Scottish National Heritage - The Nature of Scotland Autumn 2009

www.snh.org.
uk
Scottish Natural Heritage
Autumn 2009
The Nature of Scotland
Looking up?
Scotlands
seabirds
Animal farm
Edinburghs
country heart
Explore Brr Mr
Up and over
the top
Contents
Features
8
BiG time!
Glasgows green places
10 Chicks on TV
Red kites return to northeast
29
12 Time for action

Planning for climate change
16 Country in the city

Down on the farm in Gorgie
41
20 Hint of hope?
Seabirds show signs of recovery
11
32 On the campaign trail

Nature sites reserved for you
57
Regulars
22
46 Through the looking glass

Uplands under the microscope
48 Image makers
Photography Fair highlights
Where we are
SNH contact details
Welcome
54 Spotlight on species
Improving prospects for wildlife
Wild calendar
Where to go and what to see
this autumn
60 Paths of history
Discover Scotlands ancient
pathways
26 News
Natural heritage updates
30 Common heritage
Linking language and environment
34 Events diary
Guide to whats on
36 Reserve focus
Discover Taynish NNR
42 Area news
Reports from round the country
58 Kids only!
Activities for younger readers
www.snh.org.uk
Credits
Where we are
Area ofces

The Magazine of Scottish Natural Heritage
Issue Number 5 Autumn 2009
You can contact SNH by

letter, telephone or email.
The following details
should enable you to find
your nearest local office,
but bear in mind that there
are also smaller offices
than those listed.
Argyll and Stirling

The Beta Centre,
Innovation Park,
University of Stirling,
Stirling FK9 4NF
Tel. 01786 450 362
Published quarterly
SNH 2009
ISSN 1350 309X
Editor: John Walters
Tel. 01463 725 222
Cover photo: Guillemots with sh on the cliffs at
Fowlsheugh, near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire.
Inside cover: Kittiwakes and herring gulls
feeding on sandeels off Fowlsheugh, near
Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire.
Welcome page: Scurdie Ness lighthouse,
Montrose.
Photographer: Lorne Gill/SNH
Photography all images by Lorne Gill/SNH other
than:
Laurie Campbell 7b, 28, 56b; David Whitaker 9;
Ewan Weston/RSPB 11t; Press and Journal 11b;
John MacPherson/SNH 12; RSPB 15; Laurie
Campbell/SNH 27b, 47; Iain Sarjeant 30; Chris
Close/The Miss Jones Agency 32, 33; Niall Benvie
41; Alastair Wilson/SNH 42l; Juan Brown/SNH
42r; Glyn Satterley/SNH43l; Graham Hamilton
43m; Helen Pugh 43r; Clive Grewcock/SNH 44m;
John Haddow 45l; Elizabeth Clements/SNH 45m;
Daryl Short/SNH 45r; David Donnan/SNH 57b;
George Logan www.scottishphotography.co.uk
62,63t, 63b.
Illustration Vicki Gausden 58
Maps Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd
2009 Based on Ordnance Survey mapping
Crown copyright All rights reserved 37
To share your views about The Nature of
Scotland or suggest articles for future issues
please contact the Editor:
SNH Magazine
Great Glen House, Leachkin Road,
Inverness IV3 8NW
Email: enquiries@snh.gov.uk
The views expressed in this magazine do not

necessarily reect those of SNH.
A full list of our offices

appears on the SNH
website: www.snh.org.uk
Corporate
headquarters
Great Glen House,
Leachkin Road,
Inverness IV3 8NW
Tel. 01463 725 000
Email: enquiries@snh.gov.uk
Other main ofces

Battleby, Redgorton,
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel. 01738 444 177
Dumfries and Galloway

Carmont House,
The Crichton,
Bankend Road,
Dumfries DG1 4ZF
Tel. 01387 247 010
Northern Isles
Ground Floor,
Stewart Building,
Alexandra Wharf,
Lerwick,
Shetland ZE1 0LL
Tel. 01595 693 345
East Highland
Fodderty Way,
Dingwall Business Park,
Dingwall IV15 9XB
Tel. 01349 865 333
Silvan House,
3rd Floor East,
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel. 0131 316 2600
North Highland
The Links,
Golspie Business Park,
Golspie,
Sutherland KW10 6UB
Tel. 01408 634 063
Caspian House,
Mariner Court,
Clydebank Business Park,
Clydebank G81 2NR
Tel. 0141 951 4488
West Highland
The Governors House,
The Parade, Fort William,
Inverness-shire PH33 6BA
Tel. 01397 704 716
Strathclyde and Ayrshire
Caspian House,
Mariner Court,
Clydebank Business Park,
Clydebank G81 2NR
Tel. 0141 951 4488
Tayside and
Clackmannanshire
Battleby, Redgorton,
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel. 01738 444 177
WP37K0909
Western Isles
32 Francis Street,
Stornoway,
Isle of Lewis HS1 2ND
Tel. 01851 705 258
When you have nished with this magazine,

please recycle it. Pass it to another reader or
dispose of it at your local waste-collection point.
Forth and Borders

Laundry House,
Dalkeith Country Park,
Dalkeith,
Midlothian EH22 2NA
Tel. 0131 654 2466
Printed by: Woods of Perth, Scotland
Grampian
16/17 Rubislaw Terrace,
Aberdeen AB10 1XE
Tel. 01224 642 863
Welcome
Colin Galbraith
Director of Policy and Advice
The worlds environment is changing rapidly. With the increasing pressures of

population growth, climate change and wildlife habitats being destroyed, its
clear to see the scale of the problems that we face. With all these doom and
gloom stories, it would be all too easy to think that nothing can be done to halt
this downward spiral of events. However, I dont think this is the case. Some of
the work reported in this edition shows what can be done, here at home, to help
tackle some of these issues and thereby play our part in wider global efforts.
Climate change is probably the greatest threat to the natural heritage and
will bring real change to the habitats and species we see in Scotland. Even
here though, theres much that can be done to help adapt to these changes. For
example, our carbon-rich, peaty soils are likely to play a key role in helping the
country meet its overall carbon budget year by year. Look after our soil and it will
look after us, if you see what I mean!
Importantly, weve recently launched our climate change adaptation plan. It
shows what we plan to do to help reduce the impact of climate change across
the country, while at the same time continuing to look after the natural heritage.
A major aspect of this work relates to the sea, where perhaps some of the
earliest signs of the effects brought about by climate change are being seen.
Its encouraging, however, to note that recent results from the 2009 seabird
monitoring have shown some populations having a better breeding season than in
previous years. Work in the marine environment is complex and at times difficult.
Using seabird populations as a guide to the wider health of the environment is a
very useful technique, however, as it helps us to spot priorities for future action.
Finally, let me mention the article looking at progress with the Species Action
Framework. This is an important project for us, especially as were working along
with a range of other organisations to take it forward. Weve targeted our efforts
on some of the top priorities for action, with a clear focus on improving the overall
state of the natural heritage. This work illustrates that some of the toughest issues
affecting our wildlife and habitats can be tackled and dealt with effectively when
everyones pulling in the same direction.
So I hope youll see that the theme of this edition is a positive one. It shows
that we can take action in relation to climate change, the sea and conserving
species, as well as many other areas!
Wild calendar
Kenny Taylor
gives some
seasonal tips
for savouring
Scottish
wildlife and
landscapes
4
Chilly nights can spark warm colours in trees

now, or bring the web-jewelling morning
mists so typical of the season. Migrant birds
are arriving, including legions of waders
and geese from across the northern world.
They add sound and movement to coasts
and lochs, while the uplands echo to the
bellows of rutting red deer.
Mudlarking
Estuaries are amazing, with their ever-shifting mixes of land
and sea, patterns of light on mud and water and flocks of
wading birds. Sometimes the wader throngs can rise like
smoke on the horizon. At others, huddles of hundreds jostle
together just above the high-tide mark.
Come autumn, the numbers of waders using Scotlands
estuaries and soft-shored inlets can be colossal. So whether
youre watching a major firth or tiny bay, its worth scanning
the sands and saltings for birds such as redshank, dunlin,
knot and oystercatcher. Some of these will be passing
through on journeys that may include several countries.
Others may stay until spring.
www.snh.org.uk
Because of the size of some estuaries, binoculars or a

telescope can be a boon to wading bird identification. At
Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve in East Lothian, you
can use the telescope at the Scottish Ornithologist Clubs
Waterston House, just west of Aberlady village, to scope
the mudflats before venturing out to explore the estuary.
Web tips:
www.the-soc.org.uk
www.aberlady.org
The fallen leaves that

jewel the ground, they
know the art of dying,
And leave with joy
their glad gold hearts,
in scarlet shadows
lying.
1
Hundreds of
thousands of wading
birds use Scotlands
coasts especially the
estuaries as feeding
and roosting places in
autumn.
2
Autumn colours can be
as wide as a
mountainside or as
small as a single leaf,
bringing beauty to the
season across the
whole country.
Tints to die for

So wrote Scottish bard Robin Williamson in his classic
October Song.
Whether in city or moorland, mountain or island, Scotland
is awash with autumn colour. Urban parks, for example, are
often big on broadleaves, such as sycamores. Being one of
the maple clan, sycamores dont stint on the seasonal tones.
Neither do planted cherry trees.
On heathlands, the fading purples of heather flowers and
the tawny tints of deer sedge last well through the season,
whether on mainland moors or island fringes. Even coastal
mudflats can get an autumnal makeover, as glasswort plants
turn from green to several shades of red.
Picking a venue for celebration of this time of fruitfulness
and colour should be a doddle. But if you need a pointer, try
the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, where yellowing
birches contrast with bottle-green pines and big lochs reflect
breeze-blown clouds.
Web tips:
www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=17
www.forestry.gov.uk (and put autumn colours in search
box)
The hills are alive
In Gaelic, red deer are at the very core of autumn. October

(An Dmhair) is the month when the deer mating season
the rut Dmhair is at its peak. Stags strike poses, clart
themselves in mud as if to emphasise their strength, clash
antlers with rivals and chivvy hinds to join their harems. But
most notably of all, to the human ear, they bellow.
On a still day in the thick of the rut, when the first frosts
could have sparked tones of fire in rowans and birches, you
can hear the din a mile off or more. The deep, resonating
calls (biridh, or roaring, to continue the Gaelic) carry from
high on mountain slopes to deep in glens.
You can enjoy the roaring in many parts of the Scottish
mainland, and on islands such as Arran and Rum. The
Trossachs has deer in many of its beautiful glens, including
at Glen Finglas, once a royal hunting ground and now a
Woodland Trust Scotland reserve.
Web tips:
www.snh.org.uk/gaelic/dictionary
www.frontpage.woodland-trust.org.uk/glennglas
The original webmasters
3
Roaring is used by red
deer stags to
intimidate rival males
and to attract the
attention of hinds, who
can partly assess a
males quality from his
voice.
Surprisingly, many people are afraid of spiders. But at least

