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| Biodiversity in Scotland: The Way Forward |
| THE CORNCRAKE - WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT A SPECIES | |
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| The corncrake (Crex crex) is the only globally threatened species of bird found in significant numbers in Scotland. Once common throughout the UK and found in every Scottish region, the corncrake has been in rapid decline during most of this century. Mechanical harvesting techniques destroyed many nests and fledglings, and changing and intensified agricultural practices drove the corncrake further out of its habitual breeding grounds. It is now largely confined to crofting areas in the islands and remote parts of the mainland to the West and North of Scotland. Over 90% of the remaining UK population of corncrakes breeds in Scotland. | |
| In 1993, a survey recorded only 480 calling male corncrakes, a sustained loss of over 50% since the 1960s. Without urgent action, there was a real danger that the bird would disappear, and that its distinctive rasping call would no longer be heard on summer nights in Scotland. | |
| Following pioneering work by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Crofters' Union, The Scottish Office and RSPB took the lead in forming a Steering Group to implement a corncrake action plan that aimed to halt, and if possible reverse, the decline of the bird. The action plan is based on increasing scientific understanding about the habits and preferences of the corncrake, especially during its breeding season. Key points include: | |
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| Early signs suggest that these changes in
practice, implemented by sympathetic land managers and
supported by modest financial incentives, may at last
have succeeded in halting the decline in the corncrake
population. In 1997, the estimated number of calling
males is over 600. Future plans for the corncrake include
further research, a five yearly survey to monitor
numbers, and creating opportunities for visitors to see
and hear the birds in their natural habitat without the
risk of disturbing them. The corncrake population is
still at risk, but if the current recovery can be
sustained, the corncrake action plan could be a major
success story of international conservation. THE CALEDONIAN PARTNERSHIP- RESTORING A NATIVE HABITAT Almost all the native forests that once covered Scotland have been lost through intensive clearing of trees for fuel, building materials and to create farming land. Forty years ago, the future of the remaining 1% of Scotland's natural forest cover looked bleak. Glen Affric, one of the largest and richest remaining patches of Caledonian pinewood, had seen few signs of regeneration for decades. Most of the mature trees were centuries old and new growth was being heavily cropped by deer, sheep and rabbits. In 1992 the Caledonian pine forest was designated a priority habitat type under the EC Habitats Directive. Intensive, co-ordinated action was needed to reverse the decline. The Caledonian Partnership brought together those with the necessary expertise and skills, those whose interests would be affected and whose commitment would be needed to ensure the long term success of the project. This partnership, involving The Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, The Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Highland Birchwoods, has secured funding to begin the long term restoration and management of Scotland's Caledonian forest resource, and has gone on to seek funding for a similar restoration project for Scotland's Atlantic oakwoods. Moves to restore the forests are necessarily slow: ancient habitats cannot be quickly re-established. The future of the native Caledonian pinewood and the characteristic species it supports - the red squirrel, rare wintergreen plants, wood ants and twinflower, still depends on sustained and careful action, to secure the future of one of Scotland's distinctive contributions to the biodiversity of the world. |
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