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4 Progress by Objectives
Kittiwake pair displaying at nest site:
Image courtesy of RSPB
Objective 1 - Species and Habitats
Strategy objective
To halt the loss of biodiversity and continue to reverse previous losses through targeted action for species and habitats.
Protection of species and habitats lies at the heart of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. This section highlights some achievements in targeted action for species and habitats.
Delivering for UK priorities
A wide range of partners across Scotland are actively involved in conservation projects for species and habitats to implement the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The most recent report on progress 8 from 2005 shows clear benefits for some species and habitats which are increasing or are stable including capercaillie and corncrake, and the otter which is now widespread in Scotland again. There are also improvements in the status of some key Scottish habitats such as native pine woodlands and lowland bogs. There is still a number of species and habitats that need continued or further action to stop their decline and protect them properly. Scottish experts have been closely involved in revising the list of priority species and habitats for the UK, and the Scottish Government is considering with Scottish Natural Heritage and other partners the most effective approaches for Scotland to safeguard these species and habitats for the future.
A New Framework For Nature Conservation
The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 9 revised nature conservation legislation in Scotland with the overall aim of protecting wildlife. For the first time in Scotland, the Act placed on public bodies a duty to further the conservation of biodiversity, as well as modernising the system for protecting Scotland's most precious areas for biodiversity (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and strengthening the laws against wildlife crime.
Protecting Scotland's Special Places for Biodiversity
We protect a selection of the most important and sensitive places for wildlife in Scotland, through the system of Sites of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSIs). Scotland is also an active participant in the Natura 2000 European network of internationally important nature conservation areas. By 2007, nearly 1,500 SSSI's had been established in Scotland, covering about 13% of the country. Many of these sites are also part of the Natura network. The Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage, in collaboration with many land managers, are working towards targets 10 to ensure these special areas are in the best possible condition.
Species Action Framework
Among the wide range of species in Scotland, some species require particular actions to protect them or to control their impact on the environment. Scottish Ministers asked Scottish Natural Heritage to develop a Species Action Framework which would help direct future conservation efforts in Scotland towards species most likely to benefit from intervention. Following public consultation, 32 species were included in the final Framework. SNH have produced action plans for the next five years for each of the species, in partnership with other bodies which will be involved in delivering the action. Some of the plans are already well underway, including the reintroduction of white tailed sea eagles on the east coast of Scotland.
Invasive non-native species
Invasive non-native species like Japanese Knotweed and Grey Squirrels can impact on our native species and habitats in a number of ways: by preying on native wildlife, competing for food and territory, and degrading habitat. The Scottish Government is playing an active part to develop more effective ways of preventing the spread of invasive non-native species through the Invasive Non-native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain. The Scottish Government will work closely with a wide range of partners to ensure this strategy is implemented on the ground in Scotland.
Forestry
Scotland's forests are home to some of our most special wildlife and plants. The Forestry Commission's Scottish Forestry Strategy 11 gives priority to managing woodland for the benefit of biodiversity and the Commission is closely involved in a range of projects to achieve that. In particular, the Commission is a partner in projects to increase the number of capercaillie and black grouse living and breeding in its forests. As a result of one such project in which FCS worked with Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB, Highland Birchwoods, Forest Research, the Scottish Government, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and more than 30 private forest owners under a five-year European LIFE funded project, capercaillie had their most successful breeding season for 14 years in the summer of 2006.
Conservation of Atlantic Salmon in Scotland
Commencing in 2004, with a budget of £3m, the Conservation of Atlantic Salmon in Scotland LIFE project ( CASS) is the single most significant salmon conservation project ever undertaken in Scotland with 18 partners and five co-financiers. Co-financed by the European Community's LIFE-Nature programme and led by Scottish Natural Heritage, the CASS Project is actively improving freshwater habitat for salmon on eight Scottish rivers designated as Special Areas of Conservation ( SAC). These rivers comprise almost 40% of Scotland's Atlantic salmon resource. Due for completion in July 2008, the project to date has decommissioned five netting stations on two rivers, removed or bypassed 18 obstacles to fish passage, opened up over 100 km of freshwater habitat, restored a variety of in-stream habitats, restored riparian vegetation through fencing, coppicing and forestry management, completed a draft Code of Practice for gravel extraction on salmon rivers, has run the Salmon in the Classroom programme across seven rivers, and has had extensive publicity. As the project enters its final phase, the demonstration of the success of the restorative actions will become the focus, with a final project conference in June 2008 being one tool for dissemination of project results.
