Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2nd Edition 2016­2026

Incorporating the local authority areas of Angus and Perth & Kinross

Every Action Counts! Scottish Wildcat © Scottish Wildcat Action

2 Chairman’s Message

Anyone glancing at this latest Biodiversity Action Plan for Tayside could be forgiven for feeling a little daunted at the scale of the tasks identified in the Actions. Indeed, the scale of what we need to do over the years ahead is large if we are to pass on to our future generations a land that is as rich and varied in all its forms of life as the one that we have inherited. The hope that we can rise to this challenge comes from the sheer goodwill of so many people and organisations willing to give their time and effort to look after our wildlife, whether it be found in the remoter hills or closer to home in our towns and villages. Great examples of what can be achieved when we work together with a little direction and thought applied can be found throughout the following pages. This Action Plan arrives at a time of great uncertainty, particularly in rural areas which have been so dependent on public funding for so much of our land use. Following the Brexit vote, we have to take the view that this must be an opportunity to improve on our delivery of so many of the tasks identified in this Plan and others which, if achieved, will improve the life of all of us along with all the many forms of life that we share this country with. That is what this Biodiversity Action Plan is about and I am delighted to give it a very warm welcome!

Andrew Barbour Chair ­ Tayside Biodiversity Partnership

TAYSIDE VISION By 2030 Tayside will have a fully functioning ecosystem network "from summit to sand" ­ reaching from the Angus Glens and Highland Perthshire to the Tay Estuary, the Angus coast and beyond to the marine environment. Visitors and residents alike will be able to learn about the area's rich biodiversity and will be keen to protect and enhance it. Both the rural and urban environment will be delivering benefits essential for everyone, from helping to reduce flooding, assisting species to adapt to climate change, and ensuring there is no further loss of biodiversity.

3 Contents

Chairman’s Message p3 • Tayside Vision p3 What is Biodiversity? p5 What is the Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan? p5 Who is it for? p5 How can I get Involved? p5 Introduction p6 • Working in Partnership p6 • Our Biodiversity is Threatened p6 • Local Biodiversity Action Plans in Context: From Rio to Tayside p7 o International p7 o National p7 o Local p8 • A Local Plan for Local People p9 o Every Action Counts! p10 o Links with Other Local Plans p10 o Natural Capital p10 o Climate Change p11 Policy Context p12 Scottish Biodiversity List p13 Action for Key Species p14 Landscape Statements p18 • Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan Map p22 TAYSIDE BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN • Water and Wetland Ecosystems p24 • Coastal and Marine Ecosystems p36 • Urban Ecosystems p50 • Upland Ecosystems p64 • Farmland Ecosystems p78 • Woodland Ecosystems p90 • People and Communications p108 • Tayside Geodiversity Action Plan p120 Acknowledgements p126

Cover photographs: all copyright

4 What Is Biodiversity? It simply means “the variety of all living things”. It includes the tiniest insects and the largest trees – and us. We depend on biodiversity for our health, our well­being, and our economy. We benefit from pollination, natural flood prevention, soil creation, and the raw materials for our food and water, clothing, medicines, buildings, and roads. In Tayside, particularly, we depend on our landscape and iconic species for tourism; plants and animals are key components of our cultural heritage. Biodiversity enriches all our lives, whether it’s a butterfly visiting our garden or a blackbird heard from a hospital window.

What Is The Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan? The Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan (TLBAP) was first published in 2002 to focus attention on the conservation and enhancement of the region’s natural heritage and to address its decline. Much has changed in the intervening years and now, although the First Edition and its core objectives are still highly relevant, we need to consider the ecosystem approach being taken forward by the Scottish Government’s 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity, as well as update legislation, policy and actions.

Who Is It For? In answering the “who is it for” question, we need look no further than Magnus Magnusson’s Foreword to the first edition of the Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan when he pointed out that “biodiversity starts on our own doorstep”. “There is no point in publishing Biodiversity Action Plans, however all-encompassing, and then sitting back to admire them. They have to be dynamic. They have to evolve. It depends on us – all of us, not just the statutory bodies, local authorities and agencies charged with safeguarding Tayside’s biodiversity – farmers and foresters, land managers and business entrepreneurs, hoteliers and tourist operators, pupils and students of our schools and colleges.We all have a vital part to play in taking care of Scotland’s natural heritage and to passing on our inheritance to future generations in even better shape than when it was bequeathed to us. Magnus Magnusson, KBE ­ 2002

How Can I Get Involved? It is all about scale – everyone can make a space for nature in their garden, school grounds or workplace surroundings. Community groups often aim to achieve one goal but then encompass new people, new projects. Land managers can work together to achieve a landscape­scale project. Local authorities can mainstream key biodiversity tasks in their day­to­day work and collaborate across boundaries to integrate larger­scale projects. The Tayside Biodiversity Partnership’s Working Groups oversee a very wide range of projects and help set up new ones; new members are always welcome. There are many volunteer groups needing help with wildlife surveys or small­scale projects – and importantly, there are many organisations working locally needing help to clean up our beaches, plant new trees or make wildlife­friendly gardens.

5 Introduction

The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 places a biodiversity duty on all public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity and to have regard to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy’s 2020 Challenge. This is helping to mainstream the biodiversity process in many organisations, including local authority services. The latter’s 2012­2014 reporting on their Biodiversity Duty showed just how much progress has been made to date, but also how much there is still to achieve.

Working in Partnership led to the Tayside BeeWild Initiative. A growing It was not so obvious at the time of the need to encourage pollinating insects in urban publication of the 1st Edition, but there are two areas has shown that care homes, businesses and very important elements to the Tayside schools can all play their part. The pilot project in Biodiversity Action Plan – the fruitful partnership Angus is providing a suite of wildlife kits to eleven working that brings people and organisations sites to encourage the number of urban together in safeguarding our habitats and species pollinators. ­ and the increasing community involvement. Tayside has many committed volunteers working Our Biodiversity is Threatened tirelessly to improve their local area – and at the The Scottish Government publishes official same time, they are contributing to not just local biodiversity indicators, which are used, together targets, but national and international targets too. with others, to describe the state of the environment in Scotland. In 2013 the long ­term For instance, what started as a simple Town Swift trends showed that there is a decrease in both Survey in 2005 now takes in much of Tayside, breeding seabirds and wintering water birds, as including the glens and coastal areas. Surveys in well as a decrease in flowering plant diversity. specific towns have enhanced our understanding There is overall little change where butterflies and on where swifts are nesting – and with the moths are concerned and a long ­term increase in ongoing threat of exclusion from renovated and terrestrial breeding birds and freshwater restored buildings why their numbers are invertebrates. declining. Mapping Swift Priority Zones helps to highlight where best to suggest planning conditions on newbuilds and renovated buildings. The pilot Carse of Gowrie Swift Conservation Project involved schools, businesses and local groups to pave the way for a sustainable and ongoing project. This led to a three year project advising property owners within the Kirriemuir Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme how best to safeguard their swift nest sites. Many community swift projects are following suit, with the Stanley Swift Project being highlighted in the Action Plan.

One project often leads to another. The success of the Zoom Bumblebee Survey (which shared sightings of our six most common bumblebees in Tayside with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust)

Puffin @ SNH

6 Our native water vole has taken to the hills, but is nearly extinct elsewhere in the region Water vole © Alan Ross

However, the State of Nature report also published Local Biodiversity Action Plans In in 2013 outlined some alarming conclusions – one Context: From Rio To Tayside being that our marine ecosystems are in trouble where climate change is concerned. Small International changes in sea temperature seem to be disrupting A generation ago in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro’s populations of phytoplankton which in turn are “United Nations Earth Summit”, 168 countries, affecting entire food webs. The end result is fewer including Britain, ratified the Convention on sand eels and this means less food for our iconic Biological Diversity (the CBD). The document seabirds of which five out of twelve species are required each signatory to develop national declining strongly. strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Our flowering plants are demonstrating similar patterns of change ­ 54% of species are declining Two years later the UK Government published its and 28% are strongly declining. Populations of UK Biodiversity Action Plan which prioritised the Mountain hare have started to decline more habitats and species that needed most recently, whereas Red squirrel numbers remain at conservation. Nearly 400 Species Action Plans and suppressed levels. 45 Habitat Action Plans were also published, each with time ­limited targets to measure their Yet there is huge will amongst most of us to turn success. this round. The loss of our ancient woodlands and raised bogs is galvanising us into landscape ­ National scale action, and our need to prevent flooding is The Scottish Biodiversity Group (later, Forum) encouraging widespread discussion amongst was set up in 1996 to oversee the implementation many partners on the best way forward where of the relevant UK Action Plans in Scotland. As we natural flood management is concerned. Taking go to publication we find ourselves in 2016 into account the future impacts of climate change celebrating Twenty Years of Local Biodiversity at a landscape scale, an ecosystems approach will Partnerships. help many of our species which find themselves at a critical level. The first Scottish Biodiversity Strategy: “It’s in Your Hands” was revised and a supplementary document ‘The 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity’ was ratified by the Scottish Government cabinet in 2013 to take into account the international Aichi goals and targets agreed by the United Nations General Assembly. The two documents are collectively known as the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy which aims to “protect and restore biodiversity on land and in our seas, and

7 Lichens are used as bio - indicators of air quality © CAG Lloyd

to support healthier ecosystems”. This echoes the The new targets within the Scottish Biodiversity mission of the EU Strategic Plan for Biodiversity Strategy are worryingly large and place a great 2011 ­20 “to take effective and urgent action to deal of responsibility on the Local Biodiversity halt the loss of biodiversity in order to ensure that Action Plans. The Strategy requests that public by 2020 ecosystems are resilient and continue to bodies, environmental charities, local provide essential services”. communities, businesses and landowners/ managers maximise the benefits of a diverse In 2015 the Scottish Government published natural environment and engage people with the “Scotland’s Biodiversity: a Route Map to 2020” natural world. All this comes at a time when which acknowledges that much valuable work is staffing levels are at an all ­time low and funding is underway and planned by public agencies, Local increasingly difficult to find. It is now urgent to Biodiversity Action Plan Partnerships and local continue to roll out not just small ­scale projects, authorities. The Route Map outlines Six Big Steps but to also look at ways to set up larger for Nature: ecosystem ­based initiatives with much greater

1 Ecosystem restoration – to meet the Aichi partnership working. Sharing knowledge and

target of restoring 15% of degraded experience will be just as important to prevent

ecosystems; any reinventing of the wheel and to inspire landscape ­scale thinking with in ­built 2 Investment in natural capital – to ensure the sustainability. benefits which nature provides are better understood and appreciated; Local To ensure national biodiversity objectives are 3 Quality greenspace for health and education delivered at a local level there are some 25 Local benefits – to ensure that the majority of people Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) areas across derive increased benefits from contact with Scotland. Many LBAPs are based within the local nature where they live and work; authorities, but there are several Partnerships that 4 Conserving wildlife in Scotland – to secure the reach across boundaries. The North East Scotland future of priority habitats and species; LBAP, for instance, covers Moray, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Until 2011, the Tayside 5 Sustainable management of land and Biodiversity Partnership also covered three local freshwater – to ensure that environmental, authority areas (Angus, Dundee City, Perth & social and economic elements are well Kinross). balanced; 6 Sustainable management of marine and The Partnership first met in 1998 and a Co ­ coastal ecosystems – to secure a healthy ordinator was appointed in 2000. In Tayside, the balance between environmental, social and biodiversity process was funded for the first 3.5 economic elements. years by the SITA Trust and then shared between Scottish Natural Heritage and the three local

8 Foxgloves are commercially grown for pharmaceutical use © CAG Lloyd

authorities. Dundee City Council left the The biodiversity process is a dynamic one, Partnership in 2011 and SNH remains a non ­ involving a vast range of people who can all make funding Partner. The lead partners are Angus and a difference. Many of the key players are listed in Perth & Kinross Council, but we regularly the individual ecosystems Actions Schedules. collaborate with our neighbours, in particular the They include statutory bodies, local authorities, Cairngorms National Park Authority and the businesses and non ­governmental organisations. North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership. As They also include local community groups, some the Scottish Biodiversity Officers’ Network meets of them directly named. As ever, it is often down twice a year there is also an opportunity to to individuals working in partnership with others exchange information at a Scotland ­wide level. to kick ­start projects and in the years to come we will meet new community groups and people The 1st Edition of the Tayside Biodiversity Action keen to take responsibility for their local patch. Plan focussed on the UK Priority Species and The Action Plan has to remain flexible because of Habitats found in Tayside but as our this to respond to changes in local policy, the understanding of biodiversity has changed much environment and the local communities in the past decade, the 2nd Edition is taking a themselves. much wider approach, looking instead at our ecosystem services. The strength of Local Biodiversity Partnerships is that they bring together organisations who are The purpose of the 2nd Edition being a 10 year already undertaking tasks, but working together Action Plan is that we will be reporting on our we can widen them or make them more inclusive. short and medium ­term actions for the 2020 Duplication of effort can be avoided and new Challenge, but keeping the long ­term picture in ideas mooted to an interested audience who can mind as new international and national targets and do make a difference. Collaboration is now are set beyond 2020. becoming ever more important with the need to A Local Plan for Local People plan on a landscape ­scale. It would be easy to step back and let the larger organisations take this task Without a concerted effort to conserve our local on, but in fact there are many more opportunities biodiversity nothing will be achieved. Our Tayside to bring people together and achieve even more. Biodiversity Working Groups draw members from as wide an audience as possible; the Actions Schedules identify objectives and targets for the conservation of the ecosystem, habitat and species and then the actions required to achieve them.

9 Bringing Biodiversity to the workplace – every action counts! © Kelly Ann Dempsey

Every Action Counts! Now there is an ecosystem approach, it is A key part of the biodiversity process is the important the Plans link across local authority monitoring and review of agreed actions. This is boundaries so that there are shared actions and a now achieved via the UK Biodiversity Action greater audience. The Tayside Biodiversity Recording System (UKBARS). The Working Groups Partnership area is bounded by six other LBAP will continue to draw up project proforma from areas – North ­East Scotland, Stirling, the actions listed in the Actions Schedule and Clackmannanshire, Fife and the two National Park Lead Partners, joint partners and contributors to Authorities ­ the Cairngorms, and Loch Lomond & each action will be included within the web ­based the Trossachs. The Cairngorms National Park UKBARS. Lead Partners will have the opportunity Authority overlaps into the Tayside LBAP area, to report back regularly on progress being made taking in the Angus Glens and Highland and the Partnership will be in a position to report Perthshire. The Northern Region Biodiversity on its overall achievements at the close of the Officers meet regularly to discuss links and 2020 Challenge. projects encompassing Tayside, North East Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority Links with Other Local Plans and Highland areas. There is further collaboration It is essential to link the LBAPs’ objectives and with the North East Green Network which is targets to other plans in Tayside. Key processes looking into the potential of cross ­boundary and policies that can play a role in biodiversity projects. include: • Community Planning Natural Capital Many businesses are including the conservation • Local Authority land use development plans and restoration of biodiversity into their decision (Local Development Plans) making, not for altruistic reasons, but to limit the • Local Authority Forestry and Woodland Plans potential climate change and biodiversity loss that is likely to affect their bank balance. The • Angus Shoreline Management Plan 2 (Angus United Nations has undertaken a great deal of Council) research on The Economics of Ecosystems and • River Catchment Management Plans Biodiversity (TEEB). • Natural Heritage Zones (SNH) The term ‘natural capital’ is seen by many as • Environmental Management Systems commodifying biodiversity but is described in • Business Site Biodiversity Action Plans Scotland’s Natural Capital Asset Index 2015 as ‘the elements of nature that directly or indirectly • Agri­ environment Schemes produce value for people, including ecosystems, • Local Site Management Plans species, freshwater and land’. In the 2015 report it • Neighbouring LBAPs was noted that coastal, inland surface waters and woodland natural capital stocks have recovered,

10 Woodland harvest - a provisioning ecosystem service © Kelly Ann Dempsey

but that heathland and bogs natural capital stocks • There will be local species extinctions as have declined. Inland surface water delivers a habitats become more fragmented. wide range of ecosystem services and its recovery • As the seasons change, early or late is the key reason for Scotland’s natural capital to appearance of prey or forage species may show the recent positive trend. Future threats to cause population declines in our native our natural capital include invasive non ­native wildlife. species and climate change.

Climate Change In the Tayside LBAP’s 1st Edition the subject of climate change warranted a few lines under the “Wider Issues Outwith the Plan” section. However, we are all now cognisant with the fact that climate change is having a significant effect on our environment and there are likely to be many challenges for our biodiversity in the years to come. Many of these will include negative impacts: • Sea level rise and increased storms as global climates change may cause foreshore steepening, allowing increased wave attack at the base of the dunes and exacerbating coastal erosion. • As the intensity of heavy rainfall events increase, flooding severity will have greater impacts on the movement of sediment, invasive species and erosion. Our coasts are vulnerable to climate change@ Kelly Ann Dempsey • As sea temperature rises, marine invasive species may also find it easier to colonise new With an ecosystems approach, however, there will areas. be many opportunities to plan habitat networks and ensure our greenspaces and farmed land are • Terrestrial species will become more restricted linked by way of wildlife corridors. New country ­ in distribution as their habitats change. wide guidance will suggest how best to cope with • More robust species are likely to expand and weather patterns, new pests and crops and this colonise new areas to the detriment of native will be revisited when the 2nd Edition is reviewed species. This will include a greater number of in 2020. pests and diseases affecting our trees and crops.

11 Policy Context

The Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan 2016 – 2026 The WANE Act also introduced a requirement for has been developed to contribute to the delivery all public bodies to make publicly available a of Scottish, UK and European policies, plans and report on their compliance with the Biodiversity strategies. This section will be updated in 2020 but Duty which was enshrined in the Nature as at publication the following will be taken into Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. The reports are consideration: to be prepared every three years; the first reports were made available online in January 2015. UK Biodiversity Framework The UK Biodiversity Framework has succeeded The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and Competing demands on Scotland's seas led to the there is now a strong National level focus. The enactment of the Marine (Scotland) Act which Scottish Biodiversity List contributes to the overall places a duty to protect and enhance the marine ‘All UK BAP Species’ list. environment. Marine conservation is a key measure which aims to improve marine nature Scottish Biodiversity Strategy – and historic conservation with new powers to The 2020 Challenge protect and manage areas of importance for Aichi Targets set in 2011 by the United Nations marine wildlife and habitats. Convention on Biological Diversity aim to halt the loss of biodiversity and to restore the essential Statutory Designated Sites services that healthy ecosystems provide. Tayside is home to many designated sites. Scotland’s response to the EU’s Biodiversity Qualifying features, which can be habitats or Strategy for 2020 is the Scottish Biodiversity species, are protected through a range of Sites of Strategy ‘2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Natura sites Biodiversity’. which are a network of European protected areas – Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act Special Protection Areas (SPAs). 2004 Water Framework Directive The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 places a duty on public bodies to further the The EU legislative Water Framework Directive conservation of biodiversity, not just in specific (WFD) came into force in 2000 to improve and protected sites, but connecting people with the protect the water environment with a focus on environment and managing biodiversity in the catchment­scale systems. The WFD required the wider environment around us. The Act also production of River Basin Management Plans increased protection for Sites of Special Scientific (RBMPs) covering all types of water body. The Tay Interest (SSSI), amended legislation on Nature RBMP is integral to the area covered by the Conservation Orders, required the preparation of Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan and a second, a Scottish Fossil Code (published 2008) and and possibly third RBMP will come into force strengthened wildlife enforcement legislation. during the lifetime of this Plan.

The Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan is a means to Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 fulfilling the statutory duty placed by the Act on Climate change is a recognised threat to all public bodies in encouraging staff to further biodiversity and the Climate Change (Scotland) the conservation of biodiversity by positively Act has set Scotland’s targets to reduce emissions managing their environment and interaction with of greenhouse gases by 80 per cent by 2050. There biodiversity. is an interim target of 42 per cent by 2020. Adaptation is central to the delivery of strategies Wildlife and Natural Environment to limit biodiversity loss. (Scotland) Act 2011 Scottish Land Use Strategy The Scottish Government enacted the WANE Act to make the law on wildlife and the natural The Scottish Land Use Strategy 2016­2021 is a key environment more efficient, effective and commitment of Section 57 of the Climate Change proportionate. The Act supports animal welfare (Scotland) Act 2009. It will be reviewed every five issues, the management of invasive non­native years and provides a strategic framework that species, the administration of species licensing, addresses how we can sustainably manage land in and sustainable economic activity, particularly in Scotland. Public sector bodies are expected to the countryside. take a leading role by developing and

12 implementing plans and strategies that utilise its The Scottish Biodiversity List core principles. Partnership working is seen as key and the Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan will be The Scottish Biodiversity List is a spreadsheet of the main driver of biodiversity action in relation species and habitats that Scottish Ministers to the Strategy. consider to be of principal importance for biodiversity conservation in Scotland. It has been Scottish Forestry Strategy updated to take into account the review of the The core principles of the Scottish Forestry original UKBAP Priorities list. The purpose of the Strategy are based on sustainable development list is to help public bodies undertake their and social inclusion, achieved through a culture Biodiversity Duty but it is also a useful source of of ‘forestry for and with people’ and delivered in information for anyone interested in nature well­managed forests and woodlands that conservation in Scotland. integrate effectively with other land uses and businesses. The Scottish Forestry Strategy A spreadsheet containing a simple listing of the Implementation Plan 2015­18 includes habitats and species is available on the Scottish background details to the Forestry Indicators and Government website: their progress. http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/Wildlif e­Habitats/16118/Biodiversitylist/SBL. This Scotland Rural Development includes land and freshwater species; land and Programme and Agricultural Policy freshwater habitats; marine species and habitats. Funding opportunities identified in the 2014­2020 SRDP and any subsequent programmes may A version which includes Categories of Action is provide opportunities to deliver Tayside currently being prepared by Scottish Natural Biodiversity Action Plan project work ­ Heritage: particularly in upland and farmland settings. The • Conservation action needed (which includes Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has wide­ the habitats and species in most urgent need ranging benefits to Scotland and our rural of conservation action); communities, and may support habitat creation and enhancement as well as species conservation. • Avoiding negative impacts: this includes three categories ­ protected species or habitats, rare National Outcomes – or restricted distribution, and significant The Scottish Government decline; There are a series of National Outcomes which • Watching brief only which includes two help sharpen the focus of government and categories ­ on the UKBAP list but not provide a clear structure for delivery. Three considered to be at particular risk in Scotland; Outcomes relevant to the Tayside Biodiversity species with international obligations not Action Plan include the built and natural picked up in the other categories for action. environment, local and global environmental impact, and strong, resilient and supportive communities. Many of the 55 National Indicators It is hoped a Tayside version will also become are also relevant. Delivering the Tayside available during the life of this Action Plan. There Biodiversity Action Plan will directly contribute to is the original Tayside Priority Species list in the the delivery of Scottish Government and Local 1st Edition, but the data has not been updated Outcome Improvement Plans (currently being since the 1999 Tayside biodiversity audit. Working developed to supersede local Single Outcome with our Partners and the Tayside Recorders' Agreement). Forum a Tayside Biodiversity List will be prepared in the short­term and featured on the website.

