Highland Biodiversity Action Plan 2015 – 2020 Projects and case studies Contents Highland Biodiversity Action Plan Projects 18.MaximisetheWildlifeValueofSuDSPonds22 1.PromotingLandManagementforWildlife4 19.Greater Biodiversity Input to Renewable Installations23

2.Develop&TrialtheEcosystemApproach6 20. Local BiodiversityAction Plan Updates & Delivery23

3.DeveloptheAtlanticHazelwoodsProject7 21.ImproveVolunteeringInformation25

4.TheLonesomePine–&otherlonesomespecies8 22.HighlandGreenGyms26

5.RiparianWoodland&WoodlandBiodiversity10 23.UrbanBiodiversityProject26

6.DevelopNaturalTreelines11 24.WildlifeGardeningProject26

7.PeatlandRestoration13 25.NatureConnections27

8.SurveyIn–byeLandAdjacenttoPeatlands13 26.EcoSchoolsCo–ordinator27

9.HighlandPAWGroup15 27.MarineHeritageProject28

10.WildfireAwarenessRaising15 28.HighlandRhododendron28

11.MarineLitterProject16 29. Highland Invasive Non–Native Species Projects28

12.ImproveProtectionforSeabedHabitats18 30. Rapid Response Pathway for new invasive species31

13.Aquacultureforwardplanning18 31.SpecialistSpeciesAdvice32

14.SpeciesReintroductions19 32.HighlandBiologicalDatabaseProject33

15.ManageRoadVergesforWildlife20 33. Data Collection from planning/ new developments33

16.WildflowerCreation&Management20 Appendix 1: HiBAP 2015 to 2020 Partner projects and commitments34 17. Improve ecological input to the local planning process22 Appendix2:Partners42 DDRAFT

Highland Biodiversity Action Plan Projects 2015 – 2020

The Highland Biodiversity Action Plan 2015 - 2020 set 33 goals for partnership action, which are summarised in appendix 1.

Not all the actions were completed as originally envisaged, but there was related biodiversity action for the majority of proposed projects. Much of this is thanks to the work of small wildlife/ nature and community groups across the Highlands, individual action, conservation organisations and other NGOs.

This document focusses on positive action, and does not consider biodiversity loss in the Highlands; it is intended to demonstrate that good results can be achieved through optimism, determination and having a long term view.

The following pages summarise the actions known to the editor to have taken place, based on information received from action plan partners, Forum events and personal knowledge. It will therefore be incomplete.

Any further information/ corrections will be welcomed. Email Caroline [email protected] 1. Promoting Land Management for Wildlife Nature friendly farming at Culfoich Project suggestions – Training events, monitor farms, citizen science work. The Nature-friendly farming website has a number of case studies including Bruce McConachie, who farms at Culfoich on the banks of Training and advisory services the River Spey, where wading birds now flourish.

There are a number of training and advisory services that The family farms 1900 acres organically, rearing cattle and sheep, and include courses promoting land management for wildlife. practising rotational grazing, using as few external inputs as possible. For them, a healthy wader population is a sign that the soil is in good Lantra Scotland worked with Scottish Land and Estates, Scottish heart. Natural Heritage and others to develop new estate management and estate maintenance qualifications. A Modern Plants play their part too, with buffer strips to reduce water run-off Apprenticeship in Rural Skills has been developed and is and clover to fix nitrogen. And introducing wiggles has been a great currently being delivered by Rural Skills Scotland and SRUC asset - with now meandering drainage ditches providing damp (Scotland’s Rural College. margins and plenty of invertebrates.

TheScottish Farm Advisory Serviceincludes practical advice in Being a member of the Strathspey Wetlands and Waders group means its onlinebiodiversity section and and also offers support for that Bruce can borrow specialist equipment to open up rushy areas for Integrated Land Management Plans and complementary cattle and birds to enjoy. specialist advice, including biodiversity and woodland management. Lapwing, curlew, snipe and oystercatcher all appreciate Bruce’s farming methods, and hundreds now breed on the farm. Soil Association Scotland’s programme includesFarming for the Future, which aims to use grassland and water management, agroforestry, building soil health, non-chemical pest control and farming organically to help to mitigate climate change and restore wildlife.The Association hosts some biodiversity related events, such as ‘Buzzing about Grassland’ which was a demonstrationevent (July 2017) in Caithness in partnership with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Speakers focussed on the benefits of species-rich grassland for twite and great yellow bumblebees, grassland management and support for SRDP-AECS applications.

Soil association Scotland also run Landscape Leadership jointly Curlew at Culfoich. Photo byTom Marshall (rspb- with Scottish Land andEstates. This provides training for images.com) selected participants who want to ‘work collaboratively towards a sustainable land management movement in Scotland’. Conservation land management partnerships

RSPB Scotland runs various land management courses each year There are a number of Highland land management partnerships that across the Highlands on peatland restoration, grassland management involve joint working between nature conservation organisations, and forestry planning for birds. community trusts and private land managers.

Plantlife’s Cairngorms Wild Plant Project ran a number of training • Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape events including for UHI Forestry School, the Mountains and the People SVQ training scheme and volunteers. • Peatland Partnership

Volunteering and Citizen Science • Wester Ross Biosphere High Life Highland rangers are involved in a number of community- • SkyeCrofting and Corncrake Partnership led habitat management projects, such as tree planting, beach • Caithness Wetlands and Waders Initiative footpaths, non–native species removal. In some instances this is done by the local ranger via the local biodiversity group. Rangers also give • Strathspey Wetlands and Waders Initiative advice to communities and wildlife groups on opportunities for citizen science, wildlife recording and habitat management projects. The Strathspey Wetlands and Waders Initiative is a partnership In Caithness the rangers work with the Countryside Volunteers and between RSPB, CNPA, SRUC, SNH and landowners, running since Caithness Biodiversity Group with a range of projects such as those 2009. Following the most recent surveys in 2015 there has been a for juniper, and small blue butterfly. Rangers have also been involved programme of advisory work and an equipment loan system. The with carrying out dune stabilisation using marram grass replanting at 2020 surveys have been delayed to 2021 due to covid. Working for Gruinard, Gairloch and Mellon Udrigle. waders

A number of private companies also provide training and advice. For Working for Waders was set up in 2017 as a collaborative project example, Speyside Wildlife runs an identification training course bringing together a wide range of organisations, government bodies registered and approved by Lantra as 'customised provision’. Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust delivers a Scottish Vocational and individuals which has funded a wader advisory officer in the Qualification in environmental conservation. Cairngorms to deliver Wetlands and Wader Initiative work. This includes working with volunteers to get more information about Deer Management Plans have a commitment to undertake citizen wader hotspots and declines, and the habitat and land management science through Habitat Impact Assessment work. associated with these. The long term aim is aid wader recovery, focussing on the most promising areas and with appropriate support and advice.

The Caithness,Thrumster Wader Recovery project has also been supported by Working for Waders.

The Woodland Trust Croft Woodland Project aims to protect and enhance croft woodlands. The Forestry Development Programme million from Arcadia. contributed financially toward the Croft Woodland Project. By March The project officially 2020 there was supported submission of 80 woodland creation started in January 2019. applications, with a further 18 in development. A total of 478ha has been planted. Advice on woodland management totalling 1007ha • Peatlands Partnership provided. 30 training events delivered to date for 678 attendees, including the Croft Woodland Conference in May 2019. • Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape The John Muir Trust worked with Scottish Natural Heritage and Woodland Trust in Sutherland to organise conservation grant • Wester Ross Biosphere schemes for crofters. • Nevis Partnership TheRare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms project works with land managers to share techniques that will benefit the species covered by • John Muir Trust - Wild the project. These are Kentish glory, northern silver stiletto fly, pine Waters - Funds are being hoverfly, shining guest ant, dark bordered beauty moth, and small raised throughout 2020 scabious mining bee. The project has a group of active species forTrust’s ‘Wild Waters’ champions and over 40 volunteers have got involved with the appeal that will project. contribute to funding beach cleans, coastal 2. Develop & Trial the Ecosystem Approach habitat and species monitoring, path Project suggestions – Develop a demonstration project, establish a maintenance, and a Highland database. riparian planting project to improve habitat for According to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), ‘the salmonids, and ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated management of potentially fresh water land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and pearl mussels - a survey sustainable use in an equitable way’ and which aspires to maintain of which was undertaken the natural structure and functioning of ecosystems. in August 2020.

There are a number of landscape scale projects in the Highlands There is a Scottishdatabase which have the potential to adopt and ecosystem approach, under development, through including: the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy sub–group, looking • Cairngorms Connect (a 60,000ha Partnership between RSPB, at Landscape Scale work. Scottish Natural Heritage, Forest and Land Scotland and Wildland Ltd which was successful in gaining funding of £9 3. Develop the Atlantic Hazelwoods Project Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere Project suggestions – Raise awareness and improve the management of hazel woods in Highland through the Atlantic Hazelwoods Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve Project. (NNR) was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and expanded to over This is being undertaken by theAtlantic Woodland Alliance. This 100 times its original size in 2016. The was formally launched in May 2019, and is creating an 'Atlantic biosphere now covers 5,200 square rainforest action plan’. kilometres of Wester Ross and Lochalsh. In Sunart, Forest and Land Scotland’s Design Plan sets out the Beinn Eighe remains core to thebiosphere designation,and management required to convert a plantation to native woodland. the NNR continues to be managed with conservation of its’ This includes hazel woodland and the management of ravines for internationally significant habitats as the primary aim. biodiversity. Looking after the natural environment is essential to retaining The project area does not extend to north Wester Ross and biosphere status, but ensuring that communities thrive is also Sutherland, however: vital. The board and sub-groups of the biosphere work tirelessly to seek this balance, and Wester Ross is is one of the Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape(CALL) undertook an Atlantic few entirely community-led Biospheres in the world. hazelwood survey.

In 2020 the biosphere launched a supporters’ charter that Stack Woods SSSI, part of the Reay Forest Estate, was enriched with businesses, schools, communities and groups can sign to show 150 hazel from local seed, grown in Little Assynt Nursery in Spring their support of sustainable development and biosphere aims, 2020. The estate is also undertaking a rhododendron eradication and in return use the biosphere brand in promotion. programme started in 2016, using a combination of mulching, cut burn and injection, with annual top up spraying. The core areas have been dealt with and only inaccessible gullies not treated. The spraying treatment programme will be ongoing to deal with seed spread and bush regrowth. 4. The Lonesome Pine – & grazing pressure. Similar objectives at the neighbouring Mar Lodge other lonesome species estate means a landscape-scale approach to mountain woodland expansion covers a contiguous area of 90,000 ha. Project suggestions – identify isolated patches of trees ,work with landowners An expanded woodland network also has potential benefits for to encourage expansion, develop local capercaillie, for which there is Scottish management framework, and tree nurseries an urgent need for conservation action.