Robert the Bruce, so the story goes, wasnt one of them.
Such arachnophobia can be a problem for its sufferers and
also a wider shame, since spiders do great service to people
in reducing the numbers of insects such as midges. But in
autumn, even some arachnophobes might get pleasure from
the activities of their local eight-legged beasties.
Choose a morning when appropriately seasonal mists
cloak the ground. Chances are, even on a walk that is well
known to you, the familiar will have been transformed by the
actions of spiders. When fog condenses on spiders webs,
every detail of these spectacular structures is thrown into
relief against background plants.
For those not bothered by close encounters with the web
builders themselves, careful approach, without touching,
could reveal species such as the European garden spider,
with its distinctive cross-shaped markings. But if thats a
step too far, then at least try not to miss out on the wider
web show.
Web tip:
www.arachnology.org (and go to Arachno Web)
4
The silk spun and
stretched to produce
spider webs is very
strong, but has a look
of surprising delicacy
when strung with
drops of dew.
www.snh.org.uk
BiG time!
Liz Humphreys of the British
Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
Scotland describes how
volunteers recently revealed a
wealth of wildlife in Glasgows
greenspaces
8
Glasgow may not be the first

place that comes to mind if
youre looking to encourage
people to go out and look for
birds and butterflies but the
Biodiversity in Glasgow (BiG)
project did just that!
This joint venture between BTO
Scotland and Butterfly Conservation
Scotland asked volunteers to survey
the birds, butterflies and habitats
of Glasgows greenspaces. Many
volunteers were new to recording, so
we offered free training in identifying
species and how to carry out a survey.
This proved to be a big success with
108 people being trained for birds
and 88 for butterflies. Volunteers often
reported that they had a long-standing
interest in natural history, but theyd
previously lacked the skills or the
confidence to get involved with survey
work.
The greenspaces included in the
BiG project were mostly Glasgow City
Council owned sites and, wherever
possible, the volunteers chose the
locations themselves. Over 20% of
Glasgow is made up of greenspace,
including 74 parks and 95 sites of
importance for nature conservation,
so there was no shortage of available
sites.
Initially, some volunteers voiced
doubts about their sites as they
didnt look terribly promising in the
early spring. As the year progressed,
however, the sites transformed with the
start of the breeding season birds
became more apparent as they sang
and displayed, butterflies appeared
and the plant life flourished. Volunteers
discovered a wide range of animals and
plants at their site, and it was obvious

that theyd really enjoyed getting to
know their sites well.
Altogether, the volunteers recorded
91 bird species and 17 kinds of
butterfly in the city of Glasgow during
2007 and 2008. Many of them were
quite widespread bird species, but
there were also 15 birds (including
skylark, cuckoo, lesser redpoll and
linnet) that are priority species for
conservation action and 47 birds of
conservation concern. Exciting records
for butterflies included the comma
which we think was the first record for
the city and good numbers of ringlets,
which indicates the rapid rate at which
this particular species is appearing in
Glasgow.
Weve now looked closely at where
the birds and butterflies were found,
so that we can recommend how
best to manage greenspace if were
going to encourage greater variety of

life. The sites with most bird species
tended to have water bodies, wetland/
marsh, uncut grass and/or wild areas.
And, as we expected, the size of the
greenspace was important, with larger
sites having more bird species. In terms
of butterflies, the sites that had uncut
grass were the ones where butterflies
were most likely to be recorded.
The results of the BiG project
which was funded by the Scottish
Government, SNH, Glasgow City
Council and the Robertson Trust will
help guide some of the management
work carried out by the council. Indeed,
theyve already started introducing
more water bodies and cutting the
grass less often. The BiG project has
therefore raised awareness not only of
the value of biodiversity in our towns
and cities but also of the importance of
good management within greenspaces.
2
1
Marlies MacLean was
one of the volunteers
involved with the
Biodiversity in
Glasgow project. She
surveyed a site at the
Red Road ats in the
city.
2
The comma buttery is
expanding northwards
and beginning to
appear in Scotland.
www.snh.org.uk
Red kites are returning to Aberdeenshire and city

folk have been given the chance to view these
magnificent birds of prey up close
Chicks on TV
the nest and pictures were beamed into Voluntary Service

Aberdeens farm at Easter Anguston, near Peterculter on the
outskirts of Aberdeen.
Why Easter Anguston? We can now reveal that this
was the secret location for the temporary pens where the
birds were kept until they were used to their surroundings,
Aberdeen Red Kites (ARK) is a three-year project that aims
before being freed to establish a self-sustaining, breeding
to establish a breeding population of the birds in one of the
population. The farm provides vocational training for young
largest areas left in Britain where there were previously none. adults with learning disabilities. The staff and trainees at
A total of 101 young birds, from different parts of the
Easter Anguston were kept busy building and maintaining
UK, have been released over the last three years, explained pens, initially providing food (usually road-killed rabbits) and
SNH operational manager Ewen Cameron, and we
helping out at release time.
were a little surprised, but delighted, when the first eggs
At the same time as live pictures were beamed into the
successfully hatched this spring.
farm, recorded highlights were also played on a second
Although persecution played a large part in the decline
screen that was located in the Kirk of St Nicholas on Union
of red kites here 150 years ago, its great to report that in
Street in Aberdeen. The ARK partners were keen to do this
these more enlightened times, farmers, landowners and local to emphasise that Scotlands wildlife is there to be enjoyed
people have been very supportive of their return.
by everyone, whether you live in the country or the city.
Most of the birds were given names as they were
Having the video in the kirk meant that the man and woman
released. One northeast school chose the name of their
in the street could just walk in and see this exotic bird right
favourite football player, while Grampian Police gave the
on their doorstep.
name of one of their community officers. It seemed only right
In just three short years, the returning red kites have
that the first chicks to hatch this year should also be given
certainly made their mark locally. Perhaps one of the least
names, which is why brother and sister red kites called Dee expected events was Aberdeens Lady Provost, Sandra
and Don are now flying around Aberdeenshire.
Stephen, featuring one on her official Christmas card.
Although Aberdeen is currently known as the oil capital
Ive always been a supporter of wild bird protection
of Europe, we have no doubt that in the future it will also be programmes, Sandra remarked, and I think this is a great
known as the birthplace of Dee and Don, joked Ewen.
way to reintroduce these special birds back into the skies
ARK is a combined effort by RSPB Scotland, SNH,
around Aberdeen City and the wider area. They make our
Aberdeen Greenspace, Voluntary Service Aberdeen and
countryside a more wild, natural and beautiful place to live in
many others. The partners installed a CCTV camera next to
and be proud of.
Red kite chicks have hatched in Aberdeenshire

for the first time in almost 150 years, and the
public was able to follow their progress during the
summer via two CCTV viewing points.
10
1
Dee and Don in the
nest.
2
Local MSP Maureen
Watt (right) and Jenny
Lennon of RSPB watch
on as one of the red
kites is released.
www.snh.org.uk
11
12
Climate change is the threat that confronts

us all. SNHs new five-year action plan
outlines how we aim to respond
Time for action
Its now widely recognised that climate change

is the biggest issue facing our planet, with farreaching results for all living things.
Were seeing changes all across the world, as well as at
national and local scales. Its getting hotter around the
planet, sea levels are rising, the oceans are becoming more
acidic and the polar ice caps and glaciers are melting.
And in Scotland theres evidence of these changes too.
Were witnessing sea-level rises around large parts of our
coast, river flows are increasing, air and sea temperatures
are on the rise, and some species are moving into areas
where they werent seen before.
The scientific evidence is clear and were now at a critical
point in time. The rate of climate change caused by human
activity has never been seen before and it threatens plants,
animals and the environment. They cant adapt quickly
enough to the increasingly early springs, rising sea levels,
flooding and changing river patterns.
And because people dont live apart from nature, climate
change puts not only species and landscapes at risk, but
also our lifestyles, economy and culture. The impact on
Scotlands nature is likely to be huge, and we have to act
now, together and with determination.
Life-support systems
1
Increased storminess
and rising sea levels
will affect our coasts
as the climate
changes.
www.snh.org.uk
The need to act can bring opportunities, though. We can

step up our efforts to care for our nature and landscapes,
helping the species that are vital in maintaining the lifesupport systems in nature on which we rely. These systems
include producing and pollinating our food, creating fertile
soils, as well as collecting and purifying the water we drink
and use. By supporting networks of strong, healthy habitats
across Scotland we can help some species to move into
new areas as the climate changes. This can also help create
safer, healthier, greener places for people to live.
13
The roles played by our land and sea are equally

important. The way we use our land, how we drain it (or let
it flood), what we grow on it and where and what we build
on it can have a big influence on climate change. We can
manage woodlands and peatlands to store carbon, we can
use the power of wind and waves to reduce the amount of
carbon we release, and we can work with nature to help
society adapt.
Its a massive challenge, but there are rewards if we get
it right. SNHs commitment is made clear in our new Action
Plan for Climate Change and the Natural Heritage. It explains
how, by changing the way we manage our nature and
landscapes, we can support our wild species and spaces.
This will provide some insurance against the worst extremes
of climate change. By doing this, well learn to work better
with the basic natural services such as breaking down
waste or controlling disease which make our quality of life
so rich.
One opportunity is to create and manage green
frameworks in and around towns and cities. These combine
areas such as gardens, parks, allotments, rivers and ponds
to provide vital natural environments and corridors linking
wildlife to the wider countryside. This will not only increase
the opportunities for threatened wildlife to adapt, it will also
potentially present opportunities for flood management and
provide greenspace for walking and cycling.
2
Creating new
greenspace in our
towns and cities can
help us to manage
increased ooding. It
will also create new
places to enjoy nature.
3
The RSPB breached
the existing sea
defences at Nigg Bay
on the Cromarty Firth
to allow the sea to
ood a eld, and they
built new defences
inland. The work
created new saltmarsh
and mudats for
waders and wildfowl.
14
Working with nature

Reducing carbon emissions so that we can limit the
effects of climate change also presents challenges and
opportunities for our nature and landscape. Scotlands
organic soils, notably peat, hold nearly a third as much
carbon as all the trees in Europe. So protecting this resource
from change is a priority if were to try to cut the amount of
carbon we release.
At Methven Moss in Perthshire, for instance, the owners
have put in dams, blocked ditches, and taken out conifer and
birch trees in order to raise water levels on the bog. Higher
water levels will help restore the bog, as well as the plants
and animals that depend on it. This will make it easier for
them to survive climate change and keep carbon locked up
in the peat.
We can also secure wider benefits by working with
nature to adapt to the pressures of climate change. At Nigg
Bay on the Cromarty Firth, the RSPB have opened up the
existing sea defences in places so that the sea can flood a
field. They have then built new defences inland. Six years
later, the area provides a home for waders and wildfowl, as
well as saltmarsh plants. This helps to compensate for the
loss of mudflat and saltmarsh, which will be lost elsewhere
as sea levels rise because of climate change.
Climate change needs urgent, joined-up action from
all parts of society, all across Scotland. We have to act
now to get a better understanding of the links between
climate change, people and nature. We can then guide
others to plan, manage in new ways and use our nature
and landscapes to help Scotlands people and its nature
prosper in a changing climate. Only action can produce
these precious benefits. If we dont act then it could be more
costly than we might ever imagine.
www.snh.org.uk
15
Country in the city
1
One of the farm's pigs
tries to leap the fence
as feeding time
approaches!
Head for the centre of Edinburgh and youll

find a working farm with sheep, pigs, hens,
goats and ducks as well as an owl and a
pussycat!
2
Stock manager Ian
Ferguson gets to grips
with some of the daily
chores.
For over 20 years, Gorgie City Farm has been a haven of