13 Action for Key Species

Northern Brown Argus © Iain Cowe

Butterflies and Moths Bearded Tits Tayside holds significant populations of some The Tay Reedbeds cover 410 hectares and are butterflies and moths which are the highest home to a variety of specialised wildlife. Amongst priority for conservation in Scotland. Butterfly them is one of our most charismatic birds which Conservation's Regional Action Plan outlines the can be seen in only a few scattered locations main actions for survey and conservation work ­ throughout the country. http://eastscotland­ butterflies.org.uk/actionplans.html. The Bearded Tit first colonised the Tay Reedbeds On the Angus coast, the Small Blue is the current in the 1990s; they now hold c50% of the UK focus for activity, including the planting of its food population. The Tay Ringing Group has revealed plant, Kidney Vetch. The Northern Brown Argus much about this species’ requirements and and its food plant, Common Rock ­Rose, needs a movements. In 2014 an amazing 723 birds were focus too as there are small isolated colonies in the ringed at the reedbeds some of which dispersed Sidlaws and Glen Garry. far and wide throughout Scotland. Sympathetic The hills around Loch Rannoch are home to some habitat management is critical to the species’ of our most threatened upland moth species long­ term future. Work carried out by the RSPB including the Kentish Glory, Northern Dart and and Tay Ringing Group (www.tayringinggroup.org) Small Dark Yellow Underwing: in some areas there is ensuring this colourful and engaging bird are no post ­2000 records so further surveys are continues to thrive. urgently needed.

Bearded Tits © Vicky Turnbull

14 Formica Aquilonia © Craig Macadam

Wood Ants Amphibians and Reptiles Tayside hosts both the Hairy wood ant and the The Tayside Amphibian & Reptile Group (TayARG) Scottish wood ant. Both are Priority Species that is raising awareness of our herpetofauna to a wide are limited in their distribution and currently audience: from roads engineers and planners to experiencing a population decline. local communities and species specialists. The area hosts Smooth, Palmate and Great Crested Wood ants play an essential part in the ecosystem, Newts, together with Common Lizard, Adder and dispersing seeds, stimulating the roots and shoots Slow­ worm: all Priority Species. of trees, distributing nutrients around the woodland and as a food source for birds and The Amphibian in Drains project is helping to Badgers. Nest Quest is a Buglife citizen science safeguard our declining numbers of Common Frog project encouraging us to search for Wood ant and Common Toad, also listed as Priority Species. nests ­ these resemble large piles of pine needles Sustainable Drainage in both urban and rural next to a tree or a tussock of grass and are found in areas is the next key focus, as is the rolling out of coniferous, mixed and broadleaved forests. Wood the Tayside Pond Doctor projects. Further ants need the sun to keep their nest warm so will information is available from choose somewhere not too shaded. Take part via http://www.arguk.org/local­ groups and there is a https://www.buglife.org.uk/nest­ quest. lively Facebook page which keeps everyone in touch with volunteer events and training workshops.

Smooth newt © D Muir

15 Bottlenose dolphin © WDC/Charlie Philips

Marine Life Scottish Wildcat The Angus coastline is a wildlife watching secret ­ The Angus Glens is one of the best areas in home to a wide range of coastal and marine Scotland for wildcat and maintaining a strong habitats and species. The Marine Life Angus population is key to halting and then reversing the website introduces some of these sites and species decline of this unique mammal. Scottish Wildcat and offers an opportunity to report cetacean Action http://www.scottishwildcataction.org/ is a sightings at www.marinelifeangus.co.uk. five year collaborative project involving more than 20 partners. Its monitoring of the wildcat The information is used to help understand and population will inform conservation approaches, conserve our maritime habitats and species. promote land management actions beneficial to Tayside Priority Species include Bottlenose Scottish wildcats (e.g. wildcat ­friendly predator dolphin, Harbour porpoise and Minke whale and control), and will promote responsible cat there are occasional visits from other species too. ownership within the local community. By collecting presence, behavioural and sightings frequency data along our coast we can build a Whilst the Action Plan has been developed within picture of how these mammals use our coastal the Scottish Environmental policy context, waters and suggest protective measures where volunteer engagement is vital for collecting needed. valuable data on this iconic species.

Scottish Wildcat © Scottish Wildcat Action

16 Smolts © Atlantic Salmon Trust

Atlantic Salmon Fungi In the economic, social, environmental and Local Fungus Recording Groups are run by cultural context of Tayside the wild Atlantic enthusiasts keen to share their knowledge and salmon is a vitally important species. The east help improve identification skills ­ coast is a stronghold for it, despite the decline in http://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/. The Tayside & overall numbers. Our rivers continue to generate Fife Fungal Group has a very large area to cover, large numbers of young salmon (smolts) which especially as it has not been intensively surveyed migrate to ocean feeding grounds where they feed and many species no doubt remain undiscovered. for between one and four years. Habitat is all important: old meadows, unsprayed and unfertilised, host Waxcaps (the Hygrocybe EU Special Areas of Conservation on Tayside species), whereas the coastal areas include salmon rivers are targeted at the management of specialised species such as Dune Stinkhorn. Old wild Atlantic salmon and the endangered woodlands with plenty of dead wood host Boletus, Freshwater pearl mussel. The Scottish Chanterelle and the rare Golden Cap Government’s ending of the practice of mixed (Phaeolepiota aurea), the latter often associated stocks coastal netting ensures more salmon gain with nettles. The uplands have not been access to the Tay and the South Esk, both of which investigated in any great detail but they could hold continue to have sustainable runs of salmon. a number of very interesting fungi. Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland – www.rafts.org.uk.

Amanita Muscaria © Jim Cook

17 Landscape Statements

Glen Clova© VisitScotland

1 Angus Glens 2 Angus Coast Ancient glacial activity has created one of Our Angus coastline extends from Milton Ness Scotland’s most atmospheric and unspoilt in the north to Broughty Ferry Castle in the places, the Angus Glens, where you can south. It exhibits a wonderful diversity explore dramatic wild moorland, high cliffs unparalleled on the North Sea coast. These and rocky crags, as well as the birch woods and include volcanic headlands and sandstone waterfalls plunging down hillsides. cliffs, wide expanses of sand dunes and open bays. There are also muddy estuarine shallows, Each of the Glens is different in character but and sheltered saltmarsh, reedbed and is collectively home to a wonderful array of seagrass: all culminating at the mouth of the species. The rivers are rich in salmon and mighty River Tay. provide a refuge for the endangered Freshwater pearl mussel. Archetypal Scottish Abundant coastal and marine species make mammals abound – the elusive wildcat, Pine these habitats their home ­ roaming whales marten, Otter and Red squirrel, as well as and dolphins, and our renowned resident and Water voles. Golden eagles, Peregrines and migrant seabirds. Rockpools shine like jewels Ravens soar above the crags and Red deer and and summer coastal meadows contrast with Mountain hare roam the seasonably colourful the ever ­ changing sea and sky. hills.

Deil’ s Heid © VisitScotland

18 Glen Doll © Angus Council

3 Angus Rivers 4 Lowland Angus The Rivers North Esk, South Esk and Lunan Lowland Angus boasts some of the best quality Water, together with their tributaries, meander arable land in Scotland and so is intensively across the region, shaping the Angus farmed, predominantly with combinable crops landscape, and are joined by the River Isla, a and potatoes, but also vegetables, soft fruit tributary of the River Tay. and grass.

It is broken up by hedges, treelines and The North and South Esks are amongst the drystone dykes, as well as by wooded dens and most prolific salmon and sea trout rivers in riparian corridors. Post ­war intensification has Scotland, flowing from high in the Angus Glens seen these decrease as field sizes have into the sea. The South Esk has a range of increased. Spring barley maintains fields in nature conservation designations: it is stubble over winter and the area still hosts the designated a Special Area of Conservation for rare Corn Bunting as well as other important its Atlantic salmon and Freshwater pearl farmland species such as Yellowhammer, Tree mussels. In contrast, the Lunan Water flows sparrow, Linnet and Brown hare. out of Rescobie and Balgavies Lochs, both of which have SSSI status.

Farmland at Montrose Basin © Kelly Ann Dempsey

19 View across the Carse of Gowrie to Fife © Land Use Consultants

5 Carse of Gowrie 6 Highland Perthshire This distinct landscape stretches between Situated in the geographic centre of Scotland, Perth and Dundee. Upland heath succumbs to just north of the Highland Boundary Fault, the wooded valleys and waterfalls which landscape is one of steep ­sided wooded hills, eventually become pows (drainage ditches) fertile glens and picturesque lochs. The flowing into the Tay. A diversity of hedgerows majestic mountains host unique sub ­arctic and treelines line the fields. The area’s plants, Mountain hares and Ptarmigan – and redwoods were the first to be introduced into beyond lies the vast Rannoch Moor over which the UK by Patrick Matthew, famous also for his one of the world’s most scenic railways runs. evolution theory. Hidden away are ancient The region is known as Big Tree Country orchards with unique local varieties; fabulous because of its iconic trees, one of which is the for their burst of colour and in enticing bees Fortingall Yew, Europe’s oldest living thing. and birds. The area is famous for its birdlife, including The River Tay is internationally recognised as Golden eagle, Osprey, Capercaillie and Black having the largest continuous reed beds in the grouse. The area also abounds with Red UK. With their associated wetlands and mud squirrels, Badgers, Red deer and Pine martens. flats, they support large numbers of rare insects, some unknown elsewhere in Scotland. The reed beds' golden winter hues are critical for overwintering birds.

Carn Liath, Beinn a'Ghlo © CAG Lloyd

20 Loch Rannoch © CAG Lloyd

7 Tay Catchment 8 Tay Estuary With a length of 193 kilometres, the River Tay is From the Tay Railway Bridge in the east to the the longest river in Scotland, stretching from confluence of the River Earn and up to the Ben Lui to the Firth of Tay near Dundee – and Queen’s Bridge in Perth, the Tay Estuary is one it is teeming with internationally­ important of the largest in Scotland and at its widest, wildlife. It encompasses coastal, lowland, 2.5km across. Inter ­ tidal sand and mud flats upland and transitional landscapes. extend seaward out to the estuary’s main Picturesque tributaries include the Rivers channel offering Common, Grey and Harbour Garry, Tummel, Lyon, Braan, Isla and Almond. seals great resting spots from their foraging on The largest lochs include scenic Loch the many species found in the tidal waters. Rannoch, Loch Ericht and Loch Tay ­ many of Saltmarsh and Phragmites reedbeds stretch the lochs and rivers are managed to produce along its shores, providing nationally hydropower. important habitat for Greylag and Pink ­footed The Highland Boundary Fault cuts across the geese, Bearded tit, Marsh harrier, Cormorant, catchment from Glen Almond to Kirriemuir Goldeneye and Water rail. The abundance of and marks distinct differences in topography, insect life attracts huge numbers of Swallows climate and land use. North of the fault the and Sand martins on their autumn passage – a catchment includes forestry, rough grassland, sight to behold as the seasons change. heather and montane habitat. To the south, it is lowland in nature – more settlements and largely arable.

Tay Estuary © CAG Lloyd

21 22 23 1 Water & Wetland Ecosystems

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Background Tayside has a rich heritage of water and wetland The rivers and burns in Tayside tend to be fast habitats and their associated species. This diversity flowing and nutrient poor and hold a wealth of is due in large part to a complex geology and varied habitats and rare wildlife. As important wildlife landscape. The division of the area by the Highland corridors, they enable dispersion and migration of Boundary Fault is one feature which gives rise to species, interconnecting fragmented populations. some of the most valuable habitats in the region. They are particularly valuable in Tayside with a Tayside is dominated by the River Tay catchment total length of over 5,000km not only making them which drains the largest area of any river in essential to wildlife but also a familiar and Scotland. It has the largest mean average annual important part of everyone’s environment. Nine of flow of any river in the UK in terms of volume at these important waterways have been labelled nearly 200 cubic metres per second. “Freshwater Fish Protected Areas” under the Water Framework Directive.

24 Objectives Associated with these river networks are a large 1 Endeavour to reduce the direct pressures on water number of standing waters from the very large, and wetland ecosystems by implementing projects deep highland lochs to small ponds and lochans to protect and restore ecosystem health. and flood plain habitats such as wet woodlands, 2 Safeguard water and wetland ecosystem species swamp and marshes, flood meadows and and genetic diversity by enhancing connectivity reedbeds. Wetlands, and particularly running and where possible preventing their decline. waters, contribute to valuable habitat mosaics with thousands of kilometres of burns linking wildlife 3 Mainstream biodiversity conservation action by corridors between other terrestrial habitats. The raising awareness and the enjoyment of water margins of rivers and standing waters form the and wetland ecosystems. transitional zone between the aquatic and terrestrial environment.

25 Priority Habitats • Rivers and Burns • Lochs and Standing Water • Ponds and Pools • Wetlands • Lowland and Raised Bogs • Transition Fen Wetland, Glen Prosen © Kelly Ann Dempsey Key Sites Rivers and Burns Loch Clunie (SSSI, SPA) Dun’s Dish North Esk Loch of Drumellie or Marlee Loch Leven River Tay (SAC) (SSSI, SPA) Loch of Craiglush South Esk (SAC) Loch of Lintrathen (SSSI) Loch of the Lowes (SPA) Craighall Gorge (SSSI/SAC) Long Loch of Lundie (SSSI) Butterstone Loch The Den of Airlie (SSSI) Crombie Reservoir Loch Clunie (SPA) The Lunan Burn system Loch Monzievaird Loch of Drumelli or Marlee (SPA) (SSSI, SAC) Drumore Loch (SSSI) Loch Moraig Meikleour (SSSI) Laird’s Loch (SSSI) Laird’s Loch Shingle Islands (SSSI, SAC) Loch Leven (SSSI, SPA, SAC) Rescobie Loch Montrose Basin (SSSI/SPA & Rescobie Loch (SSSI) Restenneth Moss (SSSI) RAMSAR) Balgavies Loch (SSSI) Balgavies Loch White and Fingask Lochs Lochs and Standing Meikleour Area Open Water Monk Myre Monk Myre Loch Laidon Loch Kinnordy (SPA) Loch of Kinnordy Lochindores Loch Tay Ponds Loch Brandy Lochindores (SSSI) Raised Bogs Carsebreck Lochs (SAC) Kingoodie Quarry Ponds Cairnleith Moss Loch Con Vane Farm Ponds Glenquey Moss Dunalastair Water Bloody Inches/Meiklour (SSSI) Portmoak Moss Dun’s Dish (SSSI) Barry Mill Ponds Methven Moss Mesotrophic Lochs Barrie Buddon Ponds Shelforkie Moss Loch Moraig (SSSI) Pitmedden Forest Crook of Devon Moss Black Loch, Cleish (SSSI) Wetlands (all are Balloch Moss Loch of Craiglush part/whole SSSIs) Egnomoss Loch of Lowes (SPA,SSSI) Carsebreck Lochs Butterstone Loch (SSSI, SPA) Dunalistair Reservoir

Key Species • Salmonid species • Riparian mammals • Wading, wetland and diving birds • Freshwater invertebrates • Riparian, peatland and wetland plants Otter © SNH

26 Integrated Catchment Management in Practice

The River South Esk Catchment Partnership leads in allowing sustainable development of the ecosystem the delivery of ecosystem scale environmental services we derive from the catchment, landscape improvement initiatives in the Angus area. One of scale planning to mitigate the effects of climate only a handful of river catchment partnerships in change: all have played an important part in the Scotland, the partnership has implemented success of the partnership. innovative work in this relatively new strategic The partnership carries out its objectives through the partnership approach. dedication of its stakeholders and increasing levels of Main areas of success have been improving community participation. Local and national PR and community access to the river (an SAC for Atlantic awareness raising, sharing good practice, citizen salmon and Freshwater pearl mussels and an SPA science and community volunteering raise the and RAMSAR site for migratory birds) and the profile of the important species and habitats in the control of the spread of invasive non ­native species catchment. The work of a few improves the quality of including Japanese knotweed, Giant hogweed, the Angus environment for all of its residents. Himalayan balsam and American mink.

River restoration projects to aid in flood mitigation for affected towns such as Brechin, economic audits

Rottal Burn © Kelly Ann Dempsey

27 Ecosystem Pressures Abstraction of Water Removing large amounts of Services & Acidification water from a river or water Acidification happens in areas Ecosystem Scale body for use in arable farming where there is little underlying Projects and renewable energy schemes alkaline bedrock (such as can endanger many protected Ecosystem Services limestone) to neutralise acids. and priority species. • Flood management and Unnatural causes include acid natural attenuation rain from dissolved sulphuric Sedimentation • Regulation and improvement and nitric acid, livestock waste As a natural phenomenon, of water quality and nitrogen fertilisers. Natural sedimentation decreases the • Carbon sequestration causes include coniferous carrying capacity of rivers. (wetlands, bogs and tree forests close to a water body or However, unnatural levels can planting) acid rain caused from CO2 occur after activities such as • Water for irrigation dissolving. river works which can de­ stabilise banks. This can have a • Water and wetland­based Toxic or Organic negative effect on the riparian recreation and tourism Pollution zone particularly fish spawning These types of pollutants can • Climate regulation habitat and Freshwater Pearl be point source or from diffuse • Health and wellbeing Mussels Margaritifera sources. Organic pollution can • Renewable energy margaritifera. increase the concentration of

Ecosystem Scale Projects nutrients within a water body, Climate Change often leading to eutrophication Changing patterns in weather • River South Esk Catchment and algal blooms which can will have far­reaching adverse Partnership invasive non­ remove the oxygen in a water effects on our wetlands. native species project. system; Slender Naiad, Najas Countering this is a high • Glen Clova Contour Planting flexilis is particularly priority.

Project. susceptible to changes in

• Tayside Lochs Project ­ nutrient levels. Invasive Non­Native project improving the water species (INNS) quality of Tayside Drainage and Dredging INNS pose a growing serious mesotrophic lochs. These activities can change the threat as they can out­compete fluvial properties of water native species, resulting in • Tayside SUDS and Ponds courses and surrounding serious changes and imbalance Initiative – increasing habitat, forcing out key species. in ecosystem processes. wetland habitat connections. • Scottish Mink Initiative ­ local organisations assuming responsibility for mink control. • Tayside Amphibians in Drains ­ developing wildlife­ friendly road systems incorporating amphibian ladders, wildlife kerbs and amphibian migration hotspot mapping. • River Basin Management Plans ­ protecting and improving Tayside’s water environment in a way which balances costs and benefits to the environment, society and economy.

Riverbank erosion and sediment transfer © Kelly Ann Dempsey

28 SUDS and Biodiversity

SUDS pond at the North Inch Community Campus in Perth © D Williamson

SUDS, or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, are bats, making them an important haven for wildlife legally required for new developments and assist and a vital aspect in creating landscape ­scale in the active mitigation of flooding, erosion and green corridors. pollution without compromising the downstream The SUDS allow for a natural drainage system that water quality. Swales, detention basins, wetlands can also reduce the amount of roadside gullypots and ponds, as well as rain gardens, are the more which need to be created, kept and maintained. visible aspect of urban drainage management and These gullypots are natural traps for amphibians can be easily designed to enhance biodiversity, as and other wildlife which are attracted to water. A well as safeguarding existing populations. Other Tayside study has shown that thousands of drainage includes manufactured permeable animals are entrapped over the course of a year. surfaces, filter strips and underground storage. Whilst active mitigation in the study area helps SUDS, swales, wetlands and ponds can create an where gullypots are present (in the form of wildlife oasis for wildlife in the middle of a development kerbs and the experimental amphibian ladders), in area. They are regularly populated by amphibians, just one local authority area there is still an including toads, frogs and newts, and can support estimated loss of 44,000 animals (mostly a high abundance of invertebrates. These mini ­ amphibians) from drain entrapment. ecosystems can therefore also support birds and

29 Water & Wetlands Actions Schedule Key for timescale Short: 1­3 yrs Medium: 4­6 yrs Long: 7­10 yrs Actions will be input into the UK Biodiversity Action System (UKBARS)where Lead Partners will be outlined

Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

1 Support the Pond Doctor Community Projects Tayside Biodiversity Short/ creation, restoration Create, restore and enhance 3 ponds or Partnership medium or enhancement of wetlands per year from 2017. ponds across Perth & Kinross Council Amphibian Management Plans Tayside to provide Angus Council connectivity of this Collate SUDS audits, mapping of ponds/SUDS within 1km of roads. habitat across the Scottish Green region. Map amphibian migration routes and Infrastructure Group hotspots to ensure wildlife kerb, dropped TayARG kerb/amphibian ladder installation is mainstreamed.

2 Reduce nutrient Improve or maintain the water quality Scottish Environment Long enrichment and classification of all lochs in Tayside. Protection Agency pollution. Scottish Water

Perth & Kinross Council

Angus Council

Landowners and land managers; developers; angling clubs.

3 Promote adoption of Encourage SUDS audit and proactive Scottish Water Long biodiversity­ management of SUDS and swales for Perth & Kinross Council managed SUDS in biodiversity. developments. Angus Council Increase terrestrial habitat for amphibian Scottish Environment species. Protection Agency Decrease eutrophication and point source Tayside Biodiversity pollution. Partnership

Provide habitats for other wildlife. Scottish Green Infrastructure Group Support a Tayside Community SUDS Pond ARC Trust project. TayARG

4 Minimisepollutionof Priority Catchment work – ensure best Scottish Environment Long watercoursesfromtoxic practice advice is available through Protection Agency substancesandorganic dedicated projects and websites. Scottish Government enrichmentfrompoor Rural Payments and farmingpractice. Inspections Directorate National Farmers Union Scotland Landowners and Land Managers Scottish Land & Estates

30 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

5 Encourage better Explore follow on projects from the Pearls in Scottish Natural Heritage Long biodiversity Peril LIFE Project (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) British Association for management and within Tayside. Shooting and protection of Expand the UK Green Shoots initiative into Conservation watercourses on Tayside. Scottish Environment farmland and Support collaborative projects at all spatial Protection Agency forestry. scales which focus on riverine habitats and Scottish Rural University species. College Promote awareness of appropriate tree Forestry Commission planting approaches and best practice Scotland schemes. River South Esk Maximise the use of social media to engage as Catchment Partnership wide an audience as possible. National Farmers Union Scotland Scottish Land and Estates North East Green Network

6 Maintain current Continue the Tayside Lochs Project, including Scottish Environment Medium mesotrophic lochs in the Lintrathen Loch Enhancement Project. Protection Agency Tayside. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Tayside Lochs Partnership Scottish Natural Heritage

7 Support flood Encourage strategic planting of broadleaf Forestry Commission Long alleviation schemes trees along watercourses to assist with flood Scotland that improve habitat attenuation and the creation of habitat Angus Council corridors. connectivity through Perth & Kinross Council Support ongoing projects e.g. natural landscaping UK Scoter Steering Group or native tree Glen Clova Contour Planting Scheme Landowners and land planting. Brechin Flood Prevention Scheme managers Almondbank Flood Prevention Scheme Strathallan Project Where appropriate, favour broadleaf against pine to reduce acidification of watercourses to safeguard Stonefly and Freshwater pearl mussel. Maintain an awareness of funding opportunities to instigate further projects.

