Review

of the

Skye & Lochalsh

Biodiversity Action Plan

2003 – 2014

A report to the

Skye & Lochalsh Environment Forum

by

Ro Scott

May 2015

1

Contents Page

Highlights – A selection of successful projects 3

1. Introduction 4

2. Analysis of projects 6

3. Changes since 2003 10

4. Gaps and opportunities 15

5. Cross-cutting issues 33

6. Where to next? 36

Appendix 1 38

Throughout the document, direct quotes from the original 2003 Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Action Plan are shown in a smaller typeface.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to current members of the Skye & Lochalsh Environment Forum (SLEF) Biodiversity sub-Group for their enthusiastic input to this review (Roger Cottis, Louise Love, James Merryweather and John Phillips) and to others who supplied information or commented on a draft (Giles Brockman FCS, Alison Mclennan RSPB, Andrew McBride SNH, Brian Neath South-West Ross Field Club and Alex Turner SNH). Thanks are also due to Jonathan Willet (Highland Council Biodiversity Officer) for funding and managing the contract.

Author

Ms Ro Scott BA, MSc, CEnv., MCIEEM, Peddieston Cottage, Cromarty, IV11 8XX. [email protected]

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Ten Years of the Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Action Plan

*** Highlights *** (in no particular order)

SLEF established - website, posters and postcards produced Community Outreach Officer employed for two years ‘Skye & Lochalsh Wildlife’ leaflet produced Mink monitoring project undertaken Action taken against Japanese knotweed Moth ID training undertaken User-friendly Seashore Guide produced Slug identification evening held Lever & Mulch Rhododendron eradication course held Black-throated Diver rafts installed on Loch Cluanie Biodiversity Day held at Balmacara Sedge identification day held on Raasay

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1. Introduction

The Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Action Plan was first published in December 2003, as one of seven Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) produced for the Highland Council area, under the auspices of the Highland Biodiversity Project 2002-05. The Plan was drafted, with assistance from Janet Bromham (Highland Biodiversity Officer), by the Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Group (SLBG), whose then members represented the following organisations, interests and localities:

John Bannister Crofting Scottish Crofting Foundation Kylerhea Jryna Batters Community groups Sluggans Woodland Snizort Deborah Bogenhuber Tourism White Wave Activities Kilmuir Dr Stephen Bungard Ecology & recording BSBI Raasay Jed Carter (Chairman) Independent Waterstein David Glover Land owning NFUS & SLF Inverinate Diana Holt Education NTS Ranger Service Kintail Angus McHattie Marine & crofting Breakish Dr Alison MacLennan Wildlife & geology RSPB Scotland Broadford Colin Parsons Woodland Fernaig Community Trust Achmore John Phillips Education Highland Council Ranger Service Broadford

(BSBI: Botanical Society of the British Isles, NFUS: National Farmers Union (Scotland), NTS: National Trust for Scotland, RSPB: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, SLF: Scottish Landowners Federation)

During the subsequent twelve-year period, several different funding regimes (e.g. Highland BAP Implementation Programme 2005-06; Communities Project for Highland Biodiversity 2006-09) have enabled the Group and its successor organisation, the Skye and Lochalsh Environment Forum (SLEF) to undertake approximately 30 biodiversity projects in Skye & Lochalsh.

An interim review of all the Highland BAPs was undertaken by the EnviroCentre consultancy in 2006, producing an Implementation Plan for 2006-09 consisting of four suggested projects ((i) Japanese knotweed control, (ii) Lochalsh and South Skye Butterfly Survey, (iii) Birds and bat boxes associated with buildings, and (iv) Reducing mammal casualties on roads.) Two of these ((i) and (iii)) were taken forward. After twelve years of progress and many changes in the legislative and policy context for biodiversity work in Scotland, it was considered timely to undertake an overall review of the achievements of the Skye & Lochalsh LBAP since its beginnings in 2003, and look to the future.

The contract brief included the following elements:

a) Briefly summarise each of the projects carried out by SLEF and others since 2003 and their relevance to the Skye and Lochalsh Biodiversity Objectives in the Action Plan.

4 b) Identify the main gaps where action has been inadequate for the broad balanced coverage of habitats and species. c) Suggest future projects or series of actions that could be undertaken to enhance the biodiversity of Skye and Lochalsh. d) Provide a table of biodiversity related legislative and policy changes since 2003.

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2. Analysis of projects

This Chapter considers only to those projects carried out by the Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Group (SLBG) and its successor, SLEF. Because of the number and complexity of biodiversity-related projects carried out by the multiplicity of other organisations operating in Skye & Lochalsh, it was not possible to subject these to the same levels of analysis. They are summarised, as far as was possible within the constraints of the contract, in Appendix 1 (p. 38).

The projects carried out by SLBG/SLEF were analysed according to four different aspects: taxonomic group; habitat category; geographical area (by Community Council); and functional type of project. Results are summarised on pp. 8/9 in the form of pie charts. This analysis used merely the number of projects, with each project scoring 1 for each category to which it applied. Consequently in some categories the total score may be greater than the number of projects. It was not possible to do the analysis using costings because this information was not available for all projects.

2.1 Taxonomic groups Birds Higher plants Mammals Lower plants Fish Fungi Invertebrates

The majority of projects (13) covered multiple taxonomic groups. This was largely because most projects were concerned with raising awareness of biodiversity generally, or in a particular environment e.g. marine biodiversity, and did not pick out particular taxa for attention. Of those which did, four projects concerned higher plants, three each for invertebrates and birds, and two each for mammals and herptiles. There were no SBG/SLEF projects covering fish, lower plants, or fungi.

2.2 Habitat category The habitat categories used are those which form the chapter headings in the original Skye & Lochalsh BAP:

Sea & Coast Woodland Freshwater Mountain & Moorland In-bye Croft and Farm Land The Built Environment

Thirteen projects covered multiple habitat categories. Excluding these, six projects involved the marine environment (Sea & Coast), three each for freshwater and

6 woodland, two for the built environment and one for in-bye croft and farm land. If the multiple-habitat score of 13 is added to each of the other habitats, this gives a much more even split with between 13 (for Mountain and Moor, which had no habitat-specific projects, but was covered by the general ones) and 19 for Sea & Coast.

2.3 Community Council area Community Council areas were chosen as the measure of geographical coverage of the LBAP because they each contain one or more human settlements, plus an area of less densely populated hinterland. The Skye & Lochalsh LBAP area includes 23 Community Councils:

Braes Kyleakin & Kylerhea Skeabost Broadford & Strath Lochalsh Sleat Dornie and District Loch Duich Staffin Dunvegan Minginish Stromeferry Glendale Plockton Struan Glenelg & Arnisdale Portree Uig Kilmuir Raasay Waternish Kyle Sconser

Nine projects were Skye & Lochalsh-wide, and deemed to cover all community Council areas. Otherwise, the areas with the most projects were those containing the main towns, or with significant community-based activity (i.e. Broadford and Strath 5 projects, Sleat 3 and Portree 2). Dunvegan, Glenelg & Arnisdale, Lochalsh, Loch Duich, Raasay, Skeabost and Stromeferry had one project each. The remaining 13 Community Council areas were not the focus of any specific projects. Five projects were not geographically –based and CC area was not applicable (e.g. websites, posters etc.).

2.4 Functional type biodiversity audit habitat or species management education and awareness-raising interpretation (none in this category) habitat creation (none in this category)

The vast majority of projects (22) were concerned with education and awareness- raising. Seven projects involved biodiversity audit, and six habitat or species management. There were no projects involving habitat creation or interpretation. (These categories have been used in reviews of two other Highland LBAPs.)

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NUMBER OF PROJECTS BY TAXONOMIC GROUP

Birds

3 Mammals

2 Reptiles & amphibians Multi-taxa 13 2

3 Invertebrates

4

Higher plants

NUMBER OF PROJECTS BY HABITAT CATEGORY

Sea & Coast

6

Multi-habitat 13

3 Freshwater

1 3 2 In-bye Croft and Farm Land

Woodland The Built Environment PROJECTS BY COMMUNITY COUNCIL AREA (EXCLUDING THOSE WITH NONE)

Broadford & Strath

S&L-wide (all CCs) 5

Dunvegan 9 1 1 Glenelg & Arnisdale 1 Lochalsh 1 1 2 Loch Duich 3 1 1 Stromeferry Portree Sleat Raasay Skeabost

NUMBER OF PROJECTS BY FUNCTIONAL TYPE Habitat or species Biodiversity management audit

6 7

22 Education and awareness- raising

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3. Changes since 2003

3.1 General Table 1 (pp.13/14) summarises changes to biodiversity-related legislation and policy since 2003. It is not a comprehensive list, but illustrates the extent to which the background to biodiversity work is constantly evolving.

In the twelve years since the Skye & Lochalsh BAP was published, considerable progress has been made across the board, (from Directives of the European Community to the responsibilities of the Highland Council), in integrating consideration for biodiversity into mainstream policy and legislation. This means that many of the areas of work initially identified for action in the Skye & Lochalsh BAP are now being taken forward by organisations such as SEPA, FCS, SNH and Marine Scotland (established in 2010).

In more general terms there has been, over the past ten years, a growing appreciation of the value of the natural world to human society in terms of the services it provides, including its contribution to human health and wellbeing. Even the Scottish Government’s Economic Strategy (2011) mentions the importance of a high quality environment to the tourism and food and drink sectors of Scotland’s economy 1.

Similarly, knowledge of the natural environment and biodiversity is increasing all the time. The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway now contains over 100 million species records but, as with most of the Highland area, there is still plenty more to be discovered about the biodiversity of Skye & Lochalsh. The availability of high(er) speed broadband means that access to the huge online knowledge base is available to people in areas previously considered remote.

Whilst there have been positive gains in terms of species re-introductions, with sea eagles and red kites now resident in the Highlands, the appearance of southern species (jays, speckled wood and ringlet butterflies) arriving under their own steam indicates that climate change is already exerting an impact on the Highland environment.

The pressure to ameliorate the consequences of climate change by investing in renewable energy technologies has been an increasing source of conflict in the Highlands, with the establishment of numerous onshore wind farms, micro-hydro schemes and the prospect of large offshore renewables developments in the near

1 Scottish Government Economic Strategy (2011) Scottish Government, Edinburgh. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/13091128/0 future. It is difficult to evaluate whether the long-term effect of these developments in mitigating climate change will offset their more immediate perceived impacts on local biodiversity.

The emphasis in the ‘2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity’ is on moving towards landscape-scale approaches rather than discrete actions for individual species and habitats. This approach is reflected in the publication of, for example, ‘Scotland’s Natural Capital Index’2 by SNH.

3.2 Skye & Lochalsh At the 2011 census the population of Skye & Lochalsh3 was 13,114 people of whom 10,0084 (76%) were living on Skye. This represents an increase of 8% over the 2001 figure of 9,2325 for Skye and 12,136 for S&L combined. This upward population trend is likely to increase pressures for housing and infrastructure development.

A great deal of what happens on the land, in terms of management, is determined by the motivations of its owners, as influenced by financial incentives offered by Government. Skye & Lochalsh has a mixed tenure pattern, with some large estates (e.g. Eilean Iarmain; MacLeod Estates), some not-for profit owners (e.g. National trust for Scotland; John Muir Trust) and some community groups (e.g. Kyle & Lochalsh Community Trust and Sleat Community Trust (owning Tormore community forest)). Superimposed on these is the pattern of smaller croft holdings, organised into townships.

There are currently two ‘large’ commercial wind farms in Skye (Edinbane and Ben Aketil) and many smaller renewable energy installations belonging to individual farms, crofts or commercial premises. The large applications will have been subject to Environmental Impact Assessments which will have involved gathering data on the flora and fauna of the areas affected. It is regrettable that because of ‘commercial confidentiality’ this information is not routinely submitted to national and local recording schemes. At Ben Aketil a continuing programme of bird monitoring is in place. These wind farms contribute money into community funds, which have been used for a variety of purposes, including footpath repairs (Edinbane). Presumably such funds could also

2 http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B814140.pdf 3 http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/695/council_information_performance_and_statistics/165/highland_profile _-_key_facts_and_figures/2 4 http://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/documents/censusresults/release1c/rel1c2sb.pdf 5 http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/census/censushm/occpapers/occasional-paper-10/index.html

11 be used for biodiversity projects, if there was anyone resident locally who could take the lead?

The number of different kinds of fish farms in Skye & Lochalsh has also increased during the past 12 years. The ‘Scotland’s Aquaculture’ website6 gives the following totals for Skye & Lochalsh:

Active Inactive Seawater finfish sites 14 9 Freshwater finfish sites 3 2 Shellfish sites 12 2

The proliferation of fish farms continues to be a cause of concern to SLEF in relation to their environmental impact.

Research into archaeology and environmental history (e.g. the High Pasture Cave project7; or the summary of Skye’s archaeology given here8) is increasing our understanding of how the Skye & Lochalsh environment was used by humans in the past. Such researches tend to indicate that long-standing anthropogenic effects on the landscape and biodiversity are more prevalent and pervasive than was previously thought.

