The Reserve Plan Review for Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve 2005-2011
For further information on Glasdrum Wood NNR please contact:
The Reserve Manager Scottish Natural Heritage 1 Kilmory Industrial Estate Kilmory, Lochgilphead Argyll PA31 8RR
Tel: 01546 603611 Fax: 01546 602298 The Reserve Plan Review for Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve 2005-2011
The Reserve Plan Review for Glasdrum National Nature Reserve 2005-2011
Foreword
Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve (169ha) is on the west coast of Scotland, 27 km north of Oban. This native woodland, mostly ash and oak, occupies the lower slopes of Beinn Churalain, a mountain rising steeply from the sea at Loch Creran. The wood is exceptionally rich in oceanic lichens and bryophytes. It is one of Scotland’s best sites for butterflies, especially noted for the population of chequered skipper.
Glasdrum is one of more than forty-five National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in Scotland. Scotland’s NNRs are special places where some of the best examples of Scotland’s wildlife are managed. Every NNR is carefully managed both for nature and for people, giving visitors the opportunity to experience our rich natural heritage.
In 2004, we carried out a public consultation on our future proposals for the management of Glasdrum Wood NNR. Your feedback from the consultation informed the completion of the Reserve Plan 2005 – 2011, which set out our management for the Reserve during that period. We have now come to the end of that plan and have started to think about the future direction of our management. This report reviews our achievements and progress against the management objectives set out in the Reserve Plan for Glasdrum Wood NNR 2005 - 2011.
Address: Scottish Natural Heritage, 1 Kilmory Industrial Estate, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RR Tel: 01546 603611 Fax: 01546 602298
2 The Reserve Plan Review for Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve 2005-2011
Contents
Contents...... 3 1 Our Vision for Glasdrum Wood NNR...... 4 2 Natural Heritage Management ...... 4 2 Natural Heritage Management ...... 5 3 Management for People...... 11 4 Property Management...... 14 5 Summary...... 15 6 The way ahead...... 16
3 The Reserve Plan Review for Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve 2005-2011
1 Our Vision for Glasdrum Wood NNR
Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve is special; the aim is to keep it that way. The Reserve Plan 2005-2011 sets out our vision for the Reserve describing how we would like the Reserve to be in 2025. The management we have carried out over the past 6 years has been framed with this vision in mind.
Glasdrum Wood in 2025 The Vision
The ancient native woodland, with the internationally important sessile oak and upland ash woodland communities, is thriving. The wood has a rich lichen and bryophyte flora. There are healthy populations of chequered skipper and pearl- bordered fritillary butterflies. The habitat is suitable for otters.
The local community is actively engaged in the management of the Reserve, and visitors can appreciate the wildlife in the wood. Several researchers are developing work on the butterflies and vegetation to demonstrate what is needed to sustain viable populations and communities of national importance.
Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve
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2 Natural Heritage Management
Objective 1: To maintain the important woodland communities and associated flora and fauna in Glasdrum Wood.
Projects delivered under Objective 1 during life of plan:
1.1 Maintain fences to exclude livestock Achieved 1.2 Protect sapling ash trees from browsing in open glades Achieved 1.3 Maintain exclosures and tree guards Achieved 1.4 Remove non-native trees and shrubs Achieved 1.5 Monitor woodland condition in 2006 as part of national Site Achieved Condition Monitoring programme 1.6 Commission lichen survey to inform future management and Achieved monitoring 1.7 Commission bryophyte survey to inform future management Achieved and monitoring 1.8 Monitor bryophytes and lichens in 2009 and 2010 respectively Achieved as part of national Site Condition Monitoring programme 1.9 Establish fixed point photographic monitoring Partially achieved 1.10 Develop deer monitoring programme in collaboration with Not neighbours, mainly Forestry Commission for Scotland. achieved.
Objective evaluation:
The projects delivered have continued to ensure that the woodland feature is maintained in favourable condition on the Reserve. Non-native trees and shrubs have been almost eliminated from the Reserve with the removal of the conifers in 2005/06 and, a programme of removal and treatment of rhododendron and azalea during 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08. We now maintain a watching brief for seedling removal. Japanese knotweed has also been treated annually and will continue to remain a management requirement.
