Trunk Road Biodiversity Action Plan: Review for Discussion

natural heritage zone 2

CAITHNESS AND ORKNEY

A9 Mybster - Thurso

Triangular in outline and surrounded by huge cliffs on two sides and a sea of peatland on the other, the agricultural heart of Caithness resembles an island which has, in many ways, a closer affinity with the Orkney Islands than the rest of the Highlands. Similarities include geology, an undulating landform, climate and a cultural heritage which extends well beyond the Viking era. A sense of long-standing history and landuse are immediately apparent yet a wealth of wildlife and archaeological features remain.

Set in hollows within the agricultural landscape, numerous lochs and marshes support large populations of wildfowl and plants. The cliffs support vast seabird colonies of international significance, and extensive cliff-top vegetation contains populations of the Scottish primrose, found only in Caithness, Orkney and Sutherland. In addition to supporting a resource for the flagstone industry, the layers of rock contain large numbers of fossils, including species new to science.

Both livestock farming, which is the principle landuse, and the fishing industry link the local economy with a healthy environment.

Route biodiversity issues

The rich flora of the roadside verges is a valued component of the natural heritage and the subject of extensive discussions with the local authority. A particular issue for the Orkneys (and other island communites) is the provenance of the seed used to regenerate (semi) natural vegetation: island groups are often isolated from mainland seed dispersal and colonisation, and their native plant communities are of particular importance for the conservation of genetic diversity.

(Zone description supplied courtesy of SNH)

Source: SNH - Natural Heritage Zones
Ordnance Survey Strategi Data 1997
Licence GD 03135G0001
© Crown Copyright 1999