Scottish National Heritage - The Nature of Scotland Winter 2010 Issue - 10

www.snh.gov.
uk
Scottish Natural Heritage
Winter 2010
The Nature of Scotland
Highland vision
Brighter future for
a special glen
Testing times
Exploring new ways
to protect the wildcat
Futurescapes
Creating more space
for nature
Contents
Features
8

10
31
47
10 Keeping the wildcat wild

New approaches to conserve an

iconic species
25 Eurosite gathering

Get together for European site

managers
55
61
Biking at its best

Developing mountain biking in
Scotland
Regulars
2

Where we are
SNH contact details
Welcome
Wild calendar
Where to go and what to see
this winter
26 Great expectations in the glen

Nature restoration on the large

scale
32 Zeroing in on waste

Major Government campaign

launches
34 Green to be lean

Tackling climate change in the

public sector
16 News
50 Protect and respect

Conserving cultural, as well as

natural, heritage
22 Inspired by nature

Show and tell whats inspired

you?
52 Scotlands Futurescapes

Shaping a better future for people

and the natural world
36 Reserve focus

Discover Tentsmuir NNR
60 Forest for all

An inspiring community buy-out
42 Area news

Reports from round the country
45 Print out

Our latest publications
46 Events diary

Guide to what's on
48 Dualchas coitcheann

/Common heritage

Linking language and environment
58 Kids only!

Activities for younger readers
64 Mailing list

Make sure you always receive

a copy
www.snh.gov.uk
Credits
The Magazine of Scottish Natural Heritage
Issue Number 10 Winter 2010
Published quarterly
SNH 2010
ISSN 1350 309X
Where we are
Area offices
Welcome
You can contact SNH by

letter, telephone or email.
The following details
should enable you to find
your nearest main office,
but bear in mind that we
also have a number of
smaller offices than those
listed.
Argyll and Stirling

The Beta Centre,
Innovation Park,
University of Stirling,
Stirling FK9 4NF
Tel. 01786 450 362
Andrew Bachell
Director Operations
Scottish Natural Heritage
Editor: John Walters

Tel. 01463 725 222
A full list of our offices

appears on the SNH
website: www.snh.gov.uk
Cover photo: Ptarmigan in Cairngorms National Park.

Inside cover photo: Winter landscape in the Cairngorms.
Welcome page: Moonlight over Glenfeshie.
Photographer: Lorne Gill/SNH
Corporate
headquarters
Photography all images by Lorne Gill/SNH other than: Danny Green 5;

Laurie Campbell 6t; Anne & Steve Toon/NHPA 6b; Niall Benvie 7b2; Laurie
Campbell/SNH 7b3; David Whitaker 7b4; Paul Tomkins/Scottish Viewpoint
8, 24; Paul Dodds/Scottish Viewpoint 9; Laurie Campbell 10; Kerry Kilshaw/
WildCRU/Oxford University 15l, 15r; Iain Ferguson The Write Image 16;
Scottish SPCA 17; Peter Cairns 20; Dougie Barnett Photography 25t; John M
Baxter 25b; Mark Hamblin 29; Pete Moore 30; Keith Duncan 31b; John Paul
Photography 34; Photo Aerial Photography Solutions 36, 39tl; Jonathan
Grant 42l; Sue Scott/SNH 42m, North Harris Trust 42 r; Anne Ferguson 43r;
Tim Dawson 44m; Sue Scott 44r; Graham Hood 51b; Steve Austin/
rspb-images.com 52, Mark Hamblin/rspb-images.com 54; Neil McIntyre 55.
Map, 37 Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd 2010.
Based on Ordnance Survey mapping. Crown copyright
and database right 2010. All rights reserved.
Ordnance Survey Licence number SNH 100017908.
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: editor@snh.gov.uk
The views expressed in this magazine do not
necessarily reflect those of SNH.
Printed by: Pindar Printers
P32k1210
When you've finished with this magazine, please recycle it. Pass it to
another reader or dispose of it at your local waste-collection point.
Great Glen House,

Leachkin Road,
Inverness IV3 8NW
Tel. 01463 725 000
Email: enquiries@snh.gov.uk
Other main offices

Battleby, Redgorton,
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel. 01738 444 177
Silvan House,
3rd Floor East,
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel. 0131 316 2600
Caspian House,
Mariner Court,
Clydebank Business Park,
Clydebank G81 2NR
Tel. 0141 951 4488
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
North Highland
The Links,
Golspie Business Park,
Golspie,
Sutherland KW10 6UB
Tel. 01408 634 063
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
Over recent weeks, TV viewers in Scotland have been able to watch the BBC
series Making Scotlands Landscape, a personal perspective from Iain Stewart on
the everyday events and actions that have left peoples mark across the surface of
the land. While not all of us may have agreed with everything he said, the truth is
clear our landscape is a product of our past. So it follows that the landscapes
of the future will contain the evidence of how we use the land today.
Our landscape is a historic document on which the actions of the past have
been written, and on which we continue to write. But we write on a foundation
thats a product of nature, particularly of geology and climate. Without these
forces, we wouldnt have the landscapes of today for which Scotland is famous.
These relationships between past and present and between people and
nature sit at the centre of our work on landscape. We can treasure our land as
a natural or cultural resource, or even better, for both reasons. But treasure it we
should, because our surroundings play a vital role in everyday life.
Tourism and outdoor adventure are major forces in our economy and depend
on the backdrop of dramatic and beautiful landscapes where nature still plays a
major role. Environmental quality is also an incentive to economic investment and
Scotland has a natural advantage here. And for us all, theres evidence that the
quality of the landscapes where we live affect our optimism, health and lifespan.
But looking after our changing landscape is not just about protecting the
scenery. Its also about strengthening the processes that sustain wildlife, provide
recreational opportunities and allow the productive use of land for food, timber
and other benefits. The damage of past actions is clear in habitat loss and
dereliction. Yet our capacity to damage or improve the landscape has never been
greater than it is today.
We now have greater knowledge about how to repair or manage things so
that they meet all our needs for resources and enjoyment, as well as the needs of
nature and the future. Scotlands Landscape Charter has recently been signed
by 15 organisations and it sets out a commitment to developing landscapes in
our towns, cities and the countryside, which all of Scotland can celebrate. In this
edition of The Nature of Scotland you can read about projects to change and
restore landscapes in Cairngorms National Park through the efforts of Glenfeshie
Estate and the RSPB. SNH strongly support initiatives of this kind. We want
people in the future to see from the landscape they inherit that we seized an
opportunity today to take action that sustained the things most valued in all of
Scotlands landscape.
Western Isles
32 Francis Street,
Stornoway,
Isle of Lewis HS1 2ND
Tel. 01851 705 258
Forth and Borders
Silvan House,
3rd Floor East,
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel. 0131 316 2600
Grampian
Inverdee House,
Baxter Street,
Torry,
Aberdeen AB11 9QA
Tel. 01224 266 500
www.snh.gov.uk
Winter
Wild
calendar
1
Hot orange can be
refreshing on a
winters day,
especially in the
form of a kingfisher
(unless youre a
small fish).
Kenny Taylor gives

some seasonal
tips for savouring
Scottish wildlife and
landscapes
When a starling flock, ten-thousand strong, swirls
above a roost, its part of the power of winter. Hear
it in the crunch of frozen leaves underfoot and in
the bark of a fox as Orions stars rise. See it in
waves against a long, grey shore and the sweep of
a mountain snowfield. Go out to meet it, and this
season can warm you.
Hot and halcyon

Theres something almost improbably vibrant about a
kingfisher. Its one of our smallest waterbirds, yet it packs a
colour punch far above its weight with the electric blue and
warm orange of its plumage.
The combination is a winner at any season. But seen
against a winter background, this tiny splendour of the
lowlands is little short of superb. You might be lucky to have
a one-off encounter with a kingfisher beside a burn, canal or
river. To boost your chances in the west of the Central Belt,
a visit to Lochwinnoch, just a few miles west of Paisley, is a
good bet. The RSPB reserve there, at the Barr Loch, is also
a winter retreat for a good range of wildfowl, including flocks
of wigeon and family parties of whooper swans.
Theres free access to the visitor centre and a small
charge for non-RSPB members to use the reserves trails.
But if you arrive by bike, the fee is waived and you can claim
a complimentary hot drink.
Web tip:
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lochwinnoch/about.
aspx
4
www.snh.gov.uk
Points to remember
When the sun sets early on a cloudless winters evening,

there can be a remarkable clarity in things seen against the
sky. Bare trees seem to reveal every twig, while a red deer
stag shows each point on its antlered head.
Such times in the afterglow are few. But opportunities to
see the largest land mammal in Britain and Ireland looking
down from a ridge can be greater if you choose a good
location.
The area between Braemar and the Mar Lodge Estate is
one of the best for deer watching in the eastern Highlands.
Here, the floodplain of the River Dee gives good winter
grazing. When scanning riverwards from the road that runs
to Linn of Dee, you can often see groups of deer.
To look up in search of those classic silhouettes, use
the network of trails within the estate to access the glens.
And if snow makes the going too tricky, there are landscape
compensations aplenty in the Caledonian pinewoods that
cloak the lower ground.
Slip, slide and rock
Web tip: www.marlodgeestate.org.uk

2
Wrack your brains

Twice a month, at the new and the full moon, the tides rise
extra high and fall especially low. These so-called spring
tides, produced when sun, Earth and moon line up, are
named for the vigour of their rising, not for the season. So a
winter beach walk during springs (so to speak) can be great
fun.
You can check tide times in local newspapers to choose
low water for a trip down to parts of the shore that are
normally covered. Go carefully, and you can appreciate the
varied browns, greens and reds of different seaweeds and
see where each type thrives.
The brown seaweeds, known as wracks, often have
strong preferences for where they grow in relation to high
tide. Their classic sequence goes from channelled wrack at
the upper shore, past spiral wrack and bladder wrack, then
knotted wrack (in places such as inner sea lochs) to serrated
wrack. Beyond that, youre into the realm of the big kelp
seaweeds and liable to get your boots swamped!
If you think that the Quiraing is a misspelled heavy metal magazine, it could be
time to take a trip over the sea to Skye. Head for the Trotternish Peninsula to be
amazed by the real thing. Its a landslide, northernmost of several huge ones along
the Trotternish Ridge. Here, pressure of lava flows on sediments from the time of
the dinosaurs caused those weaker Jurassic rocks to shear and slip seawards.
At the Quiraing, near the small road from Staffin Bay to Uig, the slip is more
than two kilometres wide, making it the largest in Britain. But dont worry, the
paths around it are firm. And the rock features that have been isolated by the
major Earth movements are spectacular.
The finest of all are where an isolated pillar, called The Needle, stands proud
of the surrounding cliffs. Close by is a flat, grassy area called The Table, from
where you can get big views on a clear day, including east to mountains on the
mainland.
Web tip: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/quiraing.shtml
2
A red deer stag in
sunset silhouette is
one of the iconic
images of the Scottish
uplands. Winter light
only adds to its impact.
3
Records of channelled
wrack (foot of picture)
and spiral wrack
(middle to upper right)
can be used in a
Natural History
Museum survey (see
web tip).
4
The cliffs, pinnacles
and gullies at the
Quiraing help to make
Skye world famous for
landscape splendour.
Lava flows, landslip
and shifting clouds are
all in its Trotternish
mix.
Some other things to look for in winter:

Flocks of grey geese on fields and estuaries; pawprints of squirrels, mice and rabbits in snow;
lichens and mosses giving colour to rock and bark; migrant fieldfares and redwings on
berry-bearing trees; and, if youre very, very lucky, the Northern Lights.
Web tip: www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/british-naturalhistory/seaweeds-survey/identify-seaweeds/index.html

3
www.snh.gov.uk
1
Everyone has access
rights over most land
in Scotland, so theres
a vast resource of
routes for mountain
bikers to enjoy the
outdoors.
2
Mountain biking is a
great way for children
to start an active,
exciting, healthy
lifestyle that can last a
lifetime.
Scotland has a great network of fun

and challenging mountain bike trails,
making it one of the top places on
the planet to go biking. Now there
are plans to develop the activity even
further
Over the past 20 years, mountain biking has

become a major sport and leisure pursuit in
Scotland, and the country has proven itself as a
world-class venue.
take full advantage of their mountain biking opportunities.

