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uk
Autumn 2011
Kite flying
Common cause
Wildlife management
and country sports
28/09/2011 09:53
16/09/2011 10:59
Contents
Features
8
10
37
26 Lending a hand
Volunteering to improve the
environment
54
31
61
Regulars
Where we are
SNH contact details
48 Visual treat
Cream of the crop from photo fair
Welcome
Wild calendar
Where to go and what to see
this autumn
18 News
24 Inspired by nature
Show and tell whats inspired
you?
30 Dualchas coitcheann
/Common heritage
Linking language and environment
36 Reserve focus
Discover Clyde Valley Woodlands
NNR
42 Area news
Reports from around the country
46 Events diary
Guide to whats on
64 Mailing list
Make sure you always receive
a copy
27/09/2011 11:59
Credits
The Nature of Scotland
The Magazine of Scottish Natural Heritage
Issue Number 13 Autumn 2011
Published quarterly
SNH 2011
ISSN 1350 309X
Where we are
Area offices
Corporate
headquarters
When youve finished with this magazine, please recycle it. Pass it to
another reader or dispose of it at your local waste-collection point.
Forth
The Beta Centre,
Innovation Park,
University of Stirling,
Stirling FK9 4NF
Tel. 01786 450 362
Silvan House,
3rd Floor East,
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel. 0131 316 2600
Battleby, Redgorton,
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel. 01738 444 177
Northern Isles
& North Highland
Ground Floor,
Stewart Building,
Alexandra Wharf,
Lerwick,
Shetland ZE1 0LL
Tel. 01595 693 345
Silvan House,
3rd Floor East,
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel. 0131 316 2600
The Links,
Golspie Business Park,
Golspie,
Sutherland KW10 6UB
Tel. 01408 634 063
Caspian House,
Mariner Court,
Clydebank Business Park,
Clydebank G81 2NR
Tel. 0141 951 4488
Southern Scotland
Carmont House,
The Crichton,
Bankend Road,
Dumfries DG1 4ZF
Tel. 01387 247 010
South Highland
Fodderty Way,
Dingwall Business Park,
Dingwall IV15 9XB
Tel. 01349 865 333
The Governors House,
The Parade, Fort William,
Inverness-shire PH33 6BA
Tel. 01397 704 716
Strathclyde & Ayrshire
Caspian House,
Mariner Court,
Clydebank Business Park,
Clydebank G81 2NR
Tel. 0141 951 4488
Tayside & Grampian
Battleby, Redgorton,
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel. 01738 444 177
Inverdee House,
Baxter Street,
Torry,
Aberdeen AB11 9QA
Tel. 01224 266 500
27/09/2011 12:32
Welcome
Kristin Scott
Communications Unit Manager
Scottish Natural Heritage
www.snh.gov.uk
The next time you see the graceful glide of a red kite as it searches the ground for
prey, spare a thought for the immense efforts that went into returning this bird to
the Scottish countryside. Once regarded as vermin, this magnificent raptor was
extinct in Scotland by 1870. However, just over a century later efforts got under
way to reintroduce them, and now their unmistakable forked tail and reddishbrown body are once again a familiar sight across much of the country. In this
issue of The Nature of Scotland, we take a look back at the project to reintroduce
them and reflect on the crucial support that landowners, farmers, foresters and
gamekeepers provided.
Elsewhere in this edition, we visit the Clyde Valley and take a wander through
one of the dramatic gorge woodlands that make up the impressive national
nature reserve there. These are surviving remnants of the ancient woodlands that
once covered most of central lowland Scotland. With over two million people
living within 40 km (25 miles) of the reserve, it provides much of the Central Belt
population with easy access to an outstanding nature experience. Autumn is a
great time to visit, as this is when the leaves of the ash, oak and elm trees turn to
red and gold.
Using what nature has provided is also at the core of the natural play
approach that Grounds for Learning are pioneering in schools. The idea is that
children get more into nature when theyre simply playing and exploring in natural
spaces and not being taught about nature. Its an approach thats popular in
other parts of Europe, and our article explores how urban primary schools in
Glasgow and North Lanarkshire have introduced a range of natural features for
adventurous play.
We take a look too at country sports in Scotland, which are thought to be
worth some 400 million a year to the economy. Large numbers of residents and
visitors alike are enthusiastic followers of Scotlands country sports, and there
are a wide range of conservation benefits gained from active land management
directly related to shooting, stalking and angling. Indeed, it's worth bearing in
mind that conservation and sporting interests share many of the same goals
both seek well managed habitats where wildlife can flourish. Our article provides
some fresh insight into this special relationship.
28/09/2011 13:49
Autumn
4
16/09/2011 11:09
1
Autumn colours come
from the breakdown of
starches to sugars and
other compounds in
leaves. Isn't organic
chemistry beautiful?
Wild
calendar
Small wonders
Mention autumn colours, and most people will think of
broadleaved trees. But focus only on trees and you could
miss a forest of other possibilities at a much smaller scale.
Look down, below knee height, and choose contrasting
locations to savour the breadth of autumn colours. In a
native pinewood, such as the ones that skirt the Cairngorm
Mountains in both Deeside and Strathspey, look for dwarf
shrubs. Blaeberry plants here drop their leaves for winter.
They turn many tints of scarlet before they fall.
On saltmarshes, such as those that flank many parts of
Scotland's firths, look for the blobby, semi-transparent stems
of glasswort. These too can flush with autumn tints.
Out on the hills, stems of deer grass can look superb
in October and November, each tussock a freeze-framed
explosion of firework gold. And if you're really lucky, you
might find some dwarf willows on a mountainside, leaves
turning tawny on stems that barely rise to your ankle.
Broadleaves, Jim, but not as you've known them...
Web tip: www.mountainwoodlands.org
www.snh.gov.uk
27/09/2011 12:00
2
Until recently, it was
thought the site of the
Ruskin portrait at Glen
Finglas had been
covered by this
hydro-dammed
reservoir.