Children participating in the Salmon in the Classroom project:
Image courtesy of SNH
Red Squirrels
The red squirrel is one of the most threatened mammals in the UK. The Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan 2006-2011 12 was launched in 2006 by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forestry Commission and the Scottish Government to address the main threats to the species. The Sustain Dundee Red Squirrel Project is one of many projects delivering practical action on the ground to protect red squirrels. This project has raised awareness of Dundee's red squirrels and fostered partnerships to protect them, including a group of volunteers collecting data, which is fed into a national survey. The project has worked closely with the local media to deliver the difficult message of the need to control grey squirrels to protect the city's reds. Red squirrels are now being seen in areas where they have been absent for a number of years.
Volunteer with the Sustain Dundee Red Squirrel Project:
Image courtesy of the Sustain Dundee Red Squirrel Project
Local delivery
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council)
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) is taking part in the Hebridean Mink Project to protect populations of ground-nesting birds in the Western Isles, which are internationally important under European law. Phase 1 of the project successfully eradicated mink from the islands of North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist, and Phase 2 in 2007 aims to eradicate mink from Lewis and Harris.
Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Local Biodiversity Action Plan Partnership ( LBAP), led by Scottish Borders Council, is working with over 80 farmers to protect threatened birds through its Farming for Partridges and Sparrows project. Since 2002 this project has provided seed and advised farmers on how to create wild bird cover on their farms, bringing the grey partridge population up to UK Biodiversity Action Plan target levels and sustaining local populations of tree sparrow. This project has been widely recognised as an example of good practice
Objective 2 - People
Objective
To increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment of biodiversity, and engage many more people in conservation and enhancement.
Increasing awareness, understanding and enjoyment of biodiversity, and engaging many more people in conservation and enhancement is central to the Strategy. We all have a responsibility to safeguard and enjoy Scotland's biodiversity so that it flourishes and continues to support our lives. People and nature is a key theme in the Scottish Government's objective to achieve a greener Scotland.
Achievements
Volunteering
Volunteering is a practical way for everyone to participate in helping to protect nature. The Scottish Government is developing a stronger framework for encouraging volunteering, and in June 2007 the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment announced funding of up to £250,000 a year to encourage more people to become involved in environmental volunteering in Scotland. These funds will help support the non-governmental organisations which are at the heart of this activity.
Green Gyms
Green Gyms, run by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers ( BTCV), provides exercise through working on conservation projects that improve local surroundings. Volunteer participation promotes health, well being, learning and social connections. The support of voluntary and statutory health organisations, local authorities and corporate sponsorship has contributed to the establishment of over 20 Green Gyms since 2004 where participants have learned about nature by conserving it.
Volunteers at the Dundee Green Gym in October 2004:
Image courtesy of BTCV
Health
There is a clear link between people's health (and their recovery from ill health), and their relationship with the natural environment. The health benefits of achieving recommended physical activity levels are second only to those of stopping smoking. Supporting people to be more active in everyday pursuits, for instance through walking, cycling or playing in outdoor environments, is one of the best ways to help people achieve these levels. The Scottish Government 13 promotes walking by supporting the upgrading of walking paths, which can empower communities to improve their surroundings, including through small plantings, and by sponsoring initiatives such as the Paths to Health led-walk schemes. Combining access to green spaces with physical activity can increase the physical health and mental wellbeing of individuals as they connect with each other and with the natural world.
The Strategic Framework for Environment and Health which is currently being taken forward will also have links to biodiversity and seeks to ensure we can deliver integrated health and environmental policy. This project will ensure we go beyond tackling environmental hazards to promoting environments which nurture positive health states.
Revitalising urban communities
Greenspaces, the 'green lungs' of our towns and cities, offer benefits for nature and people. They provide corridors linking habitats which give species more areas in which to flourish. They are also a key ingredient in revitalising urban communities as proximity to nature contributes to the quality of life and health of all who use the space. 14 The experience in our most disadvantaged communities is often of a degraded and uninspiring environment characterised by a lack of greenspaces, litter and graffiti. The Scottish Government is determined to tackle these issues and we will work to support the provision of attractive, high quality, greenspaces in our most disadvantaged communities.
Making woodlands accessible
Most of the Scottish population live a long way from woodlands. Woodlands provide a rich habitat for a variety of species and provide sustainable goods, environmental services and recreational benefits enhancing people's quality of life. The FCS Woods In and Around Towns project seeks to breathe new life into the woodlands in and close to towns for the benefit of nature and people by giving grants to a wide range of organisations. Since the project started in 2004 nearly 22,000 hectares of urban woodland have been brought back into positive management for the benefit of people across Scotland.
