, international designated areas: 240 ha of IBA covered by Special Hough Bay and Balevullin Machair, North East Coll Lochs and Protection Area (Treshnish Isles, 240 ha). Moors, North-east Coll Lochs and Moors, Totamore Dunes. Overlaps with international designated areas: 2,321 ha of IBA covered by Special ■ Conservation issues Protection Area (Coll, 2,321 ha). 2,208 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Threats Recreation/tourism (B) Site (Coll, 2,208 ha). The site is vulnerable to disturbance from the increasing numbers of ■ Conservation issues uncontrolled visitors landed on Lunga by commercial operators during the summer. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Extraction industry (U), Infrastructure (U), Recreation/tourism (B) Threats include recreational and tourism disturbance, and wind-power Troup, Pennan A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B3, 259 development. Crofting rights apply to most of Tiree, and a RSPB and Lion Heads C3, C4 management plan exists for Coll Reserve and for The Reef, Tiree. Admin region Scotland Tiree wetlands are a candidate SPA. Coordinates 57°41’N 2°17’W Altitude 0–111 m Area 320 ha

Tolsta Head, Lewis B3 257 ■ Site description Admin region Scotland A stretch of low cliffs and small areas of maritime grassland, heathland Coordinates 58°20’N 6°09’W and herb-rich grasslands and flushes situated along the north Buchan Altitude 0–73 m Area 150 ha coast.

Habitats Scrub (2%; scrub; heathland), Grassland (6%), Wetland (2%; shingle/stony ■ Site description beach), Rocky areas (90%; sea cliff/rocky shore) A headland and associated stacks forming the easternmost point of Land-use Not utilized (100%) the Isle of Lewis.

Habitats Scrub (90%; heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (10%; sea cliff/rocky shore) ■ Birds Land-use Agriculture (90%), Not utilized (10%) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Rissa tridactyla Kittiwake B 1995 31,700 31,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 Birds Uria aalge Guillemot B 1995 29,900 29,900 A B1ii, C3 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Alca torda Razorbill B 1995 3,220 3,220 A B3 Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull B 1988 260 260 A B3 The site holds 38,400 pairs of breeding seabirds and 36,100 pairs The IBA is important for breeding seabirds and gulls. of breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important for breeding Larus argentatus (4,200 pairs, 1995, 2%), and ■ Protection status for one of only two Sula bassana breeding colonies on the UK National None International None mainland.

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status No serious threats are known at the site. National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Gamrie and Pennan Coast. Overlaps with international designated areas: 174 ha of IBA covered A4ii, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, B2, B3, Treshnish Isles 258 by Special Protection Area (Troup, Pennan and Lion Heads, 174 ha). Admin region Scotland C2, C4, C6 Coordinates 56°29’N 6°25’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 0–103 m Area 240 ha Threats Disturbance to birds (C), Other (B) ■ Site description Oil pollution is a potential threat (‘Other’ threat, above). Monitoring A string of rocky islands and skerries with cliffs and screes, but each for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee Seabird Colony Register with its own character. There is a strong maritime influence on the is carried out here. grassland and heathland vegetation communities.

Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; scree/boulders) Land-use Not utilized (100%) Upper Deeside A1, B2, C1 260 plantations Admin region Scotland ■ Birds Coordinates 57°00’N 3°19’W Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Altitude 315–471 m Area 1,010 ha Hydrobates pelagicus Storm Petrel B 1996 5,050 5,050 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C2, C6 1 Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1988 565 565 A B1i, B2, C2 ■ Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull B 1993 265 — A B3 Site description Valley side, covered with coniferous forest, situated to the north of 1. Mean annual peak 1984–1988. the River Dee at Braemar opposite the Ballochbuie forest. The islands are important for breeding seabirds, supporting 16,900 Habitats Forest and woodland (5%; broadleaved deciduous forest), Artificial landscape pairs on a regular basis. The IBA is also nationally important for (95%; forestry plantation) breeding Uria aalge (8,650 pairs, 1993, 1%). Breeding species of global Land-use Forestry (80%) conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Crex crex (at

806 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds designated areas: 29,951 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Upper Solway Flats and Marshes, 29,951 ha). 29,951 ha of IBA Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria covered by Ramsar Site (Upper Solway Flats and Marshes, 29,951 ha). Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill R 1996 Frequent — A1, B2, C1 Tetrao urogallus and T. tetrix are present in low numbers, and Falco ■ Conservation issues peregrinus and waders also breed. Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (A), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (A), Disturbance to birds (C), Extraction industry (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U), ■ Protection status Infrastructure (U), Natural events (U), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (C) National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated The main threat is posed by shell-fisheries. Additional threats include areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Craig Leek. an upgraded nuclear power station, a proposed tidal barrage, the M6 motorway extension, sea-level rise leading to erosion, flooding and ■ Conservation issues habitat loss, military activity (‘Other’ threat), sewage/toxic waste pollution, oil and gas exploration, and illegal wildfowling. The Solway Threats Forest grazing (U), Intensified forest management (C) Partnership is part of SNH’s Firths initiative, and is enabling moves Threats include inappropriate forestry practices and deer grazing. towards a sustainable management strategy for the area. Habitat management initiatives exist on many sites, including schemes for Branta leucopsis, and there are many reserve holdings. Upper Solway flats A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 261 and marshes C2, C3, C4, C6 Admin region North, Scotland West Burrafirth C6 262 Coordinates 54°56’N 3°18’W Admin region Scotland Altitude 0–45 m Area 45,240 ha Coordinates 60°16’N 1°30’W Altitude 0–106 m Area 3,910 ha ■ Site description One of the largest and most important areas of continuous intertidal ■ Site description habitat in Britain. The system is a dynamic one, with shifting channels Blanket bog and heather moorland, with many lochs and several small undergoing phases of erosion and accretion. areas of upland mire.

Habitats Grassland (5%; humid grassland), Wetland (85%; tidal river/enclosed tidal Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog; fen/ water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh), Artificial landscape (10%; highly improved reseeded transition mire/spring) grassland; arable land) Land-use Agriculture (100%) Land-use Agriculture (10%), Fisheries/aquaculture (80%), Nature conservation/research ■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver B 1994 17 17 A C6 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 115 115 A B3 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1995 10,800 10,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 The site supports an assemblage of breeding moorland birds, and is Pink-footed Goose also nationally important for breeding Numenius phaeopus (42 pairs, Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1995 12,700 12,700 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 1992, 8%). Anas acuta Pintail W 1995 1,890 1,890 A B1i, C3 Aythya marila Scaup W 1995 2,210 2,210 A B2 ■ Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher W 1995 36,800 36,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 Protection status Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher P 1995 35,200 35,200 A A4i, B1i, C3 National None International None Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover P 1995 1,080 1,080 A B1i, C3 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 5,550 5,550 A C6 ■ Conservation issues Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover P 1995 4,190 4,190 A C6 Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 13,200 13,200 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B) Calidris canutus Knot P 1995 4,350 4,350 A B1i, C3 Calidris alpina Dunlin W 1995 14,800 14,800 A B1i, B2, C3 The site would be vulnerable to any agricultural intensification. Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 2,550 2,550 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 1,690 1,690 A A4i, B1i, C2, C6 Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 6,250 6,250 A A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Numenius arquata Curlew P 1995 5,250 5,250 A A4i, B1i, C3 West coast A1, B2, C1, C2, C6 263 Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 2,790 2,790 A B1i, C3 of Benbecula Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 3,250 3,250 A A4i, B1i, C3 Admin region Scotland 1 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull B 1991 2,000 — A A4i, B1i, B3, C3 Coordinates 57°26’N 7°23’W 1. On Rockcliffe marsh. Altitude 0–10 m Area 233,300 ha The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl and waders, supporting 127,800 wintering and 70,900 passage waterbirds on a regular basis. It ■ Site description is also nationally important for wintering Phalacrocorax carbo (465 The IBA includes machair, lochs and shoreline habitats on the island birds, 3%), Tadorna tadorna (1,850 birds, 2%), Charadrius hiaticula (385 of Benbecula. birds, 1%), Pluvialis squatarola (940 birds, 2%) and Calidris alba (255 Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland (humid grassland; machair), Wetland (mudflat/ birds, 1%), and for passage Pluvialis squatarola (740 birds, 2%), Calidris sandflat; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach; standing fresh water), Rocky alba (590 birds, 3%) and Limosa limosa (190 birds, 2%). Branta leucopsis areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) are from the Svalbard breeding population. Land-use Agriculture (100%), Hunting (100%) ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial ■ Birds IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria areas. National Nature Reserve: Caerlaverock. Reserves: Campfield 1 Crex crex Corncrake B 1997 45 45 A A1, B2, C1, C2, C6 Marsh, Drum Burn, Mersehead, Rockcliffe Marsh Reserve, Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1991 675 675 A B2 Southwick. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Bowness Common, Phalaropus lobatus B 1995 2 2 A C6 Finglandrigg Woods, Glasson Moss, Kirkconnell Flow, Longbridge Red-necked Phalarope Muir, Rockcliffe Marsh, Royal Ordnance, Powfoot, Southerness 1. Calling males. Coast, Upper Solway Flats and Marshes. Overlaps with international

