MANAGEMENT PLANS

Action Plan 2019-2024

1 Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

2 Contents 1. Introduction 4 2. Strategic Context 8 3. Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2013-2018 12 4. Aims, Priorities and Action 14 Aim: Support landscape scale conservation and collaboration to deliver restoration and sustainable land management, balancing environmental, social and economic factors 16 Aim: Deliver focused action to improve the of threatened or declining species 24 Aim: Engaging, inspiring and encouraging local communities and communities of interest to value and care for nature, be proud of the conservation work in the Cairngorms and want to do something to protect and enhance their natural heritage 32 5. Delivery & Monitoring 36

This document is available in Published by Cairngorms Authority large print and other formats, 14 The Square on request. Please contact Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HG the [email protected] Authority on 01479 873535. Tel: 01479 873535 It is also available to view at www.cairngorms.co.uk www.cairngorms.co.uk © CNPA 2019. All rights reserved ISBN 978-1-906071-93-6

Internal photo credits: Peter Cairns/2020VISION/CNPA; CNPA; Front cover photo: Mark Hamblin/2020VISION/CNPA; Mark Hamblin/2020VISION/CNPA Matthew Hawkins; Jane Hope; Jakub Iwanicki/ VisitScotland; Ellie Rotheray; Will Boyd Wallis Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

1. Introduction Very few superlatives can adequately This is the second Cairngorms Nature Action describe the outstanding nature and Plan, which follows previous landscapes of the Cairngorms National Action Plans, all of which have made significant Park, its importance for the people who contributions. A huge amount has been live and work here, the people who visit achieved in the last five years demonstrating and enjoy the area and the true magnitude the power of partnerships and co-operation, and significance of the wildlife and and the energy and dedication of those supported by this unique and special place. protecting, managing and looking after the Park’s distinctive woodland, , This is a place hugely valued by people for , montane and farmland features. diverse reasons and a landscape of immense importance to wildlife, much of which depends Cairngorms Nature aims to nurture, inspire and enable this work, bringing people on and is a product of the working of the together to collectively make things happen. land over generations. It is also a landscape As a partnership the aim is to be inclusive, where there is a shared vision to create even to consult and seek agreement, to use more diversity, even greater abundance of evidence and to tackle difficult issues by distinctive habitats and species and which is building trust and relationships through internationally recognised for its quality of discussion and collaboration and ultimately environment – but with people at its heart. making a difference on the ground. Cairngorms Nature is delivering this vision. It is Each plan is not an end-point on its own, but a a partnership that brings those with an interest means of focussing priorities for the next stage in the area together to promote ecological of the journey. Landscape scale conservation, restoration and biodiversity conservation as priority species management and involving part of caring for and managing land, working people have been agreed as being the key together to agree objectives, inspiring and aims for the next five years. This is not a Park developing new initiatives, engaging and Authority plan but is a plan for everyone who involving people, raising awareness and lives, works, enjoys, studies in and cares for this understanding of land management and the wonderful area. By getting involved anyone multiple benefits conservations brings and can play a part in delivering a sustainable ultimately ensuring the area’s natural capital future, ensuring the Cairngorms National – the landscapes, geology, soil, air, water and Park remains an outstanding jewel amongst all living things – is protected and enhanced ’s, the UK’s and Europe’s special places. for future generations, providing a wide range of economic, cultural and other values.

Andy Wells Chair, Cairngorms Nature

4 1. Introduction

1. Facal-toisich Cha ghabh mòran faclan gu bheil comasach ’S e seo an dàrna Plana-Gnìomha Nàdarr a’ air cunntas a thoirt air sàr-nàdarr is cruthan- Mhonaidh Ruaidh, agus tha e a’ leantainn na tìre a’ Mhonaidh Ruaidh gu h-urranta, no a’ Planaichean-Gnìomh Bith-Iomadachd mu mìneachadh dè cho cudromach ’s a tha iad dheireadh, planaichean a rinn co-thabhartasan airson muinntir na sgìre gu bheil a’ fuireach mòra. Tha mòran air a bhuannachd anns na còig is ag obair an-seo, no airson na daoine gu bliadhna seo chaidh, agus tha sin a’ sealltainn bheil an tadhail is am mealadh, no dè cho cumhachd cho-bhuinn is cho-obrachaidh, agus cudromach is sònraichte gu bheil an fhiadh- an lùthas is coisrigeadh gach uile gu bheil a’ dìon, bheatha is na h-àrainnean air an taic leis an a’ stiùireadh, agus a’ gabhail cùram air coilltean, t-àite air leth seo. talamhan fliuch, mòintichean, beanntan, agus Tha an sgìre seo air a measadh le daoine fearainn-thuathanais na Pàirce Nàiseanta. airson iomadh adhbhar, is tha i na cruth- Tha Cairngorms Nature ag amas ris an obair tìre deatamach airson fiadh-bheatha, agus seo àladh, a bhrosnachadh, agus a dhèanamh tha mòran beathaichean a’ crochadh ri comasach, agus a’ tional daoine airson sin a àiteachd daonna thairis air na linntean. Tha choileanadh le chèile. Mar com-pàirteachas, i cuideachd na cruth-tìre far a bheil sealladh ’s e ion-ghabhail, co-chomhairleachadh airson airson tuilleadh iomadachd a chruthachadh, aontachadh, agus cleachdadh fianais airson agus tuilleadh pailteas na h-àrainnean is nan cùisean dhoirbh fhuasgladh tro earb is chòmhradh seòrsachan sònraichte – cruth-tìre gu bheil is chleamhnas is cho-obrachadh a th’ ann am air aithneachadh air feadh an t-saoghail airson prìomh-amas, agus nì sin an diofar bunaiteach. sàr-mhathas a h-àrainneachd – ach le daoinne Chan e puing-dheiridh a th’ ann an gach plana, aig a cridhe. ach dòigh ri cùisean a chur ann an òrdugh Tha Cairngorms Nature a’ lìbhrigeadh an prìomhachais airson ath-cheum a’ thurais. Tha t-sealladh seo. Tha Cairngorms Nature na aontachadh againn gu bheil stiùireadh sgèile a’ cho-bhonn gu bheil a’ tionail daoine aig a bheil chrutha-tìre, stiùireadh seòrsachan le prìomhachas, ùidh anns an sgìre seo le chèile, airson ath- agus gabhail a-steach dhaoine nar prìomh-amasan stéidheachadh èic-eòlach agus glèidhteachas airson an còig bliadhna seo tighinn. Chan e plana na bith-iomadachd a bhrosnachadh mar airson Ùghdarras na Pàirce Nàiseanta a th’ ann, ach phàirt cùram is stiùireadh na tìre, airson plana airson na h-uile gu bheil a’ tadhail, a’ fuireach, co-obrachadh ri amasan aontachadh, airson ag obair, agus ag ionnsachadh anns an sgìre àlainn iomairtean ùra a bhrosnachadh is a leasachadh, seo. Nan tèid sibh an sàs ann am Plana seo, biodh airson daoine a-steach a ghabhail, airson sibh nur pàirt ann an lìbhrigeadh so-sheasmhachd mothachadh is tuigsinn stiùireadh na tìre is ann an Alba anns an t-àm ri teachd, a’ dèanamh buannachdan a’ ghlèidhteachais a dhùsgadh, cinnteach gum fanadh Pàirc Nàiseanta a’ Mhonaidh agus aig a’ cheann thall, airson a’ dèanamh Ruaidh mar àilleag am measg àitichean sònraichte cinnteach gu bheil calpa nàdarra na sgìre – na na h-Alba, an Rìoghachd Aonaichte, is na h-Eòrpa. cruthan-tìre, an geòlas, an talamh, an t-adhar, an uisge, agus a h-uile beathaichean – fo dhìon agus a’ tighinn am feabhas airson na linntean ri teachd, a’ solarachadh luachan cultarail, Andy Wells eaconamach, is eile. Cathraiche, Cairngorms Nature