8 Minimise Protect riverine habitats and species, Scottish Environment Medium/ detrimental impacts especially Freshwater pearl mussel, salmonid Protection Agency long of hydro­power species, Otters, Water voles and River jelly Southern & Electric schemes. lichen. Scotland Where appropriate, provide fish ladders to District Salmon Fishery allow migration of salmon. Boards Ensure sufficient flows remain downstream Angus Council of dams and use freshets to mimic natural Perth & Kinross Council spates. Cairngorms National Park Authority

31 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

9 Restore and Safeguard existing riparian habitats and Angus Council Long enhance enhance wherever possible. watercourse Perth & Kinross Council Reduce overfishing of river stocks. biodiversity. River South Esk Encourage the removal of weirs to aid fish Catchment Partnership migration. Tay Western Catchment Encourage restoration of watercourses by Partnership enhancing urban water quality through community engagement (especially the Scottish Environment Perth Lade and the Dighty Burn). Protection Agency

Identify and facilitate ongoing opportunities Scottish Natural Heritage for riparian planting, biodiversity Perth Lade Group improvements as part of all Tayside Flood Prevention Schemes. Broughty Ferry Environmental Project Support the setting up of the Tay Western Catchment Project.

10 Protect shingle­bank Safeguard Priority Species from INNS. Scottish Natural Heritage Short/ habitats. medium Control aggregate removal from rivers Scottish Environment changing sedimentation. Protection Agency

Explore fixed point photography Scottish Wildlife Trust opportunities in a range of wetland and riverine habitats.

11 Working in Work with Fisheries Boards and Catchment Forestry Commission Medium/ partnership, explore Initiatives to incorporate flood attenuation Scotland long the implications of into management plans. Eurasian Beaver Scottish Wild Beaver Castor fiber in river Expand local knowledge of management Group catchments. techniques and disseminate lessons derived from UK beaver reintroduction projects. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Encourage studies into added biodiversity value from beavers, especially dragonflies Tay Landscape and damselflies, amphibians, otter and Partnership water vole, wetland and riparian birds and Fisheries Boards native fish populations. Amphibian and Reptile

Research the potential for riparian planting Conservation grants to mitigate for any beaver damage or the species entering crop fields, traditional Mammal Society or community orchards. International Otter Survival Fund

British Dragonfly Society

British Trust for Ornithology

River South Esk Catchment Partnership

32 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

12 Research status of Research potential for Lamprey Pow Burn District Salmon Fishery Medium Lamprey in Tayside. Project. Boards Support habitat enhancement for Lamprey. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Share good practice for the timing of river Scottish Natural Heritage work where Lamprey is concerned. River South Esk Catchment Partnership

13 Mainstream Conserve and enhance amphibian Tayside Biodiversity Long mitigation to populations by raising awareness of Partnership safeguard mitigation measures including amphibian Tayside Amphibian and amphibian ladders, wildlife kerbs, modified drains, etc. Reptile Group populations across Expand Amphibians In Drains Projects Friends of Angus Tayside. across Tayside. Herpetofauna Encourage the preparation, where Perth & Kinross Council appropriate, of Amphibian Management Angus Council Plans at the design stage of new developments to incorporate dropped Amphibian & Reptile kerbs, modified drains and wildlife kerbs. Conservation

Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

14 Survey and monitor Investigate further the Water vole population Scottish Natural Heritage Medium the Tayside Water in Glen Clova and support actions to protect Scottish Southern Energy vole population. and enhance habitat for the population. Angus Council Investigate the possibility of fissoral Water Perth & Kinross Council vole populations in Tayside. River South Esk Water Vole GIS Survey (Tayside) Catchment Partnership Collate the Water vole data from SSE to share nationally (NBN and SNH) and locally (local Tay Landscape authority GIS). Partnership Loch Leven Water Vole Survey Tayside Biodiversity Continue regular surveys to ascertain status Partnership of Water vole in/around Loch Leven. Mammal Society Tay Landscape Partnership Riparian Mammals Survey Undertake Mink control throughout TLP area. Ongoing coppice management and scrub clearance to increase light onto riverbanks. Control Himalayan balsam to improve favourable habitat. Ensure sympathetic pow and ditch management with biodiversity in mind. Create additional wetland habitat. Consider Water vole reintroduction and land management for natural reintroduction. Re­survey medium and low priority survey sites by 2025.

33 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

15 Distribute national Pooling Our Ponds Tayside Biodiversity Medium information to pond Support the setting up of a Tayside School Partnership creation groups. and Community Ponds Project. North East Scotland Encourage 50 x community surveyors to Biodiversity Partnership undertake quarterly pond surveys and North East of Scotland expand the project by 2020. Biological Recording Undertake regular amphibian and dragonfly Centre surveys of Tayside ponds. Tayside Amphibian and Reptile Group British Dragonfly Society

16 Surveyingfor Undertake research to ascertain population Scottish Natural Heritage Short UnknownsinTayside status of Shad in Tayside rivers. Community groups Rivers–eDNAnational Research.

Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

17 Increase public Engage residents groups, community Tayside Biodiversity Medium/ awareness of water councils and local environment groups in Partnership long and wetland catchment­scale projects. Amphibian and Reptile habitats and species. Perth Lade Project Conservation Update Management Plan. Froglife With the community, prepare a Site Buglife Scotland Biodiversity Action Plan. Plantlife Scotland Undertake conservation tasks to enhance Tay Landscape the Perth Lade. Partnership Undertake interpretation and habitat Broughty Ferry improvement along Perth Lade. Provide Environmental Project training opportunities for volunteers to enhance riparian habitat for priority species. Perth Lade Group Wildlife Ways Project River South Esk Enhance the landscapes where the rivers Tay Catchment Partnership and Earn meet. Local Community Reconnect residents and visitors with the Angus Council natural, built and cultural heritage within Perth & Kinross Council the Tay Landscape Partnership area. Discuss future pow management with the Pow Commission. Dighty Connect Continue and expand community biodiversity projects along the Dighty. River South Esk Catchment Partnership Promote the value of wetland habitats and species in all ongong projects and social media and develop restoration opportunities where possible.

34 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

18 Raise awareness Salmon in the Classroom Perth & Kinross Council Medium about freshwater Continue programme to 2­4 local schools Angus Council ecology and the role per annum. District Salmon Fishery of the freshwater Expand the project to include Angus Boards – school field fishery in the local schools. visits (electro­fishing and economy. provision of eggs) SSE (advice only) Ranger Services, including Atholl Ranger Service

19 Raise awareness of Report twice yearly to community planning Tayside Biodiversity Long water and wetland thematic partnerships on project Partnership issues to Local contributions to local and national Single Authorities, Outcome Agreement objectives. Angus Council Community Perth & Kinross Council Planning Partners Regularly provide biodiversity seminars and workshops to local authority staff on and the wider River South Esk relevant legislation and good practice. stakeholder Catchment Partnership network. Use social media and targeted websites to promote water and wetland issues to as wide an audience as possible.

Invasive Non­Native Species

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

20 Endeavour to reduce Encourage control and eradication of invasive non­ Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust Long the direct pressures on native species (INNS) throughout Tayside: Scottish Wildlife Trust riverine and wetland Support the Montrose Basin and River South Esk River South Esk Catchment biodiversity and INNS Projects; expand the River Earn INNS projects. Partnership ecosystem health from Monitor for the presence of American Signal invasive non­native Cairngorms National Park Crayfish in the Pow Burn and Dighty Burn and if species. Authority found remove in accordance with INNS procedures. Angus Council Keep up­to­date the Tay Catchment INNS map and Perth & Kinross Council roll out similar maps to other Tayside catchments. Loch Lomond and the Reduce the risk of the introduction of new INNS. Trossachs National Park Encourage the use of Plant­Tracker and Riverwatch Rivers And Fisheries Trusts of schemes to detect and monitor INNS. Scotland Promote new INNS initiatives across Tayside e.g. the Landowners and land Scottish Invasive Species Initiative. managers

21 Secure multiple Scottish Mink Initiative Scottish Natural Heritage Long adjacent river Continue to recruit and support volunteers who Cairngorms National Park catchments as breeding monitor for and subsequently trap American mink. Authority mink­free areas to Raise awareness of the negative impact American University of Aberdeen protect significant mink have on the environment. populations of water Tay Landscape Partnership vole, salmonids, ground Survey and record native wildlife returning to Rivers And Fisheries Trusts of nesting birds and other previously unoccupied areas. Scotland native riparian biodiversity.

35 2 Coastal & Marine Ecosystems

Auchmithie © Kelly Ann Dempsey

Background For centuries people have used the coasts and The reedbeds in the Tay Estuary are the largest estuaries of Tayside as a source of food, for continuous stand of this habitat anywhere in sheltered anchorage and for trade. It is a landscape Britain, one of the largest in Europe ­ and they are of great beauty, exhibiting a diversity of features the only place in Scotland where the rare Bearded from the muddy shallows of Montrose Basin, the tit breeds. The beds of seagrass and seaweed also sand dunes of Barry Links and the wide, nutrient ­ provide important nursery grounds for flat fish in rich Tay Estuary. The variety of life supported by the summer and food for ducks and geese in coastal habitats includes groups of dolphin and winter. The coasts and estuaries are under porpoise, shoals of commercially important fish, increasing pressure from human activity – tiny zooplankton, resident seabirds and commercial fishing, recreational use, climatic internationally­ important numbers of migrant erosion, the development of urban areas and birds such as pink ­footed geese. ports, to name just a few.

36 Objectives Marine ecosystems are particularly difficult to 1 Endeavour to reduce the direct pressures on access and understand, although more is known coastal and marine biodiversity by about coastal habitats and our influence upon implementing projects to enhance ecosystem them. Increased consultation and work between health those influencing these habitats has resulted in a 2 Safeguard coastal and marine ecosystems, better understanding for the value of coasts and species and genetic diversity by enhancing estuaries in Tayside. This has engendered a greater connectivity and where possible preventing willingness to work together to conserve and its decline enhance the habitats, at the same time as managing change. 3 Mainstream biodiversity conservation action by raising awareness and the enjoyment of marine and coastal ecosystems of local communities

37 Priority Habitats • Saltmarsh • Intertidal mudflats & Estuarine Reedbeds • Marine • Maritime cliffs

• Sand dunes Montrose beach © Kelly Ann Dempsey

Key Sites Estuaries Maritime Cliff & Slope Sand Dunes Firth of Tay & Eden Estuary SPA Whiting Ness (next to Victoria The northern part of 6,923.29 hectares Park in Arbroath) to Ethie Charleton and Kinnaber Haven – most of this is covered Links to Montrose is Firth of Tay & Eden Estuary SAC by Whiting Ness to Ethie Haven included within the St Cyrus 15,412.53 hectares SSSI – 136.17 hectares & Kinnaber Links SSSI Firth of Tay & Eden Estuary Rickle Craig (at the north end The Arbroath to Broughty Ramsar 6,918.42 hectares of Lunan Bay) to Scurdie Ness Ferry area includes Elliot Inner Tay Estuary SSSI (just south of Montrose at Links SSSI, Easthaven SSSI 4,115.38 hectares Ferryden) which is all (designated for Greater designated as an SSSI. – 72.17 yellow rattle), Barry Links Inner Tay LNR 1,176 hectares hectares SSSI and Monifieth Bay SSSI Montrose Basin SPA, Ramsar, SSSI, LNR approx. 986 hectares Barry Links is also notified as an SAC and the Firth of Tay & St Cyrus and Kinnaber Links Eden Estuary SAC/SPA/Ramsar SSSI 304.91 hectares

Lunan Water Elliot Links SSSI 27.1 hectares

Pitairlie Burn Buddon Burn

Barry Links SSSI 1027.51 hectares

Monifieth Bay SSSI 199.23 hectares Carlinheugh © VisitScotland

Key Species • Wintering waterbirds, including Pink­footed and Greylag geese • Cetaceans • Maritime plants, including Zostera spp. • Breeding seabirds • Coastal invertebrates

Eider duck © John Crichton

38 Since recording began in 2011 sightings from Angus Cetacean members of the Angus community have included Bottlenose dolphins, Minke whale, Harbour Awareness Project porpoise, Common dolphin and even Humpback whales have occurred at many locations along the The cetacean survey incorporating the coast from coastline of Angus. All sightings are fed into the Tay to St Cyrus continues to focus on the national recording schemes and help to conserve collection of anecdotal sightings data from the species and habitats. Angus community, awareness raising and the promotion of coastal locations in Angus. The website www.marinelifeangus.co.uk was launched on the International Day of Biodiversity (May 2012) and is promoted by small business card size cards and a colourful poster. These are distributed to a wide range of visitor attractions along the Angus and Aberdeenshire coasts. The website reaches a wide audience having been promoted by VisitScotland on their website and on the new Angus Ahead website.

Dolphin watching, River Tay © Kelly Ann Dempsey

Back From The Brink:

Using a local, collaborative approach to aid in the rescue of a vulnerable, fragmented Cupido minimus population in North East Scotland. Adult Small blue butterfly © Barry Prater

Butterflies are a species like many others that are species. Surveys have been carried out at locations vulnerable to 21st century anthropogenic threats along the coastline since the late 1970’s in a such as climate change, habitat destruction and generally sporadic manner. This has produced a unsympathetic land management practices. The wealth of data which has recently been revisited by UK has seen a decline in many species and our Butterfly Conservation and the Tayside smallest native species the Small Blue ( Cupido Biodiversity Partnership. Records of Small blue are minimus) has seen a great decline in numbers numerous whilst Kidney vetch data is not so. Since over recent years. Scotland holds some 2012 both organisations have worked together to strongholds for the butterfly but in recent times, facilitate annual surveys of both species along the they too have faced challenges that have led to the demise of populations. coastline. Historical survey materials and current Scottish Wildlife Trust and Scottish Natural The fragmentation of colonies has been identified Heritage survey data from Seaton Cliffs Local as the most limiting factor on population size Nature Reserve and St Cyrus National Nature followed by a decline in the favoured plant host Reserve respectively, have been used as a starting Kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria). point for where to focus survey effort. Angus has suffered the same declines as the rest of Investigation will hopefully lead to the discovery of the UK but still has pockets of populations of both extant populations.

39 Ecosystem Pressures Services & Erosion Ecosystem Scale Unless artificially constrained, warmer and more acidic, Projects seaward dune edges can be affecting the health and highly mobile. Few dune distribution of species and

Ecosystem Services systems are in overall species interactions.

• Coastal protection from equilibrium and generally the Recreation floods and storm surges Tayside coast demonstrates net The coast and its sand dune • Climate regulation erosion. Limited natural systems offers easy access by • Biomass storage erosion helps regenerate dune local residents and visitors and systems, but the survival of the • Photosynthesis and oxygen provides opportunities to biological interest and the production watch wildlife, pursue outdoor actual structure may be at risk • Renewable energy sports such as golf, or simply if it increases excessively. • Water quality regulation walk, contemplate and seek • Seafood Development inspiration. However, such a & Sea defences major land use causes damage • Recreation and leisure Pressure, especially on the to vegetation, exposes the • Health and wellbeing older dune systems, continues underlying sand to the wind • Tourism with further developments and rain and results in the loss proposed leading to the of vegetation and sand. Ecosystem Scale Projects destruction of this habitat. Rehabilitation of such areas Angus Maritime Plant projects Many dune links are now golf can be carried out, but it often – monitoring and restoring sea courses where fertilisers, takes years for the natural pea and kidney vetch herbicides and irrigation are diversity to become re­ populations. used for ‘improving’ the established. On our seas, vegetation. Car and caravan pressures can come from water Linking & Exploring Tayside’s parks widen access and sports such as boating, jet­ Coastal Wildlife Sites – Marine increase trampling, fires and skiing and irresponsible Life Angus website and Nature disturbance. Many dune cetacean watching. on Track. systems are affected by coastal Grazing Treating invasive coastal defence works that arrest the Whilst continued grazing is species – Himalayan balsam at formation of new dune systems necessary to maintain the Montrose Basin NNR, Japanese and affect the dynamism of grassland and to prevent scrub rose and gorse at Elliot links dune systems. Offshore development, overgrazing can and intertidal species first pressures have increased and have damaging effects. defence monitoring. the installation of oil and gas Undergrazing is more platforms, marine turbines and widespread, allowing Beach cleans along the length supporting cable infrastructure vegetation to be invaded by of the Angus coastline. all have varying effects on the coarse grasses and scrub. coastal and marine Angus coastal butterfly projects environments. – Small blue and Grayling Other pressures include: surveying, monitoring and Climate change nutrient enrichment from habitat enhancement projects. Sea level rise and increased farmland and waste effluent, storms forecast as global marine pollution, bait digging, climates change may cause laying of cables and pipelines, foreshore steepening, thus the introduction of new or non­ allowing increased wave attack native species, maintenance at the base of the dunes. dredging, shipping accidents, Marine invasive species may beam trawlers and scallop also find it easier to colonise dredgers, waste tipping. new areas. Higher carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are making oceans

Shore Thing Survey © Kelly Ann Dempsey 40 Common terns at home on the artificial raft © SWT Montrose Basin Tern Raft Project

A raft was designed and built in 2008 at Montrose The raft aptly named ‘Maid of Sterna Stuff’ was Basin, the enclosed estuary of the River South Esk, installed on 5th June 2008 and moored in a intended to support breeding Arctic Terns in subsidiary channel of the River South Esk meaning the area. it floats on all tides to protect the nest site from land based predators. Though both Arctic and Locally, Arctic Terns had been known to breed on Common Terns prospected the nest site it was rooftops of businesses in Montrose town. ‘Urban’ quickly established that only Common Terns were terns developed an uneasy relationship with local nesting there and in subsequent years, only businesses as their territorial behaviour included Common Terns have approached the raft. dive­ bombing workers and customers entering the The nesting effort on the raft has fluctuated greatly premises. The Scottish Wildlife Trust approached since 2008 with 2011 being the most successful local company, Glaxo Smith Kline, seeking funding year to date with 150 hatchlings. In 2012 and 2013 for a raft on the Local Nature Reserve intended to breeding was attempted and eggs observed provide an alternative nest site for Arctic Terns. however nests were thought to have flooded GSK provided £10,000 funding; a further £2,000 during the heavy continuous rainfall experienced. was received from SNH. Fledgling success varies year on year.

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

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

1 Restore maritime Kidney Vetch Angus Council Long plant species Survey Kidney vetch along the Angus Coast numbers and annually (and inland where appropriate). Scottish Natural Heritage

genetic diversity Scotia Seeds where possible, by Use fixed point photography at identified sites to monitor plant number fluctuations. preventing decline, Tayside Biodiversity supplementary Carry out seed collection, growing on and Partnership planting and supplementary broadcast sowing and Landowners enhancing species planting at suitable sites. connectivity. Dundee Botanic Gardens Monitor land use regimes on identified sites encouraging favourable management Easthaven Together techniques. Community groups Sea Pea Project Identify historical or new sites for planting sea pea grown locally at Dundee Botanic gardens.

Monitor replanting and plant colonisation.

Greater Yellow Rattle Monitor coastal population and spread.

Carry out site works to improve habitat for plant spread particularly at Easthaven SSSI.

Support new projects which identify additional threatened species.

2 Promote the Ensure that TAYplan (Strategic Development Angus Council Long sustainable Plan), Angus Local Development Plan and development of the the Angus Shoreline Management Plan 2 in Scottish Natural Heritage partnership area Angus take into account the sustainable Tayside Biodiversity

coastline through development of coastal units. Partnership increased policy Promote Integrated Coastal Zone integration. Tay Estuary Forum Management as a means of sustainably managing the coast in accordance with National Marine Plan.

Annually produce updates for Public Bodies Duty reporting.

Annually produce updates for Local Authority statutory biodiversity reporting against the 2020 Challenge.

42 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

3 Endeavour to reduce Identify all areas of the Angus coastline Angus Council Long the direct pressures where regular beach cleans take place and on coastal and facilitate coordination of new activity at sites Scottish Natural Heritage

marine biodiversity of limited action. Tayside Biodiversity

by implementing Partnership litter reduction and Identify new projects to tackle littering at

beach clean projects problem sites in line with Scotland’s Marine Voluntary Action Angus enabling the Litter Strategy. enhancement of Friends of the Earth Raise awareness of microplastic­type ecosystem health. pollution and the damage caused to marine Community groups and coastal environments and species by supporting projects such as the Great Community Councils Nurdle Hunt and Beat the Microbead Marine Conservation Campaign. Society Investigate the reduction of use of Chinese Marine Life Angus lanterns and organized balloon releases by awareness raising, supporting the "Don't Let FIDRA Go" campaign and appropriate policy implementation.

4 Support saltmarsh Maintain species richness found within the Scottish Wildlife Trust Long habitat different saltmarsh zones: upper, middle enhancement and and lower, including transition saltmarsh River South Esk species and habitats such as reedbed and swamp. Catchment Partnership

showcase best Angus Council practice land Identify areas where grazing can be more intense to create a sward attractive to management Landowners and Land

techniques. wintering and passage wildfowl and waders. Managers Montrose Basin: Source funding to install and maintain fencing in the areas being encroached with juncus to secure grazing livestock.

43 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

5 Support sand dune Remove invasive plants such as gorse, Angus Council Long system restoration hawthorn, sycamore and rose species. projects and species Scottish Natural Heritage Explore options for fencing to protect management Dundee Botanic Gardens programmes. sensitive habitats from disturbance. Elliot Links SSSI – encourage better Tayside Biodiversity conditions for Sea pea (Lathyrus japonicus) Partnership

reintroduction. Ministry of Defence

Consider planting of Kidney vetch as part of Angus County Golf

a wider Kidney vetch connectivity project. Association

Promote and develop other demonstration Scottish Golf sites for the restoration of dune vegetation, particularly in areas which are experiencing human­induced pressures.

Encourage additional conservation and enhancement measures that support the natural heritage importance of Barry Buddon, taking into consideration the MoD operations.

Encourage golf course management polices and practice which take into consideration the flora and fauna of sand dune systems.

6 Support and Identify and promote “cross­boundary” Scottish Environment Medium encourage opportunities, such as joining up path, Protection Agency collaborative habitat and other network elements regional working for between local authorities, Biodiversity Tayside Biodiversity both green networks Partnerships and other geographically based Partnership organisations. and blue spaces (i.e. Scottish Natural Heritage watercourses, coasts Share and promote good practice to other and wetlands). Angus Council land users and in collaborative working between partners. Perth & Kinross Council

Help co­ordinate regional scale projects, Cairngorms National surveys, etc. and advise on funding. Park Authority

Encourage sustainable grazing on cliff and Forestry Commission slope SSSIs and other coastal grazing areas Scotland as appropriate. Scottish Government Work with a wide range of partners in Rural Payments & supporting integrated coastal management Inspections Directorate and marine planning. Tay Estuary Forum Act as an informal network to highlight projects being developed and create Landowners and land opportunities of scale and collaboration. managers North East Green Network

44 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

7 Investigate the Generate records of marine wildlife by Tayside Biodiversity Long effects of climate facilitating intertidal Shore Thing biological Partnership change on the surveys at sites around the Angus Coast. movement of Angus Council Raise awareness of marine species and marine invasive Scottish Wildlife Trust intertidal species conservation amongst the wider

through regular community. Marine Biological surveying and Association monitoring. Marine Life Angus

8 Investigate cetacean Generate sightings records through Tayside Biodiversity Long spatial and temporal targeted media such the Angus Cetacean Partnership distribution patterns Awareness Project and the website in Angus waters. www.marinelifeangus.co.uk. Scottish Wildlife Trust Analyse sightings data submitted to website. Scottish Natural Heritage Promote the availability of data and Marine Life Angus disseminate to relevant organisations.