807 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Both Charadrius hiaticula (390 birds, 1991–1996, >1%) and Podiceps 1993, 2%) and Stercorarius parasiticus (45 pairs, 1992, 1%). Breeding auritus (4 birds, 1%) winter in nationally important numbers, whilst species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Calidris alba (350 birds, 1991–1996, >1%) stop over on passage. Crex crex.

■ Protection status ■ Protection status National Partial International None National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: West Benbecula Lochs. areas. Reserves: Birsay Moors and Cottasgarth, Hobbister. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Glims Moss and Durkadale, Keelylang Hill ■ Conservation issues and Swartaback Burn, Lochs of Harray and Stenness, Orphir and Stenness Hills, West Mainland Moors. Threats Consequences of animal/plant introductions (A), Drainage (C), Extraction industry (B) Threats include predation by introduced American mink Mustela vison, ■ Conservation issues polecats M. putorius, ferrets M. putorius furo and hedgehogs Erinaceus Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Extraction industry (B) europaeus, and oil spills and pollution. Ongoing monitoring of Crex crex. The site is a candidate SPA. A management plan exists for Birsay Moors and Cottasgarth RSPB Reserve. Ongoing monitoring of raptor breeding success is undertaken. The site is a candidate SPA. West coast, Lewis A1, B2, C1, C6 264 Admin region Scotland Coordinates 58°20’N 6°36’W West Sound of Barra A1, B1i, B2, C1, C2 266 Altitude 0–50 m Area 2,230 ha Admin region Scotland Coordinates 57°02’N 7°25’W Altitude 0–102 m Area 1,310 ha ■ Site description Area of agricultural land on the north-west coast of the Isle of Lewis. ■ Site description Habitats Forest and woodland, Scrub (10%; heathland), Grassland (80%), Wetland The site comprises the machair-covered isthmus of Eoligarry and low- (river/stream), Artificial landscape (5%; arable land) lying islands. Intertidal cockleshell banks are abundant. Land-use Agriculture (100%) Habitats Scrub (2%; heathland), Grassland (50%; humid grassland; mesophile grassland; machair), Wetland (33%; mudflat/sandflat; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony ■ Birds beach), Rocky areas (5%; sea cliff/rocky shore) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Land-use Agriculture (100%) Crex crex Corncrake B 1995 43 43 A A1, B2, C1, C6 The IBA is also important for breeding waders and other upland species. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status Branta leucopsis Barnacle Goose W 1988 370 370 A B1i, C2 National Partial International None Crex crex Corncrake B 1996 40 40 A A1, B2, C1 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Loch Stiapavat, Port of Ness. The IBA is also nationally important for wintering Calidris maritima (330 birds, 1992, 2%). Branta leucopsis are from the Greenland ■ Conservation issues breeding population. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U) ■ Protection status National Partial International None IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Eoligarry. West Mainland moors B2, C6 265 Admin region Scotland ■ Conservation issues Coordinates 59°04’N 3°07’W Altitude 25–268 m Area 7,430 ha Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (U), Consequences of animal/ plant introductions (B), Drainage (U), Extraction industry (B), Infrastructure (B), Other (B) ■ Site description A new airplane landing strip has been built on the Eoligarry machair. Three blocks of moorland situated on the Orkney Mainland, cut by Additional threats are posed by introduced American mink Mustela numerous dales containing small burns. Human activities include vison, polecats M. putorius, ferrets M. putorius furo, hedgehogs domestic peat extraction (‘Other’ land-use, below). This area includes Erinaceus europaeus and rats Rattus (on small islands), changes in two sites that were treated as separate IBAs in the previous international agricultural use, including undergrazing, and oil spills (‘Other’ threat, IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989): ‘West Mainland Moors’ above). Ongoing monitoring of Crex crex. Parts of the area are a (former site GB059) and ‘Orphir and Stenness Hills’ (former site GB061), candidate SPA and Ramsar Site. and one site that was treated as a separate IBA in the UK national IBA inventory (Pritchard et al. 1992): ‘Keelylang’ (former site 270A). Habitats Scrub (scrub; heathland), Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh West Westray A4i, A4iii, B1i, B1ii, C3, C4, C6 267 water; river/stream; blanket bog) Admin region Scotland Land-use Agriculture (60%), Nature conservation/research, Not utilized (35%), Other (5%) Coordinates 59°18’N 3°00’W Altitude 0–169 m Area 350 ha ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Site description Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver B 1994 16 16 A C6 The site comprises Old Red Sandstone cliffs along the western coast Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1996 23 23 A B2, C6 of Westray, together with adjoining areas of grassland and maritime Falco columbarius Merlin R 1996 10 10 A C6 sedge-heath. The site is very exposed. Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl R 1995 22 22 A B2, C6 Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) The site is important for breeding raptors and other moorland birds. It Land-use Agriculture (100%), Nature conservation/research is also nationally important for breeding Numenius phaeopus (9 pairs,

808 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds Habitats Wetland (95%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria river/stream), Marine areas (5%; sea inlet/coastal features) Rissa tridactyla Kittiwake B 1987 31,000 31,000 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Agriculture (10%) Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1994 1,140 1,140 A C6 Uria aalge Guillemot B 1987 40,600 40,600 A B1ii, C3 ■ Birds The IBA holds 45,000 pairs of breeding seabirds and 32,200 pairs of Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria breeding waterbirds on a regular basis. It is also nationally important 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1994 4,630 4,630 A A4i, B1i, C3 for breeding Stercorarius parasiticus (95 pairs, 1992, 3%) and Alca Pink-footed Goose torda (1,180 pairs, 1987, 1%). Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,660 1,660 A B2 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. ■ Protection status National High International High The IBA supports large numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated It is also nationally important for wintering Cygnus cygnus (92 birds, areas. Reserve: Noup Cliffs. Site of Special Scientific Interest: West 1%). Westray. Overlaps with international designated areas: 350 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (West Westray, 350 ha). ■ Protection status National Partial International None ■ Conservation issues IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Cree Estuary. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C) There is ongoing monitoring of Sterna paradisaea breeding success. ■ Conservation issues Part of the IBA is covered by the Noup Cliffs RSPB Reserve, for which Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Disturbance to birds (B) a management plan exists. Threats include disturbance caused by illegal shooting. The advisory/ management committee includes conservation bodies and land- owners, and WeBS monitoring is undertaken. The site is listed as a A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 Westwater 268 candidate SPA, although it may not qualify under new thresholds. Admin region Scotland A management plan exists for the site. Coordinates 55°45’N 3°24’W Altitude 330–330 m Area 50 ha

