The Scottish Government

Regional Priority Code

Biodiversity Priorities

Relevant Packages

FOR08

"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:

• help to implement actions arising from National Biodiversity Action Plans, and related actions in Local Biodiversity Action Plans (see Annex 1)
• manage grazing and browsing pressure from wild and domestic animals to restore habitats and benefit biodiversity
• help to mitigate, or, where appropriate, take advantage of, changes in biodiversity arising from climate change.

FOR09

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:

• help to bring special features on Forth's nationally important nature sites into favourable condition or maintain them in favourable condition
• involve collaboration across whole deer ranges to help special features on Forth's nationally important nature sites to reach or maintain favourable condition.

FOR10

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 (see Annex 2), and through targeted action identified in priority Species Action Plans. Particularly proposals that:

• maintain or improve viable populations of species listed in the Species Action Framework which occur in Forth namely: Capercaillie, Black Grouse, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Great Crested Newt, Red Squirrel, Water Vole, Otter, Woolly Willow, Lesser Butterfly Orchid, Pearl-bordered Fritillary or Freshwater Pearl Mussel

FOR11

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:

• eradicate and/or control populations of invasive non-native species which occur in Forth namely: Rhododendron ponticum, Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam
• control Grey Squirrels through measures in line with the Scottish Red Squirrel Action Plan 2007-2011.

FOR12

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 enhance networks of linked habitats
• involve collaboration with other land managers to manage priority habitats and species to maintain:

• involve low intensity grazing within mosaics of moorland or grassland habitats, particularly by cattle and with minimal use of fences (to safeguard landscape and access priorities)
• follow the principles of Woodland and other Semi-Natural Habitat Networks/Forest Habitat Networks for habitat expansion and recovery, particularly those recommended by existing plans for Forest Habitat Networks (Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Edinburgh and the Lothians and outline plans for Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire); the Integrated Habitat Network for Falkirk, and; the objectives of the Central Scotland Forest Trust
• improve management of linked habitats along transport corridors
• help deliver the Forth, Tay and Clyde River Basin Management Plans.