NPPP 2022 SEA Scoping Report: Topic 6 Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna

This document contains baseline information on the biodiversity, flora, and fauna within the Cairngorms National Park, particularly focusing on topics related to the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping for the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan. It highlights the Park's significance as a haven for nature and wildlife, noting its rich variety of habitats and species, covering less than 2% of the UK but is home to 25% of its rare animal, insect, lichen, fungi and insect species. The document outlines key priorities from the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan (CNAP), including woodland, upland, lowland, and freshwater habitats, and specific species like the Scottish wildcat, mountain hare, capercaillie and curlew. It also addresses factors impacting biodiversity, such as deer populations, diseases, and non-native species, and identifies areas protected for nature conservation, detailing changes in their condition since 2015, alongside proposed SEA objectives related to protecting and enhancing the Park's biodiversity.