Protected species survey guidance for peatland restoration projects in the CNP V1.0

This document contains guidance for protected species surveys required for peatland restoration projects in the Cairngorms National Park. The main aim is to ensure these restoration activities do not negatively impact protected species and comply with all relevant wildlife legislation. Before applying for a grant, you'll need to complete baseline protected species surveys, carried out by a competent ecologist, with the results used to create a 'constraints map' for your application. These initial surveys are typically not funded by Cairngorms Peatland ACTION unless they are part of a development grant. However, once a project is approved for delivery funding, pre-operational surveys and checks by an Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) *are* eligible for funding. For specific advice on survey methods and protocols, applicants should consult the NatureScot Peatland ACTION Technical Team.