The cluster model is being piloted in Tayside and Fife,
explained Graeme. Although its still in the early stages,
members of the cluster have already identified potential
routes and path networks to promote. These will highlight
some of the excellent paths and trails that everyone can
Purpose-built trail facilities, such as the 7stanes centres in
enjoy, whether its families or experienced mountain bikers.
the south of Scotland, attract some 400,000 visits a year.
The cluster will also aim to get businesses working
But there are also plenty of other opportunities to mountain
together to increase profits, ensure that new developments
bike throughout Scotland on a superb network of natural
have a long-term future and are set up to appropriate
paths and tracks.
standards.
With around 11.8 million people in the UK owning a
Another major goal for the project is to get more people
mountain bike, its already a popular way of getting out and
involved in mountain biking, ensuring that where possible
exploring the outdoors. And our stunning scenery, easy to
the opportunities are open to all. A new advisory resource
reach countryside and world-class routes also attract a high is being developed which will help encourage folk to take up
number of visitors from all over the globe.
biking and progress to the level they want to achieve.
Against this background of progress and success, a
Its a great activity for all ages and abilities, and
number of national agencies have developed a framework to especially for young people, commented Bridget Finton,
take mountain biking to the next level. The funding partners
policy and advice officer with SNH, and there are loads of
(sportscotland, Scottish Cycling, Scottish Enterprise,
places close to home where families can have fun and enjoy
Forestry Commission Scotland, CTC and SNH), along
the outdoors.
with other interest groups, have set up a project called
Im confident that by going out and positively
Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland to put the
encouraging more people to take up mountain biking we can
framework into action. This aims to grow mountain biking in
play an important role in contributing to the health and wellScotland in a way that shows increased numbers of people
being of Scotland.
taking part, local business growth and progress in the sport.
The influence that biking can have on people was
The fact that were recognised as one of the best places highlighted at the first ever national mountain bike
in the world for mountain biking means we already have a
conference in Perth in October. Scottish cycle star Mark
great story to tell, commented Graeme McLean, project
Beaumont who held the record until recently for cycling
manager for Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, and
around the globe was among the speakers. I cant
we have a terrific opportunity to expand the benefits of
overstate the importance of the awesome cycling routes
this popular activity in a way that guarantees it a long-term
in my home country, Mark commented. I believe these
future.
experiences played a major part in inspiring me to cycle
One of the key aims of the project is to set up regional
around the world and the Americas.
development clusters for mountain biking across Scotland.
You can find out more about mountain biking
These clusters will bring together public, private and
development in Scotland at
voluntary interests so that different parts of Scotland can
www.developingmountainbikinginscotland.com
Biking at its best

8
www.snh.gov.uk
1
The Scottish wildcat is
one of our most iconic
and striking mammals,
yet there could be
fewer than 400 left in
the wild.
Keeping the wildcat wild

Fears for the future of the Scottish wildcat have
prompted new approaches to conserving the
species in one of its last strongholds
10
www.snh.gov.uk
11
Coat markings
A novel project is under way in Cairngorms National Park to help

conserve one of our rarest and most elusive mammals.
The Cairngorms Wildcat Project is working with gamekeepers, cat welfare
groups, vets and cat owners to trial conservation measures for this iconic species.
Estimates vary for how many wildcats might be left in Scotland, but in 2004 the
Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at the University of Oxford published a report
suggesting there could be fewer than 400.
The Cairngorms is one of the Scottish wildcats stronghold areas and the
project has given rise to the Highland Tiger awareness-raising campaign. This
highlights the endangered status of the animal and the steps everyone can take
to conserve our only remaining native cat.
The project is managed by David Hetherington and it has two main areas of
work promoting wildcat-friendly predator control and encouraging responsible
cat ownership. The biggest threat to the species is that they can mate with
domestic cats. This creates hybrid animals that can be difficult to tell apart from
true wildcats, David explained.
Were in danger of losing our Scottish wildcat through inter-breeding and
potentially from diseases spread by domestic cats. Were therefore encouraging
cat owners in towns, villages and farms throughout the national park to neuter and
vaccinate their cats. Were running awareness-raising events, working with local
vets and cat welfare organisations, such as Cats Protection, to encourage people
with cats to take part.
Theres a particular focus on unneutered farm cats in areas where wildcats
may live. In the national park this tends to be in areas on the edges of farmland,
moorland and in woodland. Cats Protection volunteers have been offering a free
service to trap, neuter and return farm cats. This means that farmers who value
cats for controlling rodents on their farms can keep their cats without the risk of
the population growing out of control and having an impact on wildcats and other
wildlife.
Research has shown that inter-breeding has resulted in a range of body sizes, coat markings and
genetic make-up in the cats currently living wild in Scotland. However, clear groupings can still
be recognised. So coat markings are being used to help identify the set of cats living wild that are
regarded as true Scottish wildcats and which therefore have legal protection.
An identification key and illustration of coat markings for the wildcat came out in 2004 and featured
recently in Scottish Gamekeeper magazine (see below). The project is now promoting a cut-down
version of this key, focusing on the thick, ringed, blunt tail as a practical tool to help gamekeepers
identify and protect wildcats in the field.
The Scottish Gamekeepers Association have been very positive in supporting the protection of
wildcats to members as they go about their everyday management activities. In particular, the five
estates actively involved in the project pass on data and sightings that are vital in providing feedback
on the usefulness of the methods being trialled.
Were in danger of
losing our Scottish
wildcat through
inter-breeding and
potentially from
diseases spread by
domestic cats.
Wildcat features:
1. A stripe on the ridge of its back that stops at the base of the tail.
2. The tip of the tail is blunt and black.
3. The tail has distinct rings.
4. Stripes around the rib cage (or flanks) and hindquarters that are largely
unbroken.
5. No spots on the rump (the stripes may be broken but still resemble stripes
rather than spots).
6. Four broad, wavy and unfused stripes on the back of the neck.
7. Two thick stripes at the shoulders.
Scottish wildcat
Free-ranging tabby cat
6
7
4
2
Working with farmers
and rural cat owners is
essential to promoting
wildcat-friendly cat
ownership.
3
Researchers led by
Andrew Kitchener of
the National Museum
of Scotland produced
this identification key
to help with
recognising true
wildcats.
12
1
3
2
www.snh.gov.uk
13
Camera traps
One of the new approaches being

tested involves using camera traps as
a way of finding out more about the
population of cats living wild in these
key areas. The cameras are attached
to trees and provide close-up images
of wildcats and other animals. Motion
detectors and infrared technology
allow the cameras to capture images of
passing animals over a period of several
weeks.
Wildcats are very shy, secretive
animals and are mainly active at night,
David added. These camera traps are
an excellent way of us getting a much
better insight into where wildcats live,
when theyre active and what habitat
theyre using. We can also get an idea
of where they dont live and, of course,
thats really important information too.
A survey was carried out for
SNH between 2006 and 2008 and
the results were published earlier
this year. Wildcat hot spots were
found with a large number of records
for the Cairngorms, Tayside and
Aberdeenshire, as well as outlying
areas such as Ardnamurchan. However,
this survey didnt produce any records
for large areas of the northwest
Highlands, Wester Ross and parts
of north Stirlingshire, where theyve
previously been recorded.
The Cairngorms Wildcat Project is
one of a number of initiatives working
to improve our knowledge of this
elusive species and to set in place
management to conserve them. Its a
partnership between the Cairngorms
National Park Authority, Forestry
Commission Scotland, the Royal
Zoological Society of Scotland, the
Scottish Gamekeepers' Association
and SNH.
The Scottish wildcat is our only
remaining native cat species and is one
of 32 species targeted for conservation
action through the Species Action
Framework.
You can learn more about the
Scottish wildcat and the project at
www.highlandtiger.com and www.snh.
gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/
species-action-framework/speciesaction-list/wildcat/
14
3
David Hetherington,
Cairngorms Wildcat
Project manager, helps
to set up a camera
trap.
4
Researcher Roo
Campbell has been
investigating the use
of scents and bait to
attract cats to the
cameras.
5
This male cat was
snapped at a camera
trap and shows the
distinctive thick,
dark-ringed, blunt tail
of the wildcat.
6
A camera trap at the
Highland Wildlife Park,
near Aviemore,
captured this
free-ranging night
visitor.
What you can do

to help the Scottish
wildcat
If you own a cat and live in an area with
wildcats, make sure your cat is neutered and
vaccinated.
Other good practice includes ensuring that
your cat is micro-chipped and has a collar (for
easy identification as a pet).
You can report sightings of wildcats, if possible
with a photograph, to the Cairngorms Wildcat
Project (either via the form on
www.highlandtiger.com or by phoning 01479
873 535) or your local SNH office.
If you find a cat killed on the road that you
think is either a wildcat or a hybrid (with some
but not all of the wildcat characteristics), wed
be grateful for specimens to be handed in to
your local SNH office or the Highland Wildlife
Park, near Aviemore.
www.snh.gov.uk
15
NEWS
NEWS
16
Quick move for slow worms

Pupils of Lochaline Primary School in Lochaber recently came to the rescue of
slow worms in a field where their new school is due to be built.
Slow worms are legless lizards and are a protected species, so SNH were
contacted by the ecologist who found them while surveying the site for the new
school.
SNH advice was to collect the slow worms and relocate them away from the
development site. This has to be done ideally by the end of September before
they start going into hibernation.
The children therefore laid out mats, carpet tiles and strips of corrugated iron
in their nature garden to attract the cold-blooded animals, which bask under any
material warmed up by the sun.
Slow worms have far fewer places in Scotland to find food and shelter than
they did in the past, explained Cathy Mordaunt, local SNH officer, so its crucial
that we make every effort to protect them when we can.
The school headmaster, Keith Adams (pictured below with pupils and one of
the slow worms), is going to keep the creatures in his compost heap during the
winter. The children plan to bring some of them back to the school grounds once
the new school is complete.
In my early childhood I remember seeing slow worms everywhere, Mr Adams
commented, but my own children had to wait till they were 12 before they saw a
slow worm. This coincided with a move to the West Highlands, which highlights
what a special place the children here are privileged to live in.
Slow worms are now a protected species and the school pupils have the
chance to carry out valuable conservation work, which will ensure that children of
the future will be able to see slow worms. Im always telling them that theyre the
future rangers, botanists, biologists and protectors of our valuable wildlife. This
work underlines that point for them.
Stoats on the move

Three stoats have recently been captured at two locations on Orkney and
released unharmed on the Scottish mainland in a bid to protect the islands
wildlife.
Stoats are widespread and common throughout mainland Britain and Ireland,
but are not native to Orkney. Several confirmed sightings of the skilful predator
over the summer at locations on the main island of Orkney, as well as on South
Ronaldsay, sparked fears for the local rich and varied birdlife, which includes
ground-nesting waders.
The Orkney vole is also potential food for the stoats. The vole is unique to
Orkney and a vital source of food for important populations of hen harrier and
short-eared owl. In Orkney, stoats would lack natural predators, such as foxes,
which help to keep their numbers in balance in the Scottish mainland.
Its not known how the stoats may have reached the islands, but its thought
they could have arrived with farm produce such as hay or possibly through a
deliberate release.
The live stoat trapping and relocation project is being co-ordinated through
SNH and carried out by dedicated volunteers from the Orkney Field Club and
RSPB Scotland. SNH have bought a small number of live traps, but the rest of
the project is reliant on volunteer and Scottish SPCA effort.
A professional trapper has trained a small number of volunteers to carry out
the trapping in line with strict guidelines on animal welfare, and the Scottish
SPCA are caring for and relocating all the stoats caught (the first of them is
shown above). The stoats are transported to the charitys wildlife rescue centre
near Dunfermline in Fife for temporary care before being released at carefully
selected locations.
If the stoats have only just arrived in Orkney this year, it gives us the
opportunity to try and stop them spreading by trapping and moving them back
safely to appropriate areas in mainland Scotland, commented Gail Churchill from
SNHs Orkney office.
Orkney's natural heritage, especially our native birds and wildlife, are
important assets and attract many visitors each year who contribute to the
islands economy. This is reason enough for everyone to be concerned about this
threat and to help remove it quickly.
Further stoat sightings on Orkney can be reported to SNHs Orkney office on
01856 875 302.
www.snh.gov.uk
17
NEWS
Dolphin spotters contribute an estimated 4 million to Scotlands economy,

according to a new survey report.
Aberdeen University researchers examined what impact the east coast
bottlenose dolphins had on the tourism sector. They found that dolphin watching
was a significant reason behind 52,200 overnight trips to the area.
A total of 17,100 people said that seeing the creatures was the main reason
for their visit. The study also found that more than 200 jobs in the tourism industry
were generated by overnight trips to see the dolphins.
Dolphins are much-loved inhabitants of Scotlands eastern waters,
commented Richard Lochhead, the Governments rural affairs and environment
secretary, and its little wonder that many thousands of people plan especially to
see them.
But beyond their charm, theyre also a very visible symbol of a healthy and
sustainable marine environment. The Marine Scotland Act has been created to
protect our wild species, such as dolphins, while we also ensure that Scotland
continues to benefit from the riches contained within our waters.
While dolphins directly add to our tourist income, he added, theyre also
a delightful symbol of this unique and special environment which we protect,
develop and enjoy.
The research was based on a survey of 529 visitors during 2009. In the
summer, most dolphin spotters are from outside Scotland, but Scots travel more
frequently for shorter trips at other times of the year.
Red kites bring business boost

