Scottish National Heritage - The Nature of Scotland Spring 2010

www.snh.gov.
uk
Scottish Natural Heritage
Spring 2010
The Nature of Scotland
IYB 2010
How you can help
Great Scott
Epic poem
recalled
Its criminal
Protecting our
wildlife
magazine7_cov.indd 1
31/03/2010 16:07
31/03/2010 17:09
Contents
Features
8
Click on nature
Log on to the green scene
10 The green piece of Europe

Spotlight on Slovenia
32
18 Biodiversity is life
Support your local wildlife
14
28 Walk this way

Striding out for health
38
32 Lure of the moor

Spreading the message
17
46 Towering adventure
Moss reaches new heights
49
Regulars
22
48 Detect and protect

Wildlife crime in Scotland
Where we are
SNH contact details
52 Thistles up for grabs

Tourism at its best
Welcome
54 Top priorities
Rural cash boost
Wild calendar
Where to go and what to see
this spring
60 Celebrating Scotts land

Festival for landmark poem
16 Common heritage
Linking language and environment
24 News
Natural heritage updates
27 Print out
Our latest publications
34 Reserve focus
Discover Noss NNR
40 Area news
Reports from round the country
43 Events diary
Guide to whats on
58 Kids only!
Activities for younger readers
64 Mailing list
Join our mailing list
www.snh.gov.uk
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Credits
The Magazine of Scottish Natural Heritage
Issue Number 7 Spring 2010
Published quarterly
SNH 2010
ISSN 1350 309X
Where we are
Area ofces
You can contact SNH by

letter, telephone or email.
The following details
should enable you to nd
your nearest main ofce,
but bear in mind that we
also have a number of
smaller ofces than those
listed.
Argyll and Stirling

The Beta Centre,
Innovation Park,
University of Stirling,
Stirling FK9 4NF
Tel. 01786 450 362
Editor: John Walters

Tel. 01463 725 222
A full list of our ofces

appears on the SNH
website: www.snh.gov.uk
Cover photo: Wood anemone is one of the

earliest spring owers. It opens wide in the light
of day, but closes up as night approaches.
Inside cover: Ash woodland in spring, Cleghorn
Glen, Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature
Reserve.
Welcome page: The white wagtail is a migrant
that passes through Scotland in spring and
autumn on its way to and from Greenland,
Iceland and the Faeroe islands. Some have been
known to stay and inter-breed with our own pied
wagtails.
Photographer: Lorne Gill/SNH
Corporate
headquarters
Photography all images by Lorne Gill/SNH other

than:
Mark Hamblin 7, 41m; Niall Benvie 8, 18; NHPA/
Photoshot 10, 12; Dougie Barnett 13; Dietma Nill/
naturepl.com 14t; Wild Wonders of Europe/
Lesniewski/naturepl.com 14b; Fabio Liverani/
naturepl.com 15; Laurie Campbell 17, 36b, 50;
D McGinn 20; George Logan/SNH 22t, 45; Dougie
Barnett 24; Scottish Association for Marine
Science 26; Paths for All 29; Northern Sole
Mates/North Glasgow Walking Network 30;
Gary Doak 31; Rachel Norris 33; Billy Cullen 40l;
R. Clarkson 40r; David Whitaker 41l, 57; Dave Dick
48; Glen Tyler/SNH 51; Charlie Phillips 52; Paul
Dodds 53; David Robertson 60, 63; Loch Lomond
and The Trossachs National Park Authority 62t;
Scottish National Portrait Gallery 62b.
To share your views about The Nature of
Scotland or suggest articles for future issues
please contact the editor:
Great Glen House,

Leachkin Road,
Inverness IV3 8NW
Tel. 01463 725 000
Email: enquiries@snh.gov.uk
Other main ofces

Battleby, Redgorton,
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel. 01738 444 177
Silvan House,
3rd Floor East,
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel. 0131 316 2600
Caspian House,
Mariner Court,
Clydebank Business Park,
Clydebank G81 2NR
Tel. 0141 951 4488
Dumfries and Galloway

Carmont House,
The Crichton,
Bankend Road,
Dumfries DG1 4ZF
Tel. 01387 247 010
Northern Isles
Ground Floor,
Stewart Building,
Alexandra Wharf,
Lerwick,
Shetland ZE1 0LL
Tel. 01595 693 345
East Highland
Fodderty Way,
Dingwall Business Park,
Dingwall IV15 9XB
Tel. 01349 865 333
North Highland
The Links,
Golspie Business Park,
Golspie,
Sutherland KW10 6UB
Tel. 01408 634 063
West Highland
The Governors House,
The Parade, Fort William,
Inverness-shire PH33 6BA
Tel. 01397 704 716
Strathclyde and Ayrshire
Caspian House,
Mariner Court,
Clydebank Business Park,
Clydebank G81 2NR
Tel. 0141 951 4488
SNH Magazine
Great Glen House, Leachkin Road,
Inverness IV3 8NW
Email: enquiries@snh.gov.uk
Tayside and
Clackmannanshire
Battleby, Redgorton,
Perth PH1 3EW
Tel. 01738 444 177
The views expressed in this magazine do not

necessarily reect those of SNH.
Western Isles
32 Francis Street,
Stornoway,
Isle of Lewis HS1 2ND
Tel. 01851 705 258
Printed by: Montgomery Litho Ltd, Scotland

ML35K0410
Cert no. TT-COC-002217
When you have nished with this magazine,

please recycle it. Pass it to another reader or
dispose of it at your local waste-collection point.
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Forth and Borders

Silvan House,
3rd Floor East,
231 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel. 0131 316 2600
Grampian
16/17 Rubislaw Terrace,
Aberdeen AB10 1XE
Tel. 01224 642 863

Welcome
Richard Davison
Strategy & Communications Manager
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The variety of life on Earth, or biodiversity, is our greatest asset. It supports our
economy, provides us with food and fuel, keeps us healthy and gives us fantastic
opportunities for enjoyment. But biodiversity is under threat, and for this reason
the United Nations have declared 2010 as International Year of Biodiversity (IYB).
People are very much part of biodiversity and we can all help to make sure
that the decline is stopped. Doing one thing to support biodiversity in 2010 is the
theme of the Scottish celebration of IYB. Along with the Scottish Government
and other national bodies, weve come up with six ways that people can help
biodiversity in 2010 and beyond. Find out more in the IYB feature in this issue of
The Nature of Scotland, which also reports on how successful Scotland has been
at maintaining and improving our biodiversity.
Its usually committed people who make a big difference to biodiversity, and
celebrating their success is an important way to encourage others. So weve got
articles on how the police and others are working to reduce wildlife crime; the
land managers who are taking on schemes to help wildlife through Scotlands
Rural Development Programme; and a project thats raising awareness of how
moorland can be managed to benet biodiversity.
One great way that all of us can get more involved is simply to go out and
enjoy Scotlands nature and landscapes. The public certainly did that 200 years
ago after reading Sir Walter Scotts poem Lady of the Lake. Set in the Trossachs,
this remarkable poem created Scotlands rst tourism boom, and in this issue you
can read about plans to celebrate the anniversary of this historic publication. We
also have features on an innovative health walks project and a guide to one of this
countrys great seabird colonies. Farther aeld, we look at the work of our sister
agency in Slovenia and the wonderful wildlife and landscapes of that country.
I hope you enjoy this issue of The Nature of Scotland and that it inspires you
to do one thing for Scotlands biodiversity in 2010.

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Wild calendar
Kenny Taylor
gives some
seasonal tips
for savouring
Scottish wildlife
and landscapes
Some signs of spring are up front, others more
subtle. Pastel hues of primroses and vibrant
feathers of red grouse can be a part of this time
of year, when each day seems to bring changes to
the local scene. Sap is rising in the birches, while
brown hares are chasing in the elds. So go on
out there and catch the tingle.
Strut out in the uplands

Red grouse and Scotland seem to be made for each other.
The bird is hardy, thrives on heather and can thole the
challenges of snowy upland winters. Come spring, when
breeding begins on territories that males have defended for
months, the cock birds can fairly strut their stuff, while hens
keep their cool.
Cock grouse often choose tussocks as stances from
where they can scan their patch of heath for signs and
sounds of both rival males and their own mate. With bright
red wattles above the eyes and plumage that glows with
tones of deepest russet, gold and black, the red grouse in
sunshine looks magnicent.
Take a slow drive, amble or bike ride along roads in areas
with many grouse moors, such as parts of the Borders,
Dumfries and Galloway and the eastern Highlands, and you
could enjoy some good grouse watching. The roads that run
between Tomintoul and Deeside, including the A939 over
the Lecht to Cockbridge and the B976 to Crathie, are a
good bet.
Web tips:
www.arkive.org/red-grouse/lagopus-lagopus/
description.html
www.discoverroyaldeeside.com
1
The size of the crimson
wattles above the eyes
of cock red grouse
peaks at the time of
early spring mating.
www.snh.gov.uk
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Walk a primrose path
Of all the many spring owers that add colour to Scotland,

the primrose is one of the bonniest. The paleness of its
milky-yellow petals is both delicate and symbolic, like an
earthly echo of the seasons strengthening sun. Its name is
also appropriate for an early bloomer, deriving from the Latin
prima rosa or rst rose (though it isnt, in fact, a rose).
Sunny verges in old woodlands can be good places to
see primroses. But some of the countrys nest displays are
in grasslands near the sea. The Isle of Barra has the best
show in the Hebrides, with primroses by the thousands in
many places around the islands rim. Look for them near
Eoligarry, and you could combine ower appreciation with a
glimpse of a golden eagle or buzzard overhead.
On the mainland, the waymarked Moray Coastal Trail,
which runs from Forres to Cullen, has some excellent
primrose banks above its many bays, such as in the section
between Hopeman and Lossiemouth.
Web tips:
www.isleofbarra.com/barrachs/walking/eoligarry.html
www.morayways.org.uk/moray-coast-trail.asp
Hear some old stones

One of my earliest memories is of my voice echoing from
fossils. Glasgow-born, I could relish that rather bizarre
experience as a toddler because my family lived within a
short push-chair ride of the citys Victoria Park.
In 1887 a year after the park was named in honour of
Queen Victorias 50th year on the throne its landscape
gardeners made an amazing discovery. While digging in a
quarry, they uncovered a grove of fossil tree stumps (some
almost a metre [three feet] high), a fallen trunk and other
plant fragments.
The stems are from giant clubmosses. They grew in a
swampy forest around 330 million years ago, in a period
when plants like these were slowly adding to what would
become Scotlands coal measures.
The Victorians constructed a protective building around
the grove, which SNH later named a site of special scientic
interest. You can look at this world-famous geological
treasure from the buildings viewing balcony. And if the park
keepers dont mind, maybe try a quick shout!
Web tips:
www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Parks_Outdoors/
Parks_gardens/victoriapark.htm
6
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2
Primroses need plenty
of sunlight to ower
and set seed, whether
in woodland, before
trees are in leaf, or in
coastal grasslands.
3
The 11 fossil trees in
Glasgows Victoria
Park would have stood
about 30 metres (98
feet) tall when they
were alive in an ancient
grove.
4
Brown hares rely on
good eyesight and
keen hearing to stay
alert for predators and
can run at up to 70
km/h (43 mph) to avoid
danger.
Box clever
Lengthening days seem to push
a button in a brown hares brain.
It changes from a shy creature to
something of an extrovert.
Boxing, during which two animals
rise up and pummel paws and forelegs
in an open eld, is the most dramatic
display of a brown hares spring fever.
These contests often result from a
female repelling the advances of a male
(or testing his mettle), rather than from
male-to-male battles.
Such vigorous mating-season antics
are doubtless why hares, for much
longer than the proverbial bunny, have
had an association with Easter. The
Angles, who settled in the Lothians
in the late 7th century, had a fertility
goddess called Eostre, who may have
had hares as attendants.
Whether or not that was true,
elds in places fringing Edinburgh and
beyond including the skirts of the
Pentland Hills are still good places
to look for hares. So too is Fife, which,
together with the Lothians, is thought
to be home to more brown hares than
other parts of Scotland.
Web tip:
download.edinburgh.gov.uk/
biodiversity/025_Brown_Hare.pdf
www.mammal.org.uk/ and search for
brown hare
www.snh.gov.uk
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Click on nature
If youre searching for
information about Scotlands
natural world then look no
further. Chances are youll nd
it on SNHi, says Alan McKirdy,
SNHs head of information
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2
Detailed maps on SNHi
allow you to explore
millions of wildlife
records from across
Scotland.
www.snh.gov.uk
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aspects of our work. It provides a better