5 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

SCOTTISH BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY – 6 BIG STEPS FOR NATURE

1. Ecosystem restoration 2. Investment in natural capital 3. Quality greenspace for health and education benefits 4. Conserving Wildlife NATIONAL 5. Sustainable management of land and freshwater 6. Sustainable management of marine and coastal

Water Framework Directive, Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach, Scottish Strategy, Scottish Forestry Strategy, Scotland’s Climate Change Plan, Scottish Pollinator Strategy

CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK PARTNERSHIP PLAN – BIG CONSERVATION CHALLENGES

Enhancing habitats on a Protecting and Building support and landscape scale enhancing species engagement REGIONAL

Cairngorms Forest Strategy, Catchment Management Plans, Deer Management Plans, Cairngorms Economic Strategy, Local Development Plan, Active Cairngorms, LBAPs

6 1. Introduction

CAIRNGORMS NATURE ACTION PLAN LANDSCAPE SCALE PRIORITY SPECIES INVOLVING PEOPLE AIMS CONSERVATION • woodland expansion & • • greater collaboration enhancement • hare and engagement • nature friendly farming • beaver in land use • freshwater restoration • capercaillie decision making • moorland & peatland • curlew • recognise and • celebrate good • peregrine falcon conservation work PRIORITIES • hen harrier • provide opportunities • invertebrates to get involved • freshwater pearl mussel • more people actively • aspen and responsibly enjoying nature • plants, fungi & lichen

• 5,000ha new woodland • targets identified as • 50 volunteer rangers (including regeneration per Species Recovery • 5 communities and montane) Curve involved in landscape • 70% of new woodland • a measurable and values project is native sustained increase • 3 communities • 750ha PAWS & native in both home range involved in land use woodland under active (re)occupation and decision making restoration breeding success of • 15,000 people at • 20 farms in woodland golden eagle, hen nature events harrier and peregrine and grassland projects • 20 land managers falcon TARGETS • increase in farmland trained in community waders from 2015 engagement baseline • 5,000ha peatland under restoration management • 150km river / riparian restoration • 50 ponds created or restored

Cairngorms Connect, East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership, Deer Management Groups, Catchment Management Partnerships, PARTNERSHIPS & & Glenlivet Landscape Partnership, Volunteer Cairngorms, DELIVERY Ranger Services, Cairngorms Trust, & Wader Initiatives

7 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

1. Ecosystem restoration – to meet 2. Strategic the Aichi target of restoring 15% of degraded ecosystems Context 2. Investment in natural capital – to ensure the benefits nature provides are Scottish Biodiversity Strategy better understood and appreciated – a Route Map to 2020 (SBS) 3. Quality greenspace for health and education benefits – to ensure the The SBS sets our six ‘Big Steps for Nature’ majority of people derive increased which provide a focus on collaborative work benefits from contact with nature to help deliver Scotland’s commitments to meeting international goals and targets. 4. Conserving wildlife in Scotland – to secure Cairngorms Nature will make a significant the future of priority habitats and species contribution towards five of the six Big Steps for 5. Sustainable management of land Nature (the sixth is ‘Sustainable management and freshwater – to ensure that of marine and coastal ecosystems’). environmental, social and economic elements are well balanced

Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2017-2022

The Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan (CNPPP) sets out how all those with a responsibility for the Park will coordinate their work to tackle the most important issues. It sets out the vision and overarching strategy for managing the Park, providing clarity on the public interest priorities we seek to deliver through land use in the Cairngorms National Park. The Cairngorms Nature Action Plan is one of five key strategies and plans which support delivery of the Partnership Plan. Conservation is one of the three, long term outcomes and the three aims of the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan directly reflect the three big conservation challenges as described in the CNPPP:

• Enhancing habitats on a landscape scale • Protecting and enhancing species • Building support and engagement