9 Support tern Review the Tayside Terns Information & Tayside Biodiversity Long populations and Code of Practice leaflet; feature it on Partnership encourage appropriate websites and create a poster for appropriate site distribution. Scottish Wildlife Trust management. Review the existing nesting sites, including Scottish Natural Heritage the tern raft at Montrose Basin and advise on additional safeguarding of the sites, if Marine Life Angus appropriate, e.g. signage to reduce human and dog disturbance. Review inappropriate nesting sites such as industrial site roof­tops and advise on management.

10 Support projects Undertake annual Beached Bird Survey Royal Society for the Long and surveys that along the Angus coast. Protection of Birds provide an understanding of coastal bird ecology.

11 Survey and monitor Small Blue Butterfly Conservation Long threatened coastal Collect annual survey data for Small blue Scotland butterfly sightings along the Angus coast and inland populations. where appropriate. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Verify data regularly to develop a management and monitoring strategy. Angus Council

Investigate the potential improvement of Angus County Golf connectivity of populations along the coast Association and experiment with broadcast Kidney vetch seed and planting of established pot­ Landowners and land grown Kidney vetch plants at specified sites managers (with the landowners' permission). Community groups Expand the project to inland Angus, in particular potential disused railway sites Dundee Naturalist's and quarries. Society

45 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

Grayling Collect annual survey data for grayling sightings along the Angus coast. Verify data regularly to develop a management and monitoring strategy.

12 Survey and monitor Montrose Basin LNR Scottish Wildlife Trust Long breeding Eider Collect bi­annual survey data for breeding Angus Council populations. Eider populations on the Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve. Analyse collected data bi­annually and investigate any changes in trends. Investigate the possibility of improving the habitat for the breeding population including the introduction of artificial shelters. Humanely control predators at the breeding site including foxes, mink and crows to a sustainable level. Maintain a minimum level of human disturbance at the breeding site.

13 Develop fixed point Monitor Kidney vetch density at chosen sites Tayside Biodiversity Long photography to understand the variability of plant Partnership investigation to numbers annually. Angus Council explore habitat and Identify partners using fixed point Tay Estuary Forum species change. photography to monitor erosion at Landowners and land coastal sites. managers University of Dundee

14 Support a Tay Set up a citizen science survey project to Dundee Naturalists Long Reedbed study the wide invertebrate interest in the Society Invertebrates Study. Tay reedbeds. Buglife Scotland

15 Build on a baseline Identify further survey effort required, Tay Salmon Fisheries Long study of Sparling, particularly looking at population density Company also known as and spawning. Also, investigate potential Scottish Natural Heritage European Smelt impact of climate change. Landowners and land (Osmerus eperlanus) Source funding for further survey work. managers undertaken in 2009 Consider conservation targets for the to identify and map species to ensure the survival of the spawning sites on population on the Tay in to the future. the Tay. Potentially source further funding to support conservation targets.

16 Support and Encourage community participation in Tayside Biodiversity Medium promote intertidal citizen science projects along the Tayside Partnership species monitoring coast e.g. Capturing our Coast. Scottish Association for projects. Marine Science Marine Life Angus Community groups

46 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

17 Increase awareness Promote the website Marine Life Angus Long of cetaceans in www.marinelifeangus.co.uk and the Angus Angus waters and Cetacean Awareness Project, a dedicated Tayside Biodiversity facilitate project where community sightings of Partnership

community cetaceans in Angus waters can be submitted Community groups participation in data to a central database. recording. Seawatch Foundaton Focus on awareness raising through local and national press, specialist publications and events.

Develop web and social media presence focussing on the media used by local communities and tourists e.g. VisitScotland and Angus Ahead websites.

18 Raise awareness of Small Blue Butterfly Conservation Long endangered coastal Provide survey training for recorders and Scotland butterflies and volunteers for Small blue and other coastal encourage butterflies where appropriate. Tayside Biodiversity community Partnership Produce and reprint postcards and posters participation in Angus Council conservation. to raise awareness of the ongoing project. Expand the project to include the North East Landowners and land Biodiversity Partnership area ­ especially St managers Cyrus NNR. Community groups Annually prepare and circulate updates on survey work, publicity and volunteers.

19 Encourage school Facilitate a "Keep the Sea Free of Debris!" Tayside Biodiversity Long age participation in Art Contest as a regular competition for Partnership projects relating to schools to tie into curriculum projects marine and coastal highlighting the impacts of marine debris Angus Council and how to minimise it. issues. Scottish Wildlife Trust Raise marine debris awareness year­round Butterfly Conservation

by developing a Marine Debris Calendar Scotland using contestant entries. Marine Conservation

Promote Scottish Wildlife Trust educational Society activities at Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre. Marine Life Angus Encourage reporting to surveying schemes such as the Angus Cetacean Awareness Project, Small Blue project, Shore Thing, Marine Conservation Society projects, WeBS etc.

47 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

20 Promote local Maintain an up to date database of local Tayside Biodiversity Medium recorders, clubs and recorders and specialist clubs. Partnership biodiversity open days. Utilise the skills of local recorders and clubs Tayside Recorders' to target specific projects including local Forum BioBlitzes. Scottish Wildlife Trust Encourage local open days and promote to the partnerships extended network. Butterfly Conservation Scotland Research the possibility of setting up a Seashore Project based on the success of the Scottish Natural Heritage

Highland Seashore project ­ raising Marine Life Angus awareness of our marine and seashore wildlife. Marine Conservation Society Investigate the potential to set up an Angus Coastal Festival with a wide range of partners to raise awareness of coastal issues and encourage citizen science surveys.

21 Encourage Promote The Scottish Marine Wildlife Tayside Biodiversity Long responsible Watching Code through social media and Partnership interactions when publications. encountering Angus Council Investigate the Dolphin Space Programme marine and coastal Scottish Natural Heritage wildlife minimising being rolled out to Tayside boat trip providers. disturbance Marine Conservation potential. Society

Taymara

22 Raise awareness of Report twice yearly to community planning Tayside Biodiversity Long marine and coastal thematic partnerships on project Partnership issues to Local contributions to local and national Single Authorities, Outcome Agreement objectives. Angus Council Community Perth & Kinross Council Planning Partners Regularly provide biodiversity seminars and workshops to local authority staff on and the wider Marine Conservation

stakeholder relevant legislation and good practice. Society network. Use social media and targeted websites to promote marine and coastal issues to as wide an audience as possible.

23 East Scotland Sea Engage schools in East Scotland with the Royal Society for the Short Eagle Education story of the Sea Eagle reintroduction Protection of Birds Project. through a series of tailored outreach programmes.

48 Invasive Non­Native Species

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

24 Endeavour to reduce Facilitate the production of a map of the Angus Council Long the direct pressures coast highlighting key areas threatened by on coastal and invasive non­native species. Scottish Wildlife Trust

marine biodiversity Tayside Biodiversity Limit the spread of the invasive non­native and ecosystem Partnership health from invasive species such as Himalayan balsam, Giant

non­native species. hogweed and American Mink at coastal sites Voluntary Action Angus e.g. Montrose basin LNR. Scottish Natural Heritage Raise awareness of invasive non­native species and demonstrate the impact that River South Esk can be achieved by labour intensive control. Catchment Partnership

Facilitate work party days with volunteer Scottish Mink Initiative input to carry out control. Esk Rivers and Fisheries Showcase good practice control effort e.g. Trust controlled re­growth at SWT Montrose Basin control project.

49 3 Urban Ecosystems

Wildflower roundabout, Perth © Beautiful Perth

Background Urban areas, from small villages to larger towns roosts. Living roofs are becoming more common on and cities provide invaluable space for wildlife. public buildings, such as schools, as well as on Across Tayside there are wildlife garden projects architect­ designed properties and mature trees are and wildflower areas in communities within care increasingly being retained within new homes, school grounds, churchyards, and developments and road ­widening projects to industrial estates all providing valuable improve the visual aspect of the landscape as well greenspace. The surrounding golf courses include as safeguard biodiversity. Greenspace and private wildlife­ rich ponds that host amphibians and gardens create a buffer between the built dragonflies and rare insects, waxcap fungi and environment and surrounding countryside. lichens find homes in a range of surprising urban Well­ managed urban greenspace greatly helps settings. Urban bluespaces ­ watercourses, ponds, mitigate against the effects of climate change: sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and sustainable urban drainage ponds, swales and rain rivers support biodiversity and there are gardens reduce the effect of flash floods and opportunities to manage them with this in mind. ecosystem services provided by ‘living’, ‘green’ or The built environment is as important as the ‘brown’ roofs, helps reduce both the urban heat greenspace surrounding it ­ buildings can all island effect and the impact of summer storms. support wildlife. In addition to safeguarding the With the intensification of agricultural practices wildlife utilizing older buildings, new developments urban species are all the more precious, especially are now including integral bird nestboxes and bat where pollinating insects are concerned. Grassland

50

and woodland alongside railways, roads and Objectives watercourses provide important habitat for a range 1 Endeavour to reduce the direct pressures on urban of species. biodiversity by implementing projects to protect and restore ecosystem health Importantly, urban greenspace directly contributes to physical and mental well ­being by way of 2 Safeguard urban ecosystems, species and genetic recreation and volunteering opportunities. diversity by enhancing their connectivity and Community orchards and allotments are where possible preventing decline important refugia for a variety of species and help to safeguard genetic diversity, especially where 3 Mainstream actions for biodiversity conservation Scottish fruit varieties are concerned. Everyone can by raising awareness of the benefits of the natural help increase biodiversity in urban areas: leaving environment and the services it provides for the gaps under fences to allow hedgehogs to move enjoyment of the local communities between gardens, creating ponds, growing bee ­ friendly plants to encourage pollination, or planting berried trees to help feed the birds and provide spring blossom. There are some 23 million gardens across the UK so they create a web of wildlife corridors which enable many species to colonise or forage across a huge area.

51 Priority Habitats • Riparian corridors • Open Mosaic habitats, including brownfield sites • Urban woodland and community orchards • Pollinator networks • Green roofs • Species rich verges • Designed landscapes © CAG Lloyd Key Sites Key Sites Key Species • Buildings, including open Designated • Mammals, including Red spaces, bridges and walls Tay (SAC) & catchment Squirrel, Bat and Hedgehog • Urban corridors: waterways, tributaries • Birds, including Swift and railways, roads and paths Kinnoull Hill, Perth House Sparrow • Businesses with Land, River South Esk (SAC) • Amphibians, including Common Toad including golf courses and Birks of Aberfeldy industrial estates • Pollinators, including bees Weem Meadow Aberfeldy and butterflies • Healthcare and Education Loch Leven, Kinross • Invasive non­native species, premises, including care Comrie Woods, Comrie e.g. Japanese Knotweed, homes Grey Squirrel • Burial Grounds (Kirkyards and Cemeteries)

Common frog © SNH

52 Green Graveyard Initiative

Churchyards are sanctuaries graveyards discovered 176 Conservation website. The for the living as well as the lichen species, 30 of them very Perth & Kinross Tree Wardens dead. The Perth & Kinross rare. Astonishingly there were Network hope to set up a Heritage Trust's project in East two new British records: a tiny Church Yew project and Tayside Perthshire achieved a suite of crustose lichen Lecanora Biodiversity partners are sustainable management invadens and a lichen parasite, considering a Swifts & Bats in initiatives with the support of Sclerococcum tephromelarum, Churches project. the SITA Tayside Biodiversity found growing on the black Action Fund. Wildflowers were shields lichen Tephromela atra. established around headstones The Tayside Green Graveyard to safeguard lichens from Initiative continues to work herbicide usage, Red squirrel with churches and Eco­ feeding areas and bat and bird Congregations across Tayside. boxes were included at each The article 'Kirkyard Heritage: site, and hedges planted to give Graveyard Conservation in refuge to insects, birds and Scotland', co­authored by Dr small mammals. Reptiles and Susan Buckham and the amphibians were also Tayside Biodiversity Co­ considered when improving ordinator, featured in the 2013 stonework and boundary walls. Historic Churches journal and The Scottish Churchyard is now available on the Building © CAG Lloyd Lichen Group's fieldwork in the

Brownfield Site Management

Muirton’s Buzzing Project, Perth

Over 97% of wildflower involved planting a native and council planners discussed meadows have been lost in the wildflower seed mix including the importance of brownfields. UK since the Second World War 21 species of annuals, biennials This pilot project involved and the loss of these habitats and perennials as well as the Buglife Scotland, Perth & has resulted in the decline in creation of two bee banks. Kinross Council and the many of our pollinating insects. Members of the local Tayside Biodiversity The site selected for the community were involved Partnership. The wildflower creation of a wildflower throughout the project. A talk meadow added colour and life meadow for this project was in to a class from a local primary to the area, as well as providing an area with a stalled housing school promoted the important foraging habitat for a development in Muirton in the importance of invertebrates, suite of pollinating insects north of Perth. Habitat creation especially pollinating insects including solitary bees and and what people can do in their hoverflies and all six gardens to help bugs. bumblebee species. Together with the surrounding The class, along with members brownfield land, the meadow of the local community, helped also provided a home for a plant wildflowers and later, on wide number of other wildlife site, the community groups species.

Muirton © Buglife Scotland 53 32 Ecosystem Pressures Wildlife Crime Trees illegally felled, hedges Services and Development trimmed and scaffolding Poor planning at the Ecosystem Scale erected during bird and bat masterplan stage of Projects breeding season, and development can lead to the Ecosystem Services wildflowers uprooted fragmentation of species • Flood management and (especially the native bluebell) populations, loss of notable or natural attenuation are all common occurrences of veteran trees and hedgerows, urban wildlife crime. • Climate regulation together with destruction of • Food production and waste wildlife habitats. Invasive Non­Native management Species Pollution, Pesticides and • Recreation and leisure A range of plant and animal Litter species impact on native • Health and wellbeing Vehicle exhausts fumes; biodiversity and have a serious • Tourism industrial leakage, oil and salt detrimental effect. Plant from the road surface all have a Ecosystem Scale Projects species can outcompete direct impact on wildlife, natives and cause erosion. The • Swift Conservation Project – especially trees, amphibians, New Zealand Flatworm community­based projects invertebrates and birds. Over­ Artioposthia triangulata is well­ across the area: safeguarding use of chemicals to control established in Tayside and is existing natural nest sites and insects and weeds seriously causing the eradication of creating new nest sites. impacts the diversity of urban native earthworms in farmland • Biodiversity Villages Project – wildlife, including woodworm and garden soils. This has a local communities, groups, treatment in attics which can direct impact on soil fertility churches and schools destroy bat colonies. and mammals such as moles. enhancing local greenspace for biodiversity. • Green Graveyard Initiative – partnership working to enhance existing and new graveyards. • BeeWild projects for Businesses, Care Homes and Day Care Centres. • Going the Whole Hog – providing hedgehog hibernation boxes, wildflower plants and wildlife gardening advice within Angus schools. • Control of invasive non­ native species – River South Esk and the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Save Scotland’s Red Squirrels. • Urban Grassland Management, e.g. Muirton’s Buzzing Project (Perth) and Monifieth Wildflower Meadow. • Recreation and Well­being – including walking, cycling, sports, volunteering, gardening, visiting public greenspace. Himalayan Balsam © Kelly Ann Dempsey

54 Swift © Bev O 'Lone Swift Conservation in Tayside

Stanley Community Swift Project

The idea of a Stanley Swift Project came about by standing and watching carefully 15 nest sites during an evening Wildlife Walk in Stanley in the were located as the birds whizzed in for the night, summer of 2014. The wildlife walkers were which would mean 30 breeding adults. Most of the delighted to hear that Stanley is a hot spot for nest sites were in eaves behind gutters or fascias, swifts in Perthshire and said that it would be great but one excellent bit of news was that one of the to do whatever they could as a community to not nest boxes recently installed on the Tayside Hotel just protect them, but also ensure the birds was found to be occupied by a pair of swifts. The continue to have a safe place to return to and 15 nest sites were recorded on street maps breed each year after their 6,000 mile migration provided by Perth and Kinross Council and the back from Africa. information will contribute to the “dots on maps” survey work that is going on throughout Tayside. In July 2014, a small group of keen volunteers undertook a survey of swift numbers and nest sites The group hopes more people will want to become in the village. They surveyed the area three times at involved in Stanley so that a full picture of swift weekly intervals on beautiful summer evenings and activity in the village can be built up and the counted – as best they could – given the sweeping information shared with Tayside Swifts. They will and swirling of ever – changing group sizes in the continue to raise awareness about this special bird, skies above them, the swift screaming parties. The help to improve their protection, install nest boxes village residents also added information from and aim to at least maintain or ideally increase sightings in between times. swift numbers in the village over the coming years.

There were frequently groups of about 40 swifts, The Carse of Gowrie Swift Conservation Project and once or twice the numbers increased to around was the first of its kind in Tayside, working with the local community in surveying nest sites and 70 to 80 birds, which at that time of year is likely to helping to safeguard them in the future. The have included late arriving nonbreeding juveniles. Kirriemuir Swift Conservation Area Regeneration Through their observations, the group began to Project followed and there are numerous ongoing recognise when birds were gathering to roost, and projects in Strathearn, as well as in Stanley.

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

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

1 Encourage Urban Greenspace Project Angus Council Medium utilisation and (incorporating community orchards, upgrading/creation allotments and community gardens) Perth & Kinross Council Establish best practice projects with local of Urban Tayside Biodiversity communities. Greenspaces. Partnership Raise awareness of health and wellbeing Tay Landscape benefits. Partnership Raise awareness of grassland maintenance Hillcrest Housing and creation for biodiversity. Association Develop the Inch area at the Brechin Flood Trellis Prevention Scheme site and provide outdoor classroom activities. LandLife

Distribute the Tayside Biodiversity NHS Scotland Partnership's "Making Way for Nature" advisory booklet. Scottish Natural Heritage Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust

River South Esk Catchment Partnership

Sustrans

2 Promote the Ensure that TAYplan (Strategic Development Angus Council Long sustainable Plan), Perth & Kinross and Angus Local development of the Development Plans take into account the Perth & Kinross Council Partnership urban sustainable development of urban areas. Scottish Natural Heritage areas through Encourage the integration of biodiversity increased policy Tayside Biodiversity integration. management and innovative projects in place­based policies or community Partnership initiatives, including town and city plans, and development masterplans. Chambers of Commerce

Annually produce updates for Local Urban Regeneration Authority Climate Change Declaration, Companies reporting where appropriate. Developers Annually produce updates for Local Authority statutory biodiversity reporting against the 2020 Challenge.

56 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

3 Increase Urban Meadows Projects Angus Council Long opportunities for Manage urban grassland and planted communities to wildflower meadows with biodiversity in Perth & Kinross Council mind. participate in Tayside Biodiversity

experiencing and Partnership enjoyment of Roll out Buglife's "Buzzing" project across Tayside and investigate new areas of stalled nature. Buglife Scotland space within cities, towns and villages. Local community groups Continue the management of Monifieth Wildflower Meadow.

Encourage InBloom group contributions to wildflower or pictorial meadow plantings at roundabouts, flower beds, etc.

Biodiversity Villages Initiative Investigate the potential to set up a suite of village­based projects to encourage local communities to participate in a wide range of projects and events.

4 Improve the Verge Champion Initiative Angus Council Medium biodiversity quality Set up a Verge Champion Initiative to engage of greenspace and volunteers and specialists to survey key sites Perth & Kinross Council and to then nominate important green networks. Tayside Biodiversity biodiversity verges for future management Partnership to safeguard species. Tay Landscape Encourage local authorities to manage road Partnership verges for biodiversity taking into consideration the guidance given in the Botanical Society Britain Plantlife 'Good Verge Guide: a different and Ireland approach to managing our waysides and verges'. Buglife Scotland

Instigate the use of A5 laminated cab cards Plantlife Scotland or similar to provide site­specific verge

management advice to operatives. Scottish Wildlife Trust BEAR Scotland B­Lines Encourage participation on all spatial scales in habitat enhancement for pollinators in line with B­Lines guidance.

57 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

5 Raise awareness of Report twice yearly to community planning Tayside Biodiversity Long Urban issues to Local thematic partnerships on project contributions Partnership Authorities, to local and national Single Outcome Agreement Angus Council Community Planning objectives. Perth & Kinross Council Partners and the wider Regularly provide biodiversity seminars and stakeholder network. workshops to local authority staff on relevant legislation and good practice. Use social media and targeted websites to promote urban issues to as wide an audience as possible.

6 Improve the Green Graveyard Initiative Tayside Biodiversity Long biodiversity quality of Expand existing green graveyard projects Partnership greenspace and green (beyond the Carse of Gowrie and N E Perthshire) Angus Council networks in and undertake biodiversity management of Perth & Kinross Council graveyards. graveyards, cemeteries and crematorium across Tayside. Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust Tay Landscape Partnership Eco­Congregation Scotland

7 Improve the Wildlife in the Rough ­ Scottish Golf Medium biodiversity quality of Tayside Golf Course Projects Tayside Biodiversity greenspace and green Monitor all those Perth & Kinross golf courses Partnership networks on golf that received Ryder Cup funding (£44,000) Local golf clubs courses. during 2014 and 2015 and raise awareness of all that has been achieved. Research funding options to expand the participation in projects across Tayside. Encourage and support an increase in the wide range of biodiversity projects currently underway on Tayside golf courses.

8 Improve the Living Roofs & Greening Infrastructure Tayside Biodiversity Long biodiversity quality of Initiative Partnership greenspace and green Mainstream the use and increase the number of Angus Council networks on buildings. green/living roofs, and rain gardens. Raise awareness of biodiversity and sustainable Perth & Kinross Council development benefits from green/living roofs, SUDS and rain gardens. Scottish Green Infrastructure Forum Collate Tayside good practice examples for the Scottish Green Roof Forum and Scottish Green Royal Institute of Chartered Infrastructure website. Surveyors Complete audit of Tayside’s SUDS and shortlist those suitable for community pond projects. Tayside Amphibian & Reptile Group Encourage installation of dropped kerbs, wildlife kerbs and amphibian ladders in new build developments and encourage retrofit where appropriate.

58 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

9 Improve the Raise awareness of the benefits of pollinator Angus Council Medium biodiversity quality of plants within urban greenspace. Perth & Kinross Council greenspace and green Mainstream wildlife gardening and management networks by working techniques in private and community gardens, Tayside Biodiversity with local businesses allotments and greenspace. Partnership and Local Authorities. Mainstream biodiversity management of greenspace in business parks and industrial Voluntary Action Angus estates. Scottish Environment Encourage active input into gardening from local Protection Agency communities to improve wellbeing and health. Increase urban biodiversity across Tayside and Balhousie Care Group its enjoyment by local people. Barchester Healthcare Tayside BeeWild Community Project Prepare a Site Biodiversity Action Plan template Hillcrest Housing for businesses (including care homes) and Association schools to use to manage their greenspace and Bumblebee Conservation gardens for wildlife. Trust Support delivery and continue to raise awareness of good practice examples within Buglife Scotland hospitals, schools, care homes, sheltered housing complexes, day care centres and NHS Scotland businesses with land (industrial estates, business Business parks and parks, etc). industrial estates Set up a BeeWild project in Angus (x25 sites 2016­18) and expand project across Tayside (2020­26).