service to the public than the version
we used to publish every year and
costs less to produce.
Using our interactive mapping tool,
you can explore around six million
plant and animal records from across
The dusty ling cabinets and rainScotland. These sightings come directly
soaked notebooks in which we used
from the National Biodiversity Network,
to collect data on habitats, species,
and the number of records is being
landscapes and the other aspects of
added to every day. This is an amazing
our work are, for the most part, gone.
resource collected by many thousands
Its now an electronic world of servers,
of volunteer naturalists over many
databases and applications.
decades. It helps SNH, public bodies
But we havent forgotten that the
and land managers across Scotland to
reason we collect all these facts and
make well-informed judgements about
gures is to help us make decisions
land management issues.
and ensure that what we say is based
Natural Spaces allows us to share
on the best and most up-to-date
our mapping products. Weve made a
information. Were also working with
big investment in this type of data over
other public bodies and volunteers to
the years and we see it as an important
share what we know about the natural
resource that other organisations
world.
You can now search through SNHs such as planning authorities can
use. For example, they can use it to
wealth of data and information on our
help with planning applications or
website at www.snh.org.uk/snhi.
preparing environmental assessments.
Anyone in the world with internet
access can easily nd what they require Its also available at no cost to schools,
universities or developers who want to
on a wide range of topics.
know more about the natural features
The service most widely used
of the countryside. A new directive from
by our web visitors is Sitelink. Youll
the European Union will shortly become
nd information there about all of our
law that will mean all public authorities
protected areas sites of special
have to make their mapping available to
scientic interest (SSSIs), national
the public, so this will help us comply
nature reserves (NNRs), special
with the new law.
protection areas (SPAs) and the rest.
SNH are constantly looking to
Getting our SSSI series into good
nd new and more engaging ways
condition is one of the Governments
of communicating our wealth of
key targets, so its vital that we have a
information to anyone who wants
common understanding of why these
to access it. SNHi will continue to
special places are so important, and
develop and well add more content
that we share that knowledge with key
as it becomes available. But there
partners.
Facts and Figures provides updates will always be the need to deal with
wider issues under the Freedom of
on what were working on, such as
Information (Scotland) Act and the
the sites weve notied, the grants
given, licences granted and many other Environmental Information Regulations
(Scotland). We receive many hundreds
of requests for information each year
and we try to deal with them all in an
open and transparent manner.
The Scottish Information
Commissioner, Kevin Dunion,
commented in a recent article that,
...the SNHi portal is a great example
of how a public agency can give
wider public access to its information
resources. So log on and give it a try!
Technology has transformed

the way we hold and manage
information about the natural
world.
1
The virtual world
places a vast collection
of information about
the natural world at
your ngertips.

The green piece of Europe
Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe and boasts a huge

range of landscapes and wildlife. SNH have been fortunate
in developing close links with the people involved in
looking after nature and landscapes there
10
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www.snh.gov.uk
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11

It may be one of the smallest

countries in Europe, but Slovenia
offers more diversity than many
countries that are much larger.
Tucked between the Alps and
the Mediterranean, its blessed
with spectacular mountains, thick
forests and a coastline on the
Adriatic Sea.
Its remarkable mix of climates brings
warm Mediterranean breezes up to the
foothills of the Alps, where it can snow
even in summer. And, with more than
half of its total area covered in forest,
Slovenia is truly one of the greenest
countries in the world. Little wonder
then that more than half the countrys
visitors give nature as their reason for
going there.
It also has one of the greatest levels
of biodiversity of any country in the
European Union and has more than
12% of its land protected. There are
45 parks designated, including one
national park, three regional parks
and 41 landscape parks, along with
26 Natura sites that form special
protected areas and 260 sites of
community interest.
12
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1
River Soca in spring,
Triglav National Park,
Julian Alps.
2
Wildower meadow
with view over
Polhograjski Dolomiti
and the Ljubljana
Basin, Gorenjska.
3
Darij Krajcic (left),
director of the IRSNC,
and SNH chief
executive Ian Jardine
signing an agreement
of cooperation
between the two
countries.
Many species that are

endangered or can
no longer be found in
other parts of Europe
can still be found
there.
www.snh.gov.uk
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The organisation responsible for

protecting nature is the Institute of
the Republic of Slovenia for Nature
Conservation (IRSNC). Founded
in 1999, the organisation brought
together units that previously operated
separately in the seven regions of the
country.
Our primary role is to protect
Slovene nature, explained Darij Krajcic,
director of the IRSNC. Weve now
developed a uniform approach to
nature conservation across the country,
whereas before each of the regions
tended to operate on their own.
Were also working with other
national bodies, such as the Slovenia
Forestry Service, to agree how
protected areas should be managed
in the future. The effects of our work
are therefore being delivered at local,
regional and national levels.
The organisation has been active
too in making links with other European
countries involved in conservation
issues of mutual interest, which led to
the IRSNC signing an agreement of
cooperation with SNH in 2005.
SNH staff originally visited Slovenia
in 2004 to take part in an event to
welcome the country into the European
Union and to explain how SNH manage

sites in Scotland that are important
for nature conservation. However, it
soon became clear that there was a
lot to be gained from sharing expertise
and exploring the potential for working
together on similar projects.
So both organisations committed
themselves to further joint working
and to spreading the benets of the
twinning arrangement within the
organisations. Since then, several SNH
staff have visited Slovenia and the visits
are as much about learning from our
colleagues there as providing them with
support and advice.
Slovenia has a huge range of forest,
cave and mountain-dwelling wildlife.
Many species that are endangered or
can no longer be found in other parts of
Europe can still be found there. These
include mammals such as the ibex,
marmot, European brown bear, lynx,
chamois, wild boar and wolf.
The checklist of birds is also diverse
and includes birds of prey (buzzard,
hawk, golden and short-toed eagle),
owls (tawny, Ural, long-eared and eagle
owl), woodpeckers (green, black and
grey woodpecker), as well as the white
stork, all of which are protected species.
13

Amongst other wildlife, theres a

native Slovenian sh called the marble
trout, which has been widely bred so
that it could be put back into lakes and
streams where it once lived. And the
Postojna Caves in southwest Slovenia
are home to a unique species of blind
amphibian called the olm or proteus,
which lives in complete darkness.
And celebrating the environment
is very much part of Slovenian life.
One example of this is the Bohinj
international wildower festival, which
presents a two-week urry of events at
the end of May each year. The festival
helps make people more aware of what
the area has to offer, as well as building
a feeling of pride in the alpine farming
heritage and high-quality environment.
If youd like to nd out more about
Slovenia, its wildlife and conservation
efforts, go to the IRSNCs website at
www.zrsvn.si/en and/or the Slovenian
Tourist Boards at www.slovenia.info
4
The olm is sometimes
called the human sh
because of its skin
colour. It eats, sleeps
and breeds under
water in the
underground
limestone caves.
5
Marmots live in
burrows and hibernate
there through the
winter.
6
A European brown bear
in Coceniski Sneznik
forest. Slovenia has a
population of some
450 bears.
14
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Its a small country about

half the size of Switzerland
measuring some 20,270 sq km
(7,826 sq miles), which is about
0.2% of Europes total land mass.
Just over two million people live
there.
Slovenia was one of the republics
that used to make up Yugoslavia,
lying in the far northwest of
the former nation. It became
independent in 1991 when
Yugoslavia fell apart. Its bordered
by Italy, Austria, Hungary and
Croatia.
Much of the country is hilly and
mountainous, so many Slovenes
are keen hikers and skiers. The
highest point is Mount Triglav,
at 2,864 metres (9,396 ft). The
national ag shows the threepeaked Triglav.
About 54% of the country is
covered by forests, making it the
third most forested country in
Europe, after Finland and Sweden.
Typical central European forests
of oak and beech grow on lower
ground, while spruce, r and
pine are more common in the
mountains.
The term karst meaning a
limestone region of underground
rivers, gorges and caves
originated in Slovenias Karst
plateau. The country has
thousands of karst caves and
gorges, and about one-tenth of
them are open to the public.
The most famous are the caves
at Postojna, with their huge
stalactites and stalagmites. Grafti
in the caves show that the rst
tourists came here in 1213!
www.snh.gov.uk
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15

Dualchas coitcheann
Common heritage
The English calendar is based on
the Roman model, but the Gaelic
names for the months of the year
are closely linked to Scotlands
environment and our Celtic heritage.
Three of them recall animals, both
wild and domesticated, as Ruairidh
MacIlleathain explains
Ar mosan ainmhidheach
Tha mosachan na Gidhlig gu math eadar-dhealaichte bhon fhear Bheurla. Tha
ainmean nam mosan ann am Beurla stidhichte air mosachan nan Rmanach.
Tha na mosan ann an Gidhlig ainmichte, anns an fharsaingeachd, air rudan
co-cheangailte ri rainneachd na h-Alba no ar dualchas Ceilteach. S e an aon
mhos aig a bheil cumantas eadar an d chnan Am Mrt/March air a bheil ainm
stidhichte air Mars, Dia a Chogaidh aig na Rmanaich.
Tha Am Faoilleach a ciallachadh mos a mhadaidh-allaidh. S e faol seann
fhacal a tha a ciallachadh madadh-allaidh agus bha Faolan cumanta o shean
mar ainm r. Bha Naomh Faolan (Saint Fillan ann am Beurla) gu math ainmeil
uaireigin agus tha an cinneadh MacIllFhaolain (MacLellan) ann am bith fhathast.
Cha robh na Gidheil leotha fhin ann a bhith ag aithneachadh gum b e toiseach
na bliadhna an t-m as miosa airson mhadaidhean-allaidh, leis gun robh na
creutairean sin acrach (ged a bha am Faoilleach o shean a gabhail a-steach
toiseach a Ghearrain cuideachd); ghabh Sasannaich na seann aimsire wolf month
air an dearbh mhos.
Tha drna mos na bliadhna, An Gearran, ainmichte airson each a chaidh a
spothadh (no a ghearradh) agus tha am facal a tha an-diugh a ciallachadh
each beag dthchasach air a dhol a-steach don Bheurla mar garron. Eadar
toiseach na bliadhna agus toiseach an t-samhraidh bha sreath de ghaothan a
bhiodh na seann daoine ag aithneachadh; bha iad air an ainmeachadh airson
diofar ainmhidhean. S e an Gearran an aon t dhiubh a chaidh a ghlidheadh mar
ainm mosa anns a mhosachan nodha.
S e ainm an deicheamh mosa s dcha am fear as motha a tha a sanasachd
nan dlth-cheanglaichean eadar ar cnan is ar n-rainneachd oir s e sin An
Dmhair. Tha sin a tighinn bho damh-dir, an t-m nuair a bhios na dimh
ruadha a direadh leis na h-ildean. Chan eil m nas tarraingiche na sin ann
an Alba, le dathan is solais an fhoghair a cur ri birich iongantach nan damh air
beanntan na Gidhealtachd.
Dhfhaodamaid a rdh cuideachd gu bheil na mosan a leanas a riochdachadh
rainneachd no aimsir na h-Alba gu re: An Giblean (nuair a tha beathaichean
gibeach s didh a gheamhraidh), An Citean (toiseach an t-samhraidh), An
t-gmhios (nuair a tha na lusan is beathaichean g agus a fs), An t-Sultain
(nuair a tha sult air an spridh s didh an t-samhraidh) agus An Dbhlachd
(nuair a tha an saoghal a fs dubh dorch).
16
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1
Gearran Rmach. Tha
ainmhidhean mar seo
air an comharrachadh
anns an ainm a th
againn airson drna
mos na bliadhna, An
Gearran.
Highland ponies, like
this one from Rum, are
often known as
garrons, from the
Gaelic gearran. The
Gaelic for February is
An Gearran, recalling a
time when Gaels
named the winds in
late winter and spring
after animals.
Animal months
The Gaelic calendar is strongly linked to
both the Scottish environment and our
Celtic heritage. Only one month (Am
Mrt/March) has anything in common
with the English names for months, with
both being based on the Roman style
of naming.
Three Gaelic months are named
after animals. January is Am Faoilleach
(sounds like um FOEUIL*-yuch, where
* is similar to the vowel sound in the
French oeuf). This is the wolf month,
when these wild animals were reputedly
at their most dangerous because of
hunger.
The following month is An Gearran
(un GYAR-un). The word gearran
originally meant gelding, but has
become applied to Highland ponies
and entered the English language as
garron. The old Gaels recognised
a series of winds in the late winter
and spring that were important for
calculating when to carry out farming
activities. They named these winds after
animals. The horse wind has survived
into modern times as the Gaelic for
February.
Finally, October is An Dmhair (un
DAAV-ur), the time of the deer rut,
a very apt descriptive name for that
month in the Scottish Highlands.
www.snh.gov.uk
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17