6 http://aquaculture.scotland.gov.uk/default.aspx 7 http://www.high-pasture-cave.org/ 8 http://www.skyecomuseum.co.uk/archaeology-history.php

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Table 1: Biodiversity-related legislative and policy changes since 2003 Date Item Main implications for biodiversity 2003 EU Water Framework Directive SEPA given statutory responsibility to produce River Basin implemented via UK legislation Management Plans, setting environmental quality objectives for all water bodies. 2004 Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act Imposition of ‘biodiversity duty’ on public bodies. Enhanced protection and management of SSSIs. Inception of Scottish Biodiversity List. 2004 Publication of ‘Scotland’s Post-devolution strategy for the conservation of biodiversity Biodiversity: it’s in your hands’ in Scotland. 2004 Inception of Scottish Outdoor Promoting a responsible attitude on the part of access- Access Code takers and providers. Set up Local Access Fora to resolve problems. 2005 Publication of Millennium Global assessment of the state of the world’s ecosystems Ecosystem Assessment and their capacity to continue to sustain human life. 2005 Water Environment (Controlled Greater statutory control of activities impacting upon the Activities) Regulations (CAR) water environment. 2005 Formal designation of Candidate Scottish sites added to European list, ceasing to be SACs ‘candidate’ SACs. 2006 Production of Highland-wide BAP, Highland-wide and Area Implementation Plans, plus by EnviroCentre consultancy framework for biodiversity conservation. 2006 Highland Forest and Woodland Strategic guidance on the location of forestry and Strategy published by THC woodlands in Highland. 2006 Scottish Forestry Strategy Including target to increase Scotland’s woodland cover published by FCS from 17.1% to about 25% of land area. 2006 Establishment of British National Potential for more effective action against wildlife crime. Wildlife Crime Unit in Scotland 2006 Publication of ‘Planning to Halt the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2010 for land use Loss of Biodiversity’ by British and spatial planning in terrestrial, coastal and freshwater Standards Institution environments. 2007 Review of UK BAP Number of priority species increased from <600 to 1150, and number of priority habitats increased from 49 to 65 2007 Highland BAP Scientific and Prioritisation of species targeted for work in each Highland Technical Group (STAG) paper BAP area. 2007 SRDP supersedes Rural Specific ‘packages’ of measures made available, targeted Stewardship Scheme (RSS) at biodiversity priorities for particular habitats and species. 2007 Start of SNH Species Action Targeted management for 32 species (including UKBAP Framework (to run until 2012) priorities red squirrel, wildcat, freshwater pearl mussel etc.) 2007 Publication of 'Conserving Sets framework for post-devolution biodiversity work. Biodiversity – the UK Approach' 2007 Move to Local Authority Single Funding for Local Authorities’ statutory responsibility for Outcome Agreements biodiversity routed directly from Scottish Government, rather than via SNH grants. 2008 First report on 'The Economics of Recognition of the hidden economic values of biodiversity Ecosystems & Biodiversity (TEEB)' worldwide. 2008 Scottish Fisheries Council Developing Strategies for sustainable management of established scallops, crabs and lobsters. 2008 Publication of ‘Scotland’s Wild Deer A national strategy for deer management in Scotland. - a National Approach’ 2009 Environmental Liability Directive Enforces ‘polluter pays’ principle for damage to European implemented in Scotland habitats and species, and water quality under WFD. SNH, SEPA and Marine Scotland are the ‘competent authorities’. 2010 Deer Commission for Scotland Potential for better integration of deer and natural heritage combined with SNH management.

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2010 Marine Scotland Act Marine Scotland set up as an agency within the Scottish Government. Extension of statutory Planning process to the marine environment; responsibility for designating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Increased protection for seals. 2010 Inshore Fisheries Groups Skye & Lochalsh covered by North-West Inshore Fisheries established Group. Inshore Fisheries Management Plan produced. 2010 Review of Highland-wide BAP Reviewed for the period 2010-13. 2011 Fisheries Management and Management of scallop, crab and lobster stocks separated Conservation Group replaces from marketing. Scottish Fisheries Council 2011 Wildlife & Natural Environment Changes to species protection and licensing. (WANE) Act More rigorous approach to invasive non-native species. Licensing for out-of-season muirburn. Public bodies’ statutory reporting on biodiversity duty. 2011 UK National Ecosystem Assessment of the state of the UK’s ecosystems and their Assessment published capacity to continue to sustain human life. 2011 Scotland’s Land-use Strategy Strategic approach to sustainable land-use in Scotland. 2011 Revised Muirburn Code issued Advice on regulation of muirburn under WANE Act. 2011 Scottish Government issues ‘2020 Commitment to generate 100% of electricity demand Renewables Routemap’ equivalent from renewables by 2020. 2011 Environmental Impact Assessment Rationalising the approach to EIA embodied in previous EU (Scotland) Regulations Directives and Regulations. 2011 Online ‘Biodiversity Planning Easy-access guidance to biodiversity advice for Planners Toolkit’ introduced http://www.biodiversityplanningtoolkit.com/ 2011 Highland Council issue ‘Highland’s Guidance for developers on how to deal with protected Statutorily Protected Species – species on site. supplementary guidance’ 2011 Publication of Scottish Government A step towards delivery of the Land Use Strategy Information Note on ‘Applying an http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/16083740 ecosystems approach to land use’ /1 2011 Publication of report by IUCN UK Recognising the importance of (particularly) Scotland’s Peatland Commission of Inquiry peatlands in carbon sequestration (amongst other things). 2012 Publication of the 'UK Post-2010 Supersedes 'Conserving Biodiversity – the UK Approach' Biodiversity Framework' (2007); UKBAP website archived. 2012 Report of Woodland Expansion Advice on how target for 25% woodland cover may be Advisory Group published achieved. 2012 Implementation of 2010 Crofting Regulation of crofting passes from Crofters’ Commission to Reform Act new Crofting Commission. 2013 Highland Seashore Biodiversity 3-year Highland-wide project to raise awareness of coastal Project begins and marine biodiversity. 2013 Publication of the ‘2020 Challenge Revised biodiversity strategy for Scotland. Emphasis on for Scotland’s Biodiversity’ ‘joined-up thinking’ re ecosystem services, health etc. 2013 Publication of ‘State of Nature’ Report on the state of UK habitats and species by 25 report conservation and research organisations. 2013 FCS publish ‘Native Woodland Survey of all native woodlands larger than 0.5ha. Survey of Scotland’ 2014 3rd National Planning Framework Scottish Government’s long-term vision for spatial published development over the next 20-30 years. 2014 Publication of National Marine Plan http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/12/3409/0 2015 Start of new SRDP New schemes open for applications March 2015. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/SRD P20142012 2015 Review of Highland-wide BAP Highland BAP 2015-20 launched.

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4. Gaps and opportunities

Appendix 1 (pp. 38-70) tabulates the achievements made against the original biodiversity objectives, key issues and suggested future actions, for Skye & Lochalsh generally, and for each of the six major habitat categories identified in the Skye & Lochalsh BAP. Whilst the information on SLBG and SLEFBG projects is thought to be complete, that on the activities of other organisations has been obtained from the knowledge of Group members, by e-mailing relevant organisations and by online searching. It is unlikely to be comprehensive. The results are qualitative rather than quantitative, since statistics (e.g. on population sizes for species, or hectarages for habitats) are not readily available. The original LBAP objectives are in most cases broad-ranging and not tightly specified. Given the scale and scope of biodiversity work which now goes on, it was difficult to know where to draw the line in tabulating work done by other organisations. The objectives were originally set as aspirations for all of the partner organisations in their wider work, and not solely for work which could be achieved through the SLBG.

Taking account of achievements to date and the changes in legislation and policy which have occurred since 2003, opportunities are then presented for achieving biodiversity gains for the six major habitat types in Skye & Lochalsh in the future. Project ideas suggested by the contractor and by the SLEFBG were discussed at a meeting on 16th February 2016 and subsequently circulated in a consultation draft of this report.

4.1 Skye & Lochalsh-wide objectives For Skye & Lochalsh generally, some contribution has been made by Group projects towards achieving objectives within all of the categories, which were: sustainable habitat management; maintain and improve biodiversity and publicise sources of funding; raise awareness of biodiversity and improve access to information about it; and establish a mechanism for delivering the Plan.

Of the proposed Actions, perhaps the most successful has been the establishment of SLEF, as the organisation which takes forward the BAP and promotes environmental activities generally in Skye & Lochalsh. An item of concern is that the Skye Data Atlas, mentioned under the ‘proposed actions’ to address lack of information as the basis for improving data-holdings on biodiversity in Skye & Lochalsh, is no longer available online. Several copies are however available via the Highlife Highland Library service, including one in Portree library.

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Another particularly successful area has been actions against invasive non-native species, with projects tackling Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron and American mink.

For the six habitats taken individually, Group projects have contributed more in some categories than others. Because the different habitats have different numbers of objectives, direct comparisons are difficult. The following summary can only be a crude measure of relative achievement. The best match is in the ‘Freshwater’ habitat category, where three of the four objectives were addressed by a total of 12 projects. Conversely, despite it being the most widespread and extensive habitat in Skye & Lochalsh, no projects at all were carried out within the ‘Mountain and Moor’ category. Since much mountain and moorland is within agricultural use as hill grazings, its management is, like that of in-bye croft and farm land, dependent on the prevailing agri- environment scheme (during this period, RSS or SRDP).

Progress achieved within each habitat category is examined below. Each section is intended to stand alone, so there is some repetition of information where it is relevant to more than one habitat type.

4.2 Sea & coast The original objectives and suggested actions were wide-ranging and aimed at integrated and sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. The majority of projects carried out by SLBG/SLEF were concerned with raising awareness and increasing knowledge of marine and coastal biodiversity. This included producing a series of posters downloadable from the SLEF website and a user-friendly seashore guide, as well as organising various awareness-raising events.

Work towards the sustainable management of marine fisheries, and the designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), now falls within the remit of Marine Scotland and SNH. Marine Scotland published a ‘Marine Nature Conservation Strategy’ and ‘Scotland's Marine Atlas: Information for The National Marine Plan’ in 2011. The latter summarises the current state of knowledge of Scotland’s marine environment. The National Marine Plan itself was published in 2014.

A number of initiatives, such as the Scottish Coastal Forum and Inshore Fisheries Groups have been set up, and a revised edition of the Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture was published in 2009.

Following the Marine Scotland Act, one MPA (Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh) has been designated in Skye & Lochalsh. Work has also been done on assessing the contribution which existing protected areas make to the conservation of species and habitats for which MPAs can be designated. These include the following Skye &

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Lochalsh BAP priority species: basking shark; minke whale; Risso’s dolphin; sea-loch egg wrack, and priority habitats: horse mussel beds; maerl beds; and seagrass beds.

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

 Unsustainability in the fishing and shellfish industries;  The environmental impacts of aquaculture;  Potential pollution and introduction of non-native species (in ballast water) via shipping traffic in the Minch;  Pollution and litter  Gravel extraction, dumping and beach cleaning  Shellfish & bait gathering  Recreation and tourism

None of these has disappeared off the agenda in the intervening ten years, although there are now more statutory mechanisms in place to address them. The creation of Marine Scotland as a Scottish Government agency in 2010 means that there is now a single agency with responsibility for achieving the sustainable management of the marine environment, and the designation of Marine Protected Areas.

Opportunities for action by the SLEFBG are more likely to include awareness-raising, biodiversity audit and perhaps small-scale habitat or species management projects.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007 recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area. Those suggested for Skye & Lochalsh which occur in marine and coastal habitats were: sea-loch egg wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii)9; basking shark; tall sea pen; great yellow bumblebee; moss carder bee.

The 2007 review of the UKBAP added the species European eel, river lamprey, sea lamprey, sea trout, salmon and the common toad (which breeds in brackish pools on the coast) to the UK priority list, thus raising their profile for action. The habitat types ‘tide-swept channels’ and ‘file shell beds’ were also added.

9 For a recent review see Evans, I.M. (2013) Wig wrack Ascophyllum nodosum mackaii in the North-west Highlands: An Update. The Highland Naturalist, 9, 13-14. 17

Potential future projects:

a. There is still plenty of scope for biodiversity audit in the marine and coastal environments, and for raising awareness of the biodiversity of these habitats, in collaboration with the Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project. b. Further survey and awareness-raising work on any of the priority species would be valuable. c. Attention could be directed to the potential for the arrival or spread of marine invasives such as wireweed (Sargassum muticum) which is spreading up the west coast (and has recently been found at Tarskavaig). d. Awareness-raising of the problems caused by marine litter, perhaps with the Marine Conservation Society. e. Native oysters – need to raise awareness of their occurrence and protected status.

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4.3 Freshwater Although the first of the four objectives (promote integrated catchment management) was not addressed by SLBG/SLEF projects, the other three were (advice on management; raising awareness; and encouraging recording).

SEPA now has statutory responsibility for water quality and for ground-water dependent terrestrial ecosystems under the Water Framework Directive. This includes giving regulatory advice for planning applications. SEPA also undertakes monitoring of freshwater plants and macro-invertebrates, studies of fish ecology and distribution and has established a methodology for identifying ground-water dependent ecosystems (mires, bogs, fens etc.). Alien species surveys are carried out at routine sample sites, particularly for Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron and American mink. Surveillance is also maintained for plant pathogens such as Phytophthora on blaeberries. Data collected are shared via the NBN Gateway and Scotland’s Environment Web.

The British Dragonfly Society recently published a national (GB) dragonfly atlas, which has included some fieldwork in Skye & Lochalsh by the Scottish recorder and others.