3
Some Scottish places
are home to many
types of waxcaps. The
Isle of Canna
(internationally
important) has 18
species.
4
Flocks of pale-bellied
brent geese are among
the superb wildfowl
that attract
birdwatchers to Islay
every autumn and
winter.
27/09/2011 12:00
Breaking cover
Fungi are undercover experts. For much of the year, most live as networks of tiny
threads, underground or on surfaces such as tree trunks. Come late summer and
autumn, many break cover.
The fruiting bodies we know as mushrooms and toadstools reveal themselves.
It's a bit like a seasonal metro network, where the 'hyphae' are the hidden train
tracks and the visible fungi are some stations with overground access (autumn
only).
So finding a fungus, whether a singleton or a clump, is often a surprise. Look
closely to appreciate the richness of colours and the patterns underneath the
caps. In woods, the poisonous fly agaric, with its white-freckled top of pillarbox
red, is well known, and fun to photograph or paint. But there are many others that
reward close inspection, such as the 'Penny Bun', with its sticky brown cap and
yellow underside.
On old grasslands, watch for the reds and oranges of different kinds of
waxcaps. And wherever you look, unless you're an expert on these undercover
operators, enjoy, but don't pick or eat them.
Web tip: http://sites.google.com/site/scottishfungi
Skeins do it
Highland author Neil Gunn had a knack of creating short book titles that make
you think of a natural scene, such as Morning Tide. My favourite is Wild Geese
Overhead.
That phrase never fails to excite my imagination. It brings to mind the
pleasure of hearing goose calls soaring over traffic noise in a city at night; of
looking up to see arrowed skeins in motion above glens, lochs or fields; of smiling
at how flying geese can bring nature so close that you feel it, like a shiver.
Huge numbers of migrant geese visit Scotland from autumn until spring.
Thanks to the number and variety of geese it hosts, one of my favourite autumn
goose grounds is the Isle of Islay.
Huge numbers of arctic-breeding barnacle geese go there (more than
28,000 last autumn). Add Greenland white-fronted geese and pale-bellied brent
geese - both much scarcer - and the Islay mix becomes a choice one for wildfowl
enthusiasts.
Wild Geese Overhead say it, then live it!
Web tip: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lochgruinart/index.aspx
www.snh.gov.uk
16/09/2011 11:10
The power of
natural play
8
16/09/2011 11:10
1
A survey has revealed
that 20% of British
children have never
climbed a tree.
2
Using a natural hillock
to take a running jump.
www.snh.gov.uk
27/09/2011 12:32
3
4
10
16/09/2011 11:10
3
A willow tunnel to run
through.
4
A fallen tree to leap off.
5
A natural climbing
frame.
6
Den building in the
school playground with
natural materials.
www.snh.gov.uk
11
16/09/2011 11:10
7
How many games can
you invent using
cones?
8 and 9
Getting close to nature
through play.
10
Once out of bounds,
but now an extension
to the school
playground.
12
27/09/2011 12:00
10
www.snh.gov.uk
13
22/09/2011 09:37
14
16/09/2011 11:11
1
Nurturing nature and
people at Blarbuie
Woodland.
2
GalGael participants
connect with nature at
Falls of Clyde.
For the last 18 months, weve been working with five community
and voluntary sector organisations to get a better understanding of
the barriers faced by groups that are typically under-represented in
enjoying the outdoors.
Along with the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC), SNH
supported the local groups to plan and carry out action research. This involved
them in looking at what they do and finding out what could make it better in terms
of helping people enjoy, learn about and care for nature.
The GalGael Trust in Govan (Glasgow) provides support to long-term
unemployed adults, some of whom have addiction, homelessness and mental
health issues. They use woodworking skills, traditional boat-building and outdoor
trips to help people reconnect with work and a sense of identity.
Cultural heritage is often intertwined with natural heritage like a strand of
DNA, remarked Tam McGarvey of the trust. Offering people a chance to get
out in the landscape can go a long way to helping them retrieve a sense of
connection and meaning.
GalGael used campfire focus groups and a local survey to explore why people
from deprived urban areas can find it hard to get out and enjoy nature. Lack of
transport, no-one to go with and money were the main issues, as well as a lack
of information on places to go by public transport and safety concerns in some
inner city parks. A key recommendation from GalGaels research is the need
for more healthy urban green spaces, such as community gardens, that provide
opportunities for local, shared experiences.
www.snh.gov.uk
15
16/09/2011 11:11
Personal stories
On the edge of Dundee, the Broughty
Ferry Environmental Project is a
community-based initiative that
supports local people to develop
and deliver environmental activities,
ranging from outdoor drama to species
surveying and creating habitats.
Over 70% of volunteers are from
disadvantaged groups, including
deprived communities in east Dundee
and people with physical and mental
health problems. The group used
storytelling sessions to share personal
experiences and explore how their
approach was important in attracting
and retaining volunteers.
We found that our wide
interpretation of environmental activity
helps attract people of differing
interests, explained Ann Lolley from
the project. Many of the folk who come
along then go on to interact with the
environment in lots of ways.
For some, the groups activities offer
the satisfaction of making a practical
Overcoming the
obstacles that you
face out in nature
builds confidence
and encourages us
to keep going.
Clackmannanshire
Disability Awareness
Group
16
16/09/2011 11:11
3
Exploring disabled
access at Gartmorn
Dam Country Park.
4
For many people,
having someone to go
with can be vital to
their enjoying the
outdoors.
Woodland working
In the grounds of Argyll and Bute Hospital in Lochgilphead,
Blarbuie Woodland supports the health and recovery of
patients with mental health issues through walking and
working in the woodland. Previous research had shown
benefits, so Blarbuie used their new research to explore
what stopped more people in the wider community who
experience ill health or disability from visiting the woodland
and being involved in activities there.