people-friendly greenspace at the heart of central Edinburgh.
The farm and gardens are hemmed in by tenements, a
railway line and a cemetery, but they offer visitors an unusual,
inner-city chance to get involved with farmyard animals and
discover more about gardening and wildlife.
The farm has become a much-loved place for people
to visit from Edinburgh and the Lothians, explained Tracy
Cudworth, community gardening project manager. About
50,000 folk pass through our doors every year, with some
just popping in to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet away from
the bustle of the city.
16
1
3
Education ofcer
Malcolm Bruce takes
the pygmy goats for a
walk with two
members of the Young
City Farmers Club.
Were proud that the farm is open to all, with something

for everyone, whatever their background or abilities. A lot of
folk are also surprised to find so many services and activities
in such a small place.
It all started in 1977 when a community group began
clearing the derelict site of what is now Edinburghs only city
farm. There were plans to develop the site for housing or
for a school, but local people insisted greenspace was the
priority and Gorgie City Farm opened to the public in 1982.
Ever since its been a working farm, selling lambs, pigs,
eggs, vegetables and manure to cover some of its 900 per
day running costs.
The farm occupies a 2.5-acre site with small fields and
stables, pigsties and poultry and sheep-houses. Theres
a range of farm animals and birds to see, as well as a host
of pets, and theres also a play park, caf, produce stall and
several gardens.
About half of the total area is given over to gardens
that are managed for wildlife, vegetables, herbs, education
or sensory purposes. There are other greenspaces
around the farm, as well as various planters and borders.
Fortunately, theres a great demand for outdoor volunteering
opportunities in the Edinburgh area, with people from a
range of backgrounds keen to learn about gardening and
wildlife.
www.snh.org.uk
17
The farm is here for the community, Tracy continued,

and it depends on support from many people and in many
ways. Were supported by Edinburgh City Council, as well
as trusts and foundations, and receive membership of the
Farm Association and donations from visitors. SNH currently
fund our Gardening for Life volunteer programme. And we
depend hugely on our volunteers, who work with animals, in
the gardens, in the office and on the Board.
For instance, we receive over a thousand hours help
from volunteers in the gardens. In return, they get training,
the chance to work outside and can take home vegetables
that theyve helped to grow.
At least half of all garden volunteers are drawn from
disadvantaged groups and its so popular that theres
currently a waiting list. The project also aims to encourage
healthy diets and lifestyles by selling fresh fruit and
vegetables from their own produce stall to the local
community and supplying nearby Saughton Prison family
centre.
In addition, the gardens have been developed with
wildlife in mind. Theres now a small woodland garden, a
pond and wetland area, a wildflower meadow and a rockery.
Having gardens and greenspaces, in an otherwise urban
setting, has brought huge benefits for the local wildlife
populations. The team have also extended outwith the farm,
by improving wildlife habitats at nearby cemeteries through
bird-feeding stations and installing bat, bird and bee boxes.
18
As well as the adult volunteers, there are teenagers who

help out with the animals, and in particular the pet lodge.
The residents here include rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils,
doves, a snake, stick insects and a tortoise!
The teenage volunteers help operate a mobile pets
service where staff take the animals out to local residential
homes, hospitals and schools. They also board pets while
their owners go on holiday and provide pet care information
for visitors.
The mobile pet service has been running for around
seven years and is very popular, added Tracy. Weve built
up a strong reputation with users who book us again and
again because handling and stroking pets can help relieve
stress and tension.
The combination of friendly, chatty pet lodge staff and
tame, cuddly pets provides an enjoyable and stimulating visit
for the people who use the service. Being around animals
can be relaxing, therapeutic and educational.
Younger children can help out in the school holidays,
when 8- to 12-year-olds can join in the farmer helpers
sessions, and theres a popular young city farmers club that
meets at the weekends.
Schools are also regular visitors to the farm, with
guided tours that allow touching and feeding of some
livestock. And theres an interactive workshop called City
Farm: Global Farm, which is designed to complement the
curriculum. Its suitable for 8- to 12-year-old pupils and aims
to develop their understanding of the challenges faced by
food producers and rural communities around the world.
Our ambition is to educate everyone who comes
through the gates, Tracy added, even if its just from
reading a sign or label. The farm is a locally important green
space and many of the community who work here are not
those youd normally expect to find getting involved with the
environment.
We hope that by providing a greater understanding of
farming and the environment well help improve the quality
of peoples lives and the health and environment of the local
community.
4
Community gardening
project manager Tracy
Cudworth with Red,
the farms horse.
5
Malcolm collects fresh
farm eggs with some
willing helpers from
the summer club for
8- to 12-year-olds.
6
Garden volunteer
George Aitken
harvesting fresh
produce from the
vegetable garden.
7
Farm visitors enjoying
a turn on the tractor.
www.snh.org.uk
19
A recent report from

SNH revealed that
Scotlands seabird
numbers fell by 19%
between 2000 and
2008. However, this year
brought signs of a recovery
in some places. Policy and
advice officer Simon Foster
considers the factors affectng
seabird breeding success
Hint of hope?
20
www.snh.org.uk
21
Theres been a lot of coverage recently about a decline in the

number of seabirds breeding around Scotlands coasts.
You may remember alarming figures from earlier this year about 55% fewer
kittiwakes breeding here than in the mid-1980s and a decline of 26% among
Arctic terns over the same period.
So whats the 2009 season looked like? Im glad to say that in the colonies
Ive visited on the North Sutor in the Cromarty Firth and on Canna its been
a reasonable year, and certainly a marked improvement on 2008. Theres been
no great increase in numbers, but the adults are producing healthy chicks and
bringing in good-sized fish, which is heartening to see.
In Shetland theres been a similar picture, although the recovery has been
patchy. So is this the turning of a corner, and can we look forward to some
improved years for seabirds?
Complex reasons
The simple answer is that its too early to draw any long-term conclusions. Most
people are putting the recovery down to an increase in available food, but the
reasons for the declines are complex and not just linked to food shortages.
Most seabirds rely on the seas for feeding, so changes in food supply
can be reflected in their populations. Species such as gannets and fulmars,
1
The kittiwake
population has
declined dramatically
in recent years,
perhaps because of a
shortage of sandeels.
2
Some Arctic tern
colonies have been
affected by the
non-native American
mink, which preys on
the chicks.
3
Fulmars lay a single
egg and feed on a
range of prey from
squid to catch thrown
overboard by shing
boats.
4
Shags breed on a
range of sites on cliffs
and amongst boulders.
They feed on a variety
of small to mediumsized sh.
22
which feed on a wider range of prey

including medium-sized fish and
catch rejected by fishing boats have
shown increases. But kittiwakes and
puffins, which rely on smaller fish,
have struggled to find food for a few
seasons.
When traditional food sources are
in short supply, seabirds may adapt and
change their diet. In 2003, however,
many seabirds were seen to feed on
snake pipefish. These were a poor food
choice as theyre very bony and provide
little nutrition for chicks, and many
chicks starved as a result. Despite
these difficulties, its clear that seabirds
are hardy and can adapt in time to
different circumstances. Theyre longlived birds, with some recorded at over
40 years old. Over this time, they must
see lean years and good years.
However, autumn storms can wreak
havoc on seabirds as they struggle to
find food in choppy and murky waters.
Studies on the Isle of May have shown
that prolonged easterly winds during
the winter result in lower numbers of
shags attempting to breed. And during
the breeding season, lengthy periods
of strong winds have a similar effect in
reducing the adults ability to find food.
The simple answer is

that its too early
to draw any long-term
conclusions.
www.snh.org.uk
23
5
Pufn chicks typically
stay in their nesting
burrows for 3844
days and are
independent from their
parents when they
leave.
6
Gannet gathering
nesting material. The
largest gannet colony
in Scotland is on St
Kilda. It holds about
20% of the world
population.
Introduced species such as rats and

mink also impact heavily on seabirds.
This has prompted a flurry of projects
to remove rats and mink from islands.
For instance, the small island of Canna
was recently declared rat free after
an effective project to get rid of them.
Handa Island and Ailsa Craig have also
had successful rat eradication projects.
On islands where rats or mink remain,
though, the effects on seabirds and
other wildlife can be significant.
Almost all of our seabirds move
away from their breeding colonies in
the winter months. Manx shearwaters
and Arctic terns complete astonishing
migrations to the southern hemisphere
and back each year, while others,
such as guillemots and razorbills, fly
shorter distances. Some go to the
south coast of Britain or to France and
Spain, while others may stay nearer to
breeding sites. Some razorbills go even
farther south to Morocco and into the
Mediterranean, while many guillemots
move north into Scandinavian waters.
This means that events like an oil spill
off the south coast of Britain can impact
colonies throughout the UK and even
farther afield.
24
Knowledge gap
The fact is that we still know very little
about where some seabirds go. This
is a real hindrance as we can direct
our efforts effectively only if we know
where seabirds travel. The use of
ringing where we attach a uniquely
numbered metal ring to a bird helps
improve our understanding of where
birds journey in the winter months. And
new technologies, such as satellite
transmitters, are starting to give us
a picture of the wanderings of some
species.
Seabirds are monitored at a number
of Scottish colonies each year, with
over 30 years of recording at some
locations. Ive been fortunate to be
involved as a volunteer monitoring
seabirds on Canna and the North
Sutor for over 15 years. Ive seen the
years when large numbers of chicks
fledged, and Ive also seen the effects
of rats on colonies and when adults
were struggling to feed their chicks.
Its only through this kind of long-term
monitoring that we can find out how
our seabirds are faring and direct
conservation towards the areas where
its needed most.
www.snh.org.uk
25
NEWS
2m machair boost
Traditional crofting methods will be encouraged in a new project aimed at
protecting the unique Hebridean machair, which is home to a wealth of rare
wildlife.
A 2 million funding package has been put together with contributions
from Europe and public bodies. Its hoped that the project will get under way in
January.
The Hebridean machair is a strip of coastal land stretching from North Uist to
Islay, with small pockets extending up to the north of Lewis. Traditional crofting
methods including mixed grazing and the late harvesting of crops produce a
colourful landscape rich in wild flowers, herbs and grasses.
This in turn makes perfect conditions for threatened birds like corncrake,
chough and corn bunting. The machair is also home to 16,000 breeding pairs
of wading birds such as lapwings and ringed plovers, and insects such as the
declining great yellow bumblebee.
Scotlands machair is globally important for this wildlife, which has
disappeared from many other parts of Europe. Without the right support, however,
the active crofting systems that maintain it are at risk.
The importance of the machair areas is shown by the fact that its protected
through various designations under European wildlife law, which have allowed
access to the European funding scheme. RSPB Scotland led the bid, in
consultation with farmers and crofters on the islands and in partnership with
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, SNH and other agencies.
The project will work with crofters and farmers to support wildlife-friendly
techniques. In particular, the funds will be used to provide machinery, labour and
advice to crofters, to address issues such as grazing by geese and changing
ploughing methods. It will also promote helpful techniques such as harvesting
crops later, building stooks (piling up hay and straw in conical stacks) and using
seaweed as fertiliser.
This is very welcome news, commented Stewart Angus, SNHs adviser on
coastal habitats. Machair crofters have a history of working their land in a way
that benefits wildlife. The sort of support that comes with this package will help
ensure this form of sympathetic land use has a future.
26
A seasonal service for walkers is