SNH has published a study on the vulnerability to hydro-electric schemes of bryophytes living in gorges in the north-west Highlands10. This included all watercourses shown on the Ordnance Survey 1:250,000 map series in Skye & Lochalsh. Many sites important for their oceanic bryophytes were found.

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

 Catchment management  Bankside vegetation  Invasive species

These are now subject to a greater degree of statutory control than in 2003, largely because of the Water Framework Directive.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007 recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area.

10 Averis, A.B.G., Genney, D.R., Hodgetts, N.G., Rothero, G.P. & Bainbridge, I.P. (2012). Bryological assessment for hydroelectric schemes in the West Highlands 2nd edition. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No.449b http://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and- research/publications/search-the-catalogue/publication-detail/?id=1953

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Those suggested for Skye & Lochalsh which occur in freshwater habitats were water vole and freshwater pearl mussel.

The 2007 review of the UKBAP added ‘oligotrophic and dystrophic lochs’ to the list of priority habitats, with Arctic charr, salmon, sea trout, common toad and black-throated diver being added to the list of priority species.

Another issue of concern identified by the SLEFBG is:

 Pearl mussels - moribund populations in rivers which have lost their salmonid populations (see Info Box on p.21).

The freshwater pearl mussel was covered by SNH’s Species Action Framework 2005- 12. Unfortunately the present EU LIFE Project ‘Pearls in Peril’11 does not include any rivers in Skye & Lochalsh. However, WWF publishes a handbook on restoring pearl mussel streams, based on a similar LIFE project which took place in Sweden12.

A national survey has recently been undertaken which included the Skye rivers. The report is due imminently. This should provide an update on the status of these populations and management recommendations. Once that information is available action may be possible if agreement can be reached with landowners and other interested parties.

Potential future projects:

a. There is plenty of scope for further biodiversity audit in the freshwater environment, particularly to map the distributions of priority (and other) species, of fish and invertebrates, as well as water voles (in Lochalsh - not present in Skye). b. Management to restore salmonids to rivers which still have pearl mussel populations in collaboration with the Skye Fisheries Trust.

11 http://www.pearlsinperil.org.uk/ 12 http://www.wwf.se/source.php/1257735/Restoration%20of%20FPM%20streams.pdf 20

FRESHWATER PEARL MUSSEL Information provided by James Merryweather

The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a rare bivalve mollusc, protected by law, that has suffered dramatic declines over the past hundred years. It lives only in the cleanest fast-flowing streams and rivers of which Skye & Lochalsh has plenty, but few support mussel populations, none of which is thought to be in robust condition.

In Skye & Lochalsh, declines have two possible causes: 1. Illegal pearl fishing; 2. Fish farms. Both currently constitute a significant threat to remaining colonies.

Freshwater pearl mussel larvae (glochidia) spend their first few months attached harmlessly to the gills of young salmon and sea trout. The relationship of mollusc and fish is a classic symbiosis in which freshwater pearl mussels are wholly dependent upon healthy fish populations for protection and enhanced respiration early in their life cycle. If the fishes are absent, so (eventually) will be the mussels.

Freshwater pearl mussels are long-lived: most over 50 years old and can live up to 210–250 years.13 Therefore, adults may survive wild salmonid losses for some time, but without hosts for the glochidia to attach to, recruitment of juveniles fails and mussels are doomed to eventual extinction.

On the west Highland coast, fish farms (Atlantic salmon) have been installed in almost every sea loch into which flow burns and rivers that, under natural circumstances, have the potential to support flourishing populations of native salmonid fishes and freshwater pearl mussels. Fish farms – currently using open-weave pens constructed from netting – routinely become infested with difficult to control sea lice (small parasitic crustaceans, usually Lepeophtheirus salmonis), which multiply, relocate through the holes in the fish cages and then attack wild sea trout and salmon. They browse on their surface mucus, skin and flesh weakening and eventually killing them. In consequence, wild fish populations become not just depleted, but extinct.14

The existence and condition of remaining freshwater pearl mussel populations in Skye & Lochalsh needs an up-to-date survey and presence should urgently and emphatically inform decisions on fish farm planning applications for sites where fish farms are currently absent. If wild salmonid populations can be maintained or reinstated in these lochs, freshwater pearl mussels might be able to reproduce once again and thrive. Then, of course, protection from poaching would become the priority.

13 Ziuganov, V., San Miguel, E., Neves, R.J., Longa, A., Fernandez, C., Amaro, R., Beletsky, V., Popkovitch, E., Kaliuzhin, S., Johnson, T. (2000). Life span variation of the freshwater pearlshell: a model species for testing longevity mechanisms in animals. Ambio ХХIX (2): 102–105. 14 Krkošek, M., Revie, C.W., Gargan, P.G., Skilbrei, O.T., Finstad, B & Todd, C.D. (2012). Impact of parasites on salmon recruitment in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. Proceedings of the Royal Society Biological Sciences, 280(1750): 20122359. Thorstad, E.B., Todd, C.D., Bjørn, P.A., Gargan, P.G., Vollset, K.W., Halttunen, E., Kålås, S., Uglem, I., Berg, M. & Finstad, B. (2014). Effects of salmon lice on sea trout – a literature review. NINA Report 1044, 1-162. 21

4.4 In-bye Croft & Farm Land

The management of agricultural land is largely dictated by, and dependent upon, the structuring of the agricultural support schemes which implement the EU Common Agricultural Policy in Scotland. These are reviewed approximately every 5 years. The Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS), which operated from 2001 to 2006, was replaced from 2007 onwards by the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). This will be replaced by a revised SRDP beginning in 2015.

The original LBAP objectives for farm and croft land included encouraging land managers to enter into appropriate schemes and to include a local aspect to biodiversity enhancement schemes. One achievement in this respect was the inclusion of priority species and habitats identified in the LBAP in the assessment process for funding applications through RSS and the 2007-14 SRDP. It is not clear whether this will continue into the new SRDP 2015-20.

In reality the 2007-14 SRDP was so complicated that only the larger conservation NGOs (e.g. RSPB, Butterfly Conservation) were able to work successfully with farmers and crofters to help them enter appropriate schemes. Also the schemes were competitive, so many smaller farmers and crofters lost out.

The RSPB commissioned a report on the effect of changing livestock numbers on biodiversity within the Less Favoured Areas. The whole of Syke & Lochalsh falls within the ‘Severely Disadvantaged’ category. None of the study areas was in Skye & Lochalsh, but useful data are given on the fall in livestock numbers (particularly sheep)15.

A Scottish Soil Framework16 was published 2009, but does not place much emphasis on soil biodiversity. SEPA carries out some monitoring of soil invertebrates, including earthworms.

Most of the projects carried out by SLEF were concerned with raising awareness of farmland biodiversity. The courses in ‘lever and mulch’ Rhododendron clearance, and Japanese knotweed control may have contributed towards the ‘training’ objective, but it is not known if any of the attendees were farmers or crofters.

15 Silcock, P, Brunyee, J, & Pring, J. (2012) Changing livestock numbers in the UK Less Favoured Areas – an analysis of likely biodiversity implications http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Final_Report_tcm9- 340975.pdf 16 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/05/20145602/0 22

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

 Increasing focus on sheep  Land use trends  Lack of agri-environment support  Medicines and chemicals  Genetically modified organisms  Diversity of domestic species

An additional issue identified by the SLEF Biodiversity sub-Group is:

 Soil biodiversity – lack of both awareness and information (see Info Box on p.24).

This applies equally to all terrestrial habitats and will be covered under cross-cutting issues at the end. 2015 has been designated ‘International Year of Soils’ by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007 recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area. Those suggested for Skye & Lochalsh which occur in croft and farmland habitats were great yellow bumblebee (only recorded from NG71 in S&L) and moss carder bee (recorded from 13 coastal 10km squares in Skye, but not from Lochalsh)17.

At the 2007 review of the UKBAP the farmland bird species twite, yellowhammer and starling were added to the priority list, as was the hedgehog.

Despite the resurgence of crofting in some areas, it is still perceived to be in decline in Skye and Lochalsh. The effectiveness of the new SRDP in promoting biodiversity remains to be seen. Consequently there appears to be limited scope for the SLEFBG to influence the management of agricultural land. There may be scope for smaller-scale projects targeted at particular species or locally-occurring habitats.

Potential future projects:

a. Potential to work with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust on the great yellow bumblebee and moss carder bee. b. Scope for awareness-raising of the importance of soil biodiversity. c. Scope to follow up on suggestion of extending survey of lowland grasslands to further areas? (See p.52)

17 Macdonald, M & Nisbet, G (200?) Highland Bumblebees Distribution, Ecology and Conservation. HBRG, Inverness. 23

BELOW-GROUND BIODIVERSITY Information provided by James Merryweather

If below-ground aspects of terrestrial ecosystems are ever considered in documents such as this Biodiversity Action Plan they are usually presented under the heading ‘Soil’. More often than not they concentrate on physical characteristics of soil or simply omit it. It is unfortunate that ‘soil’ automatically conjures in people’s minds images of agricultural fields and the plough, inanimate soil profiles and unappetising descriptions of soil physical and chemical properties. Soil’s most regrettable attributes are that it is dirty, dark, inaccessible and unappealing, so that people’s attention is easily diverted away from the habitat, ecology and crucial importance of approximately half the world’s land and the abundant life within it.

If living organisms feature at all in soil chapters they are likely to be moles and earthworms accompanied by a bewildered approach to microbes that are incredibly numerous but best not given too much conscious deliberation because they are imperceptible, microscopic, very likely unculturable or barely detectable. Obscure organisms get overlooked because they seem too difficult to understand. Out of sight – as soil from within surely is – equals out of mind. In reality, soil is a structured inorganic and organic medium containing dense networks of biological ‘service ducts’ consisting of plant roots and fungal hyphae, between and within which is an (almost) incomprehensibly intricate ‘workforce’ of minute mites, algae, insects, spiders, viruses, ciliates, amoebae, rotifers, bacteria, eelworms, centipedes, millipedes, springtails, flatworms and tardigrades. All of the above interact within the soil system, but they also interact with the above-ground world, maintaining biodiversity as we see it. Without them, there would be no biodiversity.

It is not within the scope of this LBAP to cover below-ground biodiversity in detail, but it should not be – as, unfortunately, is customary – blithely discounted. The SLEF website www.slef.org.uk already has pages introducing below-ground biodiversity and a major, but little known ecological phenomenon present in all but the most degraded soils: mycorrhiza (the almost ubiquitous symbiosis of fungi and plants in roots). The SLEF Below-Ground pages will be upgraded with more plain English discussion and links to external internet resources.

It is hoped that one day biologists and naturalists will automatically associate, in their minds, the above-ground world they observe and the below-ground world they have come to understand. The two are irrevocably conjoined and should not be separated during ecological reasoning. We might not be able to see into the underground realm, but with application it is possible to understand how it functions and appreciate its vital importance.

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4.5 Forest & Woodland

The biodiversity objectives for this habitat were very wide, encompassing the promotion of Forest Habitat Networks, community involvement in woodland management, natural regeneration and converting to continuous cover forestry systems. Most of the SLEF projects were concerned with raising awareness of woodland biodiversity. The Japanese knotweed and Rhododendron control courses addressed the issue of INNS.

Mainstream forestry and woodland activities are again influenced by the SRDP, which subsumes woodland grants previously administered by the Forestry Commission18. During the next round of SRDP, administration of woodland grants will revert to the Forestry Commission.

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) recently completed the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland19 (NWSS) which mapped the occurrence of all native woodlands over 0.5ha, and assessed their condition. Skye & Lochalsh is included in the Highland report which was published in 2013, but the information is presented in such a way that it is not possible to extract data for one part of Highland.

As a major woodland landowner in Skye & Lochalsh, FCS has carried out much work to enhance biodiversity on the National Forest Estate. Species protection and conservation is now a central part of the FCS mandate, and all occurrences of European Protected Species, Schedule 5 mammals plus badgers and Schedule 1 birds are recorded. UKBAP and Scottish Biodiversity List species are also recorded. These are added to the FCS database, which helps plan management of the forests, and identifies opportunities for targeted conservation work. Prior to all forest operations targeted flora and fauna surveys are carried out to ensure avoidance of damage or disturbance to protected breeding habitats, flora and fauna.

Systematic surveys and monitoring of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland sites, including Planted Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS), have been carried out, to inform restoration management to site-native woodland.

The arrival of new tree pathogens such as Chalara dieback is of concern in relation to the ash woods of Skye and Lochalsh. Although small in area, they are particularly important for their lichen flora. The availability of locally grown trees is likely to assist in the battle to increase the resilience of local woods to emerging pathogens.

18 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8j9h8a 19 http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/images/corporate/pdf/fcs-nwss-highland.pdf 25

Deer management affects both woodland and open ground habitats, and the balance between them. Following the amalgamation of the Deer Commission for Scotland with SNH, moves are being made towards greater inclusivity in deer management planning, with greater consideration being given to issues other than sporting management. Skye is covered by a single DMG (currently inoperative), whereas the mainland part is largely covered by the Lochalsh DMG, but also includes small areas of the Affric, Glenelg and Knoydart DMGs. The SLEF Biodiversity sub-Group consider that in Skye sheep have a greater impact than deer on woodland regeneration.