A survey distributed through local support services
revealed that the key factors were difficulty in finding
information, transport issues, confidence and the need for
carer support. Our research has shown the importance
of company in getting people to the wood not just for
support and transport, but also in building confidence,
highlighted Hugh Fife. Weve seen that many people value
health walks at set times. The research has brought us into
contact with new groups and has prompted us to work with
the hospital service bus to promote this vital connection to
the woodland.
Finally, Neilston Development Trust (NDT) in East
Renfrewshire have been championing community-led
regeneration since 2006. As the first in Scotland's
Renaissance Town Initiative, the community published a
town charter that identified the Cowden Hall former mill
estate on the edge of the village as an undeveloped asset
www.snh.gov.uk
27/09/2011 12:00
NEWS
18
16/09/2011 11:11
NEWS
19
16/09/2011 11:11
NEWS
Greater protection for shark, skate and ray
New rules are being drafted to increase the protection of vulnerable species of
shark, skate and ray in Scotland.
A protection order for the species will go to the Scottish Parliament for
approval, which will provide further safeguards for 26 vulnerable and endangered
sharks, skates and rays, including tope, spurdog and common skate.
The proposals will extend the current provisions, which prevent the landing to
market of some of these species by commercial fishermen. This will be extended
to cover fishing by recreational sea anglers as well.
The new order will mean that only catch and release by rod and line will be
permitted, which will allow recreational sea anglers to continue to tag these
species. Tagging increases our scientific knowledge of shark, skate and ray in
Scottish waters, while ensuring that they are returned to the sea alive.
Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead said that protecting vulnerable
marine species is crucially important. Some shark, skate and ray populations
are critically endangered, he commented, and are already protected from
commercial fishing. However, these species need additional protection and so
Scotland intends to introduce a new protection order to help stock recovery.
Ian Burrett, of the Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network, praised the
efforts of volunteers in the Scottish Shark Tagging Programme. We've shown
that anglers can fish for these endangered species in an environmentally friendly
way and make a positive contribution to the Scottish economy, he remarked.
Shark, skate and ray species generally have slow reproductive rates, making
them highly vulnerable to overexploitation. A number of vulnerable, endangered
and critically endangered species therefore either have a zero total allowable
catch or are banned species for commercial fishermen within the European Union.
Scotland plans to introduce the protection order to include recreational sea
anglers in current conservation provisions. This will prohibit all catching, inboarding and landing except for catch and release by rod and line of specific
shark, skate and ray species.
20
27/09/2011 12:00
Birds of prey, wild mammals, livestock and pets were all victims of accidental or
deliberate poisoning across Scotland last year.
Figures unveiled by the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme show an
increase in the number of cases investigated in 2010, with some involving
incorrect storage and use of approved pesticides.
Among the incidents highlighted in a report by the Scottish Governments
Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture were:
a piglet that escaped from its enclosure and died after eating rodent baits left
by the previous occupant of the farm;
22 abuse incidents involving birds of prey, including 13 buzzards, seven red
kites and four golden eagles;
illness of a working dog following exposure to sheep dip chemicals; and
an unlabelled glass jar found on a farm containing potentially lethal cyanide.
NEWS
The illegal use of carbofuran (an insecticide) accounted for more than half of
all 32 abuse incidents, with nine different pesticides detected in the remaining
incidents. The report also revealed that 69% of all abuse cases involved the
poisoning of birds of prey.
Environment minister Stewart Stevenson said the report highlighted the
devastating impact that actions such as these could have, and the number of
birds of prey being deliberately poisoned remained a concern.
Scotlands natural environment is one of our most valuable assets, he added,
and its essential that we protect it and ensure that pesticide use is regulated
appropriately.
Luke Borwick, chairman of Scottish Land and Estates, which represents 2,500
landowners, said they were working hard to reduce these kinds of incidents. This
requires a sustained approach over time and theres evidence these joint efforts
are beginning to pay off, he added.
Early indications for the first half of 2011 show theres been a significant
decrease in illegal poisoning incidents at a time when some species are
increasing rapidly.
www.snh.gov.uk
21
28/09/2011 09:48
NEWS
Extra rangers help capercaillie
Two national park rangers have been patrolling the islands in Loch Lomond this
summer in a bid to step up conservation of threatened capercaillie there.
Police have also been on hand to take action if necessary to protect the birds
from disturbance. Capercaillie are vulnerable to disturbance from people and
dogs, with the five Loch Lomond islands forming one area thats affected at
busy times.
New signs have therefore been strategically placed at key launch locations
and on the islands to educate people about the bird.Leaflets have also been
distributed to boat users and other water pleasure seekers in the hope that this
will avoid further disturbance issues.
The action is required as the Loch Lomond capercaillie population is isolated
from other Scottish populations, with no immediate likelihood of numbers being
strengthened from farther north.
This is the latest in a range of initiatives designed to help the capercaillie
establish a firmer foothold throughout Scotland, explained Alan McDonnell,
operations manager with SNH.
Capercaillie are under great pressure nationally due to a range of factors,
including climate change, low habitat quality, predation and disturbance of
breeding birds and young chicks. This means the species has a far from secure
future.
We also know that recreational users may unwittingly cause disturbance by
allowing dogs to roam uncontrolled through important capercaillie areas during
the sensitive breeding season.We hope the signs, which are highly visible, will
educate people about the plight of this magnificent bird.
Guy Keating, ranger service manager with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
National Park, said additional SNH funding had meant theyd been able to recruit
two dedicated seasonal rangers to patrol the islands and engage with visitors
during the summer.
Were already seeing the benefits of this approach, he added. The majority
of visitors have been receptive towards the rangers and the popular camping
spots look much better than they did at this time last year.
22
16/09/2011 11:12
Fishermen in the Borders have been urged to kill and report any pink salmon
found in the River Tweed or its tributaries.
