The Scottish Government

Regional Priority Code

Biodiversity priorities

Relevant Packages

CLY08

"A halt in the loss of biodiversity and reverse previous losses through targeted action" (a Scottish Biodiversity Strategy objective) through management that restores, conserves or enhances Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and habitats, with an initial emphasis on management which will deliver by 2010. For example: through maintenance and enhancement of ancient, long established and semi-natural woodlands, restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS), particularly where ancient plant communities are most at risk; organic conversion or organic maintenance; and, actions in Local Biodiversity Action Plans. Particularly proposals that:

• support implementation of actions arising from National Biodiversity Action Plans
• manage grazing and browsing pressure from wild and domestic animals to allow the restoration of habitats and to maximise biodiversity benefits, e.g. for wood pasture and parkland.

CLY09

9. The special features on Scotland's nationally important nature sites ( SSSIs, SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites) being in 'favourable condition' (95% by 2010). Particularly proposals that:

• bring the special features of designated sites into favourable condition or moving towards favourable condition
• ensure the protection and active management of designated sites
• Involve collaboration across areas of deer range to help maintain sustainable wild deer populations at a level compatible with natural heritage, landscape and access interests in order to ensure the special features of nature sites move towards 'favourable condition'.

CLY10

10. Viable populations of rare and/or endangered species, through improved conservation of the 32 species listed for priority action in the Species Action Framework for Scotland, and through targeted action identified in priority Species Action Plans. Particularly proposals that:

• support the conservation of the following key species in the Clyde Valley Region - Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Great Crested Newts, Red Squirrel, Water Vole, Otter, Woolly Willow, Lesser Butterfly Orchid, Pearl Bordered Fritillary, Willow Tit and Freshwater Pearl Mussel.

CLY11

11. Reduced threat from non-native species, through action to eradicate or control target species, e.g. Grey Squirrels, Rhododendron, and particularly those listed in the Non-Native Species Framework Strategy for GB. Particularly proposals that:

• remove and/or control the following invasive non-native species Rhododendron ponticum, Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalyan Balsalm
• control Grey Squirrels through measures which support Red Squirrel recovery in line with the Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan 2006-2011.

CLY12

12. Increase in the area of connected natural habitats and ecological features, through collaboration between land managers to adopt a landscape scale, whole ecosystem approach to helping biodiversity, particularly where the threat from climate change is most acute, or, offering desirable species the opportunity to increase their range by taking advantage of changing climatic factors. For example, by expanding the area of native woodland in preferred locations, organic conversion or organic maintenance. Particularly proposals that:

• create and/or enhance habitat networks to ensure ecological connectivity, particularly proposals that will deliver the Clyde Valley Integrated Habitat Network and forest habitat networks
• manage wetlands and wet grasslands, including floodplains, that support breeding waders
• contribute to woodland expansion and sustainable management consistent with the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Habitat Network, Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network, the GCV Forestry and Woodland Framework and the Central Scotland Forest Strategy
• improve management of habitats along transport corridors
• help deliver the Clyde River Management Plan via collaborative cross-unit management of priority riverine habitats
• proposals for the management of upland heather moorland and blanket bog which is important for nesting raptors and breeding waders.