The Reserve Plan Review for Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve

The Reserve Plan Review for Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve 2007-2013 For further information on Loch Fleet NNR please contact: For further information about Loch Fleet NNR please contact: Scottish Natural Heritage The Links, Golspie Business Park Golspie Sutherl KW10 6UB Telephone: 01738 771100 Email: north.highl@snh.gov.uk

The Reserve Plan Review for Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve 2007-2013 Foreword Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve (NNR) lies on the north-east coast of Scotl, 3km south of Golspie 8km north of Dornoch. It is an extensive coastal Reserve containing the most northerly estuary on the east coast of Scotl along with the adjoining dunes, links pinewoods. These habitats sustain a wealth of wildlife throughout the year. The Reserve supports large numbers of waders wildfowl is particularly important during the autumn winter months when impressive flock gather in the sheltered waters. The dunes links are a mosaic of coastal grassls lichen-rich heaths. The pinewoods support a number of scarce vascular plants a rich lichen community are of particular importance for oneflowered wintergreen the pinewood specialities, twinflower creeping lady stresses. After consulting on how we proposed to manage the reserve in 2006 we produced a Reserve Plan setting out how we would manage Loch Fleet NNR from 2007-2013. It outlined the management of the natural heritage, management for people more general property management. This document is a review of the work delivered during the planning period against the objectives projects identified in the plan. For further information about Loch Fleet NNR please contact: Scottish Natural Heritage, The Links, Golspie Business Park Golspie, Sutherl, KW10 6UB Telephone: 01738 771100 Email: north.highl@snh.gov.uk 1

Contents 1 Our Vision for Loch Fleet NNR 3 2 Natural Heritage Management 4 3 Management for People 8 4 Management of the Property 12 5 Summary 13 2

The Reserve Plan Review for Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve 2007-2013 1 Our Vision for Loch Fleet NNR Loch Fleet NNR is a special place for wildlife; our aim is simply to keep it that way. Our vision for the Reserve paints a picture of what the Reserve should be like in 2050; the management proposed on the Reserve has been framed with this vision in mind. Loch Fleet in 2050 The Vision The Loch Fleet tidal basin provides ideal habitat for a diverse range of wintering waterfowl coastal breeding birds. Coastal bird habitats remain free from disturbance detrimental activities are in excellent condition. Salt marshes especially the s dunes shingle ridges support natural coastal grassl heath communities rich in wild flowers. There are extensive areas of high quality lichen-rich heaths supporting fragile rare lichens. The Scots pine trees are of mixed ages the woodl is developing a natural character with some mature wide-crowned pine trees. There is a typical native ground flora hosting healthy populations of scarce pinewood plants extensive areas of luxuriant lichens. Local people continue to take pride in the Reserve are involved in caring for it. Visitors the local community continue to enjoy value its special wildlife. Changes to habitats species through the unavoidable impact of climate change are built into the management planning process. 3

2 Natural Heritage Management Objective 1: To maintain undisturbed coastal habitats in good condition to support populations of birds, seals otters. Projects delivered under Objective 1 during life of plan: 1 Annual contingency 1.1 Keep the zone free from unnecessary disturbance; 1.2 Site condition monitoring of sflats, saltmarsh, eelgrass beds, wintering wildfowl assemblage, osprey, bar-tailed godwit, greylag goose wigeon. 1.3 Monitor, erect signage ensure compliance of the Nature Conservation Order to protect marine invertebrates. Temporary permanent signage is maintained to reduce disturbance to overwintering birds to protect intertidal habitats from damage. Liaison with Police continues incidents of shellfish collecting, breaching the Nature Conservation Order (NCO), are reported to them. Typically 2-3 breaches of the NCO every year, but the NCO signage seems to be effective in keeping these breaches to a minimum. A report on the eelgrass beds has been produced indicating further management consideration is required. 4

Objective 2: To safeguard enhance coastal dune habitats, but accept unavoidable impacts from climate change. Projects delivered under Objective 2 during life of plan: 2.1 Clear invasive trees, shrubs non-native species from the Links; 2.2 Maintain barriers signage to prevent inappropriate vehicular access; 2.3 Site Condition Monitoring of: s dunes, s flats breeding bird assemblage. 2.4 Encourage volunteer involvement to monitor butterflies for the national Butterfly Monitoring Scheme; Encourage volunteers to survey breeding coastal birds 2.5 Explore options if appropriate instigate measures to restore nesting tern colonies. Partially Partially Work carried out by Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) has led to an improvement in the condition of the dune heath s dune habitat. Invasive shrubs trees have been cleared from the dune, this should contribute towards returning the feature to unfavourable recovering condition (parts of the s-dune SSSI interest lie in different management out with the NNR boundary). 5