The concept of the Lonesome Pine Some small blocks of riverine woodland were planted during the project was launched at Highland ‘Pearls in Peril’LIFE project, 2012 - 2017, to create shading for Biodiversity Conference 2018 ‘On the freshwater pearl mussels. These tree patches also help to strengthen trail of the Lonesome Pine’ and liaison was undertaken by the HEF woodland habitat networks between river catchments. biodiversity working group with Trees for Life and Woodland Trust, who are taking forward work with similar aims through their Woodland expansion should result in an increase in altitudinal Caledonian Pinewood Recovery project. This is focussed on the woodland zonation and diversity. In the Cairngorms upland birch smaller areas of native pinewood that have not yet received positive zone is currently missing – grazed out – but the few remaining trees management. The project was funded for 2 years (2018 - 2020), and show that upland birches can be very long lived. Tree cores showing employed two full time staff. There are 84 inventory sites - 75% of some of the birch to be 300/400 years old. The potential benefits of which are in private ownership, and these were the priority. A restoring this uphill zonation of pine to birch to willow can be seen number of partners worked together: Trees for Life, Woodland Trust in climatically similar SW Norway where upland birch is associated Scotland, Forest and Land Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and with a wide diversity of plant species including alpine blue sow Scottish Land and Estates. thistle and bog rosemary (not currently present in Highland region), and birds such as red grouse, golden eagles, waders and bluethroats. The project looked at the current health of the woodland (through desk top study and field survey), and suggested appropriate The Woodland Trust Croft Woodland Project is able to help crofters conservation measures to the land managers. So far (mid 2020) 72 to design a scheme that fits their objectives, and provides crofters sites have been surveyed and the results of 42 of these reported with an indication of cost and available funding options. During this back to landowners. process isolated trees and small stands of trees will be identified. If crofters are keen to go ahead with a forestry grant a consultant will be The two charities hope, if funding can be found, to undertake a 'Lost engaged by the Woodland Trust to develop plans, and gain approval Woods' project that would look for lonesome pines and other tree for the application. species, with the aim of using therm as the start point for woodland expansion. The Croft Woodland Project is able to pay 90% of the consultants fees, with the crofter paying the other 10%. The Croft Woodlands In the Cairngorms RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forest and Land Project can also offer successful applicants an interest free loan to Scotland and Wildland Ltd have established ‘Cairngorms Connect’. help cover the initial outlay for works and materials. For small This is undertaking work over a 60,000 ha area to increase the schemes under 3ha, and linking hedgerows the Woodland Trust is extent and connectivity of woodland, largely by reduction in able to pay 60% of the cost of tree and shelter, but is unable to fund fencing, labour, or give an on–going payment, through the Reforesting Scotland, with support from Forestry Scotland, held an Woodland TrustMOREwoods and MOREhedges schemes. event at Aviemore in 2018: Scotland’s Land Revival: ‘A Tour Through The New Landscapes of Woodlands and their Communities’. Training workshops are run by the Trust on practical actions such as bracken control and tree planting, and they are also working with the Community tree nurseries can be found at many places around the Scottish Crofting Federation and Scottish Natural Heritage on a Highlands including: Crofting Schools Hedgerow Project. This includes a hedgerow planting pack, and teaching resources related to responsible foraging, • Caithness Biodiversity Group Juniper Project jelly making and biodiversity. The Crofting Forestry Handbook is being revised. • FCS Rogart Primary School

There are 5 and 20 year pinewood restorationmanagement plansfor • CALL Assynt Tree Nursery. Loch Arkaig Woodlands that will be taken forward by the Woodland Trust and the Loch Arkaig Community Forest. • John Muir Trust work with CALL on trial seed project

Nevis Landscape Partnership has fenced pockets of woodland in • Trees for Life Nursery, Dundreggan Glen Nevis. • Highland Aspen Group growing aspen from root cuttings A community group in Broadford is taking forward various projects in their community woodland. • Alba Nursery growing aspen from Highland origin seed • RSPB Abernethy tree nursery

Helping Caithness Juniper Recording and monitoring of fragments of native woodland and isolated juniper and trees in Caithness has been undertaken by the Caithness Biodiversity Group. Members undertake recording of isolated plants and then work with land managers to improve tree numbers, and habitat where there has been muirburn damage. It is a long term project which has the support of Dunnet Bay Distillery, and Highland Council ward discretionary fund.

Research is undertaken through desk top study and field work to record the location and health of Junipers on Dunnet Head. The group has been trained by Highland Nurseries to take cuttings and grow plants from seed. Seedlings were also raised at Little Assynt Nursery. 150 junipers have been planted out at 5 locations which are monitored – so far there is a 75% survival rate. There is also potential for the project to be used to restock other areas in Caithness and the group is now raising juniper from Berriedale seed. 5. Riparian Woodland & Woodland Biodiversity Lochaber Fisheries Trust is looking at the potential for riparian woodland at Ardnamurchan Burn. Project suggestions – Develop a Highland-wide strategic framework for native wood protection, expansion and establishment. West Sutherland Fisheries Trust is undertaking riparian woodland Encourage tree planting to create networks, eg urban, field work. boundaries, and riparian woodland. Pearls of wisdom Sutherland Biodiversity Group Fisheries Trusts work to improve riparian habitats includes the Spey SEPA Planning Officers contribute to best practice guidance, create members have worked with the West Catchment Initiative, which is one of several catchment scale Sutherland and Kyle of Sutherland management schemes in Scotland. Work on the Spey includes a planning guidance and give advice to planning consultations. Fisheries Trusts to conserve freshwater stretch of 7 kms of 10 to 20 metre wide riparian planting and pearl mussels. The Trust has been regeneration from Boat of Garten to Aviemore. This has been funded The river catchment management plans also take into account working with land managers to jointly by the landowner and Cairngorms National Park. Native address some of the land based issues, broadleaved trees have been planted in clumps. Species include woodland biodiversity and riparian woodland. such as the effects of hill drainage and alder, willow, cherry, aspen and oak. carrying out peatland and riparian habitat restoration and removing On the Allt Lorgy near to Carrbridge the removal of embankments The John Muir Trust (Sutherland) rhododendron. and use of dead timber in the water course has created new works to encourage uptake of meanders. Floodplain drains have also been blocked to raise the SRDP/Forestry grants to improve water table. Sediment from previous dredging has been removed riparian and upland habitat from the banks and is gradually being reintroduced higher up the restoration and sits on the West river system for natural redistribution during spates. Download the Sutherland Fisheries Trust board. Spey Catchment Management Planfor more information. CALL is looking at riparian planting on the boundary of Elphin – Ledbeg River. Publicly owned trees Forest and Land Scotland has 89.2% of its 172 SSSI/SAC/SPA/ Forest and Land Scotland Forest RAMSAR sites in favourable condition and c2459 ha of their Plans include restructuring for woodland is in phase 1 of restoration/regeneration to ‘ancient restoration/enhancement, and riparian woodland is covered by this. woodland’. In 2016SF progressed this approach using work in North Highland Forest District & Badenoch & Strathspey as best practice. 18.31 ha of 213ha of upland/montane woodland expansion has been standalone riparian woodland creation schemes were approved in undertaken in the Glenmore/Glenmoriston forest estate. Highland in 2016/17.

Trees for Life has undertaken 1253 volunteer days for Forest Broadford and Strath Community Company have a woodland and Land Scotland. regeneration project that includes the removal of INNS and creation of path network and picnic area 6. Develop Natural Treelines

Project suggestions - Identify potential sites and establish transitional woodlands through woodland expansion up hills and onto bogs. Demonstrate the value & management requirements of Pearls of wisdom transitional woodlands on bogs through a trial project. Sutherland Biodiversity Group members have worked with the West Deer management is key to developing natural treelines and is Sutherland and Kyle of Sutherland carried out by all the conservation organisations as part of the Fisheries Trusts to conserve freshwater projects outlined below. pearl mussels. The Trust has been working with land managers to Trees for Life grows a range of montane species at their tree nursery address some of the land based issues, at Dundreggan for planting at Forest and Land Scotland sites and at such as the effects of hill drainage and Dundreggan. They have secured funding to establish seed orchards carrying out peatland and riparian for 7 species of montane willow over the next 5 years. See action 4 habitat restoration and removing for a list of other tree nurseries in the Highlands rhododendron. Cairngorms Connectis ‘partnership of neighbouring land managers, committed to a bold and ambitious 200-year vision to enhance habitats, species and ecological processes across a vast area within the Cairngorms National Park’ In 2017 a baseline survey of montane woodland across the Cairngorms Connect area was undertaken and the partnership plans to plant montane willows on AnewHighland Forest and a large scale in Glen Tromie. Woodland Strategy has been produced by Highland Council. This The local forest management plan process is being used by Forest makes reference to Atlantic and Land Scotland to encourage montane woodland expansion, for hazelwoods and riparian woodland example at Glenmore, above Clunes, Lochaber and in Glen Affric. – Action 3 and 5. Many of the strategy aims, directly or indirectly, The inclusion of the Native Low Density Broadleaves option in have a positive effect on woodland creation applications is promoted to land managers, in biodiversity. order to encourage expansion of natural treelines. 140ha has been approved since the beginning of the Forestry Grant Scheme in 2015 to March 2020.

Scottish Natural Heritage management of their NNRs at Beinn Eighe, Creag Meagaidh, Craigellachie & Inshriach aims to achieve natural treelines. Encouraging natural woodland on removing occasional trees to allow light John Muir Trust land onto the forest floor.

The John Muir Trust had ‘a Wild Woods’ fundraising project which reached its goal of £60,000 in 2019. This has helped to fund the planting of 50,000 new trees onTrust land on Skye and Knoydart.

Sensitive extraction of timber

Enclosures to protect regeneration

Extraction of firewood for the Native woodland regeneration is local community is done undertaken by a variety of methods, sensitively and there is ongoing including deer management, which is monitoring of invasive non-native used on all estates. species within the woodland.

