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THE STATE OF SCOTLAND'S FARMED ENVIRONMENT 2005

12. DEVELOPMENT DIVERSIFICATION AND LAND USE CHANGE INCLUDING ENERGY CROPS

CHANGES IN GRASSLAND HABITATS

There was a 10% loss of rough grassland between 1947 and 1988. This was mainly due to afforestation and pasture improvement (SNH, 2001b). There was an estimated reduction in the area of calcareous grassland of 16% between 1990 and 1998 due mainly to continued conversion to more intensively managed pasture. The significant increase in the “fen, marsh and swamp” broad habitat is partly due to failure to maintain land drainage in wetter grassland areas (McGowan et al., 2001). It is likely that this process of reversion in improved grasslands will continue over the next decade as marginal grasslands become less financially viable to maintain (i.e. drain maintenance, liming and fertilizer costs.

Methods of grass conservation have also radically changed since 1990. Hay production has reduced by over 35% and silage production, especially wrapped silage, has increased. It is likely that these trends will continue and there will be further declines in hay production over the next decade.

HEATHS AND MOORLAND HABITATS

Between 1947 and 1988 heather moorland was reduced by around 23% (Mackey et al., 1998). This was principally due to afforestation or conversion to rough grassland through direct pasture improvement or indirectly through grazing pressure (Hartley, 1997). In northern Scotland sheep numbers are thought to have increased by about 50% between 1975 and 1966 (Harding et al., 1994). Sheep numbers in the Scottish LFA increased by 18% between 1982 and 1998 as sheep displaced cattle. Red deer numbers are thought to have risen by 100% over the 30 years to 1989 (Staines et al., 1995). The introduction of the SFP is likely to have greatest impact on marginal hill sheep farms with a strong incentive to reduce stocking or de-stock completely, although minimum requirements for land management are defined under GAEC. It is likely that previous trends for increased stocking rates on these habitats will be reversed. The critical factor in relation to habitat recovery or change will be the relative balance of domestic and wild herbivores.

RECREATIONAL LAND USES >>