The Scottish Government

New Directions for Land Management Schemes in Scotland's National Parks

Land Use Consultants, Glasgow
This Study was funded by the Scottish Executive Agricultural and Biological Research Group

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Summary of Key Findings and Recommendations

Background

Land management in Scotland has been under considerable pressure in recent years. Key problems include changing markets, the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease and BSE, concerns about quality of produce, demographic change within the sector, market trends, and the ongoing review of support schemes including the Common Agricultural Policy.

Some policies have emerged which aim to respond to these changes as well as the issues arising in relation to the wider rural community as a whole. Key policy documents include the Rural Development Plan for Scotland (approved by the EC in 2000) and the Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture (2001). Within this policy framework, some practical support mechanisms have already emerged which aim to deliver a more integrated approach to rural development, including broader based agri-environment schemes, and ongoing reviews of forestry support mechanisms.

However, within protected areas such as the two proposed National Parks in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and the Cairngorms, the overall problems of the land management sector are likely to be compounded by particular responsibilities associated with environmental and recreational management. As a result, Action 47 of A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture, sets out the need for 'new directions' for land management schemes within these areas to be identified and taken forward.

Aim and Methods

In response to this agenda, the aim of the study was to explore ways in which land management within the two proposed National Park areas in Scotland could generate a wider range of social, economic and environmental benefits.

The study included an initial assessment of existing funding structures, as well as a broader review of good practice and innovation in land management support schemes in the rest of the UK and beyond. A desk based review of the baseline conditions within each of the National Park areas was also undertaken, in order to identify key gaps and future opportunities for new schemes in the areas. Consultation with key stakeholders and the wider land management community was undertaken. Finally, these findings were brought together to identify scope for developing new schemes for each of the areas.

Key Findings and Recommendations

Shared concerns and opportunities

Land managers and wider communities of interest emphasised the contribution which land management is already making towards the character and identity of both National Park areas. At the same time, there are widespread concerns that current reliance on subsidies, together with the ongoing pressures on the land management sector, is not sustainable. As a result, there is a recognition that new approaches and innovation are required to ensure that the special character of these areas is maintained, and also that land managers realise the benefits that the new National Park status could potentially provide.

Shared concerns include the need to not only stimulate locally specific schemes, but also to develop integrated park wide responses to the problems and opportunities for both areas. There is a need to fundamentally review the effectiveness of existing schemes, including the coverage of agri-environment programmes. At the same time, however, key opportunities include the scope for connecting land manager with market opportunities and stimulating diversification, as a means of reducing reliance on reducing sources of public support for the sector.

Recommendations for schemes in both National Park areas

In response to these issues, it is proposed that a single land management scheme is established for each of the areas. Such a scheme should combine a clear, park wide strategic framework for action, with scope and flexibility for locally defined priorities to be developed within in it. The study recommendations set out the ways in which such a scheme could be developed. This includes ongoing strategic liaison with land management interests in each area to establish park wide priorities. Partnership working with conservation interests, agencies supporting economic development and the wider community is also central to the recommended approach.

The report also sets out a 'menu' of locally defined priorities which should be developed within each of the area:

Priorities for local developments in The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

The analysis of baseline conditions in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs highlighted the changing nature of land management in the area. There has been a reduction in the area's dairy herd and arable land, combined with an increase in sheep grazing. Although full time in the farming sector has declined, agriculture remains an important part of the economy of the area. There has been a gradual shift from an emphasis on production towards more environmentally sensitive farming practices in the area. Land management as a whole within the area, is heavily dependent on traditional subsidies, not least as a result of less favoured status of much of the land.

Consultation within the area was undertaken through a series of workshops which specifically targeted the participation of the farming community. The findings highlighted strong support for maintaining a viable land management sector within the area, whilst also responding to the challenges and opportunities which the new status may result in. Key opportunities identified included:

Priorities for local development in the proposed Cairngorms National Park

Moorland forms a key part of the landscape and environment of the proposed Cairngorms National Park. The area's Moorland Forum is already actively pursuing an integrated management programme which seeks to enhance the environmental, social and economic benefits of moorland in the area. Agriculture within the area is dominated by livestock farming and, like the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, is currently heavily reliant on subsidies. A key exception to this is game management and sporting activities, providing a viable land use and key employer within the area.

The Cairngorms includes a wide range of special habitats and landscapes which are carefully conserved. Despite this, deer management continues to be a key problem in the area. Recreation, both passive and more active also forms a key land use, providing amenity for both visitors and local communities.

Consultation within the area, undertaken primarily through meeting with a range of reporting groups of the Cairngorms Partnership, highlighted the different interests in land management and their varying requirements. As well as the farming community, estate owners and managers have a key role to play. Considerable areas are also managed by communities themselves, as well as by specialist recreation interests. The key to successful land management schemes in the area is therefore the successful co-ordination of these different needs and opportunities.

Priorities for local schemes within the area therefore included:

As a result, the following local components are suggested for the proposed Cairngorms National Park:

Implementation of the proposals

The report concludes by drawing conclusions on the implications of the recommendations in relation to policy, funding structures and partner responsibilities. The special nature of the area and innovative nature of the schemes mean that additional resources are likely to be required to provide sufficient momentum for the recommendations to be put into action. However, it is also anticipated that the integrated nature of the schemes will lead to land managers gaining access to a wider range of broader support for integrated rural development, reflecting the direction for resource provision at a European level. Implementation of the recommendations will be reliant on the collaboration of a wide range of stakeholders, including economic, environmental and social organisations at a strategic level, as well as land managers and the wider rural community more locally.

About the Study

This study was carried out by Land Use Consultants between December 2001 and December 2002. The study was funded by the Scottish Executive Agriculture and Biological Research Group Flexible Fund.