Biodiversity
is life
18
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2010 is International Year

of Biodiversity. So how
successful has Scotland
been at protecting our
wildlife and natural
resources, and what can
you do to help?
In 2002, the worlds governments committed themselves to making

big cuts in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.
Its now clear that those targets havent been met and the threats to biodiversity
around the world are still growing. The launch of 2010 as International Year of
Biodiversity (IYB) therefore brings a renewed focus on the need for more action.
More than 160 countries now have national biodiversity action plans in place,
including Scotland, which launched its Scottish Biodiversity Strategy back in
2004. So how have we fared in halting biodiversity loss?
A recent report (www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/biodiversityreport2010.pdf)
suggests weve made good progress, although there are clearly still challenges
to tackle. The report from SNH looks at the state of Scotlands wildlife on land,
coasts and seas against the 25-year Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. Among the
key ndings are:
1
Otters are one of
Scotlands biodiversity
success stories. Their
range has expanded
greatly in the last 30
years and theyre now
found across most of
the country.
2
Environment minister
Roseanna Cunningham
launched the
International Year of
Biodiversity in
Scotland at the Royal
Botanic Garden in
Edinburgh in January.
www.snh.gov.uk
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The bird populations of farmland, woodland, water and upland areas have
mainly increased over recent years.
Theres less pollution of our air, land and water. This has allowed wildlife to
move back into parts of Scotland that had become run down through industrial
use and neglect. Otters are re-established in the central lowlands and the
variety of sh is being restored in the Forth and Clyde rivers and rths.
We no longer see major losses of our more natural habitats, although the
variety of plants dropped between 1998 and 2007. Woodland has taken on a
more natural appearance, which has improved Scotlands scenery and provided
opportunities for wildlife to ourish.
Good progress has been made in stopping the decline of very vulnerable
habitats and species, and in safeguarding protected areas. However, some
species and habitats are causing concern, such as commercial sh stocks at
sea. The number of seabirds around Scotland has also been falling since 1991.
19

Getting better
Thanks to the work of many people and organisations
throughout Scotland, we can see changes for the better in
many areas and for many species, commented Ian Jardine,
chief executive of SNH. For example, otters are now found
in 92% of Scotland, compared with just 57% in 1979.
This report conrms that weve made major progress in
protecting Scotlands wildlife and natural resources but
we have more work to do. Around the world, biodiversity
is being lost at an increasing rate and halting this loss in
Scotland will need constant effort over a longer period.
International Year of Biodiversity provides a great
opportunity for everyone to build on what weve achieved so
far, and to work together to make sure that Scotland remains
at least as diverse and beautiful as it is today.
You can help

Everyone in Scotland can play some part in helping to
support biodiversity in 2010. Over the next few pages we
highlight some of the small steps you could take that would
go towards making a big difference.
What is biodiversity?
Put simply, biodiversity is
the variety of life around
us. Its the whole range
of living things on Earth
plants, animals and microorganisms, as well as the
places where they live.
Humans are an integral part
of biodiversity too, and have
the power to protect or
destroy it.
Biodiversity is important
because without it we
wouldnt be able to survive.
It provides:
> Life support systems
such as clean air, clean
water, food
> Raw materials
fossil fuels, wood
Scottish Biodiversity Week

One of the key ways that Scotland will be marking the
International Year of Biodiversity is by encouraging people to
take part in Scottish Biodiversity Week, which will run from
15 to 23 May.
This is now a national fixture in the Scottish calendar.
It aims to get people involved with nature in fun ways and
encourage more people to get out and about, enjoying
nature on a regular basis.
If youd like to organise an event, you can promote
it through the online event diary (www.snh.org.uk/
biodiversityweek). You can also order promotional items,
such as postcards and wildflower seed packs, to hand out at
the events. The postcards promote the Scottish Biodiversity
Week photography competition, which last year attracted
some great entries, including the dramatic image, above, of
waxwings.
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> Future benets

medicines, advances in
technology
> Quality of life
enjoyment, beauty,
interest
> Culture and heritage
such as the thistle, oak
woods, peat bogs

Buy seasonal
Healthy biodiversity is vital for
growing the food we eat.
Growing healthy food requires healthy
soil, fresh air, clean water and insects
(such as bees to fertilise crops).
We can help by doing things
like buying local, seasonal food
(supporting Scottish farmers, reducing
the carbon footprint, better for
biodiversity); growing some of our
own food (allotments, vegetables in
our own gardens); reducing the use
of pesticides, and encouraging and
supporting wildlife.
For further information, click on:
www.whatsonyourplate.co.uk
www.scottishfarmersmarkets.co.uk
Experience nature
on your doorstep
Nature can be found everywhere even on your
doorstep. So why not get outdoors more often
and discover Scotlands nature close to where you
live?
Experiencing nature on your doorstep is local, can be done
by bus, train, foot or cycle, has a low carbon footprint, is
good for your health, and you can see some great wildlife.
There are opportunities for everyone throughout the year to
enjoy the variety of nature in their local area on their own,
with their family, or with organised groups.
Its easy and fun to do, good for your health and well-being,
and can t in well with busy lives.
Go to:
www.snh.org.uk/scottish/2010yearofbiodiversity.asp
www.snh.gov.uk
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21

Garden for life

Our gardens can be great for
birds, insects and other animals.
Its easy to help wildlife to thrive
in your garden, allotment or
even window box. You can help
by growing your own fruit and
vegetables, planting wildlifefriendly owers or by not clearing
leaves and weeds so quickly.
What you do in your garden can help
protect and improve biodiversity for
your children, grandchildren and future
generations.
Plants can be used to create havens
for wildlife, and other actions can help,
such as clearing up leaves and weeds
later in the year, and leaving woodpiles
over the winter. This can help attract a
variety of wildlife all year round for you
to enjoy.
Have a look at:
www.gardenforlife.org.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces
Help with a wildlife survey

How healthy is biodiversity where you live? You
can help us by getting involved in wildlife surveys
and nding out more about your local area and its
amazing biodiversity.
Wildlife surveys are essential to nding out how well our
biodiversity is doing.
Theyre a fun, easy and rewarding way for everyone
(individuals, families, schools, groups) to get involved with
biodiversity in your local area (even in your own garden).
Further information is available at:
www.biodiversityislife.net
www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/wildlife_survey
22
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Tell someone about it

Seen an exciting bird, animal or insect? Made a
meal using Scottish seasonal food? Got involved
in a wildlife survey? Tell someone about it and
encourage them to get involved!
People are part of biodiversity. To improve our biodiversity
we all need to get involved in some way.
We can help in lots of ways, but if we dont tell anyone about
it then our impact is not as great as it could be.
Getting involved in biodiversity is inspirational and fun.
Get others involved

Youve made a difference, so why
not get your employer, your local
school or your local council to do
a bit more?
Scotlands economy depends on our
biodiversity being healthy, so why not
ask your employer, your local school or
your local council to do something to
support local biodiversity?
Its not just physical work. There are
various levels to get involved, as
local groups require a range of skills
including administration, marketing and
fundraising.
Go on, encourage others to make a
difference!
Check out:
www2.btcv.org.uk
www.ecoschoolsscotland.org
www.snh.gov.uk
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23

NEWS
Minister and Maisie go to Blackridge
Childrens author Aileen Paterson, creator of the Maisie books, and environment
secretary Richard Lochhead made a visit to Blackridge community centre in West
Lothian recently to meet some young artists.
The community centre is hosting an exhibition featuring paintings and other
artworks produced by children from Blackridge Primary School. The collection has
been inspired by Blawhorn Moss National Nature Reserve, which lies next door
to the school. Staff from SNH and the National Galleries of Scotland have been
working with the children to develop their interest in environmental art.
Environment secretary Richard Lochhead was given a preview of the exhibition
by children from the school. Encouraging children to look at the natural world
and interpret it in creative ways is helping to build our future, commented Mr
Lochhead. If we grow up understanding and appreciating our natural environment
then were more likely to look after it. Blackridge children are very lucky to have this
important reserve on their doorstep.
Pictured above are author Aileen Paterson with two pupils from Blackridge
Primary and a puppet version of Maisie. Aileens popular creation Maisie is a kitten
who lives with her granny in Morningside, Edinburgh, and gets up to all sorts of
mischief.
Beauty and the beastie

Schools are being asked to use their creative talents to help celebrate the
amazing variety of plants and animals in Scotland.
Eco-Schools Scotland and a range of partner organisations are behind the
eco competition with a difference, which forms part of the 2010 International Year
of Biodiversity celebrations.
Titled Beauty and the Beastie Scotland from Flow to Forest, the
competition will have two age categories, primary and secondary. Pupils will have
ve options for entering the competition, where they can create a poem, a piece
of creative writing, a painting, a photo or an animation/lm about their favourite
Scottish plant or animal.
A winner and a runner-up will be chosen for each of the ve options and from
each of the two age groups. The closing date for entries will be 2 July 2010. For
more information, go to www.ecoschoolsscotland.org/documents/Feb2010.pdf
24
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Staff at Scotlands best-known outdoor clothing and equipment shops are being
offered free training to help spread awareness of the Scottish Outdoor Access
Code (the Code).
The high street training sessions will allow sales staff to develop their
understanding of the Code. They can then encourage customers to think about
their own behaviour and how best to leave no trace when enjoying Scotlands
great outdoors.
The training programme has been adapted from the Code and created
specially for retail staff. It covers the key Code messages as well as specic
responsible camping advice. Around 20 sessions have been delivered so far to
over 100 staff.
SNH have a duty to promote responsible access and maintain Scotlands
natural beauty, remarked SNH campaign ofcer Kirstin Guthrie, but these are
also important to retailers who rely on the outdoors for their business. We realised
there was a missed opportunity here as they speak to our target market every
day. So weve made it easy for retailers to help deliver these key messages to
customers by offering free training, point of sale leaets and swing tags to attach
to stock. To nd out more, contact Kirstin on 01738 458 633.
NEWS
High street training
UWP goes year-round

A new approach that involves trapping hedgehogs all year round will be trialled
over the next 12 months as part of the Uist Wader Project (UWP) in the Western
Isles.
The UWP is also expected to use dogs for the rst time to locate hedgehogs
and their dens on Benbecula and North Uist. A team of up to 12 eldworkers will
be brought together to start work by mid-May, providing full-time jobs in the area.
The hedgehogs were introduced to the Uists in the 1970s and pose major
problems for native ground-nesting wader birds because they eat their eggs.
Several bird species are in serious decline, with numbers plummeting by 60% in
20 years in some cases.
The Uists support some of the most important populations of nesting dunlin,
ringed plover, redshank, snipe, lapwing and oystercatcher in Europe. Dunlin
(pictured below) and ringed plover nest at the highest densities recorded across
the globe.
The UWP has been removing animals for seven years in total and has been
using both live trapping and lamping to detect and remove animals. Hedgehogs
are cared for by the Uist Hedgehog Rescue coalition (a partnership of welfare
organisations), before being moved to the Scottish mainland, where theyre
released into the wild at suitable locations.
www.snh.gov.uk
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25

NEWS
Squirt alert
A small colony of an invasive species
called carpet sea squirt has been found
at Largs in the Firth of Clyde. This is the
rst sighting of the species in Scotland,
although its previously been found in
Wales, Ireland and the south coast of
England.
The carpet sea squirt (shown on the
right in the picture alongside) is thought
to have come originally from Japan.
It can reproduce and spread rapidly
and tends to smother other marine life
growing on the seabed. Its especially
good at growing over underwater
structures such as sh farming
equipment, boat hulls and pontoons.
Experience from other parts of the
world has highlighted it as a potential
nuisance species that causes economic and environmental problems.
The carpet sea squirt is most likely to spread by attaching itself to the hulls of
boats. Its a distinctive mustard, pale orangey-yellow or beige colour and often
appears as pale at patches. Larger growths may look like wax dripping from
articial structures just below water level. Its surface has leaf-like veins with tiny
pores and it has a spongy texture and a leathery feel to it.
SNH, Marine Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
are planning how to deal with the discovery of the carpet sea squirt in Scottish
waters. As with any marine non-native species, removal is difcult and costly.
However, a recent programme to remove it from Holyhead harbour in Wales had
some success, and its hoped that a similar response in Scotland could prevent
further spread.
For more information about the carpet sea squirt, visit www.snh.org.uk/
carpetseasquirt. If you think you may have seen this species, please email
carpetseasquirt@snh.gov.uk
Rise in bird of prey poisonings