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

 Reduced regeneration potential  Planting native woodlands  Monoculture plantations  Clear felling  Awareness and lack of local involvement  Recreation and tidy-ups  Funding  Rhododendrons

There have been notable advances in addressing these issues through revised forestry policies and grant schemes over the past 12 years.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007 recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area. Those suggested for Skye & Lochalsh which occur in forest and woodland habitats were: hazel gloves fungus; red squirrel (only recorded from NG82 – Totaig area); Scottish wood ant (NG72 and NG83 only); shining guest ant (NG72 only); pearl bordered fritillary; and juniper. At the 2007 review of the UKBAP, the woodland species wood warbler, wildcat and pine marten were added to the priority list.

An additional issue identified by the SLEF Biodiversity sub-Group was:

 The recently-recognised importance of Atlantic hazel woods;

26

Potential future projects:

a. Aspen – encouraging greater connectivity between isolated stands: the Scottish Aspen website has a downloadable guide to ‘Building Aspen habitat networks’20 which may be useful. b. Promoting awareness and appropriate management of the Atlantic hazel wood habitat, including surveys and management for the priority species, hazel gloves fungus (Hypocreopsis rhododendri). c. An awareness-raising project stressing the importance of locally-appropriate species in planting schemes and encouraging the use of local seed sources in propagating trees for planting. d. Further survey and awareness-raising on Juniper. e. Further strategic clearance of Rhododendron.

20 http://scottishaspen.org.uk/ 27

4.6 Mountain & Moorland

The biodiversity objectives for this habitat were aimed at the sustainable management of the uplands, integration of upland forestry with other land uses and encouraging Environmental Impact Assessments for infrastructure developments.

None of the SLEF projects contributed directly to the achievement of these objectives. However, the activities of other organisations have made some progress in this direction. The requirement for EIAs for infrastructure developments (except those exempt from planning control, such as ‘agricultural’ tracks) has now been enshrined in law.

Deer management affects both woodland and open ground habitats, and the balance between them. Following the amalgamation of the Deer Commission for Scotland with SNH, moves are being made towards greater inclusivity in deer management planning, with greater consideration being given to issues other than sporting management. Skye is covered by a single DMG, whereas the mainland part is largely covered by the Lochalsh DMG, but also includes small areas of the Affric, Glenelg and Knoydart DMGs.

Post-2000 deer counts21 give densities lower than 5 deer per square km for most of Skye (with a few ‘hot-spots’ of higher density), but in some parts of inland Lochalsh, there are densities of more than 30 deer per square km. Deer Management on the John Muir Trust properties is aimed at achieving deer densities compatible with high quality upland and peatland habitats and natural regeneration of woodlands in appropriate places.

The RSPB commissioned a report on the effect of changing livestock numbers on biodiversity within the Less Favoured Areas. The whole of Syke & Lochalsh falls within the ‘Severely Disadvantaged’ category. None of the study areas was in Skye & Lochalsh, but useful data are given on the fall in livestock numbers (particularly sheep)22.

Scotland’s moorland Forum is a partnership of 30 organisations with an interest in promoting best practice in moorland management. It published ‘Principles of Moorland Management’ in 200323. Despite the issuing of the revised Muirburn Code in 201124,

21 http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B847683.pdf 22 Silcock, P, Brunyee, J, & Pring, J. (2012) Changing livestock numbers in the UK Less Favoured Areas – an analysis of likely biodiversity implications http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Final_Report_tcm9- 340975.pdf 23 http://www.moorlandforum.org.uk/ 24 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/355582/0120117.pdf

28 advising against burning into areas of regenerating trees, bird nesting areas, bogland etc., irresponsible large-scale muirburn is still perceived to be a problem in Skye & Lochalsh.

Butterfly Conservation has produced a Regional Action Plan for moths in the North West Highlands and Western Isles and has published a leaflet entitled ‘Learn about the Argent & Sable’ – an upland moth for which there are only 3 post-2000 records25 in Skye & Lochlash, although it was recorded more widely in earlier times.

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

 Afforestation  Inappropriate grazing  Deer  Inappropriate muirburn  Vehicles  Hillwalking  Wildlife Crime  Infrastructure

Most of these remain of concern, but the potential for a local biodiversity group to influence them is limited. The inception of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code in 2004 means that there is now a statutory mechanism (Local Access Fora) for addressing issues caused by recreational pressure. A specific issue identified by the Skye & Lochalsh Environment Forum was the lack of recognition of the potential impact of muirburn on otter holts.

A review by the Highland BAP Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) in 2007 recommended a targeted range of species for action within each Highland LBAP area. The only one suggested for Skye & Lochalsh and occurring in mountain and moorland habitats was juniper. At the 2007 review of the UKBAP, the mountain and moorland species cuckoo, ring ouzel, mountain hare, pine marten, slow worm, adder and common lizard were added to the priority list, as were the habitats ‘upland flushes, fens and swamps’, and ‘mountain heaths and willow scrub’.

Because the management of mountain and moorland sites is largely determined by agri-environment schemes (including forestry grants), and management for field sports or wind farm development, the scope for the SLEFBG to influence it is limited. Therefore projects could concentrate on collaboration with the larger conservation

25 https://data.nbn.org.uk/imt/?mode=SPECIES&species=NBNSYS0000005867#4-7.738,56.608,- 3.865,57.936!095kj 29 organisations, plus survey work on priority species, and education and awareness- raising.

Potential future projects:

a. Further survey of the newly-added priority species of reptiles, possibly combining with NARRS (the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme). b. Awareness-raising on the damaging impacts of irresponsible muirburn on vulnerable species and habitats (such as the North Atlantic hepatic mat community26, and otter holts). c. Surveys for the Argent and Sable moth. d. Survey and habitat management work for the blaeberry bumblebee (Lochalsh only) and moss carder bee with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

26 Averis AM (1992) Where are all the hepatic mat liverworts in Scotland? Botanical Journal of Scotland 46(2), 191-8. 30

4.7 The Built Environment

There were three biodiversity objectives for this habitat, involving encouraging people to garden for wildlife, promoting wildlife-friendly roadside verge mowing, and ensuring that built developments take account of impacts on habitats and species.

Eight SLEF projects contributed towards achieving these objectives, mainly by raising awareness of urban and garden biodiversity, and also by controlling roadside Japanese knotweed.

Plantlife has run an online reporting system for inappropriate road verge management. Current economic constraints have led the Highland Council to reduce the amount of road verge cutting to one late summer/autumn cut per year, except where necessary for safety reasons. This may inadvertently benefit biodiversity.

In addition to the larger settlements of Kyle of Lochalsh, Broadford and Portree, a high proportion of the Skye & Lochalsh population lives in smaller villages or townships. These can provide an important focus for awareness-raising, education and interpretation work, as already shown by the work of the Highland Council Ranger Service. To spread awareness of biodiversity throughout Skye & Lochalsh, it may be most beneficial to target such activities at those Community Council areas which have not previously been the focus of particular projects (Braes, Dornie and District, Glendale, Kilmuir, Kyle, Kyleakin & Kylerhea, Minginish, Plockton, Sconser, Staffin, Struan, Uig and Waternish).

The original issues identified in 2003 were:

 Lack of awareness  The tidy-up & verge maintenance  New developments

At the 2007 review of the UKBAP, the urban species common toad, slow worm and hedgehog were added to the priority list.

31

Potential future projects:

a) Work with Bumblebee Conservation Trust to promote bee-friendly gardening. b) Local BioBlitz or ‘know your patch’ projects in villages and townships, if suitable local leaders can be found. c) Identify isolated patches of trees/woodland around settlements and work to expand them. d) Undertake a ‘Hedgehog Street’ project in one of the major settlements27 e) Collaboration on arts-related environmental projects with the Aros Centre, Portree?

27 http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/

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5. Cross-cutting issues

A number of issues cut across the habitat divisions and could be the subject of more generic projects. Those identified in the original LBAP were:

 Co-ordination  Lack of information  Accessibility of funding  Invasive species  Inappropriate grazing and burning  Wildlife crime  Roadside verges  Litter and fly-tipping  Climate change

Currently (2015) a review of the Highland-wide BAP is being undertaken and has identified the following issues as of Highland-wide concern:

 Sustainable management of habitats and species (including problems caused by wild fires and wildlife crime);  Impacts from development and infrastructure;  Limited capacity of local groups to undertake biodiversity projects, because of lack of volunteer time and easily accessible funding;  Lack of knowledge and awareness of biodiversity, particularly among young people, and concerning the marine and below-ground environments;  Invasive non-native species;  Lack of a fit-for-purpose biological recording and data management system.

Putting these two lists together, a number of issues emerge which could be addressed by a joint approach between SLEF and the Highland-wide biodiversity project, or other initiatives.

5.1 Below-ground biodiversity As outlined above in the ‘In-bye Croft and Farm Land’ section, all of the biodiversity which exists out of sight below the ground tends to be ignored, both in biodiversity action planning and in land management practice. This needs awareness-raising and then the promotion of appropriate management mechanisms (once we know what these are).

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5.2 Wildlife crime A wide range of plant and animal species in Skye & Lochalsh are susceptible to criminal activities of various kinds (e.g. freshwater pearl mussels, badgers, birds of prey, garden- worthy plants). Work could be done, with the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime (particularly if the proposal to set up a Highland PAW goes ahead) and local Police Wildlife Crime Officers, to raise awareness of this among the population and encourage more effective reporting of incidents.

5.3 Invasive non-native species Our approach to non-native invasive species is now much more joined-up than it was in 2003. The GB non-native species secretariat hosted by DEFRA published the ‘GB non- native species framework strategy’ in 2008. There is now a Highland INNS Forum, and the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts Scotland (RAFTS) have a LIFE-funded project working on INNS28. Recent developments include the facility to report INNS by phone app. and online. There are many non-native species in terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments which threaten Skye & Lochalsh’s biodiversity (e.g. the Woodland Trust Management Plan29 for their property at Uig identifies Fuchsia magellanica as a potential problem and SLEF members added Gunnera, Pampas grass, skunk cabbage, Gaultheria and several species of Cotoneaster), and could be the subject of awareness- raising and survey.

5.4 Biosecurity New plant and animal pathogens seem to be appearing regularly (e.g. ash dieback, Dutch elm disease, red band needle blight (Dothiostroma) of pines, Phytophthora austrocedrae on Juniper, Gyrodactylus salaris affecting salmon). Project opportunities consist of awareness-raising, reporting occurrences to appropriate authorities and encouraging best practice in relation to hygiene (e.g. of footwear, fishing equipment, boats etc.). The propagation of trees of local provenance may also be beneficial.

5.5 Climate change Climate change is another important cross-cutting issue, but is largely outwith the scope of a local biodiversity group to address. However, its effects could be monitored by promoting surveys of easily-identifiable species whose ranges seem to be extending northwards in response to climate change e.g. Speckled wood, Orange tip and Ringlet butterflies.

28 http://www.highlandbiodiversity.com/invasive-species.asp 29 http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodfile/857/management- plan.pdf?cb=51e6d4f18fae431db7d6c26afca5478f 34

5.6 Biodiversity audit Since 2003 several major national and Highland-wide surveys have been carried out, which included coverage of Skye & Lochalsh (e.g. Scottish Badger Survey; BTO/SOC Bird Atlas; BDS Dragonfly Atlas; HBRG Atlases of Highland Bumblebees, Land Mammals and Ants; and Butterfly Conservation Atlas of Butterflies in Highland and Moray). Work by a number of individual local enthusiasts has also added to our knowledge of various aspects of biodiversity in the area.

Whilst knowledge of some aspects of the biodiversity of Skye & Lochalsh has advanced considerably since 2003, it would be beneficial to have a better idea of exactly which of the Scottish Biodiversity List habitats and species (including the revised UK BAP priorities) occur in Skye & Lochalsh, and where. This would be quite a major piece of work and would probably need input from many different experts. The Skye Data Atlas could be used as a starting point. If a mechanism could be found to secure its long- term maintenance, a computerised database would be the appropriate 21st century format.

5.7 A Highland Data Hub Since the Highland Biological Records Centre at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery ceased to be supported in 2007, maintenance of the database of species records for Highland has fallen to a small local voluntary body, the Highland Biological Recording Group. Currently (until 2017) funding from SNH, Highland Council, RSPB and Trees for Life supports this group to maintain the database and upload records to the NBN Gateway bi-annually. The need for a long-term solution to this dependence on one volunteer data manager is recognised in the Highland-wide BAP. Such a facility would assist the management of records generated by all the local BAPs in Highland.

5.8 Landscape-scale conservation Wester Ross is working towards maintaining the status of Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve30, by expanding the area to include a wider sustainable development zone, in order to meet the new UNESCO criteria. This comprises Highland Ward 6, which includes Lochalsh, but not Skye. SLEF members are keen for the boundary of this to be extended to include Skye, but feeling in Lochalsh is that the area currently suffers from being overshadowed by Skye, and needs to reinforce its mainland connections. The development phase for this project extends until May 2015. If Skye does not succeed in being included in this initiative, other options could be explored, such as a HLF-funded ‘Landscape Partnership’ project31.

30 http://social-capital.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/WRBR-scoping-study-30.04.12-2.pdf 31 http://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/our-grant-programmes/landscape-partnerships 35

6. Where to next?

In carrying out this review it has become apparent just how much progress has been made in integrating biodiversity considerations into national and international policies and legislation - despite the apparent slowness of progress when viewed from the ‘inside’!