A wildlife project launched in 2003 has brought major economic benefits to
Dumfries and Galloway, a new report has found.
Visitors to the Galloway Kite Trail have spent a minimum of 21 million in the
region since 2004, with over 2.6 million spent by people who came specifically
to see the kites. The project has also supported some 13 full-time jobs each year
since it started.
The findings come from a survey carried out among hundreds of visitors to the
trail, which provides a self-guided tour around Loch Ken near Castle Douglas.
It promotes a carefully laid out set of destinations for visitors, including red kite
viewing sites, activities and local businesses.
One of those businesses is the CatStrand Arts and Visitor Centre in New
Galloway, where manager Rachel Thompson is enthusiastic about the project.
Weve been open for three years, she commented, and weve had links with
the Galloway Kite Trail that whole time. I think its quite a unique thing, and we
definitely get visitors coming in to use our facilities from the trail, which helps us
and the village.
Its certainly had an impact, and I think its brought the businesses on the trail
together. Everyone involved knows that the link is a positive one.
The Galloway Kite Trail was set up following the successful reintroduction of
red kites into Galloway after an absence of 130 years. These graceful birds were
persecuted to extinction in Scotland in the 19th century but have now made a
comeback, with the estimated local population now standing at over 270.
Environment minister Roseanna Cunningham said she was delighted to hear
about the success of the project. Im sure that everyone who takes the tour is
impressed by the beautiful birds and landscape. This is another example of the
valuable contribution that wildlife-based tourism makes to the Scottish economy
and it underlines the importance of looking after and enhancing our natural
environment.
The RSPB Scotland area manager for Dumfries and Galloway, Chris Rollie,
said the community had really embraced the red kites since the reintroduction
started in 2001. Many local volunteers have been heavily involved along the
way, he explained. Now, as well as being able to enjoy seeing the kites in their
day-to-day lives, people here know that the wildlife tourism being generated is
bringing a tangible benefit to local businesses.
Its a success story, both for the birds and for the people of Galloway, and its
very satisfying to see the hard work of so many people really paying off.
The Galloway Kite Trail was developed as a partnership project between
RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, local farmers and tourist
businesses. It received initial funding support from SNH, VisitScotland and
Leader+. Its further development has been funded through Sulwath Connections,
a partnership part-funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Dumfries and Galloway
Council and SNH.
18
NEWS
Dolphin pulling power
Rare sea fish find

Europes smallest marine fish has been found in Scottish waters for the first time.
Two Shetland divers spotted the tiny fish while surveying marine life around the
islands.
Guillets goby (Lebetus guilleti) grows up to only 24 mm in length and the
couple came across it while shore diving off the Lunna Ness peninsula.
Its an extremely rare fish and was only described as a species in 1971, with
just three sightings in England and other sparse records from the Mediterranean,
northern Spain and one from the Kattegat (between Sweden and Denmark),
which was previously the most northerly record.
The species has never been recorded in Scotland before, and this finding
extends the known range 225 km farther north. Finding this species in Shetland
means that its known range must now take in the whole of the UK.
www.snh.gov.uk
19
NEWS
Borders boost
Numbers of a rare woodland grouse have increased in Scotlands national forests

in each of the past four years, despite the species being in decline across the
country.
The number of male birds displaying at leks the annual competitive mating
rituals on Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) properties reached 61 this year,
which compares with only 31 a decade ago.
Capercaillie are found in pinewoods in Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands,
where they currently breed in 16 FCS forests. However, the population has
declined so rapidly that its now considered to be at real risk of extinction.
FCS species ecologist Kenny Kortland said the increase was the result of
over 10 years of managing forests in ways aimed at improving the conditions for
capercaillie.
Over the last six years weve recorded higher numbers than we did 10 years
ago, he explained, but the last four years have given us an unbroken year-onyear increase in numbers. If you think that back in 2000 we only counted 31
lekking cocks, and this year we counted 27 active leks and a total of 61 lekking
cocks, it looks like all the hard work is paying off.
It just goes to show that it is possible to bring together conservation
management of a species with other objectives. In fact, were noticing that
capercaillie appear to breed well in pine forests managed for timber production
and we plan to investigate the reasons for this.
FCS teams around the country have been striving to support the capercaillie
in the forests where they occur. Their habitat is constantly being improved and
the disturbance from recreational and forestry activity is managed as much as
possible. In addition, staff have removed all fences that are no longer needed and
marked the remaining fences in a bid to stop the birds flying into them.
The top tourist attraction in the Scottish Borders is about to become an even
bigger crowd puller thanks to a multi-million pound investment in visitor facilities.
A major expansion of the services at Glentress in the Tweed Valley Forest Park
is due to open in spring 2011. Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) are creating
the new facilities to cope with ever increasing demand at Glentress. It already
attracts over 300,000 visitors a year who come to enjoy excellent mountain
biking, forest walks and wildlife watching.
The new facilities will be known as the Glentress Peel Visitor Centre and will
consist of four buildings an orientation building with osprey viewing centre and
exhibition space; a caf with outdoor decking that overlooks ponds; a bike shop
with hire service; and offices with business and training facilities.
Partly funded by FCS, Scottish Enterprise and sportscotland, the buildings will
sit in 12 acres of landscaped woodland and open space. Locally sourced timber
is being used to create the structures and a woodfuel boiler is being installed to
provide hot water and heat for all the buildings.
NEWS
20
Caper numbers on the rise
Biodiversity goes viral

January will see SNH releasing a short animated film about biodiversity on
YouTube.
Biodiversity begins with a B is designed to create a social buzz about
biodiversity among the Scottish and UK public who have internet access. Its
hoped they will view the film and share it online via social networks and blogs.
Featuring an upbeat voiceover by comedian Phil Kay and some creative
animation, the film highlights the importance of bees to biodiversity. It also
draws attention to a few simple actions growing wild flowers, using fewer
pesticides, mowing the lawn less often that we can all take to support bees and
biodiversity in general.
The star of the film is a cartoon bee that we see in a variety of comic
situations, from riding a scooter to a sword fighting duel to the death. The
animation also features a variety of native wild flowers favoured by bees, such
as foxglove, harebell and oxeye daisy. Other wildlife appears as well, including
a seven-spot ladybird and large white butterfly, with the aim of providing an
authentic biodiversity backdrop to the storyline.
YouTube and other video-sharing sites will be carrying the film, and it will
be promoted extensively via Facebook and other social networking sites.
Microblogging sites such as Twitter will feature it as well, along with other popular
blogs and websites.
Biodiversity begins with a B is part of the Scottish celebration of the
International Year of Biodiversity. If youd like to find out more about how you can
get involved in helping biodiversity, go to www.snh.gov.uk
www.snh.gov.uk
21
Thanks for another great response to our request

for images and stories of wild encounters. You
sent in some wonderful submissions again and
below are some of the entries that weve selected
out. Please keep them coming. Email your images
and stories to editor@snh.gov.uk
Inspired by nature
5
1
1 Rolling hare
Last winter I spent a day photographing
a group of mountain hares on the hillside
near Carn Aosda and the Glen Shee ski
area. It can take hours to get close, but they
eventually became used to me being there.
After a while, they more or less ignored me
and carried on as normal. This hare decided
to have a good roll in the snow after waking
up! Steve Gardner, Kirriemuir
2 Hungry deer
This was taken outside the Kings House
Hotel at Glen Coe in early January. These
hungry deer were down feeding in the car
park at 8.00am. Elaine Findlay, Glasgow
3 Hawfinch
I was waiting for a goosander to return to
22
her nesting hole when I observed a male

hawfinch attempting to drink from a dried-up
puddle. I got a bucket of water, filled up the
puddle and was rewarded with capturing the
hawfinch having a drink and eventually the
goosander returning to her nest. It's true that
you can't script nature, but you can give it a
helping hand! Eric Patrick, Inverness
4 Holly blue
I was photographing bumblebees in my
garden when I noticed this holly blue
butterfly. I believe its a first for the Falkirk
area. As I had only seen this species once
before and that was in southern England
I emailed the photo to the Butterfly
Conservation Trust. They confirmed that it
was indeed a holly blue and theyve had only
one other record of this butterfly in Scotland

and that was in Edinburgh.
Angus Smith, Boness
5 Spying on the hut
This image was taken at Loch Ard on a
frosty spring morning. The location is very
popular with photographers and the water is
often very still, allowing great reflections.
Derek Wells, Glasgow
6 Silhouettes
I was sitting for ages on a moor in
Perthshire when I took this, having started
experimenting with different ways of
capturing the evening light and grass
silhouettes. I love the effect of the lost
perspective, as if the grass could be tall
trees! Amelia Calvert, Edinburgh
www.snh.gov.uk
Give us your best!

If youd like to send in your images and
stories of wild encounters, please email
them to editor@snh.gov.uk
Remember to include your name, where
you live and some background information
on any pictures submitted. Please restrict
yourself to only three entries per person
per issue. If youre sending in photos that
have children in them, then we need written
permission from a parent or guardian of
each child in the picture.
In contributing to The Nature of
Scotland you agree to grant us royalty-free,
non-exclusive use of your material in any
way we want and in any media.
However, youll still own the copyright
to everything you contribute, and well aim
to publish your name alongside anything
published. SNH cannot guarantee that all
pictures will be used and we reserve the
right to edit any material provided.
23
Eurosite
gathering
Inspired by nature
The wave
The wave known as Thurso East is an enigma. It shouldn't
be there. Given its qualities, it belongs to the north shore
of Oahu in Hawaii or maybe Indonesia at the very least
Australia. But no, there it is at the northern tip of our island.
Blocks of ice drift out of the nearby river to bump against
your board as you sit in the line-up on a February morning,
dealing with water temperatures of five degrees and a balmy
February wind of perhaps force three. But it's all worth it; it's
all about the ride. Thurso East is just one of those waves,
undoubtedly world class, possibly in the top 20 waves in the
world.
The ultimate thing to do as a surfer is get inside the
cylinder of water called the tube, and then make it out of
there without having a devastating encounter with the sea
bed, or the wave attempting to drown you. Waves that tube
tend to do so too rapidly for a surfer to ride. Usually, all the
force of the wave lifts the lip at the same time; it curls over
and a great line of lip breaks all at once. Surfers call these
waves close-outs. If you're a really good surfer, close-outs
can be fun for a short spell in the tube, but there's no chance
of making it out of there, and it's nothing to write home
about. Youll invariably end up with a faceful of sand, or at
the very least a beating, best understood if you imagine
a cat getting stuck in a washing machine and think how it
would feel during the spin cycle.
Every so often, theres a place where the countless
factors that may affect how a wave breaks come together to
create a wave about which surfers dream. There are a whole
range of different variables, and if any of them were missing
then it would turn your spot into no more than a reasonable
break. These variables include having just the right terrain
on the sea bed; swells created by regular storms more than
800 kms away (any closer and the swell just doesn't line
up correctly); occasional offshore winds; a reasonable tidal
range; water temperatures that modern wetsuit technology
will allow you to survive; a lack of pollution; a sea bed
that isn't made of something which would maim you on a
possible punishing contact; and not so many resident surfers
that competition has made catching a wave a pursuit for
locals only.
At Thurso East, all of these variables have come together
in the surfers favour and what you get is an unforgettable
ride. The images of its dual coloured barrels (caused by the
outflow of a peaty river mixing with the blue North Sea) have
set many a surfer's juices flowing to the extent that they'll
take on a 14-hour drive to get there from Cornwall, if there's
a favourable forecast. They do it all because of what they
imagine might await them.
Speed is the big surprise. You take the drop down the
face of the wave which considering the tube that follows
24
Over 110 delegates from 16 countries came

together for an international conference at
Dunblane in September. They gathered to look at
the challenges of managing protected areas in the
context of an increasingly dynamic and changing
environment.
isn't all that challenging or hollow, but it gives you a whole

lot of speed. That's the thing I remember about first surfing
there. Other waves were fun or exciting or even beautiful, but
I had never experienced speed like that. I mean hair-flappingagainst-your-ears fast, bulging your eyes out in alarm, a
heightened feeling in your chest, the raw speed buzz that
hooks swathes of petrol heads, skiers and lugists, and is the
basis of so many addictions and sports. Back when I first
rode it, my inexperience meant that I wasn't making the most
of the tube: the thrill of the pure speed caused me to outrun
it.
With experience, I learnt to do a big cut back or stall
and set myself up for the flight through that multi-coloured
barrel of joy. Its an experience that, no matter how many
times you repeat it, seems unique and special. It makes
you smile to think about it. You get the feeling that youve
tested your mettle and gained insight into great energy and
unfathomable, unworldly beauty by doing so. Like many
surfers, I know I find myself day-dreaming about surfing
waves that I imagine, or re-living those that Ive ridden. Yet,
even now when I'm in the water, I have to steel myself to
go for the tube. Theres an inbuilt defence mechanism that
begs you to pull off the back, to go straight, anything but put
yourself in there. But when I do, and especially when I make
it through, it really is something to write home about.
Those taking part highlighted the importance and value of

protected areas as safe refuges for species that are under
increasing stress from a range of factors, in particular climate
change.
Among the speakers were experts in uplands, forest,
marine, coastal and wetland sites from Spain, France, the
Netherlands, Slovenia, Wales and Scotland.
Among the key points raised by delegates were:
Managing in a changing environment is extremely
complex. Climate change, in particular, needs flexible and
sensible management strategies.
The Natura 2000 network of protected sites across
Europe is central to halting biodiversity loss. Each site is
important individually and as part of the largest network
of natural areas in the world. There are opportunities to
improve how the Natura 2000 network is managed.
Better public communication is essential to ensure
greater understanding of why sites provide vital space
for nature. This is key to selling natures needs to the
wider public, to communicate the case for resources for
nature conservation, better explain how resources are
used and say why sites matter.
The needs of biodiversity and nature should be key
factors in decision making and not considered an
optional extra in sectors traditionally less concerned with
the environment and nature conservation.
With 70 member organisations from 23 countries across

Europe, Eurosite is one of the leading networks involved in
managing Europes nature. The Eurosite network specialises
in the exchange of practical information, experience and
expertise to build site based know-how.
SNH chief executive, Ian Jardine, recently finished his
three-year term as president of Eurosite and his successor,
Henkjan Kievit, said the excellent interaction during the
conference had been thought-provoking and motivating.
Its been a privilege to see and enjoy Scotlands natural
assets, he commented, and to meet so many people
dedicated to protecting Scotlands wonderful nature.
Eurosite provides a great opportunity for joint working
and helps to inform and influence international decisions
involved in managing nature.
1
Delegates at the conference enjoyed an evening
reception in The Great Hall at Stirling Castle.
2
There were field trips to a range of national
nature reserves, including Tentsmuir, where
delegates could speak to local staff about
management issues.
Duncan Pepper
www.snh.gov.uk
25
Great expectations
in the glen
Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms has long had a high

public profile. Now, thanks to hard graft and a bold vision,
one of the most exciting nature restoration projects in
Scotland is taking shape. Kenny Nelson of SNH reports
26
www.snh.gov.uk
27
Gleann Feisidh nan siantan!