Ythan estuary, A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 270 ■ Site description C2, C3, C4, C6 An artificial water body situated in the Pentland Hills. No emergent Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch vegetation is present. Admin region Scotland Habitats Scrub (heathland), Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) Coordinates 57°20’N 1°58’W Land-use Water management (80%) Altitude 0–62 m Area 1,040 ha

■ Birds ■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The long, narrow estuary of the River Ythan runs in a north-south direction, entering the sea 18 km north of Aberdeen. Large tracts of 1 Anser brachyrhynchus W 1996 38,900 38,900 A A4i, B1i, C3 Pink-footed Goose sand-dunes exist either side of the river mouth, which comprises extensive mud and gravel flats. The Sands of Forvie sand-dune system 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1996. contains a complete range of dune types and supports lichen-rich heath. This reservoir is of outstanding importance as a winter roost for Anser Habitats Scrub (58%; heathland), Wetland (42%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; brachyrhynchus, and holds 39,300 wintering waterbirds on a regular mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; sand-dunes/sand beach; standing fresh water; river/stream; basis. water-fringe vegetation) Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture (15%), Nature conservation/research (100%) ■ Protection status National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Birds areas. Site of Special Scientific Interest: Westwater Reservoir. Overlaps Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria with international designated areas: 50 ha of IBA covered by Special 1 Protection Area (Westwater Reservoir, 50 ha). 50 ha of IBA covered Anser brachyrhynchus W 1994 17,900 17,900 A A4i, B1i, C3 by Ramsar Site (Westwater Reservoir, 50 ha). Pink-footed Goose 2 Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1991 1,120 1,120 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Sterna albifrons Little Tern B 1991 22 22 A C6 ■ Conservation issues 1. Mean annual peak 1989–1994. Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Other (U) 2. Have not bred successfully for the last three years. The main threats are posed by changes in agricultural practices in the The IBA is important for breeding seabirds and holds 26,700 wintering surrounding area, and the problems caused by goose faeces in relation waterbirds on a regular basis, including an important goose roost at to water quality for human consumption (‘Other’ threat, above). Meikle Loch. It is also nationally important for breeding Somateria mollissima (370 pairs, 1995, 1%) and Sterna hirundo (175 pairs, 1991, 1%), for wintering Somateria mollissima (1,930 birds, 2%) and Plectrophenax nivalis (190 birds, 1994, 2%), and for summer moulting A4i, B1i, B2, C3 Wigtown Bay 269 assemblages of Somateria mollissima (1,210 birds, 2%). Admin region Scotland Coordinates 54°51’N 4°23’W ■ Protection status Altitude 0–6 m Area 3,470 ha National Partial International Partial IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Site description areas. Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Foveran Links, Meikle Loch A large estuary draining the Rivers Cree and Bladnoch and several and Kippet Hills, Sands of Forvie and Ythan Estuary Lochs. Overlaps burns. The site includes extensive areas of intertidal mudflats and with international designated areas: 467 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar adjacent grazed saltmarshes. Site (Ythan Estuary and Meikle Loch, 467 ha).

809 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National Partial International None Threats Other (A), Recreation/tourism (U) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Threats include recreational disturbance from walkers, anglers, wind- areas. National Nature Reserves: Breen Forest, Glenariff North, surfers and a local holiday park. Investigations into the causes of Glenariff Waterfalls Forest, Slieveanorra Forest, Straidkilly. Areas nutrient enrichment of the estuary (‘Other’ threat, above), algal weed of Special Scientific Interest: Cleggan Valley, Garron Plateau, Glen mats and depressed invertebrate populations are currently under way. Burn, Glenariff, Gortnagory, Scawt Hill, Tievebulliagh. The site is a candidate Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. The University of Aberdeen, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Macaulay ■ Conservation issues Land-Use Research Institute are carrying out additional research Threats Afforestation (A), Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Other (C), projects. A reserve management plan exists. Unsustainable exploitation (B) Main threats are posed by sheep overgrazing, afforestation of blanket bog, reclamation of moorland and mechanical peat extraction. Some Annaghroe, C6 271 raptor persecution takes place (‘Other’ threat, above). Part of the site, River Blackwater the Garron plateau, is a candidate SAC and candidate Ramsar Site, Admin region Northern Ireland and a conservation plan is being drafted for this area (4,650 ha). A Coordinates 54°20’N 6°52’W number of National Nature Reserves, National Trust and Ulster Altitude 20–70 m Area 440 ha Wildlife Trust reserves contained within the IBA have management plans, and there has been a recent RSPB Numenius arquata project. ■ Site description The IBA covers grazed, periodically flooded meadows situated along the River Blackwater. Belfast Lough A4i, A4iii, B1i, C3, C4 273 Habitats Grassland (100%; humid grassland) Admin region Northern Ireland Land-use Agriculture (100%) Coordinates 54°40’N 5°48’W Altitude 0–10 m Area 11,700 ha ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Site description A sea lough with an area of tidal mudflats reduced in size by Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1992 50 50 A C6 development. The outer shores are mainly rocky with a few sandy bays. 1 Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1992 90 90 A C6 1. Mean count. Habitats Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; sand-dunes/sand beach; coastal lagoon), Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) The site is important for wintering wildfowl. Anser albifrons are the Land-use Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport, flavirostris subspecies. Water management ■ Protection status National None International None ■ Birds

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Conservation issues Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 2,020 2,020 A B1i, C3 Threats Drainage (A) Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 2,030 2,030 A B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 850 850 A A4i, B1i, C3 The site is managed to provide flooded meadows for breeding waders Arenaria interpres Turnstone P 1995 715 715 A A4i, B1i, C3 and wintering wildfowl. Detailed annual monitoring of wildfowl was initiated by the RSPB in 1994, and breeding waders are now also The IBA is important for wintering waders and wildfowl, with man- monitored. made lagoons in the Inner Harbour holding the main wader roost. The site holds 20,800 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis, and is also nationally important for wintering Podiceps cristatus (1,410 birds, 12%), Phalacrocorax carbo (380 birds, 3%), Somateria mollissima (925 Antrim plateau B2, C6 272 birds, 1%), Bucephala clangula (560 birds, 2%), Mergus serrator (185 Admin region Northern Ireland birds, 2%), Haematopus ostralegus (6,200 birds, 2%) and Limosa limosa Coordinates 55°00’N 6°07’W (295 birds, 4%), and for passage Haematopus ostralegus (6,250 birds, Altitude 0–514 m Area 71,100 ha 2%) and Limosa limosa (285 birds, 4%).