Local delivery
Argyll and Bute Council
In Argyll and Bute Council schools, the Rivers in the Classroom project gave children the chance to raise salmon from the egg to fry stage and release them back into the river of origin. This led to improved awareness of freshwater biodiversity including river ecology and water quality.
Clackmannanshire Council
Since April 2003 all government agencies, public bodies and local authorities have been required to engage actively with the communities they serve in planning their service provision for community planning purposes. In Clackmannanshire a pilot Green Map was created with community groups and local primary schools which shows the things that make life worthwhile in Sauchie on the urban fringes of Clackmannanshire. One outcome is that people have given their views on local biodiversity and the Clackmannanshire Biodiversity Partnership has implemented projects requested by the community. This process has engaged a wider range of people in biodiversity conservation, and is an innovative way of promoting interest in biodiversity and offers a springboard to future public participation in biodiversity projects.
Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code
Watching wildlife is one way of enjoying Scotland's wonderful biodiversity and is important for Scotland's tourism. The Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, launched in 2006, gives guidance for everyone who watches marine wildlife around Scotland to maximise their enjoyment while minimising disturbance to marine biodiversity. The Code is aimed at wildlife watchers on the sea, in the sea, and on the coast. By increasing their understanding of marine wildlife, it is hoped that these people will be aware of how their behaviour affects the animals they have seen and reduces their impacts on marine biodiversity.
Seal watching:
Image courtesy of SNH
Objective 3 - Landscapes and Ecosystems
Objective
To restore and enhance biodiversity in all our urban, rural and marine environments through better planning, design and practice
The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy emphasises the importance of restoring and enhancing biodiversity not just by protecting individual species, but by aiming to create ecologically healthy landscapes in all our urban, rural and marine environments, particularly through better planning, design and practice.
Achievements
Protecting Scotland's seas
Scotland's seas are home to a very large share of its biodiversity. Yet the sea is also the part of our natural environment about which we know the least, and which it is most difficult to protect from other influences. In order to develop a more coherent and effective approach to conserving the marine environment, a fundamental review of legislation and policy was recently carried out by the Advisory Group on Marine and Coastal Strategy ( AGMACS). 15 This group made wide-ranging recommendations in March 2007, including the development of explicit ecosystem objectives for our seas, coordinated spatial planning for seas across the UK, and new marine protected areas. This rigorous analysis of the issues facing biodiversity in our seas will provide a firm foundation for more effective marine policy and law.
Seas and oceans
Scottish Ministers have nominated 29 marine and coastal areas around Scotland as part of the UK's set of marine protected areas under the international OSPAR Convention 16 on international marine co-operation. In addition, two Special Protection Area sites for marine birds have been established in Scotland: the Forth Islands Special Protection Area because of its large numbers of breeding seabirds, and the Imperial Dock in Leith because of the common terns that breed there.
National Parks
We have established Scotland's first National Parks to protect and ensure access to some of Scotland's most special landscape areas, in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and in the Cairngorms. The National Park Authorities are working to protect and enhance biodiversity across their areas through local biodiversity action plans.
Connecting our Forests
Woodland ecosystems constitute a significant proportion of Scotland's biodiversity. Over time many of our woods have become fragmented as land has been cleared for agriculture or lost to development. As woodlands become isolated, the ecosystems they support are less resilient, and less able to recover from disturbance and external threats. This is because the less mobile woodland specialist plants and animals cannot move between isolated woodland patches. Forest Research, working with the Local Authorities of Edinburgh and the Lothians, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland have used landscape ecology modelling techniques to produce a forest habitat network for the region. The resulting maps will be used by planners and developers to identify priority areas for managing woodlands, and areas to target for new planting. In particular, the work has identified opportunities for woodland to be incorporated within areas designated for development so that existing habitat is linked. In the future these woodlands will provide habitat for biodiversity, reduce stress, pollution, and noise for urban communities and offer opportunities for education, relaxation and recreation
An aerial view of the Edinburgh and the Lothians forest habitat network:
Image courtesy of Patricia and Angus MacDonald, Aerographicia
Tweed Invasives Project
The Tweed Invasives Project is a programme to control invasive, non-native plants throughout the 3,000 square miles of the River Tweed Catchment, primarily focusing on Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed. The project is coordinated by the Tweed Forum in partnership with public bodies, local farmers, landowners, fishing and community groups. The Project acts as a point of contact for the public to report sightings of the plants, and also offers advice, training and practical support for controlling them. Over the past five years it has made huge progress, and landscapes in the lower reaches of the Tweed catchment which used to be dominated by invasive plants have been restored to a more natural ecosystem with native plants and trees. The Project is widely recognised as a blueprint for sustainable, long-term control of invasives and a model of effective partnership working
Controlling Giant Hogweed at Kelso:
Image courtesy of Tweed Forum
Planning our landscapes
The systems for protecting particularly valuable sites for biodiversity play a vital role in conserving our natural environment in these special places. The planning system operated by local authorities is a key tool for ensuring that developments do not damage these valuable areas. The new Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 delivered the most comprehensive reform of the Scottish planning system in 60 years. The need to factor biodiversity issues into planning processes is being built into new Scottish Planning Policies to complement the new Act, including new policies on Green Belts, Fish Farming, Natural Heritage and Open Space and Physical Activity.