Two males of the non-native species have been caught in the river recently.
This has prompted the Tweed Foundation to issue a plea to anglers to help stop
the spread of the pink salmon.
The fish which is also known as the humpback salmon is the smallest and
most abundant of the Pacific salmon family. There are fears that the alien species
could colonise the river and affect stocks of the Atlantic salmon for which the
River Tweed is world famous.
Nick Yonge, director of the Tweed Foundation, advised anyone landing a pink
salmon to kill it and report the sighting immediately. Theyre not a native species
and we simply dont know what effect they could have. We dont think they are
breeding, and indeed we dont know if they could breed with Tweed fish, but
clearly we wouldnt want them to.
Pink salmon are a fish of the north Pacific, but were introduced to some
Russian rivers in the 1960s. Theyve since spread westwards and have now
colonised some northern Norwegian rivers.
There is also an introduced population in Newfoundland from which some
rivers in Nova Scotia and Quebec have been colonised. However, the most likely
source of the fish in the Tweed is northern Norway.
The species does not seem to have any great difficulty in spreading its range,
as shown by the way it has colonised rivers in northern Norway and eastern
Canada from the original, man-made introductions made to those areas.
Any angler who catches a pink salmon in the river is asked to kill it and report
the incident to the River Tweed Commission on 01896 848 294.
www.snh.gov.uk
NEWS
23
16/09/2011 11:12
Inspired
by nature
1
24
16/09/2011 11:12
1 Otter spotter
2 Fishy tale
Dippers are usually seen carrying invertebrates for
their nestlings. However, at two dipper sites Ive
watched, small fish are not an uncommon prey
item. I watched this bird catch the fish in a small
pool in a river and then carry it back to its young.
Derek McGinn, Inverness
4 Obliging worm
Ive been trying for ages to get a picture of one
of the slow worms that lives in my garden. I finally
managed to find one that obliged by staying put
while I went and got my camera!
Jan Morse, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore
25
27/09/2011 12:00
Lending a hand
26
16/09/2011 11:12
1
Gathering wildlife records is important for
conservation. It can also be a fun and social
pastime.
2
Ranger Victor Partridge (right) and volunteers
replace tree tubes on junipers planted two years
ago in the Pentland Hills outside Edinburgh.
www.snh.gov.uk
16/09/2011 11:12
Floating homes
28
16/09/2011 11:12
3
Volunteers Sean
Parker and Alan Reid
(right) prepare to
remove the new gull
raft from Loch Leven
for storage over winter.
4
Young Bioblitz
volunteer Abby
Morrison getting to
grips with an insect
survey.
Dunes in June
Volunteers in Ayrshire spent a couple of days at a Bioblitz
event in June, where they surveyed a section of the coastline
to find out about the birds, insects, plants and fungi living
there.
At events such as this, its always possible that a new
species might be found. After all, scientists reckon that there
are around 12 million species in the world and only about
two million have been identified so far. Its also possible to
find species that are moving north, which may well be an
indicator of climate change.
The information gathered will be going into the Ayrshire
local biodiversity action plan and will help guide future
management of the area. Despite the changeable weather,
we had a fantastic couple of days out surveying in beautiful
locations, with lots of wildlife all around, commented Scott
Shanks, chairman of the Glasgow and Southwest Scotland
branch of Butterfly Conservation.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the discovery
of a rare sand dart moth in the dunes south of Turnberry.
This is the first record for this species on the west coast of
Scotland. Indeed, the nearest known records are from the
Isle of Man, over 100 km away!
www.snh.gov.uk
29
27/09/2011 12:00
Dualchas coitcheann
Common heritage
Why does the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool off
the west coast boast a name that reminds us of the
bowl-shaped features cut into thousands of Scottish
hills and mountains during the Ice Age? As Ruairidh
MacIlleathain explains, the answer lies in the original
meaning of the Gaelic word coire, which has been
borrowed into English as corrie or corry
Coire-mara a phrionnsa
S e ciall thsail an fhacail coire an soitheach a chuireadh ar sinnsirean air an teine airson biadh a
chcaireachd no uisge a ghoil. Tha e soilleir mar a chaidh coire a chleachdadh airson kettle cuideachd
bhiodh na seann Ghidheil ag rdh Cuir an coire air direach mar a tha sinne, ged as ann air an
teine a rachadh e! Bha na bobhlaichean mra sna cnuic is beanntan, a chaidh a shnaigheadh le deigh
ann an Linn na Deighe, car coltach ri coireachan na dachaigh ann an cumadh, agus chaidh ciall r a
thoirt don fhacal anns an rainneachd a-muigh.
Tha na ceudan, mura h-eil mltean, de choireachan ann an Alba, agus tha a leithid gu mr a
snrachadh cumadh-tre na Gidhealtachd. Tha iad a nochdadh gu tric nar brdachd cuideachd mar
chuspair molaidh aig na bird. Nuair a nochd a Bheurla air a Ghidhealtachd, bha e ndarrach gu ler
dhi am facal coire a ghabhail os limh agus atharrachadh gu corrie (oir cha robh a leithid cho cumanta
ann an dthaich thsail na Beurla).
Airson tuigsinn mar a chuireadh an dearbh fhacal gu feum aig muir far cladach Sgarba, feumar
coimhead air an ite nuair a tha an sruth-mara aig irde, oir chithear fear de na cuairt-shruthan as
laidire anns an t-saoghal. Bidh a mhuir a goil mar a bhios uisge a goil ann an coire, agus s e sin as
adhbhar gun do chuir na seann daoine Coire Bhreacain air an ite.