At Strathaird, Skye a clear felled area is Several exclosures have been being replanted with native broadleaves erected to protect the natural in 2020.Ringill West is one of several regeneration of native conifer plantations being restructured by broadleaves and the Trust the Trust on Skye. It was assessed as continues to monitor browsing being highly suitable for a continuous pressure and manage deer cover low impact silviculture system, so numbers. now thinning takes place mainly by ringbarking and cutting brash and

All photos courtesy of Cathryn Baillie Regeneration at Ringill. 8. Survey In–bye Land Adjacent to Peatlands 7. Peatland Restoration Project suggestions - Conduct a survey of in-bye land adjacent to Project suggestions - Identify sites elsewhere in Highland that would the peatlands of Caithness & Sutherland to ascertain its value for be suitable for drain blocking and tree removal, and draw together wildlife, identify future management requirements and recommend a funding bid. This work would be influenced by the outcome of the ways of helping farmers and crofters to continue to manage this National Peatland Action Plan consultation. Recently commissioned land for wildlife. research identified some priority areas e.g. Monadhliaths. Undertake a volunteer project to remove regenerated conifer No specific project was developed around this action. However, saplings from protected peatland areas. Partners working on theCaithness Wetlands and Wildlife Initiative and the Peatlands Advisor worked closely together and identified opportunities for each other through their contacts and field visits. TheCairngorms Peatland Restoration Project is ongoing.

In 2019 the RSPB looked at sites in Highland, outwith the Flow Country, that would be suitable for drain blocking and tree removal in order to put together a funding bid. Peatland restoration has been undertaken on RSPB Corrimony reserve, with Peatland Action funding.

In 2018 there was an extensive survey of peatland with a view to restoration on Corrour Estate and Loch Arkaig woods, Lochaber.

Forest and land Scotland has undertaken peatland restoration from 2014. This has included creating a Peatland Delivery Forester post in North Region, to manage the contracts in North Highland and Gowmoss in Moray - sites have included Leanachan and Callop in Lochaber. In the Highlands nearly 3000 ha of peatland have had their condition improved and nearly 2000 ha have been restored.

In 2016 an ECAF project application was worked up for Monadliath, and Wildland Ltd was planning restoration work on their North Sutherland estates. Common sandpiper. Photo by Paul Turner, RSPB Scotland

On Skye, the John Muir Trust undertook a scoping study took place in Strathaird in 2019, and hope to begin the restoration of an area of deep peat to blanket bog, creating a mosaic with regenerated or planted native wet woodland and peat edge woodland. Flows to the Future school created artwork for a film about the peatlands. Children from Farr Academy assisted the film crew. The film was screened Flows to the Future by Screen Machine in the school grounds attracting both children was a 5 year project and their families. that covered a number of different The restoration is continuing beyond the Flows to the Future work areas – around funding, on a large landscape scale, all currently on the RSPB 30% of the funding land around Forsinard. Much of the restoration is experimental was awarded for and is a continuing learning process. For instance small furrows peatland restoration between mounds are blocked, tree stumps are being flipped into from previous the furrows to try and help to get a flatter profile, and brash left in forestry planting, earlier forest clearance is being flattened in order to make the and the rest is for area more attractive to ground nesting birds, excess brash is people-related being cleared to reduce wildfire risk, following extensive damage Visitors can now enjoy a panoramic view of activities – including in 2019. The long term effect of wildfire is being studied by the the Flows from the viewing tower. Photo by the building of an Environmental Research Institute in Thurso through their‘Fire Neil Cowie, RSPB Scotland observation tower, Blanket’ research. The timber is removed from site. building a field centre and putting in interpretation at key observation points. Markets for small timber include wood burning stoves. After restoration work has been completed, peatland recovery can The Land Management Advisory Officer worked with land begin to be seen within a couple of years. The amount of work to managers and grazing committees across Caithness and be undertaken requires a co–ordinated and well–funded project Sutherland peatlands to support them in applying for funding for to deliver results at a meaningful scale. restoration work. One land owner was attracted to this scheme because of the potential to improve fisheries through better peatland management. As a result of fundingc. 40,000ha of peatland have been restored landowners.

The new field station is now able to host monitoring and research Forest harvesting students, community groups, interest groups etc, who want to use and channel the peatland as a place to learn. There are also volunteering days blocking are two essential stages in to remove regenerating conifers. peatland restoration at RSPB The schools officer visited schools and provided a teacher Forsinard. Photo by training programme to give them the confidence to take out Paul Turner, RSPB groups. There were other school connected activities eg Tongue Scotland 9. Highland PAW Group 10. Wildfire Awareness Raising

Project suggestions - Establish a Highland Partnership for Action Project suggestions - Work with gamekeepers, crofters and other Against Wildlife Crime (HPAW) to address local concerns and help land managers through local liaison groups to raise awareness of with early communication, information sharing, awareness raising whether or not burning is needed, appropriate muirburn practices, and publicity management. wildfires and the likely impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. Promote the Muirburn Code through case studies & demonstration The Highland PAW Group was established in September 2015. A sites, and encourage joint working to tackle wildfires. sub-group of HPAW was set up in 2017 to look at raptor persecution in Moy Forest and North Monadliath and there have been meetings The Muirburn Code was updated in 2017. with SLE, SGA, RSPB and RSG to discuss information sharing and a way forward. In 2020 the Wester Ross Biosphere nature group ran a Wildfire Awareness Week, involving school visits and poster creation and In 2018 the Lochaber Biodiversity Group raised awareness of local guided walks. issues with Police Scotland through personal contact and meetings. A Police Officer also attended a Local Biodiversity Public Meeting in High Life Highland ranger Jenny Grant worked with Ullapool High Fort William. School and Kinlochewe Primary School, discussing with pupils the causes and effects of wildfires, and creating posters to make people In 2017 Police Scotland conducted 10 school visits in the Inverness more aware of wildfire risks. east area, raising awareness of wildlife crime. On the National Trust for Scotland Balmacara Estate staff and In 2016 HPAW ran a wildlife crime ‘Sharing Good Practice’ event. students from the crofting course at Plockton High School attended a Stakeholder events have also been run jointly with Grampian and workshop hosted at The Steadings Gallery in Balmacara Square. The Tayside partnerships against wildlife crime for key stakeholders such Scottish Fire and Rescue Service community safety advocate gave an as fishery board bailiffs and SEPA staff. overview of wildfires and explained the role that the Services play in containing and extinguishing them. Iain Turnbull, property manager at Balmacara Estate and Rule Anderson, ranger at Kintail and A good forum for discussion Morvich, gave their perspective on wildfires that affected Balmacara The Highland Environment Forum runs two Forum meetings a Estate in 2018 and Kintail in 2011. Andrew Slaughter, estate manager year, plus an annual invasive species Forum and biodiversity at Inverinate spoke about the Muirburn Code and how the estate conference. From 2015 - 2020 the biodiversity conferences carries out controlled burning to improve grazing opportunities. were on volunteering, pollinators, woodland research and restoration, rewilding rivers, and wildfires. In 2016 a wildlife The students and a number of group leaders went into the moorland fair was held alongside the conference at Inverness College and heath of Balmacara Estate to conduct a survey on an area impacted attracted more than 200 people. Details from the biodiversity by a large wildfire in 2018 and undertook a quadrat survey of areas conferences can be seen on theForum website. impacted by wildfire compared to those that were not affected. Five primary schools were visited, attended by more than 150 pupils at Kyleakin, Kyle, Plockton, Auchtertyre and Loch Duich. Students 11. Marine Litter Project were encouraged to produce artwork about the dangers of wildfires and how to avoid a fire risk. Project suggestions - Raise awareness of litter and its devastating impact on marine wildlife through promoting national campaigns; Jenny and Gavin will use the artwork created to make posters that working with the fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries to can be placed on community noticeboards and in local shops across reduce impacts; supporting regular beach cleans; and improving the Wester Ross area. recycling and waste collection facilities at harbours and ports.

At the end of the week there was a conference organised in Moray Firth Partnership working with Scottish charities and local conjunction with the Highland Environment Forum. Details can be coastal partnerships developed SCRAPbook (2018 - 2020). This found on theForum website.Scottish Fire and Rescue, the Wildfire undertook aerial survey of coastal rubbish and pollution. In 2017 the Forum, Scottish Natural Heritage and the HPAW group all put out Partnership organised several beach cleans at Fortrose, Ardersier and regular press releases on muirburn and the dangers of wildfire. at Newhall Point supported by Lifescan Scotland staff.

Local Scottish Fire and Rescue officers continue to work with The UHI Environmental Research Institute in Thurso has a number of landowners and their staff to survey and map problem areas. It is research projects looking at marine plastics, and in 2017 the James A hoped that this will help to reduce the number of destructive Mackie Memorial Trust had a project to dissect locally caught fish to wildfires. assess presence of microplastics in the Moray Firth.

See action 7 for details of the Fire Blanket research. Plastic@bay is a social enterprise based at Durness, undertaking High Life Highland rangers organise, and assist communities with regular beach cleans, developing methodical scientific approaches to organising, regular beach litter cleans. The rangers contribute to the understanding marine rubbish, and experimenting with ways in which national RSPB beached bird survey each February. Throughout the plastics can be recycled. year they report, and encourage the public to report, stranded cetaceans through the Scottish Marine Animals Stranding Scheme Beach clean ups are organised by a number of community groups, (SMASS) scheme whose vets can examine cause of death. including Ullapool Sea Savers, Scottish Wildlife Trust Living Seas and the John Muir Trust. Highland Council has an action plan to reduce the use of single use plastic. Surfers Against Sewage on Skye successfully fundraised to purchase a secondhand boat in 2019 to help remove plastic waste from inaccessible parts of the Skye coastline, and is also exploring the possibility of creating a plastic reprocessing plant on the island.

Ullapool marine conference

The HEF marine conference ‘Sea Life, Our Life’ was held in Ullapool in 2018. This was organised a a result of a number of meetings of the HEF marine litter working group, which was established following two Forum meetings on marine issues. Details can be found on theForum website.

Photographs by High Life Highland ranger, Jenny Grant, who worked with local children to create the atrium exhibition. 12. Improve Protection for Seabed Habitats Sand dune conservation and restoration Project suggestions - Contribute to discussions on inshore fisheries management measures within the Marine Protected Areas to help Forest and Land Scotland protect fragile seabed habitats. are removing forestry plantation from the dune At present this is being undertaken by Scottish Government via system at Morrich More Scottish Natural Heritage’s consultation on, and designation of, near Tain in a trial to see Marine Protected Areas. if this enables a mobile dune system to re- There are also a number establish. Previous Salmon lice restoration attempts had of voluntary groups failed because the campaigning for better plantation had led to a protection of seabed A salmon mark and recapture build up of needles and leaves, creating ideal conditions for habitats including: project was run by Lochaber woodland plants, but not for sand dune species.The 2020 Fisheries Trust, in relation to lice restoration method involves removing the trees and scrub and • Scottish Wildlife treatment. scraping and burying the plant litter layer to leave a bare sand Trust,Living Seas surface, which will hopefully support the rare vegetation that Fisheries Trusts across the is special to these dunes. • South Skye Seas Highlands have been carrying out Initiative salmon mark and recapture in RSPB have secured LIFE funding to order to better understand remove invasive species and tree • Ullapool Sea Savers populations and fish migration. regeneration from the mobile dunes and shingle West Sutherland Fisheries Trust systems at Culbin. 13. Aquaculture carried out asea trout tracking forward planning survey of Loch Laxford. This showed that that only 5% of sea Project suggestions - trout migrated out of Loch Laxford Contribute to the and into more open coastal waters, consultations on the and that the population is Coul Links sand dune system will Highland Aquaculture concentrated in a shallow, tidal, continue to be an area of Strategy. estuarine area between the mouth international natural importance, of the river and where it opens out after an application to create a TheHighland into the deeper sea loch. golf course was refused following Aquaculture Strategy a Public Enquiry. was updated in 2016. Ullapool Sea Savers and Living Seas 14. Species Reintroductions Project suggestions – Contribute to discussions on, and encourage research into the reintroduction of species e.g. beaver, lynx.