■ Site description ■ Protection status An extensive upland plateau that is the dominant geographical feature National Partial International Low of County Antrim. It supports fine remnant semi-natural Quercus IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated woodlands and is drained by fast-flowing streams, including the rivers areas. Reserve: Belfast Lough. Areas of Special Scientific Interest: of the famous nine glens of Antrim. Human activities include Ballymacormick Point, Inner Belfast Lough, Outer Belfast Lough. commercial peat extraction (‘Other’ land-use, below). Overlaps with international designated areas: 432 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Belfast Lough, 432 ha). 432 ha of IBA Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (heathland), covered by Ramsar Site (Belfast Lough, 432 ha). Grassland, Wetland (river/stream; blanket bog), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore), Artificial landscape (forestry plantation) ■ Conservation issues Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Nature conservation/research, Other, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport Threats Filling-in of wetlands (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Infrastructure (U), Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Birds Threats include car-park development, industrial and port development, disturbance from recreational activity, pollution from Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria domestic refuse disposal and hard-core tipping, and pollution from a Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1995 — 13 A C6 landfill site and the port. A conservation plan is being developed for Falco peregrinus Peregrine R 1995 25 25 A B2, C6 Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1995 3 3 A C6 the Belfast Lough SPA. An agreement reached by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners and conservation bodies has secured the future of the The area supports a typical assemblage of upland species and is also remaining mudflats, lagoon and associated wetland area as an RSPB important for Phylloscopus sibilatrix. reserve, for which a management plan exists.

810 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Carlingford Lough B1i, B2, C3, C6 274 including Green Island areas. National Nature Reserve: Murlough. Area of Special Scientific Interest: Murlough. Admin region Northern Ireland Coordinates 54°03’N 6°08’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 0–10 m Area 4,660 ha Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Recreation/ tourism (U) ■ Site description A narrow sea lough with significant expanses of mudflat and saltmarsh, Fly-tipping, sewage pollution and disturbance from recreational and several small rock and shingle islands. Mountains surround the activity pose threats to the IBA. The site is a candidate SPA and lough. This is a cross-border site, the southern shore lying in County candidate SAC, and a conservation plan will be prepared. Louth in the Republic of Ireland (IBA 122). The stated area of 4,660 ha covers the entire site on both sides of the border, but other data given here (habitats, land-use, threats and birds) are specific to the UK side. Killough Harbour B1i, C3 276 Habitats Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh), Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features), and Coney Island Bay Rocky areas (rock stacks/islets) Admin region Northern Ireland Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation, Coordinates 54°15’N 5°38’W Urban/industrial/transport, Water management Altitude 0–10 m Area 240 ha

■ Birds ■ Site description The IBA comprises a small estuary with tidal mudflats and shingle Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria banks. Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 320 320 A B1i, C3 Aythya marila Scaup W 1995 555 555 A B2 Habitats Wetland (100%; tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; shingle/stony Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 270 270 A C6 beach) Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 250 250 A C6 Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture, Tourism/recreation The IBA is important for breeding terns and wintering waterbirds. It is also nationally important for wintering Podiceps cristatus (215 birds, ■ Birds 2%). Branta bernicla are from the Canadian/Greenland breeding Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria population of the hrota subspecies. Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1994 — 330 A B1i, C3 ■ Protection status The site is important for wintering waterbirds. Wintering Branta National Partial International Partial bernicla are from the Canadian/Greenland breeding population of the IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated hrota subspecies. areas. National Nature Reserve: Rostrevor Forest. Reserve: Carlingford Lough Islands. Areas of Special Scientific Interest: Carlingford Lough. ■ Protection status Overlaps with international designated areas: 827 ha of IBA covered National None International None by Special Protection Area (Carlingford Lough, 827 ha). 827 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Carlingford Lough, 827 ha). ■ Conservation issues Threats Filling-in of wetlands (U), Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Conservation issues The RSPB are campaigning for the site to be put forward for Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Industrialization/urbanization (U), Natural events (B), designation as a SPA. Recreation/tourism (U) Threats include leisure and warehouse developments, sewage pollution, and natural erosion. A management plan exists for Carlingford Lough Larne Lough and B1i, B2, C3, C6 277 Islands RSPB Reserve. Swan/Blue Circle Islands Admin region Northern Ireland Coordinates 54°49’N 5°46’W Dundrum Inner Bay B1i, C3 275 Altitude 0–10 m Area 1,160 ha Admin region Northern Ireland Coordinates 54°15’N 5°49’W ■ Site description Altitude 0–10 m Area 500 ha A sea lough containing mudflats, mussel-beds and a small area of saltings. The IBA includes the small, vegetated Swan Island, and the ■ Site description man-made ‘Blue Circle’ Island. An enclosed sandy bay with extensive mudflats, which is fed by four Habitats Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh), Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features), small rivers. Rocky areas (rock stacks/islets) Habitats Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; river/stream), Marine areas (sea inlet/coastal features) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Military, Nature conservation/research, recreation, Urban/industrial/transport Tourism/recreation ■ Birds ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 220 220 A B1i, C3 Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 210 210 A B1i, C3 Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 235 235 A C6 Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern B 1995 7 7 A B2, C6 Melanitta nigra The site is also nationally important for wintering Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 220 220 A C6 (1,200 birds, 3%) and Tringa nebularia (12 birds, 2%). Wintering Branta bernicla are from the Canadian/Greenland breeding population of the The mudflats are important for wintering Branta bernicla hrota hrota subspecies. from the Canadian/Greenland breeding population, whilst Swan/Blue Circle Islands support an important mixed tern colony. The IBA is ■ Protection status also nationally important for wintering Mergus serrator (195 birds, National High International None 2%) and Tringa nebularia (12 birds, 2%).

