Natural Heritage in Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway features some of the finest scenery in Scotland and some of the rarest species. The natterjack toad for example is found nowhere else in Scotland. This rich natural heritage makes it such a special place for those who live and work here and for those who come to visit. People’s desire to experience and understand the natural world has never been greater. Increased mobility, enhanced leisure opportunities and a huge rise in the level of interest in environmental issues have all contributed to this trend, which in turn will have social and economic benefits for Dumfries and Galloway, in terms of quality of life and tourism. SNH is committed to raising awareness and understanding of the natural world through access and education and thus encourage conservation of one of Scotland’s greatest assets. A huge range of projects throughout Dumfries and Galloway receive support from SNH to help appreciate, enjoy and care for our natural environment.

Select one of the aims below, here is some of the work supported by SNH in the Dumfries and Galloway's area.

Access & Enjoying the Countryside

SNH believes that the opportunity to experience the natural heritage is essential for people’s quality of life – and we work with a wide range of local and national partners to develop opportunities for this.

The right of responsible access, introduced as part of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, provides opportunities for everyone to walk, ride or canoe almost anywhere in Scotland. The same legislation contains important safeguards for land managers, enabling them to carry out work safely and efficiently. SNH provides advice to recreational users and land managers on access rights and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).

We also work with a wide range of partners to develop access opportunities. We are part of the Dumfries & Galloway Local Access Forum, and work closely with Dumfries & Galloway Council. We provide grants to develop paths and other facilities, as well as detailed advice and support to those who request it.

We are working with partners like VisitScotland, the Southern Upland Partnership and WildScotland to develop nature based tourism in Southern Scotland. The success of the “Making Tracks” project demonstrated the potential that the area has to use its outstanding natural heritage as a resource – attracting visitors to the area.

The Southern Uplands Way is the longest of Scotland’s official long distance routes, and crosses from the west coast at Port Patrick to Cockburnspath on the east coast. SNH works closely with the two Local Authorities to make sure that the route is managed to a high standard, providing much of the necessary funding. In 2006, to mark the 21st anniversary of the opening, we have supported the appointment of a marketing and development manager, to work with local businesses and promote the route.

SNH is working with partners in the Striding Arches project, a major arts project by Andy Goldsworthy. An internationally acclaimed artist, Andy was brought up locally, and this project will see the construction of four massive stone arches on hilltops around the Cairnhead valley, north of Moniaive. Linked to similar arches in Canada and New Zealand, the arches reflect the journeys of the Scottish people, and the links between the land and its people.

We believe that having access to the outdoors, and experiencing our rich natural heritage, will stimulate a deeper awareness and appreciation of Scotland’s natural heritage.

SPECIES AND HABITATS

Protected Species
Dumfries and Galloway supports a wide and diverse range of plants and animals. Over the last year, SNH has supported projects which help to conserve and enhance protected species including Natterjack toads, black grouse and bats.

Biodiversity Action Plan

Biodiversity means the ‘Variety of Life’. Ensuring the future health of our Biodiversity is at the heart of what we do. SNH is supporting the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and we have helped fund the implementation of many species and habitat action plans. The LBAP’s work has been recognised through success in the Quality of Planning and Green Apple Awards.

SNH has worked with partners to develop the local Biodiversity Action Plan for Dumfries & Galloway. The plan will help to conserve and enhance our most valuable and threatened wildlife. This landmark document provides the basis for co-ordinating work by agencies and organisations throughout Dumfries & Galloway.

Red squirrel

Approximately 20% of the Scottish red squirrel population is found in Dumfries & Galloway. As well as supporting and advising the Red Alert Group, SNH supports the species action plan to maintain the area stronghold for red squirrels. As part of a partnership project, SNH has given support to 2 full time red squirrel conservation officers who will be responsible for the species action plans which will protect and enhance the population of red squirrels throughout Southern Scotland. One of these officers will cover Dumfries and Galloway and is based at the Tilhill office - address:

Red Squirrel Conservation Officer for Dumfries & Galloway
Red Squirrels in South Scotland
Carlow House
Locharbriggs
Dumfries
DG1 1QS

Black Grouse

In partnership with the RSPB and Forest Enterprise, SNH supports the Black Grouse Project to reverse the longterm decline in numbers of black grouse in the region. Landowners are encouraged to make minor changes in land management which will have a positive effect on the conservation of black grouse. Monitoring of bird numbers is progressing and demonstration sites are planned to show examples of good practice.