10 Work with public Tayside Swift Conservation Project Tayside Biodiversity Short/ organisations and Work with communities across the region to Partnership Medium businesses to highlight safeguard existing nest sites and to create new Hillcrest Housing their responsibilities ones. Association to biodiversity Work with Planners and developers across Tayside Swifts protection in Tayside to install integral nestboxes in new­ development and Tay Landscape Partnership builds and to safeguard existing nest sites in action for biodiversity The Carse of Gowrie properties being restored, insulated or to make positive Sustainability Group renovated. contributions. Stanley Community Group Use the Carse of Gowrie Pilot Project as a model and expand the project across Tayside. Concern for Swifts Scotland Support the Tay Landscape Partnership in Swift Conservation installing external nestboxes across its region. Angus Council Use the Kirriemuir Swift Conservation Project as Tayside Development Trusts a model to work with other Conservation Area Perth & Kinross Council Regeneration Schemes across Tayside. Royal Society for the Advise on Biodiversity Villages Initiative Protection of Birds incorporation of swift projects, using the Stanley Perth and Kinross Heritage Community Swift Group as a model of best Trust practice. Historic Environment Where appropriate, Hillcrest Housing Scotland Association to install integral and external nestboxes in its programme of works throughout National Trust for Scotland Tayside. Scottish Wildlife Trust

59 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

11 Encourage Scotland's Urban Flora Project Tayside Biodiversity Medium participation in Encourage collection of survey data on Partnership urban citizen flowering plants, ferns, mosses, lichens and science surveys and fungi within the city limits of Perth. Botanical Society of projects. Britain & Ireland Hirundine Survey Prepare and circulate postcard and poster to British Trust for raise awareness of swallows, house martins Ornithology

and sand martins and to obtain ‘first Royal Society for the

sightings’ data to share with NGOs. Protection of Birds

Fixed point Photography Bumblebee Conservation

Identify partners using fixed point Trust photography to monitor changes in urban habitats and species distribution. Buglife Scotland

National Species Surveys Plantlife Scotland Encourage local communities to partake in a wide variety of surveys, including the Bat Conservation Trust National Bat Monitoring Programme, RSBP Mammal Society Big Garden Birdwatch, BeeWalks, Big Butterfly Count, National Moth Nights, Butterfly Conservation Living with Mammals, National Insect Week, Scotland National Plant Monitoring Scheme, and OPAL Bugs Count surveys. Wild Scotland

Tayside Swift Survey VisitScotland Continue and widen the Tayside Swift Survey, reporting back data to appropriate Tourism and business organisations. community

Map Swift populations and nest sites to add River South Esk to local authority planning GIS layers. Catchment Partnership

Understanding Our Rivers Promote educational activities, including suitable surveys, on the River South Esk at Brechin and Montrose.

Local Patch Survey Investigate the repeating of the Tayside Local Patch (Wildlife on your Doorstep) surveys to engage the public in urban biodiversity recording.

Wildlife Watching Engage the tourism industry in participating in biodiversity surveys, projects and awareness­raising for all their visitors, service providers, operatives and staff.

Work with eco­tourism organisations to raise awareness of key species in and near Tayside towns such as Red Squirrel, Eurasian Beaver, Peregrines; encourage best practice guidelines in wildlife watching.

60 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

12 Raise public Connect people of all ages with the seasons Tayside Biodiversity Short awareness of their and their special places by encouraging Partnership connections with them to explore their local area. urban biodiversity. Schools, local Increase wellbeing through interaction with community groups, the natural environment. special interest groups (walkers, photographers, Support biodiversity awareness – raising etc) projects and initiatives in local garden centres, gardens open to the public and Business community their visitors. Scottish Natural Heritage ZOOMIn2 Project Encourage participation in the time­lapse Royal Society for the nature photography project with its own Protection of Birds

website – www.zoomin2.co.uk Butterfly Conservation Scotland

13 Encourage school Going the Whole Hog (Angus) Angus Alive Ranger Medium age participation in Provide 70 schools in Angus with access to Service projects relating to the Hedgehog Street education packs and/or urban issues, the Hedgehog Preservation Society packs to Tayside Biodiversity working with promote their work. Partnership schools to increase Provide 70 schools in Angus with a Perth & Kinross Council access to nature. hedgehog hibernation box, as well as hedgehog­friendly pack of hedging, River South Esk wildflower seeds and bulbs. Catchment Partnership Hold a series of biodiversity fairs at key Scottish Wildlife Trust schools within each burgh to raise awareness of wildlife gardening. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Expand the project into Perth & Kinross. Contribute records to the People's Trust for Endangered Species' Big Hedgehog Map and publicise the Hedgehog Street projects.

School Bats Project Work with schools to install bat roosting boxes where appropriate and to learn more about the ecology of bats.

14 Raise awareness Urban Bats Tayside Bat Group Medium across the Increase the bat population by a variety of community of the conservation methods and surveys, Bat Conservation Trust importance of urban expanding the original Perth­fectly Batty Angus Alive Ranger Project. bats and their Service protection. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership

61 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

15 Reduce littering and Don’t Let Go Tayside Biodiversity safeguard wildlife. Work with the local authorities to Partnership implement policies relating to the ban of mass balloon or sky lantern releases. Marine Conservation Society Raise awareness of alternatives to balloon releases. National Farmers Union of Scotland Raise awareness of alternatives to phosphate­rich household cleaning Angus Council products – consider repeating the "Make the Perth & Kinross Council Link to your Sink" tea­towel campaign. River South Esk Catchment Partnership

16 Raise awareness in Tree Sparrows on the Edge Tayside Biodiversity villages of Increase the population and distribution of Partnership endangered species. Tree sparrows in Perth and Kinross and Angus by providing nestboxes and raising Volunteer Action Angus awareness within local communities. Scottish Natural Heritage Biodiversity Villages Initiative ­ Encourage Royal Society for the Tayside village communities to audit their Protection of Birds local biodiversity by surveys and BioBlitz events. Facilitate community participation British Trust for in safeguarding common and endangered Ornithology species. Tay Landscape Partnership

Angus and Dundee Bird Group

Perth & Kinross Council

Angus Council

Local communities

17 Promote local Maintain an up to date database of local Tayside Biodiversity Medium recorders, clubs and recorders and specialist clubs. Partnership biodiversity open days. Utilise the skills of local recorders and clubs Tayside Recorders’ to target specific projects including local Forum BioBlitzes. Butterfly Conservation Encourage local open days and promote to Scotland the partnerships extended network. Scottish Natural Heritage

62 Invasive Non­Native Species

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

18 Raise awareness of Biosecurity Initiative Scottish Environmental Long INNS and actions Support agencies involved in the control of Protection Agency that can be taken to the spread of invasive non­native species, halt their spread and especially Japanese Knotweed, Giant Angus Council Hogweed, American Skunk Cabbage and treat existing River South Esk Himalayan Balsam. Limit the spread of Grey problem areas. Catchment Partnership squirrel. Perth & Kinross Council Raise awareness of invasive non­native species and demonstrate the impact that Landowners and land can be achieved by labour intensive managers (volunteer) control. Rivers & Fisheries Trust of Facilitate the production of urban area maps Scotland highlighting key areas threatened by invasive non­native species. Scottish Wildlife Trust

Facilitate work party days with volunteer Scottish Natural Heritage input to carry out control. Tayside Biodiversity Focus on urban areas and in particular those Partnership within the following catchments: Voluntary Action Angus River Tay and tributaries Western Catchments River South Esk River North Esk Lunan Water

19 Safeguard EU Targeting INNS Scottish Environmental Long Protected Species. Assist in targeting INNS in Tayside as Protection Agency directed by Scottish Biodiversity Committee INNS Forum, especially Grey Squirrel River South Esk control (SWT Red Squirrel Project). Catchment Partnership Angus Council

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Perth & Kinross Council

Landowners and land managers

20 Raise awareness of New Zealand Flatworm Sightings James Hutton Institute Medium INNS garden pests Publicise the James Hutton Institute such as New campaign to raise awareness of this major Zealand Flatworm threat to biodiversity. and actions that can be taken.

63 4 Upland Ecosystems

Loch Lee © ANGUSalive Ranger Service

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

64

Objectives of the world population. Alpine gentian, the 1 Endeavour to reduce the direct pressures on evocatively­ named Blue dew moss, alongside upland biodiversity by implementing projects lichens and other mosses are amongst those UK to enhance ecosystem health. species found only within the borders of Tayside. 2 Safeguard upland ecosystems, species and This unique combination of the exceptional and the genetic diversity by enhancing connectivity

commonplace makes the Tayside upland habitats and where possible preventing its decline. very special. Not only do they provide a local asset 3 Mainstream biodiversity conservation much enjoyed by the people of Tayside, they are also action by raising awareness and the a national asset and are in no small part responsible enjoyment of upland ecosystems of local for attracting the many visitors who come to enjoy communities. this area’s outstanding natural heritage.

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

Ben Vrackie from Moulin Moor © David Williamson

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

Blanket Bog Rannoch Moor Balnaboth Moor (Glen Prosen) The Cairnwell, Glenshee Atholl­Drumochter Hills

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

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

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

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

led to fragmentation. (atmospheric deposition of Muirburn sulphur and nitrogen Poorly­managed muirburn compounds) may alter the followed by heavy grazing is natural nutrient levels in the resulting in the loss of dwarf soil and affect the composition shrubs and leading to a and structure of vegetation transition to grassland where communities.

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

Peregrine falcon © SNH Operation Countrywatch

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

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

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

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

Support new projects which identify additional threatened species.

Other Species Support new projects which identify additional threatened species.

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

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

70 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who takes the action Timescale

4 Showcase best Maintain species richness within the Scottish Natural Heritage Long practice land different upland zones (upper, middle and management lower). Cairngorms National techniques. Park Authority Identify areas where (a) grazing can be more intense to create a National Trust Scotland sward attractive to wintering and passage

wildfowl and waders; River South Esk (b) areas suitable for lower grazing pressure Catchment Partnership to favour breeding waders and ensure Angus Council flowering and fruiting of key species. Perth & Kinross Council Reduce grazing pressure from deer and encourage lower levels of sheep grazing Landowners and Land where appropriate. Managers

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

5 Promote restoration Explore options for fencing to protect Cairngorms National Medium projects and species sensitive habitats from disturbance. Park Authority management

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

71 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

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

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

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

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

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

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

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

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

73 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

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

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

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

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

74 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

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

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Butterfly Conservation Scotland

Police Scotland (PAW)

Scottish Land & Estates

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

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Land & Estates

75 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

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

20 Raise awareness of Report regularly to community planning Cairngorms National Long montane and thematic partnerships on project Park Authority upland heath to contributions to local and national Single Scottish Natural Heritage Local Authorities, Outcome Agreement objectives. Community Regularly provide biodiversity seminars and Angus Council Planning Partners workshops to local authority staff on Perth & Kinross Council and the wider relevant legislation and good practice.

stakeholder Tayside Biodiversity Use social media and targeted websites to network. Partnership promote montane and upland issues to as wide an audience as possible. River South Esk Catchment Partnership

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

76 Invasive Non­Native Species

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

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

Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

77 5 Farmland Ecosystems

Aberlemno, Angus © Carol Littlewood

Background The area covers probably the greatest variety of plantation, as well as the associated commercial farm enterprises seen in Scotland: from extensive production of honey. upland sheep grazing units on semi ­natural grasslands, to highly intensive fruit, vegetable and Although the traditional patchwork of different crop growing on some of the best quality land in crop types still prevails, much more intensive Scotland. Accounting for just over 200,000 hectares, management has seen a decline in many habitat Taysides’ arable land provides the patchwork of types and species as farm and field sizes have fields, hedges, dykes, veteran trees and farm increased with the greater mechanisation of buildings generally associated with land under farming systems. Managed and cultivated cultivation. Although malting barley, winter wheat, farmland in Tayside still acts as a vital haven for oats, potatoes and oilseed rape are the mainstay of some of the UK ’s rarer species – Corn bunting, the areas ’ agriculture, many farms still have some Brown hare, Skylark, Tree sparrow and Grey land down to rotational grassland, used either for partridge, as well as locally important species such grazing sheep and cattle, or producing hay or silage as Lapwing, Common frog and Barn owl. Changes for winter feeding. This rotational grassland covers from hay to silage as the main means of 86,000 hectares of land; add to this 11,000 hectares conserving grass, the liming and fertilising of of potatoes, 3,500 hectares of market ­quality “unimproved” grasslands and greater use of sprays vegetables and over 1,500 ha of soft fruit (mainly and fertilisers on cropped land have all raspberries and strawberries) and Taysides ’ land is contributed to a reduced diversity of both plant certainly extensively farmed. There are also units and animal species over recent decades, producing herbs and a recently established tea particularly invertebrates.

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Through cross ­compliance and greening measures Objectives farmers maintain areas of habitat to benefit 1 Endeavour to reduce the direct pressures biodiversity and reduce pollution risk. This can be, on farmland biodiversity by implementing for example, by maintaining buffer strips, leaving fields fallow or growing crops to benefit farmland projects to enhance ecosystem health. birds. Via competitive schemes they can also apply 2 Safeguard farmland ecosystems, species to manage more complex habitats such as wetlands and species ­rich grasslands, to exclude and genetic diversity by enhancing livestock from watercourses and manage connectivity and where possible hedgerows to name but a few of the options which preventing its decline. can attract funding for creation and management. With an ecosystem approach now being mooted 3 Encourage mainstream biodiversity there are excellent opportunities arising for conservation action by raising awareness partnerships to consider larger ­scale projects. and the enjoyment of farmland Managing land for biodiversity at a catchment or ecosystems by local communities. green network scale ­ and for rare butterflies, farmland birds or wet grassland species at a smaller scale ­ can involve not just farmers and landowners (and the statutory bodies), but also local communities and non ­governmental organisations.

79 Priority Habitats • Lowland Meadows • Upland Hay Meadows • Calcareous and Base­rich Grassland (including limestone pavement) • Wet Grassland • Farm Buildings • Hedgerows and Treelines • Stone Dykes Hedgelaying training, Brechin, Angus © CAG Lloyd Key Sites Designated Calcareous & Base­Rich Auchleeks Wet Grassland Grassland Gleann Beag, Glenshee Loch Freuchie Meadows (SSSI) Ben Lawers NNR River Braan, by Amulree Beinn a’Ghlo SSSI Upland Hay Meadows Meikleour Area SSSI Ben Vrackie SSSI Brerachan Meadow Loch Tay Marshes SSSI Corrie Fee NNR (Glen Doll and Straloch Tay and Isla Valley Glen Fee) Keltneyburn SSSI Loch Leven meadows Tulach Hill and Glenfender Weem Meadow SSSI Egno Moss Meadow SSSIs Strathallan Tigh An Eilein, Glenshee Limestone Strathmore Forest Hill SSSI Pavement/Granular Glen Clova Edintian Bog, Glen Fincastle Limestone Montrose Basin Loch Kinardochy & Tomphubil Allean Forest Limestone, Loch Limekiln, Tummel Bridge Tummel Creag Mhor, Loch Tummel Meall Ban Kiltyrie Meadows, Loch Tayside Trinafour Gleann Taitneach Lassintulloch Grandtully Meadow, Strathtay

Key Species Bat © SNH • Bat species • Farmland birds, including Barn owl, Tree sparrow, Grey partridge, Linnet, Lapwing, Corn bunting and Skylark • Reptiles, including Common lizard and Slow worm • Hirundine species (Swallow, House martin, Sand martin) and Swifts • Calcareous Grassland species, inc. Osmia inermis (Mason bee), Northern brown argus, Rock rose

80 Rock rose © Bryan Smith Highland Perthshire Calcareous Grassland Project

This project, which ran until 2010, increased using a mix of wildflower seed and sand. Natural awareness of the conservation value of calcareous regeneration was also undertaken from existing and other species ­rich grasslands and encouraged seed sources at three sites: Strathgarry, Tomnaguie their restoration and enhancement. and Glenfincastle. Removing lime, inorganic Demonstration sites were established at fertiliser, pesticides and farmyard manure allowed Glenfincastle, Tomnaguie, Strathgarry and improved or semi ­improved grasslands to become Chesthill. A Best Management Practice booklet more flower ­ rich. A section of calcareous grassland was published in 2011 to show the lessons learnt was fenced to allow targeted grazing. The quickest from each site. results for enrichment of the sward were seen at Foss Meadow where a combination of Yellow rattle Sward enrichment was achieved at Glenfincastle and the introduction of cutting and baling at the by seeding into improved and semi ­improved end of the summer resulted in the rapid spread of grassland via a turbo tiller which created bare wildflowers throughout the sward. patches of ground for seeding. Seeds laboriously collected on site were sown in the autumn by hand

81 Ecosystem Pressures drystane dykes. Remaining hedges are often cut on an Services & Agricultural annual basis, resulting in the Intensification Ecosystem Scale hedge’s decline in quality and Fertiliser and herbicide Projects removing berries that could applications, ploughing and re­ feed wild birds over winter. Ecosystem Services seeding all destroy calcareous Spray drift and fertilisers in • Pollination of crops by grasslands or wet grassland hedge bottoms can destroy insects habitat. Supplementary feeding bumblebee nests and • Food provision, biomass fuel results in poaching and encourage undesirable weed and fibre (sheep's wool) enrichment of grasslands, species. Ploughing too close to encouraging the growth of • Protection from floods a hedge weakens the plants and ruderals. Drainage of land • Climate regulation hedgerow trees. Cost and time affects flooding regimes, • Carbon storage requirements means dyke nutrient loading and lowering restoration is no longer viable • Photosynthesis and oxygen of water levels. production without grant aid. • Water quality regulation Major biodiversity loss can Climate Change occur when sustainable • Recreation and leisure Our weather patterns are farming practices are not changing. Long dry spells can • Soil formation and followed, i.e. the loss of topsoil no longer be relied upon to conservation from harvested potato fields, ripen crops or to make hay. • Health and wellbeing lack of pollination Unseasonably low opportunities for pollinator­ • Tourism temperatures can create issues dependent crops, and the lack with our soft fruit farming or of management of field corners delay ploughing. A change in Ecosystem Scale Projects and margins for biodiversity. farmland ecosystems is • Buildings and Biodiversity inevitable: pressures on many Project (Carse of Gowrie Overgrazing of our species will increase and pilot) Heavy grazing by sheep, cattle and horses adversely affect many will have nowhere else to • Wet Grassland Waders species­richness and structural go to. • Farmland Bird Lifeline diversity, with loss of tall herbs Loss of Boundary Trees • Wildlife corridor projects in particular. Deer and rabbits There is a continuing loss of can be a problem in some • Sustainable grazing projects boundary trees to natural age, areas. • Controlling invasive species – wind blow and disease. With Mink, INNS, etc Loss of Traditional Rural little replacement being • Farmland butterfly projects Buildings undertaken, biodiversity loss is exacerbated. Boundary trees • Farmland Bird (inc. Barn Demolition or conversion to (including road side trees and Owl) Projects housing of old buildings invariably destroys bat roosting standard treelines in hedges) • Grassland projects and bird nesting sites, or contribute to habitat excludes them during connectivity. Yellowhammer © Angus Council restoration works. Timber treatments are also toxic to Inappropriate Tree bats; some rodenticides used in Planting and around farm buildings are Open landscapes suitable for detrimental to owls and other breeding waders can be birds of prey, particularly Red damaged with tree planting, kites. not just removing habitat, but Fragmentation of also creating a 'predator Habitat shadow' where birds will not Field enlargement results in the breed close to woodland owing loss of boundary features, to an actual or perceived threat especially hedges, treelines and of predation.

82 Barn Owls in Tayside

During 2004, SNH funding enabled the Scottish Despite this there is optimism as birds are still Agricultural College and Perthshire FWAG to raise present and breeding so milder winters should see awareness of Barn owls to farmers in the River Tay numbers starting to bounce back. corridor. Additional funding from the SITA Tayside Many Barn owls use old steadings for roosting and Biodiversity Action Fund and the Biodiversity nesting, but there is an increasing pressure to Action Grant Scheme (BAGS) widened the project convert these to housing or replace them with to include the River Isla corridor with farms modern farm sheds. This is why nestbox provision surveyed and Barn owl habitat requirements is so important to helping maintain populations. discussed with farmers. The Partnership continues to collate Barn owl Tayside was also involved in the Barn Owls of sightings for Tayside and maintains a distribution Lowland Scotland Project (BOOLS) funded map to help advise planners where Barn owls are through BAGS. The Angus Barn Owl Project is still likely to be present. Please add your sightings via ongoing, having attracted funding from SNH, the www.taysidebiodiversity.co.uk. Cairngorms Biodiversity Fund and Angus Environmental Trust ­ one particular nestbox in Angus has been highly successful, producing 14 chicks in 3 years. Barn owl © K Munday

Harsh winters have had a devastating effect on Barn owl numbers as snow cover hides small mammals and Barn owls can very quickly starve to death. The British Trust for Ornithology reported over 100 dead ringed Barn owls in the winter of 2010­2011, double the usual number for Britain.

Buildings & Biodiversity Project

Following an action featured in the 1st Edition Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan, fifty site management plans are being prepared throughout the Tay Landscape Partnership area to benefit Barn owls, bats, Tree sparrows, hirundines and Swifts. The project is also raising awareness of good practice where timber treatment and back to the 18th century). These, plus grasslands pesticides are concerned. Together with the Tay to and linear woodlands, provide vital habitat links Braes Project the overall aim is to improve between the Braes of the Carse and the River Tay, connectivity between habitats to address an area of large arable fields associated with fragmentation and permeability of the landscape mechanised farming. The mixed agriculture to wildlife. Installation of nest boxes, hedge around the River Earn affords excellent habitat for restoration and tree planting is all underway, as is Barn owls so rough grassland creation and grassland management to maximise biodiversity. installation of nestboxes is especially important The Carse of Gowrie is laced with a network of here. Improvements to the area's habitats will pows (man­made drainage ditches, some dating benefit many species.

83 Farmland Ecosystems Actions Schedule Key for timescale Short: 1­3 yrs Medium: 4­6 yrs Long: 7­10 yrs Actions will be input into the UK Biodiversity Action System (UKBARS)where Lead Partners will be outlined

Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

1 Restore species­rich Support improved management of existing sites through Cairngorms National Park Long grassland to improve and Agri­Environment Climate Scheme grant aid. Authority enhance invertebrate and Encourage the wide dissemination of Best Practice Scottish Natural Heritage bird populations. information for managing land for farmland birds and Scotland's Rural College beneficial invertebrates. National Farmers Union Scotland Encourage the use of agri­environment schemes to plant Royal Society for the new hedges where appropriate. Protection of Birds Encourage the use of agri­environment schemes to restore Scottish Wildlife Trust drystane dykes. Encourage flowering species by appropriate management National Trust for Scotland of marginal land and rural road verges, together with the Plantlife Scotland planting of nectar­loving annuals along field margins. Landowners and managers Support actions within the Scottish Pollinator Strategy to Angus Council protect pollinators and to safeguard the ecological services Perth & Kinross Council they provide, especially for food production and the health of Tayside's environment. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Support Plantlife's Save our Magnificent Meadows project Tay Landscape Partnership and its National Meadow Day celebrations. Encourage Scottish Association of Farm community participation, where appropriate, to increase Conservation Advisers knowledge and skills to reverse the ongoing losses of Communities wildflower meadows and grasslands.

