Scotland s 2020 Biodiversity Challenge: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Delivery Agreement

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1 Scotland s 2020 Biodiversity Challenge: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Delivery Agreement Scotland s National Parks Both of Scotland s National Park Authorities contribute to the Scottish Government s purpose of creating a more successful country with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish through increasing sustainable economic growth. Scotland s National Park Authorities are represented on the Scottish Biodiversity Committee and governance groups and are major players in delivering the 2020 Challenge. Scotland s National Parks will make a significant contribution through targeted partnership delivery in two of Scotland s most important areas for conservation that together cover approximately 9% of Scotland. Together, they will deliver more robust and natural ecosystems; large scale initiatives to protect and enhance some of Scotland s rarest and most charismatic species; and the opportunity for over 6 million people to engage with nature. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is one of the most important and special places in Scotland for nature conservation and yet is only an hour s drive away for half of Scotland s population. It provides ecosystem services of vital importance to the nation, from drinking water to hydro-electricity and enormous health and educational benefits. Our beautiful mountains, lochs, rivers, woodlands and seashores are home for a diverse range of wildlife and these rich natural assets are a significant attraction for tourism in the area. Our mission is to be the vital force in protecting and enhancing this iconic National Park. In June 2015, Scotland s Biodiversity Route Map to 2020 was published which focusses on Six Big Steps for Nature which require collaborative work by a wide range of partners to improve the state of nature in Scotland. This delivery agreement sets out at a concise and strategic level, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority s (LLTNPA s) key contributions towards the Route Map priorities. We have set out a vision for how Scotland s biodiversity challenges can be delivered in this National Park and are taking the lead to 1 P a g e

2 develop exemplary initiatives and projects to drive forward progress to safeguard and enhance our species and habitats across this highly valued and special landscape. Detailed targets and actions for each of these strategic areas are set out in Wild Park 2020, the National Park Partnership Plan and the LLTNPA Corporate Plan. Our Biodiversity Duty As a National Park Authority we are charged with safeguarding an area of outstanding and diverse landscape and habitats. Our role is to co-ordinate the delivery of the four statutory aims to secure a sustainable future for this very special part of Scotland. This delivery agreement shows the vision and drive in how we are fulfilling our biodiversity duty and embedding conservation across all our organisational services (Rural Development, Visitor Experience, Conservation and Corporate Services) with innovative use of our resources to deliver the National Park s services to the highest standard. As a lead organisation with a primarily role in delivering conservation benefits for this area we are hugely committed to embedding conservation throughout our functions and steering other organisations to also deliver through their plans and projects. Across all our services, we provide key direction, leadership and co-ordination of this effort with our successes in collaborative working underpinning many of the important conservation initiatives in the National Park. Working in Partnership The National Park Authority leads delivery of a collective vision for landscape scale conservation and our successes in engaging our partners to work with us is best demonstrated in the fantastic commitment to the development and delivery of Wild Park This lead role involves working in collaboration with public, private and NGO bodies to focus on shared priorities, shared effort and resources and setting the necessary level of ambition for conservation in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The National Park Authority provides a co-ordinating role in bringing together projects, research, knowledge and data to target funds and staff to the most significant opportunities for biodiversity gain. Wild Park 2020 Wild Park 2020 is the nature conservation strategy and biodiversity action plan for the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and sets out the delivery of the 2020 Challenge in more detail and what we need to do to conserve our National Park s biodiversity. It sets out objectives for what we want to achieve for nature in the National Park over the next 25 years and we are taking the lead in bringing our partners together to meet these challenges. As well as listing all the projects that we and our partners aim to deliver between now and the year 2020, within Wild Park 2020, five large flagship projects are highlighted which will push forward on some key priorities within the National Park. We are calling these our Wild Challenges. They are: Mountain Bogs we are taking a lead role to deliver Peatland Action projects, working with several land managers in the area to conserve, protect and restore our peat bogs. Woodland Habitat Network we are working closely with our woodland managers to push forward initiatives which will improve the ecological quality and connectivity of our native woodlands. 2 P a g e