The number of birds of prey being killed with poison in Scotland has increased,
according to new gures.
Twenty-two poisonings were recorded in 2009, resulting in 27 dead raptors,
including 19 buzzards, four red kites and two golden eagles.
A map pointing to poison hotspots in Scotland for 2009 showed the area
with the highest number of incidents was Tayside, where nine were recorded.
The 2009 deaths were up on 2008, but the same as 2007 and lower than
2006. The most common type of poison used to kill the animals was carbofuran.
The 2009 map showed that in the past year there were ve birds poisoned
in Lothian and Borders, three in the Highlands and three across Strathclyde. In
Grampian and Dumfries and Galloway, police dealt with one incident of poisoning
each.
Scotlands environment minister, Roseanna Cunningham, said the gures were
a wake-up call to those who thought these poisoning incidents were declining.
This continued persecution of our precious wildlife is simply
incomprehensible, she added. Poisoning is an arbitrary method of killing which
poses serious risks to other animals, and potentially people, in our countryside.
26
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Print out
Red squirrels
An updated version of our popular Red Squirrels publication will
shortly be available. Its crammed with the latest stunning red squirrel
images and explores the life cycle and behaviour of one of Scotlands
favourite mammals. It also considers the issues facing the species
today.
This publication is part of our long-running Naturally Scottish
series, which also features whales, seals, badgers and bumblebees.
For a full overview of the Naturally Scottish series, visit the
publications area of our website at www.snh.gov.uk/pubs
Argyll and the islands

This book covers one of Scotlands greatest mountain stories. The
Scottish Highlands were once part of an ancient mountain range
that was comparable in scale with the present day Alps or Himalayas.
Over time, the mountains were worn down by ice, wind and water
to create the familiar landscapes of today. This epic tale of colliding
continents and erupting volcanoes gave rise to the treasured
landscapes of Argyll, including the islands of Lismore, Colonsay, Islay,
Jura and Gigha.
You can order copies of SNH publications via our website. You can also buy them in person from the shop in the reception area of our
Battleby ofce, near Perth. Most SNH publications are free, but the Naturally Scottish and Landscape Fashioned by Geology series do
carry a cover price. Hard copies of our research and report series are also priced items.
www.snh.gov.uk
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27

Walk this way

Walking is the ideal way for most people to
become more active. As Drew Smith of Paths
for All explains, you can walk on your own, with
your friends and family, or join a local health
walk group the choice is yours
28
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1
Take a walk! Youll
learn more about your
local area, meet other
people and soon start
to feel healthier.
2
Walking as part of a
group can be fun and a
good way to mix
socially.
Health professionals have described walking as the perfect exercise

and the best buy in public health. Its free, open to most people and
you dont need any special equipment.
And for folk who do decide to get up and go there are clear rewards people
who are active are more likely to live longer, enjoy more healthy years of life and
remain independent.
Since 2001, Paths for All have led the way in getting people out of doors to
improve their health. Weve developed a walking for health initiative, which has
encouraged thousands of inactive people to take regular physical activity in and
around their local neighbourhood.
With funding from the Scottish Government, were able to provide grants
to local partnerships made up of community groups and other agencies. These
groups then train volunteers to lead health walks in communities across Scotland.
Volunteer leaders
We feel like we're

taking back the
streets, paths and
parks
www.snh.gov.uk
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The 3,700 volunteer walk leaders in Scotland are the backbone of hundreds
of health walk schemes. Theyre often drawn from the people who take part in
the regular walks and who are therefore most likely to appreciate the needs of
local people. They understand their feelings about the local environment and the
barriers to getting out and about.
NHS Health Scotland recommend that adults should take at least 30
minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. However, the
Government believe that 60% of adults arent meeting even this minimal target.
Lorraine Crawford, a young mum from Barmulloch in Glasgow, was one of them,
until she joined a health walk as a way of meeting people and taking a break from
the stresses of family life. Now shes a volunteer walk leader, and Lorraine praises
health walks for allowing people to mix socially.
The fact that youre able to walk regularly as part of a like-minded local group
is what appeals to inactive people, Lorraine commented. Very few of the folk
taking part would be interested in becoming involved with sport or facility-based
exercise.
We all help each other and enjoy catching up. We feel like were taking back
the streets, paths and parks, which might otherwise seem threatening if you were
on your own, particularly to women and older people.
29

A key part of the Paths for All vision of a happier, healthier, greener and more
active Scotland is that paths which look inviting and appealing for outdoor activity
exist in all parts of the country. These can provide a health walk around an urban
housing estate or a mountain bike ride in a national park.
We receive statistics from around 150 volunteer-led walks per month,
explained Ian Findlay, chief ofcer with Paths for All, and weve come to realise
that what started out as a separate project is now central to what our organisation
is about.
We believe everyone has the right to enjoy their outdoors and to live a
more active lifestyle, regardless of their age, gender, ability or social or ethnic
background.
Our walking for health work is aimed at the most inactive in society, who are
often also those suffering the highest levels of inequality and can be the most
difcult to reach. Through the community health walk scheme were showing that
the simple act of walking and socialising together is helping to change peoples
quality of life for the better and creating more vibrant communities.
2
Walk leader Lorraine
Crawford (in red) and
some of her fellow
walkers from
Barmulloch celebrate
at a Paths for All
awards ceremony.
3
Paths for Alls Ian
Findlay (left) and public
health minister Shona
Robison (right) lead a
health walk in Fife.
Joint approaches
And the links between health and our environment are becoming more widely
recognised. When the Scottish public health minister Shona Robison recently
visited Fife, we were able to point to the path network as an example of the
way forward. Paths for All had worked along with the local authority, and part
of the development costs had been paid for by the local health board, who had
recognised the health benets of walking.
These joint approaches between health and environment agencies and local
authorities are practical and benecial. Theyre likely to be even more so in the
future, given the squeeze on public spending thats forecast for the next few
years.
Lorraine Crawford is in no doubt about the benets for individuals. Walking
has helped change my life, so why wouldnt I want to help others take the steps to
change theirs?
30
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www.snh.gov.uk
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31

Cat Barlow has the novel job

of telling people about a unique
conservation project bringing
back grouse shooting in a hen
harrier protection area. Here,
she explains the background to
her work
Lure of the moor
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on practical conservation tasks on

the moor, such as tree planting and
putting up bird boxes. And local
primary schools have enjoyed days out,
dipping for freshwater minibeasts and
discovering the small mammals that live
hidden beneath the heather and grasses.
In addition, school groups have
The Langholm Moor Demonstration
explored the community aspect of the
Project involves managing a large red
moor. Children have visited head keeper
grouse moor on Buccleuch Estates.
Simon Lester and local moorland farmer
The moor includes around 7,600
Ian Cuthbert to learn about managing
hectares (18,780 acres) protected
and farming the moorland. And a recent
under European law because of its
wild food forage event was a great
importance to hen harriers. These
success, opening eyes to the range of
superb birds of prey are known to hunt edible moorland plants and animals.
grouse, so its unusual to be managing Cumbrian chef and wild food expert
a moor for grouse shooting and at
John Crouch rustled up a tasty feast
the same time helping hen harriers to
from the edible treats found on our
ourish.
moorland forage, served up with rabbit
Funding is coming from SNH,
that the gamekeepers provided.
Buccleuch Estates, the Game &
Our plans for this season include a
Wildlife Conservation Trust, Natural
guided walk around the moorland and
England and the Royal Society for the
a dawn chorus walk with a difference,
Protection of Birds. The organisations
focusing on the unique sounds of the
are working together to try and nd
moor. The wild food event held last
practical solutions so that hen harriers
autumn will be repeated this spring and
and grouse can live together.
a moorland fungi walk is planned for
Historically, the Langholm
later in the season. Our website,
community have had mixed views
www.langholmmoorland.co.uk, holds
about management of the moor. The
details of all the upcoming events.
estate stopped grouse shooting and
One of our big hopes for this
withdrew all their keepers in 1998,
season is that funding will come
and many bird species declined as
through to pay for a hen harrier remote
a result. Now the eyes of Europe are
viewing facility. Nest cameras are quite
on this high-prole project, which will
commonplace now, but cameras on hen
have a huge inuence on the future of
harrier nests are few and far between.
Britains moorlands. However, the local It would provide a great opportunity
community remain largely unaware of
for locals and visitors to Langholm to
how important the project is or the
see these wonderful birds in the nest.
economic benets the moor could bring Longer term, a moorland visitor centre
locally.
is a possibility, providing a base for
The education project that I run
visitors and education groups to learn
co-funded by SNH and Dumfries
more about the moor.
& Galloways LEADER programme
On a personal note, Im really
aims to improve understanding of the
enjoying my role as moorland education
role that people play in managing the
ofcer. Its given me the chance to
moor. We also want to make sure that
combine my love of upland wildlife and
the community are involved in how the
enthusing people about the beautiful
project goes forward.
moorland landscape. And Im delighted
I work alongside the moorland
at the welcome Ive received from
management staff to raise awareness
the local community. Its great to be
about whats going on. Weve
living and working in the beautiful
developed a programme of open
surroundings of Langholm, and I think
days, events and activities involving
this project presents a great opportunity
local schools and colleges. Weve
for local folk to become actively and
also recruited volunteers to work
positively involved.
One of the most unusual land

management and conservation
projects ever attempted in
this country is under way on a
moorland just outside Langholm
in Dumfries-shire.
www.snh.gov.uk
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1
Hen harrier chicks in
the nest on Langholm
Moor.
2
A couple of pupils from
Langholm Academy
give Cat Barlow a
helping hand with bird
box building.
33

Seabird
skyscraper
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Up to one million seabirds return to Shetland every spring and almost

one-tenth of them make their home on the east cliffs of Noss National
Nature Reserve. This crowded seabird colony, set in a spectacular
landscape, presents a scene unequalled on the coast of Britain.
The island of Noss stands proudly on the eastern edge of Shetland, with convenient
cliff-side nesting spots close to the rich marine larder of the North Sea. And its here
that tens of thousands of seabirds nest in spring and summer, resulting in a noisy
skyscraper of movement from the waters edge to the cliff top.
Follow the 10 km/6 mile path around the edge of the island during early summer and
your senses will be assaulted by a squawking, heaving mass of birds. Here you can
witness rst-hand the sounds and smells of a seabird city.
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ss
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(5 km)
eo
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Path to
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lG
pi
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lin
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Whiggie Ness
kin
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gG
Whiggie Geo
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Turr Ness
Point of
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Maidens Paps
Geo of Heogatoug
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Viewpoint path (6 km)
The Rump
tie
ris
r
Ta
DEEP CREVASSE
STAY ON TRACK
Hellia Cluve
Noup of Noss
Setter
of
t
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Information centre
Ru
mb
Hill of Setter
Toilets
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ick
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Passenger ferry
Point of
Hovie
Field boundary
Charlies Holm
!
0
4
Cradle Holm
1
kilometres
Faedda Ness
Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd 2009.

Based on Ordnance Survey mapping. Crown Copyright and
database right 2010. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey
Licence number SNH 100017908.
www.snh.gov.uk
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35

Between late April and late August, SNH run a small

inatable boat that shuttles visitors across Noss Sound every
day (weather permitting), except Mondays and Thursdays.
Once you reach the island, make your way up to the small
information centre housed in an old island farmhouse
which has a small display about Noss. Next door is the pony
pund, built by the Marquis of Londonderry, who leased the
island from 1871 to 1900 for use as a Shetland pony stud
farm. He bred the ponies to work down his coal mines in
northern England.
Today, SNH and the Gardie Trust, the island owners,
manage Noss through an agreement. As well as being a
nature reserve, the island is part of a sheep farm and a ne
example of how farming and wildlife can co-exist.
Beyond the hill dyke, the land rises in a broad sweep to

the eastern cliffs. Follow the coastal path south and you
skirt round the boggy moorland heart of Noss, which is the
stronghold of the skuas. Both Arctic and great skuas nest
on the ground, laying up to two eggs in a shallow scrape.
The adult birds defend their nests aggressively, swooping
on anything that comes close. Skuas rarely make a direct
hit, but if youre targeted then hold your hand or a stick
above your head to deter them. Please dont try to hit them
remember, theyre only protecting their young.
The great skua or bonxie, as its commonly known is
a globally rare species. Its gradually edging out the smaller
Arctic skua from the island, with over 350 pairs of bonxies
now nesting on Noss, making this the fth largest colony in
the world.
2
In the 19th century, a hill dyke was built between Voe o da
Mels (meaning inlet of sands) and the Geo of North Croo.
This wall separates the better land on the west side of the
island from the rough hill ground. During lambing, the ock
of 350 sheep are brought to the west of the dyke, where the
shepherd can keep an eye on them.
You should see small numbers of grey or common seals
hauled out in this area, or you may even spot an otter. We
have recorded grey seal and common seal pups on the
island for the rst time in recent years, and there are also
several otter holts.
36
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4
A short climb from the southeast corner of the island brings
you to level ground where a chasm opens between you and
a 50 metre (164 ft) high grass-covered stack. This is the
Holm (small island) of Noss, or Cradle Holm.
People once risked life and limb going over to this high
rock stack in search of extra sheep grazing or to collect bird
eggs for food. For over 200 years, they travelled over to
the rock on a cradle. This was a box that ran on two ropes
between Noss and the holm, and which carried sheep or
people.
5
Just round the corner from Cradle Holm, you come upon the
Noup (high headland) of Noss. These are the highest cliffs
on Shetlands east coast, rising to some 181 metres
(592 ft). The sandstone cliffs have been worn away to
expose striped layers of red, yellow and grey rock weathered
into a honeycomb of crevices and ledges.
These tiers of ledges are packed with thousands of
bickering and screaming seabirds. The most numerous birds
are the 45,000 guillemots, followed by some 8,000 pairs of
gannets, along with smaller numbers of fulmars, razorbills,
black guillemots, kittiwakes and pufns.
www.snh.gov.uk
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1
The sandstone cliffs of
Noss have weathered
to produce horizontal
ledges and honeycomb
holes that are perfect
for nesting.
2
Hardy Shetland sheep
live on the island all
year round.
3
The great skua is a
pirate of the seas. It
pursues birds as large
as gannets to steal a
free meal.
4
The Noup of Noss is
one of the rst, or last,
sights for generations
of Shetland travellers.
37

6
Continue round onto the north side of the island and you
arrive back at the hill dyke. A short distance after this you
reach Papil Geo (small inlet of the priest, although theres
no other evidence of religious use here). This is the nearest
spot from the ferry for those visitors who have little time on
Noss but are keen to see pufns.
The pufn is one of the worlds favourite birds. Adults
arrive back at the breeding colony in April and leave again
by the end of July to spend winter in the North Sea or North
Atlantic. They can live for more than 30 years and generally
mate for life, returning to the same cliff-top burrow year after
year. Their young are called pufings, which seems oddly
appropriate for the bird thats known by many as the clown
of seabirds.
5
The British Isles hold
about 10% of the
worlds pufns.
6
Noss is one of the
most popular places to
visit in Shetland.
Noss is one of over 50 national nature reserves in Scotland.

