WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images and tables. The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you should refer to the pdf version of this document. Annex 2 Cairngorms LBAP: Examples of Achievements 2004 - 2006 2006 • A leaflet on non-native species (“Warning – Alien Invasion”) was produced recently as part of the Cairngorms Non-Native Fish Project. This leaflet is a part of the effort to help to save the nationally important salmon and other native fish populations from the impacts of non native species, and asks for the public to submit records of non-natives; • Production of a draft “Code of Practice” for livebait use by pike anglers as part of the Non-Native Fish Project (this Code is on hold awaiting the outcome of a new Fish Bill from the Scottish Parliament); • The first Cairngorms Water Vole Conservation Officer was recently recruited in response to the evidence for need provided by the Cairngorms LBAP. The National Park is one of the last remaining strongholds of water voles left in the UK. The Park thus has a particular responsibility towards the conservation of water voles; • Launch of the first ever public Cairngorms amphibian survey accompanied by an informative leaflet (“Amphibians of the Cairngorms”). This is aimed at increasing our knowledge of the distribution of amphibians and the strength of their populations across the Park. It will also encourage local people to get involved with recording as below; • Development of two new themes (amphibians and dragonflies) to involve local people and visitors in the wildlife of the Cairngorms supported by training events, activities and leaflets, and supported by Ranger Services; • Further financial support committed to the Cairngorms Biodiversity Grant Scheme for 2006/07 from SNH, CNPA, Aberdeenshire, Highland and Angus Council totalling £51,000. Grant-aid has enabled numerous community groups to take an active role in biodiversity in their localities. The project officer provides advice to assist the communities in the framing of their proposals; • Two year extension of the “Cairngorms Butterflies and Moths Mean Business” project achieved through grant aid by CNPA facilitated by the LBAP (project managed by Butterfly Conservation Scotland with additional grant aid from SNH) with a part-time Project Officer appointed. This is building on a previous phase of the project and will provide training and awareness events for communities and land managers to help safeguard the many important species of butterflies and moths found in the Park ; • Review of Cairngorms LBAP document underway with priority species (and the main issues affecting them) identified, further work on priorities, actions, habitat issues and integration into other regional and national policies to follow later this year; • The CLBAP has assisted the Cairngorms Land Based Business Training Project in developing courses for land managers on biodiversity issues. Courses include Wildlife & the Law (2005 & 2006), Pond Creation & Management (2005), Management for Farmland Waders (2006), Wildflowers 2006) and Woodland Grazing (2006); • Following support from the CNPA, SNH, FCS, LEADER+ and the CLBAP, the Highland Aspen Group has established an aspen nursery near Kincraig, run by volunteers. A small number of local origin aspen plants are being cultivated this year. 2005 • Cairngorms “Butterflies and Moths Mean Business” project established (with a part-time Project Officer) running 7 workshops on butterflies and moths for public, and 3 workshops for tourist providers. Huge success with many workshops over-booked and over 180 people involved across the Cairngorms. Project included an excellent leaflet on Cairngorms butterflies, advice to land managers, awareness raising, and initial development of butterfly trails. Project heavily promoted and supported by Cairngorms LBAP and Ranger Services; • A first with the launch of the Cairngorms Biodiversity Grant Scheme providing 100% grant-aid (up to £5,000) for communities and other groups to undertake biodiversity projects was a huge success. 