Several organisations which were members of the S&L Biodiversity Group at the beginning have since dropped out of active involvement. These largely represent the primary industries (farming, crofting, forestry), which are most under the influence of national and international policy mechanisms, and perhaps therefore less amenable to local initiatives. The major public bodies SNH, FCS, SEPA, and NGO (RSPB) have also largely ceased to participate. Unfortunately other potential partner organisations have ceased to exist (e.g. Highland FWAG). This lack of involvement from major land and water users may partially account for the mismatch between the ambitious original objectives in the Skye & Lochalsh BAP and the projects which were actually achieved.

There are two ways of looking at this: either to increase the membership of the Skye & Lochalsh Environment Forum to include a much wider range of interests and organisational representation; or to leave things as they are and accept that the Group will only be able to tackle, or promote, smaller-scale projects which ‘fall between the cracks’ of what the larger organisations are doing. A half-way house might be to maintain the current Group membership, but invite a wider range of participants to specific meetings focused on each of the six habitat groupings, or alternatively, on a particular geographical area. To be realistic, the Group can only do what individual members are interested in, have the time to pursue, and for which funding can be obtained.

On the positive side, several new organisations have appeared on the scene since 2003, and may offer new opportunities for partnership working (e.g. BugLife Scotland, Bumblebee Conservation Trust). Initiatives by existing organisations, such as Plantlife’s identification of ‘Important Plant Areas’ may offer opportunities for joint working to raise awareness of the importance of these areas.

In 2011 the University of the Highlands and Islands achieved full University status. This may offer opportunities for joint working on research-based projects, or for students to carry out small research projects identified by the Biodiversity Group. The existence in Skye of Sabhal Mor Ostaig offers the potential to explore the Gaelic aspects of biodiversity and landscape knowledge.

One vital element of work for local biodiversity groups is to raise awareness of the value of local biodiversity to people who may take it for granted - not realising that theirs is different from everyone else’s! Since the end of funding for the SLEF Outreach Project, with its paid project officer, SLEF has struggled to maintain its levels of activity and to 36 keep its website up-to-date. The recognition, in the Highland-wide BAP, that local groups cannot function without some degree of administrative and financial support is welcome, and offers hope for the future.

6.1 A recommendation The first challenge of carrying out this review was to identify the projects which had been carried out under the auspices of the Skye & Lochalsh BAP, and what they had actually achieved. Whilst a list of projects had been drawn up at a meeting in December 2013, and some of the tangible outputs (e.g. leaflets, posters) were still available, knowledge of what some projects had actually consisted of and, for example, how many people had participated, was not available in all cases. It would be useful in future to maintain a library or database of projects, including numbers of participants, project reports etc. in one central location (physical or online), perhaps copying the information to the Highland Biodiversity Officer as a back-up.

6.2 A commendation! Despite the above caveats, an enormous amount of time and effort has been put into promoting awareness of, and taking action for, biodiversity in Skye and Lochalsh by present and past members of SLEF and the former SLBG over the past 12 years. They are to be congratulated on what has been achieved.

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Appendix 1: Summary of achievement against original BAP objectives

Key: Orange = some contribution made Green = objective achieved

In the following table, all objectives and suggested actions are copied verbatim from the original Plan.

Overall Skye & Lochalsh objectives/actions:

Objective Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG To ensure that all habitats are managed Mink Project Statutory duties of SNH, SEPA, FCS for biodiversity. in a sustainable manner that takes Japanese Knotweed in S&L Legal requirement for EIA as part of Planning controls. account of their biodiversity interests, Rhododendron elimination course Highland Council’s guidance on Protected Species and and create more opportunities for S&L Rhododendron Project development32. individuals, communities and agencies to Black-throated Diver rafts on Loch Development of Community Woodlands (e.g. Tormore, take action for biodiversity. Cluanie Broadford, Fernaig). Biodiversity of Buildings NTS & THC Rangers Croft Education Programme for High School and Primary School Children. NTS Management and education work on their Estates. JMT management of their properties. RSPB/SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for RSS and SRDP. RSPB management and education work for corncrakes on and off reserve agreements in Waternish. RSPB management advice to foresters, landowners, FCS re white-tailed eagles roosting /breeding in forests. Plock of Kyle, management by Community Trust. JMT management at Sconser, Strathaird & Torrin. MPA surveys & subsequent designations. RAFTS Projects including: Biosecurity and non-native species (incl. Mink) Fisheries management planning and aquaculture Education and outreach (but currently none in Skye)

32 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3026/highland_statutorily_protected_species_supplementary_guidance To promote projects and initiatives that Japanese Knotweed in S&L NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children. help maintain or improve biodiversity, Seashore Biodiversity Project Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. secure additional support for biodiversity SLEF Outreach project RSPB/SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for RSS and SRDP. and related projects, and help publicise Rhododendron elimination course Plock of Kyle, survey and guided walks. existing sources of funding and advice. Biodiversity Day Balmacara Work of NTS and THC Rangers, THC Biodiversity Officers, SNH and RSPB staff in publicising funding sources. To raise awareness of the biodiversity of Otter awareness day THC and NTS Rangers Environmental Education and Guided Skye & Lochalsh amongst local people, THC Nature Guides walks programmes (570 schools visit and 467 guided walks visitors, funding organisations and policy Moth Group and 7 Schools Environment Days 2003-2013). makers by developing quality education SLEF/ WREN Posters SWT local group talks and field trips programme (including at all levels and improving access to SLEF Postcards waxcap and hazel gloves ID training). information about important species and 'Shearwater' performance SWT Watch Group and NTS Trailblazers; RSPB-affiliated habitats and their management SLEF Seashore posters SkyeLarks33 Wildlife Explorers Group, run by THC Rangers. requirements. Seashore Biodiversity Project HBRG surveys and Atlases, including Pabay Survey of 2013. SLEF Outreach project Establishment of the NBN Gateway. Reptile & Amphibian awareness day Skye Birds website. Reptile & Amphibian ID course National Atlases by BTO and BDS. Sedge ID course Provisional Atlas of Macro Moths 2010. Photographic competition BSBI and Skye Botany Group surveys and monitoring. 'Celebrating Nature' event Plock of Kyle, survey and guided walks. Garden BioBlitz Sea Eagle monitoring RSPB/SNH/HRSG. JM Seashore Guide Commercial Eco-tourism operators: Seals Dunvegan and SLEF Slug Evening Plockton; Sea Eagles Portree; Basking Sharks Elgol; and Biodiversity Day Balmacara Glass-bottomed boat at Kyle. Biodiversity of Buildings Interpretation at Mointeach Lochs. FC Adder survey, Kinloch Hills by SLEF Skye THC walking leaflet. 2014/15 Paths around Broadford Leaflet. RSPB Marine Magic Education days for primary schools throughout the west Highlands and islands (1000 children attending 2012-2015). RSPB White-tailed eagle trail guide to Wester Ross and Skye.

33 http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/skyelarkswex 39

RSPB Schools Environmental education. RSPB Raptor ID card. RSPB Seasonal Information Assistants at FCS Kylerhea promoting wildlife understanding. To establish a mechanism to help Establishment of SLEF Skye Birds website individuals, community groups and SLEF Outreach project Skye Botany Group partners to deliver the Skye & Lochalsh SLEF website Biodiversity Action Plan, monitor progress and share information on biodiversity matters. Proposed Action: co-ordination Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Set up a Skye & Lochalsh Environmental Establishment of SLEF Forum to help deliver the Biodiversity SLEF Outreach project Action Plan and take forward other SLEF website sustainable projects in the area. Proposed Actions: lack of information Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Undertake a literature and data search, FCS Adder survey, Kinloch Hills by Establishment of NBN Gateway starting with the Skye Data Atlas and SLEF2014/15 – Funded by FCS – IRS BTO, BDS and other national Atlases working with local agencies, voluntary Forest District. BSBI and other national recording schemes groups and key individuals to identify Skye Botany Group activities gaps in our collective knowledge of local HBRG Atlases biodiversity and suggest a means of Marine Atlas plugging them. MPA surveys FCS Water vole surveys: Achnashellach 2009/10; Glean Udalain river and two other nearby sites 2014/15. FCS Balmacara Bat Survey 2014/15. RSPB/SNH etc. National bird species surveys. Produce a more focused list of habitats This review contributes. EnviroCentre review (2006) and species that we intend to take action STAG (2007) paper on local BAP species priorities to help conserve or enhance and for each, identify the main actions that should be undertaken and agree lead partner, timescale and costing.

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Proposed Actions: invasive species Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Provide training and assistance to road Japanese Knotweed in S&L Development of ‘Lever & Mulch’ method for maintenance contractors, crofters and Rhododendron elimination course Rhododendron eradication. others in effective means of eradicating S&L Rhododendron Project Leaflet ‘Ragwort friend or foe’ produced by Plantlife, Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron, Butterfly Conservation, British Horse Society and SNH in ragwort, bracken and rushes from verges. 200834. Encourage land managers to trap mink Mink Project Scottish Mink initiative (not currently operative in S&L) through financial assistance and the Mink trapping day held on Skye in provision of free traps. February 2008 with trappers from W Isles project. Further survey & control 2010 onwards. Proposed Action: wildlife crime Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Raise awareness of issues surrounding Partnership Against Wildlife Crime wildlife crime amongst local people Police Wildlife Crime Officers through enhanced media coverage and Raptor persecution website35 community-based projects. Proposed Action: roadside verges Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Incorporate biodiversity elements into Japanese Knotweed in S&L Plantlife roadside verge campaign36 roadside maintenance specifications, Rhododendron elimination course combined with awareness-raising S&L Rhododendron Project amongst the public of the likely benefits to be had from such works, and an eradication programme for invasive weeds along roadside verges.

34 http://butterfly-conservation.org/files/ragwort-leaflet-june-20082.pdf 35 https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/ 36 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/roadvergecampaign 41

Sea and coast:

Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Promote integrated marine and coastal Now largely within the remits of Marine Scotland and SNH. management. RAFTS work. Establishment of MPAs. Management of designated marine & coastal SSSIs, SACS and MPAs. Plantlife guide to the management of coastal grasslands37 and Machair grassland38. Inshore Fisheries groups (LINK representation). Encourage sustainable use of creels and The Highland Shellfish Management Organisation (HSMO) work with fishermen to identify sensitive (mentioned in original LBAP) now appears to be defunct. ‘no take’ areas for mobile gear. Encourage adherence to existing codes of Statutory CAR licensing by SEPA. good practice such as those published by Activities of Skye Marine Concern39. Scottish Quality Salmon, and raise New Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture awareness of examples of good introduced 200640. environmental management in the aquaculture industry. Ensure all future Environmental Impact Now enshrined in law. Assessments consider potential impacts on Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and species. Encourage marine users to use waste Greater provision of waste disposal and recycling facilities disposal and collection facilities. at ports and harbours by THC (Harbour dues include 2% charge for Waste disposal.)

37 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/coastal_grasslands_a_management_guide 38 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/machair_grassland 39 http://www.skyemarineconcern.org/ 40 http://thecodeofgoodpractice.co.uk/ 42

Raise awareness of sensitive areas Wild Scotland’ is the umbrella body for the wildlife tourism amongst recreational users and promote industry and produces best practice guidelines41. existing codes of good practice. Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project Proposed Actions: fishing Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Encourage creel fishermen to use Marine Scotland recently undertook a consultation on sustainable methods such as escape ‘Gear conflict’42. hatches (to enable undersize prawns, Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation gives a commitment crabs or lobsters to get out before being to “working with science and environmental groups to brought to the surface), biodegradable ensure that the Scottish creel fishery is sustainable”43. catches (to prevent ‘ghost fishing’ should the creel be lost) and v-notching of female lobsters (to serve as a marker to other fishermen and enable them to continue breeding). Suggested partners: HSMO, The Highland Council, SNH, HIE. Investigate the occurrence of otters Roger Cottis Informally discussed with SNH 2000 onwards becoming trapped in creels. but no evidence of problems. Suggested partners: HSMO, SNH, International Otter Survival Fund. Encourage the establishment of ‘no take Options explored in Lochs Duich, Long & Alsh MPA zones’ and the closure of some areas to ‘Management Options’ document44 and the 2014 mobile gear, identified and policed by Government consultation on the management of MPAs45. local fishermen, building on examples NGO-led ‘Don’t take the P out of MPAs’ campaign46 (closed from other areas such as Loch Torridon. 2/2/2015). Suggested partners: HSMO, Highlands & Islands Fishermen’s Association, Mallaig & North West Fishermen’s Association.