Beavers were given legal protection in May 2019, following on from successful reintroduction trials by theScottish Wildlife Trustin Knapdale, and independent colonisation of the River Tay catchment.

Both RSPB and the Scottish Wildlife Trust sit on the the National Species Reintroduction Forum Lynx sub-group.

Ullapool Sea Savers (above) and The Sea Savers presented Reds on the move the Scottish Wildlife Trust Living alongside Noel Hawkins, Seas work closely together to Living Seas, at the Ullapool Translocation of squirrels to new locations in NW Highlands highlight the importance of marine conference in 2018, marine species. and also enjoy the chance to was first undertaken by Roy Dennis at Dundonnell in 2008, and learn snorkelling, as part of at Alladale and Loch Broom in 2012 . The hope is that The banner below of seagrass the Living Seas work. expanding red squirrel distribution to create ‘island’ populations wildlife was created by the Sea will give protection from squirrelpox and grey squirrel Savers in association expansion. Licensing allows a maximum of two squirrels per with artist Alice 200ha per year caught from the source woodland. They are Mikietyn checked for general health and that they are squirrelpox-free The Sea Savers were before being translocated to new sites. early, and successful, campaigners against Woodland sites of 200ha+ are chosen for release. The squirrels the use of plastic are released in nestb oxes, and provided with food for the first straws. few months by volunteers, who also monitor them. Sofar 160 squirrels have been released to Shieldaig, Kinlochewe, Plockton, Inverewe, Attadale, Letterewe and to Ledmore and Migdale, the Woodland Trust reserve by Bonar Bridge. The translocations have proven successful, with young squirrels sighted, and reports of squirrels for beyond their original release sites – including having travelled over open ground to colonise new woodland – the furthest being approx 15km from Shieldaig to Torridon. 15. Manage Road Verges for Wildlife 16. Wildflower Creation & Management

Project suggestions – Raise awareness of the benefits of ‘untidy’ Project suggestions – Train HC staff verges, identify best verges and monitor cutting regimes, reduce hedge cutting to every three years, encourage the creation of No Highland Council staff training has taken place, however: woodpiles using timber from roadside tree management. There have been several projects in the north Highlands. High Life During the previous Highland Biodiversity Action Plan the Caithness Highland rangers actively manage a Highland Council owned site at Biodiversity Group worked successfully with Highland Council to Farr Glebe, North Sutherland for great Yellow Bumblebee and lead pilot a project to enhance the wildflower interest of a small selection on the management of a council-owned site at Dunnet for small blue of verges. The group found that the public varied in their response to butterflies. the project. There were letters of complaint about perceived safety and tidiness to the local newspaper and signs stolen and thrown into Rangers lead on a 7-year project involving the Junior Ardersier & ditches, but there were also requests for more verges to be included. Petty Environmental Society and the local community to assist a This project involved less than 1% of the total length of the Caithness small, isolated and vulnerable small blue butterfly colony at Fort verges and was funded by the Dounreay Community Fund. George to expand its range to Ardersier Common. The rangers are involved with a number of other community projects, such as A cab manual was produced highlighting the best way to manage the wildflower bed creation at the Ullapool allotments. mowing county wide. This was to be used as reference by the machine operators. There was an attempt to keep the Lochaber Biodiversity Group has undertaken a survey, training verge project going beyond the stage of being a pilot, day and awareness–raising work at wildflower meadows of but it has been beset with problems.The main contact Mountain national importance on Glen Roy croft land owned by Forest in Highland Council left, and the other main contact and Land Scotland who undertook to engage further with was on extended leave. Some roads were cut as Avens tenants and advise on any grants that might be available to required but some farmers cut verges, usually in the protect the meadows. The group has also written a number of middle of summer, despite the signage. The John articles and created information sheets about wildflower Muir Trust meadows and road verge management. Due to local authority budget pressures road verges Nevis estate no longer have as many cuts, so there is an increase in is assisting In Caithness, Forest and Land Scotland is creating meadows at the number of wild flowers. It looks like a success can with a Sibster & working with SRUC to identify other sites where this be made of verge management but it requires mountain could be undertaken in conjunction with conservation grazing. continued raising of awareness with land managers avens and support from Highland Council. introduction Caithness Biodiversity Group and Merkinch LNR have run project in wildflower training courses. Cumbria Lochaber Biodiversity Group carried out a wildflower where they The Nevis Landscape Partnership has held several training days verge survey in 2018. are much rarer. on subjects as diverse as wild flowers, butterflies and moths, lichens and winter twig identification. Kidneys for small blues

There is a project run jointly by Caithness Biodiversity Group, Butterfly Conservation Scotland, Caithness Countryside Volunteers and the Highland Council toencourage kidney vetch for small blue butterflies. The aim is to improve their habitat, which has suffered from encroachment by shrubs and mosses, raise awareness of their existence, and plan for their future.

Seed is collected by volunteers and then grown on by a local nursery. The plant plugs are then put on sites at Scrabster, Castletown and Dunnet Bay. Other flowering plants will be planted to enhance the habitat for other butterfly and bee species.

In 2015 the project received funding from the Landfill Communities Fund and Dunnet Bay Distilleries. This allowed the expansion of the project to three sites, and was also used to fund an awareness raising weekend with support from Butterfly Conservation Scotland.

The group planted kidney vetch at Scrabster harbour adjacent to a small blue site and erected an interpretive panel. The vetch took well to the site and small blue have used the plants.Their longer term aim is to try and link the occupied sites up by creating new patches of habitat in between.

At the Dunnet Bay dune colony scything and raking of cut marram has been undertaken in order to favour the growth of kidney vetch. Kidney vetch plugs were planted once the path had been cleared alongside the path and in hollow places.

In the quarry site at Castlehill, Castletown the vetch loves the rocky barer ground formed out of quarry spoil from the old flagstone works but there is a development of soils and encroachment of weed species. One section of old quarry face is particularly favoured by the small blue, but needed to be protected from the spread of cotoneaster and Chinese bramble as these are spreading throughout the site. A contractor cleared these woody species from here and a nearby roundabout and the group then planted kidney vetch plug. The group, working with the Caithness Countryside Volunteers, continues to improve the habitat at the quarry face and also the roundabout areas. They continue to monitor the small blue and grow kidney vetch plugs for planting out.

The longer term aim is to try and link the sites up by creating new patches of habitat in between the sites, which would make the overall population far more robust and reliant against threats like climate change. The project is ongoing in 2020 Trying out wood construction skills at Evanton community wood.

17. Improve ecological input to the local planning 18. Maximise the Wildlife Value of SuDS Ponds process Rural Diffuse Pollution Project suggestions – Employ an officer through the graduate Project suggestions – Ensure the Highland–wide development plan internship programme within The Highland Council to assess SuDS SEPA staff provide advice to farmers and land managers on protects and enhances biodiversity. Make sure supplementary ponds in the A96 corridor as part of the Green Network, create local reducing diffuse pollution, particularly in priority catchments guidance forms part of development briefs, ensure green networks best practice guidance, and see how future ponds in developments and focus areas. These include buffer strips, farm wetland are part of larger developments. Develop offsetting policies and can be designed and sited to maximise their benefit to wildlife and construction, fencing off river corridors, etc. In 2018 this work action. Train/mentor HC planning staff. residents. was carried out in some areas of the Cromarty catchment.

The two Highland Council ecological surveyors are supporting Marcia Rae created Planning Information & Good Practice Guidance officers by providing advice and support for construction and for the Highland Council as a result of survey and outreach work maintenance projects. They have worked on at least 80 projects, supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, SEPA and HC. SeeHighland ranging from large scale e.g. West link Phase 1& 2; Smithton and Environment Forum website. Culloden Flood Prevention Scheme; bridge replacement at Cawdor to smaller scale maintenance projects e.g. bat discovery during re– The High Life Highland rangers continue to assist in the follow up roofing council houses and hazard tree surveys in woodland. assessment of the SuDS ponds project to maximise their benefit to wildlife and residents. Rangers Bat identification and management training was given to planners in will lead on a Mid Ross project the north team in 2019. in 2020 to make local communities in the area of Muir RSPB, John Muir Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Natural of Ord, Beauly and Conon Heritage and SEPA comment on many planning applications each Bridge aware of SUDs ponds, year, with the aim of improving outcomes for biodiversity. their biodiversity and the multiple benefits they can The Lochaber Biodiversity Group campaigned against the provide. development of a hydro–electric scheme at theAllt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve, which is of longstanding importance for the chequered Highland Council Ecologists skipper butterfly. The application was refused by planners, but this have been sharing the results of was overturned by Highland Councillors at appeal. A hydro-electric the 2015 SUDS project to a scheme is now being developed. diverse audience including Scottish MSPs and sustainable There are ongoing internal discussions within Highland Council to flood planners from Iceland. ensure natural, built and cultural policies are in place and fit for purpose. There is a need to focus on delivery of the agreed policies – but there is a lack of capacity to progress unless additional A well designed SUDs system can resources are made available. Highland Council will continue to provide multiple benefits for wildlife and in enhancing people’s explore the possibility of Biodiversity offsetting as a positive access to greenspace. planning tool. 20. Local Biodiversity Action Plan Updates & Rural Diffuse Pollution Delivery

SEPA staff provide advice to farmers and land managers on Project suggestions – work with local biodiversity groups to identify reducing diffuse pollution, particularly in priority catchments priorities, find funding for project delivery. and focus areas. These include buffer strips, farm wetland construction, fencing off river corridors, etc. In 2018 this work Several local biodiversity action plans (Lochaber, Skye and was carried out in some areas of the Cromarty catchment. Caithness) were updated in 2017.

Follow up work with local biodiversity groups has not been undertaken, however Lochaber, Wester Ross and Caithness Biodiversity Groups continue to be active, and a new group has 19.Greater Biodiversity Input to Renewable formed in North Sutherland. There are many other environmental Installations and field work groups in addition to these.