Sparling

SNH, in association with the West Galloway Fisheries Trust, is supporting a study of sparling in the River Cree to determine why this is the only river in south Scotland where this rare fish now occurs. When we understand more about the sparling it may be possible to return it to rivers like the Nith.

Sticky catchfly

SNH has supported work by Scottish Wildlife Trust to increase the size of the population of the rare sticky catchfly on cliffs along the Kirkcudbright coast.

Merse management

The merse or saltmarsh of the Solway is by far the largest in Scotland and supports thousands of wildfowl and waders which roost and feed on the short sward in the winter and natterjack toads . SNH runs a management scheme for farmers in recognition that traditional grazed merse supports the greatest range of wildlife.

Natterjack toad

The entire Scottish population of this rare amphibian is found along the Solway Coast between Southwick and Annan. SNH has supported work to safeguard existing breeding pools and create new ones at WWT Caerlaverock and RSPB's Mersehead Reserve.

SPECIAL PLACES

The quality of the natural heritage in Dumfries & Galloway is underlined by the number and size of areas designated as being of international or national interest for their wildlife, habitat or landscapes.

NSAs - PILOT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

In December 2000, SNH and Dumfries and Galloway Council established a pilot project to prepare management strategies for the three National Scenic Areas on the Solway coast. The project sought to increase awareness of the designation and identify future management needs through the involvement of communities and key interests in each NSA. The result was the publication of a management strategy for each area - the Nith, East Stewartry Coast and Fleet Valley, and the Council NSA Officer is currently working with the communities to implement these. Copies of the strategies can be down loaded from the Dumfries and Galloway web site

Designated Sites in Dumfries & Galloway

Nationally Important Sites
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) represent the best of Scotland’s natural heritage. They are `special’ for their plants, animals or habitats, their rocks and landforms, or a combination of these. SNH chooses sites carefully after detailed survey and evaluation against scientific criteria. A total of 97 SSSIs are designated in Dumfries and Galloway. Many of these are also part of internationally designated (Natura) sites.
Find out more on Sites of Special Scientific Interest >>>

Internationally Important Sites (Natura 2000)

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
Natura 2000 is a network of nature conservation sites for the 21st century and beyond. In May 1992 the UK and other European Union (EU) governments brought into force a new law to protect the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe which came into force in 1994. This EU law is known as the `Habitats Directive’ and it works with the earlier `Birds Directive’ which was introduced in 1979. As part of the Government’s commitment to the new legislation and biodiversity conservation across Europe, SNH was tasked with identifying and consulting on a number of sites proposed for designation in recognition of specific species or habitat interests of importance in an international context.
Find out more on Internationally Important Sites >>>

In Dumfries & Galloway, a total of 17 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and 7 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have been designated, which is a reflection of the high quality of our habitats and bird populations and their international significance. For example, the Inner Solway Firth has the third largest area of intertidal sand and mudflats in Britain and the Wigtownshire mosses are considered to be some of the best blanket bogs in the United Kingdom.

Ongoing projects within SNH aimed at protecting and enhancing the special interest of designated sites include:

Establishing a sustainable and regulated Cockle Fishery in the Scottish side of the Solway Firth SAC
Contributing to the development of a Marine Management Scheme for Luce Bay and Sands SAC to encompass and consider interests of Regulating Authorities and users of the Bay
Moorland Management Schemes on upland SPAs
Natural Care Schemes - Nature Care is a suite of management schemes which sets out to improve the condition of Natura sites and SSSIs by helping farmers and other land managers to manage them for wildlife.
Solway Merse Management Scheme
Solway Barnacle Goose Management Scheme
Restoration of Raised Bogs within Solway Mosses North SAC

Further information on Designated Sites and their protection can be found in many of SNH publications or by contacting your local SNH office.

Sites of Nature Conservation Importance

are being reviewed as part of the implementation of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Once reviewed, the best of these sites will be recognised in the Local Plans. Their management will be prioritised through discussions with the landowners.