Ach c no d a th ann am Breacan? A reir beul-aithris (a chaidh a chlradh cho trth ri toiseach an
ochdamh linn deug), s e prionnsa Lochlannach a bh ann a chaidh a bhthadh anns a choire a ghabh
ainm. Bha e ann an gaol le nighean aig Tighearna nan Eilean ach bha an ceannard Gidhealach an
aghaidh a phsaidh. Ge-t, cha robh e airson fearg a chur air Rgh Lochlann. Thuirt e ri Breacan, nam
biodh e ag iarraidh a nighean a phsadh, gu feumadh e a chomas selaidh a dhearbhadh le bhith a
cumail a shoithich aig acair airson tr latha is oidhche anns a chuairt-shruth ainmeil far Sgarba.
Fhuair Breacan comhairle bho sheann daoine glice ann an Lochlann tr rpan a thoirt leis. Bha fear
dhiubh air a dhanamh de chlimh bho chaoraich nach robh air an rsgadh roimhe, fear eile de chainb
a bha a fs ann an cladh agus an treas fear a rinneadh de dhfhalt a bhuineadh do dhighean. Airson
an treas rp a dhanamh, chaidh falt a chruinneachadh bhon a h-uile igh ann an Lochlann.
s didh a chiad latha de shruthadh na tde-mara, bhris a chiad rp. Aig deireadh an drna latha,
bhris an drna rop. Nam biodh a h-uile h-igh ann an Lochlann air a bhith frinneach, bha an treas rp
air maireachdainn sln. Ach bha t dhiubh breugach, bhris an rp agus chaidh an soitheach fodha le
call Bhreacain agus a h-uile duine eile air brd. S e c Bhreacain, an C Glas, a-mhin a mhair be
tron tubaist. Lorg esan corp a mhaighstir agus tharraing e gu tr e. Ach thill an c gu muir agus chaidh
a bhthadh gu tuath air Sgarba ann an caolas mara ris an canar fhathast Bealach a Choin Ghlais.
30
27/09/2011 12:00
Princes whirlpool
The Gaelic word coire, from which
the English corrie derives, originally
meant a cauldron. In the domestic
situation it has naturally evolved into the
modern Gaelic word for a kettle. But
its also an important element in naming
the Scottish landscape, as the word
was adopted for the cauldron-shaped
features cut by ice in our hills and
mountains.
Its use in naming the famous tidal
race of Coire Bhreacain (anglicised as
Corryvreckan), between the islands
of Sgarba and Jura, is based on the
turbulence of the water there. The
whirlpool is reminiscent of the contents
of a cauldron bubbling above a fire.
According to oral tradition, the
cauldron of Breacan refers to a
Scandinavian prince. Hes said to have
drowned after an unsuccessful attempt
to anchor his ship there for three days
and nights, in an attempt to win the
hand of a daughter of the Lord of the
Isles.
www.snh.gov.uk
31
28/09/2011 09:41
Supporting
sporting
interests
32
22/09/2011 09:37
1
Deer management
supports about 2,500
jobs and is worth about
100 million to the
Scottish economy.
www.snh.gov.uk
33
27/09/2011 12:33
Bad press
Promoting country sports can sometimes be a difficult
business as the industry quite often attracts bad press.
The control of predators can be emotive, and when it
involves shooting, trapping or poisoning of protected
species, its illegal and indefensible. Unfortunately, it darkens
the image of an industry about which a general audience
often hears little more.
To many people, intensive management for game
shooting is often associated with these sorts of wildlife
crimes. But many country sports including wildfowling,
stalking, fishing and the less formal rough shooting (where
individuals or small groups work with dogs along hedgerows
and small woodlands to flush birds from cover) take place
without such intensive management.
The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group formed
some years ago to help improve public perceptions and
to promote Scotland as a country sports destination. Its
a partnership of groups representing salmon fishers, deer
managers and shooting interests, as well as public bodies
34
27/09/2011 12:33
Healthy wildlife
At the heart of a strong country sports industry lies a healthy
wildlife resource. The right management of this resource
is crucial to ensure that it delivers the full range of local
benefits (environmental as well as socio-economic), which
contribute to wider benefits for people across Scotland, from
the high street to the high hills.
SNH are now working in partnership with private land
managers and country sports enthusiasts to help ensure
the widest possible benefits from these activities. Were
supporting initiatives in a number of areas, including
promoting best practice in the country sports industry,
helping to raise skill levels through practical demonstration
workshops, and supporting parts of the sector to ensure that
all practitioners operate humanely and in a way from which
both the species and their habitats can benefit.
There are important traditional and cultural links to our
country sports, but thats not to say that the old ways are
always the best. Novel techniques for managing species
conflicts, innovative developments that make the industry
more efficient, and new regulations to support food
traceability are all areas on which were actively working.
Country sports are one way of achieving sustainable land
management, one way of using the wildlife resource one
way among many. Whether its watching, filming, eating or
simply being with wildlife, our aim is to help as many people
as possible to enjoy Scotlands varied wildlife resource.
2
Rough shooting on the
Western Isles.
Challenging sport in
spectacular settings
also brings much
needed income, out of
season, to these
remote locations.
3
Fishing is a popular
leisure activity in
Scotland and a major
contributor to the rural
economy of some
areas.
At the heart of a
strong country sports
industry lies a healthy
wildlife resource.
www.snh.gov.uk
35
27/09/2011 12:33
Reserve focus
Visit the Clyde Valley and discover a hidden world of ancient woodlands
in rugged steep sided gorges. These woods are outstanding examples
of the ancient deciduous woodlands that once covered most of central
lowland Scotland
Fulwood
Bridge
Castle Qua
2
Mouse Bridge
RA
IGS
Woodend
CA R
N
LA
Lanark Road
to Lanark
Cartland Bridge
36
16/09/2011 11:13
Leitchford Bridge
se
Mou Water
H
EG
OR N G LE N
Cleghorn
to
Lanark
Hydro-electric
station
1
The gorge woodland
puts on a brilliant show
of colour in autumn,
ranging from bright
yellows to vibrant reds.