Leam bu mhiann bhith nad fhasgadh,
Far am faighinn a bhroighleag,
An oighreag, s an dearcag,
Cnothan cruinn air a challtainn,
S iasg dearg air na h-easan.
Glen Feshie of the storm-blasts!

Within thy shelter would I wish to be;
Where I would find the whortleberry,
The cloudberry and the blackberry,
Round nuts on the hazels,
And red fish in the linns.
From The Poetry of Badenoch (1906) by Rev. Thomas Sinton
Nestling along the western edge of the

Cairngorms, Glenfeshie Estate embraces some
173 sq km of mountain plateau, heather moorland,
pine woodland and fast flowing river.
This richness of landscape has led to the glen being dubbed
the jewel in the crown of the Cairngorms. Its a title that
now attracts a long list of conservation designations, and the
estate forms a key part of the Cairngorms National Park.
Glenfeshie has been run as a sporting estate since the
early 1800s, first finding fame when Queen Victoria used to
visit, and then being muse and backdrop for the paintings of
Sir Edwin Landseer. Traditional sporting management of the
estate has recently taken a new direction, however, with the
aim of letting nature achieve its full potential from glen
to summit.
Standing tall among the natural riches is the Scots pine
woodland scattered along the bottom of the glen. Many of
these trees are granny pines, comprising old, wide-crowned
individuals that have survived the last 200 or 300 years.
These trees are all that remain of what would once have
been a much larger network of woodlands on the estate.
Forest would have grown in the deeper soils and shelter of
the low ground, but it would have been patchy and varied in
nature, with lots of clearings and open spaces.
On the higher ground, the forest would have gradually
changed into a low-growing cover of gnarled and twisted
undersized trees, made up of pine, birch, willow and juniper.
These would have been more able to cope with the exposure
and thinning soils.
Higher still, on the mountain tops, dwarf trees would have
clung to the land. These wee trees survived by nestling
among the carpet of mountain mosses and sedges, and
included the now extremely rare mountain willows.
Critical point
1
A solitary granny
pine on low ground in
the glen. These ancient
trees can provide the
seed for future
generations of
Scots pine.
2
Glenfeshie has the
largest and best
known braided river
in the country, where
the water flows in
several shallow,
interconnected
channels.
3
Deer numbers have
been reduced in the
Glenfeshie woods
to a level where the
animals no longer
cause damage.
28
www.snh.gov.uk
The Scots pine woodlands were one of the reasons

Glenfeshie came to public attention recently. Deer seek
shelter and food in the woods and, especially in winter/early
spring, can browse heavily on young saplings. The lack of
new generations of trees to replace the ageing adult pines
was becoming critical and, if it had continued, could have led
to the total loss of the woodland.
Glenfeshie was declared a priority site in terms of deer
damage to the natural vegetation, and the estate signed a
10-year agreement with the former Deer Commission for
Scotland (DCS) to control deer numbers. Despite a moment
of controversy when the DCS stepped in with an emergency
cull at the end of January 2004, all the other reductions were
led and paid for by the estate. The agreement has been
hailed a success.
29
The new approach to deer management has seen estate staff targeting the
deer cull and focusing their efforts around the woodlands. Theyve reduced the
density of deer in these areas, allowing them to graze there but not in numbers
that would cause damage. In essence, the estate staff are acting like a top
predator such as the wolf controlling deer numbers throughout the year and
not just during the traditional hunting period.
This is paying dividends in terms of the woodland condition. You can now
see a healthy pulse of new pine and birch trees coming through to replace their
aged parents. From the estates viewpoint, theyre still able to take an income
from traditional stalking, but theyre also improving the quality of the ground.
Under the current owner, this recovery is set to take a major step forward.
Anders Holch Povlsen is a Dane who has owned Glenfeshie since 2006.
Together with estate manager Thomas MacDonell, he has a vision to improve
the variety of nature across the whole estate.
They have a major plan to further expand and improve the woodlands on the
low ground and also restore the mountain woodlands growing higher up the
hill. Wherever possible, natural regeneration from existing trees and shrubs will
be the favoured method, but planting will be used to kick-start the process in
places where a seed source is missing.
Woodland along the burns and rivers will be restored, and pockets of rarer
species such as aspen, holly and oak will be created where the right soil
types occur. All of this is dependent on the estate staff continuing to control the
deer numbers, as the aim is to restore the habitats by getting deer numbers to
natural not agricultural densities rather than fencing them out.
You can now see a

healthy pulse of new
pine and birch trees
coming through to
replace their aged
parents.
4
Estate manager
Thomas MacDonell
admires some of the
naturally regenerating
pines now appearing
among the Glenfeshie
heather.
5
Woolly willow is a rare
upland plant. Only 13
populations remain in
Scotland, one of which
is Glenfeshie. It's
found only on
inaccessible ledges,
away from grazing.
Nursery grown
seedlings have been
planted to boost the
colony in the hope it
will expand naturally.
Woodland doubling
Over the next five years, the estate hopes to more than
double the area of native woodland from the existing
1,900 hectares to over 4,000 hectares. The underlying
rocks mean Glenfeshies soils are richer than other parts of
the Cairngorms and these in turn support a wider variety of
plants. The estate predicts that, under the right conditions,
up to 16,000 hectares of woodland and scrub could
develop on Glenfeshie. Their maps paint a picture of this
future landscape a mosaic of pine and birch merging into
mountain woodlands and hill summits.
This restoration project is ambitious in scale, but it also
reflects the whole philosophy of the estate. Culls to reduce
numbers are a nasty job, Thomas admitted, but Im very
comfortable with our vision and really proud to be given this
opportunity of cathedral thinking1.
Primarily, Id like to congratulate my team. Weve not
always seen eye to eye on this reduction, but its been a
very considerable team effort and change is difficult
for some.
Our aim is to maximise the potential of this estate in
every way. We want all the different climate zones to show
good examples of their natural habitats. We want the wildlife
to thrive and deer to be the true sculptors of the forest once
again. Its our belief that this is going to help us deliver a
top-quality experience for our clients and visitors.
Whatever we do, whether its removing and
restructuring old, ugly plantation woodlands or repairing
paths, tracks and buildings, we want to do it in a way that
will improve the quality of this very wonderful and special
place, while maintaining local employment.
Achieving this vision costs money and will require a big
investment from the landowner. The benefits, however, will
go far beyond the boundaries of Glenfeshie.
The regenerating woodlands along the riverbanks
will help freshwater life, including the Atlantic salmon, a
fish which helps sustain the local economy. The return of
woodland and a more natural tree line will encourage more
wildlife and add beauty to the landscape. And the new
landscape of the glen will also improve the condition of the
deer.
Were just the custodians of this beautiful glen, added
Thomas. Woodlands develop over several human lifetimes,
and its a real challenge to set in motion a long-term vision.
After all, the fruits of todays labour will only become a reality
decades, perhaps even centuries, into the future.
Slowly, but surely, the Glenfeshie plan is taking shape.
Glenfeshie
6
Glenfeshie is involved
with the project to fit
satellite transmitters
on young eagles in the
Cairngorms National
Park and then track
their movements and
behaviour.
30
1 Cathedral thinking is a term that describes the visionary planning of a

task that will be completed long after the lifetime of those starting the project.
It was originally applied to the grand and enduring work on cathedrals such
as Notre Dame in Paris, which took over 200 years to complete!
www.snh.gov.uk
31
A new campaign aims to open

peoples eyes to the benefits of
recycling more
Zeroing in
on waste
Ever wondered just how much waste costs us?
To give you some idea, across the UK, we throw
away an estimated 13 billion plastic bottles each
year. When you consider how much waste can
be recycled, thats an incredible amount being
incinerated or sent to landfill.
Thats why, in 2011, the Scottish Government have set
ambitious targets in their Zero Waste Plan for Scotland.
The aim is to have 40% of household waste recycled or
composted this year, increasing to 50% by 2013, and 70%
by 2025.
The plan declares we need to recognise that everything
we use and throw away is a resource with a value, and we
should try to preserve, capture and use that value again
wherever possible. This is what a zero waste Scotland
means not a country where we never throw anything away,
but a new approach to making the most effective use of all
resources.
As you might imagine, this means all of us need to
recycle more and throw away less. And thats where a new
Scottish Government campaign comes in.
December sees the launch of a two-month campaign
appearing on television, radio, outdoor posters and online.
There will also be road shows in shopping centres and
supermarkets throughout Scotland.
The campaign aims to encourage the Scottish public
already naturally resourceful to recycle more kinds of
things, more often. It reminds us that its not rubbish if you
recycle and demonstrates that recycled items can come
back again and again.
By showing just how many materials can be recycled,
the campaign makes it easier to identify what we should all
be doing. It also shows the reincarnation of materials as
different, useful everyday items.
32
Another life
Lively, memorable characters have been created from boxes,
cartons, bottles and cans, all representing items that can be
recycled. Each has animated eyes and a personality that will
encourage us all to think twice about throwing things away
that could have another life.
The television ad uses state-of-the-art CGI animation to
create funny and likeable characters including a talking
cardboard box who tells us about all of his past lives thanks
to the efforts of resourceful people in Scotland.
The campaign also features cans and shows what
they can be recycled into. Although only around 50%
of aluminium cans are currently recycled, they can be
transformed into building materials or even car parts.
We also see how glass can be given another life as
all-new glass bottles and jars. Glass can be recycled again
and again, and containers made from recycled glass are
of exactly the same quality as those made from new raw
materials.
And did you know glass can be recycled into concrete
paving, construction aggregate and even golf course sand?
In your area
As well as an advertising campaign, there will also be road
shows in your local area. Its your opportunity to find out
more about the campaign. You can also find out how you
can get involved, and do your bit to help Scotland reach its
zero waste target. At the road show, a waste adviser and
trained staff will be available to discuss your local recycling
initiatives and collection facilities.
Interested? Visit www.sort-it.org.uk to find out the dates
for road shows in your area as well as the location of your
nearest recycling facilities. Remember, its not rubbish when
you recycle!
More reasons to recycle more

Its 20 times more efficient to make new
cans from recycled aluminium than from raw
materials.
Recycling one glass bottle saves enough
energy to power your computer for 25
minutes.
Plastic bottles can become bin liners,
compost bins, or even fleece jackets!
www.snh.gov.uk
33
The Government are asking the public sector to

show leadership in tackling climate change. So how
can public bodies cut carbon as well as costs?
Green to be lean
Public sector bodies have to make tackling climate change a priority.
1
Five public bodies
share a new office in
Golspie, which has a
lighting and ventilation
system that constantly
adapts to suit the
outdoor and indoor
conditions.
Thats the message from the Government, who have issued new guidelines to
help public bodies meet their responsibilities.
One of the organisations that will be expected to take a lead on this is SNH.
Weve repeatedly made it clear that we view climate change as the biggest single
threat facing Scotlands natural heritage.
Scotlands nature is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change,
explained Ian Jardine, SNH chief executive. That gives our organisation a
special responsibility to lead efforts to reduce carbon emissions and our overall
environmental footprint.
At the moment, were only in the foothills of the challenges ahead. Were
starting to plan for a future based on the need to adapt to climate change. Our
current target is to reduce emissions by four per cent annually, which is ambitious.
But were determined to achieve it.
34
In the last five years, our carbon management and other

greening efforts have deeply cut our carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions. Weve nearly halved our paper use, and the
introduction of video conferencing has helped reduce the
number of work miles that our staff drive by nearly a quarter.
Some of the other measures put in place to make the
organisation greener include replacing the SNH office
in Golspie with a new office heated by a carbon-neutral
heating system using local wood pellets. We share this
office with four other public bodies, so were helping others
cut their carbon footprint too. Three SNH visitor centres
have also been refurbished with better insulation and energy
efficiency, and two of them now have ground-source heating
systems.
The SNH Battleby office and conference centre near
Perth was also refurbished to make it more energy efficient,
with ground-source and solar water heating systems being
introduced. And this year we fitted a new wood pellet
heating system, replacing oil and supporting Scotland-based
renewable fuels. All in all, our current renewable energy
systems save us about 270 tonnes of CO2 each year thats
12% of our total.
In addition, weve cut the number of SNH vehicles, with
any new cars bought being much more fuel efficient and
with much lower CO2 emissions. This has been allied with a
policy that encourages public transport use and discourages
UK mainland air travel.
The result of all these measures is that the organisations
carbon footprint has been radically reduced and were on
track to save 500,000 by 2013 through energy-saving
measures.
The Scottish Parliament voted last year to set the most
ambitious climate change targets anywhere in the world, Ian
added. As an organisation, weve developed a low carbon
vision for 2020 and beyond, and were committed to leading
by example in public sector carbon and environmental
management.
I have to say that our staff have been fantastic in their
support of our carbon management plan. For instance, staff
at our Lerwick office in Shetland applied good green working
practices over several years to the extent that they helped
achieve a 40% reduction in electricity use.
Were therefore confident that we can be a visibly lowcarbon organisation, leading the way by cutting emissions to
a minimum and locking up large amounts of carbon for the
benefit of nature and the people of Scotland.
You can find out more about our greening and carbon
work on the SNH website www.snh.gov.uk
2
A new wood pellet
heating system has
been introduced at our
Battleby office outside
Perth.
3
Video conferencing
brings substantial cost
and carbon savings.
www.snh.gov.uk
35
Reserve focus
Some 10 km north of St Andrews in Fife lies Tentsmuir National