Managing deer
Since 2004 the Forestry Commission, the Deer Commission for Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, and the Scottish Government have developed close joint working arrangements to identify areas under greatest threat from grazing deer, and to take prompt action to manage deer where they are damaging the natural environment.
Local delivery
North Lanarkshire
Local authorities own and manage large areas of our landscapes, and can have a major impact on them. Since 2005 North Lanarkshire Council has changed the way it manages grassland at 15 public greenspace sites, in order to create spring and summer meadows in areas which were previously mown. The result has been an increased biodiversity on these sites and an involvement with local community groups planting native wildflowers to further improve the diversity. The project has also contributed to raising awareness and skills among Council staff including through their grounds maintenance apprentice scheme.
East Dunbartonshire
East Dunbartonshire Council has taken action to ensure that biodiversity is a key issue in its Greenspace Strategy, a key strand of which is the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and has set up a Greenspace service to turn this Strategy into improvements on the ground. This service is consulted on all planning applications, and is carrying out a review of all Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation throughout East Dunbartonshire. These are sites which are important for wildlife and habitats, and their protection depends on close co-operation with land owners and managers.
Objective 4 - Integration and Co-ordination
Objective
To develop an effective management framework that ensures biodiversity is taken into account in all decision making.
Sometimes targeted conservation action is necessary to protect wildlife from acute threats. But sustainable improvements in the natural environment require biodiversity considerations to be integrated into all aspects of our decision-making, systems and processes. In this section there are several examples of good practice which could inspire and encourage wider application.
Achievements
Protecting fresh water
The Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 (implementing the EU Water Framework Directive) introduced a new approach to protecting the quality of fresh water across whole "river basins" or catchment areas. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( SEPA) is taking the lead in implementing this new approach in Scotland, working closely with many stakeholders whose activities directly affect rivers and lochs to identify and manage risks to the water environment. SEPA's monitoring of fresh water includes ecological parameters to ensure protection for the natural environment alongside rivers, burns and lochs. They also consider which key invasive species to include in their monitoring systems. SEPA published Significant Water Management Issues Reports 17 in October 2007 for Scotland's two River Basin Districts, Scotland and the Solway Tweed, which highlight a range of significant pressures on fresh water in these areas, and much of the action to manage these will benefit biodiversity.
Shetland Sustainable Marine Environment Initiative - Pilot Project
This three-year pilot partnership project 18 between Shetland Islands Council, the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Crown Estate and other partners is developing a voluntary marine spatial planning system in the inshore waters off the Shetland Islands. Information on the natural environment features in the coasts and seas around Shetland and uses of the sea has been consolidated electronically to prepare a marine spatial plan. This plan will be used to identify conflicts of interest between the natural environment and human uses of it, so these can be resolved without damage to Shetland's unique landscape and wildlife.
Coastline of the South Mainland of Shetland:
Image courtesy of Dr Lorraine Gray
Fishing within safe limits
Scotland's fishing industry is dependent on the health of our seas and their fish stocks. Through partnership working through stakeholder groups such as the Sea Fisheries Advisory and Reference Group ( SEAFAR), and to be continued through a new Scottish Fisheries Council, a sustainable approach to fisheries in Scotland based round the new concept of "Maximum Sustainable Yield" for deep water fishing has been developed. This approach seeks to match the amount of fishing effort, equipment and areas of activity with the long-term delivery of benefits for biodiversity and the health of the natural environment. This has been accompanied by moves to increase local management of inshore fisheries, encouraging local fishing practices to suit local fisheries and environmental concerns.