operating again, providing up-to-date
and accurate information on deerstalking activity in mountain areas
across Scotland.
The Hillphones 2009 initiative
covers 12 popular mountain areas in
Scotland where deer stalking takes
place.
Backed by a poster and leaflet
campaign and the www.hillphones.
info website, the dedicated telephone
service provides local information
through regularly updated phone
messages.
These guide walkers to appropriate
routes in the area by advising on where
and when stalking will be taking place
during the red deer stag stalking
season from 1 July to 20 October.
Both walking and stalking provide
an important source of income for the
local economy and the two can happily
co-exist if walkers plan their routes to
minimise disturbance to stalkers.
The Hillphones service was set up
in 1996. Its operated by estates taking
part in the scheme and is promoted
and co-ordinated by SNH and the
Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Hillphones posters and leaflets with
contact numbers have been widely
distributed in the Hillphones areas. The
website gives additional information,
including the expected frequency of
stalking within the Hillphones areas.
Callers should ensure that they have a
map of the area in front of them before
they call the local Hillphones number.
www.snh.org.uk
Ageing stags go
downhill quickly
A study of wild red deer on the island of Rum has found the
ageing process amongst stags can be dramatic and sudden.
The research looked at the ability of the male and female
deer to reproduce as they aged. It found that females show
the first signs of ageing, but the decline of the stags is much
faster when old age does catch up with them.
After around 10 years of age, stags quickly become less
likely to father calves. Hinds show signs of ageing sooner
from about nine years old but they can go on calving into
their late teens.
Researchers from the universities of Edinburgh and
Cambridge looked at over 40 years of data about more than
1,000 deer on the island. They also found that older stags
appear able to keep their antlers well into old age. However,
despite this they have little success during the autumn rut
and father very few calves.
Similarly, females that are past their prime are likely to
continue breeding, but their offspring tend to be smaller and
less likely to survive compared with calves born to younger
females.
Rum is a National Nature Reserve owned and managed
by SNH. Intensive research on the islands red deer has
produced one of the longest-running studies of a large
mammal anywhere in the world. It has had widespread
commercial use in deer management throughout Scotland.
NEWS
Stalking update
for walkers
27
NEWS
Birds of prey still targeted
New figures on crimes against birds of prey last year show that there were 28
confirmed cases of illegal pesticides being used to kill or threaten birds of prey.
Four further cases involved people having pesticides suspected to be for an
illegal purpose.
The details come from an RSPB Scotland report, which reveals that victims of
the criminal activity included a white-tailed sea eagle, two red kites, 14 buzzards
and three ravens. Forty-two illegally set poisoned baits were also found in
Scotlands countryside, with the potential to kill many other birds of prey as well
as domestic animals, and pose a lethal risk to humans.
A further five buzzards and a red kite were found shot, and peregrines and
hen harriers disappeared in circumstances that strongly suggested human
interference.
Many of these incidents took place in remote areas, where its easy to conceal
the evidence. The RSPB say its likely, therefore, that these confirmed cases will
represent only a tiny fraction of the crimes committed against some of our most
highly protected and admired birds of prey.
Its shameful that some of our most iconic species continue to face illegal
persecution, commented Richard Lochhead, the Governments cabinet secretary
for rural affairs and the environment.
The Scottish Government takes wildlife crime extremely seriously and we
fully recognise just how much effort this specialist field requires. We will continue
working closely with organisations involved in the Partnership for Action Against
Wildlife Crime in Scotland (PAW Scotland) to tackle this threat. The illegal
persecution of Scotlands bird life is unacceptable, tarnishes our reputation and
must be stopped.
28
A new Gaelic educational resource based on some fascinating species of

Scotland will be launched in October by SNH.
Schools throughout Scotland will receive the series of six new Gaelic Mu
Dheadhinn worksheets featuring full-colour posters. The packs give teachers
and students a ready-made set of educational projects and activities combining
natural history and the Gaelic language.
Mu Dheadhinn is for Gaelic speakers and non-speakers alike. The posters and
worksheets tell the story of each species through images, fact boxes, poems, art
activities and drama.
The series aims to inspire childrens imaginations and encourage them to
explore the natural world. The resources will help them understand the life cycles
of various species including water voles, red squirrels and great crested newts.
The worksheets will also highlight how much the traditional Gaelic names and
terms add to our understanding through their colourful descriptions of particular
species.
NEWS
Gaelic focus on natural world
Great yellow heads south

The great yellow bumblebee, one of Britains rarest bees, has bucked recent
gloomy trends and had a bumper summer in Scotland this year.
The great yellow was once widespread, but intensive farming sent it into
decline and the far north and west of Scotland became its last refuge.
However, after a couple of poor years, there have been very good numbers
recorded this summer in Orkney and in the north Highlands, the last UK mainland
population. In fact, it was found at its most southerly site in 30 years by Bob
Dawson of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. He discovered the species
nesting near Lybster, on the east Caithness coast.
This is a modest but significant expansion of the known range southwards,
Bob explained. We suspect the great yellow bumblebee may have been present
in this area before, but with more awareness now of the species, were turning up
interesting and important records like this.
Theres even the tantalising possibility that the great yellow could re-colonise
the Moray and Aberdeenshire coasts, he added.
www.snh.org.uk
29
1
Tha cuid de na
boglaichean as fherr
san t-saoghal ann an
Gallaibh is Cataibh,
leithid an seo faisg air
an Fhorsan rd.
Coltach ri sgrean eile,
s e fith, seach
boglach, as motha a
chithear mar ainm orra,
ged a bhios fith
cuideachd ag
ainmeachadh caochan
a tha a sruthadh tro
bhoglach. S iad Fith
Chaorainn Mhr, Fith
Gainneimh Mhr agus
An Fhith Chaol
eisimpleirean de
bhoglaichean Gallach.
Some of the nest

blanket bog in the
world is to be found in
Caithness and
Sutherland, such as
here near Forsinard. In
common with other
areas, the word fith,
rather than boglach,
appears commonly on
our maps, meaning a
bog-channel or
-stream, and often
referring to the
bogland itself.
Caithnessian
examples include Fith
Chaorainn Mhr (big
bog/bog-stream of the
rowan tree), Fith
Gainneimh Mhr (big
sandy bog/bogstream) and An Fhith
Chaol (narrow bog/
bog-stream).
30
Dualchas coitcheann
Common heritage
The Gaelic language has various
words for soft wet country, writes
Ruairidh MacIlleathain. But the one
that provided the English language
with bog is, perhaps surprisingly,
not the most common on our maps
Tr bhog
Cha bu chir dha a bhith na iongnadh, leis cho mr is cho
farsaing s a tha boglaichean na h-Alba is na h-ireann, gun
do dhirich am facal Beurla bog bho ths Gidhlig. Ged
a tha bog agus boglach againn ann an Gidhlig, ge-t, tha
e inntinneach cho ainneamh s a chithear na faclan sin air
mapaichean na h-Alba. Tha eisimpleirean ann an Allt Bog na
Fiodhaig ann am Moireibh agus Boglach nan Tarbh ann an
le, ach chan eil iad pailt.
Tha na ficheadan, mura h-eil na ceudan, eisimpleirean
de dhfhacal Gidhlig eile a tha a riochdachadh talamh
bog, ge-t, S e sin fith. Tha fith a ciallachadh sinew,
vein, muscle agus chaidh a ghluasad bhon bhodhaig (mar
a thachair le mran fhaclan Gidhlig) a-null do dhaghaidh
na tre, a riochdachadh amaran uisge a ruitheas tro thalamh
bog mar a bhios fithean a ruith tro bhodhaig. Tha a chiall
mhionaideach sin air an fhacal fhathast.
Ach tha fith air a dhol na b fharsainge na sin, agus e a
riochdachadh na boglaich fhin (mar anns an t-seanfhacal
Am fear a tha air thoiseach, thid a stobadh anns an fhith).
Tha iomadach eisimpleir dheth ann an ainmean-ite air feadh
na Gidhealtachd, leithid Bealach Fith na Gamhna faisg
air Gleann Afraig, Allt Fith nam Ferna ann an Athall, An
Fhith Bhn ann am Muile agus Fith Trr a Bhruic ann an
Gallaibh.
Tha grunn fhaclan eile a nochdadh air ar mapaichean, a
riochdachadh bhoglaichean. Chithear currach an siud s an
seo, leithid Curragh (dreach Beurla) ann an Siorrachd ir a
Deas agus An Currach Mr ann an Cinn Tre. Tha d bheinn
Rothaich air taobh an iar na Gidhealtachd a gilain facal
eile nan ainmean a tha a ciallachadh talamh bog lapach.
S iad sin Sgrr na Lapaich ann an Gleann Afraig agus beinn
eile dhen aon ainm tuath air sin.
Tha ln a gabhail a-steach iteachan cmhnard
fliuch cuideachd agus tha iomadh Ln Bn againn. Tha
eisimpleirean eile ann an Ln na Graidhe ann an ceann a
tuath Na Hearadh, An Dubh-ln ann am meadhan Chataibh,
agus An Ln Biolaireach ann am Muile. Tha cthar a
www.snh.org.uk
nochdadh an siud s an seo; s iad Cthar an Leargain

Bhric ann an Dira agus An Cthar Mr ann an Glen Truim
(Bideanach) eisimpleirean dheth.
Agus tha na faclan a leanas a seasamh airson diofar
shersaichean de thalamh bog cuideachd criathrach
(me An Criathrach Mr limh ris a Phloc), lap (Beinn
na Lap, Loch Oisein), rumach (An Rumach, le), silchruthaich (Cnoc na Sil Chruthaiche, deas air Ceann Loch
Biorbhaidh), riasg (An Riasg Buidhe, Colbhasa) agus lana
(Lana na Feannaige, le).
Agus ann an Cnoc Poll nam Muc ann an Asainte agus
Am Poll Luachrain ann am Morbhairne, chithear facal eile a
nochdas gu tric air ar mapaichean a riochdachadh talamh
bog, am measg rudan eile. Uaireannan bidh daoine a
danamh feum eacanomaigeach de pholl ach feumaidh
sinn am poll mnach (agus am facal mine fhin) fhgail gu
latha eile!
Bog country
Given the importance and prominence of boglands in
Scotland and Ireland, its hardly surprising that the English
word bog originates in Gaelic. But, despite that, the
Gaelic words bog (also an adjective meaning soft) and
boglach are not particularly common on our maps. Fith,
originally meaning a sinew or vein in the body and thus
transferred to the landscape as a bog-channel is much
more common. Its application has also widened to take in an
entire bogland.
Currach appears here and there, as do cthar, criathrach,
lap, lapach, lana, ln, riasg, rumach and sil-chruthaich
all representing wet, marshy or swampy ground. Poll, a word
of several meanings in the landscape, can represent wet
peatland and can also stand for a place where peat was, or
is, harvested. But a consideration of poll mnach (peat bank)
and the word mine itself, which can stand for a bog or
mossy place, will have to wait for another day.
31
A campaign to get
more people out
of their homes and
into nature has
been launched on
advertising boards
across the country
On the campaign trail