Project suggestions – employ a golden eagle officer in The John Muir Trust will continue its work on monitoring, habitat Monadlhiaths, encourage similar projects in association with restoration etc and attend Sutherland, and Assynt Field Club group windfarm development. Bring together ecological data associated meetings. These groups identify their own projects, and find funding with offshore windfarms. as they can.

A Golden Eagle Officer was appointed in 2015, and the project will Lochaber biodiversity work in 2017 to 19 – not listed under other continue to 2025. HiBAP actions includes:

Highland Council planners encourage planning applicants to • Survey of cliff ledges on Ben Nevis for inaccessible montane contribute to related environmental works. plants, with plans to extend this in Glencoe — a collaboration between climbers and botanists SSE is funding the creation of bee meadows at Sibster, Caithness ( Forest and Land Scotland site) & comments on developers habitat • Biodiversity audit of Corrour estate. management plans for e.g. peatland restoration & native woodland. • Completion of 5–years’ of Wild Lochaber Festivals, the latter two incorporating highly successful seashore events under the Highland Seashore Project.

• A local biodiversity panel discussion meeting in conjunction with the Lochaber Natural History Society

• A number of projects and training events (including courses for future rangers) carried out by the Nevis Landscape Partnership Pollinator perfection chequered skipper was increased from a handful of sites to 25, both on and off the national forest estate. This has been undertaken for 5 years, and provisional results suggest that at The Scottish Pollinator Strategywas approved in 2017 and the present the skipper is doing better at sites away from the forest Highland biodiversity conference that year focussed on estate. However the survey work will be used to inform pollinators. management of the sites, which could address this.

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust Choreutis diana is a very rare micro moth works with local groups and only ever known in the UK from Glen Affric. communities to encourage the Prior to targeted surveys in 2019 by Butterfly conservation of the great yellow Conservation was only recently known from bumblebee. They also run BeeWalk, a around a handful of birch trees around the top citizen science project monitoring car park, but now recorded atc. 6 locations in bumblebees, and providing training the glen over about 10km. Butterfly courses on identifying bumblebee Conservation also held a very well attended centenary survey in the glen looking for adults species. exactly one hundred years to the day that the moth was first discovered in the UK. The small Blue Butterfly Project in Caithness is working at three known There is ongoing survey work of Kentish glory colonies on the north coast – Scrabster, by Butterfly Conservation in partnership with Dunnet bay and Castlehill. See action the rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms. Using 16 for details. pheromone lures, the project has found the moth to be more widespread, with the discovery of several new Chequered skipper is only found in western Scotland, and sites and that some former haunts are still occupied . concentrated from North Argyll to Spean Bridge/Roy Bridge and Morvern. Populations are found along the river valleys in areas of The British Dragonfly Society Bog Squad undertook habitat luxuriant purple moor grass. improvement work in Glen Affric. Peat was used to block up drainage channels to create linear pools and additional pools Butterfly Conservation created a model of where chequered were made (approx 3m X 2m X 50cm deep) where the peat was skipper might be expected to be found that suggested that the dug to create the dam. To date 18 ditches have been blocked butterfly might be under–recorded by 80%. Surveys were and 9 new pools have been created this way, and the intention is undertaken by volunteers over 3 years and expanded the known to continue to create pools that will begin to link Glen Affric to distribution of chequered skipper by 42%, giving 104 new other areas. squares in which the butterfly had been seen. The continued protection of the Coul Links dune system is In addition to this citizen science survey, monitoring of important for many species, includinglepidoptera . • The community purchase of the south Loch Arkaig forest in The group has built a strong working conjunction with the Woodland Trust, with the long term aim of relationship with the Highland Green regenerating the ancient Caledonian pinewoods.See action 4. Health Partnership. This post began in autumn 2018 and has three years of • Two general meetings held and one on wildflower verge survey. funding to begin to establish the use of Many local projects reported on by partners. outdoor space in social prescribing.

• Publication of a series of 13 monthly articles on the wildlife of A dedicated post to coordinate existing Lochaber in the local free magazine, Lochaber Life (distributed and develop new volunteering to all households) and published in booklet form in 2018 by the opportunities within the Cairngorms Lochaber Natural History Society. National Park was created in 2017.

• Publication of individual wildlife trail leaflets in 2016, The Cairngorms Wild Plant Project has subsequently compiled into ‘Wildlife of Lochaber’ booklet. This been engaging with volunteers, training is produced and distributed by Lochaber Natural Hist Society them and linking them with sites where with several hundred copies sold to date. The outdoor volunteers survey work or positive management is working group meets in required. • Articles published and advice produced on Black Throated different locations. These are Divers and Disturbance with the Abriachan Forest Trees for Life is working in partnership Trust and in Evanton Community Wood. with a number of other members to try A wildlife audit of the north coast was undertaken after an initial to develop a volunteering programme meeting in Tongue, attended by an enthusiastic audience of 25. As that can offer a progression of a result theNorth Sutherland Wildlife Group has been formed and volunteering activities – from low intensity to those that are more has an active membership. demanding. 21. Improve Volunteering Information High Life Highland rangers work with a number of volunteer groups, such as the Caithness conservation volunteers and on the conservation Project suggestions – improve links between environmental volunteer days in Wester Ross. Caithness and Lochaber rangers voluntary groups and health and social care groups. worked on 12 projects in 2019. The HEF Outdoor Volunteering working group was established in 2016. The group continues to meet two or three times a year, visiting examples of outdoor volunteering work, and learning from one another’s experience. Details of meetings can be seen on the Forum website, and members self–manage thefacebook page.

A volunteering opportunities open day was held at Merkinch LNR on Saturday 10th June 2017. 22. Highland Green Gyms 23. Urban Biodiversity Project Good natured Promotion of science In 2015 TCV ran six Highland Green Gym projects, and in 2016 access received £60K landfill funding to work in four areas. Project suggestion – identify brownfield sites of wildlife value The Highland Environment Good access Forum e-newsletters and events routes not only Green Health No action has been incorporate presentations on undertaken. benefit people, current research. they can also A Senior Development Officer for theGreen Health Partnership was appointed in 24. Wildlife protect wildlife, The High Life Highland rangers November 2018 for three years. The mission of the Green Health Partnership is through providing support the annual Caithness to: Gardening attractive routes science festival and deliver Project that increase the workshops within the festival to "Develop opportunities and build on existing resources to support individuals and chance of people promote the understanding of communities to improve their health and wellbeing, and build resilience through Project suggestions – staying on them. our natural world. They have engaging with and appreciating the natural environment”. Key Aims are to: run a Highland–wide Many paths have also delivered a ‘Catch-me-if- wildlife gardening been created or you-Cam’ schools project with • Get more people to use the outdoor environment, and more regularly project, including upgraded in the field cameras, photographing competitions and Highlands, wildlife in the school grounds. • Contribute to reducing health inequalities by targeting activity at those who garden visits including on John are most in need Muir Trust estates High Life Highland Nature High Life Highland and as part of the Explorer Packs are available for • Co–ordinate partnership efforts on use of the outdoor environment for health rangers continue to Cairngorms families, schools and groups to have some National Park borrow from libraries. These • Identify existing assets, make links between them, and identify gaps in involvement in Eco– encouragement of include magnifying glasses, bug provision Schools and support active travel. jars, binoculars, and wildlife gardens in pedometers. • Develop a network of those with an interest in promoting the outdoor environment for health school grounds such as at Lochinver, A Highland conference on Durness and Kinlochbervie primary schools. peatland science is held every • Create a shared learning environment 18 months by the UHI Rangers also help plan and cost projects and Environmental Research Institute The Highland Environment Forum was joint organiser (with Highland Third Sector engage with school children to undertake the work. to promote new research in the Interface) of a green health conference in November 2017, and held a Forum field. meeting on green health in March 2019. Forest and Land Scotland undertakes education work through its ‘Nectar Plant’ projects with There are many health walks in the Highlands, including those led by High Life schools. Highland rangers - green health walks – ‘A Short Walk into Nature’ – and by Paths for All, Nature 4 Health and Cairngorms National Park Authority volunteers. RSPB field teachers spend some of their time with schools discussing wildlife gardening. 25. Nature Connections full programme of children’s events such as Promotion of science rock pool rummages, fossil fish forays, pond Project suggestions – develop an dipping, gold panning over summer holidays as intergenerational project and/or and arts and the part of the ‘Schools Out’ programme. environment projects The Highland Environment There are good examples in Highland e.g. Rogart Forum e-newsletters and events The Caithness ranger worked with the & Garve Primary Schools, Newtonhill Croft. incorporate presentations on Bumblebee Conservation Trust, and at the current research. annual Royal Highland Education Trust food 26. Eco Schools Co–ordinator and farming event at Quoybrae mart, which has The High Life Highland rangers over 100 children attending. The Royal support the annual Caithness Highland Educational Trust also arrangesfarm Project suggestions – A coordinator to re–engage science festival and deliver eco–schools, work with John Muir Award, visits for schools, as does the Soil Association workshops within the festival to Food for Life programme. encourage links between schools and land promote the understanding of managers, provide links to resources for schools. our natural world. They have Scottish Wildlife Trust Watch groups are run in also delivered a ‘Catch-me-if- different Highland locations and may include A coordinator post has not been established. you-Cam’ schools project with working with organisations such as John Muir However: field cameras, photographing wildlife in the school grounds. Trust in Sutherland, and with High Life High Life Highland rangers are the first port of call Highland rangers. for pre–schools, primary, secondary and special High Life Highland Nature schools wanting support for wildlife and Explorer Packs are available for The RSPB educational resource is targeted at environmental projects and field work. Each year families, schools and groups to Strathspey and, up to the end of 2019, the the rangers have a theme they offer to schools. In borrow from libraries. These Flows to the Future project. RSPB reserves host 2019 the focus was on golden eagles and in 2020, include magnifying glasses, bug visits for local schoolchildren and students from European eels. jars, binoculars, and higher and further education. pedometers. Members of the Lochaber Biodiversity Group took The John Muir Trust is involved in several part in a Green Schools project with support from A Highland conference on nature-related education projects. They and the High Life Highland ranger service. peatland science is held every primary schools in NW Sutherland were 18 months by the UHI awarded a Royal Society Partnership Grant in Other specific ranger-led environmental Environmental Research Institute 2020 to allow the schools to undertake a education projects include the ‘Food in My Belly’ to promote new research in the project using remote cameras to record local schools project about seabirds and marine litter, field. wildlife, with the aim of learning about linking with Highland Environment Forum marine conservation and the importance of conference. encouraging biodiversity.