8 2. Strategic Context

The work of Cairngorms Nature is set within • montane woodland, riparian woodland the wider context of land management and aspen in the National Park. Cairngorms Nature • protecting and enhancing woodland remnants recognises and respects many of the different and ancient and semi-natural woodlands ecological, economic and cultural drivers that • felling different estates and organisations have. Deer management Decisions around land use are often guided by Deer management is integral to woodland existing policies and much of the work Cairngorms expansion and peatland restoration and Deer Nature undertakes will be supported by, and in the Management Groups (DMGs) will play a key role in context of, some key plans, principles and projects. supporting delivery. The Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan states “… we aim to continue the current direction of travel in which deer numbers Cairngorms National Park and consequent impacts are reduced, where deer Forest Strategy 2018 welfare is improved and sport stalking in a high quality environment continues to make a valuable Woodlands in the Cairngorms National Park economic contribution to the National Park”. are vitally important for wildlife and are a Cairngorms Nature partners will continue to advise distinctive feature of the landscape, ecology, and support estates and DMG’s, working together economy and cultural heritage. Part of the to achieve this in strategic locations. reason for their importance and distinctiveness stems from the unusually high proportion of native trees (even commercial woodlands are predominantly Scots pine). Whilst the average proportion of native woodland across all Scottish local authority areas is 22.5%, in the Cairngorms it is at least 69%. Four of the ten strategic objectives in the Forest Strategy are to:

1. Promote the creation of new woodlands that complement other land use 2. Enhance the condition of existing woodlands 3. Restore lost or vulnerable forest ecosystems 4. Encourage natural regeneration of native forests Moorland management Moorland management is a significant land use The Strategy also includes guidance on: in the National Park, extending to approximately • creating forest networks 44% of land cover, shaping much of the landscape. • integration with managed moorland Currently, much of it is managed for the primary farmed land and peatlands aim of producing sufficient populations of red • deer management and fencing grouse and/or red deer for sport shooting. The • landscape and wild land longer term aim is to develop a more sustainable • designated sites model of hunting, which includes more habitat and • biosecurity, invasive species and wildfire species diversity and delivers more public benefit.

9 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

Good moorland management can make a Species reintroductions significant contribution to delivering conservation and reinforcements priorities and bring associated social and Conservation translocations can bring many economic benefits. The key consideration benefits for ecosystems, communities and is the balance of land use objectives and businesses. Many conservation translocations are the extent to which the intensity of some low-risk. However, some have the potential for management practices might be affecting long negative impacts on the environment and other term and delivery of outcomes. land uses. Projects on pine hoverfly, alpine blue sow thistle and fresh water pearl mussel are A partnership approach to addressing these proving invaluable to the species’ conservation issues is critical. These are topics which at a and Cairngorms Nature is keen to explore where national level are often polarised, characterised translocations can have a lasting, positive impact. by conflicting objectives, debates about evidence and lack of trust. Through the East Cairngorms Cairngorms Nature will play an active role Moorland Partnership (ECMP) there is the in carefully considering when conservation opportunity to work with a very practical focus translocations may be appropriate and the at a regional scale. Approaches piloted in the types of situation in which they may cause ECMP will seek to establish, deliver and promote problems. Cairngorms Nature will work closely a shared understanding of what good moorland with Scotland’s National Species Reintroduction management looks like and look to take these Forum and involve people who live and work forwards with other land managers in the Park. in the Park on any proposed translocations that would affect people’s wellbeing and livelihoods. Rewilding Rewilding is a popular term. It has many definitions and means different things to different people. For Cairngorms Nature rewilding principles run through all of the aims and all landscapes. Rewilding brings benefits to people and wildlife in gardens and fields as well as forests and . Rewilding brings fresh ideas and approaches which allows natural processes to flourish alongside productive land management and building diverse, nature-based economies that support robust, resilient communities. In this Plan, there are aims and actions for ecosystem restoration, more sustainable land management, species recovery within more natural systems, carefully considered species translocations, re-connecting people with nature and exploring new ways for communities to benefit from the wildlife and nature around them. All of this could be called rewilding.

10 2. Strategic Context

Other national and regional plans and strategies

The Cairngorms Nature Action Plan supports and builds on a wide range of strategies, policies and plans relating to the environment, land use, economy and community engagement, notably: • Scottish Forestry Strategy • Wild Deer: A National Approach • Scotland’s Climate Change Plan • Scottish Pollinator Strategy • Scottish Land Use Strategy • Community Empowerment Act Wild land and wildness • National standards for community Arguably the most celebrated of the National engagement Park’s special landscape qualities is that of wildness. • Capercaillie Framework The feeling of being surrounded by wildlife and • Active Cairngorms natural habitats is greatly valued as it helps us • Cairngorms Economic Strategy reconnect with nature, and refreshes the mind • Cairngorms National Park Local and body. Wildland, which is where wildness is Development Plan most strongly experienced, has been mapped • Community action plans in Scotland by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) • Catchment management plans and is safeguarded by • Deer management plans policy. There are extensive areas of wild land • River basin management plans covering upland parts of the National Park. • Local biodiversity action plans • Regional and site specific habitat and In any area of high wildness, new man-made species plans features or abrupt changes in management may detract from the special qualities. Infrastructure and management for woodland expansion and deer management may well mean interventions that detract from the sense of wildness if not undertaken with care. However research shows that woodland, and more habitat and species diversity, actually enhances the sense of wildness and is therefore encouraged. Each situation is unique and will need to be assessed to minimise the immediate effects, whilst policies and approaches to wild land support achieving the longer term aims.