3 Black Grouse we are driving forward landscape scale partnership projects between land managers, agencies and NGO s to improve the habitats that black grouse need to thrive. Red Squirrels the National Park is at the front line of red squirrel conservation work and we are working closely with SSRS, agencies, local communities and land managers to combat the threat posed by grey squirrels to this native species. Invasive Non-Native Species we are driving forward an intensive collaborative programme of activities to reduce the threat to our habitats from INNS such as rhododendron ponticum, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, American skunk cabbage and North American mink. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority s Six Big Steps for Nature Step 1 Ecosystem Restoration Through Wild Park 2020, LLTNPA is taking the lead to provide a common vision and focus for conservation at a landscape scale and is fostering a collaborative and co-ordinated approach to ecosystems management. We are committed to highlighting the importance of the National Park for wildlife and realising our aspirations through our Wild Challenges which are exemplary nature conservation initiatives on mountain bogs, woodland habitat networks, red squirrels, black grouse and invasive non-native species. Our mountain bog wild challenge in particular focusses effort on restoring the condition of degraded peatlands and contributes to the Aichi targets for ecosystem restoration. Step 2 Investment in Natural Capital Through LIVE Park, LLTNPA is working to achieve sustainable rural development which takes account of the National Park s rich natural capital and the ecosystem services that this provides. Through adaptive and innovative approaches to community engagement and sustainable development, we will seek to ensure that the natural beauty, ecology and ecosystem services are positively managed and enhanced for future generations so that businesses and communities can thrive and people live and work sustainably in a high quality environment. We will also actively contribute to the further development of natural capital promotion in Scotland through our membership of the Scottish Forum on Natural Capital. Step 3 Quality Greenspace for health and education benefits Through our visitor experience services and initiatives such as Your Park we will deliver a high quality authentic experience for visitors with many opportunities to appreciate and enjoy the natural and cultural heritage within an internationally renowned landscape that compares to the best on offer around the world. We will build on our major, diverse and innovative initiatives to connect people with nature, improve the quality of the visitor experience with excellent opportunities to get active and enjoy the outdoor environment and encouraging outdoor learning through outreach work, education and volunteering. 3 P a g e

4 Step 4 - Conserving Wildlife in Scotland We co-ordinate a collective vision for landscape scale conservation and collaborative working on habitats and species through Wild Park 2020, working on innovative projects for the benefit of our iconic wildlife for example the red squirrels and black grouse Wild Challenges. We are proud to influence the management and future of the magnificent designated sites such as Loch Lomond Reserve and the extensive SAC oak woodlands and will continue to drive forward an integrated approach to their management in the wider context of the Wild Park 2020 objectives and we will work with land managers and key stakeholders to improve the condition of some designated sites currently in unfavourable status. Step 5 Sustainable Management of Land and Freshwater Both through our Wild Park 2020 activities and our LIVE Park services we will be proactive in building in the principles for sustainable and integrated land use in our plans and decision making and will encourage partnership working across land use sectors, across management boundaries and with the public, private and third sectors. We will develop practical application of these principles through key landscape scale initiatives such as the Strathard Catchment Ecosystem Services project and the Claish Farm Masterplan, working with others to build these initiatives into as exemplars of best practise in applying an ecosystem services approach. Step 6 Sustainable management of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems For the marine coastal areas of our National Park, we will seek to influence key stakeholders to see the wider value of the Loch Fyne and Loch Goil Marine Protected Area conservation features and take account of their management objectives in decision making and promote sustainable use of our coastal areas. How the LLTNPA strategic projects and actions will deliver the 2020 Challenge for Scotland s Biodiversity is summarised in the table below. Table 1: LLTNPA Contribution towards Scotland s Biodiversity Route Map Six Big Steps for Nature SBS Big Steps for Nature Our Contribution 1 Ecosystem Restoration Lead on Wild Park 2020 governance which provides a common vision and focus for conservation at a landscape scale and foster a collaborative and co-ordinated approach to ecosystems management, realising our aspirations through our Wild Challenges which are exemplary nature conservation initiatives on mountain bogs, woodland habitat networks, red squirrels, black grouse and invasive non-native species. Priority Project 1 - Restoration of Peatlands: 4 P a g e