Get out and enjoy nature at its best is the message behind a new
campaign that focuses on Scotlands suite of 54 National Nature
Reserves (NNRs). The reserves rank among the top wildlife sites in
Europe and are located throughout Scotland.
One of the campaign aims is to foster greater pride in the reserves, which read
like a roll call of some of our best known natural assets. They include the ancient
pinewoods and mountain scenery of Glen Affric in the Highlands, the spectacular
cliffs of St Abbs Head on the Berwickshire coast and the wooded shores and
islands of Loch Lomond.
NNRs are special places that look after the best of Scotlands nature on
behalf of everyone who lives in or visits Scotland, explained David Rodger, from
SNHs communications unit.
And we want to encourage many more people from Scotland and beyond to
explore these world-class nature sites and enjoy their natural wonders. So over
the next year well be focusing our communication efforts on this new campaign,
which aims to turn up the volume about NNRs. We want to get the Scottish
public talking about and visiting these inspirational places.
One of the first results of the new communications approach is a national
advertising campaign. Earlier this year, SNH commissioned a creative agency to
develop advertisements to raise public awareness of NNRs, what they are and
why they exist. The aim is to make people more aware of NNRs as some of the
best places to enjoy nature in Scotland.
The advertising campaign features beautiful landscape images, by
photographer Chris Close, of three iconic reserves: Beinn Eighe in Ross-shire,
Forvie in Aberdeenshire and Loch Leven by Kinross. The campaign appeared on
selected outdoor poster sites across rural and urban areas of Scotland for two
weeks in July to take advantage of the school holiday period.
Each poster image was tagged with the line Weve kept a place for you and a
Reserved sign in the foreground of the landscape. These send the message that
NNRs are very special and unique places, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed
by everyone.
From public surveys carried out between June and July, we know that
awareness and understanding of NNRs has increased noticeably because of this
outdoor advertising, David added.
The next stages of the campaign will see us launch a new pocket visitor guide
booklet and a new-look NNR website, along with some promotion through online
social media sites like Facebook or Flickr.
You can find out more about Scotlands NNRs at www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
32
1
Forvie NNR in
Aberdeenshire.
2
Beinn Eighe NNR in
Wester Ross.
www.snh.org.uk
33
Events diary 2009

October
Sunday 4 Fungi Foray

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Walk around the loch in search of fungi from

2pm to 5pm. Meet at Findatie car park. Booking
essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Look for rutting stags on Beinn Eighe from

9.30am to 4pm and learn about the life of the red
deer. Meet at the reserve visitor centre. Booking
essential.
Tel: 01445 760 254
This workshop will look at a range of inventive

and innovative approaches that can be used to
provoke and capture the attention of different
audiences.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Gorse Bash
Taynish NNR
Argyll
Help manage the open spaces at Taynish for

butterflies by controlling the spread of gorse from
10am to 3pm. Meet at Tayvallich Village Hall car
park.
Tel: 01546 603 611
Sunday 11
Dawn Goose Watch

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Watch the spectacular sight of geese leaving

their night-time roosts from 6.30am to 8.30am.
Meet at the Watchtower, Kirkgate Park. Booking
essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Sunday 11
Rutting Reds
Corrie Fee NNR
Angus
Walk in Glen Doll and maybe into Corrie Fee

NNR to watch and listen to the roaring of the
red deer stags. Meet at Glen Doll ranger base.
Booking essential.
Tel: 01575 550 233
How can we support the needs of new teachers

today? Join with other initial teacher education
professionals for an inspirational day sharing
good examples of outdoor learning.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Guided Walk
Braehead Moss NNR
Lanarkshire
Walk will last about three hours. Start time to be

confirmed, but probably 1pm. Booking advised.
Tel: 01555 665 928
Dawn Goose Watch

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Watch the spectacular sight of geese leaving

their night-time roosts from 6.30am to 8.30am.
Meet at the Watchtower, Kirkgate Park. Booking
essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Climate change poses the greatest global

challenge of the modern age. How will nature
conservation respond and adapt?
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Walk will be about four miles, with 10.30am start.

Booking essential.
Tel: 01555 665 928
Wednesday 7
Roaring and Rutting!

Beinn Eighe NNR
Wester Ross
Wednesday 7 Sharing Good

Practice (SGP):
Writing positively
about access
Battleby, Perth
Saturday 10
Wednesday 14 SGP: Outdoor

learning for teacher
educators
Battleby, Perth
Wednesday 14
Saturday 17
Wednesday 21 SGP: Finding our

place reconnecting
with nature in a time
of uncertainty
Battleby, Perth
Saturday 24 Autumn Colours Walk
Clyde Valley
Woodlands NNR
(Cartland Craigs and
Cleghorn Glen)
Lanarkshire
34
Tuesday 27 SGP: Marine nonnative species

responding to the
threat
Battleby, Perth
November
Non-native species pose an increasing threat to

our seas, coasts and estuaries, and to economic
activities in these areas. Learn about and consider
possible responses to this threat.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Fungi Foray
Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Walk around the loch in search of fungi from 2pm

to 5pm. Meet at Burleigh Sands car park.
Booking essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Thursday 5
SGP: Marine
renewables and our
natural heritage
Stirling Management
Centre
This workshop will consider how best to locate

and enable renewables development at sea, while
safeguarding those species and habitats most
susceptible to harm.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Tuesday 10
Volunteers' Meeting
Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Guest speaker at Millbridge Hall Kinross, from

7.30pm to 9pm will be Roy Dennis from the
Highland Foundation for Wildlife. Booking
essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Tuesday 10
SGP: Outdoor
learning at the
chalkface
Battleby, Perth
Become an even more inspirational teacher by

learning how to provide exciting, challenging and
varied experiences within and beyond the school
grounds!
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Meet the Wardens

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Drop in to the Boathouse Hide from 12 noon to

3pm and chat with the SNH wardens about Loch
Leven wildlife.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Red Alert
Corrie Fee NNR
Angus
Watch red squirrels at the feeders in Glen Doll

forest (next to Corrie Fee NNR) and discover the
methods used to estimate their numbers. Meet at
Glen Doll ranger base. Booking essential.
Tel: 01575 550 233
SGP: Visitormonitoring toolkits

and their use
Battleby, Perth
This event will introduce and explore two toolkits

that have been developed to help organisations
and community groups to monitor visitors to their
sites.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Winter Bird Walk

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
From 10am to 12 noon see which birds are on

display during the colder months of the year. Meet
at Findatie car park. Booking essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Sunday 1
Wednesday 11
Sunday 15
Wednesday 25
December
www.snh.org.uk
Saturday 12
35
Heart of oak
1
Oakwood hugs the
hillside above the
Linne Mhuirich
coastline.
The Taynish peninsula forms part of the many fingered

coastline of Argyll and features one of the finest ancient
oakwoods in Europe. The moist, clean air here means that
lichens smother the trunks of trees, while mosses seem to
pour down from the branches. Theres been woodland here
for over 6,000 years and the reserve provides a powerful
reminder of times gone by
36
Brr Mr Trail
To reach Taynish National Nature Reserve, take
the B8025 Bellanoch to Tayvallich road from the
Crinan Canal. You can walk to the reserve from the
car park just south of Tayvallich village or turn left
onto a minor road signed for Taynish. Follow this
partly unmetalled road (with care its rough
in the later stages) for a mile down to the
small car park in the reserve.
This 3 km/2 mile trail takes you up
the Brr Mr (Gaelic for big top),
from where youll have superb
views over the surrounding
woodlands, coastline and islands.
Youll need to be reasonably fit to
reach the viewpoint at the top.
The steep path climbs through
superb woodland, with many
steps, before emerging onto
the hill top. It then continues
down the far side of the hill
to eventually rejoin the
access road. Use the
numbered map and
directions in the text
to guide you round.
Brr
Mr
Brr Mr Trail
www.snh.org.uk
37
1
Begin the walk by turning right when
leaving the car park and follow the
reserve access track. The first stopping
point is outside a whitewashed
cottage, the Gate House. This was
built as a lodge for Taynish House, the
landowners house at the end of the
peninsula. Over to the left you can also
see a bog. This is an important part of
the reserve, as its home to rare plants,
butterflies and dragonflies.
The Brr Mr trail leads off to the
right, 300 m south of the Gate House.
2
Stop at marker numbered B1. This peat
bank was used by Taynish House for
fuel until coal started to come in via the
Crinan Canal. The woodland was so
valuable that local people faced fines if
they removed the timber.
Oak trees have flourished at
Taynish for more than 6,000 years.
The woodlands were once a source of
timber and charcoal but now form one
of Britains largest remaining native
oakwoods.
38
3
Stop at marker B2. The estate felled
oak here during the 18th and 19th
centuries. Stems re-grew and were
cut every 20 years. The many stems of
similar age remind us of this coppice
management.
Oak bark is rich in tannin, which
was used to make leather from animal
hides. During the 18th century, wars
and a growing population increased the
demand for leather, and oak trees were
felled for their bark.
In the 19th century the estate
burned timber on round platforms
like the two near here. This produced
charcoal, which created the necessary
heat for iron smelting at Bonawe near
Oban.
www.snh.org.uk
4
Stop at marker B3. Around 2,000
years ago, the first settlers kept animals
and sowed crops at Taynish. They
cleared trees from the south end of the
peninsula and Brr Mrs summit. They
used the trees for shelter, furnishings,
firewood and fencing around their
homes.
There was probably a fort or dn
on the Brr Mr and you can see why.
On a clear day, you can see to Northern
Ireland in the south, the Paps of Jura to
the southwest, Ben More on Mull to the
northwest, Ben Cruachan to the north,
Ben Lui to the northeast and Cruach
Lusach (the highest point in Knapdale)
to the east.
2
Coppiced oak
smothered in mosses
and lichens.
3
There are wonderful
views from the Brr
Mr summit south to
the end of the Taynish
peninsula and the Ulva
islands.
39
5
Stop at the bench at the north end of
the Brr Mr ridge. Here you can make
out the typical Knapdale landscape,
made up of knaps (small hills) and
dales (glens). Autumn brings a riot
of colour to the native woodland, with
the ochres, russets, reds and browns
of oak, birch, willow, hazel and alder.
The rich woodland of this area is one
of the reasons that it was chosen to
host the reintroduction of beavers to
Scotland. The return of the beavers
comes after a 450-year absence of the
species after being hunted to extinction
in this country. Why not stop off at
Barnluasgan on your way back towards
the Crinan Canal and see if you can
spot the new residents.
6
Stop by the side of Lochan Taynish and
scan along the waters edge. This is the
only large area of fresh water on the
Taynish peninsula and it boasts some
superb plant life. The swampy ground
around the margins comes alive with
dragonflies in summer you can see
up to 13 different kinds here. Whooper
swans occasionally visit the lochan in
winter and you may even glimpse an
otter if youre lucky.
4
Autumn tints on the
trees by Lochan
Taynish.
5
You might be lucky
enough to spot one of
the resident otters
around the reserve.
40
Essential information
Taynish NNR lies 11 km/7 miles southwest of the Crinan
Canal and 21 km/13 miles from Lochgilphead in Argyll.
Theres a bus service from Lochgilphead to Tayvallich.
OS maps
Landranger 55 (Lochgilphead & Loch Awe), Explorer 358
(Lochgilphead & Knapdale North).
Further information
There are a number of trails that you can follow at Taynish
NNR. To receive a copy of the leaflet that describes them
or if youd like further information about the reserve, please
contact: SNH, 1 Kilmory Industrial Estate, Kilmory,
Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8RR. Tel. 01546 603 611.
Nearby natural attractions

