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Scottish Coastal Forum: Current ICZM initiatives: Spring 2004
Clackmannanshire - The Black Devon Wetland
The Black Devon Wetland, adjacent to the Firth of Forth SPA, aims to demonstrate a way in which "managed retreat" can be realised, and through this, increase biodiversity in an area of international ornithological importance. Its success was marked in 2000 when it was the award winner of SEPA's Habitat Enhancement Initiative.
The site is based around a controlled breach of flood embankments of the River Black Devon, introduced to allow the reclaimed salt marsh adjacent to this tidal part of the river to inundate. This has been combined with ground modelling to create permanent lagoons.
The 7-hectare site is part of a farm consisting of around 35 hectares of wet pasture grazed by cattle. Other improvements to enhance the biodiversity of the area have included stock fencing of the River Black Devon corridor and lagoons to give protection from poaching by cattle. The local Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group adviser has prepared a management plan to ensure the successful integration of farming and wildlife interests.
The Black Devon wetland also aims to fulfil another important purpose - to provide recreation opportunities for the community of South East Alloa.
James Garry,
Principal Planner,
Clackmannanshire Council,
E-mail:jgarry@clacks.gov.uk
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