Objective 3: To restructure the pinewoods to contain a greater age range of trees with rich ground vegetation supporting rare plants lichen-rich heath. Projects delivered under Objective 3 during life of plan: 3.1 Selectively thin areas within the plantation to encourage regeneration of pine to benefit the ground flora of lichen rich heath; 3.2 Thin selected coups; SFGS & MA 3.3 Remove regeneration of non-native species; 3.4 Encourage natural regeneration, but thin if regeneration becomes too dense for the lichens; 3.5 Maintain fencing (if appropriate); required 3.6 Control grazing animals if damage is noted; Partially 3.7 Monitor rare plants pine woodl 3.8 Encourage research, particularly on pine woodl plants; 3.9 Review current woodl management to assess if 'best practice management' for pine woodl rare plants. 3.10 Actively create dead-wood resource throughout wood away from public areas (e.g. paths roads) for enhanced woodl ecology. SFGS Woodl works have not been taken forward within agreed timescales by l owner. The lack of works in the woodl has resulted in the native pine woodl feature moving from 'unfavourable recovering' to 'unfavourable declining'. Improving the dune habitat (by reducing young trees scrub) took priority over the thinning lichen areas in Ferry Wood by SWT. Both woodl projects will be carried forward into the next plan period. Therefore, woodl works have not been during the plan period. 6

Objective 4: To commission, support encourage targeted research, survey monitoring on the Reserve. Projects delivered under Objective 4 during life of plan: 4.1 Continue liaison with Forestry Commission Scotl Plantlife staff to develop pinewood management to benefit rare plants; 4.2 Demonstrate the woodl management work in Balblair Wood Ferry Wood to other interested l managers. 4.3 Analyse Loch Fleet waterfowl count data to assess long term trends against regional baseline. The NNR has contributed well to research survey projects over the period of the Plan. One-flowered wintergreen, harbour seals woodl bats have been involved in either formal student projects or projects from local interest groups. Some of these projects/surveys will be. 7

3 Management for People Objective 5: To ensure visitors enjoy their visit to Loch Fleet can appreciate the natural heritage on the NNR. Projects delivered under Objective 5 during life of plan: 5.1 Monitor condition of paths ensure maintenance; 5.2 Maintain signs, leaflet dispensers, picnic tables other related infrastructure. 5.3 Explore options, if appropriate funding, for creating cycle track through NNR linking to networks from Golspie to Littleferry. 5.4 Develop ways to encourage responsible access by dog owners (e.g. NNR doggie bags, etc.). 5.5 Install seating on Littleferry Links & at Culmaily Bridge to enhance visitor enjoyment assist elderly less abled visitors. 8 required required 5.6 Cycle Parking - at Littleferry car park. 5.7 Maintain visitor facilities - Picnic benches on site paths are the only facilities at Loch Fleet are being maintained checked. 5.8 H & S risk assessment (quarterly). 5.9 Visitor monitoring: Maintain people counter at Balblair Wood. 5.10 Balblair Wood gate -widen gate required Existing visitor infrastructure including trails, car parks signage has been maintained. New signage, seating leaflet dispensers have been installed across the reserve. The reserve is popular with dog walkers new doggie bag dispensers have been installed temporary signage erected to encourage responsible dog walker behaviour. Although not a project originally identified within this NNR Plan, a wildlife hide was erected within the Plan period, providing a welcomed focus at the end of the Balblair Wood walk. This new hide has been well used by health groups school visits, as well as organised guided walks general visitors to the NNR. Local Wildlife Tourist providers also use the hide for their clients. Therefore, the new hide has

enhanced the visitor experience of the site for a range of user groups continues to be an asset for the future. 9

Objective 6: To increase understing awareness of the rich natural heritage of Loch Fleet. Projects delivered under Objective 6 during life of plan: 6.1 Produce an annual NNR newsletter; press releases & promote the NNR on websites Finance not approved 6.2 Contact education providers to ensure that the educational/research potential of the NNR is known. 6.3. Woodl rare plant interpretation should be developed with detail on deadwood forest plans. 6.4 Consider implications of NNR interpretation on popular Littleferry Pier overlooking tidal NNR seals birds. If appropriate, implement new interpretation. 6.5 Provide guided walks if staff (SWT/HC/SNH) time permits, produce annual guided walks events leaflet dedicated solely for NNR. 6.6 Consider implementation of insect (butterflies, moths required maybe bees) interpretation on Littleferry Links possibly include butterfly monitoring information (methodology, route used, etc.). 6.7 Self-guided trail leaflet - local staff to develop. 6.8 NNR leaflet - Revise upgrade existing NNR leaflet 6.9 Main entrance signs - Replace with new style signs. 6.10 Install new interpretation panels. 6.11 A9 Tourist road sign - Erect brown tourism sign in English & Gaelic at Ferry Road junction, Golspie. 6.12 Mobile indoor NNR promotion panels - Large (2m x 1m) required internal NNR panels with integral leaflet rack. To be sited in 3 key locations - Dunrobin Castle, Grannies (Embo), Ferry Croft (Lairg). 6.14 Produce Education Packs NNR fact file. Partially 6.15 Provide familiarisation trips for tourism businesses every 2 years. 6.16 Web-site accessibility info - Add accessibility information to website for all user groups. A tourist sign is urgently needed to advertise the location of the NNR from Golspie. A new leaflet has been produced is now in use on the NNR. We continue to work in partnership with the Highl Council Ranger Service Sutherl Partnership. New interpretation panels have been installed across the site, with a new seal watch point having been made by Highl Council signage for this watch-point purchased by the Sutherl Partnership (yet to be erected). 10

