| The Lunan Lochs Project
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KEEPING THE LOCHS HEALTHY AND CLEAN
The Lunan Lochs - the five lochs between Dunkeld and Blairgowrie - are naturally clear and shallow and support many different wildlife species.
But they are becoming polluted by too much phosphate from the surrounding area - the Lunan Catchment.
Phosphate is in fertilisers, detergents, animal and human waste.
The project aims to work with those living and working within the
catchment to reduce the amount of phosphate getting into the water.
HOW THE LOCHS HAVE CHANGED
Naturally clear and shallow and supporting many different wildlife species the Lunan Lochs are becoming polluted by too much phosphate from the surrounding area - the Lunan Catchment. This pollution if allowed to continue would soon kill many of the unique species found in the lochs and those birds and animals dependent upon it.
Phosphate is in fertilisers, detergents and animal and human waste.
The project aims to work with those living and working within the catchment to reduce the amount of phosphate getting into the water.
The (schematic) map shows the area around the lochs that has changed to 'high intensity' farmland through increased use of fertilisers. More housing around the lochs is also a contributing factor when releasing detergents and houshold waste. What can also be noted is the change from mixed woodland to commercial forestry. Moorland and intensive grazing are also shown on the map.
THE PROBLEM OF TOO MUCH PHOSPHATE
When a lot of phosphate gets into the lochs it can lead to unusually high plant growth. The plant-like algae grow particularly fast and algal blooms occur. This prevents light reaching lower levels, using up oxygen levels thus causing a rapid decline in the quality of the water and the health of marine life. The food chain can then be disrupted.
Toxins generated by these algal blooms severely effect fish and other aquatic life. Animals and humans can also react to these toxins if swallowed.
The Lunan Lochs are shallow and easily affected by this form of pollution.
WILDLIFE OF THE LUNAN LOCHS
The wildlife of the Lunan Lochs reflects their special quality.
With several rare species, shallow, clear water and a wide range of wetland habitats the lochs hold a special place within the broad biodiversity of the Scottish landscape and warrant continued protection and management. All five lochs: Craiglush, Lowes, Butterstone, Clunie and Marlee have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's) and together are one of only 230 sites in Scotland which have been put forward to become a special area of conservation (SAC) - a wildlife site of European importance.
Birds
Osprey, have been breeding adjacent to Loch of Lowes since 1969, despite egg thieves. Their arrival each Spring signifying their place at the top of the food chain as they feed on the healthy fish populations of the lochs.
Greylag Geese use the lochs and surrounding land as a roost and the lochs form part of an important network of goose roosts in the Tay-Isla valley.
On the lochs can be seen a rich variety of wildfowl, with breeding colonies of Slavonian Grebe, Little Grebe, and Great Crested Grebe. Teal and Tufted Duck are also known to breed.
Mammals
Otter in particular have a steadily increasing population since their decline in the 1960's and 1970's. Using the Lunan Burn as secure passage from loch to loch. Occasionally they can be seen from the hide on Loch of the Lowes.
A total of thirty-three mammals have been recorded in the area. Including, Badger, Red Squirrel, Wild Cat, Pine Martin and Pipistrelle Bat. With Reptiles, Slow Worm, Adder, and Common Lizard also recorded.
Invertebrates
include notable examples of water beetle and in Loch Marlee water weevil Eubrychius velutus. Unfortunately, pearl fishing is blamed for the virtual demise of the rare Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera margarritifera, which was recorded as occurring as far back as 1860 in the Lunan Burn. The Lunan Burn has had very little disturbance and many river habitats still survive the more typical canalisation seen on lowland rivers throughout Scotland
Plantlife
The lochs have an exceptional range of aquatic flora particularly several species of pondweed and a number of locally and nationally rare plants. These alone make the lochs of international importance. The Fen areas fringing the lochs are also of considerable botanical interest, supporting a wide range of species. On Loch Marlee eleven species of Sedge have been recorded.
One plant, the Slender Naiad Najas flexilis is especially rare. The Lunan Lochs considered to be one of only four remaining localities in the UK.
The Slender Naiad is a delicate water plant (see right, underwater picture of plant ) which grows submerged in only a few areas of Scotland, notably in the machair lochs of the Outer Hebrides. It is threatened over much of Europe and no longer occurs in England.
Water quality and environmental conditions are extremely fragile and susceptible to pollution and nutrient enrichment, careful monitoring is required. Particularly sensitive to water quality is the Slender Niad and as such can be an early warning indicator of any potentially harmful effects such as pollution.
HOW WE CAN CLEAN UP THE LOCHS ?
Phosphates from Farmland
Scottish Natural Heritage is making expert advice
and grant aid available to farmers within the Lunan.
Lochs catchment so they can reduce the amount of phosphate entering the water from farmland.
[Picture of cattle by water]
Fencing and water troughs stop cows and dung getting into the water.
[Picture of soil errosion]
Soil carrying fertiliser can be washed into the water. Soil testing can reduce the amoun
of fertiliser used. 'Buffer Strips' of rough grass between water and fields can catch soil.
Phosphates from Homes
Septic tanks should be emptied every year to stop phosphate escaping into the environment.
50% of phosphates in septic tanks can come from household detergents so by using phosphate free options you can reduce the damaging effect you might be having on the environment and wildlife.
The Lunan Catchment is of outstanding conservation interest and a lot of information about the area and it's species has been collected over the years. Much of this is available for you to look at on our website www.snh.org.uk
If you would like any further information for these references, please contact Denise Reed,
Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth. PH1 3EW. Tel. 01738 444177.
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