Trail length
3 km/2 miles from the reserve car park; 5 km/3 miles from
the car park in Tayvallich.
Terrain
The start and end of the walk are on the level, wide, partly
metalled access road through the reserve. Other routes can
often be muddy and slippery, so please wear suitable
footwear. The Brr Mr path is steep. Expect a climb from
about 20 m/65 ft to 126 m/413 ft at the summit viewpoint,
with several flights of steps on either side.
Please note that Taynish House, Duntaynish and their
grounds are privately owned and not open to visitors.
Dogs
If you have a dog with you, please make sure its kept on a
short lead or under close control. Please also make sure you
pick up after your dog and dispose of waste carefully.
Why not combine your trip to Taynish with a visit to another

site nearby? You could try:
Barnluasgan Caledonian Forest Reserve and visitor centre,
where theres an all-ability access wildlife trail beside the
loch at Barnluasgan. See www.forestry.gov.uk/website/
WildWoods.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/Scotland
ArgyllandButeNoForestKnapdaleForestBarnluasgan
VisitorCentre
Crinan Wood rises 100 m/328 ft above the pretty village
of Crinan and the famous Crinan canal. From here, you
can enjoy spectacular views west to the Isle of Jura and
north to Mull. See www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/ourwoods/Pages/wood-details.aspx?wood=4904
Follow a bogland trail suitable for less able visitors at
Moine Mhr National Nature Reserve or view the site from
above at the ancient hill fort of Dunadd. See www.nnrscotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=40
Taynish is one of 58 National Nature Reserves in Scotland.

Find out more at www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
www.snh.org.uk
41
SNH Area News

Northern Isles
Correspondents: Jonathan Swale, Tim Dean, Glen Tyler
Walking on bottles
At the cutting edge
Camera-friendly gannet
A new path in the far north of Shetland

has been attracting favourable
comments from visitors and it isnt
even finished yet!
Each year, more than 5,000 people
visit Hermaness NNR to see its
seabird colonies. But thousands of feet
tramping across the reserves peatland
interior have worn bare paths through
the fragile bog plant life.
Building wooden boardwalks
over the worst areas seemed to be
the answer, but it quickly became
an endless task. Then the rot set in
literally. With the old boardwalks
rotting and needing to be replaced,
we realised a different approach was
needed. The answer? Plastic drinks
bottles.
A recycling company in Germany
converts the bottles into plastic
planks that have several advantages
over timber. The planks have a ridged
surface, which provides excellent grip.
The material wont rot, so the new path
can lie directly on the ground, making it
much less intrusive than raised wooden
boardwalks. And theyre supposed to
last 40 years, after which they can be
fully recycled again.
Construction work was on hold to
avoid disturbing the great skuas that
nest alongside the path, but will be
completed in the autumn once the birds
have gone.
Ten years ago, scarcely a week went by

without a letter in the local paper about
Orkneys roadside verges.
Some authors would berate the
council for not cutting the verges
enough. Others took the opposite line
and described their helpless anger as
the verge cutter rumbled towards a
group of orchids.
In the years that followed, Orkney
Islands Council designated 36 of
Orkneys finest roadside verges as
conservation verges. These were
based on SNH-led survey work and
had the support of local parish councils.
This group of elite verges and their
flowers would no longer feel the cold
steel of the cutting blade these
verges were no-cut zones.
It took only a couple of years to
see the changes. Orkneys elite nocut verges began to look troubled.
Once famed for their floral fineness,
the conservation verges were starting
to show signs of going downhill. More
galling was that some of the frequently
cut verges were looking better than the
conservation ones.
The conservation verges obviously
needed to be managed, but how? An
SNH research project came up with the
key to success: Get cutting... but make
sure its at the right time! For most
verges the best time is after the flowers
have set seed.
A film crew for the BBC programme

Simon Kings Shetland Diaries placed
two miniature cameras on a gannet nest
on the island of Noss in March. Our
picture shows the BBC climbers about
to descend and set the cameras in
place on the cliffs of Noss NNR.
The cameras were small and
insignificant, so it wasnt much of a
surprise that the gannets didnt object
to them when they returned to nest later
in the spring. In fact, one took a bit of a
liking to its camera and pulled it off the
cliff to use in its nest building!
Despite this, the crew have taken
many hours of stunning images of the
gannets raising their chicks. Youll be
able to see the results of their hard
work next year when the Shetland
diaries are broadcast.
42
SNH Area News

Forth and Borders
Correspondents: John O'Keefe, Karen Morrison, Caroline Crawford
Wildcat at Mela
Royals visit May virtually
Branching out
People attending this years

Edinburgh Mela Festival were
dazzled by unique sculptures inspired
by nature and created by north
Edinburgh children.
The Scottish wildcat sculpture
pictured above was just one of the
artworks on show. The children
attended a summer school put
on by the North Edinburgh Arts
Centre, in association with the Mela
and supported by SNH and Forth
Neighbourhood Partnership.
The project was led by Sushil
Mangaonkar, an artist and teacher,
who has had his work displayed in
Edinburgh, London, Mumbai and
Delhi. Art and nature have a long
association, he explained. One of
the things we did was to take the
children out along the River Almond
to get them thinking and experiencing
nature. The results show what a
powerful inspiration nature can be.
Mela means gathering in Sanskrit,
so it's a bit like a massive ceilidh; but
as well as music and dance theres a
focus on foods and family activities.
SNH worked with the Forestry
Commission in the Family and
Childrens area, which was turned
into a journey through a fantasy
woodland. The children became
nature detectives, using a quiz to
think about where they could go to
find beasties.
Work is now complete on an SNHfunded upgrade to the digital cameras

on the beach and cliff top of the Isle
of May NNR in the Firth of Forth. The
cameras beam back live pictures to
the Scottish Seabird Centre in North
Berwick, where you can view the
seabird cities on the islands rocky
cliffs. Worldwide viewers can also see
the images by visiting www.seabird.
org/webcams.asp
The Seabird Centre was one of the
first visitor attractions to use handcontrolled, remotely positioned cameras
to give people an experience of
seabirds, sea mammals and the coast.
A recent revamp of the interpretation
at the centre also grant aided by
SNH got the royal seal of approval
when the Queen visited in July. Both
the Queen and Prince Philip showed
a strong interest in the Isle of May and
its wildlife, with SNH Director Colin
Galbraith on hand to answer questions.
If youve not been before, then the
Seabird Centre is well worth a visit. The
Isle of May zone includes information
about the long history of the island,
from Viking invasions to Scotlands first
lighthouse. Visitors also get to see live
pictures from the island, which is home
to the UKs largest breeding colony of
both puffins and grey seals.
An inspirational three-year project

in West Lothian has been delivering
exciting opportunities to reconnect
people with nature.
Woodland Trust Scotland own and
manage 230 hectares of woodland in
West Lothian. They also run the awardwinning Branching Out West Lothian
project, which is funded by Heritage
Lottery Fund, SNH, the Scottish
Government, Forward Scotland and
West Lothian Council. The project
aims to improve woods for wildlife,
encourage people to get out and enjoy
nature and help schools to use the
woodlands as classrooms.
Local primary schoolchildren
recently had a chance to learn about
woodland management when they
watched trees being felled and then
sawn ready for use. Afterwards, they
used the sawn timber to create a
wooden bench for their school.
A touch of Hollywood also came to
Livingston when students from five local
secondary schools had the chance
to make short films about their local
woods. The children wrote, directed,
produced and starred in the films,
which were launched at a premiere at
The Vue cinema in Livingston.
www.snh.org.uk
43
SNH Area News

North Highland
Correspondents: Tamara Lawton, Ian Mitchell
Sail with a tale
Ofce link-up
Better than Landmark!
Ferry passengers across The Minch got

a chance to discover more about our
fantastic marine wildlife thanks to a joint
venture in July between SNH and ferry
operators Caledonian MacBrayne.
Wildlife guides from various
conservation bodies (pictured above)
teamed up to offer passengers expert
interpretation of the marine wildlife
on the four scheduled ferry sailings
between Ullapool and Stornoway
on 29 July. The project showed how
commercial ferries can offer great
opportunities as wildlife viewing
platforms.
SNH also operated an information
desk on board the ferry throughout the
day and handed out 200 childrens
marine educational fun packs. In
addition, we launched our new English
and Gaelic booklet Marine Life from
Boat and Coast halfway across the
route.
Meanwhile, storyteller and musician
Bob Pegg was on board to tell stories
about Highland sea legends for those
passengers not wanting to spend the
entire crossing on deck.
Following the success of the event
and the feedback received, we hope
to develop the pilot project on other
Scottish ferry routes. You can find the
new booklet on watching marine wildlife
at www.snh.org.uk/pubs
A new, environmentally friendly office

for public bodies in Golspie was
formally opened (pictured above) in
August by Roseanna Cunningham
MSP, the Scottish Governments
minister for the environment.
Called The Links, the office in
Golspies Business Park is home
to five public bodies SNH, the
Scottish Government Rural Payments
and Inspections Directorate, Forestry
Commission Scotland, Highlands and
Islands Enterprise and Community
Energy Scotland.
The Links delivers a more efficient
and effective service by providing the
public with easy access for information
and advice to the various public bodies.
The organisations were previously
located in Golspie, Embo and Lairg.
The office has a number of
environmentally friendly features. Its
heated by a wood-chip boiler, has
an internet-based telephone system,
and includes a lighting and ventilation
system thats constantly adapting to
suit the outdoor and indoor conditions.
In addition, three meeting rooms fitted
with video conferencing facilities allow
all the agencies to reduce travel and
their carbon footprint.
You can come and see the office for
yourself at a special open day at The
Links on 3 October, when everyone is
welcome to come along.
Loch Fleet NNR lies just south of

Golspie in Sutherland and its a grand
place to visit at any time of year. This
summer it hosted two special events: a
day out for schools and a family fun day.
The local countryside ranger, Scottish
Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission
Scotland and SNH all helped to
organise the events, which attracted
over 200 people.
On the schools day the kids played
games that made them think about all
the creatures that live in Loch Fleet.
The pupils then went off to explore
neighbouring Balblair Wood (shown
above), where they hunted for minibeasts and solved some wildlife
puzzles along the way. Some of the
pupils also got dressed up as giant
creepy crawlies, prompting one pupil to
remark, This is better than Landmark!
a reference to a well-known Highland
visitor attraction!
The family fun day was held as part
of Golspies Gala Week in August. It
included guided walks, wildlife and
bushcraft activities for all ages, and a
woodland story walk with entertaining
musician and teller of tales Bob Pegg.
The fun finished up with a barbecue laid
on by Forestry Commission Scotland.
44
SNH Area News