5 Lead on our Mountain Bogs Wild Challenge, working in partnership with land managers to restore the condition of degraded peatlands and contribute to the Aichi targets for ecosystem restoration. Priority Project 2 Restoration of Native Woodlands Work in partnership with others on the Woodland Habitat Network Wild Challenge to improve the condition and connectivity of our native woodlands and to develop deer management plans. Work in partnership with others to remove rhododendron ponticum as part of our INNS Wild Challenge including support for the RSPB/Plantlife LIFE bid for restoration of Atlantic oak woods. Priority Project 3 Restoration of freshwaters Work in partnership with others to control riparian INNS as part of our INNS Wild Challenge. Work in partnership with land managers on riparian improvements and whole farm / estate management plans to achieve and maintain good ecological status of our freshwaters. 2 Investment in Natural Capital Through adaptive and innovative approaches to community engagement and sustainable development, we will seek to ensure that the natural beauty, ecology and ecosystem services are positively managed and enhanced for future generations to live and work sustainably in a high quality environment. Priority Project 4 Natural Capital Contribute to the further development of natural capital promotion through the Scottish Forum on Natural Capital Through LIVE Park and the delivery of a Natural Heritage Planning Advisory Service, LLTNPA is working to achieve sustainable rural development which takes account of the National Park s rich natural capital and the ecosystem services e.g., planning guidance on renewable energy developments such as run of river hydro schemes. Support an ecosystem services approach on significant developments such as the Claish Farm Masterplan. Work with businesses to invest in and promote sustainable use of the natural heritage by visitors to the National Park, e.g. hold a NP tourism businesses conference and produce a NP communication and information toolkit for businesses. 3 Quality Greenspace for health and education benefits Through our visitor experience services and initiatives such as Your Park we will deliver a high quality authentic experience for visitors with many opportunities to appreciate and enjoy the natural and cultural heritage. We will build on our major, diverse and innovative initiatives to connect people with nature, improve the quality of the visitor 5 P a g e

6 experience with excellent opportunities to get active and enjoy the outdoor environment and encouraging outdoor learning through outreach work, education and volunteering. Priority Project 5 more people experience and enjoy nature Work in partnership with others to deliver Wild Park 2020 s People & Nature Programme. Lead on the provision of National Park volunteering opportunities for individuals and corporate businesses to support the delivery of Wild Park objectives. Lead on Your Park, an initiative to improve the quality of the visitor experience along our inshore lochs and encourage responsible enjoyment. Lead on the Outdoor Recreation Plan to develop the provision of green infrastructure and support walking, cycling and the variety of outdoor recreation opportunities available in the National Park e.g. The West Highland Way and other long distance routes. Provide a National Park ranger service to enhance people s experience of nature and to encourage responsible use of the outdoors. Deliver a Wild Park Communication Plan through campaigns, events and social media. Work with businesses and agencies on the provision of active travel and green transport solutions e.g. water bus services. Develop digital information on cycling and walking routes and days out opportunities for nature based experiences. Provide information about nature experiences and facilities in the National Park suitable for all abilities. Priority Project 6 Taking Learning Outdoors Lead on National Park outdoor learning development. This includes supporting links to the Curriculum for Excellence through resource creation, staff training and direct specialist support. Also included is the promotion of broader engagement of communities and visitors through citizen science, John Muir Award and Duke of Edinburgh Award. The final element of the NPA role in embedding outdoor learning is through a focus on supporting hard to reach groups (from within West and Central Scotland) to come and enjoy and learn about the National Park. Priority Project 7 Developing Scotland s natural health service Support the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust s Walk in the Park healthy activity project linked to NHS referrals. 4 Conserving Wildlife in Scotland We co-ordinate a collective vision for landscape scale conservation and collaborative working on habitats and species through Wild Park 2020, working on innovative projects for the benefit of our iconic wildlife for example the red squirrels and black grouse Wild Challenges. We are proud to influence the management and future of the magnificent designated sites such as Loch Lomond Reserve 6 P a g e