Transport
Transport infrastructure - including roads, railways, airports - can have a major impact on biodiversity and landscapes. Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government agency responsible for planning, design, construction and management of transport infrastructure, has integrated biodiversity issues into management of Scotland's trunk road network. Roads managers are required to take into account the natural characteristics and distinctiveness of the local environment, including the use of native plants and any nationally protected species or habitats in deciding how to develop and manage Scotland's trunk road network.
Higher education sector
Colleges and universities, like many public bodies, can have a major impact on biodiversity and the natural environment through the land and buildings they control, and how they carry out their functions. The Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges developed a guide to Biodiversity on Campus in 2006, 19 identifying a wide range of ways in which higher education institutions can manage their estates to benefit biodiversity, and create links between their teaching and research and the natural environment. This guide, which has been widely acclaimed in the education world, is equally relevant to many other organisations, and is being used to inspire similar work within the NHS.
Public bodies setting an example
Since 2004 the Scottish Government has been working with public bodies and agencies to decrease their impact on the environment by adopting environmental management systems and policies, and encouraging them to report on their progress. This initiative, which complements the biodiversity duty under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, is being developed further under the Government's Greener Scotland Strategy to build the role of public sector bodies as examples of best practice.
The Health Directorate's Environmental Management Policy for NHSScotland 20 advises all NHS bodies in Scotland that they now have a duty under the 2004 Act to think about the impact of their activities on the natural world, reduce any negative effects on biodiversity and, look for ways of benefiting biodiversity in the way that they go about their business. This means explicitly integrating biodiversity considerations into all activities, operations, plans and policies. To support NHSScotland in achieving these aims, Health Facilities Scotland has produced a guidance document The Biodiversity Duty and NHSScotland, which is publicly available for download from the Health Facilities Scotland website. 21
Borders Wetland Vision
The Scottish Borders includes wetland areas that are home to biodiversity that is nationally and internationally important. Wetlands are also valuable for other reasons, enhancing the landscape, buffering flood waters, helping to manage pollution impacts, and providing first hand opportunities to study and enjoy the natural world. Scottish Borders Council has pioneered a new approach by developing a strategic planning tool to map existing and potential wetland areas in the Borders. The tool is already being used directly to support the Council's Development Plan and Flood Management Programme. A sustainable flood management demonstration site is being developed at Craik Forest, and the tool may also help to identify where wetlands can be protected and utilised to ensure land use and development opportunities comply with the EU Water Framework Directive. This tool was commended in the Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland 2006 "Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning" scheme.
Linton Fen:
Image courtesy of Derek Robeson
Local Delivery
Orkney Islands Council
Waste in the sea or on beaches, particularly plastics, is a widespread hazard to marine wildlife, through being swallowed or by entangling animals and birds. Each spring Orkney Islands Council's Technical Services Department supports voluntary beach clean-ups throughout the islands, supplying gloves and bags and removing all rubbish collected, making the beaches more attractive and enjoyable, and protecting wildlife from harm.
Fife Council
Fife Council has taken firm action to build biodiversity issues into the full range of its operations, in line with its biodiversity duty. All Council strategies and plans are assessed for their impact on biodiversity, through the Strategic Environmental Assessment approach. As part of this approach, mitigation measures will be proposed where decisions negatively affecting biodiversity are made. In addition, a pilot scheme is underway whereby Council Committee papers are reviewed for their health, equalities and environmental impacts including impacts on biodiversity. Proactive work has also been undertaken by a dedicated cross-Service group which has reviewed all areas of work affecting biodiversity. Action Plans have been produced for all Services that have a significant impact on biodiversity on Fife Council-owned and managed land .
Objective 5 - Knowledge
Objective
To ensure that the best new and existing knowledge on biodiversity is available to all policy makers and practitioners
Up-to-date information about biodiversity is vital to help protect it effectively. Information suitable for its audience will encourage people to take account of their natural environment and to get involved with it. The examples in this section cover education, research and communication campaigns.
Achievements
Spreading the message
To increase public awareness and appreciation of biodiversity and its contribution to our lives in the face of many competing demands for attention requires fresh and relevant approaches to communication. The BBC has been running its ambitious Breathing Places campaign since 2006, with flagship TV and radio programmes which encourage people to create new special places for nature in their own communities. Two Breathing Places festival days were held in South Lanarkshire (2006) and Glasgow (2007), attracting large audiences who were given the chance to find out more about the natural environment and to try their hand at nature conservation work.