Site Condition Monitoring and casual observations have shown/indicated that natural regeneration is occurring on the Reserve within the required limits. We have therefore been reasonably content that deer browsing has not been limiting regeneration. Never-the-less, confirmation that this is the case and also an indication of what deer impact there is on the woodland remains a missing part of the management puzzle. Recent closer examination (summer, 2012) has indicated that there is deer browsing pressure at certain locations within the woodland that is preventing young trees getting beyond sapling size. We are now in the process of establishing a deer management plan for the Reserve in conjunction with our neighbours, and a baseline herbivore impact assessment which we will continue to monitor every other year as part of the next plan.
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Two highly significant surveys on lichen and bryophytes were carried out over the Reserve during the course of the plan. The lichen survey confirmed the international importance of Glasdrum Wood for lichens. Specific locations and habitat requirements for nationally rare species were identified with recommendations for habitat enhancement management techniques to ensure we maintain these importance populations. This work has considerably improved our knowledge and understanding of the habitat requirements for these species. We have now established fixed point photography (FPP’s) plots to monitor scrub encroachment, that can be detrimental to lichens, in areas important to lichen. Scrub clearance in targeted areas has also improved habitat conditions for both the lichen and bryophyte assemblages - both of which are now in favourable condition on the Reserve (the lichen feature however remains in unfavourable condition on the wider SSSI).
Getting the balance right between natural regeneration for the woodland and yet maintaining niches for the lichen and bryophytes will be the main thrust for our future management of the Reserve.
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Objective 2: To maintain open areas in the wood for important butterfly populations, notably chequered skipper and pearl-bordered fritillary.
Projects delivered during life of plan:
2.1 Maintain corridors of open habitat linking core breeding and Achieved nectaring areas - control scrub and bracken. 2.2 Rotational clearance of scrub and bracken along the Achieved electricity wayleave in conjunction with Scottish and Southern Energy including restoration to its original width. 2.3 Record and map habitat management specific to butterflies Achieved for future reference. 2.4 Monitor and map the extent and condition of core butterfly Achieved areas (woodland clearings), including the assessment of scrub and bracken invasion and abundance of larval food plants and nectar sources by fixed-point photography and quadrats and manage as necessary. 2.5 Monitor population numbers and habitat as part of a Achieved national Butterfly Monitoring Scheme 2.6 Continue research into habitat requirements particularly in Achieved relation to active management of wayleave and bracken glades 2.7 Coordinate management, monitoring and research across Achieved entire Glen Creran Woods cSAC 2.8 Monitor mountain ringlet population by timed counts and Achieved assess habitat requirements
Objective evaluation:
The mixture of rotation clearance of scrub and maintaining the wayleave corridor has continued to provide ideal habitat conditions for chequered skipper and pearl bordered fritillary with chequered skipper numbers increasing and pearl bordered fritillary numbers remaining stable. Both butterfly interests are in favourable condition on the Reserve.
Our long-term monitoring of butterflies and moths has also provided some interesting results, recording the first barred tooth-striped in 2004, first ringlet butterfly in 2005, and first square-spotted clay and Anania funebris (a pyralid moth) in 2006. Peacock butterfly are also now recorded annually on the Reserve and the mountain ringlet population has increased – the open heath on the higher ground of the Reserve providing ideal conditions for this species. We continue to provide butterfly records and monitoring data to the National Butterfly Scheme and moth records to the vice county recorder annually. This data helps to provide a national picture of changes in butterfly populations and distribution, possibly related to climate change.
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Butterfly monitoring results
160 140 120 100 80 Pearl bordered fritillary Count 60 Chequered skipper 40 20 0 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11
Two key research projects where completed by Ravenscroft in 2005 and Masterman in 2009 to inform habitat management. Both of these research projects have greatly improved our knowledge and understanding of the specific requirements of chequered skipper and pearl bordered fritillary.
Chequered skipper
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Objective 3: To maintain the biodiversity interest of Glasdrum Wood.
Projects delivered during life of plan:
3.1 Determine status and distribution of otter population on the Achieved reserve including the mapping of holts, couches (lying up sites) and runs 3.2 Maintain habitat quality in areas used by otters Achieved
3.3 Minimize human disturbance in areas used by otters e.g. Achieved take account of otter distribution when developing new access facilities etc 3.4 Establish a regular monitoring programme for barred tooth- Partially striped moth. achieved 3.5 Conduct targeted autecological research to inform habitat Not management for barred tooth-striped moth achieved
Objective evaluation:
A baseline otter survey of Glasdrum Wood NNR was carried out in 2005 with no holts on the Reserve being found but plenty of evidence to suggest that the Reserve is well used by otters. Site condition monitoring of the otter population over the wider Glen Crenan Special Area of Conservation (SAC) was carried out in 2007 also confirming that otters are in favourable condition on the SAC and the Reserve. No specific habitat management requirement was necessary for otters other than to ensure no disturbance by other management activities.
