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NORTH WEST SEABOARD
A835 Braemore - Ullapool
The North West Seaboard Zone exemplifies the expansive grandeur and wildness that embodies the Highlands. The northern half is characterised by the 'cnoc and lochan' landscape with isolated mountains like Suilven rising from this ancient floor. The southern half is crowded with mountains from An Teallach down to Applecross. The coastline is very indented with numerous sea lochs and bays with wooded glens leading off into the hinterland. The whole Zone has a myriad of freshwater lochs, both large and small. The crofting and fishing settlements collect around the coast giving this boundary of sea and land a distinctive edge.
Crofting, commercial fishing, sporting activities and tourism are the principal industries and providers of employment, with forestry important in the southern half of the Zone. The economy is closely linked to the natural heritage.
The Zone has just a few main roads through it and around the coast, with a trunk road to Ullapool from which the ferry to Stornaway and the Western Isles leaves.
Route biodiversity issues
Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam have invaded the verges in places. Road verge work and movement of soil can spread pieces of the knotweed rhizome, and present locations continue to spread outwards. Control will be required for several years.
Deer on the roads and the risk of accidents is both a safety and a wildlife issue. Deer warning signs to drivers and deer reflectors are in place at a number of locations and their effectiveness is being monitored.
(Zone description supplied courtesy of SNH)
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KEY TO TIMESCALES |
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ST2 |
Short Term - Commence within 2 years |
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MT5 |
Medium Term - Commence within 5 years |
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LT15 |
Long Term - Commence within 15 years |
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OG |
Ongoing - Cyclical action |
Source: SNH - Natural Heritage Zones
Ordnance Survey Strategi Data 1997
Licence GD 03135G0001
© Crown Copyright 1999
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Road |
Type of Action |
When |
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A835 |
Deer reflectors - Inverlael - add deer warning signs to both sides of carriageway facing south-bound traffic at Inverlael Farm. |
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ST2 |
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A835 |
Deer warning sign - Inverbroom Lodge - add double sided deer warning signs to north-bound carriageway. |
ST2 |
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A835 |
Deer reflectors - Glachour to Foich Lodge - add deer warning signs to both sides of the road facing north-bound traffic, and on north-bound side of road facing south-bound traffic. |
ST2 |
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A835 |
Deer reflectors - Maell nan Doireachan - add deer warning signs to both sides of road facing east and west-bound traffic. Change reflectors at east end on east-bound side to slope reflectors. |
ST2 |
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A835 |
Deer reflectors - Lechmelm - add warning signs on both sides of road at each end prior to reflectors north-bound. Adjust mounting of certain reflectors to improve performance. Cut back dense rhododendrons and gorse where they obscure reflectors. |
ST2 |
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A835 |
Develop and implement a control programme for invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and Himalyan balsam. Monitor success and amend programme in the light of experience gained. |
ST2/OG |
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