West Highland poised for new biodiversity projects
Black-throated Diver - a species given promotion in Local Biodiversity Action Plans (Photo: Laurie Campbell)
A series of projects across Skye and Lochalsh, Lochaber and Wester Ross is to be developed as part of new efforts to manage and enhance the area’s natural biodiversity.
The move stems from the launch of the area’s Local Biodiversity Action Plans. These Plans identify the range and status of species of plants and animals that exist naturally across each area, as well as any necessary measures for their maintenance and restoration.
The Plan for Skye and Lochalsh was launched just over a year ago and a group was established to identify biodiversity projects in the area. These projects will share in the £10,000 funding made available through the Highland Biodiversity Project Implementation Programme.
Scottish Natural Heritage and The Highland Council are the main bodies behind the initiative, with additional funding from Leader + and in-kind support from RSPB Scotland.
Projects funded through the Programme will have until October 2006 to use the funding. Anyone who is interested in the process, or who has proposals for local biodiversity projects can contact Karen Phillips at Scottish Natural Heritage in Portree on 01478 613329.
Copies of the LBAPs can be downloaded at www.highlandbiodiversity.com