Gardens and designed landscapes

Gardens and designed landscapes are an important part of the Dumfries & Galloway landscape and cultural heritage. These can range from the formal grounds surrounding a stately home, such as at Threave, to the grounds of large public buildings like those at the Crichton Estate in Dumfries. SNH supported the Crichton Development Company in developing a management plan for the site which ensures that the integrity of the original historical design for the grounds can be maintained whilst the Crichton site continues to evolve towards a recognised academic and business centre.

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The countryside of Dumfries & Galloway contains a wealth of natural assets which have been overwritten by centuries of man's activities. SNH sees the maintenance of diverse and viable rural communities and businesses as critical to the future of Dumfries & Galloway's natural heritage and the natural heritage as a key asset for sustaining those communities and businesses.

Quality countryside - quality farming

SNH is contributing to local and national thinking about the future for farming in Scotland. Locally we ensure advice is available through the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. We advised in the choice of Biodiversity objectives for the Agri environment programme. We have supported the local Goose Management group in drawing up and implementing a new Goose Management Scheme. The production of quality produce, whether it is lamb, beef, dairy produce or arable crops has n intrinsic link with the quality of the countryside.

Solway and Loch Ryan Partnerships

The Solway and Loch Ryan, near Stranraer, are unique marine environments supporting many unusual plants and animals including large numbers of breeding and wintering birds. SNH has supported a more co-ordinated approach to the management of these areas through the establishment of the Solway Firth Partnership and Loch Ryan Management Advisory Forum. Following wide public consultation, each of these projects has published a strategy which sets a framework for developing our understanding, use and enjoyment of these priceless natural assets.

Fisheries

SNH supports work to promote the sustainable management of freshwater and the Solway fisheries. Recent projects have included improvements along river corridors to improve bankside vegetation, reduce erosion and improve the spawning ground for migratory fish. Work with the West Galloway Fisheries Trust, the Nith, Annan and Esk and Liddel Salmon Boards and Improvement Associations are underway. We are also working towards a sustainable fishery for cockles and mussels in the Solway with the fishermen and other key parties.

Southern Uplands Partnership

SNH and others across Southern Scotland have come together under the banner of the Southern Uplands Partnership to take a strategic look at the environmental, economic and social landuse issues. After its first successful general meeting, the Minister for Transport and the Environment, Sarah Boyack, highlighted that local people are the key players in working out a sustainable future for the Southern Uplands. The Minister also outlined actions needed on waste, energy and transport to address issues like sustainability and climate change. The Partnership has led on a number of projects, including a study which indicates that 5% of jobs in Southern Scotland are connected to the environment.

Woodland working

In 2000 we completed, with Dumfries and Galloway Council and Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Local Forestry Framework documents for two areas of the region where forestry is the major land use. These have helped our continued joint working with FCS and others to advise on the biodiversity and landscape considerations needed in the development and management of our forests.

The Cree Valley Community Woodland project, a partnership between SNH and several other agencies and community interests has been working for a number of years to expand and restore native broad-leaved woodland within the Cree Valley (based on the core areas of the Wood of Cree and Glentrool Oakwoods SSSIs), whilst encouraging access, tourism and local economic opportunities. SNH are supporting the Cree Valley Community Woodland Trust in recreating important links of native woodland up the Cree Valley. We also support the Borders Forest Trust's Wildwood Project at Carrifran.

In 2004 we jointly commissioned, with FCS, consultants to undertake research into the current range of ashwoods across the region and how and where a habitat network for this type of woodland might best be developed.

Community Planning

SNH has committed itself to work with others in delivering its remit locally using the principles in the of the Dumfries and Galloway Community Plan. We are working to ensure the principles of sustainability are integrated with the process.

European Funding

SNH has worked closely with others to ensure the new Objective 2 Structure Fund programme covering South Scotland includes opportunities for fundingenvironmental action, such as tourism, which contribute to economic sustainability.

COASTAL AND MARINE

SNH works closely with a number of organisations to integrate commercial and environmental interests in the rich marine habitats. The EU Life project is drawing up a management plan for the inner Solway, which will promote sustainable use. Our work with cockle fishing interests, DGC and RSPB and others is leading towards a sustainable cockle and mussel fishery.

WORKING TOGETHER

Our natural heritage makes a unique contribution to our quality of life and our economic well-being. SNH is committed to working in partnership with local communities, businesses, government and voluntary agencies, to ensure that social and economic development is promoted and managed hand in hand with the conservation of our natural resources.

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