11 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

3. Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2013-2018

The Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2013 - 2018 Priority work on other habitats was the first Plan for the new partnership, building Work on other habitats focused on uplands on the Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2003 - and grasslands. The Peatland Action project 2013. It detailed the outstanding natural heritage has been a great success, Cairngorms Connect in the Cairngorms National Park, identified the and have set the agenda for commonly agreed key issues and set our four aims. montane woodland aspirations and the East A report summarising activity over the last five Cairngorms Moorland Partnership is a focus years is available at www.cairngorms.co.uk. for demonstrating what sustainable moorland management can look like. Taking this work Improving the quality and connectivity forwards, montane woodland is considered part of woodlands and wetlands of woodland expansion, a natural extension of the Significant progress was made in encouraging tree line rather than a separate entity. Moorland woodland expansion and enhancement, which management is recognised as being more remains a priority. More than 4,000ha of new native significant and highlighted as a landscape scale woodland was created, supported by a 12.5% priority. And grassland actions are taken forwards additional premium rate for planting in target areas. with a renewed focus in ‘Nature Friendly Farming’. A new, expanded target map is available to support this ongoing work. There are also hundreds, if not thousands, of hectares of natural regeneration across the National Park. Our understanding of the amount of natural regeneration is an incomplete, but extremely important, part of the picture and we will work to quantify this. Freshwater actions focused largely on removing man-made barriers, riparian planting, re-meandering and natural flood management knowledge gathering, largely driven by outcomes in the Water Framework Directive and the Flood Risk Act. Catchment Management Partnerships continue to play a key role in ‘Freshwater and wetland restoration’. Wetlands and Waders Initiatives worked with farmers and crofters to manage habitat for farmland waders, increasing some populations for the first time in over a decade. This positive work is continued and built on under the landscape scale priority of nature friendly farming.

12 3. Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2013-2018

Focused action for priority species Involving people Action for species progressed significantly with The Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend, social the start of the Cairngorms Wild Plants project media, Young Presenters and Farm Awards and the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms have all significantly raised the profile of project. Both projects are recognised as critical conservation in the Park and will continue to to continuing momentum for invertebrate and be supported and built on. Close working with plant conservation in the Park. Resourcing species Volunteer Cairngorms and Active Cairngorms conservation was challenging and a refreshed presents new opportunities for getting involved list benefits from having many organisations and and working with visitors and businesses on NGOs as lead partners, allocating resource and responsible access and sustainable tourism. linking with national strategies and plans. Without Delivery of the actions for community engagement baseline data and comprehensive monitoring and empowerment were not progressed as widely it was impossible to make an assessment of as anticipated, although there were key successes populations. The Species Recovery Curve is in certain locations such as the Tomintoul & being trialled to establish progress and it is a Glenlivet Landscape Partnership. This work is priority to ‘Ensure good information and data continued with a renewed focus on landscape are available to guide long term conservation’. and landscape change as an accessible, more relevant subject and community involvement in the three landscape-scale partnerships in the Park.

13 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

4. Aims, Priorities and Action

The Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024 has three aims:

Landscape scale conservation Focused action for priority species Involving people

The aims are split into a number of priorities, reflecting ‘Agendas for Action’ in the National Park Partnership Plan, ‘Priority Projects’ in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, continuing work from the first Cairngorms Nature Action Plan (2013-2018) and consultation with partners on current issues. The aims and priorities in this Action Plan are the next step towards the 50 year visions for 2063, as set out in the first Cairngorms Nature Action Plan (2013-2018).

14 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

15 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

AIM Support landscape scale conservation and collaboration to deliver ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management, balancing environmental, social and economic factors

16 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

The Cairngorms National Park is an outstanding place for natural heritage. Nowhere else in Britain can you find such a collection of different 2063 VISION habitats of such high quality and exceptional size and scale. It contains some of the UK’s best examples of natural and semi-natural Patches of forest and woodland, some habitats, including a quarter of Scotland’s native miles across, some as small as football woodlands, extensive arctic-like plateaux, the fields, link together through farmland headwaters of four of Scotland’s major rivers, and open ground. They are expanding up functioning floodplains and the some of the last hillsides and into quiet areas, providing few remaining fragments of mountain woodland. refuge for species to flourish, like the The foundations for ecosystem restoration, once critically endangered but now for habitats to reach their full ecological flourishing capercaillie. They are made potential on a grand scale, are impressive. up almost entirely of native trees: a patchwork of different woodlands, Main objectives including productive plantations, all • Bigger, more natural woodlands, with rich understories, trees of all ages, clearings, bogs and deadwood scattered expanding up to a natural throughout. The UK’s largest natural treeline, providing connections forests are considered an exemplar of across catchments and around woodlands managed for multiple benefits. the central core of the mountains. Most of the blanket bog is in favourable condition, retains water and acts as a • More natural, dynamic rivers carbon sink. Rivers naturally meander connected to functioning and waters rise and fall seasonally across land grazed by livestock. Large, wetlands and floodplains. interconnected wetlands help prevent damaging flood events in the Park and • Restored peatlands stopping further downstream. Natural processes the loss of carbon, improving in river catchments do not affect the water quality and helping productivity of land. The high water quality alleviate flooding. status has been maintained or increased.

17 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

The Cairngorms National Park is also a cultural Main objectives landscape. The work of generations of land managers has produced the landscapes and • More sustainably managed habitats we see today. It is an IUCN Category 5 with more structural protected landscape, which recognises and seeks and species diversity and to safeguard the integrity of the interaction of people and nature over time, and the aims of pockets and strips of trees and the Park cater for the needs of people as well shrubs on moorland edges, as wildlife. Managing for biodiversity and the steep slopes, in gullies and sustainable use of the area’s natural resource is part of many land managers’ everyday around woodland remnants. business. Significant areas of the National Park are managed primarily for forestry, sporting • More habitat suitable for and agriculture and the productive woodlands, breeding waders as part moorlands, farms and crofts are home to many of agricultural systems. of the Park’s rare and endangered species. Cairngorms Nature seeks to build on this, • Wildlife-rich grassland and supporting land managers working for wildlife. woodland on productive, profitable farms.

2063 VISION

Moorlands have structural diversity and link habitats together sympathetically. A natural transition from woodland to montane scrub to upland heath is developing throughout the Cairngorms National Park. The contributions it makes to ecosystem services are widely recognised. Raptor persecution ended decades ago and a full complement of native raptors lives and breeds across the Cairngorms National Park. Productive grouse moors and high quality stalking remains a mainstay of life, contributing environmentally, economically and socially.

18 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

2063 VISION

A patchwork of productive land uses is good for wildlife. It supports thriving communities and reflects centuries of tradition. Delivering biodiversity benefit is an integral part of high quality food production and does not impact on profitability. High quality grasslands support a healthy range of nationally and locally important species. Farmland wader populations have recovered and increased throughout the Cairngorms National Park, and the area is nationally recognised as a model of farmland management for conservation on productive land.