High Life Highland rangers put on provide wildlife In Autumn 2020, if Covid-19 conditions allow, and natural heritage walks and events, and run a the Trust hopes to run a ‘hill to grill’ event with Kinlochbervie High school in Autumn 2020, if conditions allow and 28. Highland Rhododendron to establish a young ranger programme on their Nevis estate. Project suggestions – Landscape scale rhododendron clearance in The Trust and RSPB have jointly run free outdoor learning webinar the four priority areas. Removal of rhododendron from gardens. surgeries for teachers, youth workers and educators. Map and control rhododendron, share data amongst all relevant partners. 27. Marine Heritage Project There has been no progress on management action within the 4 Project suggestions – Secure funding for and run a second marine priority zones identified by the Highland Rhododendron Project. awareness raising project, focusing on Highland’s coastal heritage Ongoing rhododendron control is highlighted under action 29 and traditional links with the sea. The project could include below. opportunities for children to appreciate marine biodiversity through boat trips, drop-down cameras or even links with research trawlers.

This has not come to fruition, however:

High Life Highland rangers run regular rock pool and seashore events to highlight biodiversity and the importance of recording, such as the annual Clachtoll seashore festival. The focus of the rangers work in Discussing the 2020 is marine heritage with an emphasis on eels. Some rangers also challenge of Japanese run cetacean watches under the Shorewatch scheme, eg at Rhue. knotweed beside the River Beauly, Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape have a marine heritage project during a with several strands. Highland Invasive Species The South Skye Seas Initiative was formed in 2016 with the aim of Forum field trip. continuing to record the marine species and habitat in Loch Slapin, Loch Eishort and Loch Scavaig. During 2018, the group received funding from the William Grant Foundation, Scottish Natural Heritage 29. Highland Invasive Non–Native Species Projects and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. This enabled them to buy an underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle) and other equipment to Project suggestions – Control problem species, survey urban areas, survey the lochs. raise awareness of invasive plant species and how to control them – including project with land managers.

The Highland Environment Forum holds an annual invasive species forum. These take place in a different location each year and include presentations and a field visit. Full details can be seen on theForum website. The four year Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) was launched Giant hogweed in March 2018. he species covered by the initiative are American mink, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam and Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust continued to make good white butterbur. progress on reducing giant hogweed stands on the Rivers Findhorn and Lossie with support from Landfill tax funding. Rope specialists The focus of SISI is to work with Fisheries Trusts to carry out control tackled cliffs along the the Moray Estates section of the River work, whilst building teams of volunteers to continue long term Findhorn. Proprietors along the Nairn have also maintained good management of invasive species in riparian habitats. progress on giant hogweed control, supported by the Trust.

Spartina, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam continue to be The control of giant hogweed along the Wick river started with controlled by RSPB on sites in Cromarty Firth. Japanese knotweed is volunteers, but the scale of the task, and health and safety being controlled on the River Broom as a collaborative project requirements, meant that a contractor (funded by Scottish Natural funded by the Landfill Communities Fund. American skunk cabbage Heritage) was required. Volunteers support this professional input. is being controlled at Boat of Garten by the Spey Fishery Board with support from CNPA. The Cromarty Firth Fisheries Trust continued their work on the Balnagown estate and RSPB land. High Life Highland rangers help with various projects, including skunk Cabbage removal in Glen Nevis and mink monitoring in north Ness and Beauly Fisheries Trust continued the hogweed control work west Highlands and Wester Ross. on the Munlochy burn and at Littleburn that was previously organised by Highland Council. Highland Council keeps a note of invasive non-native species records across the region. The Council is working with Scottish Japanese Knotweed Canals to manage New Zealand pygmy weed (Crassula helmsii) at the Inverness west link site on the Caledonian Canal. Scottish Canals Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust have made less progress are running a ‘Can do Innovation fund’ pilot project to trail on Japanese Knotweed. techniques for removing the pygmy weed from Seaport Marina, Inverness The Lochaber Fisheries Trust is no longer receiving any funding for knotweed control, so work on this species is now minimal. 2017 was The National Trust for Scotland also manages invasive species, the third season of work on the River Broom - tackling Japanese including American mink, on their own land and in partnership with knotweed from Braemore Estate down river, and including the other groups - such as the work on the River Broom. Corrieshalloch Gorge.

The John Muir Trust monitors non-native species on their land. There was two years of Japanese knotweed control at Malllaig, which was funded by Highland Council and Nevis estate. Control has also taken place on the NTS Balmacara Estate, where some sites have seen marked reduction. 10 or more years of continued treatment seems to be required for effective control. Rhododendron Torridon and Inverewe Previous work by the invasive species working group had lead to the identification of Rhododendron priority clearance sites(action 28), but changes in grant schemes had meant they hadn’t gone ahead. The National Trust for Scotland has worked with other local groups in the Torridon area to encourage gardeners to let their Rhododendron is not covered by SISI funding, and lead responsibility Rhododendron Ponticum be removed in return for for other for its control lies with Scottish Forestry. However, there is currently plants or species of rhododendron. The project was generally very little funding available in the Forestry Grant Scheme for well received, but works well, but further funding is needed to rhododendron clearance. The Forest Plan approval process, includes be able to continue and expand the scheme. a commitment to control rhododendron, and rom 2015 to March 2020, 42 schemes were given approval, covering 795ha. Grant funding for rhododendron clearance can now only be given to designated sites and those infected with Phytopthora ramorum.

Rhododendron control within the Forest estate has largely worked well, but the problem remains of plants spreading back in from neighbouring landholding, and there remains a need for rhododendron on roadside and railside verges to be dealt with.

In Lochaber there has been extensive rhododendron removal from the the Forest and Land Scotland estate and by local estates. A Species Control Agreement was reached by Scottish Forestry and Scottish and Southern Electricity for rhododendron removal at Glengarry Dam. Forest and Land Scotland were contracted to clear the rhododendron.

The National Trust for Scotland continued work on their estates, helped by Scottish Natural Heritage funding. Inverewe estate is at the final clearance stage. Clearance continues at Balmacara, with the hope of expanding the work to neighbouring landowners.

The Atlantic Woodland Alliance Action Plan includes rhododendron clearance.

Reay Forest Estate has undertaken rhododendron eradication since 2016, using a combination of mulching, cut burn and injection, with annual top up spraying. The core areas have been dealt with and only inaccessible gullies not treated. The spraying treatment It has been observed that Himalayan balsam occupies ground that programme will be ongoing to deal with seed spread and bush has been cleared of giant hogweed. regrowth. American Signal Crayfish RSPB Scotland continues to control rhododendron on the reserve at Glenborrodale American Signal Crayfish have been found in the rivers Findhorn/ Nairn/Lossie catchments, but Lochaber Fisheries Trust is hopeful that Rhododendron can also host the fungusPhytopthora ramorum, it has eradicated American Signal crayfish from its river systems. which cohabits between rhododendron and larch - killing the larch. Other tree species may also be affected. This disease is controlled by statutory order and detected infections must be removed if a plant American mink health notice is issued. It arrived on Raasay in 2015 and is still Work to monitor and capture American mink has been continued by present. A large proportion of the larch plantation and rhododendron Fisheries Trusts, supported by individual volunteers, NGOs, land has now been removed from the island, but the disease is still being managers and members of local biodiversity groups. detected.

In 2017 the disease was first detected on rhododendron on private ground at Achnashellach. It is also present on Skye, in the Contin area, near Kildary, and near Golspie. Grants are available for 30. Rapid Response Pathway for new invasive species clearance of infected plants and a small buffer zone. 89 notices to clear infected plants have been issued by Scottish Forestry in the last Project suggestions – Identify and agree clear rapid response 5 years (25 on Larch, 60 on Rhododendron ponticum and 4 requiring pathways for new species that may start to colonise, as well as raise clearance of both larch & R. ponticum). There is a need for a awareness amongst the general public. coordinated response to this disease. The Scottish Forestrywebsite has information about Phytopthora. A national approach hasn’t been developed yet. In 2017 RSPB established a rapid response team covering island Himalayan Balsam reserves and the Shiant Isles. In 2018 they were successful in gaining Control work has been undertaken by a number of Fisheries Trusts LIFE Biosecurity funding, to create response plans for seabird Special alongside volunteers, including on the Rivers Findhorn, Nairn and Protection Areas and establish 8 expertise and equipment hubs across the UK to react to seabird island mammal incursions. Lossie. The Cromarty Firth Fisheries Trust has continued to employ a worker to tackle Himalayan balsam. On the National Trust for Scotland Balmacara estate 12 out of 15 populations have been cleared.

After a number of years of treatment the Himalayan balsam numbers on the Woodland Trust land at Urquhart bay are much reduced, and kilometres of the River Coilte have been cleared. 31. Specialist Species Advice 32. Highland Biological Database Project science project to encourage members of the public to record and bring in wildlife records to the library. Project suggestions - Re-form the specialist group (STAG) to identify Project suggestion – Once the national situation is clearer, secure area- based citizen science projects that the Local Groups could funding for and run a project to create a Highland data Assynt Field Club and John Muir Trust began aproject in summer carry out, and make the linkages with the national priority species management and biological volunteer co- ordination hub, building 2020 to to gather all the available information on the landscape and lead partners. The group could also identify the gaps in our current on the existing Highland Biological Database Project. wildlife of the Quinag estate into a common digital format, with the knowledge and work up projects and funding bids to fill them. aim of creating a GIS, map, to make the information more TheScottish Biodiversity Information Forumwas tasked with finding accessible, to encourage fieldwork, research, workshops and The Cairngorms Wild Plants project has produced a pinewood toolkit a national solution to data recording. In 2018 the report was activities, and to assist discussions on estate management. to give specialist advice on managing sites for rare plants and their published, and recommendations made. A response from Scottish habitats. Government is awaited. TheRare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms project includes producing High Life Highland rangers have teamed up with High Life Highland specialist advice on the species they cover. 33. Data Collection from planning/ new libraries and the Highland Biological Recording Group in a citizen developments RSPB Scotland offers specialist advice for land managers on topics such as sea eagles and forestry and land management for corncrake, Project suggestion – Establish a protocol to ensure records are black grouse and farmland waders. passed on to the National Biodiversity Network.