2 Promote appropriate Raise awareness of the importance of this habitat to Forestry Commission Scotland Long grazing regimes to landowners and planners, especially within Forest and Scottish Natural Heritage safeguard calcareous base­ Woodland Plans, to encourage appropriate and proactive Scotland's Rural College rich grassland. management. Scottish Association of Promote Best Practice demonstration sites to raise Independent Farm Conservation awareness of positive management of this habitat, e.g. the Advisors Keltneyburn Special Area of Concern (SAC). Scottish Wildlife Trust Landowners and managers Woodland owners and businesses Perth & Kinross Council Angus Council

3 Ensure legal obligations Develop a series of seminars for planners, developers, Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Medium regarding EU Protected and landowners and agricultural businesses on the legal Scottish Natural Heritage Scottish Biodiversity List responsibilities regarding EU Protected Species and wildlife Angus Council Species are met. in general. Perth & Kinross Council Encourage wildlife­friendly features in the conversion of redundant farm buildings (including Barn Owl ledges, Tay Landscape Partnership integral Swift and bat boxes). Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scottish Badgers Bat Conservation Trust Scottish Association of Independent Farm Conservation Advisors

84 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

4 Showcase best practice Encourage the retention or creation of foraging Scottish Natural Heritage Long land and farm building habitat close to farm buildings (rough grass, Scottish Government Rural management hedges, trees, ponds, puddles, etc) to assist bats, Payments & Inspections Di­ techniques. Barn owls and other birds. rectorate Encourage landowners to provide alternative Cairngorms National Park roosting sites/nesting sites when building work is Authority being undertaken. North East Green Work with farm construction companies (e.g. Network Knapp, Algo) to incorporate integral nest and Angus Council roosting sites in new buildings (self­contained so Perth & Kinross Council as to comply with Farm Assurance Schemes). Royal Society for the Increase farmers’ awareness of threats posed to Protection of Birds birds such as Barn owls by rodenticides in/around farm buildings. British Trust for Ornithology Work with landowners and timber treatment Bat Conservation Trust companies to raise awareness of targeted Scotland's Rural College chemical usage in farm buildings to safeguard Scottish Association of bats, birds and beneficial invertebrates. Independent Farm Encourage farmers to use waste grain/tailings to Conservation Advisors feed birds during the winter months. Deer Management Groups Encourage lower levels of sheep grazing where Linking Environment & appropriate. Farming (LEAF) Promote Wildlife Estates Scotland accreditation Tayside Biodiversity to demonstrate a high standard of excellence in Partnership land management that encourages biodiversity. Tay Landscape Partnership Promote LEAF (Linking Environment & Farming) Open Days on local farms and visits to their Scottish Land & Estates demonstration farms. National Farmers Union Encourage the development of a leaflet to Scotland promote high quality farm trails that Wildlife Estates Scotland demonstrate the inclusion of biodiversity (inc. Atholl Estate and management within farmland habitat (including Stracathro Estate) the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, Scotland’s Berry VisitScotland Trails). Landowners and Land Managers

5 Safeguard wet Maintain appropriate management and Angus Council grassland habitat. restoration of wet grassland habitat, especially Perth & Kinross Council through the agri­environment schemes. Royal Society for the Identify farms where there is well­managed wet Protection of Birds grassland habitat and conduct regular training Cairngorms National Park days for farmers, advisers, etc. Authority Ensure all planning documents within the region Scottish Association of take account of wet grassland as a habitat of Independent Farm national and international importance. Conservation Advisors Support Wet Grassland for Waders projects across Tayside. Scotland's Rural College Undertake Wetland Inventory of Tayside. Landowners and managers

85 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

6 Reduce the direct Tackle invasive non­native species at problem Scotland's Rural College Long pressures on farmland sites. Cairngorms National Park biodiversity by Raise awareness of diffuse pollution and the Authority enhancing ecosystem damage caused to farmland species, by Scottish Association of health. investigating the introduction of best practice Independent Farm demonstration projects. Conservation Advisors Encourage measures which reverse habitat Angus Council fragmentation. Perth & Kinross Council Curb plastic litter from entering watercourses, Scottish Natural Heritage especially silage bags and berry baskets by introducing a recycling scheme and raising Tayside Biodiversity awareness of the issue with landowners. Partnership Encourage Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) to River South Esk Catchment manage fallow land for the benefit of pollinators Partnership and ground­nesting birds, and to protect water courses from spray drift and erosion. Support the inclusion of buffer strips, wild bird cover, beetle banks, and wildflower or in­field grassland strips.

7 Promote restoration Work in partnership with different organisations Cairngorms National Park Medium projects and species to establish demonstration sites to illustrate best Authority management management practice for calcareous grassland. Scotland's Rural College programmes. Remove invasive plants such as Japanese Scottish Association of Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Independent Farm Hogweed. Conservation Advisors Explore options for fencing to protect sensitive Angus Council habitats from disturbance. Perth & Kinross Council Continue to run rural skills training days to Scottish Natural Heritage encourage appropriate management of hedgerows (including hedge­laying), less Scottish Environment frequent cutting, the retention of hedgerow trees Protection Agency and the restoration of gappy hedges. Tayside Biodiversity Encourage the development and setting up of a Partnership Tayside Farmland Butterfly Initiative to advise Butterfly Conservation farmers and landowners on targeted (Scotland) management for farmland moths and butterflies. River South Esk Catchment Partnership

8 Encourage Identify and promote “cross­boundary” North East Green Network collaborative regional opportunities to safeguard degraded calcareous Tayside Biodiversity working for green grasslands where they buffer or link small or Partnership networks. discontinuous sites. Scottish Natural Heritage Encourage or co­ordinate landscape­scale Angus Council projects and surveys and advise on funding. Perth & Kinross Council Set up Green Habitat Network to create stepping stones for key species. Cairngorms National Park Authority Promote the expansion of Buglife’s B­Lines project to contribute towards insect pollination Scottish Government Rural for lowland crops. Payments & Inspections Directorate Encourage the setting up of a Boundary Trees Project to champion natural green networks and Landowners and land their associated species (especially songbirds, managers bats and invertebrates). Buglife Scotland River South Esk Catchment Partnership

86 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

9 Investigate the Promote the CNPA as a key area for British Association of Long effects of climate monitoring climate change impacts on Shooting & Conservation change on the farmland habitats and species. Scottish Natural Heritage movement of Raise awareness of farmland species and Angus Council farmland species conservation amongst the wider through regular community. Perth & Kinross Council surveying and Scottish Wildlife Trust monitoring. Generate records of farmland wildlife by facilitating biological surveys at sites around Butterfly Conservation Tayside. Scotland Expand the Green Shoots programme across North East Scotland Tayside. Biological Records Centre Promote the Partridge Count Scheme as part Tayside Biodiversity of Grey Partridge Conservation projects. Partnership Support the gathering of data to discover the Tayside Recorders’ scale and trend of loss of farmland species Forum and habitats since the mid­1940s. Cairngorms National Expand the Linnet Link Project across Park Authority Tayside to enhance cycle tracks and public Game & Wildlife footpaths for wildlife (especially farmland Conservation Trust birds such as Linnets, Yellowhammers and Barn owls) by promoting shrub planting and James Hutton Institute linked habitats along pathways. The habitat Scottish Association of enhancement will improve the surroundings Independent Farm for those using the route. Conservation Advisors Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland

10 Investigate farmland Undertake farmland bird wader and Corn Royal Society for the bird spatial and bunting­focussed surveys. Protection of Birds temporal Support and expand the Tayside Barn Owl Scottish Natural Heritage distribution patterns Projects. Tayside Biodiversity in Tayside. Support and expand the Save Tayside’s Tree Partnership Sparrows and Tree Sparrows on the Edge British Trust for projects. Ornithology Promote the Farmland Bird Lifeline (FBL) Scottish Association of Angus Corn Bunting Recovery Project in Independent Farm growing wild bird seed mixtures for Corn Conservation Advisors buntings and other farm wildlife. Local community Consider the potential for expanding the Landowners and existing FBL Fife Biodiversity Areas for managers Buntings & Bees Project into Tayside to benefit both pollinators and farmland birds.

11 Survey and monitor Support the setting up of a pilot project or Butterfly Conservation Long threatened farmland case study in Tayside to collect annual Scotland butterfly and moth survey data in specific farmland areas. Tayside Biodiversity populations. Collect annual survey data in Partnership farmland areas. Angus Council Analyse collected, verified data annually and Landowners and land develop adaptive management strategy to managers develop surveying and monitoring protocol. Local community Investigate the connectivity of farmland butterfly and moth populations.

87 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

12 Increase awareness Determine current status and distribution, Cairngorms National Long of farmland species and monitor populations of Barn owl, Tree Park Authority in Tayside and sparrow and other farmland birds in Scottish Association of facilitate Tayside. Independent Farm community Conservation Advisors participation in data Determine current status and distribution, Tayside Biodiversity recording. and monitor populations of farmland birds. Partnership Determine current status and distribution, and monitor populations of farmland Tayside Recorders’ butterflies and moths. Forum

Promote Citizen Science websites where Scottish Natural Heritage community sightings can be submitted to a Scottish Association of central database. Independent Farm Conservation Advisors Focus on awareness­raising through local and national press, specialist publications Local community and events. Butterfly Conservation Develop web and social media presence (Scotland) focussing on media used by local British Trust for communities and the farming community. Ornithology Provide survey training for recorders. Scottish Land & Estates National Farmers Union Produce and reprint postcards and posters Scotland to publicise ongoing projects. North East Biodiversity Expand the project to include the North East Partnership Biodiversity Partnership areas and the CNPA.

Annually prepare and circulate updates on survey work, publicity and volunteers.

13 Encourage school Work with the Royal Highland Education Tayside Biodiversity age participation in Trust in Angus and Perthshire to promote Partnership projects relating to farm visits that demonstrate good wildlife farmland issues. management. RHET Perth & Kinross Countryside Initiative Promote the use of the Living Field Centre (James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie), RHET Angus Countryside including its many projects, online facilities Initiative and the Living Field CD. The James Hutton Institute

88 Invasive Non­Native Species

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

14 Reduce the direct Produce a map highlighting key areas Angus Council Long pressures on threatened by invasive non­native species. farmland Perth & Kinross Council biodiversity and Limit the spread of the invasive non­native Scottish Wildlife Trust ecosystem health species such as Himalayan balsam and from invasive non­ Giant hogweed. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership native species. Raise awareness of invasive non­native species and demonstrate the impact that Scottish Natural Heritage can be achieved by labour­intensive control. River South Esk Showcase good practice control effort. Catchment Partnership

Scottish Mink Initiative

Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust

Scottish Environment Protection Agency National Trust for Scotland

89 6 Woodland Ecosystems

Glen Lednock, Perthshire © CAG Lloyd

Background Tayside is home to a rich variety of native woodland The outlook for native Pinewoods is the best it has types ‘ and is also the cradle of Scottish forestry ’ as been for 300 years, not only providing habitat, but larch, spruce and Douglas fir were first introduced also for its aesthetic and cultural contribution to the here. Europes ’ oldest tree is our renowned Fortingall Scottish landscape. Wet Woodlands tend to be Yew, which is between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. transient, colonising relatively inaccessible ground, Taysides’ woodlands are a major asset: biodiversity, often survivors of larger woods which have been recreation, tourism and carbon sequestration, as felled and converted to other uses. In the Tayside well as the economic value of wood fuel and timber landscape, the role of Wet Woodlands lies in their extraction. There are, however, serious threats to water quality and flood management benefits. individual woodlands, including Ash Dieback and the invasive non ­native . Lowland Mixed Broadleaved Woodland, on the Rhododendron ponticum other hand, is the most diminished Tayside In the SNH Biodiversity Indicators 15 of the 23 woodland type. A very large proportion has been woodland bird species have increased by 10%. cleared for agriculture or in urban expansion and its These include Great ­spotted woodpecker, use as pasture has died out. Its ecological condition Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Many woodland birds are has been compromised, especially in producing reliant on tree seeds as a source of food. hardwood timber, supporting game species, or recreational use. Ash ­Wych elm woodlands are Tayside has 16% tree coverage, some 127,000 today confined to the most fertile soils. With a hectares of which 38,925 ha (2013 FCSWoodland renewed interest in traditional woodland skills in Survey) is occupied by native and AncientWoodland. managing coppice and hedgerows (hedgelaying, In Perth & Kinross only 36% of native woodland is in etc.), there is an urgent need to source local good health, whereas it is 51% in Angus. Ancient materials. Coupled with a greater interest in Woods ­ land continually wooded since 1750 ­ are an planting broadleaves by community groups and in important and irreplaceable national resource. They urban fringe woodlands, now is the time to review preserve the soil 's ecological processes and our management of this woodland type. associated biodiversity.Woodlands, hedgerows and individual trees (especially noteable and veteran Birchwoods often form part of a complex mosaic, trees) are vital both culturally and for biodiversity. grading into other woodland types depending on

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soil fertility, exposure and soil moisture. These are orchard in Cultybraggan, Comrie, is proof that top often interspersed with open areas of heath and fruit yields more than just community spirit ­ the bog. The ecosystem is especially dynamic as economic benefit links the Slow Food movement birchwood boundaries ‘alter ’ over time. In the and local food production. Angus Glens with continual selective removal there are losses of natural seed ­sources. Over ­grazing by Objectives sheep and deer has resulted in a lack of 1 Endeavour to reduce the direct pressures on regeneration; climate change may affect their woodland biodiversity by implementing longevity and affect the ground flora beneath. projects to enhance ecosystem health.

Some 80% of our woodlands are introduced conifer 2 Safeguard woodland ecosystems, species and forests: these are amongst the longest established in genetic diversity by enhancing connectivity the British Isles. Biodiversity benefits include greater species diversity and long ­term retention, as and where possible preventing its decline. well as their micro ­climatic effects, carbon and

oxygen exchange, soil stabilisation and regulation 3 Mainstream biodiversity conservation action of water run ­off. Forest rides, wayleave routes, by raising awareness and the enjoyment of roads, quarries and wetlands ­ and land where trees woodland ecosystems within local have failed to grow ­ make a valuable contribution communities. to their overall biodiversity value. 4 Recognise the important of ancient woodland As with other woodland types, the disappearance of in Tayside by protecting the existing resource traditional orchards in Tayside has been driven by and restoring and reconnecting ancient economic and development pressures. Since the woodland remnants. Historic Orchards of the Carse of Gowrie Survey, remaining orchards have been re ­planted and the loss of skills addressed. The Perth800 celebrations resulted in hundreds of fruit trees planted; in Angus there are now 60 school orchards. The community

91 Priority Habitats • Native conifers: Scottish Pinewoods, Yew and Juniper • Upland Birchwoods • Wet Woodlands • Upland Oakwoods • Upland Mixed Ashwoods • Lowland Mixed Broadleaf (Deciduous) Woodlands • Aspen • Traditional Orchards • Planted Coniferous Woodlands (especially the woodland edge/glades) Scot' s pine © SNH

Key Sites Methven Woods: Lower Mixed Key Species Broadleaf Black Wood of Rannoch: • Woodland mammals, Drummond Hill: Planted Caledonian Pinewood including Red squirrel and Coniferous Woodland Glenartney: Juniper Woodland Pine marten Strathtay Estate: Upland Mixed • Scottish crossbill and Crossbog Pinewood, Angus Ashwood Nightjar Den of Airlie Megginch Castle: Traditional • Woodland invertebrates, inc. Birks of Aberfeldy Orchard Scottish wood ant and moths Upper Farrochil and Strath Loch Clunie: Wet Woodland • Woodland plants, inc. Tummel: Upland Birchwood Juniper, Blaeberry, Small Cow­wheat, Coral­root Native woodland type PKC area ha. AC area ha. Total Tayside ha. orchid and Twinflower • Woodland lower plants and Wet woodland 3675 ha 928 4603 fungi Native pinewoods 7032 1065 8097 Upland birchwoods 7292 1713 9005 Upland mixed ashwoods 1659 184 1843 Upland oakwoods 2235 174 2409 Juniper scrub 93 ­ 93

Red squirrel © SNH

92 Black grouse © Doug Shapley Perthshire Black Grouse Study Group

This Group has been stalkers, gamekeepers and Despite national declines monitoring the Black grouse rangers. At least two visits are during the 1990s the Perthshire population in an area centred made to known lek sites population has long been a stronghold for this species. The on Loch Tummel since 1990. between mid ­March and mid ­ Each year 25 ­30 volunteers long­ term data has been used May and the numbers of count black grouse within in several peer ­ reviewed papers blackcock present on leks seven 10 km squares. The and the complete coverage and counted between one hour group includes staff and annual nature of the data volunteers from the RSPB, before and one hour after means it can be used to analyse Game & Wildlife Conservancy sunrise. Other suitable habitat the importance of land Trust, Forestry Commission is also visited to search for new management changes on the Scotland and SNH, as well as leks or displaying birds. population over the long ­term.

Glen Clova Contour Planting Project

Forestry Commission Scotland’s work is driven by a reduction in peak water flow during flood events. the Water Framework Directive, the Scottish Not only will the project provide opportunities for Forestry Strategy, and the need to improve natural employment in rural areas and create business flood management. It is actively promoting opportunities from woodland management, the responsible woodland management with increase in trees could create shelter for livestock. landowners and tenant farmers in the River South Connections between important habitats will be Esk catchment to improve natural flood improved, increasing the resilience of local management opportunities, mitigate diffuse biodiversity. pollution, and improve habitats. Contour tree planting work being carried out in Glen Clova is being funded through project partner contribution and has been designed to ensure no loss of agricultural production or farm income. The increase of targeted woodland cover above 400m contours will contribute to greater soil permeability which, in the long term will result in

93 Glen Clova Contour Planting Project © Kelly Ann Dempsey Ecosystem Pressures Afforestation Inappropriate afforestation and Services Invasive non­native encroachment by scrub, trees species and diseases & Ecosystem Scale and bracken in priority non­ Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Projects woodland habitats and key Knotweed and Giant Hogweed sites leads to impoverished Ecosystem Services all suppress the natural ground habitats. Short­rotation • Carbon sequestration flora. As oak is a strong light coppice for biofuel also needs • Photosynthesis and oxygen demander, regeneration of oak to be carefully located so that production under oak canopy is difficult it does not damage priority • Renewable energy with invasion of upland or existing woodland Rhododendron and Sycamore • Recreation and leisure habitats. • Health and wellbeing, Acer pseudoplatanus; Rhododendron shades out Fragmentation of including medicines native shrubs, young trees and Habitat • Tourism ground flora, including lichens Felling and conversion of • Wild food provision and bryophytes. Although a woodlands to intensive • Timber and wood fuel native plant, the spread of agriculture or development • Flood protection Bracken Pteridium aquilinum including housing, other can seriously limit young infrastructure developments, • Climate regulation growth. golf courses and quarrying are key issues. Trees enclosed by Many tree pathogens are Ecosystem Scale Projects new development risk being present in Britain ­ and felled to abate an alleged • Natural flood management spreading so research/ nuisance and there is not a processes treatment is urgent and robust Tree Preservation Order ongoing, especially where Ash • Tayside Red Squirrel system to safeguard them. Dieback and Conservation Phytophthora Adjacent woodland areas are are concerned. • Tay Landscape Partnership ramorum vulnerable to further Orchard Initiative Climate Change encroachment or degrading • Riparian Catchment Many bird species are likely to owing to spray drift or run­off Woodland Planting projects be affected by climate change from agricultural land. Connecting features such as • Wild Harvest projects in the future, including Black grouse, Scottish crossbill and hedgerows and old wood banks • Tayside Orchard projects Pied flycatcher. can also be lost. In developing • Coppice woodland landscape­scale woodland management Silvicultural Systems planting projects, the • Upper Strathearn Oakwoods The cessation of coppicing and development of forest habitat Project increased grazing pressure networks or urban greenspace from domestic animals and networks must also take into browsing by wild animals has consideration other priority contributed towards a decrease Pear orchard, Megginch by Errol habitats. © CAG Lloyd in the structural diversity of Upland Oakwoods. Removal of Lack of Management large amounts of timber in the Historical under­planting of early 20th century significantly oakwoods with coniferous changed the composition and species has contributed to the structure of Tayside’s upland decline of about 40% of oakwoods. The replacement of oakwoods across Scotland. native woodlands with crops of Lack of management and non­native species, notably adjacent land use changes Douglas fir in Tayside, is now (including new roads, largely historical, but its effects quarrying and recreational are ongoing. access) have led to a limited

94 age structure within many animals and deer, leading to trees removed or severely woods. Unsympathetic degradation of ground flora pollarded. management for wildlife in and lack of regeneration. Abstraction of Water Planted Coniferous Woodland Overstocking of sheep and deer In wet woodland, agricultural can occur if there is a limited inhibits regeneration of drainage coupled with range of tree species and montane scrub and woodland. excessive grazing results in minimal areas of open space. Sycamore and Beech can poached soils, changes in the Such woodland can also be survive the effects of over­ woodland structure and vulnerable to fire, wind­throw grazing to take over any gaps ground flora, and regeneration and major forest pests and created in the Ashwood issues. Increased water diseases. canopy; this hinders potential abstraction, eutrophication expansion of the original Grazing Issues and other forms of pollution woodland type. Conversely, Changes in woodland structure also take their toll. wood pasture can be under­ can occur if sites are over­ grazed or converted to Increasing Recreational grazed by both domestic intensive grassland and veteran Use Visitor presence in woodlands has been shown to affect the number of birds, badgers and deer owing to increased disturbance. This may be worsened around breeding or hibernation time where bat species are concerned. Destruction or over­managed woodland ground cover for footpaths, orienteering or mountain bike routes can result in the loss of invertebrates which affects the wildlife that feed upon them. Careful path management can mitigate against this.

Juniper © SNH

The Hunt for Juniper

There are three native conifers out where Juniper is growing in only grazing available to sheep in Scotland – the Scots Pine, Yew Perthshire. Stands of 50+ and deer during snowy winters. and Juniper. All can be long ­ mature juniper bushes are Farm livestock also use the lived if they are able to needed to be self ­sustaining shelter juniper affords. Most reproduce. Juniper was once a and this is now rare in the juniper berries for gin widespread species in Scotland landscape. production in the UK are and Perthshire is still a key area imported from Eastern Europe, for it. It is, however, in trouble, The loss of juniper will affect although there is a Southern with many veteran junipers left wildlife such as Black grouse, in the landscape, over ­ grazed Snipe and Woodcock who Uplands project underway. and not able to regenerate. It is benefit from the dense ground Scottish juniper was often used in serious decline and Scottish cover provided by juniper. Its by illicit whisky distillers Natural Heritage is keen to find evergreen leaves are often the because of its smokeless wood.