Grampian
Correspondents: Elizabeth Clements, Ewen Cameron
Going batty
Whats the link?
Forvie at 50
Each summer, we get an influx of

phone calls that come thick and fast
for about three weeks. Some callers
are upset, most are curious and a few
are even amused.
What triggers these calls? Bats!
The UK has 17 resident species
of these small, furry, flying mammals
thats almost a quarter of all the
UKs mammals. In Scotland we have
five resident species, all of which
need our care and attention. The last
century has seen a steep decline in
bats because of their homes being
destroyed, the use of insecticides,
development and so on.
A vital role for SNH is public
relations for the much misunderstood
bats. In Grampian we run a bat
worker, trainee and buddy scheme.
Any homeowner who thinks they may
have bats resident can have a visit
from one of our contract bat workers.
They help with any tricky bat-related
issues and advise on how humans
and bats can live happily together.
The paid bat workers, volunteer
trainees and buddies provide a great
service to people and bats. We
couldnt get through summer without
them!
If you want to know more, then log
on to www.nesbats.co.uk
What connects a fisheries board culling

mink, a cultural arts group celebrating
their local woods and a community
group (pictured above) expanding their
all-abilities footpaths? The answer is
LEADER, a programme of European
funding.
Funded by the Scottish Government
and European Commission,
Aberdeenshire LEADER Group
secured 3.6 million to strengthen the
social, economic and environmental
fabric of Aberdeenshires rural
communities.
Applicants can secure up to 50%
of costs from LEADER, raising the
balance from their own resources or
from organisations like SNH. This is
real partnership working. To hear what
communities want and the commitment
they make to get there is inspiring; and
helping them realise their dreams is
hugely satisfying.
The kind of response we get from
people who receive funding is often
along these lines: This construction
project could not have become a
reality without the assistance of the
LEADER programme and its advisors
who have assisted the projects
committee throughout the planning and
preparation stages. SNH Grampian
have also been supporting similar
LEADER groups in Moray and the
Cairngorm National Park.
This year saw our National Nature

Reserve at Forvie, near Aberdeen, reach
its 50th birthday. Its a magical area of
dunes, estuary and wild coast thats
seen human occupation for thousands
of years. It also has a fantastic mix of
wildlife, so it offers you many grand
days out.
We have a visitor centre to get you
started, paths to get you round and
toilets to keep you comfortable. Theres
no tearoom, but there are plenty of
places to refuel in nearby towns and
villages.
Each year, our reserve staff and
friends have a programme of events,
but we marked this major milestone
with some specials. We had an
evening looking back at the first half
century, as well as considering what the
future might hold. A summer treasure
hunt for 50 golden eggs was another
highlight our photo shows reserve
warden Annabel Drysdale hiding one of
them. And we have a series of evening
talks and guided walks from experts to
reveal more of the reserves secrets.
Well also be installing a new bird
hide to replace the rather ramshackle
one we have at the moment, providing
a more permanent legacy of Forvies
50th. To find out more about Forvie,
click on www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/
reserve.asp?NNRId=27
www.snh.org.uk
45
Protecting
our mountain
landscapes is
at the heart of a
research project
in the Cairngorms,
as Malcolm Coull
of the Macaulay
Land Use Research
Institute reports
1
Glen Feshie in the
Cairngorms.
46
2
Least willow is
Britains smallest tree!
It has adapted to live in
harsh arctic and alpine
environments.
Through the looking glass

climate change or increasing pollution
theyre slow to respond to their new
surroundings. They often die out or
theyre replaced by other species that
muscle in when conditions become
more favourable to them. Any major
changes in the environment could
You dont have to be an expert to
therefore result in an altered landscape.
see that when you look closely, what
And with Scotlands iconic scenery
seemed to be a uniform hillside from a
distance is in fact home to hundreds of being a magnet for so many tourists
species. These range from the obvious each year, the economic impacts could
also be serious.
heather and grasses down to tiny
In a small area of the River Feshie
mosses, lichens and liverworts.
in the western Cairngorms, a team
Since the last ice age, species
of scientists from the Macaulay Land
that specialise in making the most of
Use Research Institute in Aberdeen
limited resources have set up home in
are working with SNH to study whats
the Scottish uplands. The soils can be
happening with our environment.
wet, cold and exposed, which means
theyre often too poor to support much Theyre looking at how the distribution
of soil and plant communities affects
plant growth either above or below
the way in which nutrients get moved
ground. Theyre also generally acidic
around, and ultimately the water quality
and lacking in nutrients (plant foods),
so the tiny organisms that live in the soil of streams in this environment. The
group have chosen five sites along a
have a hard time breaking down dead
hillslope to represent the plant life and
plant roots and leaves. As a result,
soils of this small catchment, as well
this organic material builds up into the
as the wider Scottish uplands. They
peaty soils that are so typical of large
regularly monitor soil conditions, the
stretches of the north and west of the
number of different plants and water
country.
The species that live in our uplands quality at each site to help understand
how nutrients move through the
are often so well adapted to the harsh
landscape. They also examine what
conditions that when the environment
effects the variations in climate or
changes for example, as a result of
Next time you find yourself out

and about in the hills have a
good look around especially
below your feet.
www.snh.org.uk
pollution in rainfall might have.

One of the main aims is to look
at the impacts of nitrogen in the
environment. Were all familiar with
farmers adding nitrogen to their crops
to increase yields, but too much of it
in the wrong place isnt such a good
thing. Nitrogen thats used in farming,
roads and industry can be carried away
and end up in even the most remote
mountain environments. Once its
there it can upset the delicate nutrient
balance, seeping into soil water and
streams, and damaging vulnerable
species.
Some habitats may be more at risk
from nitrogen pollution than others,
so this project is trying to identify the
hotspots in mountain environments.
These are the ones that are most at
risk of damage in the future because
of climate change and pollution. The
evidence so far suggests that soils high
up on the mountains are more sensitive
than peatier soils lower down. But
conditions can change over a small area
and taking a broad-brush approach may
fail to protect the most vulnerable areas.
We hope that this project will tell us
about the impacts of pollution and help
us come up with better ways to protect
our valuable mountain landscapes and
their resources.
47
Image makers
The annual Scottish Nature Photography
Fair took place at the beginning of
September and this year featured a batch
of photographers from across Britain.
The two-day event at SNHs conference
centre at Battleby, outside Perth, included
presentations, exhibitions, workshops and
trade stalls. As weve come to expect, the
photography at the event was superb
judge for yourself from the short selection
of stunning images presented over the next
few pages.
48
Ted Leeming
Ted became a freelance photographer
in the late 1980s in London, working
mostly for trade magazines and
commissions for actors and model
portfolios. In 2004 he travelled through
Scotland, the UK, Europe and North
Africa to update his landscape and
environmental images the fields
of photography in which he now
specialises. Based in Galloway, his
latest work involves a series of abstract
landscape images exploring the subtle
textures, colours and contrasts of
nature.
www.tedleeming.com
1
Pen-y-Fan is the
highest peak in the
Brecon Beacons
National Park in Wales.
2
The Crossing.
www.snh.org.uk
49
David Maitland
David spent his childhood in the

seaside town of St Andrews, where
he enjoyed fishing, observing nature
and beachcombing. He became
a full-time nature photographer in
2006, specialising in biological and
conservation issues around the
world. Last year he won the European
Wildlife Photographer of the Year and
two categories in the BBC Wildlife
Photographer of the Year award.
His work has won numerous other
international awards and has been
widely published.
www.davidmaitland.com
3
Early morning dew on
dandelion seed heads.
4
David photographed
this rare Morelets tree
frog with a cat-eyed
snake in the Belizean
rainforest. They were
still locked in deadly
combat when he left
after three hours of
watching them.
4
50
Charlie Phillips
For the past 20 years, Charlie has been

studying, monitoring and photographing
the resident bottlenose dolphin
population in the Moray Firth. Over this
period hes come to know and identify
many of the individual dolphins by sight.
He manages the Adopt a Dolphin
programme for the Whale and Dolphin
Conservation Society and runs a
wildlife photography business featuring
a range of other Scottish wildlife.
www.charliephillipsimages.co.uk
5
A four-dolphin breach.
6
Maternal group of
bottlenose dolphins in
the Moray Firth.
www.snh.org.uk
51
Andy Hay
Andy has worked as a staff

photographer for the RSPB since
1993. Hes climbed trees for kites;
been on electric-fishing expeditions;
spent the night with 2,000 dunlin on
an island of cockleshells; and been
chewed by ticks and pierced by
mosquitoes. His photography aims to
support the people who work for the
RSPB, to enthuse members and
would-be members, and ultimately to
help conserve the birds.
www.rspb-images.com/respages/
Search.aspx?stype=3&pid=0009
7
Wetland at Vane Farm,
near Kinross, after
sunset.
8
Gannet calling on the
Bass Rock.
52
Philip Price
Loch Visions is the name of the

award-winning wildlife photography
experience business that Philip runs
from Loch Awe in Argyll. He specialises
in rare images of some of Scotlands
most common wildlife and his work has
appeared in magazines such as BBC
Wildlife Magazine, Scotland Outdoors
and The Field. He has also presented
photography programmes for BBC
Television and is represented by a
brace of international stock agencies.
www.lochvisions.co.uk
9
Flying blue tit in
silhouette.
10
Bank vole running
along a moss-covered
wall.
www.snh.org.uk
10
53
54
The Species Action Framework set out in 2007 to focus

effort and resources on some key species over a five-year
timescale. So what progress has been made?
1
A reintroduced young
white-tailed sea eagle
with Claire Smith of
the RSPB. The East
Scotland Sea Eagle
project is a partnership
between SNH, RSPB
Scotland and Forestry
Commission Scotland
to reintroduce sea
eagles to eastern
Scotland as part of
Scotland's Species
Action Framework.
Spotlight on species
Scotland has some of the best wild areas and most spectacular
species in the whole of Europe and we have a clear responsibility to
look after them. However, some of them face increasing threats and
we need to step in if were to ensure their survival.
Scotlands Species Action Framework (SAF) was launched back in 2007 with the
aim of meeting these challenges and targeting species where big gains could be
made for biodiversity.
The framework sets out guidelines for managing wildlife and lists 32 species
where action is needed. Its now halfway through its original five-year programme
of work and theres been a lot going on.
Some of the work is high profile, with well-known projects like the trial
reintroduction of beavers in Argyll, the plan to protect red squirrels from greys, the
Cairngorms wildcat project and the reintroduction of sea eagles to the east coast.
But theres also plenty happening to improve prospects for perhaps less
familiar species. Examples include the planting out of rare woolly willow shrubs in
remote corries, financial support for farmers who manage their land in a way that
helps marsh fritillary butterflies, or the saving of the vendace fish in Scotland after
the parent stock died out in England.
Were working with other organisations, land managers and the public to take
forward the framework, explained Martin Gaywood, a policy and advice manager
with SNH. So we lead on some of the projects, while others are being managed
by partners with help from SNH funding.
Were pleased with progress overall, given that some of the projects involve
big challenges like protecting the freshwater pearl mussel against illegal poaching
or trying to get rid of rhododendron from the woodlands of Loch Lomond and the
Trossachs.
We still have plenty of work to take forward over the next few years with
the various projects, but the aim is still to give an added level of attention and
assistance to some of Scotlands most special species, while managing some
problem non-native species to reduce their impact.
Over the next two pages we showcase just a few examples of the kind of work
thats being done across the four categories where we manage species.
www.snh.org.uk
55
Species conservation
A unique project to reintroduce one of Britains rarest
insects is taking place in the pinewoods of the Cairngorms.
The pine hoverfly is about the size of a small bumblebee,
and its in a perilous state because it needs very specialised
conditions to breed. It requires large, hollow, rotting pine
stumps with standing water. However, a lack of old trees
with this type of rot has meant that in recent years the
population went as low as just 250 individuals. These were
found at only two UK sites, both in Strathspey.
Our aim is to increase pine hoverfly numbers and for the
insect to be established at five sites by 2011. So in June we
released 20 adults of the attractive red and black insects
into a specially built field laboratory on the Rothiemurchus
Estate near Aviemore. They have successfully mated and we
now have larvae in artificially created tree stumps nearby.
Reintroducing this species has involved joint working
between SNH, RSPB, Rothiemurchus Estate and a range
of local landowners. Stirling University PhD scientist Ellie
Rotheray is leading the project, and she has developed new
breeding and rearing techniques to meet the specialised
needs of this endangered hoverfly.
Invasive non-native species