High Life Highland rangers are coordinating a golden eagle This has not been progressed, however: education and promotion project in 2019, and also run events on specific species (eg puffins walks, bat evenings, butterfly walks, moth High Life Highland rangers collect wildlife records for various trap nights). An eel project was planned for 2020, but delivery national recording schemes and promote these schemes to the interrupted by Covid-19. public. For example: Some rangers are trained to take tissue samples from dead stranded cetaceans on behalf of the UK Cetacean Highland Council Ecologists are providing specialist species advice Stranding Investigation Programme. to Highland Council staff. This includes how to manage protected species in buildings, structures and woodland. The ecologists also In some areas rangers count Barnacle goose numbers annually for advise on the identification and treatment of INNS on Highland Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB. The Rangers use social Council land. media to encourage learning and recording of native species , including the use of apps. A Capercaillie Advisory Officer, who is funded by RSPB Scotland, FLS and Scottish Natural Heritage, provides advice to foresters and The Nevis Landscape Partnership carried out a survey of the north planners. face of Ben Nevis – which brought together climbers, botanists, geologists and mountain guides. A 3–D map is also being produced and will be available as an app. 32. Highland Biological Database Project science project to encourage members of the public to record and bring in wildlife records to the library. Project suggestion – Once the national situation is clearer, secure funding for and run a project to create a Highland data Assynt Field Club and John Muir Trust began aproject in summer management and biological volunteer co- ordination hub, building 2020 to to gather all the available information on the landscape and on the existing Highland Biological Database Project. wildlife of the Quinag estate into a common digital format, with the aim of creating a GIS, map, to make the information more TheScottish Biodiversity Information Forumwas tasked with finding accessible, to encourage fieldwork, research, workshops and a national solution to data recording. In 2018 the report was activities, and to assist discussions on estate management. published, and recommendations made. A response from Scottish Government is awaited. High Life Highland rangers have teamed up with High Life Highland 33. Data Collection from planning/ new libraries and the Highland Biological Recording Group in a citizen developments

Project suggestion – Establish a protocol to ensure records are passed on to the National Biodiversity Network. Impressive work by Highland recorders This has not been progressed, however: ‘Data from the National Biodiversity Network Atlas suggests the Highlands has by far the widest range of flora and fauna in High Life Highland rangers collect wildlife records for various Britain, boasting no fewer than 16,273 distinct types of plants, national recording schemes and promote these schemes to the animals, fungi and micro-organisms. This is 2,052 more than public. For example: Some rangers are trained to take tissue samples second-placed Gwynedd in Wales. from dead stranded cetaceans on behalf of the UK Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme. An analysis of wildlife records across Britain has shown the importance of recording by Highland Biological Recording In some areas rangers count Barnacle goose numbers annually for Group(HBRG). ... Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB. The Rangers use social media to encourage learning and recording of native species , ‘HBRG has now contributed around 250,000 records to the including the use of apps. national database, a testament to the skills and effort of amateur naturalists in the demanding environment of the The Nevis Landscape Partnership carried out a survey of the north Highlands.’ face of Ben Nevis – which brought together climbers, botanists, geologists and mountain guides. A 3–D map is also being produced Extract from UK survey commissioned by a holiday company and will be available as an app. Appendix 1: HiBAP 2015 to 2020 Partner projects and commitments