95 Woodland Ecosystems Actions Schedule Key for timescale Short: 1­3 yrs Medium: 4­6 yrs Long: 7­10 yrs Actions will be input into the UK Biodiversity Action System (UKBARS)where Lead Partners will be outlined

Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

1 Protect and expand Set targets for new and existing native tree Forestry Commission Short Tayside’s forests and cover, taking into consideration the Scottish Scotland woodlands, Forestry Strategy's vision for woodland Scottish Natural Heritage expansion to around 25% of Scotland's land increasing their Cairngorms National area. value to society and Park Authority the environment. Angus Council Perth & Kinross Council Tayside Biodiversity Partnership River South Esk Catchment Partnership

2 Maintain existing Protect native woodland resources through Forestry Commission Long native woodland planning policy, conditions and Tree Scotland and Traditional Preservation Orders. Cairngorms National Orchard areas and Protect, restore and enhance ancient Park Authority prevent net loss or woodland. Angus Council reduction in their Perth & Kinross Council quality.

3 Investigate and Expand the establishment of Scots Pine and Forestry Commission Long support projects and native Oak plantings where appropriate Scotland policies which within Tayside, or extend existing native Cairngorms National create more planting woodland where there has been continuous Park Authority cover of some kind for 500 years or more. of native woodland Angus Council Expand the establishment of mixed species and forest Woodland Trust cover in Tayside. broadleaves, birchwoods and wet woodland plantings where appropriate within Tayside, Perth & Kinross Council or extend such existing native woodland River South Esk where there has been continuous cover of Catchment Partnership some kind for 500 years or more. Landowners and Identify Planted Ancient Woodland Sites managers (PAWS) and encourage landowners and managers to incorporate PAWS restoration in management plans.

4 Improve the Deliver new grants, including work in open Forestry Commission Long environmental value space and non­woodland habitat within the Scotland of woods and forests woodland or forest area. Cairngorms National throughout Tayside. Develop forest habitat networks. Park Authority Angus Council Perth & Kinross Council River South Esk Catchment Partnership Community Woodlands Association Landowners and managers Community groups

96 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

5 Encourage natural Where appropriate, support catchment­led Forestry Commission Long flood management tree planting initiatives that encourage Scotland through the planting natural flood management and mitigate Cairngorms National of trees. against the impacts of climate change. Park Authority North East Green Network Angus Council Perth & Kinross Council Scottish Natural Heritage Tayside Biodiversity Partnership River South Esk Catchment Partnership Woodland Trust Tay Foundation Esk Rivers & Fisheries Trust

6 Extend and enhance Encourage the application for funds within Forestry Commission Medium Upland Oakwoods, the Scottish Rural Development Plan and Scotland bringing them Forestry Grant Schemes (or their successors) Cairngorms National under management to raise awareness of the importance of Park Authority Upland Oakwoods to woodland owners to increase their Angus Council through examples of good practice, biodiversity and workshops, publicity and other events. Perth & Kinross Council conservation value. River South Esk Develop Forest Habitat Networks as detailed Catchment Partnership in the Scottish Forestry Strategy and Landowners and Indicative Forestry Strategies. managers Community groups

7 Maintain, improve Safeguard and enhance existing and Forestry Commission Long and increase the potential habitat features in all plantations. Scotland habitat quality of Cairngorms National Protect and suitably manage Great Crested Coniferous Park Authority Newt ponds to increase population. Plantations where River South Esk Scottish Biodiversity Restructure first rotation conifer Catchment Partnership List species are plantations. Landowners and present. managers Community groups Fife Amphibian & Reptile Group (Fife ARG) Tayside Amphibian & Reptile Group (TayARG)

97 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

8 Maintain, restore Safeguard and enhance existing habitat Scottish Natural Heritage Long and improve features in all Wet Woodlands, especially

existing Wet those in SAC and SSSI designated sites. Forestry Commission

Woodlands in Scotland Tayside and expand Cairngorms National them where Park Authority appropriate. Angus Council Perth & Kinross Council River South Esk Catchment Partnership Landowners and managers Community groups

9 Halt further loss of Protect Traditional Orchard resources Angus Council Medium Traditional Orchards through planning conditions and Tree

in Tayside. Preservation Orders. Perth & Kinross Council Tayside Biodiversity Undertake a survey of all Tayside orchards. Partnership Undertake a variety of biodiversity Tay Landscape studies/surveys across Tayside to ascertain Partnership the biodiversity value of old orchards, and publicise the findings to a wide audience. Scottish Orchard Collective Encourage the setting up of a fruit tree grafting programme to safeguard existing Plants with local fruit varieties and to make available Purpose/Appletreeman local varieties to projects throughout Carse of Gowrie Group Tayside. Landowners and Disseminate the booklet 'Traditional managers Orchards in Tayside – a Guide to Wildlife and Management' as widely as possible. Community groups

10 Restore and By 2025 restore 12 acres of Traditional Scottish Orchard Long enhance Traditional Orchards in Perth & Kinross. Collective Orchards in Tayside. By 2025 restore 8 acres of Traditional Tayside Biodiversity Orchards in Angus. Partnership Tay Landscape Partnership Carse of Gowrie Group

98 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

11 Promote the Promote and publicise Traditional Orchards Scottish Natural Heritage Medium biodiversity as part of the culture and landscape. Tayside Biodiversity importance of Support groups such as the Carse of Gowrie Partnership Traditional Historic Orchards Forum. Tay Landscape Orchards, enhance Support community events and training Partnership orchard workshops throughout the year. management and Carse of Gowrie Group encourage their Support an annual Tayside Orchard Festival Scottish Orchard sustainable and local community Apple, Pear or Orchard Collective Days. economic use. Landowners Community groups

12 Restore woodland Support existing and new projects which Scottish Natural Heritage Long plant species identify and safeguard threatened species. Cairngorms National populations and Park Authority genetic diversity and Plantlife Scotland enhance species connectivity. Botanical Society of the British Isles Angus Council Perth & Kinross Council Landowners River South Esk Catchment Partnership

13 Promote the Ensure TAYplan (Strategic Development Scottish Natural Heritage Long sustainable Plan), Angus Local Development Plan, Perth Forestry Commission development of & Kinross Council, Development Plan and Scotland Tayside’s woodland Indicative Forestry Strategies take into Cairngorms National types through account sustainable development. Park Authority increased policy Annually produce updates for Local integration. Angus Council Authority Climate Change Declaration Perth & Kinross Council reporting. Tayside Biodiversity Produce updates for Local Authority Partnership statutory biodiversity reporting against the River South Esk 2020 Challenge. Catchment Partnership

14 Reduce the direct Tackle littering and invasive non­native Angus Council Long pressures on species at problem sites. Perth & Kinross Council woodland Encourage measures which reverse habitat Scottish Natural Heritage biodiversity by fragmentation. enhancing Forestry Commission ecosystem health. Safeguard alluvial forests and bog Scotland woodlands. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Develop and promote ongoing beneficial deer management. Landowners and Land managers Introduce biosecurity measures where necessary at outbreaks of notifiable tree diseases.

99 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

15 Ensure the long­ Maintain species richness within the Forestry Commission Long term future of different woodland types. Scotland woodland habitat by Reduce grazing pressure from deer and Scottish Natural Heritage showcasing best livestock ensuring a more collaborative Cairngorms National practice land management approach of roe and fallow Park Authority management deer to help promote more tree regeneration North East Green techniques. in existing woodlands. Network Protect woodlands and woodland strips Angus Council from inappropriate development, disturbance and damage (including Perth & Kinross Council recreation). Landowners and Land Promote demonstration sites and advise on Managers good woodland management practices. Royal Society for the Encourage sympathetic management of Protection of Birds woodlands for wildlife, structural diversity British Lichen Society and rich lower plant communities, including Plantlife Scotland the natural turn­over of leaf litter and wood National Farmers Union by invertebrates and fungi. Scotland Scottish Land & Estates Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Tay Landscape Partnership

16 Promote the Support measures to protect and manage Forestry Commission Long safeguarding and veteran trees across Tayside. Scotland management of Encourage the widening of the Ancient Tree Woodland Trust veteran trees. Hunt surveys across Tayside. Ancient Tree Forum Support groups such as the Ancient Tree Angus Council Forum and Perth & Kinross Tree Wardens’ Perth & Kinross Council Network in raising awareness on veteran tree management. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership Support the setting up of a National Register of Scotland’s Trees of Special Interest. Perth & Kinross Tree Wardens Network Support community events and training workshops throughout the year.

17 Promote the Protect urban trees in accordance with Scottish Natural Heritage Medium importance of urban BS5837. Angus Council trees. Renew the street tree resource across Perth & Kinross Council Tayside. Forestry Commission Encourage the need to renew the resource Scotland through new development opportunities Woodland Trust with planners and developers. Tayside Biodiversity Raise awareness of the importance of urban Partnership trees with planners and developers through regular training events. Perth & Kinross Tree Wardens Network Support the planting and management of Developers community orchards, school orchards and fruit tree plantings in the urban setting. Tay Landscape Partnership

100 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

18 Promote restoration Set up Green Habitat Network to create Forestry Commission Medium projects and species stepping stones for key species. Scotland management programmes. Identify woodlands with the greatest Scottish Natural Heritage potential for Red squirrel conservation and encourage the use of funding through the Scottish Wildlife Trust Scottish Rural Development Programme and Forestry Grant Scheme to support Plantlife Scotland habitat management for Red squirrels. Cairngorms National Investigate ways of managing upland forest Park Authority ground to increase its value as a wildlife habitat. Angus Council

Explore options for fencing to protect Perth & Kinross Council sensitive habitats from disturbance. River South Esk Where Juniper is present (>50 plants), Catchment Partnership enhance management by controlling grazing levels and timing, protecting bushes Butterfly Conservation from burning and removing encroaching Scotland vegetation. Bat Conservation Trust Safeguard small and vulnerable populations of Juniper. Landowners and managers Encourage natural regeneration of Aspen. Community groups Identify woodlands with the greatest potential for Bat species conservation.

Remove invasive plants such as Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Encourage the setting up of a Tayside Woodland Butterfly Project.

19 Support the Aspen Encourage the gathering and sharing of Cairngorms National Long 2020 Project information about Aspen to enable Park Authority landowners and managers to safeguard and Scottish Natural Heritage expand existing Aspen woodlands and plant new ones. Landowners and managers Support the increased availability of local origin Aspen for planting.

101 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

20 Encourage Identify and promote “cross­boundary” Forestry Commission Long collaborative opportunities to join up woodlands and Scotland regional working for woodland strips between local authorities, green networks. Biodiversity Partnerships and other Scottish Natural Heritage

geographically based organisations. North East Green In collaboration with partners, share and Network

promote good practice to other land users. Angus Council

Encourage or co­ordinate regional­scale Perth & Kinross Council projects and surveys and advise on funding. Perth & Kinross

Investigate the potential for a partnership Countryside Trust project to promote connectivity, management and expansion of ancient Cairngorms National semi­natural woodlands around woodland Park Authority SSSIs ­ consider the introduction of a pilot Upper Strathearn Oakwoods Project. River South Esk Catchment Partnership Highlight projects being developed and create opportunities of scale and Tayside Biodiversity collaboration. Partnership

Encourage landowners and land managers Scottish Crannog Centre to consider how best to develop woodland Reforesting Scotland in order to maximise benefits for wildlife through improving habitat connectivity. Tay Landscape Partnership Support the setting up of a Scottish Coppice Association to raise awareness of Landowners and land sustainable coppice management for managers woodland products and biodiversity.

Work in partnership to establish an overview audit of relict and existing coppice woodland in Tayside, its current status, and the potential to plant new coppice coupes.

21 Protect, restore and Protect ancient woodlands through Scottish Natural Heritage Long enhance ancient planning policy and conditions, forestry woodlands as applications, awareness­raising with Forestry Commission identified in the planners and landowners of their Scotland irreplaceability and encouraging restoration. SNH Ancient Cairngorms National

Woodland Park Authority Inventory. Raise awareness of the National Woodland Survey of Scotland and the Ancient Angus Council Woodland Inventory. Perth & Kinross Council

Tayside Biodiversity Partnership

River South Esk Catchment Partnership

Ancient Tree Forum

102 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

22 Investigate the Generate records of woodland wildlife by Scottish Natural Heritage Long effects of climate facilitating biological surveys in woodlands change on the around Tayside. Scottish Wildlife Trust

movement of Royal Society for the Raise awareness of woodland species and woodland species Protection of Birds through regular conservation amongst the wider surveying and community. Butterfly Conservation Scotland monitoring. Continue the Black Grouse Project. British Trust for Ornithology

Angus Council

Perth & Kinross Council

Tayside Biodiversity Partnership

River South Esk Catchment Partnership

Tayside Recorders’ Forum

Cairngorms National Park Authority

Woodland Trust

Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland

23 Investigate Encourage the continuation of Scottish British Trust for Medium woodland bird Woodland Breeding Bird Surveys to improve Ornithology spatial and temporal information about woodland birds. distribution patterns in Tayside.

24 Conserve genetic Undertake varietal surveys throughout Scottish Orchard Medium diversity by Tayside and widely share the information. Collective discovering and promoting the Survey other key fruit such as plum varieties. Tay Landscape Partnership diversity of fruit Support growing of local and rare fruit varieties grown in varieties. Carse of Gowrie Group Tayside. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership

103 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

25 Raise awareness of Analyse collected, verified data annually and Butterfly Conservation Long endangered develop adaptive management strategy to Scotland woodland butterflies develop surveying and monitoring protocol. and moths and Tayside Biodiversity encourage Investigate the connectivity of woodland Partnership populations. community North East Scotland

participation in Provide survey training for recorders. Biodiversity Partnership conservation. Produce and reprint postcards and posters Landowners and land to publicise ongoing projects. managers

Expand the project to include the North East Community Scotland Biodiversity Partnership area.

Annually prepare and circulate updates on survey work, publicity and volunteers.

Make all survey links available on the Partnership website.

Encourage the undertaking of a Black Wood of Rannoch Moth Project.

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

Butterfly Conservation Scotland

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Land & Estates

104 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

27 Increase awareness Determine current status and distribution, Cairngorms National Long of woodland and monitor populations of Pine marten, Park Authority species in Tayside bats, woodland birds and woodland

and facilitate butterflies in Tayside. North East Scotland

community Biological Recording

participation in Encourage the setting up of a community­ Centre based Migratory Birds Project to study data recording. Tayside Biodiversity populations of Pied flycatcher, Wood Partnership warbler, Redstart and Tree pipit. As part of the project, consider a targeted nestbox River South Esk scheme in pilot areas (including Highland Catchment Partnership Perthshire) before widening out across Tayside. Community

Focus on awareness­raising through local Butterfly Conservation and national press, specialist publications, (Scotland) tree and woodland trails, and events. British Trust for Ornithology Develop web and social media presence focussing on media used by local Royal Society for the communities and tourists e.g. VisitScotland, Protection of Birds CNPA, and Angus Ahead website. Perth & Kinross Support Nightjar surveys and the species' Countryside Trust safeguarding in Angus woodlands. Dundee & Angus Bird Club Bat Conservation Trust Woodland Trust Perth & Kinross Tree Wardens Network

28 Encourage Raise awareness of woodland management Forestry Commission Long community measures to community groups and Scotland outreach, voluntary organisations in Tayside to development and encourage woodland purchase, Angus Council training. management and hardwood timber Perth & Kinross Council marketing. Tayside Biodiversity Encourage sharing good practice and Partnership training in woodland and orchard management and conservation, including Scottish Community sustainable coppice, veteran tree and Woodlands hedgerow management (including hedgelaying). Native Woodlands Small Woods Association

Perth & Kinross Tree Wardens Network

105 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

29 Raise awareness of Report regularly to community planning Cairngorms National Long woodland types to thematic partnerships on project Park Authority Local Authorities, contributions to local and national Single Community Outcome Agreement objectives. Scottish Natural Heritage

Planning Partners Angus Council and the wider Regularly provide biodiversity seminars and workshops to local authority staff on stakeholder Perth & Kinross Council network. relevant legislation and good practice. Tayside Biodiversity Use social media and targeted websites to Partnership promote woodland issues to as wide an audience as possible.

30 Encourage school Support new projects, including the Tayside Tayside Biodiversity Medium age participation in Wildlife Trees Initiative, which identify Partnership projects relating to woodland ecosystem, habitat and species woodland and issues. Forestry Commission orchard issues. Scotland Support new Branching Out projects in Tayside, including expansion of the Tayside Angus Council Woods for Health initiative. Perth & Kinross Council Expand the Schools into Woods Project to Scottish Wildlife Trust encourage schools to use nearby Woodland Trust sites for outdoor learning. Butterfly Conservation Scotland Increase opportunities for learning outdoors via Outdoor & Woodland Learning Scotland OWL Scotland (OWL Scotland). Cairngorms National Encourage the expansion of Forest School, Park Authority Forest Kindergarten and Skills for Work (rural skills and vocational training) facilities Tay Landscape across Tayside. Partnership

Develop educational resources to support the understanding of issues affecting woodlands, orchards and trees.

31 Encourage Support new projects which identify good Forestry Commission Long responsible practice to minimise human disturbance in Scotland interactions to woodlands. Encourage community events to minimise publicise cleaning up after dogs, e.g. Scottish Natural Heritage Hounds on the Hill at Moncrieffe. disturbance in Angus Council woodlands. Where there are high visitor numbers or Perth & Kinross Council recreational, educational or sporting activities that are detrimental to species Woodland Trust within the woodland or sensitive areas, special zoning of areas, path re­routing or VisitScotland appropriate restrictions should be considered. Tayside Biodiversity Partnership

106 Invasive Non­Native Species

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

32 Reduce the direct Produce a map highlighting key areas Angus Council Long pressures on threatened by invasive non­native species. woodland Perth & Kinross Council Limit the spread of the invasive non­native biodiversity and Scottish Wildlife Trust ecosystem health species such as Himalayan balsam and

from invasive non­ Giant hogweed. Tayside Biodiversity

native species. Raise awareness of invasive non­native Partnership species and demonstrate the impact that Voluntary Action Angus can be achieved by labour­intensive control. Scottish Natural Heritage Facilitate work party days with volunteer input to carry out control. River South Esk Catchment Partnership Showcase good practice control effort. Scottish Mink Initiative

Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

107 7 People & Communications

Surveying for Small Blue butterflies, Angus coast © CAG Lloyd

Background June but proved so successful the campaign will An understanding of biodiversity is essential to continue for the rest of year. ensuring its conservation – and enjoyment. We are With an increased interest in wildlife comes long past the stage where the word itself was once a recognition that health and well ­being is hindrance. It is now widely used from travel intrinsically linked with the natural environment brochures to gardening magazines, from childrens ’ and with it our sense of place and belonging. books to television news. And it is becoming ‘big Access to greenspace and increased physical news.’ The RSPB ’ s Big Garden Birdwatch regularly activity leads to better health outcomes, including attracts more than half a million people who shorter hospital stays and less anti ­social behaviour

between them count well over 8 million birds each in children and young people. Positive effects

winter. They are asked to help for only one hour on include a variety of physical and mental health the last weekend of January. benefits ­ better mood, blood pressure and Community bioblitzes are increasingly discovering concentration and less stress, depression and what species are found on specific sites and this anxiety. There are many opportunities to improve paves the way for future management with our health, bring local communities together and biodiversity in mind. The national Garden BioBlitz collectively improve our commitment to caring for surveys are capturing everyones ’ imagination ­ set it. up in 2013, this June event focuses on 24 hours over Tayside Biodiversity partners are focussing on a a weekend and encourages anyone with a minor variety of aspects to help raise awareness: interest in the wildlife around them to find out more. It has been described as a virtual field trip • Public engagement through events and with people scouring their gardens and sharing community­ based projects involving volunteers their findings and photographs on social media, and people of all ages and abilities experts helping with identification and all the • Engaging people of all ages to find out about information being logged via iRecord. Something species and habitats with citizen science surveys similar has happened with the Wildlife Trusts ’ ‘30 and projects such as Capturing our Coast and Days Wild ’ Facebook campaign which recently Tayside Swifts attracted 8,000 contributors for the thirty days of • Life­ long learning, education and natural play

108

• Professional guidance to raise awareness of bringing people together at its annual event, but biodiversity priorities and legislation, how to without a dedicated centre little progress is possible manage sites proactively and how to minimise beyond this. negative impacts There has, in the meantime, been a very welcome There is continuing pressure on Ranger Services in increase in local community action groups Scotland and in some cases they no longer contributing directly to safeguarding sites and this contribute to biodiversity targets or offer school fits well with key outcomes in the 2020 Challenge visits. Without access to their expertise more for Scotlands ’ Biodiversity: pressure is put on NGOs (non ­governmental • Health and well ­being improved through physical organisations) who are themselves struggling to activity and contact with nature keep up with growing demand. • Communities involved in decision ­making take It has been seen that children learning about their pride in their local environment local wildlife at an early stage results in a greater • Healthier local environments more widely understanding of biodiversity through life. This understood and supported by communities does not have to be just via the curriculum, but out ­ of­ school events involving the family, taking part in the John Muir Award scheme or enjoying woodland Objectives or coastal activities can all give a healthy regard to 1. Increase awareness,understanding and biodiversity that can pay dividends in the future. appreciation of biodiversity and ecosystem The main drawback in Tayside is the lack of a services throughoutTayside Biodiversity Information Centre. Elsewhere in 2. Provide opportunities for residents and visitors Scotland there are vibrant records centres which alike to actively engage in biodiversity not only collate wildlife sightings and respond to conservation action queries from developers and planners, but also raise awareness of the subject with specialist and 3. Mainstream opportunities for everyone of all not so specialist training sessions. The Tayside ages and abilities to take part in citizen science Recorders’ Forum fills the gap in a small way by projects and biological recording

109 Community Churchyard Lichens training © CAG Lloyd Tayside Local Recorders’ Forum

Set up in 2007, it has been elsewhere in Scotland. There tradition for each Tayside have been debates on a Recorders’ area to host the number of issues and practical annual event in turn, so well ­ demonstrations on how to use attended Recorders’ Days have recording schemes such as taken place at Perth Museum & iRecord or the Atlas of Living Art Gallery, The Meffan in Scotland. Forfar and McManus Art Gallery & Museum (hosted by There is an extensive Tayside Leisure & Culture Dundee). The Recorders' Forum section on aim of the day is not just to www.taysidebiodiversity.co.uk. hear updates from the many It includes advice on how to County Recorders and species record species, who to contact experts in the area, but also to locally, and which surveys and Capturing our Coast fieldwork - in the rain! discover what is happening projects need help. © CAG Lloyd