19 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

AIM: Landscape scale conservation

Priority Action Partners (lead in bold) Woodland Engage with, encourage and support land managers in creating SF & CNPA expansion and new woodland planting and regeneration in priority and enhancement strategic areas, prioritising native woodland where feasible Quantify the extent of native woodland regeneration in the CNPA, SF, Park and map existing native woodland remnants FLS, WTS and TfL Investigate, develop and deliver models for funding CNPA, SF woodland expansion and enhancement to work in addition to, or alongside, Forest Grant Schemes eg Forest Carbon

Enhance woodland habitat quality to benefit capercaillie RSPB, SLE, population and other species CNPA, FLS, SNH

Enhance woodland habitat quality for Plantations on Ancient WTS & TfL Woodland Sites and degraded native and semi natural woodlands

Engage volunteers in habitat assessments of woodlands to Plantlife, inform management advice and ensure plants are taken into Volunteer account in woodland management Cairngorms Reduce and/or maintain grazing densities that create CC, MLE & conditions suitable for the natural regeneration of a DMGs montane woodland / natural treeline Plant high altitude, mountain woodland species, from a CC & MLE suitable stock and in suitable locations, to act as a seed source in the core of the Park Develop models of how woodland can be accommodated SNH, CNPA, in designated sites with open ground qualifying features SF, estates (using specific examples such as Glen Tilt and Glenavon)

20 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

AIM: Landscape scale conservation

Priority Action Partners (lead in bold) Moorland and Modify grazing and muirburn on moorland to allow natural ECMP, Moorlandpeatland and Modifyregeneration grazing of and trees muirburn and shrubs, on moorland especially toin gullies,allow natural on steep ECMPCNPA, ,DMGs Peatland regenerationslopes and around of trees existing and shrubs, remnants especially in gullies, on steep CNPA, DMGs slopes and around existing remnants Pilot new approaches in the ECMP to establish, deliver and ECMP, CNPA, thenPilot newpromote approaches across thein the Park ECMP a shared to establish, understanding deliver of and ECMPMoorland, CNPA, sustainablethen promote moorland across themanagement Park a shared understanding of Forum,Moorland SLE, sustainable moorland management DMGs,Forum, SLE,estates DMGs, estates Work with a range of land managers across the National Peatland Park to deliver restoration management of peatlands at a Action, sub-catchment level to improve ecosystem benefits such as IUCN, carbon, water quality and biodiversity estates

Work with the IUCN Peatland Programme to source Peatland funding through the Peatland Code to support a peatland Action, restoration project estates

Nature friendly Through wetlands and waders initiatives, support land RSPB, SNH, farming managers, agents, farmers and crofters with equipment, CNPA, agents funding and management advice to manage habitat so that it and land is suitable for farmland waders managers

Promote Park-wide coordination of activity for the RSPB, SNH, conservation of farmland waders CNPA

Identify priority areas and work with land managers to Plantlife, sympathetically manage species-rich grasslands NFUS, SAC

Work with farmers, crofters and agents to encourage CNPA, WTS, integrated woodland development on farms for ecological NFUS, Soil and economic benefit Assoc, agents

21 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

AIM: Landscape scale conservation

Priority Action Partners (lead in bold) Freshwater Conduct spatial targeting exercise to identify priority and CMPs, and wetland strategic areas for a freshwater and wetland habitat network CNPA, SNH, restoration and natural flood management which will deliver maximum SEPA, FBs ecosystem service benefit

Reconnect rivers to floodplains to restore habitat CMPs, FBs, connectivity and natural flooding cycles, for biodiversity and SEPA, SNH Natural Flood Management gain Re-naturalise rivers using techniques such as removing artificial barriers, carrying out river bank protection / restoration and reconnecting and rewatering or creating some back channels

Plant riparian woodland to enhance aquatic ecosystems, strengthen woodland habitat networks, and help manage flooding

Seek opportunities, including through development and CNPA, Sustainable Drainage systems, to restore or create new SNH, Local ponds for wildlife Authorities Targets • 5,000ha new woodland (including regeneration and montane) • 70% of new woodland to be native species • 750ha PAWS and native woodlands under active restoration • 20 farms in woodland & grassland projects • 5,000ha peatland under restoration management • 150km river and riparian restoration • 50 ponds created or restored, including SUDs ponds • Increase in farmland wader populations from the existing 2015 baseline

22 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

23 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

AIM Deliver focused action to improve the conservation status of threatened or declining species

24 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

The Cairngorms National Park is home to These are the three Schedule 1/Annex 1 species almost 1,200 species considered to be nationally whose status and trends in the National Park or internationally important. By virtue of their are unfavourable. We are also committed to size, rarity and/or appeal, some of these species working with Police Scotland to eliminate illegal have a much higher public profile than others, persecution of all raptors. including prominent conservation ‘flagship’ species Ultimately, species recovery must be integrated like the osprey and red squirrel. Yet the bulk of with landscape scale conservation. In order to reach the nationally important species are made up that point we must understand the species’ needs of plants, fungi, lichens, bryophytes and insects. and the issues we have to address (diagnosis), These nationally important species are mainly have a proven set of management practices in associated with woodlands (39% of species), place (solution testing and deployment) and rock (20%) and montane habitats (15%), and then integrate the management needs into most will benefit significantly from the landscape day-to-day business (sustainable management). scale conservation priorities. However, there are some priority species with very specific The journey of recovery for a species is illustrated and sometimes urgent management needs in the Species Recovery Curve developed by that demand focused conservation action. the RSPB. (Strategy for Species Conservation 2012 – RSPB). This sets out a 13 stage action Raptor conservation is perhaps the most high plan for protected species. What each stage profile for all the priority species and is frequently means for the priority species varies in detail a contentious and impassioned issue. Land but overall it allows a consistent approach for managers in the Cairngorms National Park play action and reporting. We have used it to set a key role in the national debate. Cairngorms targets for each species for the next five years. Nature partners are committed to increasing These targets are for the populations within home range (re)occupancy and breeding success the Park and not for the whole country. of golden eagle, hen harrier and peregrine falcon. Main objective

Monitoring • Getting species back on a sustainable footing, where they are no longer reliant on

D i targeted action, but have been a g n o s is recovered within a robust and resilient network of habitats.