811 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Protection status Ramsar Site, and a conservation plan will be prepared. Management National Partial International Partial plans exist for the RSPB reserve and the National Nature Reserves. IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Swan Island. Reserve: Swan/Blue Circle Islands. Overlaps with international designated areas: 1 ha of Lough Neagh A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 279 IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Swan Island, 1 ha). Overlaps C2, C3, C4, C6 with international designated areas: 396 ha of IBA covered by Special and Lough Beg Admin region Northern Ireland Protection Area (Larne Lough, 396 ha). 396 ha of IBA covered by Coordinates 54°37’N 6°24’W Ramsar Site (Larne Lough, 396 ha). Altitude 0–20 m Area 50,165 ha ■ Conservation issues ■ Site description Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Disturbance to birds (B), Filling-in of wetlands (B), Shallow water-bodies with associated damp grassland, reedbed Industrialization/urbanization (B) (Phragmites), islands, fen and pasture. Lough Neagh is the largest UK Threats include pollution from a land-fill site and the port, and freshwater lake, with water-levels subject to erratic, artificial change. disturbance of breeding terns. A conservation plan is in preparation, Habitats Scrub (scrub), Grassland (humid grassland; mesophile grassland), Wetland and a RSPB management plan exists for Swan/Blue Circle Islands. (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport Lough Foyle A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, 278 and River Foyle C2, C3, C4, C6 ■ Birds Admin region Northern Ireland Coordinates 55°06’N 7°07’W Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Altitude 0–10 m Area 21,803 ha Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 225 225 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 1,070 1,070 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 Aythya ferina Pochard W 1995 28,900 28,900 A A4i, B1i, C3 ■ Site description Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck W 1995 21,800 21,800 A A4i, B1i, C3 A large shallow estuary comprising extensive mudflats, shell ridges, Aythya marila Scaup W 1995 3,300 3,300 A B1i, B2, C3 mussel-beds, low-lying reclaimed farmland and limited areas of Bucephala clangula Goldeneye W 1995 11,500 11,500 A A4i, B1i, C3 saltwater marsh. This is a cross-border IBA, with a minority of the Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 5,550 5,550 A C6 Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 115 115 A C6 site falling within the Republic of Ireland (IBA 004)—the stated area of 21,803 ha refers to the whole site (on both sides of the border) but The IBA is important for wintering wildfowl. It regularly holds 100,900 other data given here (habitats, land-uses, threats and birds) are specific wintering waterbirds, and is nationally important for breeding Podiceps to the UK side. cristatus (750 pairs, 1992, 16%); for wintering Tachybaptus ruficollis (405 birds, 9%), Podiceps cristatus (1,010 birds, 9%), Phalacrocorax carbo Habitats Wetland (tidal river/enclosed tidal water; mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; shingle/ (720 birds, 5%), Cygnus olor (1,430 birds, 5%), Anas penelope (3,660 stony beach; river/stream; water-fringe vegetation), Artificial landscape (highly improved birds, 1%), Anas strepera (160 birds, 2%), Anas crecca (1,930 birds, 1%), reseeded grassland; arable land) Anas clypeata (155 birds, 2%) and Fulica atra (6,600 birds, 5%); and for Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Military, Nature conservation/research, summer moulting assemblages of Cygnus olor (1,750 birds, 6%). Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport ■ Protection status ■ Birds National High International High Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Cygnus columbianus Bewick’s Swan W 1995 97 97 A B2, C6 areas. National Nature Reserves: Farr’s Bay, Lough Beg, Lough Neagh, Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 785 785 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 Randalstown Forest, Rea’s Wood Forest. Reserve: Portmore Lough. Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 3,820 3,820 A A4i, B1i, C3 Areas of Special Scientific Interest: Culnafay, Lough Beg, Lough Neagh, Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 5,050 5,050 A C6 Lough Neagh – Oxford Island, Portmore Lough. Overlaps with Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover P 1995 2,100 2,100 A C6 international designated areas: 40,835 ha of IBA covered by Special Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 2,150 2,150 A A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C6 Protection Area (Lough Neagh and Lough Beg, 40,835 ha). 50,165 ha Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 495 495 A C6 of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Lough Neagh and Lough Beg, 50,165 ha). Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,980 1,980 A B2 The IBA is internationally important for wintering wildfowl and ■ Conservation issues waders. It holds 35,900 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis, and Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (A), Aquaculture/fisheries (U), is also nationally important for wintering Podiceps cristatus (135 birds, Disturbance to birds (A), Drainage (U), Groundwater abstraction (U), Infrastructure (U), 1%), Anas penelope (9,550 birds, 3%) and Tringa nebularia (22 birds, Industrialization/urbanization (U), Other (U), Recreation/tourism (A) 4%). Branta bernicla are from the Canadian/Greenland breeding population of the hrota subspecies. Threats include marina, caravan site and sewage works developments, poorly regulated wildfowling and too few wildlife refuges, coastal ■ Protection status defence improvements, and pollution (‘Other’ threat, above). A National Partial International None conservation plan is in preparation, and a RSPB management plan IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated exists for Portmore Lough. Powerline collisions involving swans are areas. National Nature Reserves: Magilligan Point, Roe Estuary. being monitored in conjunction with Northern Ireland Electricity. Reserve: Lough Foyle. Areas of Special Scientific Interest: Lough Foyle, Magilligan. Lower Lough Macnean C6 280 ■ Conservation issues Admin region Northern Ireland Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (B), Aquaculture/fisheries (B), Disturbance Coordinates 54°17’N 7°48’W to birds (B), Drainage (B), Dredging/canalization (U), Filling-in of wetlands (B), Altitude 40–50 m Area 510 ha Industrialization/urbanization (U), Infrastructure (U), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) Threats include industrial, port and coastal sea defence developments, ■ Site description disturbance from unregulated shooting, and waste disposal. The The IBA comprises a freshwater lake and islands. estuary is exposed to large quantities of raw and partially treated Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation) sewage, oil and chemical pollution (‘Other’ threat, above), and this is Land-use Agriculture, Tourism/recreation likely to become more of a problem. The site is a candidate SPA and

812 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds Habitats Grassland, Wetland (standing fresh water; blanket bog), Rocky areas (scree/ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria boulders), Artificial landscape (arable land; forestry plantation) Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1995 200 200 A C6 Land-use Agriculture (90%), Forestry (10%) The IBA is important for Anser albifrons flavirostris. ■ Birds ■ Protection status Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria National Partial International None Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose W 1995 77 77 A C6 IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated areas. National Nature Reserve: Hanging Rock. The site supports a suite of breeding upland birds. Wintering Anser albifrons are the flavirostris subspecies. ■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status Threats Disturbance to birds (U), Drainage (U), Recreation/tourism (U) National Partial International Partial Tourism and marina development and unregulated shooting threaten IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated the IBA. The RSPB is pushing for protection of the Anser albifrons areas. Area of Special Scientific Interest: Pettigoe Plateau. Overlaps site through designation as an Area of Special Scientific Interest or with international designated areas: 1,264 ha of IBA covered by Special similar mechanism. Protection Area (Pettigoe Plateau, 1,264 ha). 1,264 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar Site (Pettigoe Plateau, 1,264 ha).

■ Conservation issues Outer Ards peninsula A4i, B1i, C3, C6 281 Admin region Northern Ireland Threats Abandonment/reduction of land management (U), Afforestation (U), Agricultural Coordinates 54°29’N 5°25’W intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (U), Drainage (U), Dredging/ Altitude 0–30 m Area 1,016 ha canalization (U), Extraction industry (U), Recreation/tourism (U) The effects of shooting on the IBA are unknown. A conservation plan ■ Site description is in preparation for the SPA and the site is also a candidate SAC. This site covers a section of the flat, east-facing shoreline of the Irish The RSPB have lobbied the Environment and Heritage Service to alter Sea, and contains rocky outcrops, a number of islands and long sandy the SPA boundary to reflect the distributions of Pluvialis apricaria beaches. and Anser albifrons.

Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach), Marine areas (open sea), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/ Rathlin Island A4ii, A4iii, B1ii, B3, C3, C4 283 recreation, Urban/industrial/transport Admin region Northern Ireland Coordinates 55°18’N 6°13’W Altitude 0–400 m Area 1,500 ha ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Site description Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 255 255 A B1i, C3 A large island with cliffs and stacks on the north and west shores. Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1995 545 545 A B1i, C3 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 1,690 1,690 A C6 Further inland there are wetlands, a limited amount of maritime heath Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1995 1,240 1,240 A A4i, B1i, C3 and a mosaic of unimproved and improved grazing. Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1995 310 310 A C6 Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; rock stacks/islets) The site is important for wintering waders and geese, and is also Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Not utilized, Tourism/recreation nationally important for wintering Phalacrocorax carbo (155 birds, 1%) and Tringa nebularia (6 birds, 1%). Also important for breeding Sterna paradisaea and Phalacrocorax carbo. Most Branta bernicla are ■ Birds from the Canadian/Greenland breeding population of the hrota Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria subspecies. Uria aalge Guillemot B 1985 41,900 41,900 A B1ii, C3 Alca torda Razorbill B 1985 6,000 6,000 A A4ii, B1ii, B3, C3 ■ Protection status National Partial International None The IBA is important for breeding seabirds. It holds 52,000 pairs of IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated breeding seabirds and 11,200 pairs of breeding waterbirds on a regular areas. Areas of Special Scientific Interest: Ballymacormick Point, basis, and is also nationally important for breeding Larus argentatus (4,040 Ballyquintin Point. pairs, 1985, 2%) and Rissa tridactyla (6,800 pairs, 1985, 1%).