7 and the extensive SAC oak woodlands and will continue to drive forward an integrated approach to their management in the wider context of the Wild Park 2020 objectives and we will work with land managers and key stakeholders to improve the condition of some designated sites currently in unfavourable status. Priority Project 8 Protected Areas in good condition Ensure optimal public benefits and good conservation management of protected areas in particular Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve by directly managing Inchcailloch and supporting management of RSPB Loch Lomond Deliver a Natural Heritage Planning Advisory Service to ensure that rural development contributes positively to the safeguarding and management of protected areas and species Work with others to improve the condition of other protected sites in the Park in the context of viable land use systems and wider landscape-scale objectives Reduce the environmental impact of outdoor recreation by delivering the Your Park project, leading to an improvement in the condition of protected areas. Work with land managers and others to improve the condition of some designated sites currently in unfavourable status, through for example controlling riparian INNS along our SAC rivers. Priority Project 9 Conservation of priority species Work collaboratively with Saving Scotland s Red Squirrels on the Red Squirrel Wild Challenge Work in partnership with FCS, SNH and local fishery trusts on The Trossachs Water Vole project Work in partnership with land managers and RSPB on the Black Grouse Wild Challenge Work in partnership with land managers to deliver Wild Park s Glen Dochart Waders Project, including conservation for curlews Work in partnership with the police to prevent wildlife crime in the National Park such as protection of nesting ospreys on Loch Lomond. 5 Sustainable Management of land and freshwater Both through our Wild Park 2020 activities and our LIVE Park services we will be proactive in building in the principles for sustainable and integrated land use in our plans and decision making and will encourage partnership working across land use sectors, across management boundaries and with the public, private and third sectors. Priority Project 10 Improving ecological connection Work in partnership with others on Wild Park s Woodland Habitat Network Wild Challenge to improve the condition and connectivity of our native woodlands. Work in partnership with SEPA, FCS, land managers and the local communities to develop practical application of an ecosystem services approach to land management at a landscape scale such as the Strathard Catchment Ecosystem 7 P a g e

8 Services project and the Claish Farm Masterplan Ensure that biodiversity and ecosystem objectives are fully integrated into flood risk management plans. Priority Project 11 Sustainable land management Lead on development of whole farm/whole estate plans to advise land managers of their potential to deliver ecosystem services and other public benefit outcomes as part of their business operations. Through their Land Management Plans, support FCS to identify and deliver priority ecosystem services from the National Forest Estate. Support SRUC s Hill & Mountain Research Centre at Crianlarich to research and demonstrate integrated land use principles. Support Scottish Government in the development of the SRDP Farm Advisory Service by piloting Integrated Land Management Plans. Work with Scottish Government and agency partners to align SRDP targeting with National Park priorities. 6 Sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems For the marine coastal areas of our National Park, we will seek to influence key stakeholders to see the wider value of the Loch Fyne and Loch Goil Marine Protected Area conservation features and take account of their management objectives in decision making and promote sustainable use of our coastal areas. Priority Project 12 Increase environmental status of our seas Promote recording and rapid response framework for marine and coastal INNS as part of our INNS Wild Challenge. Improve understanding of how coastal ecosystems are likely to adapt to climate change and develop appropriate strategies for coastal zones. LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY National Park Headquarters, Carrochan, Carrochan Road, Balloch, G83 8EG twitter.com/lomondtrossachs#wildpark facebook.com/lomondtrossachs 8 P a g e