41 http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/WS-Best-Guidelines-for-Watching-Wildlife-Mar-12.pdf 42 http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/11/6562/downloads#res463561 43 http://www.scottishcreelfishermensfederation.co.uk/creel_environment.htm 44 http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A1002801.pdf 45 http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/marine-environment/mpanetwork/MPAMGT/consultation2014 46 http://www.savescottishseas.org/dont-take-the-p-out-of-mpas/ 43

Proposed Actions: aquaculture Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Highlight and encourage best practice in New Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture relation to restocking programmes, introduced 200647. sustainability of feed and environmental impacts, and work towards sustainability benchmarks for the aquaculture industry. Suggested partners: Scottish Quality Salmon, Fish farming companies. Investigate multi-species projects such as No action S&L. seaweed and finfish polyculture, which could help reduce negative impacts of aquaculture on the seabed and water quality. Suggested partners: Scottish Executive, Aquaculture industry. Undertake research into the carrying SLEF Seashore posters Much published research literature on this subject. capacity of fish farm sites and the effects Seashore Biodiversity Project Statutory CAR licensing by SEPA. on local habitats and species. Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Management Plans 48,49 Suggested partners: Scottish Executive, (include Area Management Agreement system covering SEPA. marine and freshwater environments). Extend the coverage of Aquaculture Highland-wide Aquaculture Supplementary Guidance is Framework Plans to the whole of Skye & being prepared (2015) in advance of the review of the Lochalsh, ensure they support the Highland wide Local Development Plan. sustainable relocation and consolidation The only areas in S&L which have Aquaculture Framework of fish farms and encourage developers Plans are Loch Bracadale and Loch Hourn50. to consult Framework Plans prior to selecting sites and carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

47 http://thecodeofgoodpractice.co.uk/ 48 http://www.ninevehtrust.org.uk/images/pdfs/skye-fishery-management-plan-10.pdf 49 http://www.wrft.org.uk/files/WRFT_FMP_2009_Summary_Document.pdf 50 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/769/aquaculture_framework_plans 44

Proposed Actions: pollution and litter Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Help marine users recycle or dispose of Ranger-led beach cleans held in various places. waste such as litter, old fishing nets or Marine conservation Society runs UK-wide Beachwatch fish farm waste sensitively, building on project51 existing leaflets and projects. Greater provision of waste disposal/recycling facilities by Suggested partners: Highland Council, THC (Harbour dues include 2% charge for Waste disposal.) Marine Conservation Society, SNH, SEPA. Proposed Action: Gravel extraction, Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG dumping and beach cleaning Raise awareness of the seaweed Plantlife carried out a postcard survey, commissioned a unattached egg wrack Ascophyllum report52 has a species dossier53, and management nodosum ecad mackaii. guidelines for sea-loch egg wrack54. Suggested partners: SNH, Crown Estate, Plantlife leaflet on ‘The wild and wonderful world of Highland Council and National Trust for Scotland’s seaweeds’55. Scotland Ranger Services. Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project. Proposed Actions: Shellfish & bait Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG gathering Produce a guide to shellfish gathering, No code yet in existence for Highland. including a code of conduct. Suggested partners: Highland Council, Crown Estate. Investigate the level of bait digging being No such investigation carried out in S&L. undertaken, the potential impacts of this practice and its sustainability. Suggested partners: Highland Council, Crown Estate.

51 http://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/ th th 52 Mathieson, S. and Lassiere, O.L. (2003). Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackaii survey, Isle of Skye, 18 -20 April 2003. Report prepared for Plantlife Scotland. 18 pp. 53 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/documents/Asco_mackayi_species_dossier.pdf 54 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/managing_seashores_for_sea_loch_egg_wrack 55 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/the_wild_and_wonderful_world_of_scotland 45

Proposed Actions: Recreation & Tourism Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Assist groups such as Broadford SLEF Seashore posters Plock of Kyle, survey and guided walks. Environmental Group, who are looking to Seashore Biodiversity Project SNH leaflet on marine wildlife watching in North-west interpret their shoreline and associated JM Seashore Guide Scotland56. wildlife in various ways. THC Nature Guides Highland Council ‘Wild Coastal Trail’57 booklet and Skye & Suggested partners: Broadford SLEF Postcards Lochalsh leaflet58. Environmental Group, SNH, Skye & Biodiversity Day Balmacara Wester Ross Fisheries Trust poster on ‘Wester Ross Marine Lochalsh Enterprise. Wildlife’59. Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project. Encourage local and visiting diving clubs No Seasearch surveys carried out in S&L since Skye 198861. to take part in Seasearch60 projects, run in Wester Ross Fisheries Trust poster on ‘Wester Ross Marine conjunction with the MCS, to identify and Wildlife’ (as above). map important habitats and raise awareness of underwater life. Suggested partners: Highland Council, SNH, MCS, British Sub Aqua Club. Ensure potential disturbance to coastal Eilean Ban Trust (no dogs allowed) wildlife is taken into account when Plock of Kyle, survey and guided walks planning and creating new access routes, Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project promote responsible behaviour with specific user groups such as dog walkers, and perhaps create new routes or encourage use of existing ones that avoid sensitive sites. Suggested partners: S&LFootpath Initiative, Highland Access Project, Highland Council and NTS Ranger Services.

56 http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/places/Marine_Life_from_Boat_and_Coast.pdf 57 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/171/wild_coastal_trail 58 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/1014/wild_coastal_trail_-_skye_and_lochalsh 59 http://www.wrft.org.uk/files/WesterRossMarineWildlifePosterJuly2014.pdf 60 http://www.seasearch.org.uk/ 61 http://www.seasearch.org.uk/achievements.htm 46

Freshwater:

Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Promote integrated catchment SEPA River Basin Plans. management on water courses Work of RAFTS/Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Trusts, throughout Skye & Lochalsh. including Fisheries Management Plans 62,63 (Include Area Management Agreement system covering marine and freshwater environments.) Promote advice on the sympathetic Black-throated diver rafts on Loch SNH SCM and Site Management Statements/Conservation management of freshwater wetlands and Cluanie Objectives for designated freshwater features on farmland watercourses to crofters, Otter awareness day SSSIs/SACs. landowners and managers. Also where Mink project Skye Fisheries Management Plan 2010 (as above) includes a appropriate, create or reinstate riparian list of areas where bankside fencing would be beneficial. (river bank) woodland and wetland habitats where they have been damaged or removed. Raise awareness of the biodiversity of Formation of SLEF THC and NTS Rangers Environmental Education and Guided freshwater systems amongst children, Otter awareness day walks programme. local communities, user groups and land THC Nature Guides SWT local group talks and field trips programme. managers, and encourage best practice. Japanese Knotweed in S&L SWT Watch Group and NTS Trailblazers, SkyeLarks64 SLEF Posters Wildlife Explorers Group. Amphibian & reptile ID training Interpretation at Mointeach Lochs. Photo Competition British Dragonfly Society Surveys and Atlas work. SLEF postcards Biodiversity Day Balmacara Encourage user groups such as anglers to Otter awareness day British Dragonfly Society Surveys and Atlas work record and monitor locally important Mink project RAFTS work species. Japanese Knotweed in S&L SEPA Riverfly Project65 (if operative in S&L)

62http://www.wrft.org.uk/files/WRFT_FMP_2009_Summary_Document.pdf 63http://www.ninevehtrust.org.uk/images/pdfs/skye-fishery-management-plan-10.pdf 64 http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/skyelarkswex 65 http://www.riverflies.org/scotland 47

Amphibian & reptile ID training Sedge ID course Proposed actions: Catchment Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG management Undertake a series of catchment Otter awareness day SEPA River Basin Management Plans. management training courses and field Mink project RAFTS work. visits for land managers, to raise Japanese Knotweed in S&L Skye Fisheries Management Plan 2010 (as above) includes awareness of good practice and sources management plans for most Skye rivers including a list of of help and advice on issues such as areas where bankside fencing would be beneficial. management of riparian woodland, Wester Ross Fisheries Management Plan 2009 (as above) appropriate grazing regimes, correct Includes poster on ‘Soils, ecosystem fertility and salmon disposal of sheep dip and other smolt production in Wester Ross’. agricultural chemicals, and control of invasive species. Suggested partners: SAC, SEERAD, Crofters Commission, SNH, SEPA, National Farmers Union (Scotland), Scottish Crofting Foundation. Undertake an agricultural waste No such action in S&L. collection and disposal project, building on examples from elsewhere (e.g. Cairngorms Agricultural Waste Project). Suggested partners: as above, Highland Council. Raise awareness of issues surrounding SEPAs implementation of CAR Regulations. septic tank maintenance and alternative THC ‘Sustainable Design Guide’66contains this information. technologies and treatment methods such as reed beds, dry composting toilets, etc. through workshops and demonstration projects. Suggested partners: SEPA, Scottish Water.

66 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3019/highland_council_sustainable_design_guide 48

Raise awareness of the different habitats THC Nature Guides RAFTS work occurring in river catchments through Moth Group Skye Fisheries Trust carried out a Riparian Habitat survey in e.g. school project focusing on the SLEF Posters 2009. biodiversity of waterways. Sedge ID course Suggested partners: Wester Ross Photo Comp Fisheries Trust, Fishery Boards, SNH. 'Celebrating Nature' event SLEF postcards Biodiversity Day Balmacara Proposed actions: Bank-side vegetation Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Encourage the natural regeneration of RAFTS work existing native riparian woodland by e.g. Skye Fisheries Management Plan (as above) Includes list of reducing stock levels or fencing to reduce areas where bankside fencing would be beneficial. grazing pressure, and creating new native Skye Fisheries Trust carried out a Riparian Habitat survey in riparian woodlands using locally sourced 2009. seed. FCS Fell to Recycle Lodgepole pine around lochan, Kyle Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, Farm, 2009/10. 67 land managers, Wester Ross Fisheries Guidance on riparian management is available from SEPA Trust, Fishery Boards. (Document reference: WAT-SG-44) Proposed actions: Invasive Species Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Raise awareness through education of Japanese Knotweed in S&L RAFTS work the potential to spread invasive species SLEF Posters Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Management Plans (as via machinery; and remove invasive above) both address INNS issues. species from sensitive areas. Suggested partners: Highland Council, SNH. Produce a comprehensive code of Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Management Plans (as practice for freshwater managers and above) both address these issues. anglers covering issues surrounding stocking, the use of non-native live bait, and catch and release programmes. Suggested partners: Wester Ross Fisheries Trust, Fishery Boards.

67 http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/water_publications.aspx 49

In-bye Croft and Farm Land:

Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Continue to improve awareness & NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children understanding of the schemes available, Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS and encourage and help land managers RSPB/ SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for the RSS and enter into them. SRDP Investigate the feasibility of and work New SRDP includes requirement for farmers with more towards local schemes that improve the than 15ha of arable land to manage 5% of it as ‘Ecological biodiversity of in-bye croft and farm land, Focus Areas’. where appropriate. Help land managers to diversify current NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children land use to benefit biodiversity, Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS encourage organic farming principles, Skye Food link project68? and develop local opportunities for marketing croft produce. Run training courses in traditional Japanese Knotweed in S&L? NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children agricultural practices and skills, and Rhododendron elimination course Scottish Crofting Foundation provides courses in traditional provide a means of accessing machinery S&L Rhododendron Project skills such as drystone dyking, woodland management in order to increase the diversity of etc69. activities taking place on crofts. Encourage small scale horticulture and Skye Food link project raise awareness of local and locally adapted breeds and varieties of plants and animals. Raise awareness of the importance of SLEF Outreach Project NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children different parts of the crofted system for SLEF Slug Evening Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS biodiversity. THC Nature Guides JMT management of croft land on their estates Moth Group Badger survey of Lochalsh SLEF/ WREN Posters? RSPB/ SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for the RSS and Sedge ID course SRDP

68 http://www.tastelocal.co.uk/skye/foodlink/food_link_van.html 69 http://www.crofting.org/index.php/training/62 50

Photo Competition 'Celebrating Nature' event Reptile & Amphibian awareness day? Reptile & Amphibian ID course SLEF Postcards Biodiversity Day Balmacara Proposed actions: Increasing focus on Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG sheep Encourage crofters to maintain or acquire Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS cattle and consider implementing a scheme to assist crofters starting up with cattle. Suggested partners: SEERAD, Crofters Commission, SAC, National Farmers Union (Scotland), Scottish Crofting Foundation, Highland Council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise. Encourage establishment of slaughtering Feasibility study commissioned by Scottish Crofting facilities in Skye and Lochalsh, to lower Federation in 201270. transport costs and making diverse small- scale livestock production more feasible. Suggested partners: as above. Proposed actions: Land use trends Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Provide training courses in traditional Japanese Knotweed in S&L? NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children. local skills, which will enable crofters to Rhododendron elimination course Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. undertake a wider range of activities. S&L Rhododendron Project Scottish Crofting Foundation provides courses in traditional Suggested partners: Crofters Commission, skills such as drystone dyking, woodland management Scottish Crofting Foundation, SAC, Lantra, etc71. Highland Agricultural Labour Supplies. Encourage the use of machinery groups Skye Machinery Ring still operates. and demonstrations of small-scale

70 http://www.crofting.org/uploads/news/abattoir_report.pdf 71 http://www.crofting.org/index.php/training/62 51

machinery. Suggested partners: Skye Machinery Ring. Disseminate information to crofters, Japanese Knotweed in S&L NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children. farmers and land managers on important Moth Group Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. croftland species and their conservation. SLEF/ WREN Posters RSPB/SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for the RSS and Suggested partners: as above. Reptile & Amphibian awareness day SRDP. Sedge ID course SWT waxcaps/hazel gloves awareness training. Reptile & Amphibian ID course Plantlife booklet on management for arable plants72. Proposed actions: Lack of agri- Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG environment support Continue to encourage and help farmers, Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. crofters and townships to apply to the RSPB/SAC Corncrake advice to crofters for the RSS and Rural Stewardship Scheme for funding to SRDP. carry out biodiversity works. Undertake a wild bird cover project in New SRDP includes requirement for farmers with more Skye & Lochalsh, whereby crofters and than 15ha of arable land to manage 5% of it as ‘Ecological farmers are encouraged to grow small Focus Areas’. areas of grain and leave them unharvested as a source of food and cover for over-wintering birds. Suggested partners: SAC, RSPB. In association with the project described NTS Croft Education Programme for High School Children. above, promote a change in perception Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS. of wild plants on croftland and farmland Scottish Crofting foundation provides courses in croftland as essential food sources for seed eating biodiversity assessment, wild flower identification etc73. farmland birds, rather than weeds. Plantlife report on the value of farmland for native plants74 Suggested partners: SNH, RSPB, SAC. includes a chapter on crofting. Using the updated grassland survey75, Traditional Croft Management Scheme NTS make much more information available

72 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/arable_plants_in_scotland_-_a_management_guide 73 http://www.crofting.org/index.php/training/62 74 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/documents/Farmland_Sco_014lores.pdf 75 http://www.highlandbiodiversity.com/hay-meadow-survey.asp 52

on the most appropriate way to manage wildflower meadows and undertake future projects to encourage the reinstatement of grassland meadows. Suggested partners: SNH, SEERAD, SAC. Extend the grassland survey to cover Not carried out. Raasay and some suitable islands. Suggested partners: as above. Proposed actions: Diversity of domestic Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG species Encourage local niche marketing of rare Skye Foodlink project76 breeds and varieties through farmers There is a weekly farmers’ market in Portree during the markets and stalls, building on the summer. successes of the Horticultural The Scottish Crofters’ Federation held a ‘Skye Local Development Association. Produce Development’ event in 2014 and a workshop on Suggested partners: Skye & Lochalsh ‘Organising Local Produce’ in February 2015. Horticultural Development Association, Several local food producers advertise on the internet e.g.77 Highland Council, Scottish Crofting Foundation.

