The Scottish Government

Regional Priority Code

Biodiversity priorities

Relevant Packages

GRA08

"A halt in the loss of biodiversity and reverse previous losses through targeted action" 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 which:

• focus on priority NELBAP and Cairngorms LBAP species and habitats, (as listed in Annex 1).

GRA09

That the special features on Scotland's nationally important nature sites ( SSSIs, SACs, SPAs and Ramsar sites) are managed in such a way as to achieve 'favourable condition' (the target is 95% of sites to achieve this by 2010). Particularly proposals which:

• deliver active management required to maintain, or restore, qualifying features in favorable condition
• Include necessary action out-with designated site boundaries to maintain or restore qualifying features within them, such as management of deer and livestock grazing, and beneficial works within the wider catchment of designated water bodies.

GRA10

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 which:

• contribute to the conservation of the selected Grampian species from species action framework (as listed in Annex 2).

GRA11

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 which:

• support strategic, collaborative and site-specific actions to deal with the following species: Rhododendron ponticum (invasive), Grey Squirrels, Giant Hogweed, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan Balsam.

GRA12

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 which:

• demonstrate contribution to agreed moorland Habitat Networks
• woodland expansion and restoration in line with the existing Grampian Forest Habitat Network models.
• help deliver the Dee and Spey Catchment Management Plans and objectives of the forthcoming North East River Basin management plan via collaborative cross-unit management.