■ Conservation issues ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial Threats Disturbance to birds (U) IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated Breeding terns are vulnerable to disturbance. A SPA conservation plan areas. National Nature Reserve: Kebble. Reserves: Ballyconagan, will be prepared for the site, once the designation as a SPA and Ramsar Rathlin Island Cliffs. Areas of Special Scientific Interest: Ballycarry – Site has been confirmed. Rathlin Island, Ballygill North – Rathlin Island, Kinramer South – Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island Coast. Overlaps with international designated areas: 236 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Rathlin Island, 236 ha). Pettigoe plateau C6 282 Admin region Northern Ireland ■ Conservation issues Coordinates 54°32’N 7°59’W Altitude 50–180 m Area 2,700 ha Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (C), Consequences of animal/plant introductions (B), Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Site description A recently introduced feral ferret Mustela putorius furo population The IBA covers an area of low-lying blanket bog with rocky outcrops, threatens seabird colonies and ground-nesting birds, and trapping is in addition to small lakes and farmland interspersed with small patches being attempted. Management plans are in place for the RSPB Reserve of forestry. and NNR. The RSPB is pushing for designation as a SAC.

813 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Sheep Island C7 284 Habitats Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; saltmarsh; fen/transition mire/spring), Marine Admin region Northern Ireland areas (sea inlet/coastal features), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Coordinates 55°14’N 6°21’W Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting, Nature conservation/ Altitude 0–30 m Area 4 ha research, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport

■ Site description ■ Birds An exposed marine island with steep cliffs and rocky shores. Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Habitats Rocky areas (100%; sea cliff/rocky shore) Branta bernicla Brent Goose W 1995 10,700 10,700 A A4i, B1i, C3 Land-use Nature conservation/research Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover W 1995 5,850 5,850 A C6 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover P 1995 3,210 3,210 A C6 Calidris canutus Knot W 1995 6,500 6,500 A B1i, B2, C3 ■ Birds Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit W 1995 770 770 A B2, C6 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit P 1995 370 370 A C6 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Numenius arquata Curlew W 1995 1,910 1,910 A B2 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant B 1988 — 370 A C7 Tringa totanus Redshank W 1995 2,470 2,470 A B1i, C3 The IBA is important for breeding seabirds. Tringa totanus Redshank P 1995 3,070 3,070 A A4i, B1i, C3 Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern B 1995 530 530 A B1i, B2, C2, C6 ■ Sterna hirundo Common Tern B 1995 565 565 A C6 Protection status Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern B 1995 280 280 A C6 National High International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated This is Northern Ireland’s most important coastal site for wintering areas. Area of Special Scientific Interest: Sheep Island. Overlaps with wildfowl, and is also of importance for breeding terns. It holds international designated areas: 4 ha of IBA covered by Special 56,800 wintering waterbirds on a regular basis, and is also nationally Protection Area (Sheep Island, 4 ha). important for breeding Phalacrocorax carbo (200 pairs, 1995, 3%), Anas strepera (8 pairs, 1995, 1%) and Larus ridibundus (6,850 pairs, ■ Conservation issues 1995, 4%), for wintering Tachybaptus ruficollis (115 birds, 3%), Phalacrocorax carbo (170 birds, 1%), Tadorna tadorna (2,080 birds, Threats Other (B) 3%), Anas strepera (110 birds, 1%), Anas clypeata (125 birds, 1%), Pressure to cull the Phalacrocorax carbo colonies has so far been Bucephala clangula (350 birds, 1%), Mergus serrator (285 birds, 3%), resisted (‘Other’ threat, above). A management plan exists for the site. Haematopus ostralegus (4,980 birds, 1%), Charadrius hiaticula (325 birds, 1%) and Tringa nebularia (36 birds, 6%), and for passage Haematopus ostralegus (7,050 birds, 2%). Branta bernicla are from the Canadian/Greenland breeding population of the hrota A4i, B1i, C3 South Down coast 285 subspecies. Admin region Northern Ireland Coordinates 54°15’N 5°41’W ■ Protection status Altitude 0–5 m Area 437 ha National Partial International High IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated ■ Site description areas. National Nature Reserves: Cloghy Rocks, Granagh Bay, Killard, A long section of rocky and sandy coastline extending from Cranfield Quoile Pondage, The Dorn. Marine Nature Reserve: Strangford Point to St John’s Point. Lough. Reserve: Castleward Bay. Areas of Special Scientific Interest: Ballyquintin Point, Killard, Strangford Lough, Strangford Lough Habitats Wetland (sand-dunes/sand beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) (part 2), Strangford Lough (Part 3). Overlaps with international Land-use Not utilized, Tourism/recreation, Urban/industrial/transport designated areas: 15,580 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Strangford Lough, 15,580 ha). 15,580 ha of IBA covered by Ramsar ■ Birds Site (Strangford Lough, 15,580 ha). Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Conservation issues Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover W 1990 — 685 A B1i, C3 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1990 — 1,190 A A4i, B1i, C3 Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Aquaculture/fisheries (C), Construction/impact of dyke/dam/barrage (C), Industrialization/urbanization (U), The IBA is important for wintering waders and waterbirds. Infrastructure (U), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Protection status Threats include uncontrolled recreational pressures, residential and National Partial International None recreational developments, and wharf and boatyard construction. A IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated conservation plan and management strategy for the whole lough is in areas. Area of Special Scientific Interest: Murlough. preparation. The National Trust has a detailed management plan for their properties and for the Strangford Lough Wildlife Scheme, which ■ Conservation issues they manage. An RSPB management plan exists for Castleward Bay Reserve. The area is a candidate SAC. Threats Recreation/tourism (B) A link exists with the IBA at Killough Harbour and Coney Island Bay (276), as the same Branta bernicla hrota use both sites. Upper Lough Erne A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 287 Admin region Northern Ireland Coordinates 54°14’N 7°32’W Strangford Lough A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, 286 Altitude 40–75 m Area 9,110 ha and islands C2, C3, C4, C6 Admin region Northern Ireland ■ Site description Coordinates 54°27’N 5°35’W Flooded drumlins in the course of the River Erne give rise to a complex Altitude 0–10 m Area 15,580 ha of islands, bays and lakes, bordered by damp pasture, fen and reed- swamp (Phragmites). ■ Site description Habitats Grassland (humid grassland), Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream; A shallow sea lough with an indented shoreline and a wide variety of water-fringe vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) marine and intertidal habitats. The west shore has numerous islands Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research, Tourism/recreation typical of flooded drumlin topography.

814 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Birds Upper Lough Erne – Galloon, Upper Lough Erne – Trannish. Overlaps Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria with international designated areas: 5,771 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Upper Lough Erne, 5,771 ha). 5,771 ha of IBA covered Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan W 1995 745 745 A A4i, B1i, B3, C2, C6 by Ramsar Site (Upper Lough Erne, 5,771 ha). The IBA is also nationally important for breeding Podiceps cristatus (300 pairs, 1992, 6%), and for wintering Tachybaptus ruficollis (58 birds, ■ Conservation issues 1%), Podiceps cristatus (160 birds, 1%) and Cygnus olor (425 birds, 1%). Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U), Disturbance to birds (U), Drainage (U), Recreation/tourism (U) ■ Protection status National Partial International Partial Threats include disturbance from shooting, and holiday park and IBA partly or wholly overlaps with the following national designated recreational developments. These include marinas and a large project areas. National Nature Reserve: Reilly and Gole Woods. Areas of Special to increase cruiser traffic, in part due to the reopening of the Scientific Interest: Corraslough Point, Dernish Island, Inishroosk, Mill Ballyconnell Canal linking the Shannon and Erne systems. The site is Lough, Upper Lough Erne – Belleisle, Upper Lough Erne – Crom, a candidate SAC.

■ THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

GENERAL INTRODUCTION Channel Islands qualify for this review; all remaining sites are important in a Channel Islands context, but fail to meet the criteria The Channel Islands, a dependency of the British Crown, are situated used here (Table 6, Map 2). The single site identified in the 1989 off the north-west coast of France, some 130 km from the English inventory, Les Etacs and Ortac, Alderney (then 001) is now split coast. They consist of Jersey and Guernsey, with seven dependencies into two separate sites (290 and 291). of the latter (Alderney, Brecqou, Great Sark, Little Sark, Herm, Jethou and Lihou). The Channel Islands cover a total area of 195 km2, and are characterized by steep, rocky coastlines, alternating with ORNITHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE sandy bays. Jersey and Guernsey habitats include wooded valleys, sand-dune communities, cliff-top heathlands and grasslands. Two of the Channel Island IBAs are important gannetries. Les The 1989 inventory identified only a single IBA in the Channel Etacs, Alderney (290) holds a globally important population of over Islands, the 1992 UK review included 13 and a total of 60 sites were 3,300 pairs of Sula bassana, while Ortac, Alderney (291) holds over listed in an inventory of ‘Important sites for birds in the Channel 2,100 pairs. Small numbers of other seabirds, such as Uria aalge Islands’ (Veron 1997). Only four IBAs (covering 3,652 ha) in the also breed on these rocky islands. The other two IBAs, Guernsey Shoreline (288) and Jersey Shoreline (289), both qualify as A4i because of the wintering and Map 2. Location, area and criteria category of Important Bird passage waterbirds they support, most notably those of Arenaria Areas in the Channel Islands. interpres. The Channel Islands are not part of the EU so C criteria do not Highest category of apply. criteria met by IBA ENGLISH CHANNEL A (3 IBAs) B (1 IBA) Area of IBA (ha) HABITATS 3,100 291 550 The two gannetries are rocky islands with associated islets, while 1 both stretches of shoreline have a variety of rocky and sandy habitats, from wide bays to scattered offshore stacks. ALDERNEY 290 288 IMPACTS ON IBAs – LAND-USE AND THREATS

SARK Les Etacs and Ortac are relatively remote from disturbance by GUERNSEY tourism and recreation. However, there are threats from discarded nylon nets, which entangle adult birds and kill chicks when used as nesting material. The shoreline IBAs are mainly affected by tourism JERSEY 289 and recreation, with some threat from infrastructure developments. FRANCE PROTECTION STATUS 0 30 60

km ■ National protection The Channel Islands are not part of the UK but are a direct dependency of the British Crown. As such, they have their own

Table 6. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the Channel Islands. 4 IBAs covering 38 km2 IBA National 1989 code code code International/National name Administrative region Area (ha) Criteria 288 — — Guernsey shoreline Channel Islands 550 A4i, B1i 289 — — Jersey shoreline Channel Islands 3,100 A4i, B1i 290P 001 001 Les Etacs, Alderney Channel Islands 1 A4ii, B1ii, B2 291P 002 001 Ortac, Alderney Channel Islands 1 B2 P Area of IBA has been considerably reduced since 1989 IBA inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). Sites identified in the inventory of IBAs in the UK (Pritchard et al. 1992) but no longer considered to be IBAs 003 Alderney heathland; 005 Guernsey heathland; 006 Les Landes; 007 Jardin d’Olivet; 008 Noirmont; 009 Portelet Common; 010 Ouaisne; 011 La Lande du Ouest; 012 La Mare au Seigneur.

815 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man legislative systems (Jersey and Guernsey each have their own habitats through the designation of Sites of Special Interest (SSI). assemblies). The Channel Islands are not covered by the conservation These are broadly similar to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) legislation of the United Kingdom but have their own bird protection notified under the British Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. legislation: 1949 Protection of Wild Birds Ordinance (Guernsey), amended in 1974; 1950 Protection of Wild Birds (Alderney) ■ International protection Ordinance; 1963 Protection of Birds (Jersey) Law, amended in 1972. Because the Channel Islands are not part of the EU they are not Neither Guernsey nor Alderney has specific legislation to protect covered by the Birds Directive or the Habitats Directive. Box 1 wildlife habitats, but in Jersey the Island Planning (Amendment No. (page 728) summarizes the ‘international agreements’ to which the 3) Law 1983 provides for the protection of ecologically important islands are bound.

■ SITE ACCOUNTS

■ Protection status Guernsey shoreline A4i, B1i 288 National None International None Admin region Channel Islands Coordinates 49°25’N 2°35’W ■ Conservation issues Altitude 0–10 m Area 550 ha Threats Aquaculture/fisheries (U), Infrastructure (B), Other (B), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Site description The shoreline is threatened by coastal pollution (‘Other’ threat, above), A rocky shoreline indented with many small bays of rocks, sand and potential marina developments, land reclamation schemes for building shingle, running along the north-west coast and northern part of the and shellfish-farming. east coast of Guernsey.

Habitats Scrub, Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/stony beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Les Etacs, Alderney A4ii, B1ii, B2 290 Land-use Tourism/recreation Admin region Channel Islands Coordinates 49°42’N 2°14’W Altitude 0–39 m Area 1 ha ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ 1 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1996 730 730 A A4i, B1i, C3 Site description A group of igneous rocks about 200 m off the west Alderney coast. 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1996. Habitats Rocky areas (100%; rock stacks/islets) These coastal habitats are used by wintering waders and grebes, as Land-use Not utilized well as breeding terns and gulls. Wintering Charadrius hiaticula occur in numbers important in a UK context (330 birds, 1991–1996, >1%). ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Protection status Sula bassana Gannet B 1994 3,380 3,380 A A4ii, B1ii, B2, C3 National None International None The IBA holds the larger of two important gannetries in the Channel ■ Conservation issues Islands. Threats Infrastructure (C), Recreation/tourism (B) ■ Protection status The coastline is under threat from land reclamation and marina National None International None development, with an increasing demand for leisure and recreational activities. ■ Conservation issues No serious threats are known at the site.

Jersey shoreline A4i, B1i 289 Admin region Channel Islands Ortac, Alderney B2 291 Coordinates 49°16’N 2°05’W Admin region Channel Islands Altitude 0–10 m Area 3,100 ha Coordinates 49°43’N 2°17’W Altitude 0–24 m Area 1 ha ■ Site description The area comprises extensive intertidal zones, bays and stretches of ■ Site description rocky shoreline. Exposed lengths of rocky shore and sheltered areas A Cambrian sandstone rock located 4.5 km off the west coast of of sand and silt support a characteristic flora and fauna, including Alderney. important invertebrate communities. Habitats Rocky areas (100%; rock stacks/islets) Habitats Scrub (heathland), Wetland (mudflat/sandflat; sand-dunes/sand beach; shingle/ Land-use Not utilized stony beach), Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore) Land-use Tourism/recreation ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria ■ Birds Sula bassana Gannet B 1994 2,100 2,100 A B2 Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria The site supports the smaller of two gannetries in the Channel Islands. 1 Arenaria interpres Turnstone W 1996 700 700 A A4i, B1i, C3 1. Mean annual peak 1991–1996. ■ Protection status The IBA is important for wintering waders and geese. Branta bernicla National None International None bernicla winter in numbers important in a UK context (1,200 birds, 1991–1996, >1%) and Egretta garzetta congregate in flocks of up to ■ Conservation issues 150 birds (1991–1996). No serious threats are known at the site.