Objective 7: Local Community - Encourage the local community to be involved in the NNR. Projects delivered under Objective 7 during life of plan: 7.1 Review seasonal staffing on the Reserve with SWT 7.2 Offer a seasonal programme of public guided walks wildlife events 7.3 Consider 'friends of Loch Fleet NNR' to provide management updates more group involvement for volunteering. 7.4 Create volunteer NNR tasks for wildlife monitoring practical conservation management tasks. Consider best format for distribution involvement, liaise with SWT/HC Ranger. The reserve continues to deliver guided walks events in partnership with the Highl Council Ranger Service. The 10th Birthday (2008) of Loch Fleet NNR was celebrated in terrific style, with a huge public attendance. This being so successful, it sparked regular Open Days thereafter (when funds staffing allowed), delivered in partnership with other agencies, etc. Discussions with SWT regarding reintroduction of seasonal warden post indicate that this is not likely to happen. Seasonal rangering might be a consideration for the future but possibly from new financial sources yet to be identified. 11

4 Management of the Property Objective 8: To ensure property on the Reserve is managed responsibly following best practice. Projects delivered under Objective 8 during life of plan: 8.1 Sutherl Estate to maintain car parks footpaths in good condition, assisted by SNH SWT; 8.2 Liaise with Sutherl Estate to ensure the management of the property conforms with all Health Safety Regulations; this includes carrying out risk assessment, maintaining an up to date fire plan etc.; 8.3 Legal documents in order - New occupier identified - grazing rights to Littleferry Links. If necessary perhaps review MA regarding new occupier (MR18). 8.4 Balblair Wood, pathworks - Upgrade existing path entering Balblair Wood to Culmaily bridge to DDA stard. 8.5 Car Park Maintenance - Littleferry car park 8.6 Ensure that Culmaily Bridge - meets health & safety requirements. 8.7 Track maintenance - Improve track surface or drain track beyond bridge. 8.8 Dedicated all-abilities car park space, Littleferry, Balblair Wood Skelbo - Mark sign two reserved parking spaces - one beside Balblair Wood one at Skelbo car park. Partially required 8.9 Review management plan in 2013. NNR infrastructure has been maintained in partnership with Sutherl Estates. Ongoing maintenance will be required to maintain the reserve's visitor infrastructure. Health safety assessment continue to be carried out on a quarterly basis contribute to identifying maintenance priorities. 12

5 Summary Overall, we are making progress with improving the NNR protected features in partnership with Sutherl Estates Scottish Wildlife Trust. The 2007-2013 Reserve Plan was rolled forward to cover 2014. Managing the Scots pine woodl its associated flora remain one of the main areas of work on the reserve. The thinning of the Scots pine to encourage regeneration in January 2014 put us back on track for woodl management. Control of non-native species within the woodl still needs to be completed to support favourable conditions for the Scots pine woodl scarce woodl plants. Loch Fleet remains a popular visitor attraction with locals tourists alike. During the 2007-2013 plan period, work was undertaken to improve the visitor facilities on the reserve with new signs, a bird hide new bridge across the Culmaily Burn. We know that further improvements will be needed during the next Reserve Plan period to ensure that Loch Fleet remains a popular enjoyable destination. Events guided walks continue to be held by Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Highl Council Ranger Service volunteer groups, although attendees are generally low. Events guided walks will continue throughout the next plan we are aware that there needs to be better promotion of these opportunities to the public. Research into various aspects on the reserve was carried out during the last plan including one-flowered wintergreen survey by Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, the condition of eelgrass beds the scuttled herring drifters. This research continues to help develop our knowledge of the site, both in terms of its flora fauna, but also its dynamic history. We will continue to support appropriate research on the NNR apply this to demonstrate best practice management, throughout the next plan period. Our next steps are to draft a new 10 year Reserve Plan. We will take account of what we have learned from past management what we need to do to looking forward to our 2050 NNR vision. We will carry out a public consultation on our management proposals this will feed into the Loch Fleet NNR Reserve Plan 2015-2025. 13