Education
There are opportunities through the formal education system and informal learning to increase understanding of wildlife and habitats, and to encourage people of all ages to get involved with the natural environment. The Scottish Government's action plan for the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, Learning for our Future, 22 includes a commitment to integrate sustainable development issues, including biodiversity, into the new Curriculum for Excellence23 in Scottish schools. The Scottish Government actively supports the Eco Schools programme which brings the environment into schools, engaging children and staff in learning about the natural world and reducing the environmental impact of their school. A biodiversity module was added to the programme in September 2005. There are now over 2,900 schools in Scotland registered on the programme and, as at September 2007, over 500 schools had attained Green Flag status.
Research
The Scottish Biodiversity List
To protect our most threatened wildlife and habitats it is essential to have good information to identify them. The Scottish Government published a Scottish list in 2005 of flora, fauna and habitats considered to be important for biodiversity conservation, a requirement under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. This first ever Scottish list of threatened and important biodiversity was produced through a rigorous process involving scientists and a wide range of stakeholders. This list has been used by public bodies as a source of information in carrying out their biodiversity duty. The list is currently being reviewed to take account of new information from the recent revision of the UK list of priority habitats and species.
Climate change and biodiversity research
Climate change poses a major threat to biodiversity, and we need more information to understand its impacts and the best responses to it. The Scottish Government, in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage and other Scottish partners, has supported the ground-breaking MONARCH project (Modelling Natural Resource Responses to Climate Change) to investigate the potential impact of climate change on a sample of individual wildlife species. The report published in May 2007 24 confirmed the scale of the threat posed by climate change, forecasting that for most of the species studied there were likely to be changes in the places where the climate meets their requirements.
Learning more about native woodlands
Native woodlands are some of our richest areas for biodiversity, and also some of the most threatened. Forest Research started a pioneering Native Woodland Survey of Scotland ( NWSS) in November 2006. This five-year survey will reveal the full extent, health, composition and location of Scotland's native woodlands. Over 400,000 hectares of native and ancient woodland will be surveyed, and the results will provide an invaluable resource for woodland owners and managers in their planning. The survey will also help the Forestry Commission to target grants in the most important woodland areas.
Countryside Survey 2007
In 2007 the fifth and most comprehensive survey ever undertaken of the natural resources of the British countryside was carried out. The Scottish Government and other partners support this survey, using it to collect vital information on Scotland's countryside and landscapes. The results of the survey will provide further vital information on the condition and extent of natural resources, which will help us tackle climate change, pollution and invasive non-native species.
Biodiversity and education
Biodiversity and education can complement each other in a range of ways, both through learning opportunities, and buildings and facilities. The Forestry Commission in Scotland has produced an Education Strategy, 25 encouraging schools to use the outdoors for teaching and learning opportunities. St Crispin's Special School in Edinburgh takes pupils with severe and complex learning needs to woodland for lessons, while pupils and teachers at Menteith Primary School, Stirling, have regenerated an area of local woodland with members of the community.
Winners of the Scottish Finest Woods Awards from St Crispins Special School for their forest school work:
Image courtesy of FCS
Making wildlife count
Over the past two years, Biological Recording in Scotland ( BRISC26) has, in close partnership with BTCV Scotland, been actively widening the appeal of biodiversity awareness and biological recording through their innovative Wildlife Counts Project. The project has been successfully delivered in the local authority areas of Stirling, North Lanarkshire and Falkirk, targeting individuals and communities who have had little or no opportunity to appreciate their wildlife. The year-long schedule of free workshops enables participants to identify and record their wildlife. They also engage with other volunteers, learn new lifeskills and hopefully maintain an interest in protecting and recording their wildlife.
Counting Wildlife:
Image courtesy of BRISC
Local Delivery
Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Council27
High quality biological data is vital to inform local development, conservation and land management. Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils jointly support the North East Scotland Biological Records Centre, one of a number of Local Record Centres that play a vital role in collating and co-ordinating local biodiversity information for a range of organisations, groups and individuals. All the information collected through the centre is also made publicly available through the National Biodiversity Network database.
North Lanarkshire
In North Lanarkshire the Local Biodiversity Action Partnership has worked with the Council to design swift nest sites into new school buildings to include provision for swifts to nest there. The outcome benefits swifts, a bird whose numbers have declined sharply, and pupils who become keenly aware of the wildlife sharing their school.
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