816 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ THE ISLE OF MAN

GENERAL INTRODUCTION pairs of breeding Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, with the Isle of Man sea cliffs holding a further 71 pairs of P. pyrrhocorax, 210 pairs of gulls The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown Dependency and as such Larus marinus, up to 440 pairs of Phalacrocorax aristotelis and a has its own administrative system, with its own laws. population of Larus argentatus that is important in a European The Isle of Man covers an area of 587.9 km2 and is located in context. Although the Circus cyaneus is strictly a breeding season the Irish Sea between England and Northern Ireland. There is a SPEC, its population at Ballaugh Curraghs during the winter is so central highland area, with a smaller southern range adjacent to significant (120 birds) that it has been allowed to qualify under B2. the west coast. The northern part of the island and part of the south- The Isle of Man is not part of the EU so C criteria do not east are flat lowlands, much of which are cultivated. The coast is a apply. mixture of cliffs and sandy/shingle-bays; the large hilly island of the Calf of Man lies off the south coast. There are four IBAs in the Isle of Man, covering over 190 km2. HABITATS Three sites were identified in the 1989 inventory, with a further two identified in 1992 (Ballaugh Curraghs and The Isle of Man Both the Calf of Man (293) and the Isle of Man sea sliffs (295) are hills). The Ayres (former site 003) no longer qualifies, while Sea rocky coastal areas, with beaches and stacks. The Isle of Man hills cliffs of Ramsey to Castleton and from Port St Mary to Peel (former (294) is an upland area of moorland and grassland, with associated site 001) has been renamed as Isle of Man sea cliffs (Table 7, Map 3). wetland habitats. Ballaugh Curraghs (292) encompasses the largest area of willow carr and marshland on the island and has extensive areas of bog. ORNITHOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

The Isle of Man IBAs mainly qualify for the review by holding IMPACTS ON IBAs – LAND-USE AND THREATS significant populations of SPECs. The Isle of Man hills supports up to 30 pairs of breeding Circus cyaneus, the Calf of Man holds 10 The main threats to birds in the Isle of Man are through changes in land-use. Much of the maritime heath inland from the coastal cliffs is traditionally managed, and continued grazing and controlled Map 3. Location, area and criteria category of Important Bird heather-burning regimes are important, especially for feeding Areas in the Isle of Man. Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. There is some direct disturbance to sites from human persecution of Falco peregrinus nests and tourism in coastal areas. Drainage and the consequent reduction in open water and IRISH SEA encroachment of willow carr have considerably reduced the areas of bog at Ballaugh Curraghs since the 1860s. The main land-use 292 295 change to The Isle of Man hills is from commercial afforestation, 0 10 20 which initially provided nesting sites for Circus cyaneus as enclosure Highest category of km criteria met by IBA reduced grazing pressure and permitted the growth of tall heather. However, as plantations grow these nesting areas will again be 294 B (4 IBAs) Area of IBA (ha) reduced. 1,700 1,300 375 PROTECTION STATUS 250 293 ■ National protection The Wild Birds Protection Act 1887 was the first legislation passed in the Isle of Man to protect birds, and was extended and consolidated Table 7. Summary of Important 4 IBAs covering 190 km2 by subsequent Acts in 1932, 1955 and 1975. The Wildlife Act 1990 Bird Areas in the Isle of Man. incorporates and updates the Protection of Birds Acts, extending IBA National 1989 International/ Administrative protection to specified mammals and plants, and permits the creation code code code National name region Area (ha) Criteria of National Nature Reserves, Marine Reserves and the notification 292 004 — Ballaugh Curraghs Isle of Man 375 B2 of Areas of Special Scientific Interest. It is based on the British 293 002 002 Calf of Man Isle of Man 250 B2 Wildlife and Countryside Acts 1981–1985, and the Northern Ireland 294 005 — The Isle of Man hills Isle of Man 17,100 B2 Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order 1985. 295 001 001 Isle of Man sea cliffs Isle of Man 1,300 B1i, B2, B3 ■ International protection Site identified in the previous inventory of IBAs in Europe (Grimmett and Jones 1989), and the Because the Isle of Man is not part of the EU it is not covered the inventory of IBAs in the UK (Pritchard et al. 1992), but no longer considered to be an IBA Wild Birds Directive. It is covered through the UK by several 003 The Ayres. conventions (Box 1, page 728).

■ SITE ACCOUNTS

Ballaugh Curraghs B2 292 Habitats Scrub (scrub), Wetland (standing fresh water; raised bog; water-fringe Admin region Isle of Man vegetation; fen/transition mire/spring) Coordinates 54°19’N 4°30’W Land-use Not utilized Altitude 15–15 m Area 375 ha ■ Birds ■ Site description Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Areas of bog and open water covering the flat glacial moraine deposits Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier W 1995 — 120 A B2 of the northern plain. Extensive areas of Salix carr and shrub surround the wetlands. The IBA holds the largest Circus cyaneus roost in UK and Isle of Man.

817 Important Bird Areas in Europe – United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

■ Protection status at 621 m. The hills run north-east to south-west, and are divided by a National None International None central valley formed by the Rivers Dhoo and Neb.

■ Conservation issues ■ Birds Threats Drainage (U) Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier R 1990 29 — A B2 The site also holds important numbers of breeding Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (5 pairs, 1992, 1%). Calf of Man B2 293 Admin region Isle of Man ■ Protection status Coordinates 54°03’N 4°49’W National None International None Altitude 0–128 m Area 250 ha ■ Conservation issues ■ Site description Threats Agricultural intensification/expansion (U) Lying 400 m off the south-western tip of the Isle of Man, the Calf has a rugged coastline with steep slate cliffs of varying height. Habitat- Overgrazing has reduced the botanical interest of the site. types present include maritime heath and grassland. The island was farmed until 1958, and is currently grazed by Manx loaghtan sheep. Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore; scree/ Isle of Man sea cliffs B1i, B2, B3 295 boulders) Admin region Isle of Man Land-use Agriculture, Nature conservation/research Coordinates 54°18’N 4°22’W Altitude 0–233 m Area 1,300 ha ■ Birds ■ Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Site description Stretches of slate cliffs of varying profile, some are high, steep and Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1992 — 10 A B2 vertical, others are rounded and low. Several small bays and Baie The IBA is important for breeding seabirds and other cliff-nesters. ny Carrickey are also included in the site. Habitat-types present include agricultural land, moorland and maritime heath. ■ Protection status Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Rocky areas (sea cliff/rocky shore), Artificial National None International None landscape (arable land) Land-use Agriculture ■ Conservation issues No serious threats are known at the site, which is run as a bird observatory. ■ Birds Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria Phalacrocorax aristotelis Shag B 1996 390 440 A B3 The Isle of Man hills B2 294 1 Larus argentatus Herring Gull B 1994 5,800 5,800 A B1i 1 Admin region Isle of Man Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull B 1994 210 210 A B3 Coordinates 54°13’N 4°33’W Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Chough R 1992 43 43 A B2 Altitude 46–621 m Area 17,100 ha 1. Colonies counted in different years. The IBA is important for breeding seabirds and other cliff-nesters. ■ Site description ■ Protection status Habitats Scrub (heathland), Grassland, Wetland (river/stream), Artificial landscape National None International None (forestry plantation) Land-use Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism/recreation ■ Conservation issues The area is characterized by upland heather and grass moorland, No serious threats are known at the site. Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and includes 19 peaks over 400 m with the highest, Snaefell, standing monitoring is carried out annually by the Manx Chough Project.

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