Nature Reserve. This reserve offers the visitor a chance to explore
miles of shifting sand dunes and windswept beach, while inland you
can check out the wetland wonders of Morton Lochs.
1
Tentsmuir Point is
one of Scotlands
most dynamic
landscapes. Swirling
currents and turning
tides constantly
move the sand and
create new
shorelines and
sandbars.
The reserves name dates back to the mid 1780s when open moorland backed
onto this dramatic coastline. A Danish fleet, shipwrecked off the coast, landed on
the beach and set up their tents on the land behind, giving rise to the name Tents
Moor. Today, the moorland has been replaced by a working forest of mature pine
trees, with a choice of waymarked routes that you can enjoy on bike or foot.
There are various ways into the reserve. The main access is from the Forestry
Commission Scotland car park at Kinshaldy, off the A919 Leuchars to Tayport
road. From here you can walk through the forest or along the shore to Tentsmuir
Point. Theres another car park near to Lundin Bridge in the east of Tayport, from
where you can take the shore route to Tayport Heath and Tentsmuir Point, and/or
head through the forest to Morton Lochs.
You can also reach the Morton Lochs part of the reserve from the B945
Tayport to St Michaels road, and this is the entrance that we suggest for this
extended walk. The route is about 14 km (8.75 miles) long and takes you from
the lochs, through the forest and along the beach to Tentsmuir Point, returning via
Tayport Heath. If you dont want to do the whole walk, then you can just visit the
first few stopping points and then head back the way you came. There are clear,
waymarked paths and tracks through the forest, but there are no formal tracks on
the beach. Use the numbered map and directions in the text to guide you round.
Reserve boundary
Dunes
Information point
Woodland
Viewpoint
Forest plantation
Picnic area
Defence relics
Parking
Suggested route
Bird hide
Forest track
kilometres
miles
F i r t h o f Ta y
Northern Beach
entrance
Sea, sand
and shifting shores
To Tayport
Ta y
To Tayport
Wind
Pump
7
Great Slack
entrance
Garpit
t
por
at
He
Daves Gate
entrance
36
Shanwell
Morton
Lochs
To St Michaels
6
Great
Slack
Kissing
5
gate
4
3 Ice House
5
B94
Head for the Firth of Tay this winter to discover huge

gatherings of sea duck, waders and wildfowl, as well as
gangs of grey and common seals. The offshore sand and
mud flats of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, along with
the dunes and heath, provide ideal conditions for a vast
range of wildlife at this time of year
Tentsmuir
Point
Abertay Sands
Visitor
shelter
Morton
Southern Beach
entrance
Fetterdale
www.snh.gov.uk
37
1
The walk starts at the car park next to the wildlife hides that overlook Morton
Lochs. Local landowners created these three small lochs from existing wetlands
in the early 1900s to provide freshwater fishing. However, the open water quickly
attracted large numbers of breeding and wintering wildfowl. Today, you may be
lucky enough to see scarce birds such as kingfisher, little grebe and even whitetailed sea eagle. The big winter attraction, though, is the tiny teal ducks, which
gather in their hundreds on the food-rich sheltered water. Look out too for the
resident otters, which have managed to rear triplets here in three of the last six
years.
2
Leaving Morton Lochs, head for the coast along the forest track signposted Ice
House. As you wander along, be sure to check out the branches above. Theres a
stable population of red squirrels in Tentsmuir Forest, with many sightings around
Morton Lochs and in the wooded areas behind Tentsmuir Point. The forest is a red
squirrel protection zone, which means its a focus for conservation management.
The aim is to prevent grey squirrels becoming established here and threatening
the reds, so theres a programme to trap any grey squirrels and remove them from
the forest.
2
Morton Lochs are
fringed with reeds,
which provide shelter
and protection for
huge numbers of
breeding and wintering
wildfowl.
3
Both grey and common
seals gather in their
hundreds on the
sandbanks along
Tentsmuir Point.
4
The goosander is the
largest duck in
Scottish waters. Its
mainly a freshwater
bird, but in winter some
move into sheltered
estuaries like the Tay.
5
The most serious
threat to the native red
squirrel is the
American grey squirrel.
The grey outcompetes
the red for food and
can carry squirrel pox
virus, which is deadly
to red squirrels.
When you reach the edge of the forest, head over to the right and youll see
the remains of an old stone building down by the beach. This is the Ice House,
which was built in 1888 to keep locally caught salmon fresh. Ice houses were set
into the ground to protect the walls from the heat of the sun, with the ice being
collected and stored during the winter. Local fishermen used to catch the salmon
in stake nets fixed in the waters nearby. The salmon were then wrapped in the ice
and shipped quickly from Tayport to London to attract the highest prices.
Head northwards and look out to sea you may well find that youre being
eyeballed by some inquisitive seals! Tentsmuir is one of the few places on the
east coast of Scotland where both grey and common seals are found together.
Estimates over the last six years suggest that the grey seal population here peaks
at around 1,000 and the common seals at about 200. As you approach Tentsmuir
Point, youre likely to see large groups of seals hauled out and resting on the
Abertay Sands and on the foreshore.
5
Around Tentsmuir Point youll be able to look over at one of the most important
sites in Scotland for migratory waders and wildfowl. The extensive offshore
sand and mud flats provide ideal roosting and feeding conditions for migratory
and wintering bird species. The site is especially important during the winter for
goosander, red-breasted merganser, common scoter and long-tailed duck, while
over 4,000 eider gather offshore and feed on the nearby mussel beds. In addition,
some 4,000 pink-footed geese regularly roost on the northern foreshore and bars
in the reserve.
38
www.snh.gov.uk
39
Essential information
The Tentsmuir NNR boundary lies some 4 km east of Tayport

or 2.5 km north of the Forestry Commission Scotland car
park (which is signposted Tentsmuir Forest and beach), off
the A919 Tayport to Leuchars road. Several forest walks
begin at the Kinshaldy car park, which also has a picnic site
and toilets. Parking charge for cars is 1.00. The Morton
Lochs car park is off the B945 St Michaels to Tayport road.
Visit www.travelinescotland.com for information about
using public transport to reach the reserve.
14 km (8.75 miles)
Terrain
Nearby natural attractions
There are all ability paths around Morton Lochs. The start of
the walk is on a wide but rough forestry track. The route also
takes in bare sand dunes and the beach itself. Gradients are
mostly low, but there are some short slopes over the dunes
and on the forest track.
Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve lies near to the golfing

mecca of St Andrews. It features a rich landscape of
mudflats, sandbanks and saltmarshes, which are home to
millions of tiny plants and animals. These in turn provide
food for thousands of birds. The Eden Estuary Centre at
Guardbridge provides a comfortable viewpoint and the hope
of seeing large numbers of grey plover, oystercatcher, knot,
dunlin and pink-footed goose in winter. The estuary also
holds the countrys largest numbers of black-tailed godwit.
Landranger 59 (St Andrews)

Explorer 371 (St Andrews & East Fife)
Trail length
The northern shore of Tentsmuir is one of the fastest growing parts of Scotland.
Sand is still being deposited at Tentsmuir Point and the land is moving out into
the sea at a rate of five metres a year. The growth rate was particularly rapid in
the 1980s when some parts grew seawards by some 15 metres each year. This
highly dynamic system will continue to change naturally, making it a really useful
place to study the processes that mould beaches and coasts. By way of contrast,
the mid section of the reserve reached its widest point in the mid 1980s; now the
sea is making inroads, plucking sand back to the deeps.
6
The tidal mudflats at
Tentsmuir provide
fertile feeding grounds
for huge numbers of
wading birds and
wildfowl during the
winter.
7
Youngsters creating
sand art on Tentsmuir
beach.
Further information
The various parts of the reserve are open all year round.
SNH offer a programme of guided walks and schools
events, while FCS provide parking and picnic facilities at
Kinshaldy, along with information panels. You can contact
SNH on 01382 553 704 or FCS on 01350 727 284. You
can pick up a copy of the SNH or FCS leaflets at the FCS
car park. Alternatively, download them at www.snh.org.uk/
pubs/detail.asp?id=281 or www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/
tentsmuirleafletmap.pdf/$FILE/tentsmuirleafletmap.pdf
OS maps
more sensitive birds and animals, particularly during the

breeding season, when you need to keep your dog under
close control or on a short lead around forests, grassland,
loch shores and the seashore. A short lead is taken to be
two metres, and under close control means that the dog is
able to respond to your commands and is kept close at heel.
Dogs
Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and local
guidance at the reserve. Take extra care to avoid disturbing
7
From Tentsmuir Point, head back towards the forest and proceed along its
northern edge. Continue alongside the forest for a while and then head over onto
the foreshore. This takes you down to Tayport Heath and the River Tay, with great
views over to Monifieth, Broughty Ferry and Dundee. Out beyond the mudflats
youll see a number of islands or scalps in the river. These were artificially
created when trading ships dumped ballast overboard in the 18th century. The
ballast usually consisted of pantiles, which explains why prudent Fifers still have
pantiles on their roofs!
8
Continue towards Tayport and youll pass the highest dune in this area. Then its
on towards the old meteorological station, with good views over the waders and
wildfowl on the mudflats. Finally, turn left at the forest edge and head down, with
the forest on your left and a farm on your right. Eventually, youll meet the track
that will take you back to Morton Lochs.
40
Tentsmuir is one of
over 50 national
nature reserves in
Scotland. Find out
more at www.nnrscotland.org.uk.
www.snh.gov.uk
41
SNH Area News
SNH Area News
Western Isles
Strathclyde and Ayrshire
Correspondents: Tracey Begg, Mark MacDonald, Roddy MacMinn
Correspondent: Sarah Watts
Stepping out
Its criminal
Gunnera bashing
Almost 100 people attended a series

of five walks on Barra this summer,
which were organised to celebrate
International Year of Biodiversity 2010.
The weekly walks were organised and
led by Jonathan Grant, the National
Trust for Scotland warden for Mingulay
and Berneray.
Jonathan arranged a varied
programme and each walk explored
local history, archaeology and natural
history at different locations, including
Eoligarry, Vatersay, Tangasdale and
Allasdale. The walks were attended by
both locals and visitors and turnout was
impressive, especially on the last walk
at Tangasdale when 36 people came
along.
This is the first summer programme
of locally organised walks to take
place on Barra since ranger services
ended in 2003. The popularity of
these walks demonstrates their appeal
to visitors and local residents alike.
As a result, Jonathan has been able
to organise walks into October, well
beyond the traditional island summer
tourist season. These walks continue
to attract local people who want to get
outdoors and enjoy the heritage on their
doorstep. Its hoped there will be further
opportunities to develop similar locally
organised events on Barra in the future.
There was both good and bad news

for the freshwater pearl mussels of
Lewis and Harris recently. The good
news is that a previously undiscovered
population was found in a burn on
the east of the island. The bad news:
it wasnt actually an undiscovered
population.
A follow-up visit by a mussel expert
found large numbers of empty shells
scattered at various points along
the bank, showing that the site was
clearly already known to pearl fishers.
Thankfully, there are still some mussels
present, including, most importantly,
juveniles, suggesting the presence of
a viable population. The site will be
carefully watched from now on to try to
protect the mussels from being further
exploited.
This recent pearl mussel kill follows
other similar reports from Harris and
other west coast sites in recent years.
It puts further pressure on an animal
which, though long-lived, is extremely
vulnerable to persecution.
Pearl fishing continues, despite it
being a criminal offence to disturb, take,
injure or kill pearl mussels. Anyone with
information or who sees any suspicious
activity, such as those searching in
rivers with glass-bottom buckets, or
piles of shells in or near rivers, should
contact their local police station.
Harris is well known for its unspoilt

beaches, turquoise waters, rugged
landscape and beautiful scenery. Its not
so famous for the jungle habitat thats
sprung up in patches here over the last
20 years or so.
Gunnera tinctora is an invasive giant
rhubarb plant native to South America,
which was introduced as an ornamental
plant to some gardens in the 1980s.
Unfortunately, its proved very adaptable
and has started to spread across the
island, thriving in our peaty soils and
wet climate. The Gunnera can outcompete the native plants of the island
and could have a harmful effect in the
long term on the wildlife of Harris.
The North Harris ranger service
have therefore been trialling various
techniques to try to control this alien
species. Once theyve identified
the most effective methods for safe
removal, the Gunnera invasion can
be tackled before it becomes too
widespread.
Well have our work cut out for
several years before we can make
a significant improvement to this
problem, observed North Harris Trust
ranger Robin Reid. If anyone would like
to volunteer their help with our project,
wed be very interested to hear from
them. Email Robin at
robin@north-harris.org
42
BULB planting
Special places
A small community group, based in

The Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape
Lochwinnoch, are taking action to
Partnership (CAVLP) is a Heritage
conserve Scotlands only native poplar Lottery funded project. It aims to
tree. The aspen is disappearing from
conserve, improve and celebrate the
Scottish woods, and in Strathclyde
unique landscape and cultural heritage
and Ayrshire it now grows in only a
of the Clyde and Avon valleys.
few places.
Over the coming year, local people
BULB have been growing and
will be encouraged to share memories
planting new aspen trees for the last
of the rich history and culture of the
four years. Theyve collected cuttings
area. They can learn about what makes
their local landscape unique, as well as
from Argyll to Dumfries and Galloway,
and they now have one of the largest
develop traditional rural skills, through
collections in Scotland.
volunteering and training opportunities.
But this beautiful tree is good not
Theyll also be asked to suggest
just for wildlife. BULB have received
ideas for projects that will improve
funding for a two-year research project and protect the landscape for future
to look at how the species can be used generations.
to clean up the soil at an old steelworks
The landscape of the Clyde
site in Ayrshire.
and Avon Valleys is very special,
We hope to show that not only
commented Maggie Botham, CAVLP
can aspen trees be used to clean up
manager. We hope this project will
provide a focus for communities to
polluted land, but also they can be
used by local communities as wood for help shape its future. Well be writing a
fuel or even furniture, explained Peter
Landscape Action Plan that willcapture
Livingstone from BULB. If successful, what local people value in the Clyde
we could use aspen right across the
and Avon river valleys.
Central Belt to help create the Central
If youd like to find out more about
Scotland Green Network.
the project, contact the CAVLP team on
01555 663 430.
www.snh.gov.uk
Swan river
Every year up to 200 whooper swans
travel to Renfrewshire from Iceland.
Now their annual visit has been
celebrated in stained glass panels at
the Renfrew Health and Social Work
Centre. Children from St James Primary
and Inchinnan Primary schools worked
with artist Anne Ferguson to design the
artwork.
The area around the Black Cart
River near Renfrew is really important
for the whooper swans, explained
Dave Lang of SNH. During the winter,
the lakes and rivers in Iceland can be
frozen solid, so they head south. Its
warmer here and the rivers tidal, so it
never freezes over.
There are also plenty of water
plants for the swans to eat, as well as
leftover grain and grass in the farmers
fields. Thats why more visit here than
anywhere else in Scotland.
The artwork is one of several to have
been created at the new health and
social work centre. Each one makes a
connection between local people and
the place where they stay, commented
Lindsay Blair, art project manager, so
its very appropriate that the swans are
here too.
43
Our latest publications
East Highland
2011 Calendar
Correspondents: David Carstairs, Kenny Nelson
Open to all
Stranger danger
Showcasing nature
Creag Meagaidh is one of Scotlands

more remote national nature reserves,
but were keen to open up the reserve
to as wide an audience as possible.
During the summer, we put in a
network of all-abilities paths, along with
information boards describing some of
Creag Meagaidhs animals and plants.
Weve also expanded the car park, and
there are resting places and picnic
tables to promote the simple pleasures
of stopping for a while and enjoying the
view.
A programme of events has been
rolled out too, with a celebration of the
reserves natural and human heritage
featuring in October. The red deer rut
was in progress so the roaring, chasing
and jousting of the stags provided
the natural backdrop. Highlight of the
cultural heritage was a visit to the
19th-century dry stone wall, which
marks the boundary between Lochaber
and Badenoch and the parishes of
Laggan and Kilmonivaig. Rising to
well above 610 metres, it divides the
reserve in two.
A stranger has appeared in the

shallows of Loch Flemington, near
Nairn. The New Zealand pygmy weed
is a minutely flowered, mat-forming
plant that was first imported to the
UK for sale in the late 1920s. By the
early 1950s, it had escaped from the
confines of ornamental collections and
turned up in sheltered freshwaters and
ponds.
The loch features a great range of
native wildlife, including rare Slavonian
grebes and colourful great-crested
newts. The pygmy weed grows in
a thick surface layer and stops the
sunlight breaking through to the
shallow waters. This cuts off one
of the essential natural conditions
needed for the healthy survival of the
local residents.
Efforts to control the weed were
hampered by the fact that minute
fragments of leaves and stems can
produce viable plants that can also
overwinter. However, field trials by the
Institute of Ecology and Hydrology
and SNH have discovered at least
one method of control that is proving
successful. By covering the plants
with plastic sheeting, rafts of plants
are starved of sunlight, eventually
sending them to a watery grave.
A new nature yearbook called Go Wild

in Wester Ross provides a colourful
insight into Highland wildlife. The
yearbook showcases the plants and
animals that you can discover in a range
of places from coastal rockpools,
woods and mountains to moorlands,
boglands and freshwater. You can also
find out more about crofting and the
links it has with the landscape and
wildlife.
Charting the wildlife from month to
month, it shows that even in the depths
of winter theres lots of nature out there
to enjoy. Theres also a variety of maps
to point you in the direction of the best
places to visit to see wildlife.
Wester Ross Environment Network
(WREN) produced the guide, aided by
a whole range of people, including local
primary school children, who added
artwork and poetry. Local biologists and
rangers also helped to compile facts
about the local wildlife, including both
the familiar and the more obscure.
The book is on sale at various
outlets throughout Wester Ross and
proceeds from the sale will help pay
for community-led local environmental
projects. If youd like to find out more
about WREN and the yearbook, you
can visit the website www.wr-en.co.uk
Beneath our seas exists a wealth of marine life, rich in colour and
with many fascinating ways to survive. Yet, apart from those few
who venture under water as divers or scientists, most people will
be unfamiliar with the hidden treasures of Scotlands seas.
Our 2011 calendar aims to shine a light on some of these eyecatching creatures and explain why theyre special. It also points
to how we can ensure theyll be around for future generations to
discover and enjoy.
2011 is an important year for Scotlands seas, as many of the
provisions of the new Scottish and UK Marine Acts are introduced.
This will mean a brand-new marine planning system, together with
a suite of marine protected areas and streamlined marine licensing
and seals protection.
As ever, our calendar sets out to explore vital issues while
featuring magnificent photography. Its the perfect place to keep
track of all your 2011 dates, while enjoying a series of thoughtprovoking and striking images all year long.
The publication is available in two formats as a large wall
calendar at 6 or a small desktop calendar at 3.
Print out
SNH Area News
Wildcats
The latest title in the Naturally Scottish series is Wildcats. This
lavishly illustrated booklet focuses on the only native member
of the cat family still living in the UK today. Its believed to be a
descendant of continental European wildcat ancestors, colonising
Britain following the last ice age (7,0009,000 years ago).
The earliest fossil remains of the wildcat were found in Berkshire.
After the last ice age, the wildcat could be found across mainland
Britain. However, when Britains forests started to recede, the
wildcat began to disappear from much of its range. By 1800 it was
already restricted to northern England, Wales and Scotland. By
1880 the wildcat survived only in Scotland, and by 1915 its range
was restricted to the north of Scotland.
The book uses a rich mix of photography and illustration to tell
the story of one of our rarest mammals. This substantial publication
is priced at 7.95 and can be ordered online.
You can order copies of SNH publications via the SNH website. You can also buy our publications in person from the shop in the
reception area of our SNH Battleby office outside Perth or tel: 01738 444 177.
44
www.snh.gov.uk
45
Events diary 2011

January
Monday 3 Meet the Wardens

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Thursday 13
Wednesday 19
February
Area Evening
Receptions
Dunfermline
Portree, Skye
Tel: 01577 864 439
March
All welcome (please check SNH website or local

Area office to confirm venues and timings).
Sunday 16 A Winter Wonderland

Part Two
Corrie Fee NNR
Angus
Walk with the ranger from 11am to 2pm to

discover and discuss the formation of Corrie Fee
and its physical features since the last ice age.
Meet at Glen Doll ranger base. Booking essential.
Tel: 01575 550 233
Sunday 30 Wild Goose Chase

Loch Lomond NNR
West Highlands
Explore part of the reserve and surrounding area

(by mini bus) in an attempt to spot and count the
four species of geese that visit here in the winter.
Session one will be goose finding from 1.30pm to
3pm, and session two will be viewing the goose
roosts from 4pm to 5pm. Return to Millennium
Hall, Gartocharn, at 5.30pm. Refreshments will be
available for those staying for the two sessions.
Booking essential.
Tel: 01786 450 362

STIRLINGNNRS@snh.
gov.uk
Sunday 6 Walk for Wetlands

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Join reserve staff from 10am to 12 noon on a

walk to celebrate World Wetland Day and find out
why wetlands like Loch Leven are so important.
Meeting point to be confirmed. Booking essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Sunday 6 Morning Flight

Caerlaverock NNR
Dumfries & Galloway
Caerlaverock is home to thousands of wildfowl

and waders during the winter months. Wrap up
warm and venture out at dawn with reserve staff
from 7am to 9am. Experience the thrilling sights
and sounds as skeins of wild geese leave the
sanctuary of the mudflats at sunrise to fly inland
to feed. Meeting place to be confirmed. Booking
essential (closing date 18 January).
Tel: 01387 770 275
Sunday 6 Woodland Tidy Up

Flanders Moss NNR
Stirling
Dismantle and recycle disused pheasant pens

from 10.30am to 4pm at Ballangrew Wood and
cut invasive scrub from Flanders Moss. Booking
essential.
Tel: 01786 450 362

STIRLINGNNRS@snh.
gov.uk
Area Evening
Receptions
Wednesday 9 Perth
Thursday 24 Huntly
Sunday 20 Tracks, Trails and Signs
Corrie Fee NNR
Angus
46
Drop in to the Kingfisher Hide at Burleigh Sands

between 2pm and 4pm to chat with the wardens
about the wildlife of Loch Leven. Telescopes and
binoculars will be available. All welcome.
Sunday 20 Pond Maintenance

Loch Lomond NNR
West Highlands
Come along from 10am to 3.30pm and help

create areas of open water at Endrick Mouth for
dragonflies and water beetles. Booking essential.
Tel: 01786 450 362

STIRLINGNNRS@snh.
gov.uk
Saturday 5
Now in its 15th year, Dumfries and Galloways

leading environmental event hosts over 50
organisations providing information on recycling,
energy efficiency, green health and local wildlife,
as well as fun activities for all. Entrance and
activities free for all ages.
Tel: 01387 247 543
Drop in to the Boathouse Hide near Kirkgate

between 2pm and 4pm to chat with the wardens
about the wildlife of Loch Leven. Telescopes and
binoculars will be available. All welcome.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Environment Fair
DG One
Leisure Complex
Dumfries
Sunday 13 Meet the Wardens

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Area Evening
Receptions
Isle of Lewis
Tobermory, Mull
Wick

Sunday 27
Walk and Talk

Corrie Fee NNR
Angus
Join the ranger from 11am to 2pm for a general

natural history walk through Glen Doll forest.
Meet at Glen Doll ranger base. Booking essential.
Tel: 01575 550 233
Sunday 27
Spring Clean
Loch Lomond NNR
West Highlands
Come along from 10am to 3.30pm and help clear

away the various objects brought in by the winter
floods from the areas used by ground nesting
breeding birds later in the spring. Booking
essential.
Tel: 01786 450 362

STIRLINGNNRS@
snh.gov.uk
Thursday 17
Thursday 24
Wednesday 30

Learn animal tracking and identification skills from

11am to 2pm. This will be an indoor and outdoor
event. Meet at Glen Doll ranger base. Booking
essential.
Tel: 01575 550 233
www.snh.gov.uk
47
Dualchas coitcheann
Common heritage
Bidheach, ach
m-chliiteach do na
seann Ghidheil, a
chraobh-chrithinn as
t-fhoghar.
Beautiful, but of poor
repute to the Gaels of
old, the aspen tree in
autumn.
The aspen tree is a physically attractive

part of our native plantlife. But to the
Scottish Gaels of old, it was an ignoble
species, as Ruairidh MacIlleathain explains
The ignoble tree