Key
Entrance to site
Limited parking
Evidence of 12th
century fort
Viewpoint
Trail
www.snh.gov.uk
2
Look out for the grey
wagtail feeding at the
water's edge, from
where it darts into the
air after a passing
insect.
3
Much of the Central
Belt population lives
within easy reach of
the Clyde Valley
Woodlands.
37
28/09/2011 09:40
24
1
Cartland Bridge
Start from the car park at Thomas Telford's spectacular Cartland Bridge and
climb up the initially steep path that leads from there. You rapidly gain height until
you reach a log seat after 200 metres. Look back through the oak canopy for truly
dramatic views of the pillared bridge and the plunging gorge below. The beautiful
three-span bridge was built by Telford in 1822 and soars 39 metres (128 feet)
above the chasm.
2
Castle Qua
The path soon begins to drop towards the Mouse Bridge at Woodend and you
pass the remnants of Castle Qua, a fort perched on the gorge edge. It dates
back to 1100, but only a low earth mound remains today, so it's easily missed (it's
more apparent in winter). Little is known of the castle, except that it once had an
underground living space.
4
Cartland Bridge
viewed from high on
the reserve.
5
Otters use the reserve.
Keep a close eye on
still water in the early
morning or evening
and look for signs of
their presence, such as
droppings or webbed
footprints in the mud.
6
The Mouse Water rises
in peat bogs to the
northeast of Lanark
and flows into the River
Clyde.
3
Mousebank to Fulwood
After leaving Cartland Craigs, the path crosses the narrow Mousebank Road and
follows the river through marshy fields for 500 metres before entering the ancient
woodlands of Cleghorn Glen. You soon reach the recently built Fulwood Bridge,
which allows access across a burn that's liable to spate and has in the past cut
short many a walk. If you're quiet (and lucky!) you may spot dippers, kingfishers
and even otters in this area.
38
27/09/2011 12:01
4
Mouse Falls
Three hundred metres upstream
from Fulwood Bridge there's a fine
viewpoint where log seats provide
an idyllic rest site. It overlooks a
series of small waterfalls where
the Mouse Water surges through
the rocks. The more acid soils
hereabouts lead to a localised
woodland of oak and birch, with
blaeberry and heather beneath.
Elsewhere, the woodland is more
typically made up of ash, oak, dog's
mercury, wild garlic and woodrush.
www.snh.gov.uk
39
16/09/2011 11:13
7
There are good
numbers of badgers on
the reserve. Look for
clues that they're
present, such as tufts
of coarse grey or black
hair on fence wires and
posts or beside well
worn animal tracks.
8
The Clyde Valley
Woods are rare
remnants of ancient
forests that once
covered much of
southern and central
Scotland.
5 5
Leitchford Bridge
Leitchford Bridge is one of the few locations where it's possible to cross the
Mouse Water and make a return to Lanark along Bellefield Road. However,
our walk continues towards Cleghorn Bridge, following the north bank of the
river. Listen out here for the whisper of aspen trees and the hammering of great
spotted woodpeckers. Also, when the water is low, you might spot one of the
ancient stones in the river that mark the boundary of the Royal Burgh of Lanark.
These 'march' stones are part of the Lanimer tradition dating back to 1140. This
tradition is celebrated each June when the townsfolk 'process' around the burgh
boundary.
6
Cleghorn Gorge
The path now winds its way through gorge woodland for another 1.5 km (1 mile)
before the final viewpoint of the day. On your way, look out for treecreepers, roe
deer and the abundant signs of the many badgers that live here. In May, this area
is awash with bluebells, which benefit from the selective felling of beech and
sycamore. However, in the autumn the woodland is an enchanting ever-changing
patchwork of richly drawn colours, touched by frost and torn by gales.
Please take care near the eastern end of the reserve as the path is at the very
edge of the precipitous gorge, and you should keep children and dogs under
close control.
Near the end of the walk, there's an informal seating area that looks straight
into the dramatic rock chasm of Cleghorn Gorge. The walk concludes at Cleghorn
Bridge on the A706, from where you can retrace your steps or catch a bus back
to Lanark.
40
Clyde Valley
Woodlands is one
of over 50 national
nature reserves in
Scotland. Find out
more at www.nnrscotland.org.uk.
The Nature of Scotland
28/09/2011 09:38
Essential information
The woodlands are just to the north of Lanark. There's room for a few cars at a
small parking area on the northwest side of Cartland Bridge, about 1.5 km
(1 mile) northwest of the town centre on the A73. Take care entering and leaving
the car park.
Lanark is less than an hour's drive from Glasgow (40 km / 25 miles) or
Edinburgh (56 km / 35 miles) and is well sign posted from the M74. It has a
regular train link with Glasgow Central and Motherwell. If you want detailed
timings for public transport, contact Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 2233 or
visit www.travelinescotland.com
OS maps
Further information
Trail length
Cleghorn Glen and Cartland Craigs
form two separate areas of woodland.
A path links the two, creating a linear
walk of about 4.5 km (3 miles).
Terrain
Conditions underfoot are generally
good, but the path can get muddy in
places after wet weather. There are
steep slopes and unfenced, unstable
cliffs throughout the reserve. Exercise
caution and keep away from the gorge
edges, especially with children.
Dogs
Please follow the Scottish Outdoor
Access Code and local guidance at
the reserve. Please keep your dog(s)
under close control or on a short
lead and comply with any notices you
see. A short lead is taken to be two
metres, and 'under close control' means
the dog is able to respond to your
commands and is kept close at heel.
www.snh.gov.uk
27/09/2011 12:01
Talking turbines
Bumblebee boost
42
27/09/2011 12:01
Anti-alien alliance
Blooming at Craigie
www.snh.gov.uk
43
28/09/2011 09:33
Sweet dreams
Lunchtime walkabouts
Ypeople garden
44
27/09/2011 12:02
SiteLink provides a range of information on sites designated for their natural heritage importance
across Scotland. As part of the ongoing redevelopment of the SNH website, weve given the
application a makeover. As well as a fresh new look, the application has an improved layout and faster
response for data return.