110 Bee on allium © CAG Lloyd Tayside BeeWild Initiative

Many of the projects being actively taken forward as wooden tubs, all expertly made in the Volunteer by the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership involve Action Angus workshop. local communities contributing directly to As part of the project, the Partnership provided a national targets. The Tayside BeeWild Initiative is comprehensive Site Management Plan which not one such project. It is exploring ways to safeguard only highlighted potential biodiversity our local pollinators – the bumblebees, butterflies, enhancements for each site based on the wildlife solitary bees and honey bees, beetles, moths and kits, but also a citizen science section on hoverflies which all play a part in pollinating our opportunities for an enhanced activities fruit, vegetables and crops. The premise is that programme. A regular bulletin outlining potential small changes in how we manage our greenspace citizen science surveys to join, together with a and gardens can really help and this can involve a series of occasional workshops will help Activities wide variety of businesses, community groups, staff, relatives and residents alike enjoy their individuals and volunteers. improved surroundings – and contribute towards The pilot project in 2016, funded by the Angus key biodiversity targets. Environmental Trust and jointly led by the Tayside As part of the project, the ‘Making Way for Nature ­ Biodiversity Partnership and Volunteer Action in our gardens, allotments, orchards and Angus, is involving nine care homes, a day care community spaces’ booklet was revised and re ­ centre and a sheltered housing complex. Each printed. This will be distributed to business and chose from a suite of wildlife kits to suit their industrial parks throughout Tayside, as well as surroundings – pond and bog gardens, wildflower local schools, allotment and community groups meadow plantings, wildlife trees, biodiversity who will all be invited to take part in the BeeWild banks and orchards. All participants were given a Initiative. Patios for Wildlife and People kit which included bat boxes, bee hotels and bird nest boxes, as well

111 People & Communications Actions Schedule Key for timescale Short: 1­3 yrs Medium: 4­6 yrs Long: 7­10 yrs Actions will be input into the UK Biodiversity Action System (UKBARS) where Lead Partners will be outlined

Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

1 Encourage Expand the Tayside BeeWild Initiative. Tayside Biodiversity Short community groups Partnership to manage local Support the setting up of a Tayside areas for Biodiversity Village Initiative, exploring the Volunteer Action Angus biodiversity. potential for a series of pilot projects in Stanley, Forteviot, Inchture and Monifieth. Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Support the setting up of the Castle Huntly Service Biodiversity Project to improve an area of prison grounds. Angus Council

Expand the Angus ‘Going the Whole Hog’ Perth & Kinross Council

project into Perth & Kinross. Perth & Kinross Work with partners to set up the Tayside Countryside Trust

Church Yew Project, sharing yew tree Keptie Friends cuttings with churches and Eco­ Congregations across Tayside. East Haven Together

Prepare and publish the A to Z Green Eco­Schools Graveyard Guide (as part of the Tayside Green Graveyard Initiative). Tay Landscape Partnership Work with ScotRail in the Community to expand the Nature on Track project to re­ Scottish Prison Service write and expand on the first Nature on Scottish Natural Heritage Track leaflet (highlighting the biodiversity seen from trains between Perth and Broughty Ferry Montrose) and support a pan­Partnership Environmental Project project across other biodiversity partnerships areas in Scotland. Perth & Kinross Tree Wardens’ Network

Conservation Foundation

Eco­Congregation Scotland

A Rocha

ScotRail

112 Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

2 Contribute to the Continue to promote discussion between all Scottish Environment Short setting up of a North interested parties to scope out issues Protection Agency East Green Network relating to the successful establishment of a (NEGN) to collaborative North East Green Network, Scottish Natural Heritage

strategically including geographical extent, project Forestry Commission

increase delivery and funding. Scotland environmental,

recreational, Disseminate the gap analysis on the first Tayside Biodiversity

educational and proposed project ‘From Frogspawn to Flood Partnership tourism benefits Prevention’ for comment and possible across the North and action. River South Esk Catchment Partnership East of Scotland. Contribute to a second gap analysis on a further project (e.g. the proposed Coast Path North & East Scotland Links). Biodiversity Partnership

Whilst acting as Interim Chair, the Angus Council Partnership to set up and host the NEGN website. Perth & Kinross Council Highland Council

Cairngorms National Park Authority

Aberdeenshire Council

Aberdeen City Council

Dundee City Council

Fife Council

VisitScotland

113 Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

3 Encourage Support communities in undertaking a wide Tayside Biodiversity Long community groups range of surveys to report back nationally, Partnership to manage local e.g. Tayside Town Swifts, Annual Moth areas for Nights, International Bat Weekend, Garden Tayside Recorders’ biodiversity. Butterfly Survey, RSPB Big Garden Forum

Birdwatch, Insect Week, Dolphin Watches, Cairngorms National

Nurdle Counts, National Mammal Week. Park Authority

Support community bioblitzes across Angus Council Tayside. Perth & Kinross Council Encourage community groups and individuals to take part in the annual Bat Conservation Trust National Garden BioBlitz. Butterfly Conservation Set up a series of camera trap projects to Scotland engage all ages in confirming the distribution of specific species and to Royal Society for the engage as wide an audience as possible. Protection of Birds Ensure training is made available to Buglife Scotland community groups and schools. Scottish Association for Marine Science

MarineLife Angus

Mammal Society

North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership

Local community groups

4 Review Local Nature Across all habitats, review existing Local Scottish Natural Heritage Medium Conservation Sites Nature Conservation Sites and consider (LNCS) to their inclusion in the Local Development Angus Council contribute to better Plans. Perth & Kinross Council habitat connectivity, public access and Identify and recommend a suite of potential outdoor education new Local Nature Conservation Sites. opportunities.

114 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

5 Prepare a Tayside Outline a suite of costed awareness­raising Tayside Biodiversity Short Biodiversity actions to undertake within the Tayside Partnership Awareness Raising Biodiversity Action Plan to strengthen the Strategy. understanding of biodiversity issues.

6 Promote the Tayside Maintain an up to date database of local Tayside Biodiversity Medium Recorders’ Forum. County Recorders and specialist Partnership groups/organisations on the TBP website. Tayside Recorders’ Utilise the skills of local recorders and Forum specialist groups/organisations to target specific projects. Angus Council

Support a programme of events to promote Perth & Kinross Council

the Forum. Angus Alive

Culture Perth & Kinross

Leisure & Culture Dundee

North East Scotland Biological Records Centre Scottish Wildlife Trust

Butterfly Conservation Scotland

Scottish Natural Heritage

115 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

7 Research the setting Support the introduction of a Tayside Angus Council Medium up of a Tayside Counts Citizen Science project. Biodiversity Perth & Kinross Council Information Centre. Collate existing survey data and undertake new biodiversity audit of Tayside (building National Biodiversity on the original 1999 audit). Network Scotland

Support the production of atlases in Tayside Biological Recording in to meet gaps in existing species atlases. Scotland

Create a series of GIS map layers for key Tayside Biodiversity species to assist planners, developers, Partnership

landowners and businesses in adhering to River South Esk

wildlife legislation. Catchment Partnership

Tayside Recorders’ Forum

8 Promote Scottish Encourage MSP Species Champions to visit Tayside Biodiversity Medium Species Champions. Tayside to showcase projects taking forward Partnership specific species conservation, e.g. Small blue butterfly, Freshwater pearl mussel, Bottle­ Scottish Environment nosed dolphin. Link

Identify Local Species Champions to help Angus Council raise awareness of Tayside species. Perth & Kinross Council

9 Disseminate advice Continue to make available the ‘Tayside Angus Council Long to planners, Incorporating Biodiversity into developers and Development Planning Manual’, the Perth & Kinross Council householders. ‘Biodiversity: A Developers Guide’ and Tayside Biodiversity ‘Householders’ Guide to Biodiversity’ Partnership leaflets ­ online and in paper format. Royal Society for the To support implementation of the Angus Protection of Birds Local Development Plan, prepare, consult and publish a Planning Advice Note for Scottish Wildlife Trust Protected Sites and Species and their influence on development. Consider a similar Advice Note for the Perth & Kinross Local Development Plan.

Ensure Supplementary Planning Guidance for Biodiversity is available across Tayside.

116 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

10 Assist local Revise and re­publish the Tayside Tayside Biodiversity Short authorities and Biodiversity Partnership booklet “A Guide to Partnership public bodies in Incorporating Biodiversity into Local Tayside to regularly Services”. Angus Council

report on their Perth & Kinross Council Biodiversity Duty.

11 Provide a Continue the ‘Building Better Biodiversity’ Tayside Biodiversity Short programme of series of professional lunch­time seminars Partnership professional training and training events, practitioners’ opportunities. conferences and workshops to enhance Scottish Natural Heritage knowledge on the Biodiversity Duty and Angus Council specific habitats and species. Perth & Kinross Council

Non­governmental organisations

12 Support the work of Publish the Tayside Teachers’ Biodiversity Tayside Biodiversity education Education Guide ‘Signposts to Biodiversity Partnership professionals and and the Curriculum for Excellence’. the formal and Angus Council informal education Add an Education Information Hub to the Perth & Kinross Council processes in raising Tayside Biodiversity website to host the Education Guide. awareness on Grounds for Learning biodiversity issues.

117 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

13 Work in Support an annual North & East Scotland Tayside Biodiversity Short collaboration with ‘Business Counts’ week of events and Partnership partners and workshops. neighbouring Angus Council Support the publication of a ‘Business of Biodiversity Perth & Kinross Council Partnerships to Biodiversity Best Practice’ advisory booklet. support Business Distribute the ‘Making Way for Nature’ North East Scotland and Biodiversity booklet to business parks and industrial Biodiversity Partnership events and projects. estates across Tayside. Cairngorms National Set up a suite of Business of Park Authority Biodiversity/BeeWild best practice Perthshire Business demonstration sites. Enterprise Group

Business Angus

Chambers of Commerce

14 Work with specialist Support the setting up of a Tayside­wide Tayside Biodiversity and cultural groups ‘Wildlife Words, Wildlife Art, Wildlife Partnership to raise awareness of Sounds’ Festival to highlight biodiversity biodiversity in all its through the medium of art, books and Angus Council forms. music. Perth & Kinross Council Support the setting up of a Scottish Coppice VisitScotland Festival to increase knowledge about rural skills (hedge­laying, coppice management, Perthshire Open Studios etc) and to bring together producers, suppliers and purchasers of sustainable Angus Open Studios woodland produce. Reforesting Scotland Publicise the Tayside ZoomIn2 time­lapse photographic project and encourage all ages Scottish Crannog Centre and all abilities to take part in the project. Atlantic Hazel Action Group

Local businesses

Community groups

118 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

15 Publicise and attend Prepare local calendar featuring National Tayside Biodiversity Short events to promote Days to assist with local event planning, e.g. Partnership the Tayside National Meadows Day, Garden BioBlitz, Biodiversity International Oceans Day. Partnership and Tayside’s local Take exhibition space at events such as biodiversity. Dundee Food & Flower Festival, the Kinross Discovery Day, etc.

16 Provide biodiversity Encourage the publication of a variety of Tayside Biodiversity Long information to a bulletins, e­bulletins and newsletters to Partnership wide audience. increase knowledge about Swifts, Barn Owls, Farmland Birds and other species in Tayside. Tayside Recorders’ Forum Continue to publish the Tayside “From Summit to Sand” Newsletter.

Regularly update the Tayside Biodiversity website and contribute to Facebook and Twitter media pages to disseminate a wide range of information.

119 8 Tayside Geodiversity Action Plan

Schiehallion © Carol Pudsey

Background Scottish Soil Framework (2009) has helped in The 1st Edition of the Tayside Biodiversity Action integrating soil issues into policy. The setting up of the Plan was the first BAP to dedicate a detailed section Scottish Geodiversity Forum in 2011 has enabled a to celebrating the areas ’ geodiversity. Since its national body to raise awareness of the subject and publication, the Tayside Geodiversity Group has prepare the Scottish Geodiversity Charter. This was reformed. Despite its small membership, it is taking launched in 2012 and by 2015 there were 59 forward a number of actions, especially the signatories, including the Tayside Biodiversity checking and recording of Local Geodiversity Sites Partnership, Angus Council and Perth & Kinross and the preparation of a series of trail leaflets to Council. raise awareness of geodiversity to a wider audience. The Scottish Geodiversity Charter addresses four Geodiversity is the baseline to the ecosystem approach and biodiversity conservation – it key actions which are also relevant to Tayside, i.e. supports our diverse habitats and species. It is a 1 Raise awareness of the importance of geodiversity vital aspect of flood management and and its wider links with landscape, culture and coastal/shoreline management. Use of sense of place, and encourage a sense of pride groundwater and the winning of mineral resources through education (at all levels including schools, heavily contribute to our economy, as does the land itself which provides many raw materials. The universities and life ­long learning), promotion landscape provides for much of our recreational and interpretation; and tourism industry. 2 Integrate geodiversity into relevant policies to Over the past decade biodiversity has become more ensure sustainable management of the natural integrated into environmental and planning policy, heritage, land and water at a landscape/ but this has yet to fully happen to geodiversity. The ecosystem scale for the wider benefit of

120

Scotland’s people, environment and economy; Objectives 3 Conserve and enhance our geo ­heritage and its The objectives of theTayside Geodiversity Action special character within existing designated sites Plan are to: and areas, further designation of local sites, and in the wider rural, urban and marine 1 Identify,designate,protect and monitor environment; important geological and geomorphological sites and landforms; 4 Research to improve our understanding of the role of geodiversity in providing benefits to 2 Raise awareness of geodiversity throughout ecosystems and people, and address key Tayside,including its importance to biodiversity. knowledge gaps such as the functional links between geodiversity and biodiversity in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments.

The Geologists ’ Association is now hosting the UK Geodiversity Action Plan (UKGAP) website. The UKGAP provides a suite of UK Indicators and highlights national good practice by way of case studies published on the website. Of the 17 indicators listed, the Tayside Geodiversity Action Plan will contribute towards no. 9: “designation and protection of Local Geological Sites ” , no. 12: “visits to sites of geodiversity interest ” , and no. 14 “voluntary involvement and number of people involved ”.

121 Key Sites • Ben Gulabin (landslide • Barry Buddon (Holocene deposit) dunes) • Arbroath to Auchmithie coast • Friarton Quarry (Devonian • Glenquey (late­glacial delta) (Old Red Sandstone and sediments and lavas, dolerite coastal geomorphology) • Kinnoull Hill/Moncreiffe Hill dyke, peperite intrusion) (Devonian lavas) • A9 road cuttings, Glen Garry • Montrose Basin (Holocene (Dalradian folding and dykes) • Wester Bleaton quarry tsunami deposit) (Dalradian limestone, • Schiehallion/Strath Fionan • Garry Drums (meltwater dolerite dyke, mineralisation) (Dalradian stratigraphy, channels) Maskelyne experiment) • Comrie pluton • Rannoch Moor (granite, hummocky moraines) • Scurdie Ness, Montrose (Devonian volcanics) • Gannochy Gorge (Highland Boundary) • Corrie Fee, Glen Clova (glacial landforms) • Cortachy Bridge (best outcrop of HBF serpentinite) • Campsie Linn (dolerite dyke) • Bishop Hill, Lomonds (Carboniferous sandstones and Midland Valley Sill) • Glen Tilt (granite intrusion, Hutton locality)

Schiehallion: ‘Weight of the World’

and surrounding environment, and continues conservation and restoration across the summit, path and the southern­ facing Gleann Mor.

The mountain was used during scientific research by the 18th century Astronomer Royal, the Rev. Neville Maskelyne, to test the measurement of the Earth's mass. In 1772 he proposed to the Royal Society Cairn on East Ridge of Schiehallion © Carol Pudsey the Schiehallion experiment for the determination of the Schiehallion can be found summit standing proud at Earth’s density using a plumb rooted in the Scottish 3,547 feet (1,083 metres). line. His observations were Highlands, markedly apart carried out in 1774, assisted by from other peaks in the vicinity. The name Schiehallion Reuben Burrow, William Roy, With its iconic conical profile it translates to ‘Fairyhill of the William Menzies and a team of is regarded as one of Scotland’s Caledonians' giving a labourers. The experiment well known Munros among tantalising glimpse of its demonstrated that Newton’s locals, visitors and hill walkers. diverse nature with its law of gravitational attraction It provides ample opportunity abundance of species from was correct. The sites of the for spectacular highland vistas, birds of prey, rare plants and northern and southern refreshing hill ­walks along its the elusive wandering Red observatories, as well as the main broad ridge and for those Deer. The John Muir Trust owns two cairns on the summit more hardened, hiking to a 935 hectares of the mountain ridge, are still visible.

122 Working with Other Organisations

In 2012 Tayside Geodiversity geology of the area, field and was tasked with undertaking a historical descriptions of 27 baseline Geodiversity Survey of sites and a full bibliography. the upper Firth of Tay ­ Lower Ahead of the A9 dualling, Strathearn area. A 63­page Tayside Geodiversity assisted report was subsequently Scottish Natural Heritage staff presented to the Tay Landscape with field surveys of road Partnership as part of its cuttings along sections of the development phase. It included route to be dualled. © Carol Pudsey a brief technical account of the

Sharing Geology with Visitors and Local Residents

A key output of Tayside was prepared. It describes three publication can be downloaded Geodiversity has been in a series short walks where interesting via http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/ of geological leaflets. They can moraines and meltwater on­ line/geology/Fife_ Tayside/ all be downloaded from the channels can be seen. Tayside Biodiversity and Dundee Law – this leaflet Geodiversity websites. The most describes the geological history recent include: of Dundee Law and outlines The Arbroath to Auchmithie the uses of different building Trail – one of the first leaflets to stones and features such as the be prepared and one of the old railway tunnel. most widely used. The trail Schiehallion – a includes the Whiting Ness to leaflet on the geology Ethie Haven Site of Special of Schiehallion, Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was aimed at the hillwalker selected as a SSSI for its rather than the geological interest, but also for geologist, is in the important areas of coastal preparation. grassland and cliff vegetation, Dighty Burn – Tayside and a variety of bird, plant and Geodiversity advised the insect species. Look out for the Dighty Connect project on Small Blue butterfly and its the area's geodiversity food plant Kidney Vetch whilst ahead of publication of its on the trail. leaflet. Strathardle –at the request of A Landscape Fashioned by Kindrogan Field Studies Centre, Geology: Fife & Tayside – for a a leaflet on the Quaternary wider picture the SNH landforms of the Straloch area

123 Tayside Geodiversity Actions Schedule Key for timescale Short: 1­3 yrs Medium: 4­6 yrs Long: 7­10 yrs Actions will be input into the UK Biodiversity Action System (UKBARS)where Lead Partners will be outlined

Maintaining & Improving Habitats

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

1 Promote the Join or continue as signatories to the Scottish Angus Council Long importance and value Geodiversity Charter. Perth & Kinross Council of Local Geodiversity Incorporate geodiversity and geo­heritage into TayPlan Sites within Local Open Space Strategies, existing nature Development Plans, all conservation practices and policies. Historic Environment relevant local authority Ensure repairs and renovations maintain and Scotland departments, and enhance the unique local character of our built Perth & Kinross Heritage networks. heritage. Trust Enhance geodiversity and access to sites during North East Green Network construction of new or upgrading of road routes, Scottish Land & Estates or as part of development and landscaping. Take into account geodiversity sites when Forestry Commission commenting on Forestry planting plans. Scotland Encourage developers and planners to consider Tayside Biodiversity the ecosystem services geodiversity sites provide. Partnership Link geodiversity sites with development of core Sustrans footpath network, cycleways and complementary Tayside Geodiversity signage strategy. Landowners and land Include enhancement of natural fluvial and managers coastal processes to reduce flood risk when undertaking statutory flood risk assessments. Encourage landowners and managers to restore/enhance natural river channels. Capture better GIS information on geodiversity sites and zones through an informed network­ based planning approach and integration, where appropriate, into the North East Green Network.

Surveying & Monitoring

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

2 Identify and designate Review existing list of potential Local Tayside Geodiversity Long Local Geodiversity Geodiversity Sites, draw up Priority Sites to check Angus Council Sites and prepare Site Designations to pass to the local authorities in Tayside. Dundee City Council Local Authorities to add all Site Designations to Perth & Kinross Council their GIS to flag up in planning applications. Via citizen science surveys, identify and record new or temporary exposures, landslips, road cuts, development sites and add to geodiversity audit where applicable.

3 Monitor condition of Report via Local Geodiversity Site listing as to site Tayside Geodiversity Long Local Geodiversity condition. Sites.

124 Education & Awareness Raising

Action Action breakdown Who needs to take Timescale the action

4 Raise public Continue preparation and promotion of a Tayside Geodiversity Medium awareness of series of trails, walks, etc. by way of leaflets, Tayside Biodiversity geodiversity in the events and interpretation, etc. Partnership region. Provide and regularly maintain/update the Broughty Ferry Tayside Geodiversity website. Environmental Project Encourage the tourism sector to promote National Trust for the region’s geodiversity heritage, i.e. Scotland woodland, farmland and coastal trails, Dundee Science Centre accommodation, guiding, Science Festivals input and interpretation. Angus Council

Work with local mineral extraction Perth & Kinross Council operations to ensure geodiversity information is collected and used.

Education ­ encourage practical coastal and glacial fieldwork studies within the Curriculum for Excellence (Higher and National 5).

5 Develop the use of Provide maps and support materials that Tayside Geodiversity Long Tayside’s highlight local geodiversity sites, fossils, etc. Historic Environment geodiversity as a Scotland learning tool to Promote the importance of building stones, promote outdoor gravestones and local quarry sites as readily Perth & Kinross Heritage teaching (for schools accessible examples of local geodiversity. Trust and adult Encourage local appreciation of geodiversity Angus Heritage

education). through art projects, awareness­raising of National Trust for soil conservation in allotments, community Scotland gardens, etc. Local communities Tayside Biodiversity Partnership

125 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All the 2nd Edition Action Plans drew on a wide range of information and advice by a variety of specialists and organisations. The Tayside Biodiversity Partnership thanks all those who have contributed towards the production of the Action Plan. Particular thanks go to those who submitted comments on the Action Plan’s Consultative Drafts. Many non­ governmental organisations contributed text for their specialism and Angus Council provided the landscape map.

Editorial Team Catherine Lloyd, Dennis Dick, MBE, Andrew Barbour, Kelly Ann Dempsey, David Williamson, Esther Rogers­Nicoll, Kate Baird, Carol Littlewood, Andrew Law, Steven Sinclair – and thanks to all the Working Groups and Species Interest Groups for their input.

Funding Partners

c/o Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth. PH1 5GD www.taysidebiodiversity.co.uk Tayside Biodiversity @TayBiodiversity

Tayside Biodiversity Co­ordinator: Catherine A G Lloyd Email: [email protected]; Tel. 01738 475373

This document will be periodically reviewed and updated. Revised sections will be uploaded to www.taysidebiodiversity.co.uk

Printed by Print Services, Angus Council using environmentally­friendly Claro silk, an FSC4 certified recycled mix and digitally printed Designed by Communications Team, Angus Council (with thanks to the designers Kenny Saunders and Graham Pert)

126 Red Squirrel © SNH 127 Learning to look after our Coastal survey volunteering wildlife © Kelly Ann Dempsey © Kelly Ann Dempsey

Planting a new orchard © CAG Lloyd

Published by Tayside Biodiversity Partnership 2016

Wildlife does not exist for man’s delectation. Man may find it beautiful, edifying, amusing, useful and all the rest of it, but that is not why it is there, nor is that a good enough reason for our allowing it to remain. Let us give beast and bird and flower the place to live in its own right.

Sir Frank Fraser Darling: Natural History in the Highlands and Islands