Find out more at www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
38
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Essential information
Boats
Nearby natural attractions
Theres a regular ferry service from Lerwick on mainland

Shetland to the island of Bressay. Its then 5 km/3 miles
across Bressay by road to the Noss visitors car park. The
ferry to Noss is operated by SNH and a small charge is
made for the return journey.
To check that the ferry is running, call the Noss freephone
number 0800 1077818 before setting out, to avoid
disappointment. This is updated daily by 0900 during the
ferry season. A red ag also ies on the island if the weather
is too severe to cross Noss Sound safely.
Alternatively, visitors can join a scheduled round-island
commercial boat trip from Lerwick. Youll nd information
about the trips from the tourist information centre in the town
or from www.visitshetland.com
Why not visit the two other Shetland national nature

reserves, which lie on the island of Unst. Hermaness is
home to 24,000 pairs of gannets and more than 50,000
pufns, which nest here every year on the dramatic sea cliffs,
offshore arches and stacks. The huge sea cliffs overlook the
islands and stacks of Muckle Flugga, Britains northernmost
point, and inland the moors are home to the third largest
colony of great skuas in the world. Theres a visitor centre at
the old lighthouse shore station. The recommended walking
route (34 hours) is over moderate ground. See
www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=1
The Keen of Hamar may look like a moonscape, but the
bare stony scree of this reserve supports a unique collection
of plants. The plantlife here is specially adapted to survive on
the rare serpentine rock found on Unst, the most northerly
island in Britain. Star attraction is Edmondston's chickweed,
which is not found anywhere else in the world. Theres a
small car park and the reserve presents easy walking ground.
See www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=2
OS maps
Explorer 466 Active Map
Shetland Mainland South
Trail length
The coastal path around the island is 10 km/6 miles.

Alternatively, you can follow the path to the viewpoint at
Charlies Holm and then turn back, which makes for a 6
km/4 mile walk. There are also shorter walks near to the ferry
points on Noss and Bressay.
Terrain
The path round the island is rough in places and can be
slippery when wet. Expect a gradual climb from sea level to
181 metres (592 ft) at the Noup.
Please wear sensible footwear so that you can cross
the rocks safely when using the Noss boat they can be
slippery. You should also take warm waterproof clothing, as
the Noss weather can be very changeable.
Parts of the path and viewpoints are on the edge of
unfenced cliffs, so please take great care.
Dogs
The SNH boat is not suitable for dogs.
Further information
Theres a small information centre on Noss where SNH
staff provide an introductory talk for all ferry passengers
upon landing. A leaet about Noss is available in alternative
formats, including large print and audio format at
www.snh.org.uk/pubs
www.snh.gov.uk
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39

SNH Area News

Strathclyde and Ayrshire
Correspondent: Sarah Watts
Up close
Past and future
A rosy future?
You can learn a lot by getting up close

to nature! Every year hundreds of
schoolchildren get the chance to do
just that through the Clyde in the
Classroom project. They take care of
tiny trout as they grow from eggs into
25mm/1 inch sh (called fry), which
are then released into their local river.
During the seven-week project they
learn about the sh, where they live and
what they can do to help look after their
river. Its a really special experience
for the children, commented Willie
Yeomans of the Clyde River Foundation.
Theyre present at the start of a shs
life, something that very few people
ever get to see in the wild.
Clyde in the Classroom has
worked with 245 primary schools over
the last 10 years. This year it welcomed
the 10,000th child to take part. Health
minister Nicola Sturgeon (shown above
with some of the children) attended a
launch day at the Glasgow Science
Centre to help celebrate.
The Clyde River Foundation run the
project with a grant from SNH and a
mix of public/private funding. To nd out
more about the project click on www.
clyderiverfoundation.org and/or email
c.mcgillivray@bio.gla.ac.uk
In the autumn of 2009, the community

of New Cumnock reminisced and
shared their memories of the town and
countryside. At the Captured through
Time exhibition, people discussed how
the landscape around this East Ayrshire
town has changed.
New Cumnock has a wealth of
stories. It has a proud mining history,
with people having dug for coal, granite,
copper and lead in the area. It has
countryside thats been celebrated by
poets and local artists for instance,
Robert Burns wrote Sweet Afton about
the local river.
Thinking about the environment
highlighted some of the recent
changes, such as new renewable
energy from wind farms, the changing
climate and the drop in numbers of
lapwings.
Looking back has helped us to
think about whats changing today,
explained Natalie Fleming (pictured
above) from the Coaleld Environment
Initiative. It highlighted the important
role that the environment plays in
creating a sustainable future for this
area.
See examples of the exhibition at
www.newcumnock.ea-cei.org.uk
The apple orchards of the Clyde Valley

once formed the largest fruit-growing
area in Scotland. But whats the future
for them now? A three-year project has
been working with local people and has
discovered real enthusiasm and interest
for the orchards.
There has certainly been lots going
on. Schools have planted their own
trees. Orchard owners as part of the
Clyde Valley Orchard Group have
learnt new skills to help them grow and
care for their trees. And local people
have taken part in events, such as
tasting freshly squeezed juice, looking
at different apple varieties and learning
about the wildlife that lives in orchards.
Is the future rosy? The orchards
are unlikely ever to be big business,
as too many of us buy foreign apples.
But there may be other opportunities,
such as making apple juice and cider,
or managing community and school
orchards. To nd out more, click on
www.clydevalleyorchards.co.uk
40
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SNH Area News

East Highland
Correspondents: Tim Dawson, Pete Moore, Kenny Nelson
Clearwater revival?
Solar-powered eagles
Shot in the dark
The future of Loch Flemington near

Croy looks clearer thanks to some
ground-breaking work. The loch is
an internationally important home to
breeding Slavonian grebes (shown
above), great crested newts and a
rare water plant called slender naiad.
In recent years, however, fertiliser
run-off from surrounding farmland
has created regular summer blooms
of algae. The murky water makes it
difcult for the grebes to nd food and
theyve not bred there since 2001.
The algal blooms have also affected
angling for the local shermen.
Experts have suggested using
PhosLock, a chalk-like substance
that binds to the excess fertiliser and
locks it into the loch bed. This should
lead to the water quality rapidly
improving, which will be good for the
grebes, the shing and all the other
wildlife on the loch.
This is the rst time PhosLock
has been used in the Highlands,
and the local community and other
public bodies are backing the trial.
The results will be studied closely to
gauge the success of the work and
learn how to tackle this problem in
other places.
Were taking part in a project that aims

to nd out how young golden eagles
in the Cairngorms react to people
disturbing them.
Over the last three years, solarpowered satellite transmitters have
been tted to three young eagles to
give us an insight into how they live and
their movements. The transmitters allow
us to track what they do and where they
go.
Since these rst taggings, weve
had a transmitter fail after two months
and another being recovered when the
eagle carrying it (named Alma) was
poisoned after two years.
However, tracking results from these
birds all add to the emerging picture.
And the third transmitter, attached
to a bird called Tom, continues to
relay information about his life in the
southwest Cairngorms.
This year the project is aiming to
track up to seven more birds, including
adults, in a partnership between various
organisations and estates. You can nd
more information on the eagles and
other tracked birds by visiting
www.roydennis.org
Weve been supporting an innovative

photography project in Wester Ross
to help people recover from mental ill
health. Shot in the dark has allowed
people to develop digital photography
skills, such as setting up and taking a
good photograph (like the one above)
and using computers to change and
present pictures.
John McNaught, the project
worker, has helped the 20 folk taking
part learn new skills and meet new
people, and this has built peoples
condence. Many have become so
involved with the project that theyve
bought their own cameras and set up
their own Flickr web page, remarked
John. Some people have got to
grips with technology for the rst
time, while others have developed a
genuine talent for photography. And
all of them have been able to meet the
goals successfully that they set for
themselves.
The people taking part also got
out and about into the Wester Ross
countryside, including a trip to Loch
Maree Islands NNR. The project
organisers hope to build on this work
and are seeking funding to develop a
social enterprise using the photography
skills that people have learnt.
www.snh.gov.uk
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41

SNH Area News

Western Isles
Correspondent: Roddy MacMinn
LIFE+ launches
Return to normal
New Harris ranger
January saw the launch in Uist of a

project to safeguard the machair of
the Hebrides, its traditional crofting
methods and the wealth of wildlife it
supports. The machair LIFE+ project
will continue for four years and aims
to support crofters and farmers in
delivering practical wildlife-friendly land
management.
Machair is the fertile, low-lying
coastal grassland found in the north
and west of Scotland. The funds will
be used to provide machinery, labour
and advice to crofters, as well as
addressing issues such as grazing
by geese and changing ploughing
methods. It will also promote benecial
techniques such as late harvesting,
arable stooking (stacking) and the use
of seaweed as a fertiliser.
The project will extend government
funding thats available for machair
management through the Scotland
Rural Development Programme
(SRDP), and the results will later feed
into the next version of the SRDP in
2014. Its hoped the funding will help
to develop a better understanding of
how to conserve this way of life and
a special habitat for wildlife for future
generations.
If youd like to nd out more about
the project, or are interested in taking
part, please contact the project team
on 01870 603 361.
The project to remove mink from the

Western Isles is improving conditions
for ground-nesting birds. Arctic tern
(shown above) colonies on Lewis and
Harris, for example, have reclaimed
previous no-go areas for the rst time
in more than 20 years.
In previous years weve seen all
the Lewis birds withdraw into super
colonies, often with hundreds of pairs
at one site, explained Martin Scott,
local ofcer with RSPB Scotland.
Theyve sought safety in numbers
from predators and their range shrank
dramatically, as there were so few
places left that were safe to breed.
Last year, however, they produced
more chicks and were spread over
a wider area. Smaller colonies have
appeared all around Lewis and Harris
and have generally been successful in
rearing young.
The manager of the Hebridean Mink
Project, Iain Macleod, said it was likely
that the intensive trapping of mink, a
non-native mammal, had helped the
terns re-establish.
Whats been quite surprising is the
speed with which the terns have gone
back to behaving normally. The fact that
they feel comfortable enough to do this
means theyre suffering less predation
by the mink. Other birds, such as redthroated divers and greenshank, will
also be beneting.
The North Harris Trust have launched a

new ranger service for the island. The
Trust are a community group set up in
2003 to manage, develop and conserve
the assets of North Harris sustainably
for the benet of the community and
enjoyment of the wider public. The new
ranger, Robin Reid, will be working
closely with the islanders and the many
visitors who come to Harris each year.
My aim is to inspire people about
the environment around them, he
explained, and to help them nd out
more about it. Were very fortunate in
North Harris to have so many great
landscapes, habitats and wildlife
spectacles right on our doorstep.
He already has plans to host a
series of walks and other events from
seashore to mountain top this spring.
Robin will also be visiting local schools
to work on some environmental projects
with pupils. He recently visited Scalpay
to explore bird ight with the children
there by building apping gannet,
goose and eagle mobiles.
For more information on the North
Harris ranger service and the events
and activities on offer, contact Robin on
01859 502 222 or email robin@northharris.org
42
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Events diary 2010