Population S o lu te t s io ti n ng

D ep ble loym aina of ent Sust ent solu em tion manag

Time 25 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

13 Stages of the species recovery journey Stage Code Description Monitoring M Purely monitoring, no action taken Diagnosis D1 No research undertaken / cause of decline unknown (research) D2 Research underway, but limited understanding of cause of decline D3 Research is providing strong indications of cause of decline Solution T1 Diagnosis provides sufficient results to trial solutions but work only testing initiated recently (research T2 Trial management underway but not yet clear evidence that it can delivery) deliver objectives T3 Trial management is providing strong indication that it will deliver objectives Deployment R1 Work initiated to roll out solutions across the species’ range of solution R2 Solutions adopted across the species’ range but too early to demonstrate success against population / range targets R3 Solutions enable achievement against population / range targets but only with continued conservation intervention Sustainable S1 Indication that population / range targets being achieved with minimal management conservation intervention S2 Good evidence available that population / range targets being achieved and can be sustained with little or no conservation intervention (ie population maintained within regular land management practices) S3 Population / range targets achieved and the species’ conservation status secured

26 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

AIM: Priority species

Priority Action Species Recovery Lead Curve Partner Current Target Scottish Promote TNVR and work with land T1 R3 Scottish wildcat managers to reduce hybridisation, disease, Wildcat misidentification and accidental control Action, RZSS, Trial release of captive-bred wildcats SNH Mountain Counting, reporting and collating of population D3 S1 ECMP, hare data across ownership boundaries within the CNPA, East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership area SNH, SLE, Develop collaborative population management DMGs plans to sustainably manage at a landscape scale Encourage all estates within National Park to CNPA, engage with national monitoring scheme SNH, GWCT, Moorland Forum, SLE Beaver Plan proactively for the potential and n/a n/a CNPA, management implications of beaver Scottish populations in the National Park Beaver Forum

Capercaillie Coordinate habitat, recreation and development T1 – T3 R3 CNPA, management through delivery of the Capercaillie RSPB, Framework SNH, FLS, GWCT, estates

Deliver Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) funded CNPA, project to build support for capercaillie RSPB, conservation, develop sustainable recreation SNH, SLE plans to benefit communities and capercaillie, and support long term survival

27 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

AIM: Priority species (continued)

Priority Action Species Recovery Partners Curve (lead in bold) Current Target Curlew Carry out an assessment of breeding D2 T1 BTO, productivity in the uplands through nest ECMP monitoring in the ECMP area

Produce sensitivity maps identifying key sites for BTO, breeding curlew across the National Park RSPB, CNPA Raptors Create the conditions for a measurable and T2 R3 CNPA, sustained increase in both home range (re) (all (all Estates, species) species) occupation and breeding success of golden SNH, eagle, hen harrier and peregrine across the and National Park RSPB Identify unoccupied golden eagle, hen harrier CNPA, and peregrine territories and work with land RSPB, managers to carry out positive management that SNH, will encourage re-colonisation RSGs, estates Carry out collaborative mapping and monitoring RSPB, of golden eagle, hen harrier and peregrine CNPA, sites and populations, sharing data to establish ECMP, baselines which will inform management and Estates, measure progress RSGs Build relationships and gather intelligence to Police eliminate the illegal killing of all raptors through Scotland, increased wildlife crime enforcement CNPA, SNH, estates

Develop and deliver wildlife tourism n/a n/a CNPA, opportunities that benefit local businesses and SLE, promote the National Park as an example of estates, raptor conservation success Visit- Scotland

28 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

AIM: Priority species (continued)

Priority Action Species Recovery Partners Curve (lead in bold) Current Target Kentish Support the Rare Invertebrates in the T1 R1 RSPB, glory Cairngorms (RIC) project to: CNPA, SNH, Dark • survey new and historic sites T1 R1 , bordered • map available habitat BCS beauty • conduct captive breeding and translocation Pine hoverfly programmes R1 R2 • recruit, train and support citizen science Northern volunteers D2 R1 silver • liaise with land managers stiletto fly Scabious D2 T3 mining bee Shining D2 R2 guest ant Northern Complete Park-wide survey and raise D2 D3 Buglife February awareness of species’ needs with land red stonefly managers and planning authorities Northern Recruit, train and support citizen science D2 T2 – T3 BDS damselfly volunteers to survey new and historic sites Provide advice to land managers on habitat management and creation Wood ants Safeguard existing populations and T1 – T3 R2 Wood promote as ambassador for woodland ants management / expansion group, SF, MLE, Investigate opportunities for translocations RSPB, to increase resilience in meta populations SNH Pinewood Develop strategy for incorporating species’ D2 T2 SF, FLS, mason bee needs into forestry management Buglife

29 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

AIM: Priority species (continued)

Priority Action Species Recovery Partners Curve (lead in bold) Current Target Aspen Work with land managers to deliver sustainable T2 R3 SNH, hoverfly management suitable for population expansion SF, FLS, RSPB, Promote as ambassador for aspen woodland, eg CNPA, include in discussions on beavers Buglife, CA, RZSS

Freshwater Improve riparian management to reduce R1 R2 CMPs, pearl mussel sediment and nutrient input in key areas SEPA Survey all unsurveyed suitable habitat CNPA within Cairngorms National Park & SNH Support an encystment reintroduction / SCI translocation project in the Spey Catchment

Aspen Work with land managers to manage R1 R3 CNPA, and improve the conditions of key CA, sites identified in the Aspen Strategy SNH, for SF, BCS, agents Work with land managers, partners and volunteers to improve connectivity and create new aspen stands across the National Park