76 http://www.tastelocal.co.uk/skye/foodlink/food_link_van.html 77 http://www.tastelocal.co.uk/skye/outlets/producers.html

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Woodland:

Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Encourage land managers to re-create FC work on its own landholdings: Forest Habitat Networks, using native FC Riparian woodland improvement: remove non-native species and local seed sources where conifers, Glen Brittle, 2013/14 & 2014/15. possible, and extend the coverage of FC Clearfelling of final non native conifer remnants, existing native woodland and associated Ardintoul, 2010/11. ground cover by management of existing FC Coille Mhor SAC, Balmacara (Halo fell around veteran ribbons and pockets of woodland, oaks), 2010/11 & 2014/15. particularly focusing on riparian (riverine) FC Coille Mhor SAC (oak enrichment planting transplants), woodland. 2010/11. FC Coille Mhor enrichment planting & Kylerhea Glen North (Kinloch Hills) beat up, 2010/11. Encourage woodland managers to Under the new SRDP, the ‘sustainable Management of undertake sensitive restructuring and Forests’ category includes grant provision for ‘Low Impact integration of conifer plantations into Silvicultural Systems’ and ‘Native Woodlands’. surrounding habitats, moving towards FCS has carried out an extensive programme of non-native continuous canopy cover systems, with conifer removal, with associated monitoring, at Kinloch appropriate use of broadleaved and Hills 2009 – 2014. conifer species and varied age structure FC Reraig Glen North Strome, Post harvesting FTR78 on to enhance biodiversity, allowing PAWS site 2009/10. harvesting whilst retaining a permanent FC Gleann na Beiste FTR, Kyle Farm, 2010/11. forest structure. FC Totaig post clearfell FTR, Totaig, 2010/11. FC Torr Fhionn. Ring barking on spruce, Carn Greannach, 2012/13. FC Carn Greannach SAC birchwood FTR, 2011/12. Encourage commercial woodland FCS management work in Glen Brittle, to provide Sea eagle managers to allow small stands of trees nest sites, 2012-14. to mature in appropriate locations to RSPB advice and management work with forestry agents provide future nesting sites for raptors. and FCS across Skye & Lochalsh to provide roost and nest sites for white-tailed eagles.

78 Fell to recycle 54

Promote existing codes of good practice Under the new SRDP, the Woodland Improvement Grants and create and promote other codes for include a ‘Woodland Grazing Management Plan’ option; issues such as grazing, including grazing the ‘Sustainable Management of Forests’ category includes within woodlands. grant provision for ‘Reducing Deer Impact’. FCS has an online ‘Woodland Grazing Toolbox’79 FCS has produced guidance on protected birds, red squirrels and European Protected Species such as bats, otter and wildcat80. Raise awareness of less well-known SLEF Slug Evening SWT waxcaps/hazel gloves awareness training woodland fauna and flora, and encourage THC Nature Guides FC Chequered skipper presence survey, Kinloch Hills, woodland management for fungi, lichens, Japanese Knotweed in S&L 2009/10 mosses, liverworts, butterflies and Rhododendron elimination course FC Forester moth survey, Ratagan, 2010/11. moths. S&L Rhododendron Project FC Rhododendron control at Achnashellach, River Lair Moth Group gorge, and Strome Wood, 2010/11; Slattadale 2011/12. SLEF/ WREN Posters 2012/12. South Strome, 2012/13. Balamcara campsite SLEF Outreach project 2013/2014. To 2014/15. Reptile & Amphibian awareness day? FC Rhododendron Raasay SE Corner. Trial with Lever & Sedge ID course Mulch method, 2010/11. Photo Comp FC Bryophyte and Lichen Surveys, Kinloch, 2011/12. 'Celebrating Nature' event Bryophyte Survey Balmacara & Glenelg, 2013/14. Reptile & Amphibian ID course FC Bat survey Achlain, 2011/12. SLEF Postcards FC Japanese knotweed control, Balmacara Campsite Biodiversity Day Balmacara 2013/14. Butterfly Conservation Lepidoptera recording. Plantlife has produced guides to the bryophytes, fungi and lichens of Atlantic Woodlands81,82,83,84 and Scottish

79 http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/woodland-grazing-toolbox 80 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6vrjh2 81 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodlands_guide_1_woodland 82 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodlands_guide_2_ravines 83 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_atlantic_woodlands_-_guide_1_lichens_on_ash_hazel_willow_ro 84 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_atlantic_woodlands_-_guide_2_lichens_on_birch_alder_and_oak 55

pinewoods85,86,87,88,89. There are also management guides: ‘Lichens and bryophytes of Atlantic woodland in Scotland: an introduction to their ecology and management’90, ‘Looking after bryophytes and lichens of Scotland’s oceanic ravines’91 and ‘Management of woodland plants in Atlantic broadleaved woodland92 and Caledonian pine woodland93,94. The series of ‘Important Plant Areas’95 identified by Plantlife includes stretches of the Skye & Lochalsh coast, listed for their Atlantic oak and hazel woodlands. The Atlantic Hazel Group has recently published ‘Atlantic Hazel Scotland’s Special Woodlands’, which gives guidelines on assessing and managing Atlantic hazel woodland. Promote and interpret the benefits Japanese Knotweed in S&L Community Woodland Groups in S&L: derived from good woodland Rhododendron elimination course Sleat Community Trust (Tormore Community Forest) management in existing woodlands, and S&L Rhododendron Project Broadford & Strath Community Company Woodland encourage community participation in Kingsburgh Forest Trust woodland access, interpretation and Sluggans Woodland Park Group management. Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust Lochalsh Woodland Park Steering Group Condcordat signed in 2000 between FCS and Fernaig Community Trust over management of South Strome Forest.

85 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_scotland1 86 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/fungi_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_1 87 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/fungi_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_2 88 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_1 89 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_2 90 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_and_bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodland_in_scotland 91 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/looking_after_bryophytes_and_lichens_of_scotland 92 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/management_of_woodland_plants_in_atlantic_broadleaved_woodland 93 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/management_of_woodland_plants_in_caledonian_pine_woodland 94 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/managing_pinewoods 95 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/identifying_and_mapping_boundaries_for_scotlands_west_coast_important_plant 56

Highland Birchwoods has published 'Managing Small Woodlands in the Highlands and Islands - a guide for crofters, communities and small woodland owners'. Proposed actions: Reduced regeneration Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG potential Encourage the spread of semi-natural SNH SCM and Site Management Statements/Conservation woodlands through natural regeneration Objectives for designated woodland features on and, where appropriate, planting using SSSIs/SACs. locally sourced seed. FC Natural regeneration survey, Achnashellach and Kinloch Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, Hills, 2014/15. Highland Council, SNH. JMT management on their estates Proposed actions: Planting native Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG woodlands Undertake research into the economic Forest Research Information Note96 ‘The role of forest benefits and risks associated with local genetic resources in helping British forests respond to provenance seed collection and growing climate change’ covers these issues. on (without compromising natural regeneration in the wild). Suggested partners: Forestry Commission. Help Kintail Watch Club to create a mini tree nursery for native trees, using locally collected seed. Suggested partners: SNH, Forestry Commission, National Trust for Scotland Ranger Service. Proposed actions: Monoculture Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG plantations Encourage small scale (individuals and Establishment of Community Woodlands in various places: communities) woodland plantations with Broadford & Strath Community Company Woodland a diverse species mix. Sleat Community Trust (Tormore Community Forest) Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, Kingsburgh Forest Trust SNH, Highland Council. Sluggans Woodland Park Group

96 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcin086.pdf/$FILE/fcin086.pdf 57

Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust Lochalsh Woodland Park Steering Group Provide advisory materials on woodland A plethora of published information exists on this topic e.g. design, particularly along edges and leaflets and guidelines from FCS, RSPB etc. around open space to maximise the benefits for species such as the spotted flycatcher. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, RSPB, SNH. Proposed actions: clear felling Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Encourage continuous cover forest The Forestry Commission is carrying out a programme of management, and mixtures of native and research on continuous cover forestry97. non-native tree species. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission. Proposed actions: Awareness & lack of Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG local involvement Identify and manage trees and woodland fragments in and around settlements. Suggested partners: Local communities, Forestry Commission, Highland Council, SNH. Promote community woodland projects Establishment of Community Woodlands in various places: and encourage further effective local Sleat Community Trust (Tormore Community Forest) consultation regarding woodland Broadford & Strath Community Company Woodland management, such as ‘forests for real’. Kingsburgh Forest Trust Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, Sluggans Woodland Park Group woodland managers, local communities. Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust Lochalsh Woodland Park Steering Group Condcordat signed in 2000 between FCs and Fernaig Community Trust over management of south Strome Forest.

97 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-63CCQB 58

Encourage and support landowners who Sleat Community Trust (Tormore Community Forest) make forestry resources and / or control Broadford Community Woodland available to local communities, where Kingsburgh Forest Trust there is an interest to manage and utilise Sluggans Woodland Park Group it in a sustainable manner. Glenelg & Arnisdale Development Trust Suggested partners: Forestry Commission. Lochalsh Woodland Park Steering Group Condcordat signed in 2000 between FCs and Fernaig Community Trust over management of south Strome Forest Encourage innovative use of locally Highland Birchwoods used to do this, but have now sourced timber for construction and reduced their activities. other uses. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission, woodland groups. Proposed actions: Recreation & tidy-ups Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Raise awareness of woodland flora THC Nature Guides SWT waxcaps/hazel gloves awareness training through interpretation and workshops; SLEF Outreach project FC Bryophyte and Lichen Surveys, Kinloch, 2011/12. and conduct surveys and research Sedge ID course Bryophyte Survey Balmacara & Glenelg, 2013/14. projects into the distribution, habitats Plantlife has produced guides to the bryophytes, fungi and and management required for mosses, lichens of Atlantic Woodlands98,99,100,101 and Scottish liverworts, lichens, ferns and fungi, with pinewoods102,103,104,105,106. There are also management the results feeding into management guides: ‘Lichens and bryophytes of Atlantic woodland in plans and works. Scotland: an introduction to their ecology and Suggested partners: SNH, Forestry management’107, ‘Looking after bryophytes and lichens of

98 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodlands_guide_1_woodland 99 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodlands_guide_2_ravines 100 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_atlantic_woodlands_-_guide_1_lichens_on_ash_hazel_willow_ro 101 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_atlantic_woodlands_-_guide_2_lichens_on_birch_alder_and_oak 102 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_scotland1 103 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/fungi_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_1 104 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/fungi_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_2 105 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_1 106 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_of_scottish_pinewoods_guide_2 107 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/lichens_and_bryophytes_of_atlantic_woodland_in_scotland 59

Commission, woodland managers, local Scotland’s oceanic ravines’108 and ‘Management of interest groups. woodland plants in Atlantic broadleaved woodland109 and Caledonian pine woodland110,111. The series of ‘Important Plant Areas’112 identified by Plantlife includes stretches of the Skye & Lochalsh coast, listed for their Atlantic oak and hazel woodlands. The Atlantic Hazel Group has recently published ‘Atlantic Hazel Scotland’s Special Woodlands’, which gives guidelines on assessing and managing Atlantic hazel woodland. Support, manage and monitor the Is this where the footpath projects impacts of recreation within woodlands, come in? and encourage forms of recreation that Photo Competition raise awareness of biodiversity, such as photography, wildlife recording and discussion. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Access Project. Provide information and interpretation to Interpretation provided at numerous Forestry Commission minimise visitor impact and increase sites and Woodland Trust property at Uig. awareness of biodiversity within woodlands. Suggested partners: SNH, woodland managers. Raise awareness of the importance of Forestry Commission has several publications on scrub and deadwood amongst deadwood and its management e.g. ‘The conservation individuals, communities, land users and management of deadwood in forests’113 and ‘Managing woodland managers. deadwood in forests and woodlands’114.