April
A geologist guide for visitors will be at Knockan

during April, May and June at locally advertised
times.
Tel: 01571 844 000
Guided walk from 10am to 12noon at

Levenmouth woods in search of birds, otters, red
squirrels and more. Meet at Findatie car park.
Booking essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Saturday 10 Art/Wildlife Workshop

Sunday 11 Cairnsmore of
Fleet NNR
Gatehouse of Fleet
Galloway
Half-day workshops with an opportunity to recreate some of the reserves plants and animals
in air-hardening clay. You can then take your
creations home with you! Booking essential as
space is limited.
Tel: 01557 814 435
Tuesday 13 Bird Box Building

Caerlaverock NNR
Dumfries
Come along from 11am to 3pm and make a free

nest box to take home. Booking is essential.
Tel: 01557 814 435
Wednesday 14 Meet the Wardens

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Drop into the Boathouse Hide from 2pm to 5pm

and chat with the SNH wardens about Loch
Leven wildlife.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Explore the Flooders nature trail from 11am to

3pm, starting from Hollands Road car park.
Tel: 01557 814 435
Meet the SNH warden from 10am to 1pm and

look for reptiles and amphibians living on the
reserve.
Tel: 01387 247 010
Saturday 17 Drystane Dyking

Sunday 18 Weekend
Taynish NNR
Tayvallich
Argyll
Come and help restore the old dykes at Taynish

before cattle are reintroduced to parts of the
woodland. Please book in advance for one or two
days.
Tel: 01546 603 611
Tuesday 20 Season Opening

Noss NNR
Shetland
Ferry crossings to the island of Noss begin and

will run daily, except on Mondays and Thursdays,
until 29 August.
Tel: 01595 693 345
Tuesday 20 Sharing Good

Wednesday 21 Practice (SGP):
Working with rivers
Birnam Institute
This course will build on the content of previous

similar events by exploring some of the more
technical aspects of managing and restoring
Scotlands rivers for the natural heritage.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Tuesday 27 SGP: Rhododendron

Wednesday 28 control
Strontian
Ardnamurchan
Rhododendron is the invasive non-native plant

species that poses the most serious threat to
biodiversity in Scotland. This event will focus on
planning effective control.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Thursday 1
Guided Walks
Knockan Crag NNR
Sutherland
Saturday 3 Nature Detectives

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Thursday 15 Nature Detectives

Caerlaverock NNR
Dumfries
Friday 16 Reptile Ramble
Kirkconnell Flow NNR
Dumfries
www.snh.gov.uk
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43

Events diary 2010

May
Come and join us for the dawn chorus down on

the Endrick Mouth part of the Loch Lomond NNR.
We'll help you to identify the birds that we hear
and see. Booking essential.
Tel: 01786 450 362

stephen.longster@snh.
gov.uk
The impacts of small-scale windfarms and other

micro-renewable technologies will be assessed.
The likely focus will be impacts on birds, bats,
other protected species and landscape issues.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Saturday 15 Moths at Taynish Mill

Taynish NNR
Tayvallich
Argyll
Come and help empty the live traps and be

fascinated by these beautiful creatures of the
night.
Tel: 01546 603 611
Tuesday 18 Burleigh Botany

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Meet at Burleigh Sands car park and join a

guided walk from 6pm to 8pm to discover the
plants of Burleigh. Booking essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Join the reserve wardens from 12noon to 2pm

and search for the beautiful green hairstreak and
other butteries.
Tel: 01387 247 010
This event will focus on themes including

language and the Scottish landscape, and the
inuence of landscape on culture and the arts.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Sunday 23 Discovery Day

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Lots of activities and games for all the family at

Kirkgate Park, Kinross. Staff and volunteers will
be on hand to help you nd out more about the
reserve and its wildlife.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Tuesday 25 Findatie Botany

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
Meet at Findatie car park and join a guided

walk from 6pm to 8pm to discover the plants of
Findatie. Booking essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Saturday 29 Chequered Skipper

Sunday 30 Weekend
Glasdrum Wood NNR
Near Oban, Argyll
Come and explore the wonderful Glen Creran

woodlands and search for chequered skipper and
pearl-bordered fritillary butteries.
Tel: 01546 603 611
Discover the abundant owers and wonderful

archaeology of the most northerly ashwoods in
Scotland. Look out for orchids and mountain
avens ourishing on the limestone slopes.
Tel: 01854 613 904
This event will look at settlements as parts of

ecosystems and how they connect the built
environment to the wider countryside.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Meet at Findatie car park and join a guided

walk from 3pm to 5pm to discover the plants of
Levenmouth. Booking essential.
Tel: 01577 864 439
Sunday 9 Dawn Chorus

Loch Lomond NNR
West Highlands
Wednesday 12
SGP: Small-scale
wind and
micro-renewable
technology
Battleby, Perth
Wednesday 19 Buttery Walk

Dumfries
Thursday 20 SGP: Envisaging
places
Battleby, Perth
June
Wednesday 2 Ramble Through

Rassal NNR
Near Kishorn
Wester Ross
Thursday 3
SGP: Rural/urban
myths
Battleby, Perth
Friday 4 Levenmouth Botany

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
44
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Sunday 6 Dragony Survey

Loch Leven NNR
Tayside
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Tel: 01577 864 439
Wednesday 16
Thursday 17
SGP: Essential art

exploring nature
creatively
Battleby, Perth
Gordon MacLellan (Creeping Toad) will explore

the value of storying landscapes, seeing patterns
in nature, and creative ways of using natural
materials.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Friday 18
Myth and Medicine

Caerlaverock NNR
Dumfries
Find out some of the fascinating mythology linked

with plants on the reserve.
Tel: 01557 814 435
Saturday 19
Coastal Biodiversity
Taynish NNR
Tayvallich
Argyll
Come and explore the coastal area at Taynish

and see some of Loch Sweens rich marine life. If
were lucky, we may see otters and marsh fritillary
butteries.
Tel: 01546 603 611
Tuesday 22
Management
Proposals
Moine Mhr NNR
Near Kilmartin
Argyll
Heres an opportunity to view our new

management proposals for the Moss and have
your say at an informal evening at Kilmartin
House. Displays, short talks and a buffet
provided. Please book in advance.
Tel: 01546 603 611
Wednesday 23
Thursday 24
SGP: Outdoor
learning for teachers
Badaguish,
Near Aviemore
A unique opportunity to work alongside

colleagues from institutes throughout Scotland,
sharing good practice in outdoor learning.
Tel: 01738 458 556

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Thursday 24
SGP: Mainstreaming
green prescription
Central Belt
This event will explore a range of green exercise

schemes and how best to encourage more
schemes and more participation.
Tel: 01738 458 557

sgp@snh.gov.uk
Saturday 26
Bird/Bat Box Building

Dumfries
Make a bird or bat box for the reserve, or take it

home for your garden.
Tel: 01387 247 010
Saturday 26
Morning After Moths

Muir of Dinnet NNR
Grampian Highlands
Meet at Burn o Vat visitor centre and discover

more about the moths that have been caught on
the reserve the night before. Booking essential.
Tel: 01224 642 863
Saturday 26
Open Day
Moine Mhr NNR
Near Kilmartin
Argyll
Following on from our launch at Kilmartin House,

this will be an open event on the reserve, with
guided walks, activities and demonstrations of our
management in action.
Tel: 01546 603 611
Calves, Quartzite and

Caley Pines
Beinn Eighe NNR
Kinlochewe
Wester Ross
Search for red deer hinds and their calves on

the moors in Wester Ross, and learn about the
history, wildlife and management of Beinn Eighe.
Tel: 01445 760 254
Wednesday 30
www.snh.org.uk
www.snh.gov.uk
Join a group from 10am to 4pm and learn how

to carry out surveys for dragony larvae with
someone from the British Dragony Society.
Booking essential.
45

Towering adventure
1
Youngsters from
Thornhill Primary
helped local MSP and
minister for
parliamentary
business, Bruce
Crawford, to ofcially
open the new Flanders
Moss viewing tower.
2
The 900 metre (half
mile) all-abilities path
and boardwalk allows
visitors to walk around
part of this ancient
bogland.
46
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If youre looking for a natural high,

then head for Flanders Moss near
Stirling. This bogland national nature
reserve offers a great new visitor
experience, as reserve manager
David Pickett reports
How do you show people a bogland nature

more visitors and allow us to interpret the spectacular views
reserve thats fragile and hazardous to walk over,
across the bog. After a long process, the tower was built by
and which local people think is dangerous to visit? local companies using local Scottish oak, with the help of
Thats been our challenge at Flanders Moss National Nature
Reserve (NNR), which lies some 16 km (10 miles) west
of Stirling. For the last six years, weve been working to
overcome the ideas that people had about the place and
show them what a wonderful location lies within an hours
drive of most of the Scottish population.
This work reached its peak recently with the opening of
a seven metre (23 feet) high viewing tower that provides
spectacular views across the moss to the surrounding hills
and mountains.
Hundreds of years ago, Flanders Moss played a vital part
in local peoples lives, when it was used for stock grazing
or folk were involved in peat clearance and drainage works.
But, in the last 150 years, the site has been pretty much
closed off to all but a few local people who worked around
its edges.
It was, therefore, a big step in 2006 when we put in an
all-abilities path and boardwalk to give people open access
to a small part of the moss. Locals from the surrounding
villages of Kippen, Thornhill, Port of Menteith and Arnprior
quickly adopted it as their local walk in an area where there
are few waymarked routes to follow.
The boardwalk has been excellent at giving folk a closeup view of the colourful tapestry of the bog surface. Its
provided a safe, comfortable way to satisfy peoples curiosity
about the moss and to enable arts-based education projects
that werent possible before.
But the sheer scale of this large site wasnt visible to
visitors, and this made it more difcult to explain the full story
of the reserve. Flanders Moss also has a role to play in the
local economy, which tends to miss out on the tourist trafc
that passes through the villages between Loch Lomond &
The Trossachs National Park and the attractions of Stirling.
So we decided to build a viewing tower that would pull in
www.snh.gov.uk
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funding from Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER.

The tower and boardwalk have changed the way that
people will connect with Flanders Moss in the future. But we
were also aware that, in the recent past, the few locals that
knew the Moss had looked on it in a very different way.
So, alongside the tower project, weve been running an
oral history project to capture memories of the moss that go
back towards the start of the 20th century. People had tales
to tell of collecting gull eggs, harvesting sphagnum moss,
peat cutting, game shooting and grazing stock. These tales
not only make Flanders more interesting to visitors today, but
also carry valuable information about how people worked the
moss in the past, which can inuence how we manage the
site in the future.
A second project involved four local schools (both
primary and secondary), a nursery school, a playgroup and
a local poetry group. They used some of these tales and
memories along with their own visits to the moss to record
their impressions in words.
The schools worked with local poets and a rap artist, and
used styles such as ballads, haiku, rap and nursery rhymes.
They captured what they think of Flanders Moss on a DVD
thats being distributed locally.
In recent times, local peoples views of Flanders Moss
have completely changed. Ask people in Thornhill today what
they think of Flanders and it would be very different to what
they would have said ve years ago. We hope the tower
will give more people the chance to appreciate the wild,
peaceful atmosphere of the moss, which lies just a short trip
away for so many people.
To nd out for yourself what makes Flanders Moss so
special, go to the www.nnr-scotland.org.uk website for
further information on the reserve and details of how to get
there.
47

Detect and protect

48
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Alan Stewart works with Tayside Police

and is one of this countrys leading wildlife
detectives. His new book, The Thin Green
Line, surveys the scale of wildlife crime across
the UK today, and here he reects on the
situation in Scotland
Hello, is that the police?