For anyone whos not yet familiar with SiteLink, its one of the much-used interactive applications
in our SNHi Information Service. Since its launch in 2005, SiteLink has become widely used by
planners, farmers, consultants, students and other members of the public.
SiteLink is very easy to use, providing the option to search for areas using a text or map search.
The interactive map can be used to zoom in or pan around to view chosen areas. Alternatively, a search
can be made using a place name, postcode or grid reference. Land managers or farmers can also
search for information using their unique farm code or field identification numbers.
SiteLink provides access to a wide range of data, including site features, management agreements
and site condition monitoring details. You can view boundary maps and download site related
documents, including site management statements, operations requiring consent and conservation
objectives.
So, if you havent already visited SiteLink, why not have a look today. You can find this and other
useful applications at www.snh.gov.uk/snhi or look for the 'SNHi Information Service' in the
Quicklinks on our home page.
Sitelink allows you
to view data and
information on
designated sites.
www.snh.gov.uk
45
28/09/2011 12:01
October
46
Friday 7
Saturday 8
Pink Sunset
Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Sunday 9
Sunday 9
Wednesday 12
Birch Broomsticks
Flanders Moss NNR
Stirling
Saturday 15
Dark Skies
The Dragons Storm
Corrie Fee NNR
Angus
Sunday 16
Sunday 16
Fungi Foray
Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Sunday 23
Pink Sunset
Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Sunday 23
Thursday 27
Area Evening
Reception
Pitlochry
www.snh.gov.uk
28/09/2011 09:28
November
December
www.snh.gov.uk
Saturday 29
Tuesday 8
Area Evening
Reception
Bettyhill, Sutherland
www.snh.gov.uk
Sunday 13
Sunday 20
Red Alert
Corrie Fee NNR
Angus
Thursday 24
Area Evening
Reception
Islay
www.snh.gov.uk
Wednesday 30
Area Evening
Reception
Annan
www.snh.gov.uk
Sunday 4
Wednesday 7
Area Evening
Reception
Clyde Area
Sunday 18
Christmas Tree
Scavenge
Flanders Moss NNR
Stirling
Friday 30
47
16/09/2011 11:14
Hares-tail cotton
grass, Uath Lochan,
Glenfeshie.
48
16/09/2011 11:15
Visual treat
Dazzling presentations from award-winning photographers
brought the customary crowds along to the 21st Scottish
Nature Photography Fair in early September.
SNHs conference centre at Battleby, outside Perth, was the
venue for the talks, which also offered visitors an assortment
of guided walks, photo-imaging workshops, a raptor display,
audio visual show and trade stands, as well as exhibitions of
winners from the British Wildlife Photography Awards and the
Scottish Nature Photography Awards.
Heres a selection of the imagery that inspired the audience.
www.snh.gov.uk
49
27/09/2011 12:02
Bruce Percy
1
Loch Lurgainn,
Inverpolly, Sutherland.
2
Selfoss waterfall,
Jkulsrgljfur National
Park, Iceland.
3
Pirate Bay, Isle of Arran.
2
50
16/09/2011 11:15
Andy Parkinson
1
A single sunlit cloud
passes over part of a
gannet colony,
Shetland.
2
Cliff-top view as
gannets hang in Force
8 gales above raging
seas, Shetland.
2
www.snh.gov.uk
51
16/09/2011 11:15
Lorne Gill
Lorne is the full-time photographer at SNH and has been involved with organising
the Scottish Nature Photography Fair since it first came to Battleby in 1996. His
work can be seen across much of SNHs printed and digital media and will be
particularly familiar to readers of this magazine. In order to keep his approach to
photography fresh, Lorne is continually exploring new ways to capture familiar
subjects, including using techniques now offered by the new generation of digital
cameras.
www.scottishnaturephotography.com
1
Tree sparrow, Wolfhill,
Perthshire.
2
Oak woodland in
springtime, North
Wood, Kinclaven,
Perthshire.
3
Folded rocks, Falls
of Bruar, Perthshire.
52
16/09/2011 11:15
Peter Cairns
Based in the heart of the Cairngorms, Peter Cairns is an award winning nature
photographer with a deep fascination for our relationship with the natural world.
When the digital revolution kicked in and a tsunami of top class wildlife imagery
came from seemingly nowhere, Peter knew he had to rethink his photographic
career. The result was a long transition into project based photography. In his
presentation, Peter talked about his involvement with the Wild Wonders of
Europe project and how that led into his work with 2020VISION.
www.northshots.com
1
Red-throated diver in
breeding plumage,
Bergslagen, Sweden.
2
Mute swan pair in
winter dawn mist, Loch
Insh, Scotland.
3
View along Rapadalen
from Nammajs, Sarek
National Park, Laponia
World Heritage Site,
Sweden.
www.snh.gov.uk
53
16/09/2011 11:15
Sandra Bartocha
Sandra is a German photographer specialising in natural landscapes and plants, with the specific
aim of creating images that evoke an emotional response. Her images often emerge spontaneously,
influenced by the locations mood and atmosphere. She strives for her very personal interpretation of
nature, using only photographic means of interpretation such as multi-exposures, under- and overexposures as well as selective focus. The resulting images are small abstract details of reality.
www.bartocha-photography.com
1
Round-leaved sundew,
Dueodde, Denmark.
2
Heather,
Reicherskreuzer
Heide, Germany.
3
Spooky forest,
Nienhagen, Germany.
54
16/09/2011 11:15
16/09/2011 11:15
Glasgows
natural
treasures
1
Natural curiosity can
make for memorable
experiences.