108 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/looking_after_bryophytes_and_lichens_of_scotland 109 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/management_of_woodland_plants_in_atlantic_broadleaved_woodland 110 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/management_of_woodland_plants_in_caledonian_pine_woodland 111 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/managing_pinewoods 112 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/identifying_and_mapping_boundaries_for_scotlands_west_coast_important_plant 113 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/RIN241.pdf/$file/RIN241.pdf 114 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCPG020.pdf/$file/FCPG020.pdf 60

Suggested partners: SNH, Forestry Commission, woodland managers. Proposed actions: Funding Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Promote the sympathetic management RSPB produces a Scrub Management Advisory Sheet for of farmland scrub for the benefit of reed farmers115. bunting, bullfinch and other farmland RSPB/SAC advice/promotion in SRDP applications. birds. Suggested partners: Scottish Agricultural College, RSPB, SNH. Monitor the success of woodland Now part of FC’s Biodiversity Duty? schemes for biodiversity. Suggested partners: Forestry Commission.

115 http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Scrub%20management_tcm9-207652.pdf 61

Mountain and Moorland

Overall Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Encourage projects that aim to diversify and integrate upland forestry with surrounding land uses. Enhance the ecological condition and Muirburn Code Revisions paper SNH SCM and Site Management Statements/Conservation biodiversity value of mountain and produced - 2010 Objectives for designated upland features on SSSIs/SACs. moorland habitats by encouraging SNH offers financial assistance towards producing Deer moorland management programmes that Management Plans116. promote biodiversity (including Deer JMT management of their upland estates. Management Plans and Muirburning Scotland’s Moorland Forum has produced guidance on Plans). Moorland Management Plans117. SAC held a muirburn training event near Portree in 2013. Plantlife has produced a guide to ‘Bryophytes of Scotland’s oceanic heath’118 and management advice on ‘Looking after bryophytes in Scotland’s springs and flushes’119, ‘Looking after Scotland’s oceanic heath’120 and ‘Managing Scotland’s uplands for Juniper’121. Encourage developers of e.g. paths, Now enshrined in law (except for ‘agricultural’ tracks). tracks, pylons and wind farms to consider the impacts on local and national priority habitats and species in their Environmental Impact Assessments.

116 http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-wildlife/managing-deer/sustainable-deer/ 117 http://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and-research/publications/search-the-catalogue/publication-detail/?id=107 118 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_scotland 119 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/looking_after_bryophytes_in_scotland 120 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/looking_after_scotlands_oceanic_heath 121 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/managing_uplands_for_juniper 62

Proposed actions: inappropriate grazing Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Encourage land managers to reduce SNH offers financial assistance towards producing Deer grazing pressure in some areas, through Management Plans122. reduction in deer or sheep numbers and SRDP 2007-13 included some grazing reduction options. the use of deer fencing where JMT management of their upland estates including appropriate (using high visibility fencing Moorland Management Plans within Cuillins SPA, under to minimise risk of collisions from species SRDP 2010-2015. such as grouse where appropriate). Suggested partners: Deer Commission for Scotland, Deer Management Groups, Crofters Commission, Scottish Crofting Foundation. Encourage the use of rare and local breeds of livestock. Suggested partners: Scottish Agricultural College, Scottish Crofting Foundation. Provide improved education and training SAC held a muirburn training event at Struan in 2010, opportunities that meet the needs of Isleornsay in 2012 and near Portree in 2013. land users, as well as less formal LANTRA runs a course in Moorland Management, but none approaches. of the providers is based in S&L123. Suggested partners: Highland Council and National Trust for Scotland Ranger Services, SNH. Proposed actions: Deer Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Encourage research into deer populations Plenty of deer research going on, but not specific to S&L. in Skye and Lochalsh, population SNH and DMGs carry out regular deer counts in all DMG movement, density, including the sika areas, post-2000 results are shown in map form here124. deer populations and effects on SNH offers financial assistance towards producing Deer biodiversity through the Deer Management Plans125.

122 http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-wildlife/managing-deer/sustainable-deer/ 123 http://www.lantra-awards.co.uk/Products/Moorland-Management.aspx 124 http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B847683.pdf 125 http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-wildlife/managing-deer/sustainable-deer/ 63

Management Groups. Suggested partners: Deer Commission for Scotland, Deer Management Groups. Proposed actions: Hillwalking Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Support practical training programmes LANTRA runs a course in Moorland Management, but none for the management of mountain, hill of the providers is in S&L126. and moorland habitats, including skills Many projects were carried out by the Skye & Lochalsh such as path making and dry stone Footpath Initiative e.g.127, but it is not clear whether these walling. included a training element. Suggested partners: SAC, Lantra, Highland Agricultural Labour Supplies, Skye & Lochalsh Footpath Initiative, Highland Access Project. Encourage the planning and construction As above - many projects carried out, not clear how much of walking routes with consideration of attention was given to biodiversity considerations. the impacts on biodiversity. Suggested partners: Skye & Lochalsh Footpath Initiative, Highland Access Project. Promote the national Access Code, Falls within the remit of the Skye & Lochalsh Local Access highlight local issues surrounding access Forum128 and local Access Officers. and biodiversity, e.g. effects of litter, disturbance to breeding birds and help people reduce potential negative impacts. Suggested partners: Highland Council and National Trust for Scotland Ranger Services, SNH, Skye & Lochalsh Footpath Initiative, Highland Access Project.

126 http://www.lantra-awards.co.uk/Products/Moorland-Management.aspx 127 http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/highlandsandislands/low/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8498000/8498792.stm 128 http://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/committee/43/skye_and_lochalsh_local_access_forum 64

Encourage walkers/climbers to take litter Falls within the remit of the Skye & Lochalsh Local Access home and provide roadside litter Forum129 and THC. collection facilities where appropriate. Suggested partners: as above. Proposed actions: Wildlife Crime Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Reduce the persecution of birds of prey This issue is now being addressed through the Highland through better law enforcement Environment Forum, with a proposal to set up a local measures and an awareness raising (Highland) Partnership Against Wildlife Crime. programme that encourages local people, A community monitoring programme initiated by RSPB for walkers and climbers to report any White-tailed eagle operates in Skye & Lochalsh130. suspicious behaviour. The Highland Raptor Study Group also carries out Suggested partners: Highland monitoring of all raptor species131. Constabulary, RSPB, Raptor Study Groups, RSPB Species Protection staff support investigations into walking and climbing groups, local wildlife crime. community groups. Proposed actions: Infrastructure Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Ensure that developers conduct research Now a legal requirement. into and monitor the impacts of new wind farm development on hill and moor biodiversity by incorporating habitats and species impacts into Environmental Impact Assessments and monitoring impacts during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases. Suggested partners: Highland Council, developers. Raise awareness of the importance of SNH SCM and Site Management Statements/Conservation blanket bogs, both in terms of Objectives for designated blanket bog features on biodiversity and as a carbon sink. SSSIs/SACs. Suggested partners: SNH. JMT management of their upland estates.

129 http://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/committee/43/skye_and_lochalsh_local_access_forum 130 https://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/WTE_newsletter_2013_tcm9-369335.pdf 131 http://www.scottishraptorstudygroup.org/highland.html 65

FCS Achintraid, North Strome Fell p91 Sitka Spruce on wet heath & mire. 54ha completed. 2009/10 FC Kinloch Bog restoration FTR Plantlife guide to ‘Bryophytes of Scotland Oceanic Heath’132 Investigate means of gaining a local Carbon trading is a contentious issue and is being dealt income from trading carbon credits for with at Government level and internationally. rehabilitated peatlands in a climate The new SRDP includes a ‘Rural Development: Agri- change programme. Environment Climate Scheme’ but it is not clear whether Suggested partners: SNH this is relevant to peatlands (or to agricultural soils).

132 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/bryophytes_of_scotland 66

The Built Environment

Overall Biodiversity objectives: Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Encourage more people to garden for Plantlife ‘Grow Wild’ campaign133 and leaflet134. wildlife. Plantlife ‘Pond Alert’ series of leaflets about appropriate pond planting135. Promote the later cutting of grass verges Plantlife online road verge campaign136 to encourage wild flowers and wildlife, and raise awareness of this issue locally. Ensure that all future building Statutory duties of SNH and SEPA for biodiversity. developments take the potential impacts Legal requirement for EIA as part of Planning controls. on habitats and species into account and Highland Council’s guidance on Protected Species and where possible, incorporate some habitat development137. creation into the design. Suggested actions: Lack of awareness Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Produce a wildlife gardening leaflet Celebrating Nature' event Garden BioBlitz138 specific to Skye & Lochalsh, promoting THC Nature Guides Plantlife ‘Grow Wild’ campaign139 and leaflet140. diversity and the use of native species in Moth Group Plantlife ‘Pond Alert’ series of leaflets about appropriate the planting design, encouraging the use SLEF/ WREN Posters pond planting141 of composting bins, advising on eco- SLEF Outreach project friendly products and raising awareness Biodiversity Day Balmacara of issues such as New Zealand flatworm. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Council Ranger Service.

133 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/things_to_do/grow_wild/ 134 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/grow_wild_native_flowers_in_your_garden 135 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/pond_alert_-_managing_your_garden_pond_to_protect_scotlands_wildlife 136 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/roadvergecampaign 137 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3026/highland_statutorily_protected_species_supplementary_guidance 138 http://www.gardenbioblitz.org/ 139 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/things_to_do/grow_wild/ 140 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/grow_wild_native_flowers_in_your_garden 141 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/pond_alert_-_managing_your_garden_pond_to_protect_scotlands_wildlife 67

Encourage people to make provision for Biodiversity of Buildings Highland Council’s guidance on Protected Species and bats, swallows and other birds when development142. doing up old barns and designing new Publications such as ‘Designing for Biodiversity’ give advice buildings and sheds. on how to do this143 Suggested partners: SNH, Scottish The online Biodiversity Planning Toolkit includes an Agricultural College. interactive bat protocol144 Promote SNH’s School Grounds Grant Biodiversity of Buildings SNH no longer provides grants for school grounds. Under Scheme, and encourage the erection of the Single Outcome Agreement arrangements in 2007 this bird and bat boxes where appropriate. responsibility was passed to local authorities. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland ‘Grounds for Learning’ promotes biodiversity in school Council & NTS Ranger Services. grounds145. Produce more information on the sources This type of information can now be easily found by an of advice for gardeners and online search, or through organisations such as Plantlife, or horticulturalists. the Garden for Life forum146. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Council Ranger Service, Skye & Lochalsh Horticultural Association. On a voluntary basis, encourage Publications such as ‘Designing for Biodiversity’ give advice householders and developers to create on how to do this (as above). customised internal bat spaces in new The online Biodiversity Planning Toolkit includes an and refurbished buildings at the design interactive bat protocol (as above). stage. This would ensure that roost sites are available to bats and prevent intrusion into the household living areas. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Council.

142 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3026/highland_statutorily_protected_species_supplementary_guidance 143 http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/httpwww.bats.org.ukpagesdesigning_for_biodiversitya_technical_guide_for_new_and_existing_buildings.h 144 http://www.biodiversityplanningtoolkit.com/bats/bio_bats.html 145 http://www.ltl.org.uk/scotland/ 146 http://www.gardenforlife.org.uk/ 68

Suggested actions: The tidy-up and Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG verge maintenance Include biodiversity issues in future road, Highland Council now reports on this in its Biodiversity park and woodland maintenance Duty report (first one in 2014)147. contracts, and raise awareness of why the management has changed. Suggested partners: Highland Council. Raise awareness of invasive species along Japanese Knotweed in S&L Highland INNS Forum addresses these issues148. with the potential impacts on biodiversity, and promote recommended control programmes. Suggested partners: SNH, Highland Council & NTS Ranger Services. Suggested actions: New developments Relevant SLEFBG projects Activities outwith SLEFBG Ensure road realignment and verge Japanese Knotweed in S&L Highland INNS Forum addresses these issues (as above). management schemes use appropriate materials to avoid the further spread of invasive species such as Japanese knotweed. Suggested partners: Highland Council. Ensure adequate and appropriate Highland Council’s guidance on Protected Species and provision is made for otter safety, bat development149. roosts and nesting dippers and wagtails Volume 10 of the UK Highways Agency ‘Design manual for in road alterations or maintenance that roads & bridges’ includes this type of information150. affects bridges, drainage ditches, culverts, etc. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

147 http://www.highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/12147/2014_biodiversity_duty_report 148 http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1210/environment/68/biodiversity/5 149 http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/3026/highland_statutorily_protected_species_supplementary_guidance 150 http://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/dmrb/vol10/index.htm 69

Target cutting of roadside verges with an Plantlife’s online road verge campaign151: appropriate plan to give the verge Highland Council now reports on this in its Biodiversity flowers time to set seeds without Duty report (first one in 2014)152. compromising on safety. Suggested partners: Highland Council. Ensure all cattle grids have appropriate The British Hedgehog Preservation society has a leaflet escape routes for hedgehogs. about this153. Suggested partners: Highland Council. Consider green bridges over roads in A campaign for green bridges is underway for the A9 areas of high deer mortality, with dualling project, but no action otherwise in Highland154. appropriate fencing. Suggested partners: Highland Council.

151 http://www.plantlife.org.uk/roadvergecampaign 152 http://www.highland.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/12147/2014_biodiversity_duty_report 153 http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/leaflets/Ramps.pdf 154 http://a9greenbridges.org.uk/ 70