Develop an Aspen Management Plan for Deeside CNPA

30 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

AIM: Priority species (continued)

Priority Action Species Recovery Partners Curve (lead in bold) Current Target Twinflower Support the Cairngorms Wild Plants T2 T3 Plantlife, project to: SNH, One- T1 T3 CNPA flowered • provide advice and support to wintergreen land managers at existing sites • establish new translocation Marsh sites across the Park M M saxifrage • recruit, train and support Plantlife Flora Guardians to monitor existing populations Waxcaps D3 T2 • develop citizen science survey projects

Alpine blue • Monitoring existing populations (including in T2 R3 RBGE, sow thistle collaboration with Plantlife Flora Guardians) SNH, Plantlife Oblong • Conduct research to understand causes of D2 T3 woodsia decline, and recovery solutions • Carry out translocations contributing to Small cow D3 T3 ecosystems restoration, and land manager wheat support for rare species recovery and Woolly protection R2 R3 willow Alectoria D2 T3 ochroleuca Hertelidea D2 T3 botryosa

31 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

AIM Engaging, inspiring and encouraging local communities and communities of interest to value and care for nature, be proud of the conservation work in the Cairngorms and want to do something to protect and enhance their natural heritage

32 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

The Cairngorms National Park is home to Our incredible landscapes and wildlife bring many around 18,500 people, representing a wide range benefits to residents, visitors and businesses of interests. Natural heritage is fundamentally and, for the most part, people value them highly important to communities – to health and and want to play a part in their success. It is well-being, the local economy and a sense important that people feel well informed and of place, identity and pride – and residents involved in conservation. We need to make the spend a lot of time in, and care deeply about, connection between people’s everyday lives the landscapes and wildlife around them. and the nature and wildlife they value, or even depend on. And we need to make this information Each year 1.8 million visitors come to the accessible and engaging, delivered in the most National Park, many for its wildlife and scenery. credible and persuasive manner possible. It is important that recreation in the Park does not have a negative impact on our wildlife, but, Conservation in the Park will only be really at the same time, there is a massive opportunity sustainable in the long term by putting people at to reach out to and welcome a new audience. its heart, either through decision-making, through Cairngorms Nature will work closely with volunteering or simply by caring enough to write the Local Outdoor Access Forum, ranger a letter of support or walk the dog on a lead. services and tourism operators on issues of sustainable tourism and responsible access. Main objectives • Raising awareness and understanding of land management and clearly demonstrating the benefits that conservation brings for 2063 VISION people as well as wildlife.

People who live in the Cairngorms • More engagement with nature: National Park are proud of the nature more people involved in decision around them and are more widely making, getting out and enjoying involved in its management. Land based and tourism businesses thrive by looking it and helping to look after it. after the environments they rely on; and contribute to conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Visitors respect the landscapes and wildlife they come to see and want to contribute to protecting them. The land management community is thriving. It receives strong public support for the services it provides.

33 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

AIM: Involving people

Priority Action Partners (lead in bold) Greater Consultation with at least five settlements in the Park CNPA, collaboration and and additional interest groups to better understand what CDOs, JHI, engagement in these communities think and value about landscapes in NGOs discussions and the National Park, to influence land use consultations, decisions about decision-making and strategy development land use Raise awareness and understanding of landscape and CNPA, RSPB, landscape change through social media, events and projects, SNH eg Cairngorms Scenic Photo Posts

Implement ‘guidance on engaging communities in decisions CNPA, CC, relating to land’ to support three community representations ECMP, SLC in landscape scale conservation partnerships and projects T & GLP, CDO’s

Provide training for land managers in approaches to engaging CDO’s, SLC, communities in land management decision making and SLE, Land involvement managers

Recognise & Raise awareness of conservation and the benefits it brings CNPA, RSPB, celebrate good for people and wildlife, showcasing projects, places and SNH, FLS conservation people, through websites, social media, events and awards work Raise awareness and understanding of land management CNPA, RSPB, in the Park and how different land management methods SNH, Land produce multiple benefits for conservation managers Increase Encourage, develop and support biological recorders CNPA, engagement and recording schemes, highlighting and encouraging SBIF, NBN, and provide citizen science-led information gathering about the NESBReC, opportunities to National Park’s wildlife HBRG get involved Support and develop Volunteer Cairngorms: a programme Volunteer of environmental volunteering including the Volunteer Cairngorms, Ranger scheme, supporting local wildlife groups, existing SNH, RSPB, schemes and coordinating opportunities CE, FLS, NTS

34 4. Aims, Priorities and Action

AIM: Involving people (continued)

Priority Action Partners (lead in bold) Get more Develop and deliver events and activities to encourage CNPA, people actively people to enjoy wildlife and landscapes, eg Cairngorms Rangers, RSPB, and responsibly Nature BIG Weekend, ranger events, Wee Walks Week SNH, NGOs, enjoying nature and health walks estates Develop initiatives specifically to encourage young people CNPA, RSPB, in schools, colleges and beyond to enjoy wildlife and SNH, Rangers landscapes Provide targeted information and support to activity Active providers and education groups using the outdoors Cairngiorms, CBP, activity providers, DofE Review, develop and deliver the ‘Tread Lightly’ responsible Active access campaign delivering signage, interpretation, trail head Cairngorms, information and awareness raising campaigns accessible and SNH, Rangers, relevant to target audiences VisitScotland, land managers Targets • Over 50 volunteer rangers working in Cairngorms National Park • 5 communities fully engaged in landscape values project • 15,000 people attended outdoor, nature-related events • 3 communities involved in land use decision making in landscape scale partnerships • 20 land managers trained in community engagement

35 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

5. Delivery & Monitoring

Partnerships are fundamentally important Cairngorms Nature will champion a spatial to the sustainability of Cairngorms Nature approach to collaboration, developing and and delivery of the Action Plan. Cairngorms working with partnerships, management Nature has successfully created an groups and forums at a landscape scale to environment for partnerships to evolve and identify barriers and bring resources together fostered a strong sense of collective effort. to discuss and tackle common issues. The Cairngorms It is important that robust scientific (CNPA) leads the development and oversees evidence is the foundation for conservation the delivery and monitoring of the Action Plan, action in the National Park. Cairngorms but it is the high levels of involvement and Nature will work with the many people collaboration between public agencies, NGOs and organisations involved in observing, and private businesses that will drive delivery. monitoring and recording nature to bring the data collected by these organisations together, and to make them accessible and applicable, informing land management decisions.