Thats correct, can I help you?
Hopefully you can. Id like to report that I think a
man is taking freshwater pearl mussels from our
river.
Alternatively, the caller might say, Id like to report that Ive
seen a man circling bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth
and disturbing them. The location could just as easily be
Oban Bay, or the river estuary off Montrose or a host of other
places around Scotlands coastline.
Equally, the caller might report that, ...a building with a
brown long-eared bat roost is about to be demolished, or,
...a pet shop is selling Hermanns tortoises and the shop
worker said that the owner didnt have Article 10 certicates
for them.
Two decades ago, theres little doubt that the caller would
have come off the phone annoyed, frustrated and wondering
who on earth does have the responsibility to deal with these
offences.
The answer, of course, is that its always been the
responsibility of the police. Having said that, its only recently
in the last decade or so that a small group of ofcers
from the eight Scottish police forces has gained the level
of knowledge and expertise to make sure that they can deal
competently with this highly specialised area of policing. At
the same time, the level of experience in prosecuting wildlife
crime has similarly grown. The Crown Ofce and Procurator
Fiscal Service now have 15 specialist wildlife prosecutors,
who train alongside wildlife crime police ofcers to the
benet of all.
There are now around 90 wildlife crime police ofcers
in Scotland, with the vast majority of forces now having at
least one full-time post. Importantly, they have a wide range
of experts on whom they can call for specialist advice,
depending on the species involved. The police, working
with partners, have also realised that certain species at high
conservation risk from criminals need some extra policing
effort. This realisation in 2005 gave rise to a group called the
Wildlife Law Enforcement Working Group (WLEWG).
www.snh.gov.uk
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1
Birds of prey continue
to be persecuted in
Scotland. This female
golden eagle was shot
near Peebles in 2007. It
was one of the only
breeding pair in the
region .
2
Its illegal to catch
freshwater mussels to
look for any pearls they
may contain.
2
49

Its not yet perfect,

but the work of wildlife
crime police ofcers is
beginning to make a
difference.
Priority species
The WLEWG is made up of the
police including the National Wildlife
Crime Unit and a number of relevant
organisations. Every year the group
looks again at the conservation
priorities for policing. The current ones
are crimes against bats, freshwater
pearl mussels and rarer birds of prey
(golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, hen
harrier, goshawk, red kite), as well as
the illegal international trade in certain
species.
So, in a practical sense, how does
all this actually help prevent wildlife
crime and enforce the law? If we look at
prevention rst, then awareness raising
is critically important. We have to give
advice to people to make sure they
remain within the law. Its also important
that others who may see an offence
taking place can recognise it as being
illegal and know how to report it. Much
of this is put across in presentations
by wildlife crime police ofcers, with
around 150 talks and roadshows every
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year throughout Scotland. There are

also a number of targeted training
courses. Recent examples include an
awareness training day, organised by
the police and hosted by SNH, and a
similar training day in Strathclyde for
countryside rangers.
In addition, SNH and the Scottish
Government have produced a number
of leaets, including a detailed leaet
on freshwater pearl mussels and crimes
linked with them. Scotland has probably
half of the worlds population of
freshwater pearl mussels. As examples
of the risk to these stocks, in 2008
hundreds of opened shells were found
on the bank of an Angus river. This
meant that a third of the population of
that stretch of water had been killed,
and in Glencoe in the same year
an identical situation was reported.
Thankfully, some of the crime prevention
effort is paying off: 2009 saw fewer
offences committed against mussels
and also bats.

Convictions
3
The worst threat faced
by badgers is badger
baiting, where people
send dogs down
badger setts and
gamble on which
animal will survive the
ght that follows.
4
In Shetland a
sherman clubbed
grey seal pups to death
in 2008 with a wooden
fence post. He was
jailed for 80 days.
There are now many successes to show for the investigations into reports
of wildlife crime and the prosecutions that follow. For instance, in 2005
Strathclyde Police became aware that a badger sett had been lled with slurry.
Working with partners Scottish Badgers and North Lanarkshire Council, the
sett was slowly excavated. As the slurry ran out during the dig, so did a badger
which would otherwise have been condemned to death through starvation or
suffocation. The police traced the person responsible and he was eventually
ned 800.
In a case the following year in Lothian and Borders, staff from the Scottish
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and the Royal Society
for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) helped police to trace a man with a mist
net who was trapping nches. More birds that had been taken from the wild
were found in the mans aviary, which resulted in him being charged and ned
1,000. The man also had an address in England and, after investigations there,
a case was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service. On this occasion, the
man received a conditional discharge from the court but had to pay costs of
11,750.
In 2006, in the rst conviction of its kind in the UK, a man was ned 500
after recklessly disturbing dolphins in the Moray Firth. He was seen speeding on
a jet-ski right through a school of bottlenose dolphins, then executing a number
of rapid turns back through the school again. Much of this evidence was caught
on digital camera. More recently and again a rst UK conviction of its kind a
man was jailed for 80 days in 2008 after clubbing to death 21 grey seal pups
on the island of East Linga in Shetland. There are also a number of ongoing
cases relating to the poisoning of birds of prey.
Its not yet perfect, but the work of police wildlife crime ofcers mostly
carried out with help and advice from our partner agencies and the increased
awareness of all operational ofcers of wildlife crime issues, is beginning to
make a difference.
www.snh.gov.uk
www.snh.org.uk
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51
7

If youre part of a business thats trying hard to reduce its

impact on the environment, then maybe you should think
about entering for this years Thistle Awards
Thistles up for grabs
Visitors to Scotland say time and

again that they come here to see
and experience our wonderful
landscapes and wildlife. The
mountains, lochs and islands
certainly provide memorable
images of our country, while at
a more intimate level dolphin
watching has been voted one of
the best things to do in Scotland
to create a perfect day.
Tourism generates some 4 billion
each year for the Scottish economy
and supports over 200,000 jobs in
20,000 businesses, so its vital that we
look after the bedrock of the industry
the environment. Its fragile, just like
the livelihoods of the individuals and
communities that live and work in it.
The annual Thistle Awards allow
Scottish tourism to celebrate those
businesses that perform at the highest
level and pioneer new approaches.
Thistles are among the most soughtafter prizes in the industry. They
recognise the success of the nalists,
who have been chosen because of their
hard work and innovation.
There are 10 different Thistle
Awards, and SNH are proud to
sponsor the award for sustainable
tourism. Finalists have to show theyre
committed to running their tourism
business in a sustainable way and
provide an example to others of
Scotlands ambition to become the
most sustainable place to visit in
Europe. Sustainable tourism is a longterm vision that looks at all the impacts
made by tourism businesses. If these
impacts can be controlled, then social
and economic benets will follow and
help to develop thriving communities,
while caring for the environment.
Judges look for evidence that
entrants are committed to Scotlands
environment and that people guide
their operations, growth and ambitions.
Businesses are also judged on
how they promote this approach to
customers, staff and the general public.
Winners of the 2009 award were
Maximillion, an event management
company that delivers events for the
52
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business tourism sector. The company

is a good example of why taking
environmental issues into account
makes good business sense, as they
highlight in the piece alongside.
If you have a business thats
passionate about tourism, the search
for the 2010 nalists starts in April.
Visit www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk
to see all the categories and download
an application form. Entries close at the
end of July and the awards ceremony
will take place at the end of October in
Edinburgh.
The tourism industry will be
considering sustainable approaches in
some detail in 2010, and VisitScotland
have organised a series of workshops
for tourism businesses. The workshops
are being held across Scotland, with
sessions led by experts and like-minded
businesses. For more information,
contact Kate Mair of VisitScotland at
sustainable-tourism@visitscotland.com
VisitScotland and partners have
also produced the Sustainable
Tourism Business for Dummies
Guide, a booklet packed full of useful
tips and information to encourage
tourism businesses to become more
sustainable. The booklet will be
available at the VisitScotland workshop
events or you can download it at
www.tourism-intelligence.co.uk/
guides.aspx
The Maximillion story

We rst set out to become a green business four years ago. A big part of our
success was down to splitting the business into three key areas: the ofces, the
products and the events. The ofces were awarded the Green Tourism Business
Scheme Gold in 2008 and we now offer a range of products that have an
environmental or social theme.
For the events, were able to deliver to the British Standard, which certies
that an event is sustainable. This means were able to identify and understand the
effects were having on the environment and put in place measures to minimise
the negative impacts. Every choice from the venue and travel arrangements,
through to the content of the delegate packs has to be designed with as much
concern for the environment as possible.
Weve beneted in many ways from taking a sustainable approach. We have
lower energy bills, attract more publicity, can retain staff better and most
importantly were winning new customers. Some customers still have little
interest in whether an event is delivered sustainably. But more and more people
are keen on making sure that products have minimal impact on the environment,
and want to hire a company that can genuinely deliver a sustainable event.
1
The makings of a
perfect day Moray
Firth dolphin watching
at Chanonry Point on
the Black Isle.
2
Team-building events
are a popular part of
the Maximillion range
of services.
www.snh.gov.uk
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53

A development programme designed

to support rural Scotland is providing a
welcome boost for nature conservation
schemes
Top priorities
Over 1,000 farms and estates across Scotland
have won ve-year government contracts over
the last couple of years aimed at helping them
conserve their wildlife. The awards have typically
been worth about 50,000 each, with the money
coming from the rural priorities strand of the
Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).
The programme still has three years to run, so theres time
yet for farmers and land managers to put together a bid. The
decisions on funding are made by regional panels that meet
several times a year, with applications judged against agreed
priorities. One of the top priorities for nature conservation is
to see sites of special scientic interest (SSSIs) and Natura
sites thriving, so high scores usually go to applicants aiming
to maintain or restore sites to good condition. Conservation
work outwith SSSIs can receive funding too, but the scheme
is competitive and success depends on scoring highly for
other wildlife management priorities.
Specialist advice is usually needed to get SSSI
management right, so the scheme will pay part of the costs
if you want to hire someone to produce a plan. SNH can
also advise on suitable management and may be able to
visit and talk about whats required. If youre considering
an application on your SSSI, then it would certainly be
worth your while contacting your local SNH ofce to talk it
through. The next rounds for SSSI management proposals
are in August and October 2010, with applications normally
having to be in several months before. For more information
on the scheme, go to the rural priorities page on the Scottish
Government website www.scotland.gov.uk
Over the page are some examples of the sorts of projects
that have been successful so far in attracting funding.
1
Saltmarsh and croft
land at Northton on the
Isle of Harris, Western
Isles.
54
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www.snh.gov.uk
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55

2
Sphagnum mosses
make up the living
surface of Scotlands
peatlands. These
ancient landscapes are
home to rare plants
and birds.
3
Corn buntings have
declined by a
staggering 83% over
the past 20 years. Their
numbers have
plummeted since the
1970s as a result of
intensive farming.
4
Britain is now one of
the major European
strongholds for the
marsh fritillary
buttery. But even here
its range has reduced
by over 62%.
No trees please
Cobbinshaw Moss is a wild area of peatland in West Lothian
that needs to stay wet in order to maintain its interest. Many
of the plants and animals for which its special along
with the patterned surface of mosses and pools would
disappear if it dried out. Its therefore vital that trees dont
get a chance to grow on the moss, as they suck water out of
the ground. The SRDP has provided funding to install stock
bridges so that sheep can graze the whole area and eat any
tree seedlings that appear.
The only source of water for the moss is rain, so its
important to block the places where the water can run off.
Moss owner Matthew Hamilton has also been given funding
to block the channels created where people used to work
the peat.
Living traditions
Traditional ways of working the land are often the best for
wildlife, and this is particularly true on the machair of the
Western Isles. SRDP can be used to help boost the crofting
economy, so that people can stay and maintain traditional
crofting methods, which then deliver huge benets for
wildlife and the landscape of the islands.
Northton Common Grazings, on the island of Harris, are
getting 100,000 over the next ve years. In return, they will
grow an oats and barley mix on six hectares (15 acres) of
the machair to use as cattle feed in the winter. The crop will
be fertilised with seaweed, harvested using a reaper-binder
and then stooked.
This form of traditional crofting should benet rare birds,
such as the corn bunting, and retain a long-established look
to the landscape. In addition, cattle and sheep grazing will
be managed, which will benet the grasslands rich variety
of wild owers, and marram grass will be planted to help
stabilise the sand dunes. All this work should also have
knock-on benets for the islands tourism industry.
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Buttery havens
The marsh fritillary buttery is disappearing across Europe.
It relies on wetland thats traditionally grazed with cattle, and
for many farmers that just isnt protable. The necessary
positive management isnt likely to happen unless the farmer
gets cash from the SRDP to cover the extra costs for
grazing suitable wetland and bog sites.
David Colthart farms some eight hectares (20 acres) of
grassland thats rich in species at Appin in Argyll, and he
was one of the rst to benet from rural priorities funding. He
doesnt have an SSSI, but he found that if he made sure bits
of his farm were right for this scarce species then he would
get priority points. David and other farmers with land thats
suitable for marsh fritillaries have been advised by SNHfunded Buttery Conservation expert Tom Prescott. Tom has
found that initial grumbles about how complex SRDP seems
have largely given way to growing enthusiasm for what
can be done. The payments help, of course managing
grassland for wildlife attracts 111 per hectare a year.
Beef relief
Many of the sites across Scotland that are valuable for
wildlife need to have a certain level of livestock grazing on
them. Cattle and sheep numbers can be ne-tuned to get
it right for conservation, but the farmer may not have the
facilities required to support the levels of livestock.
Blackpark is a small beef unit near Castle Douglas in
Galloway. Thick vegetation is crowding out some of the
native animals and plants found there (such as water rail
and spignel) because the level of summer grazing isnt high
enough. The owner, Lynda McQueen, needed somewhere to
put the livestock in winter as so much of the land is ooded.
SRDP covered the cost of a new shed and agreed an annual
sum in return for grazing the site.
www.snh.gov.uk
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...initial grumbles
about how complex
SRDP seems have
largely given way to
growing enthusiasm
for what can be done.
57

Kids only!
Spring is one of the most beautiful and welcoming
seasons of the year, so grab your coat, put your
wellies on and get outside!
P$kHadH1
You can make your den as simple or
as fancy as you want. For younger
children, an old blanket draped across
the washing line or a great big
cardboard box will do the job. If an
adult will help, you could nail together
some old bits of wood (or pallets).
Leave space for a door, use a saw to
cut out a window, and then throw a
tarpaulin over the top for the roof.
GROW YOUR OWN... CRESS HEAD

You will need: egg shell, egg cup, coloured pens/paint, googly
eyes, glue, cotton wool and a packet of cress seeds.
1. Wash out your egg shell.
2. Place the egg shell in the egg cup, then draw, paint or glue
on your facial features. (You may want to practise your face
on paper rst before drawing it onto the egg.)
3. Dampen a little cotton wool and place it inside the egg.
Look for some fairly big logs, place

one inside for a seat and then use a
slightly bigger one for a table.
Now enjoy it, sit quietly and see what
animals or birds you are able to spot.
Listen to them, draw them, or even
take your own photos of them!
58
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4. Sprinkle a layer of cress seeds on top of the cotton wool.