The American mink first became established in the wild in
Britain in the 1950s after numerous escapes and releases
from fur farms. It has now spread throughout most of the
country and has a serious impact on native species such
as water voles and ground-nesting birds. Mink may also
account for many of the salmon lost in some river systems.
The framework is supporting two projects that aim to
reduce significantly and, if resources allow, even eliminate
the mink from northern Scotland. In the Cairngorms, the aim
is to remove them and restore conditions for the survival and
recovery of water voles. Indeed, theres already evidence
that this is happening in places. We hope to expand the
project to include rivers and lochs throughout northeast
Scotland and link up with a similar initiative in the northwest
Highlands. This could create a mink control zone from
Wester Ross to the Montrose Basin.
Caithness and most of Sutherland have remained mink
free, so the aim is to prevent mink spreading into the major
river catchments of the northwest and northern Highlands.
Mink rafts will be used mainly to detect the animals, but live
traps will also be set where theres evidence of them.
56
Conicts of interest
involving native species
The Langholm Moor Demonstration Project began in 2007
and is focusing on the management of a large red grouse
moor on Buccleuch Estates in Dumfriesshire. The moor
includes a huge area of some 7,000 hectares protected
under European law because of its importance for the hen
harrier.
The project employs eight people and has an investment
of more than 3m over a 10-year period. It aims to
bring together the management of the moor for grouse,
biodiversity and other land use interests.
The project is trying to show that a grouse moor can
be profitable and at the same time care for the needs of
protected birds of prey, especially the hen harrier. A unique
partnership of The Buccleuch Group, SNH, The Game
Conservancy Trust, RSPB and Natural England is behind the
project.
In 1998 and 1999 a research trial used diversionary
feeding of hen harriers to show that fewer red grouse chicks
were taken by hen harriers when they were supplied with
alternative food. This work is being explored further to see if
it can help prevent hen harriers preying on red grouse.
Sustainable use of species

The native oyster (also known as the flat or common oyster)
was once plentiful in Scottish coastal waters. But only a few
isolated populations survive today, mostly on the west coast.
This came about because of overfishing, disease, pollution
left by the industrial age and poor management.
People have harvested oysters for centuries and some
parts of Scotland once supported huge fisheries. The
biggest was in the Firth of Forth, which once produced
30 million oysters a year for export all over Britain and to
Europe. However, taking that amount of stock combined
with other factors such as poor water quality meant the
fishery had collapsed by the 1870s and stopped entirely in
1920.
One of our key aims for native oysters is to look at the
potential for reintroducing them to areas from which theyve
vanished. The Firth of Forth is one location were looking
at now that the environmental conditions are suitable once
again. The Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum and SNH
have recently set up a study to develop a costed proposal
for reintroducing them. So it may not be too long before the
native oyster is back where it belongs.
www.snh.org.uk
57
Kids only!
Q: What do you call a man

with a seagull on his head?
A: Cliff!
Q: Which seabird is
always out of breath?
A: A pufn!
To make your very own origami kittiwake, cut

out the printed square on the opposite page,
round the dashed lines. Then follow the
instructions in the circles. Use the faint
printed dotted lines on the printed square to
help you make your folds in the right place.
58
Some fascinating seabird facts... A pufn chick is called a pufet Razorbills can dive to depths of
over 100 m The Arctic tern ies a round trip of 10,000 miles each year, migrating to the southern
hemisphere and back The storm petrel is an amazing little bird it is our smallest seabird and weighs
the same as a sparrow. It can live to over 30 years and spends almost its entire life at sea.
www.snh.org.uk
59
60
Paths of history
Neil Ramsay of ScotWays outlines

a project that delivers information to
your fingertips on Scotlands historic
paths
Thanks to the information superhighway you can

now discover the ancient pathways of Scotland
and travel them for yourself.
The Heritage Paths Project brings together images,
maps and information about the traditional routes and
long-distance paths used down the generations. These
include coffin roads used to take the dead to be buried in
consecrated ground; Roman roads built nearly 2,000 years
ago; and the drove roads that saw hundreds of thousands
of cattle from all over Scotland descending on the big cattle
trysts at Crieff and Falkirk. Some heritage paths even have
their own unique history, such as Calums Road, which was
created by a local man on Raasay to try and stem the flow of
people leaving the island to live elsewhere.
The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society
(ScotWays) are leading the project, with funding coming
from SNH and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project aims
to identify as many heritage paths across Scotland as
possible, to research the history of the paths and to promote
them in a number of ways. There are many volunteers
involved in the project, many of whom work in our office on
a regular basis. They provide us with information, carry out
historical research and survey routes on the ground.
Weve made great headway so far, having identified and
researched nearly 250 heritage paths in all parts of the
country, from the Northern Isles to Dumfries and Galloway.
The routes range in length from 500 m to 45 km and add
up to nearly 2,000 km of paths. These paths will initially be
promoted through our website, but we also intend to publish
a book, put up signposts and create learning materials for
teachers.
Our recently launched website, www.heritagepaths.
co.uk, will be the main way for people to find out about all
the paths. The website uses a new kind of mapping, which
was kindly designed and donated by the Map Library of
the National Library of Scotland. The maps use the latest
technology of street mapping by Google Maps, overlaid with
historic 1930s mapping by Bartholomew and Ordnance
Survey. The maps have a slider so you can make the historic
maps more transparent and view the modern road network.
www.snh.org.uk
1
The old drove road
through Glen Tilt,
above Blair Atholl in
Perthshire.
2
Path to Balerno using
the Monks Road
across the Pentlands.
61
3
On the old road from
Enochdhu to Spittal of
Glenshee.
4
The Monega Path,
which is the highest of
the Mounth Passes,
reaches over 1000 m.
5
The Old Abbey Road,
Newbiggin, Perthshire.
62
Another innovative feature of the websites mapping

is that weve created a unique map of Scotland to help
with searches. After looking at various ways of breaking
down Scotland into areas, we decided that nothing was
particularly suitable for the project. So we created a colourful
new map with a mix of different kinds of areas, such as local
authorities, old district council areas and the National Parks.
You can search all the paths according to these areas.
Much of the signposting we plan for the project will
simply involve adding small panels to existing signposts.
These will provide brief information about the history of the
path youre on. This information will aim to provoke interest,
which you can then follow up by looking at the website for
further information.
Were also developing learning materials that will
tap into Scotlands new Curriculum for Excellence and
encourage teachers to take their classes out of doors and
learn about the history of their local paths. Again, youll be
able to download these materials free of charge through the
website.
Through the project weve learned about many

fascinating old routes. Many of the paths have an interesting
social history thats been almost entirely forgotten. A good
example can be seen in the network of roads that come
together at important pilgrim sites, such as St Andrews and
Iona. Pilgrimages were once the focus of a huge industry,
with people from all over Europe travelling to sites in
Scotland and using the facilities created for this purpose.
Many of these routes have now been incorporated into the
modern road network. But some intriguing old sections still
exist, such as the String of Lorne south of Oban in Argyll and
Bute, and a long stretch of the old pilgrimage route to St
Andrews that passes to the north of Cupar.
There would have been many markers and crosses
along these routes to help pilgrims find their way, as well as
hospitals to shelter and aid them. The modern idea of path
facilities has radically changed from the days when coffin
cairns, coffin rests, milestones and wells were the priorities.
The tops of hills and mountains in Scotland are now so
popular that very often the quietest and most remote places
are to be found in the glens between the hills. Scotland has
a huge capacity for access because its such a sparsely
populated country. Indeed, some of these old paths, far
from being in danger of erosion, are in danger of being
lost through lack of use. A number of these paths are now
seldom used and theyre becoming so overgrown that youd
have trouble walking along them. The project will help people
to rediscover these lost routes.
The project will also be an important resource for
tourism, as it will encourage visitors to come to Scotland
and explore our heritage by using heritage paths. Indeed,
since its launch, 7% of visitors to the website have come
from overseas. And many of the paths can be combined,
providing people with the tools to create their own historic
long-distance routes.
We hope this project will give people a richer experience
of the outdoors and so encourage more people to access
Scotlands unique countryside. The project will help people
realise that they dont have to climb Ben Nevis to have an
enjoyable day outdoors. But it will also give Munro baggers
a new outlook on the countryside, and provide them with an
additional interest when bad weather keeps them away from
the hill tops.
www.snh.org.uk
63
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Autumn 2009
Looking up?
Scotlands
seabirds
Animal farm
Edinburghs
country heart
Explore Brr Mr
Up and over
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Scottish Natural Heritage

The Nature of Scotland

12 Time for action

16 Country in the city

32 On the campaign trail

46 Through the looking glass

The Nature of Scotland

You can contact SNH by

Argyll and Stirling

The views expressed in this magazine do not

A full list of our offices

Other main ofces

Dumfries and Galloway

When you have nished with this magazine,

Forth and Borders

Printed by: Woods of Perth, Scotland

The Nature of Scotland

The worlds environment is changing rapidly. With the increasing pressures of

Chilly nights can spark warm colours in trees

Because of the size of some estuaries, binoculars or a

The fallen leaves that

Tints to die for

The hills are alive

In Gaelic, red deer are at the very core of autumn. October

The original webmasters

Surprisingly, many people are afraid of spiders. But at least

The Nature of Scotland

Glasgow may not be the first

plants at their site, and it was obvious

going to encourage greater variety of

Red kites are returning to Aberdeenshire and city

the nest and pictures were beamed into Voluntary Service

Red kite chicks have hatched in Aberdeenshire

The Nature of Scotland

The Nature of Scotland

Climate change is the threat that confronts

Time for action

Its now widely recognised that climate change

The need to act can bring opportunities, though. We can

The roles played by our land and sea are equally

The Nature of Scotland

Working with nature

Country in the city

Head for the centre of Edinburgh and youll

For over 20 years, Gorgie City Farm has been a haven of

The Nature of Scotland

Were proud that the farm is open to all, with something

The farm is here for the community, Tracy continued,

The Nature of Scotland

As well as the adult volunteers, there are teenagers who

A recent report from

The Nature of Scotland

Theres been a lot of coverage recently about a decline in the

The Nature of Scotland

which feed on a wider range of prey

The simple answer is

Introduced species such as rats and

The Nature of Scotland

A seasonal service for walkers is

The Nature of Scotland

A new Gaelic educational resource based on some fascinating species of

Gaelic focus on natural world

Great yellow heads south