We started monitoring for barred tooth-striped moth in 2007 but were unable to maintain the monitoring over the remainder of the plan or commence the research. We will review future requirements for monitoring and research in the next management plan.
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Objective 4: To encourage research, survey and monitoring appropriate to the Reserve and to use the Reserve to demonstrate specialised management.
Projects delivered during life of plan
4.1 Undertake surveys to determine the current status and Partially distribution of key species including UK BAP species achieved 4.2 Encourage research to further knowledge and Achieved understanding of habitat requirements of key species, particularly in relation to active management of wayleave and bracken glades 4.3 Establish regular monitoring programmes for key species, Partially including UK BAP species achieved 4.4 Contribute to butterfly management demonstration events Achieved
Objective evaluation:
Surveys and monitoring of UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority butterfly/moth species was continued as part of our monitoring commitment to the National Butterfly Scheme and the butterfly features of the Reserve. Our monitoring recorded two new UK BAP butterfly/moth species on the Reserve. Likewise UKBAP lichens and bryophytes were also surveyed and monitored. No additional UKBAP (bird, plant or invertebrate) species were surveyed or monitored.
Research was centred around the butterfly interests of the Reserve during the course of this plan. Ravenscroft (2005) studied the effects of cyclical clearance of wayleaves on butterflies and established that cutting when scrub approaches 40% cover and a mean height of approximately 1.75m ensures the best conditions for butterflies. In 2009, Masterman surveyed the distribution of chequered skipper and pearl-bordered fritillary finding that pearl-borded fritillary distribution was mostly restricted to higher altitudes of 150-350m and chequered skipper was more widely distributed with the majority of selected small woodland glades (width less than 25m) being occupied. High numbers of chequered skipper were also found along the wayleave near sea level and on open hillside at 250-350m. This has given us a clearer picture about where the important butterfly habitats are within the woodland.
Glasdrum Wood does provide an excellent resource to demonstrate practical positive conservation management for trees, butterflies and lichens. It is a resource that is under-used at present, limited by staff resources. In the short butterfly season we have provided four butterfly/moth events attracting over 40 people despite some very poor weather for some of the events.
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3 Management for People
Objective 5: To enable visitors to enjoy a visit to Glasdrum Wood and appreciate the natural heritage of the Reserve.
Projects delivered during life of plan
5.1 Count visitors and cars to Glasdrum Wood NNR Achieved
5.2 Maintain car park, trails and picnic site Achieved
5.3 Review NNR leaflet in 2005 Achieved
5.4 Review and upgrade signage and trail markers Achieved
5.5 Investigate new signage provision at roundabout on A828 Not achieved 5.6 Provide guided walks for interested groups Achieved
5.7 Investigate new routes through Glen Creran woods linking Not the reserve to neighbouring properties, particularly FCS’s achieved Pine Marten trail
Objective evaluation:
Visitor numbers remained pretty consistent over the course of the plan with approximately 2800 visitors per annum.
Visitor numbers 2005-2011
3500 3000 2500 2000 Nos. of visitors
Count 1500 1000 500 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 Year
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We continue to maintain the car park, trail, signage and picnic area to a high standard. A large deluge of rain in 2006/07 washed away some of the car park and trail which we repaired as quickly as possible. A new reserve leaflet was produced in 2004 along with new orientation and way marking signage. We have now taken over negotiations for a brown tourism sign to be erected at the Creagan roundabout and are starting to make progress on this with Argyll and Bute Council. We still consider that this additional sign would help bring visitors in off the A828 and increase visitor numbers to the Reserve.
We led 2 guided walks during the course of the plan, one in 2007 for the Royal Scottish Forestry Society and another in 2008 for national Local Biodiversity Action Plan officers. These walks attracted 85 Glasdrum NNR trail attendees.
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Objective 6: To engage the local community with management of Glasdrum Wood NNR.