15 proposals have received funding since August 2005 with funding of £51,500 committed. Proposals include a lapwing project, community pond and wildlife garden, village wildlife audit, equipment and hide for children’s nature clubs, farm boundary tree project, training events on wildlife identification to name but a few. The CLBAP Officer is the scheme “Champion” and manager of the scheme which is financed by money from LEADER+, CNPA, SNH, Angus, Aberdeenshire and Highland Councils. Scheme is continuing into 2006/07 and is expected to run until at least 2010; • Launch of the first ever public wildlife survey in the Cairngorms on swifts nests supported by a survey leaflet and promotion through Ranger Services. Over 70 building across the Cairngorms (mostly in Strathspey) were identified hosting swifts and the survey will be continued in 2006 and 2007. The information will help to protect swift nesting sites in the Park which are vulnerable to building alterations and also increase awareness and enjoyment of this spectacular summer visitor; • The Non-Native Fish project has trialled an innovative fish survey method of freshwater lochs using an electro-fishing boom boat as part of. Non-native fish were identified from a number of sites in Strathspey and the key routes for introductions of non-native fish were identified as accidental releases from garden or ornamental ponds, and deliberate (illegal) stocking of freshwater bodies. The project is moving on to a new phase in 2006 and will be looking at methods to control or reduce the non-native species identified and increase awareness of the issues; • Launch of the first “Great Cone Hunt” with the Highland Red Squirrel Group. An initiative, supported by a leaflet, to encourage members of the public to search woodlands for evidence of red squirrels (the chewed remains of cones); • The CNPA produced a “Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for the Householder” with input from the CLBAP. This leaflet is sent out by the relevant Local Authority with all planning applications that fall within the Park; • Successful application by NTS Mar Lodge, with help from the LBAP, for funding from the Scottish Executive’s Biodiversity Action Grant Scheme for a project on the rare narrow-headed wood ant (all but 2 sites for this ant are in the Cairngorms); • A CNPA led project, funded by SNH and LEADER+, on the re-introduction of fresh-water pearl mussels to a tributary of the River Spey and River Dee supported by the CLBAP; • Funding from CNPA provided to three project following the initiative of the CLBAP: support for Aberdeenshire Countryside Rangers to run public training events, a study by Aberdeen University on current mink control practices across the Park and the feasibility of establishing a Cairngorms wide water vole project; and supporting Glenlivet Estate in providing a black grouse viewing hide; • Linking in with John Muir Award to providing training and events on biodiversity for JMA Providers in 2005 & 2006; 2004 (New CLBAPO started in March after a gap of 6 months with no officer) • A well-attended event on the “Upland Grain Project” by farmers, crofters and policy makers was run by the Cairngorms LBAPO; • Launch of the Cairngorms Non-Native Fish Project managed by the LBAP and funded by CNPA, SNH, LEADER+ and the Spey & Dee Salmon Fishery Boards. Project is working with pike and salmon anglers, local fishery boards, land managers and fish proprietors and the public to raise awareness on the threats to local species from non-native species, survey key water bodies for non-natives, produce a “code of conduct” for pike anglers. First year of project identified non-native species present in three lochs. • The Highland Aspen Group established with the support of the LBAP to promote aspen, undertake research and establish an aspen nursery; • 3 training events organised by Butterfly Conservation Scotland and the CLBAP on moths and butterflies plus management work for the rare dark- bordered beauty moth undertaken; • Establishment of the Strathspey Breeding Wader Project funded by RSPB/ SNH/CLBAP and managed by FWAG. Project is involving 15 farms in Badenoch & Strathspey and Glenlivet to undertake management to benefit waders. • Proposals for the North-East Scotland Biological Record Centre to provided Local Record Centre services for the Park Authority under development; • The CLBAP “Partner Delivery Plan” process started with SNH, Spey Research Trust and Aberdeenshire Council. This process will develop an action plan for each CLBAP Partner Organisation that sets out how it will assist in the delivery of the Cairngorms LBAP; • Angus Barn Owl project managed by FWAG, with funding from the CLBAP, being run across the Angus Glens providing barn owl boxes for land managers, advice on beneficial land management, and encouraging the public to submit records; • Final year of the five-year Cairngorms Upland Grain Project involving 5 farms growing sacrificial crops for birds. These crops provide a valuable food sources for winter birds. This highly popular pilot project with the farming and crafting community in Strathspey influenced the national Rural Stewardship Scheme to incorporate sacrificial cropping as a management option in the scheme; • Presentation to annual Ranger event (in 2004 & 2005) to involve Ranger Services to become more involved in the LBAP, promote and run activities on Cairngorms-wide themes.