Project Proposals Partners 1. Promote Land Management for Wildlife 1. Organise a series of training events for land managers and agents to raise awareness of Lead Partners: HEF good practice and Direct Payments, SRDP, and low costs/no cost options, building on existing work (such as the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s Land-Based Business Supporting Partners: SGRPID, SNH,SF, CNPA, THC, Training Programme) and utilising new initiatives like the Advisory Service and Scottish NFUS, CC, SCF, SLE, RAFTS, RSPB, TfL, SRC, L, JHI, ICF, Rural Network. This could provide local demonstration sites and case studies, distribute GWCT, BASC, BBCT, SWT, LBGs guidance and codes of good practice, and encourage more monitoring and dissemination of results. 2. Investigate the possibility of using the Monitor Farms Programme or a similar approach to Lead Partners: HEF help a farm and/ or crofting township improve its management for biodiversity and other ecosystem services, making the most of grants and demonstrating the social, economic and Supporting Partners: as above environmental results to land managers, agents and agency staff 3. Explore the Greening element of the Direct Payments to confirm that it is delivering the Lead Partners: HEF anticipated land management for biodiversity, and ensure future CAP reforms continue to include this Greening element and a corresponding payment within future schemes. Supporting Partners: as above 4. Provide opportunities for wildlife and biodiversity groups to work with estates on citizen Lead Partners: Wildlife Estates Scotland science or habitat management projects arising from the Wildlife Estates Scotland initiative. Supporting Partners: as above 2. Develop & Trial the Ecosystem Approach 1. Establish an online database of landscape-scale projects in Highland, and facilitate Lead Partner: HEF (Land Use Working Group) opportunities for knowledge sharing and joint working. Supporting Partners: THC, SNH,SF, SEPA, SGRPID, RAFTS, TfL, SLE, NFUS, CC, SCF, RSPB, SGA, CNPA, CALL, UHI 2. Develop a demonstration project to trial the Ecosystem Approach on a Highland Lead Partners: HEF catchment, and convey the results to decision makers at Highland, Scottish and European levels, linking with other studies elsewhere in the UK and Europe. Supporting Partners: as above 3. Develop the Atlantic Hazelwoods Project in West Highland Raise awareness and improve the management of hazel woods in Highland through the Supporting Partners: SNH,SF, SCF, SLE, P, BLS, THC, Atlantic Hazelwoods Project. Forestry Commission Scotland has identified a number of CALL, WT woods that could be a starter for this project. Project Proposals Partners 4. The Lonesome Pine (& other species) 1. Identify isolated patches of trees across Highland – this could involve a citizen science Supporting Partners: HBRG, LBGs, TfL, OU iSpot, SNH, element, linking in with existing projects such as iSpot. SLE, JMT, NTS, RSPB 2. Agree ways to protect and expand isolated patches of trees, with the ambition of creating Lead Partners:SF connecting corridors for wildlife. Supporting Partners: as above 3. Deliver a trial project, enabling volunteers to work with local nurseries to collect seed and Lead Partners: Trees for Life grow on / plant out local provenance trees to enhance regeneration. Supporting Partners: as above 5. Riparian Woodland & Woodland Biodiversity 1. Identify where new riparian woodland and native woodland would be of the greatest Lead Partner:SF value to wildlife through a Highland-wide strategic framework for native woodland establishment, integrated into commercial woodland establishment, utilising GIS based Supporting Partners: RAFTS, SNH, THC, SEPA, Forestry techniques. Industry 2. Work with land managers to ensure these areas are prioritised when plantations are Lead Partner:SF restructured and new native woodlands planted. Supporting partners as above 6. Develop Natural Treelines 1. Identify potential sites and establish transitional woodlands through woodland expansion Lead Partner:SF up hills and onto bogs. Supporting Partners: SNH, TfL, NTS, CNPA, JMT, WT, HB, RSPB, THC 2. Demonstrate the value & management requirements of transitional woodlands on bogs Lead Partner:SF through a trial project. Supporting Partners: as above Project Proposals Partners 7. Peatland Restoration 1. Identify sites elsewhere in Highland that would be suitable for drain blocking and tree Lead Partner: SNH removal, and draw together a funding bid. This work would be influenced by the outcome of the National Peatland Action Plan consultation. Recently commissioned research identified Supporting Partners: RSPB,SF, CNPA, CE, TfL, LBGs some priority areas e.g. Monadhliaths. 2. Undertake a volunteer project to remove regenerated conifer saplings from protected Lead Partner: Peatlands Partnership peatland areas. Supporting Partners: as above 8. Survey In-bye Land Adjacent to Peatlands Conduct a survey of in-bye land adjacent to the peatlands of Caithness & Sutherland to Lead Partner: SNH, RSPB ascertain its value for wildlife, identify future management requirements and recommend ways of helping farmers and crofters to continue to manage this land for wildlife. Supporting Partners: Other Peatlands Partnership Members 9. Highland PAW Group Establish a Highland Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Group to address Lead Partner: Police Scotland, SNH local concerns and help with early communication, information sharing, awareness raising and publicity management. Supporting Partners: RSPB, SLE, other HEF partners 10. Wildfire Awareness Raising Work with gamekeepers, crofters and other land managers through local liaison groups to Lead Partner: Scottish Fire & Rescue Service raise awareness of whether or not burning is needed, appropriate muirburn practices, wildfires and the likely impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. Promote the Muirburn Code Supporting Partners: SNH, PS, ADMGs, SGA, NHC, SLE, through case studies & demonstration sites, and encourage joint working to tackle wildfires. CC, SCF, other HEF partners 11. Marine Litter Project Raise awareness of litter and its devastating impact on marine wildlife through promoting Lead Partner: THC national campaigns; working with the fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries to reduce impacts; supporting regular beach cleans; and improving recycling and waste collection facilities at harbours and ports. Project Proposals Partners 12. Improve Protection for Seabed Habitats Contribute to discussions on inshore fisheries management measures within the Marine Lead Partner: HEF partners Protected Areas to help protect fragile seabed habitats. Supporting Partners:THC, SNH, MS, MFP, local communities, fishing groups 13. Forward Planning for Aquaculture Contribute to the consultations on the Highland Aquaculture Strategy (consultation launched Lead Partner: HEF partners June 2015). HEF members could focus on this issue at a future meeting and add their voice to the discussions. Supporting Partners: THC 14. Species Reintroductions 1. Contribute to discussions on where reintroductions could take place and if they will be Lead Partner: SNH allowed, or if beaver will just be left to colonise naturally from the Tay catchment and the official release site in Argyll. Supporting Partners: RAFTS, SEPA, SLE, TfL, SWT, CNPA, RSPB, other HEF partners 2. Encourage research into the reintroduction of other species e.g. lynx. Lead Partner: SNH 15. Manage road verges for wildlife 1. Liaise with and train Council, BEAR Scotland and contractors’ staff in appropriate verge Lead Partner: THC management for wildlife, and raise awareness of the benefits of ‘untidy’ verges in the countryside amongst the general public. Supporting Partners: TS, BEAR, LBGs, P, BBCT 2. Identify the best verges throughout Highland, monitor the impact of the new cutting Lead Partner: THC regime on the vegetation, and feed the results back to Roads Staff within the Council and BEAR Scotland. Supporting Partners: as above 3. Raise awareness of the wildlife benefit of hedges and encourage better management Lead Partner: THC through cutting once every three years, encouraging the growth of mature trees within hedges, replanting and filling in gaps and cutting in late autumn. Encourage the creation of Supporting Partners: as above wood piles rather than shredding whole trees when felled close to roads. 16. Wildflower meadow creation & management Run a training course for Council grounds staff and community groups wishing to create and Lead Partner: THC manage wildflower meadows, perhaps linking in with land management courses and a demonstration site. Council Rangers would be ideally placed to deliver this project. Supporting Partners: UHI, SNH, NTS, BBCT, FL, SS, P Project Proposals Partners 17. Improve ecological input to the local planning process 1. Ensure that the new Highland-wide Local Development Plan (HwLDP2) and Area Local Lead Partner: THC Development Plans provide a strong steer for ecological issues and maximise opportunities for maintaining biodiversity through development. Supporting Partners: SNH, RSPB, SWT, BBCT, LBGs, other HEF partners, developers 2. Make sure that the principles contained within the Supplementary Guidance are included Lead Partner: THC in the development briefs, and develop green networks within the larger settlements and in the A96 corridor and Inner Moray Firth through the planning process. Supporting Partners: as above 3. Identify a mechanism for biodiversity offsetting in Highland. If a suitable mechanism can Lead Partner: THC be agreed, identify potential sites and habitat improvements, and undertake a Highland pilot project. Supporting Partners: as above 4. Provide a mentoring service for a short time to allow Council planning officers and Lead Partner: THC members to build confidence in their responses by e.g. attending roost visits with a bat worker Supporting Partners: as above 18. Maximise the Wildlife Value of SuDS Ponds. 1. Employ an officer through the graduate internship programme within The Highland Lead Partner: THC Council to assess SuDS ponds in the A96 corridor as part of the Green Network, create local best practice guidance, and see how future ponds in developments can be designed and Supporting Partners: SNH, SEPA sited to maximise their benefit to wildlife and residents. 19. Secure Greater Biodiversity Input to Renewable Installations 1. Employ a Golden Eagle Officer to survey and monitor eagle populations, work with land Lead Partner: SSE managers and help raise awareness of eagle issues in the Monadliaths. Supporting Partners: NR 2. As further windfarm applications go through the planning process, encourage other Lead Partner: THC developers to contribute to this work and establish similar projects elsewhere in Highland. Supporting Partners: SNH, RSPB, RSG, DIGG, Estates & developers 3. Bring together monitoring data from offshore developments in a single database (ideally Lead Partner: Moray Firth Partnership with the Oil Industry data) to give a big picture of ecological changes in the North Sea. Supporting Partners: Renewable & Oil Industry Sector Project Proposals Partners 20. Local Biodiversity Action Plan Updates & Delivery 1. Help Local Biodiversity Groups to identify current local priorities, and work up projects Lead Partner: HEF which address them through holding LBAP workshops with key local partners and individuals. The outcome would be short, action-focused LBAP updates which will help prioritise local biodiversity work over the next five years. 2. Help local groups to secure funding and deliver these projects through a Highland-wide Lead Partner: HEF Community Biodiversity Development Officer. Mentoring project leaders could be one way to address the lack of capacity. Supporting Partners: as above 21. Improve Volunteering Information Improve linkages between volunteering groups and opportunities, bringing together groups Lead Partner: HEF with suggestions for local projects, and making opportunities and contacts more visible to the public as well as improving the links with health and social enterprises. 22. Highland Green Gyms Encourage volunteering projects such as Green and Blue Gyms, linking biodiversity and Lead Partner: The Conservation Volunteers health, with input from the Local Biodiversity Groups and Council Rangers and funding from the Landfill Communities Fund. Supporting Partners: THC, LBGs, TfL, BBCT 23. Urban Biodiversity Project Identify local brownfield sites that are good for wildlife, as well as public buildings where Lead Partner: Local Biodiversity Groups nest boxes for swifts, bats etc. could be put. Educate public officers as to the benefits of such actions. This project could be carried out by volunteers from the Local Biodiversity Groups, Supporting Partners: THC, SWT, other HEF partners with support from The Highland Council officers. 24. Wildlife Gardening Project 1. Develop links with local allotment and gardening groups and provide advice on Lead Partner: HEF gardening for wildlife. Supporting Partners: LBGs, P, BBCT, THC, SNH, RSPB, other HEF partners, gardening groups, garden centres & nurseries 2. Run a pan-Highland Wildlife Gardening Project with events, competitions & garden visits, Lead Partner: HEF funded by HEF partners & led by the Local Biodiversity Groups. Supporting Partners: as above Project Proposals Partners 25. Nature Connections 1. Run a nature project for all ages to help Lead Partner: HEF communities to learn from their elderly members. Supporting Partners: LBGs, THC, SNH, WES, SGA, OU iSpot 2. Run a Biodiversity and the Arts project to investigate how nature influences the arts (art, Lead Partner: HEF music, prose etc) Supporting Partners: as above 26. Eco Schools Co-ordinator 1. Employ a dedicated volunteer or member of staff to work closely with Teachers and Lead Partner: THC Rangers, helping Schools to re-engage with the Eco Schools Programme and other green initiatives such as the John Muir Award, and to access resources and support for wildlife- Supporting Partners: SNH, RSPB, JMT, WES, SGA, NFUS, related work as they need it. CC, other HEF Partners 2. Encourage links between schools and farms, crofts and estates to help children learn from Lead Partner: THC practical people who work the land. Supporting Partners: as above 27. Marine Heritage Project Secure funding for and run a second marine awareness raising project, focusing on Lead Partner: HEF Highland’s coastal heritage and traditional links with the sea. The project could include opportunities for children to appreciate marine biodiversity through boat trips, drop-down Supporting Partners: THC, SNH, MCS, SEPA, MFP, RAFTS, cameras or even links with research trawlers. CE, JMT, HBRG, Field Clubs, Museums, Fishing Groups 28. Highland Rhododendron Project 1. Facilitate action to take forward a landscape-scale Rhododendron clearance in the four Lead Partner: Highland Invasive Species Forum partners priority areas identified by the last project, instigate action on road and railway verges, investigate options for Rhododendron removal from gardens, facilitate different models for surveillance of ‘cleared’ areas (to stop re-colonisation), and secure public support for Rhododendron removal. 2. Continue to map the occurrences of Rhododendron ponticum, as well as actions Lead Partner: Highland Invasive Species Forum undertaken to control it, and ensure all partners have access to this data to help them prioritise future works. Project Proposals Partners 29. Highland Invasive Non-Native Species Projects 1. Run a project to train volunteers and survey urban areas for invasive non-native species, Lead Partner: Highland Invasive Species Forum and improve opportunities for land managers to report invasive non-native species on their land. This would inform future co-ordinated control programmes. Supporting Partners: RAFTS, TCV, NTS, THC, SNH, HBRG, LBGs 2. Control/ eradicate problem species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Lead Partner: Highland Invasive Species Forum Salmonberry, particularly in urban areas and along road verges and streams where these species escape from gardens. Supporting Partners: as above 3. Raise awareness of Japanese knotweed and how to eradicate it in a project specifically Lead Partner: Highland Invasive Species Forum targeted at crofters and householders. Supporting Partners: as above 4. Replicate the TCV Apprenticeship Programme, which proved a very effective way of co- Lead Partner: Highland Invasive Species Forum ordinating INNS projects on the Cromarty Firth, on other Highland catchments. Supporting Partners: as above 30. Rapid Response Pathway Identify and agree clear rapid response pathways for new species that may start to colonise, Lead Partner: Highland Invasive Species Forum as well as raise awareness amongst the general public. 31. Specialist Species Advice Re-form the specialist group (STAG) to identify area- based citizen science projects that the Lead Partner: HEF Local Groups could carry out, and make the linkages with the national priority species lead partners. The group could also identify the gaps in our current knowledge and work up Supporting Partners: THC, SNH, RSPB, HBRG, BBCT, OU projects and funding bids to fill them. iSpot 32. Highland Biological Database Project Once the national situation is clearer, secure funding for and run a project to create a Lead Partner: HBRG Highland data management and biological volunteer co- ordination hub, building on the existing Highland Biological Database Project. Supporting Partners: SNH, THC, HEF partners 33. Data Collection 1. Employ a volunteer or student within The Highland Council Development & Infrastructure Lead Partner: THC, HEF Department to look into data collection from new developments and establish a protocol to ensure records are passed on to the National Biodiversity Network. Supporting Partners: SNH, HBRG 2. Lobby Scottish Government to produce a Pollinator Strategy, encourage the collection of Lead Partner: THC, HEF more data on pollinator populations and feed this into management strategies and funding programmes. Supporting Partners: as above Appendix 2: Partners

This list is of the partners identified in creating the biodiversity action plan. However, in practice the groups and organisations involved in delivering biodiversity action in the Highlands is far wider than this, as reading this document will have shown. BASC British Association of Conservation Trust NTS National Trust for Scotland SGRPIDSG Rural Payments & Shooting & Conservation Inspections Directorate HB Highland Birchwoods OU Open University BBCT Bumblebee Conservation SLEScottish Land and Estates Trust HBRG Highland Biological P Plantlife Recording Group SLEF Skye & Lochalsh BEAR BEAR Scotland PP Peatland Partnership Environment Forum HEFHighland Environment BSBIBotanical Society of the Forum PS Police Scotland SNH Scottish Natural Heritage British Isles INBG Inverness & Nairn RAFTS Rivers & Fisheries Trusts SSScotia Seeds BSS Botanical Society of Scotland Biodiversity Group Scotland SSE Scottish & Southern Energy CALL Coigach & Assynt Living ICFInstitute of Chartered RSG Raptor Study Group Landscape Foresters SWTScottish Wildlife Trust RSPB Royal Society for the CBG Caithness Biodiversity ISF Invasive Species Forum Protection of Birds TBI Transition Black Isle Group JHIJames Hutton Institute SRUC Scotland’s Rural College TCVThe Conservation Volunteers CCCrofting Commission JMT John Muir Trust SAOSScottish Agricultural TfL Trees for Life CECrown Estate Organisation Society LBGLochaber Biodiversity Group THC The Highland Council CNPA Cairngorms National Park SCFScottish Crofting Foundation Authority LBGs Local Biodiversity Groups TS Transport Scotland SCTScottish Canals Trust CVS Council for Voluntary L Lantra TSI Third Sector Interface Services SEPAScottish Environment MCS Marine Conservation Protection Agency UHI University for the Highlands DMGs Deer Management Groups Society & Islands SFRSScottish Fire & Rescue ERBG Easter Ross Biodiversity MFP Moray Firth Partnership Service WES Wildlife Estates Scotland

FLS Forest and Land Scotland MG Merkinch Greenspace SFScottish Forestry (previously WREN Wester Ross Biodiversity (previously Forestry Enterprise Forestry Commission Scotland) Group Scotland) NFUS National Farmers’ Union SGA Scottish Gamekeepers WRFT Wester Ross Fisheries Trust FL Flora Locale NHC North Highland College Association WT Woodland Trust GWCTGame & Wildlife NR Natural Research SG Scottish Government Thanks go to all the many individuals, groups nature conservation and other NGOs, whose efforts have made this report possible and the Highlands a better place for all.

This report is produced by the Highland Environment Forum, which is funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and Highland Council.