The trembling of the leaves of the aspen
tree, called the critheann (KREE-hun
or trembling one) in Gaelic, is credited
in tradition to the role of this species
in the death of Christ. Reputedly, the
cross on which he was crucified was
made from aspen wood.
However, the aspen was not alone
in being considered ignoble. Poets
would use trees in a symbolic way to
describe human qualities. A famous
example of this is in the elegy to
Alasdair of Glengarry by the Lochaber
poetess, Sleas MacDonald, written in
about 1721:
Craobh an Eas-urraim
S dcha gum bi e na iongnadh do
chuid gun robh droch bheachd aig
na seann Ghidheil air a chraobhchrithinn, ged as lainn i as t-fhoghar.
Eadhon air latha ciin samhraidh bidh
na duilleagan air chrith. Thathar ag
aithneachadh sin ann an cultaran eile
s e tremble a chanas na Frangaich ris
a chraoibh-chrithinn agus s e Populus
tremulus a h-ainm saidheansail. Bhiodh
na seann Ghidheil ag rdh gur e as
coireach ri a crith gun robh a chrois
air an robh osa Crosd air a cheusadh
air a danamh de fhiodh-crithinn agus
gu bheil a chraobh fhin air a bhith air
chrith on uair sin.
Tha am marbhrann ainmeil Alasdair
Gleanna Garadh, leis a bhana-bhrd
chliiteach, Sleas na Ceapaich Loch
Abar, a bh air a sgrobhadh timcheall
1721, a taisbeanadh dhuinn mar a bha
na Gidheil o shean a cur barrachd
luach ann an cuid de craobhan, seach
feadhainn eile. Gu dearbh, bhathar a
tomhas cuid dhiubh mar urramach,
agus feadhainn eile mar eas-urramach,
agus bhiodh bird a cleachdadh nan
omhaighean sin nuair a bhathar a
beachdachadh air buadhan dhaoine.
Anns an dn seo, rinn Sleas deagh
choimeas eadar Alasdair agus cig gn
chraobhan an t-iubhar, an darach,
an cuileann, an droigheann agus an
t-abhall (craobh-ubhail) air an robh
urram mr aig na Gidheil:
48
Bu tu an t-iubhar s a' choillidh,

Bu tu an darach daingeann lidir,
Bu tu an cuileann, 's bu tu an
droigheann,
Bu tu an t-abhall molach blthmhor.
Anns an ath cheathramh chuir Sleas
astar eadar Alasdair agus na craobhan
eas-urramach. Anns a chiad ite
dhiubh sin, bha a chritheann:
You were the yew from the forest

You were the strong and steadfast oak
You were the holly, you were the
blackthorn
You were the rough blossoming apple
tree
Cha robh meur annad den chritheann,

Cha robh do dhlighe ri ferna,
Cha robh do chirdeas ri leamhan,
Bu tu leannan nam ban lainn.
Tha e coltach gun robh an droch
beachd aig daoine air a chraoibhchrithinn gu math daingnichte. Thathar
ag rdh gun robh am brd ainmeil,
Uilleam Ros, ann an eathar faisg air
Gerrloch nuair a bha e na dheugaire.
Chaidh am bta a sguabadh le stoirm
air cladach eilein far nach robh sluagh.
Bha na bacan-rimh air am briseadh
agus bha aig a chriubha ri feadhainn
ra a dhanamh. Ge-t, cha robh ri
fhaighinn anns an eilean ach fiodh na
crithinn agus fiodh an t-seilich agus bha
droch bheachd aig na maraichean air
an d chuid dhiubh sin (ged a bhiodh
Gidheil a cleachdadh fiodh an t-seilich
airson rudan mar chlibh a dhanamh).
Dhfhuirich Ros agus a chompanaich
anns an eilean, gun chomas iomradh,
gus an tinig cobhair bho thr-mr.
There wasnt a trace of aspen in you

You had no connection to the alder
You had no relation to the elm
You were the darling of the beautiful
women
She distanced the subject of her praise
from the ignoble trees the aspen,
alder and elm. On the other hand,
she likened him to trees that were
clearly viewed by her Gaelic-speaking
audience (without any need for
explanation) as having noble qualities
the yew, oak, holly, blackthorn and
apple.
www.snh.gov.uk
49
Gaelic is an important and unique part of Scottish

culture. However, the position of Gaelic, like many
of Scotlands natural habitats and species, is a
fragile one
The SNH Gaelic language plan is expected to be formally approved and

launched before the end of the year. Gaelic plans officer for Brd na Gidhlig,
Donald Morrison, observed that SNH were ideally placed to raise awareness of
Gaelic and its culture. The natural environment is a dominant feature of Gaelic
culture as expressed in poetry, story and song, he added. And the Gaelic
language has had a long standing relationship with the natural environment, as
the many Gaelic place names across Scotland confirm.
Indeed, the relationship between landscape and language has recently been
celebrated in a new SNH publication that features the Gaelic and Norse place
names of northern Scotland. The bilingual booklet Gaelic and Norse in the
Landscape: Place names in Caithness and Sutherland by Roddy Maclean was
launched at the Royal National Mod in Caithness.
SNH believe that increased use of Gaelic in our publications and
interpretation materials will provide an added breadth of insight and
understanding of nature in Scotland, for both English and Gaelic speaking
audiences. Greater use of Gaelic in this way will increase the profile of both the
language itself and of its value as an integral part of Scottish culture.
If youd like to find out more about SNHs Gaelic resources, go to
www.snh.gov.uk/gaelic
Protect
and respect
Chaidh Brd na Gidhlig a
stidheachadh mar phirt de
dhAchd na Gidhlig (Alba)
2005 agus tha am Brd ag
obair le trr bhuidhnean
phoblach air feadh Alba gus
Thats the view of Roddy Maclean, the journalist and broadcaster who contributes planaichean Gidhlig a chur an
the regular Common heritage article to this magazine. Writing in the publication
gnomh. S e pirt cudromach
Gaelic in the Landscape: Place names of the northwest Highlands, Roddy added
de dhobair leasachaidh
that, the backbone of our place name heritage is Gaelic and, for a better
na Gidhlig a tha anns na
understanding of our landscape, it is necessary to understand our language
This intimacy may have weakened, but even today, thanks to our place names,
planaichean seo, gus barrachd
history and legends, we still have a landscape full of beauty and meaning.
sheirbheisean phoblach a
Efforts to conserve the Gaelic language have assumed greater prominence in thabhann tro mheadhan na
recent years through the passing of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005
Gidhlig agus omhaigh a
by the Scottish Parliament. The main purpose of the Act is to secure the status
of Gaelic as an official language of Scotland, and significantly, give the language chanain a thogail am measg
a mhr-shluaigh.
equality of respect with English. It also established Brd na Gidhlig as the lead
The land speaks to us through our language. Thats reason enough

to make it important that this generation of Scots takes seriously
its responsibility for the care and conservation of Gaelic, just as it
takes seriously its responsibility for the conservation of its land and
waters.
agency to deliver the Act and required public bodies in Scotland to prepare
Gaelic language plans.
These plans aim to ensure that the public sector in Scotland plays its part
in creating a sustainable future for Gaelic, through raising its status and profile,
as well as most importantly creating new opportunities for its use. In 1881,
there were over a quarter of a million Gaelic speakers in Scotland. By the 2001
census, the number of people recorded in Scotland with the ability to speak, read,
write or understand Gaelic was 92,000. Significantly, however, the 515 age
group showed an increase in numbers over the decade from 1991, reflecting the
growth in Gaelic medium education across Scotland.
Brd na Gidhlig believe that organisations with a remit covering the whole
of Scotland such as Scottish Natural Heritage or Dualchas Ndair na h-Alba in
Gaelic play an important part, as potentially they offer a public service to every
one of those 92,000 identified in the 2001 census. In addition, many of SNHs
offices are based in areas with relatively high concentrations of Gaelic speakers,
and interaction between SNH staff and Gaelic speaking members of the public
can be frequent.
50
1
The presence of Gaelic
in the corporate
identity and signs of a
public body boosts the
visibility of the
language. It also
increases its status
and makes an
important statement
about how Gaelic is
valued and how its
given recognition.
2
Prince Charles showed
his ongoing interest
and enthusiasm for the
language, landscape
and culture of the
north Highlands when
he received a copy of
SNHs new bilingual
booklet on place
names during his
recent visit to the Mod
in Caithness.
www.snh.gov.uk
51
The RSPBs Futurescapes programme aims to create more

space for nature, not only in protected areas but far beyond.
Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management with
RSPB Scotland, outlines their plans to shape a better future for
people and the natural world
1
Peatlands have
vanished across much
of Scotland, but at
Forsinard you can
experience the Flow
Country of Caithness
and Sutherland. The
rolling landscape of
bogland, studded with
thousands of pools, is
home to a wide range
of rare and unusual
birds, animals and
plants.
Scotlands Futurescapes
52
www.snh.gov.uk
53
Ask most people to name one of their favourite childhood memories

and Ill bet that many would choose something to do with nature
whether thats seeing a golden eagle while on holiday, fishing for
tadpoles or walking in woodlands. Mine? Seeing my first osprey, at
Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms, diving into the clear water to catch
a large fish!
Natures a constant companion, there for everyone to enjoy, regardless of
background, age or interests. But imagine if it wasnt there. Imagine if your
children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren werent able to share the same
experiences that you had growing up. Think of a Scotland where you could only
see once common bird species such as lapwings, yellowhammers and cuckoos in
the pages of history books. Consider if nature reserves were the last remnants of
healthy green spaces supporting varied and rich wildlife in our countryside. And
ponder Scotlands economy losing the precious pounds generated by our famous
tourism, food and whisky industries all of which are so dependent on healthy,
natural resources.
2
Abernethy is a major
attraction for visitors
hoping to catch a
glimpse of pinewood
wildlife, such as
crested tits, Scottish
crossbills, capercaillie
and red squirrels.
3
The capercaillie was
reintroduced to
Scotland by sporting
estates in the 1830s
after becoming extinct
in the 18th century.
Thinking of the future was the inspiration for

Futurescapes, RSPB Scotlands contribution to landscape
conservation. Along with other Scottish conservation groups,
weve been aware for some time that we need to step up our
efforts if we want to provide greater protection for nature in
the future.
Together with many other countries, its now been
confirmed that Scotland has failed to meet its International
Year of Biodiversity targets for 2010. Its clearer than ever
before that if were to meet our goals of conserving wildlife
in the future, then we need to be thinking at a much larger,
landscape scale. To achieve this, well also require much
greater partnership working with like-minded conservation
bodies such as SNH, landowners, councils, industry and
other interests, if were to bring this ambitious aim into reality.
We must think bigger and bolder...

if were to hold on to and improve
the variety of our wildlife for future
generations.
Climate change is also a huge long-term threat to our
wildlife. Warmer springs and hotter summers are causing
mismatches between some species and the food supplies
on which they depend. Urgent action is needed to make sure
our wildlife and countryside are ready for these changes.
Richer and larger areas where species can live spread
out across the country will be essential to ensure that
wildlife can adapt. At the same time, these changes to our
landscapes will improve flood management, protect soils and
provide cleaner water.
2
54
www.snh.gov.uk
55
4
Loch Leven is the
largest loch in lowland
Scotland and one of
the most important
sites for waterfowl in
Britain.
5
Lapwing numbers have
fallen in the UK by
almost 50% since 1970
as a result of changes
in farming methods
and the draining of
land.
Industrial landscape
4
Isolated remnants
Over recent centuries, the areas of semi-natural habitat that were once
widespread have declined and become broken up. This has led to a decline in
the population of species with more specialist habitat requirements, such as the
corncrake and capercaillie. What remain today are tiny, highly isolated remnants
of both habitats and the species that rely on them.
Of course, we have to retain the traditional nature reserves and other
protected areas as important places from which wildlife can expand, but its clear
that this conservation effort will not be enough. We must think bigger and bolder,
forging new and novel partnerships if were to hold on to and improve the variety
of our wildlife for future generations.
The seven Scottish Futurescapes that weve launched so far cover over
124,000 hectares or 1,240 square kilometres. That compares, for example, with
our current nature reserve holdings of 65,000 hectares. These Futurescape
areas are based on places where we think important habitats for wildlife can be
restored and where we believe theres widespread support for a 21st-century
approach to nature conservation.
Work to restore the land at Forsinard National Nature Reserve in Caithness
and Sutherlands Flow Country is a good example of a current Futurescape. Here,
in the largest single expanse of blanket bog found anywhere in the world, were
continuing to remove inappropriately planted trees and restore water levels to
repair this fragile peatland environment. Peat bogs are an excellent place to store
carbon, so they can also help in the battle against climate change. This unique
habitat has been hugely damaged through extensive ploughing and the planting
of non-native trees in the past.
56
Futurescapes arent
just about helping
wildlife; we also want
to create more green
spaces where people
can enjoy themselves.
www.snh.gov.uk
This vision also takes in areas right on our urban doorstep, bringing wildlife
spectacles to our larger population areas. The Inner Forth Futurescape is situated
in an industrial landscape directly between Edinburgh and Stirling. It includes
areas that are hugely important for wintering wading birds and wildfowl, and
efforts are now under way to try to reverse some of the losses caused by a long
history of industrial and farming use. The vision is for a large-scale habitat creation
of over 2,000 hectares. By developing a network of new wetland habitats it will
be possible to deliver for wildlife and help achieve a wide range of other social
and economic benefits. These include long-term flood management, public
recreation, and making this part of Scotland a more attractive place to live and
work.
But Futurescapes arent just about helping wildlife; we also want to create
more green spaces where people can enjoy themselves. The Living Loch Leven
Futurescape is just 30 minutes from Edinburgh and a major visitor hotspot, as
well as supporting large numbers of birds. Not only will this Futurescape, which
centres on the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, restore existing wetlands
and create new habitats, it will also link to economic redevelopment of the area,
improving the quality of life for residents and boosting local tourism. Partnerships
for this Futurescape will focus on environmental education too, offering out-ofthe-classroom learning to bring children closer to nature.
So, as you can see, theres a lot of work to be done. The wheels are now in
motion and, while not everything will happen at once, Im hopeful it will happen.
Im delighted that Futurescapes is being well received and that were getting
encouragement from partners, such as SNH, to ensure our precious landscapes
are not just part of our future, but our childrens future and their childrens future.
If youd like to find out more about Futurescapes, visit
www.rspb.org.uk/futurescapes
57
Kids only!
Fun and games...