Projects delivered during life of plan:
6.1 Engage with the local community to identify ways for people Partially to become involved with the NNR achieved 6.2 Support local schools to visit Not required
6.3 Encourage local volunteers by providing training and Achieved financial support 6.4 Continue to use local contractors for management projects Achieved
Objective evaluation:
We haven’t achieved as much with the local community as we would have liked to. We’ve had long-term regular support from our voluntary warden who continues to play an essential role in maintaining that local connection and undertaking the regular butterfly monitoring.
We’ve had limited community involvement from elsewhere though despite widespread publicity for annual events. Likewise there have been no requests for school visits to the Reserve.
We have facilitated 4 productive visits by Lothian Conservation Volunteers who have carried out scrub clearance to maintain butterfly habitat under the wayleave and hazel coppicing for lichens. In all we supported 59 days of volunteer activity on the Reserve during the course of the plan. Two local contractors also played an active role on the Reserve.
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4 Property Management
Objective 7: To manage the Reserve responsibly following best practice.
Projects delivered during life of plan:
7.1 Maintain the car park, picnic area and trail in good condition Achieved for visitors 7.2 Check condition of fences, lime kiln and sheep fank and Achieved repair as necessary
7.3 Ensure the management of the property conforms with all Achieved Health and Safety Regulations, this includes carrying out risk assessment, updating the fire plan etc 7.4 Liaise with neighbours Achieved
Objective evaluation:
Visitor infrastructure receives regular maintenance and health and safety checks ensuring that the property is maintained to high standard.
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5 Summary
The overall condition of the habitats and species on the Reserve are in good condition. The woodland itself has all the qualities we would expect in a healthy woodland – a variety of age structures, mix of deciduous species, deadwood, open areas, natural regeneration and a minimal amount of non-native trees and shrubs. Successfully removing the non-natives from the Reserve has been a key achievement for this Reserve Plan – there are now no large conifer blocks and all the mature rhododendron and azalea has been eliminated to a degree where we now only need to maintain a watching brief and remove seedlings.
We have also successfully utilised the results of research to instruct our habitat management for lichen, bryophyte and butterflies ensuring that these special assemblages and species have the correct conditions within the woodland to continue to thrive. Numbers of chequered skipper butterflies, for which the Reserve is a key site, have increased as a result and pearl bordered fritillary remained stable, when elsewhere they are declining in numbers. We’ve been able to demonstrate the success of this management to other land managers.
Nevertheless, our monitoring is also revealing more subtle factors in finding the balance between the differing habitat requirements of the three main interests on the Reserve, woodland, butterflies and lichens. In particular, while the Reserve has a good proportion of young tree regeneration becoming established, there is a very limited amount of young ash trees being recruited. Ash is an important host tree for lichens, so we want to ensure that conditions are right to allow this species, along with any associated flora, to feature amongst the regeneration in future.
The importance of the monitoring data recorded at Glasdrum is also coming to fruition. As well as providing a significant contribution to the National Butterfly Scheme, the long-term nature of the data means that we are able to use this information to tell us about potential effects of climate change, and from this, what we need to do to help make the important species at Glasdrum more resilient to climate change.
Our visitor numbers have remained consistent although we believe more visitors would come if they were directed from the A828. We are delighted by the contribution our local voluntary warden continues to make with the butterfly and moth monitoring, helping us maintain consistent records. Likewise, the work of the Lothian Conservation Volunteers has greatly contributed to the success of our habitat management for butterflies and lichens, and provided them with suitable conservation project opportunities.
We would like to see further involvement of the local community with the Reserve. We have provided some opportunities over the course of the plan but recognise that we will need to invest more time in proactively engaging with the local community if we are to fulfil this management objective. The difficulties of staff being remote from the Reserve does present a potential hurdle in delivering this on the ground.
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We feel that the monitoring, research, demonstration and management we have carried out for the natural heritage on the Reserve is ensuring that our vision for 2025 will become a reality. More proactive work is required however if we are going to succeed with the local community embracing the Reserve on their doorstep.
6 The way ahead
Our next steps are to draft a new ten year management plan for the Reserve taking account of feedback during the course of the plan, what we have learnt from our past management and what we still need to continue with to ensure we fulfil our 2025 vision for Glasdrum Wood NNR.
We know that we need to find out more about the effects of deer browsing in the woodland and we also need to find new ways of engaging with the local community.
We will carry out a public consultation on our management proposals and, use this feedback to inform the production of the Glasdrum Wood NNR management plan 2013-2023.
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