Item6Appendix3EcologicalReport20190347DET

This document contains an ecological report for the Croftcarnoch Forestry Track Upgrade on the Balavil Estate near Kingussie, Inverness-shire, dated 2 October 2019. EnviroCentre was asked to survey the track upgrades to help with future land management. The survey looked at the completed and planned sections of the track to assess any potential ecological impacts. The survey found no major negative effects on the ecology of the area, stating that the track used a high standard building process. It considered the long-term goals of rewilding the Creag Bhuidhe area. The report recommends mitigation measures for any future work on the track, like careful storage of soils and vegetation, following the Scottish Natural Heritage guidance 'Constructed tracks in the Scottish Uplands', working outside of bird breeding season, checking for bats and squirrel dreys, making contractors aware of protected species, and making sure animals can escape from excavations.