These games will warm you up on a cold winters day.
Gather a group of friends together to play these great
outdoor games.
Hounds and hares: A racing game, best played within a wooded,
fairly large SAFE area, where you will also need a small bag of flour.
One person in the group is chosen as the hare and everyone else in
the group becomes the hounds.
The hare starts off ahead of everyone else, leaving behind themselves
a light trail of flour which represents the trail of a hare. After an agreed
time, the hounds chase after the hare and attempt to catch it by
following the trail. If the hare makes it to the finish line without being
caught, they choose the next hare, and similarly if a hound catches
the hare they get to choose who will be the next hare.
Torch tag: Firstly, you will need a torch and it must be dark outside.
Decide on the boundaries of the game by using trees or fences in your
garden, and choose a spot to call base. Whoever is it, waits at the
base with their torch switched off and counts to 30, while all the other
players go and hide (within the boundary).
When it is finished counting, they switch on their torch and start
hunting for the other players. It tags a player by shining the light on
them, and then identifying them by shouting out their name. Once
tagged, the player is out and must return to the base until everyone is
out. The last players out will be it in the next game.
58
Keep out the cold...

Placed behind a door or on a windowsill,
these cute homemade draught excluders
will be sure to keep you cosy this winter.
Shiver the snake: You will need: 1 pair

striped ladies tights, uncooked rice (approx
2.25 kg), needle and thread, fabric glue, felt,
googly eyes and scissors.
Cut off one leg from
the pair of tights and
fill with rice. Pinch
the open end of the
leg into itself to form
a tapered snake tail
and stitch it closed.
Turn to the other end,
glue on the googly
eyes, and lastly sew
on the felt tongue.
Cupcakes
mmm..... Rudolph or Frosty?

Rudolph: You will need: cupcake, chocolate icing, glac cherries,
M&Ms or Smarties, black gel icing, pretzels, red lace sweets and edible glitter.
Ice the cooled cupcake with the chocolate icing. Pop a glac cherry in the middle of the cupcake,
for Rudolphs shiny nose. For eyes, set two M&Ms either side of the nose, and then dot with the
black gel icing. Carefully break two large thin pretzels into antler shapes, and then stick them
into the top of the cupcake. Add a wee piece of red lace sweet below the nose, to make a
smiling mouth, and finally sprinke Rudolphs nose with the edible glitter.
Frosty: You will need: cupcake, white glac icing, marshmallows, cocktail sticks, coloured icing
gel, orange slice decorations, rainbow strip sweets and pretzels.
Drafty the dog: You will need: 1 pair of

ladies tights, uncooked rice, needle and
thread, fabric glue, felt, googly eyes, scissors,
paper clips, button, old belt or bracelet.
Cut off one leg from the pair of tights and fill
with rice. Tie the open end into a knot. For
the tail, apply fabric glue across the base of a
felt triangle, and sandwich it around the knot.
Apply more glue to the sides and then fold
the felt in half. Secure the tail with paper clips
until the glue dries. Glue on the googly eyes.
Attach felt ears by draping across the head,
pop in a few stitches before folding it back,
allowing the ear to drop down. Repeat on
the opposite side.
For the finishing
touches, sew on felt
feet and a button
nose. Use your
hands to shape
the body and don't
forget to add your
old belt as a collar.
Ice the cooled cupcake with the white glac icing. Stack two marshmallows on top of each other for the body, then push a
cocktail stick through the marshmallows (this will help him to stand up). Turn the third marshmallow on its side for the head, and
push onto the stick. Add a hat, made by cutting a circular shape from the rainbow strip sweets, and push onto the stick. Then
add a small marshmallow for the bobble. Now pop the snowman on top of the cupcake. Cut the rainbow strip in half and then
tie around his neck for the scarf. Use the icing gel to create his mouth, eyes and buttons. Use pretzel sticks for arms and an
orange slice (stuck on using a blob of the glac icing) for the carrot nose.
Rainbow ice candles

You will need: small sandcastle sized bucket, small used tin can, a stick, tape, water,
food colouring, access to a freezer, and tea lights.
Not just for

Christmas...
Firstly, to construct the mould for your candle, take the bucket and lay the stick
across the centre of it. Tape the tin can under the centre of the stick (this is where
you will place the tea light when you have finished the candle). Remove the stick and
can. Build your candle in stages (depending on how many colours you want to use).
Start by filling your bucket with 5 cm of water, add several drops of food colouring
and then pop into the freezer (or outside if it's cold enough). When the first layer has
frozen solid, add another layer and repeat the process until you are at the height of
the tin can away from the top of the bucket. Place the stick with can in the centre, and
then add your final layer of water and food colouring, then freeze. Finally, remove the
mould, and your candle is ready to use. Place it outside, pop a tea light in the centre,
and light your beautiful candle (or keep in the freezer until you want to use it)!
Make these lovely wee bird

decorations from scraps of felt
fabric. Draw a basic pattern onto
cardboard and cut around it.
Then draw around the template
onto fabric using chalk. Cut out,
and simply sew together using
tapestry thread or wool. Sew on
a ribbon loop so that you can
hang it up, and finish off your bird
with button eyes, sequins or even
some fabric paint!
www.snh.gov.uk
59
Forest for all
A Loch Ness-side community is living

proof that buying your neighbourhood
forest can bring major benefits for the
environment, health and well-being
1
There are four
permanent outdoor
learning sites at
Abriachan. These sites
have been planned and
built by the groups
using them providing
a home from home!
2
Transporting materials
to the sites is one of
the daily routines that
groups undertake. The
groups plan their own
learning outcomes
supported by the staff
at Abriachan.
High above the northern shore of Loch Ness lies

the scattered rural community of Abriachan. Its
a community of some 140 people, and in 1998
they joined forces and bought over five square
kilometres of their local forest and open hill ground
from Forest Enterprise.
The land was one of the first community buy-outs and is now
one of the most successful community-owned forests in
Scotland. The company set up to run it, the Abriachan Forest
Trust, operate as a charity and manage the site with open
access.
The forest itself was planted between 1970 and 1980
and consisted mainly of commercial spruce and lodgepole
pine trees when the community took charge. Over the past
12 years, sensitive forest management has removed suitable
timber and produced more varied and interesting habitats for
wildlife. This has created local jobs and the forest has also
become popular for recreation and education.
The years of community stewardship have transformed
the area, explained Simon Harry, one of the local residents
working in the forest. In terms of the environment, weve
planted over 200,000 native trees, restored wetland areas
and successfully increased the black grouse population by
creating suitable habitats.
2
60
www.snh.gov.uk
61
Weve also seen an increase in the number of visitors,

including school and community groups, who come to
enjoy the network of paths that weve put in along with rain
shelters, interpretation, car parking and toilet facilities.
One of our biggest success stories, though, has been
getting people involved in activities that help to improve
health and well-being. We work with a whole range of
groups of all ages and abilities, and we offer a variety of
different physical exercise options for groups who attend.
Among those benefiting from the programmes are
people with long-term mental health challenges. A recent
pilot project, supported by SNH and Forestry Commission
Scotland, gives people the chance to get involved in a range
of outdoor activities to help them build their confidence and
readjust to community life.
The trust often work with people with special needs,
who are offered a structured programme that includes hill
walking, mountain biking, conservation work and bushcraft.
Theyre able to use these activities to help the patients
experience, and gain confidence from, working on their
own and in groups with colleagues and staff in forest
surroundings.
Building confidence
We know these sorts of activities can have a really positive
impact on those taking part, added Simon. Some of the
participants may have been inactive and isolated for a long
time and lack the confidence to return to their communities.
Taking part in one of these programmes can help them
develop the personal and vocational skills and confidence
to readjust to living more independently in the community.
Indeed, we've recently heard that medication levels have
decreased in some patients and some are 150% better,
which surely must make it effective and affordable therapy!
Abriachan Forest Trust are the first and longest running
Forest School provider in the Highlands. Theyve been
delivering Forest School programmes to schools, colleges,
youth and adult groups since 2004. These have provided
groups with the opportunity to experience an outdoor/
forest environment through focused and structured learning,
developing self-esteem, confidence and interpersonal skills
in the process.
Forest School is suitable for anyone. Its particularly
helpful for children in their early years, local community
groups, young people not succeeding in school for whatever
reason, adults and children with physical disabilities,
challenging behaviour, learning difficulties and many others.
The trust have a purpose-built forest classroom that
offers year-round teaching whatever the weather (there are
only a few days when snow restricts access). In addition to
the classroom, they also have a number of sites throughout
the forest specifically built to offer exciting teaching and
learning opportunities for all groups.
62
3
Individuals keep
weekly journals while
attending the
programmes. This
helps the groups to
recall where their
learning journeys have
taken them.
4
Wholesome food is all
part of the outdoor
learning experience.
Groups are
encouraged to plan
and cook each week
using open fires.
5
Mealtime in the woods
provides an
opportunity to reflect
on the day while
offering a relaxed
atmosphere to enjoy
the outdoors.
www.snh.gov.uk
Another major development at Abriachan has been the

introduction of 14 kilometres of managed mountain biking
trails, known as the Kelpies Trails, after the mythical water
horse. Its primarily a family-friendly mountain biking centre
and the idea is that it will convert some of those who use the
forest to the pleasures of mountain biking.
Abriachan is an accredited training centre for Scottish
cycling trail leader awards. They have previously run a very
successful programme for patients with mental illness, aimed
at getting them back on bikes. In addition, they run specific
courses to help folk gain confidence and skills so that they
can ride the many unique trails Scotland has to offer, and
these are available for beginners through to experts (see
www.abriachan.org.uk for information).
The work that were doing here is essentially long term,
commented Simon. Although weve accomplished a great
deal in a relatively short time, the success of the project
will depend on the younger generation carrying it on and
ensuring that Abriachan has a sustainable future.
Were proud of whats been achieved by the community
through acquiring the forest. We hope our success will
inspire others to become involved in the management of their
local environment for the benefit of both the local and wider
community.
63
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Scottish Natural Heritage

The Nature of Scotland

10 Keeping the wildcat wild

Biking at its best

26 Great expectations in the glen

50 Protect and respect

60 Forest for all

You can contact SNH by

Argyll and Stirling

Editor: John Walters

A full list of our offices

Cover photo: Ptarmigan in Cairngorms National Park.

Photography all images by Lorne Gill/SNH other than: Danny Green 5;

Great Glen House,

Other main offices

Dumfries and Galloway

The Nature of Scotland

Kenny Taylor gives

Hot and halcyon

The Nature of Scotland

When the sun sets early on a cloudless winters evening,

Slip, slide and rock

Web tip: www.marlodgeestate.org.uk

Wrack your brains

Some other things to look for in winter:

Web tip: www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/british-naturalhistory/seaweeds-survey/identify-seaweeds/index.html

The Nature of Scotland

Scotland has a great network of fun

Over the past 20 years, mountain biking has

take full advantage of their mountain biking opportunities.

Biking at its best

The Nature of Scotland

Keeping the wildcat wild

The Nature of Scotland

A novel project is under way in Cairngorms National Park to help

Free-ranging tabby cat

The Nature of Scotland

One of the new approaches being

What you can do

The Nature of Scotland

Quick move for slow worms

Stoats on the move

Dolphin spotters contribute an estimated 4 million to Scotlands economy,

Red kites bring business boost

Dolphin pulling power

Rare sea fish find

Numbers of a rare woodland grouse have increased in Scotlands national forests

Caper numbers on the rise

Biodiversity goes viral

The Nature of Scotland

Thanks for another great response to our request

her nesting hole when I observed a male

one other record of this butterfly in Scotland

The Nature of Scotland

Give us your best!

Over 110 delegates from 16 countries came

isn't all that challenging or hollow, but it gives you a whole

Those taking part highlighted the importance and value of

With 70 member organisations from 23 countries across

Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms has long had a high

The Nature of Scotland

Gleann Feisidh nan siantan!