5. Cover the egg with a piece of paper until the seeds begin to
sprout, then remove the paper and move it to a windowsill.
6. Sprinkle with a little water every day.
7. After your egg has sprouted fully, give it a haircut and then
ENJOY you could eat it in a nice egg or cheese
salad sandwich!

/Ro.o\t fRU
)URJVSDZQ
plant them now,

ready for summer...
Sunowers are attractive
and their seeds are good to
eat. So why not grow your
own sunower. Follow the
easy steps below and see
how tall your sunower
can grow...
After a period of a few weeks, the tadpoles (baby

frogs) will come out of the frogspawn and then
change into frogs. This process involves the tadpole
gradually losing its tail, growing its distinctive long
rear legs and developing lungs to replace its gills.
bu
les
bb
...you wi
ll n
ee
Create your own

frogspawn picture
d:
b
In the bubble mixture pot, add washing up liquid, water and some coloured paint. Pop
the lid back on and give it a good shake.
rd
ca
e
t
hi
ra w
,
w
as
Lay your piece of card on the table. Put your straw

into the bubble pot, and now hold the pot over the card.
Blow hard into the straw. Your bubbles will start to overow and land on the card. Keep going until you have
lots of bubbles on your card. Now leave the bubbles
to pop, and when they have all gone you will have
a cool bubbly effect left on the piece of card.
When the card is completely dry, nish
your frogspawn by using a paintbrush
to add small dots inside the
bubbles!
re pot, st
ixtu
forever b
lo w
in
Their physical make-up means its easy for them to

jump around on land, and their legs are perfectly
designed for swimming and moving in the water.
em
bl
id, water, p
a
liqu
i
nt
up
&
PDJD]LQHLQGG
The jelly around the eggs will swell up in the water

over time. It acts like a sort of cushion and it brings
the developing frogs on top of the water as it starts
to oat. The eggs then catch all the available sunlight to keep warm.
ub
PaZmrhng^^]3lnghp^kl^^]l%]^î
rh`nkmihm%l\bllhklmhfZdâhe^lbg
ma^rh`nkmihm%lfZeeliZ]^%lfZee
pZm^kbg`\Zg%pZm^kZg]\hfihlmbgZ
[b`\hgmZbg^k'

@^mZgZ]nemmhaêiihd^_hnkahe^lbg
ma^[hmmhfh_rhnkrhn`nkmihm_hkma^
pZm^kmh]kZbgmakhnà'Inmma^lhbe
bgma^[b`\hgmZbg^kZg]aZe_eema^
pZm^kbg`\ZgpbmapZm^k%k^Z]rmhlmZkm
ieZgmbg`'

Ahe]rhnkrh`nkmihmho^kma^mhih_
maêZk`^\hgmZbg^k'Nlbg`ma^lfZee
liZ]^%\Zk^_neereemaîhmZefhlmmh
ma^mhipbma\hfihlm'Likbgde^pZm^k
ho^kma^\hfihlm!l^^]lg^^]pZm^kmh
aêima^f`khp"'

MZd^Z\hnie^h_lnghp^kl^^]lZg]
ihd^ma^l^^]l]hpgbgmhma^\hfihlm
Zg]ngmberhnkpahe^g`^kblab]]^g'
MZd^rhnkg`^khnmZg]\ho^kma^
ahe^lpbmafhk^\hfihlm'

InmrhnkihmhgZpbg]hplbee!ma^
lngebàmpbeeaêirhnklnghp^kl^^]
mh`khp"Zg]k^f^f[^kmhd^îrhnk
l^^]lfhblm[rpZm^kbg`k^`neZker'

Hg\^ma^l^^]ebg``^mlmhh[b`_hkma^
rh`nkmihm%rhnpbeeg^^]mhieZgmbmbg
Z[b``^kihmhkhnmlb]^bgrhnk`Zk]^g
!pa^gma^kbldh__khlm
aZliZll^]"'
Frogspawn is the name given to the clump of eggs

laid by frogs. Frogs will usually mate in the spring,
depending on the weather, with the female laying
eggs that the male will then fertilise. A female frog
can lay up to 4,000 eggs at a time, although many
of them will not survive to turn into frogs!
ng
hi
Sunowers
59

Celebrating Scotts land

The 200th anniversary of Sir Walter Scotts poem Lady of the Lake is
being celebrated in a series of cultural and outdoor events this year in the
Trossachs, including a new walking trail around Loch Katrine
60
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www.snh.gov.uk
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61

2010 marks the 200th

anniversary of Sir Walter Scott's
poem Lady of the Lake. To a
modern audience, the poem
may seem of limited interest. But
Lady of the Lake was probably
responsible for completely
changing how the public viewed
the landscapes of the Highlands
and created our rst tourism
boom.
between James and the powerful clan

Douglas. It opens with James disguised
as a wandering knight and hunting a
stag in the hills of the Trossachs. Hes
given shelter for the night on an island
in Loch Katrine by Roderick Dhu, a
wild highland chieftain. The king falls in
love with Ellen, the beautiful daughter
of Black Douglas. The poem ends with
the king making peace and releasing
Black Douglas after Ellen arrives with
a ring given to her by James when she
provided him with shelter.
At the beginning of the 19th century,

the Romantic movement was
sweeping across Europe and the
search was on for places of dramatic,
unspoiled beauty. Scott passionately
promoted Scotland as a country of
wild, untouched landscapes rich in
history and myth. Wild landscapes
had previously been seen as terrifying
and barbaric places to be avoided.
But Scott persuaded people to view
them instead as awe-inspiring areas
to explore. And the success of Lady
of the Lake was so far-reaching that it
triggered the rst surge of tourists to
the Trossachs and Scotland.
To celebrate the anniversary of this
hugely inuential poem, a programme
of events is set to take place around
the Trossachs from May to September.
The events for local communities and
visitors will celebrate the poem and
promote awareness of the wonderful
natural and cultural landscapes of the
area.
Inuence
Background
Lady of the Lake marked the peak
of Scotts popularity as a poet. With
25,000 copies sold in eight months, it
broke all records and made Scott and
his publisher a fortune. Scotts fame
even spread beyond Britain to the
United States. By way of comparison,
the leading Romantic poet Wordsworth
sold only 3,000 copies of his bestselling book of poems in his lifetime.
Scott set the 80-page epic poem
Lady of the Lake in 1530, at the time
of King James V. The poem was written
in six parts, with each part representing
a day, and was about the struggle
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The poem is lled with dramatic,

descriptive passages that bring alive
the history and landscape of the
Trossachs:
The summer dawns reected hue
To purple changed Loch Katrine blue;
Mildly and soft the western breeze
Just kissed the lake, just stirred the trees
Lines like these caught the imagination

of readers and broke all previous
records for the sale of poetry. The
poem brought a ood of tourists to view
the landscapes that Scott described
so vividly. Following publication, the
number of carriages passing Loch
Katrine shot up from 48 in one year to
279 the next! There were literally coach
trafc jams!
The poem also helped to establish
the notion of the romantic Highlands,
with Scott going on to stage manage
George IVs visit to Edinburgh in
1822. He dressed the king in tartan
and revived interest in the wearing of
highland dress, which had previously
been banned following the Jacobite
rebellion in 1745.
The poem went on to inspire
musicians and artists across the globe.
The three Ellen songs from Scotts
poem were set to music by Franz
Schubert. His music to the third song
was later to become far more
fa mously known as Ave Maria.
Verses from the poem, including Hail
to the Chief who in triumph
advances!, were set to music. The
Hail to the Chief march became a

1
Loch Katrine is roughly
13 km (8 miles) long
and 1 km (0.6 miles)
wide. Its the main
water reservoir for
much of Glasgow and
its surrounding areas.
2
The poem Lady of the
Lake created
Scotlands rst tourism
boom.
3
Sir Henry Raeburns
portrait of Sir Walter
Scott (1822).
4
The historic steamship
Sir Walter Scott has
been cruising the
waters of Loch Katrine
for over a century.
popular music hall song in the UK

and USA. It was so loved by the
Presidents rst lady that she insisted
it was played whenever he entered
the room to announce his arrival. Its
still used to this day and was played
at President Obamas inauguration.
Artists were drawn to the Scottish
landscape by Scotts atmospheric
descriptions of the countryside,
particularly of the Highlands. Look at
John Knoxs painting Landscape with
Tourists at Loch Katrine in the
National Gallery of Scotland and
youll see a prime example of Scotts
inuence.
rst part of the poem where James V

hunts a stag through the Trossachs.
This will be a family-friendly sports
event, combining running and cycling
the route of the chase from the poem
and nishing with a ceilidh in the
evening.
Other events will include:
a permanent art and literary trail
around Loch Katrine;
promotional cruises on Loch Katrine;
a Trossachs lm week;
a superbly produced reprint of Lady
of the Lake; and
a range of exhibitions and guided
walks.
Programme
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National
Park Authority plan to celebrate the
anniversary with a programme of
cultural and literary events that will
give a particular focus to the natural
and cultural heritage of the Trossachs.
Support for the celebrations is coming
from SNH, Forestry Commission
Scotland, Event Scotland, LEADER,
Stirling Council and local businesses
and communities.
A key event planned for autumn
2010 is The Chase, named after the
The events provide a great opportunity

for people to gain an appreciation
of the relationship between people
and place, explained Paul Roberts,
the SNH area ofcer in Stirling whos
responsible for liaising with the national
park. They also provide people with a
chance to understand how landscapes
change through time and to link this
with how climate change will shape the
landscapes of the future.
For more information on all the
activities in the ScottsLand programme
visit www.scottsland.co.uk
Scott passionately
promoted Scotland
as a country of
wild, untouched
landscapes, rich in
history and myth.
www.snh.gov.uk
PDJD]LQHLQGG
63

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31/03/2010 17:09
www.snh.gov.uk
Spring 2010
IYB 2010
How you can help
Great Scott
Epic poem
recalled
Its criminal
Protecting our
wildlife
31/03/2010 16:07

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Scottish Natural Heritage

The Nature of Scotland

10 The green piece of Europe

28 Walk this way

32 Lure of the moor

48 Detect and protect

52 Thistles up for grabs

60 Celebrating Scotts land

You can contact SNH by

Argyll and Stirling

Editor: John Walters

A full list of our ofces

Cover photo: Wood anemone is one of the

Photography all images by Lorne Gill/SNH other

Great Glen House,

Other main ofces

Dumfries and Galloway

The views expressed in this magazine do not

Printed by: Montgomery Litho Ltd, Scotland

Cert no. TT-COC-002217

When you have nished with this magazine,

Forth and Borders

The Nature of Scotland

The Nature of Scotland

Strut out in the uplands

Walk a primrose path

Of all the many spring owers that add colour to Scotland,

Hear some old stones

The Nature of Scotland

The Nature of Scotland

aspects of our work. It provides a better

Technology has transformed

The green piece of Europe

Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe and boasts a huge

The Nature of Scotland

It may be one of the smallest

The Nature of Scotland

Many species that are

The organisation responsible for

Union and to explain how SNH manage

Amongst other wildlife, theres a

The Nature of Scotland

Its a small country about

The Nature of Scotland

The Nature of Scotland

2010 is International Year

In 2002, the worlds governments committed themselves to making

You can help

Scottish Biodiversity Week

> Future benets

The Nature of Scotland

Garden for life

Help with a wildlife survey

The Nature of Scotland

Tell someone about it

Get others involved

Beauty and the beastie

The Nature of Scotland

High street training

UWP goes year-round

Rise in bird of prey poisonings

The Nature of Scotland

Argyll and the islands