Priority Action Partners (lead in bold)

Ensure good Work with stakeholders to identify needs and service CNPA, information requirements and create a ‘Local Atlas’ for the collation, NBN Trust and data are analysis and use of biological data in the National Park available to Investigate and trial Natural Capital Accounting for the CNPA, SNH guide long term National Park conservation Monitor delivery and progress bi-annually CNSG Produce a ‘State of Nature’ report for the National Park, CNPA, SNH, including a suite of indicators for future monitoring RSPB, NBN Trust

Ensure resources Build and retain constructive relationships with local and CNSG and partnerships national partners and stakeholders are in place to Undertake periodic reviews of funding availability and support delivery applicability and, if necessary, investigate options for new funding sources

36 5. Delivery & Monitoring

Cairngorms Nature Cairngorms Upland Strategy Group (CNSG) Advisory Group (CUAG)

The Cairngorms Nature Strategy Group Upland management issues affect many of the coordinates, allocates resource and maintains actions for habitats, species and for people. an overview of the processes in place to deliver The Cairngorms Nature Strategy Group will actions and meet targets in the Cairngorms work closely with CUAG to progress activity in Nature Action Plan, by: these areas. CUAG’s main functions are to: • taking responsibility for areas of work, • promote better understanding between encouraging and supporting delivery partners; all organisations with an interest in upland • leading the way in demonstrating the ‘added management in the Cairngorms National Park; value’ that working collaboratively can bring; • advise the CNPA on upland management • monitoring progress and providing strategic and, in particular, integration of the different advice to CNPA staff and delivery partners; land management sectors within the Park; • advocating and being an ambassador for • share examples of good practise and the work of Cairngorms Nature within strengthen the skill base in the sector; and organisations and in meetings with others; and • share latest research, relevant to land • providing leadership, inspiration and support to management in the Cairngorms National Park. organisations, individuals and communities. Membership of the strategy group is open to agencies and organisations with a direct involvement in the delivery of biodiversity gain in the Cairngorms National Park with the agreement of existing members. The current membership is: • Cairngorms National Park Authority • Crown Estate Scotland • River Dee Trust • Forestry and Land Scotland • Scottish Forestry • Area Partnership • National Farmers Union Scotland • National Trust for Scotland • Royal Society for the Protection of • Scottish Environment Protection Agency • Scottish Land and Estates • Scottish Gamekeepers Association • Scottish Natural Heritage • Wildland Ltd

37 Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2019-2024

East Cairngorms The collaboration between Wildland Limited, Moorland Partnership and RSPB Scotland, Forest and Land Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage encompasses around Cairngorms Connect 60,000ha of contiguous land from Abernethy to Glenfeshie and from the marshes of the Significant collaboration has developed over to the Cairngorm plateaux. recent years, including the evolution of two The East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership is a landscape scale partnerships, providing a focus collaboration between six estates including Mar for much of the work on ecosystem restoration Lodge, Mar, Invercauld, Balmoral, Glenavon and and moorland management. During the period Glenlivet to collaborate on delivering the public of this Plan there will be a concentration of interest priorities alongside estate objectives resource and effort on delivery in these areas. including sporting management. This includes However, it is important to note this will not management to provide increased woodland and be to the exclusion of other opportunities and scrub habitat alongside moorland management. Cairngorms Nature will continue to work with and The total area of the partnership includes support many other estates and organisations. around 50% of the National Park’s moorland. Cairngorms Connect is a partnership of Catchment Partnerships on the rivers Spey, neighbouring land managers, committed to a Dee and South Esk are also well established bold and ambitious 200-year vision to enhance partnerships with a track record of delivering habitats, species and ecological processes. collaborative management and projects.

Cairngorms Connect North East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership

Scale: 1:700,000

Reproduced by permission of on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100040965 Cairngorms National Park Authority, Cairngorms Connect, © SNH

38 5. Delivery & Monitoring

Glossary NBN - National Biodiversity Network NESBReC - North East Scotland Biological BCS - Scotland Records Centre BDS - British Dragonfly Society NFUS - National Farmers Union, Scotland BTO - British Trust for Ornithology NGO - Non Governmental Organisation CA - Coille Alba NTS - National Trust for Scotland CBP - Cairngorms Business Partnership RBGE - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh CC - Cairngorms Connect RIC - Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms CDO - Community Development Officers RSG - Raptor Study Group CMP - Catchment Management Partnership RSPB - Royal Society for the Protection of Birds CNPA - Cairngorms National Park Authority RZSS - Royal Zoological Society Scotland CNSG - Cairngorms Nature Strategy Group SAC - Scottish Agricultural College CUAG - Cairngorms Upland Advisory Group SBIF - Scottish Biodiversity Information Forum DoEA - Duke of Edinburgh Awards SCI - Spey Catchment Initiative DMG - Deer Management Group SEPA - Scottish Agency ECMP - East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership SF - Scottish Forestry FB - Fisheries Board SLC - FLS - Forestry and Land Scotland SLE - Scottish Land and Estates GWCT - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust SNH - Scottish Natural Heritage IUCN - International Union for Conservation T&GLP - Tomintoul and Glenlivet Landscape of Nature Partnership JHI - James Hutton Institute TfL - Trees for Life LBAP - Local Biodiversity Action Plan TNVR - Trap Neuter Vaccinate Release LDP - Local Development Plan WTS - Woodland Trust Scotland MLE - Mar Lodge Estate

39 Published by Cairngorms National Park Authority 14 The Square Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HG

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01479 873535 www.cairngorms.co.uk

© CNPA 2019. All rights reserved ISBN 978-1-906071-93-6