56
28/09/2011 09:27
27/09/2011 12:02
16/09/2011 11:16
1
Red kites are good for
business. Visitors to
the Galloway Kite Trail
have spent over 21
million since the
project began in 2004.
59
16/09/2011 11:16
The red kite was perhaps the most common bird of prey in Scotland
in the 1500s and yet, 300 years later the species was extinct
here. Today, thanks to human help, the species is making a strong
comeback and undoing the wrongs of the past.
In 2010 there were some 166 pairs breeding in the Scottish countryside.
Red kites draw large numbers of wildlife enthusiasts and tourists each year,
and have even become an internet sensation this summer with a huge online
following. This success is encouraging, but its worth reflecting back just a few
decades to when it was a very different story.
The red kites history is almost as colourful as its unmistakeable plumage,
explained Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management at RSPB
Scotland.
Human killing, egg and skin collecting had devastated the Scottish
population and the species had disappeared from Scotland by about 1870.
The project to reintroduce them, which has gained the support of many land
managers and international partners, is now hailed as one of Europes biggest
conservation success stories.
RSPB Scotland and SNH decided in the 1980s that urgent conservation
action was required and began taking steps to reintroduce the species in Scotland.
Between 1989 and 1994, the first of four phases aimed at returning kites to
Scotlands skies began with the release of 93 red kites of Swedish origin on the
Black Isle. Further reintroductions followed in west Perthshire from 1996, Dumfries
and Galloway from 2001 and most recently in Aberdeenshire from 2009.
However, attempts by RSPB Scotland and SNH to restore red kite
populations able to survive on their own might have come to nothing if wasnt for
the support of many landowners, farmers, foresters and gamekeepers.
60
2
Acute eyesight enables
red kites to detect their
food.
3
Reddish-brown
feathers make the red
kite easily
recognisable.
4
An RSPB Scotland
field worker fits a radio
transmitter to a chick
on the Black Isle.
27/09/2011 12:02
Estates help
Several private estates hosted red kite release aviaries,
where young imported red kite chicks were held until they
were old enough to fledge and be released. Staff on these
estates also helped provide food supplies for the red
kites during their brief captivity and until the young birds
dispersed and were able to forage for themselves.
Moray Estates became involved in the red kite release
programme in the mid-1990s when SNH and RSPB
Scotland were looking for a central Scotland estate of a
reasonable size, where they could release birds easily with
little chance of people disturbing them. Lord and Lady Moray
were happy to take part and have kept an active interest
in the success of the programme ever since. The estate is
delighted to be part of the project and thrilled that its been
such a success. Indeed, its now an unusual day if you dont
see a number of kites circling above the Braes of Doune.
Moray Estates are extremely proud of the many birds of
prey that they have across their estates and fully support
Scottish Land & Estates (the body representing land based
businesses in rural Scotland) efforts to stamp out the illegal
persecution of these birds.
4
Nowadays, thanks to these efforts and the continued
watchful eye of conservationists allied with the landowners
who host breeding pairs of red kites on their land the
species is making a slow comeback. However, Duncan OrrEwing warns that the birds recovery is being held back by
the reckless acts of a minority.
Unfortunately, all the hard work to return these birds
to where they rightfully belong is being put at risk by
individuals who continue to use poison baits illegally and
indiscriminately to kill wildlife in the countryside.
The red kite is mainly a scavenger, so its particularly
vulnerable to this activity, even though the bird poses no
risk to any land use interests. We know from our research
and monitoring work that illegal poisoning is stopping the
spread of the red kite population in some parts of Scotland.
However, were encouraged that the majority of responsible
landowners are now working with us to help solve this
problem, which affects not only red kites but other vulnerable
wildlife as well.
www.snh.gov.uk
61
27/09/2011 12:02
Public viewing
There is clear public interest in red kites, as shown by the growing popularity of
viewing facilities in red kite strongholds. Among the most popular is the Galloway
Kite Trail, a self-guided tour around Loch Ken, near Castle Douglas in Dumfries
and Galloway. It promotes a carefully laid out set of locations for visitors, including
red kite viewing sites, activities and local businesses.
Farther north lies Argaty Red Kites, a private farming business near Doune that
showcases the central Scotland population. Here, you can watch kites in comfort
without the risk of disturbing the birds. CCTV cameras also provide visitors with a
closer look at kite life in the nest.
Residents in northern Scotland can visit a similar facility on Brahan Estate near
Dingwall. For the last few years, Tollie Farm has been placing a small amount of
carrion on a table to tempt red kites in and demonstrate the feeding frenzy that
can happen when these highly acrobatic and sociable birds compete for food.
And the most recent addition to the public viewing opportunities can be
viewed by people all over the world. For the first time in Scottish history, live
images of a red kite nest in Aberdeenshire were streamed directly onto the
internet, providing virtual visitors with a privileged insight into the behaviour of
these raptors as they raise their young.
So what does the future hold for these birds? As Scotlands only native bird
of prey species whose population is entirely confined to the European continent,
and with only 22,000 breeding pairs in Europe, the red kite is sadly in decline
across much of its range. However, its hoped that red kites will gradually take
up residence through most of lowland Scotland where they formerly occurred,
so that this stunning bird of prey will once more become a common sight across
Scotlands countryside.
62
5
The figure of 166
breeding red kite pairs
in Scotland is probably
higher than it has been
for at least two
centuries.
6
The kite finds food by
flying low over open
country. It uses its
forked tail to steer,
twisting it like a rudder.
28/09/2011 09:25
6
7
16/09/2011 11:16
Kite flying
Common cause
Wildlife management
and country sports
Name
Name
Previous address
New address
Town
Postcode
Town
Postcode
64
28/09/2011 09:45
16/09/2011 10:59
www.snh.gov.uk
Autumn 2011
Kite flying
Common cause
Wildlife management
and country sports
28/09/2011 09:53