Habitats and Species: The Action Plans

North East LBAP is the framework for local action by a range of partners to protect and enhance biodiversity. Action is progressed by working to agreed objectives and targets outlined in the Habitat and Species Action Plans. Also, in some areas community partners have developed Area Action Plans (AAP) for local areas, shown under the relevant habitat heading.

Action is concentrated on habitats and species, which are considered important in terms of biodiversity.

• Full list of North East Priority Habitats
• Full list of North East Priority Species

Habitat

Most of the North East Action for Biodiversity is addressed through the Habitat Action Plans (HAPs), which incorporate action for associated priority species. These HAPs are grouped under the broader habitat headings of Coastal & Marine; Farmland & Grassland; Woodland; Montane, Heath & Bog; Wetland & Freshwater; and Urban.

1. Coastal & Marine

The 250km coastline of North East Scotland is home to a rich variety of coastal habitats, many of which are important in the UK context. The coastal area supports a particularly wide range of species, dependent on both land and sea water habitats. Protection of these habitats is a top priority for North East LBAP.

• Coastal Sand Dunes and Shingle
• Coastal Cliffs and Heaths [action plan development in progress]
• Estuarine and Intertidal Habitats
• Marine Habitats [action plan development in progress]
• Moray Coast AAP

2. Farmland & Grassland

Agriculture is the primary land use over about 70% of the North East area. Farmland wildlife is still relatively plentiful, due to the mixed cropping and livestock production typical of this region. Intensively managed grasslands have very limited species diversity, so non-agricultural habitats such as road verges have become increasingly important refuges for species-rich grassland.

• Farmland
• Field Margins and Boundary Habitats
• Species-rich Grassland
• Upland Species-rich Grassland [action plan development in progress]

3. Woodland

Around three quarters of Scotland was once forested, but woodlands have been reduced to a tiny fraction of their former extent. Riparian woodland provides the only remaining native tree cover in the landscape in some areas of the North East. 23% of the UK’s native pine woodlands are found in the Cairngorms area of the North East, therefore the Cairngorms HAP is adopted for action on this habitat.

• Broadleaved Woodland [action plan development planned for 2005]
• Native Pine Woodland
• Planted Coniferous Woodland
• Wet and Riparian Woodland
• Wood Pasture, Parkland and Wayside Trees [final consultation draft] (NEW)

4. Montane, Heath & Bog

North East Scotland holds 19% of Scotland’s Lowland Raised Bog, although much has been lost, with all sites having been damaged to some degree due to peat cutting, agricultural reclaim or afforestation. Upland heathland is one of the most extensive habitat types in the west and south of the area, whereas lowland heathland survives in small pockets along the coasts of Aberdeenshire and Moray.

• Blanket Bog
• Lowland Raised Bog
• Heathland [action plan development in progress]
• Montane
• Moray Moorlands AAP

5. Wetland & Freshwater

The freshwater features of North East Scotland sustain a rich variety of habitats and species, many of which are distinctive in international terms. Rivers, such as the Spey, Dee and Don and their associated wildlife provide a wide range of benefits to society, and contribute greatly to the landscape character of the area. North East lochs are important both ecologically and in terms of their landscape and amenity value and local wetlands include various habitats, such as fens, carrs, marshes and reedbeds.

• Lochs and ponds [action plan development in progress]
• Rivers and Burns (NEW)
• Wetland [action plan development in progress]
• The Wards AAP

6. Urban

Most North East residents live or work in an urban area. There are many settlements in the region, ranging in size from the City of Aberdeen, population over 200,000, to small rural villages. Action for wildlife in urban areas brings nature closer to people in their home and work environment, and so encourages a wider understanding of biodiversity and sustainable development.

• Urban Areas
• Kincorth Hill Local Nature Reserve AAP
• Powis Bedford AAP

Species

North East Scotland LBAP Partnership has designated 195 local priority species, 80 of which are also UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species. Action for most species is carried out through the relevant Habitat Action Plans. However, specific Species Action Plans are being implemented for those species where habitat action alone will not fully address the needs of that particular species.

• Aspen Hoverfly
• Daubentons Bat
• Red Squirrel
• Water Vole
• Wych Elm