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THE STATE OF SCOTLAND'S FARMED ENVIRONMENT 2005

24. Natural Care

EAST SCOTLAND GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT SCHEME

The scheme offers help with the management and care of 83 lowland grassland and fen Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These contain just under half of the semi-natural lowland grasslands in Scotland. The aim of the Scheme is to support and reward land managers for managing SSSIs in a way which will maintain or restore the special grassland and fen habitats.

These habitats need ongoing management in the form of either grazing or cutting, and annual payments are available to support this. Additional financial support is also available for fencing and water troughs, and for work to prevent any loss of habitat, for example, scrub control. Management agreements last 5 years.

LENDALFOOT GRASSLANDS SCHEME

The scheme is located in South Ayrshire, within the hills around Lendalfoot and Colmonell, and is available within the following Sites of Special Scientific Interest:

  • Aldons Hill SSSI
  • Bennane Head Grasslands SSSI
  • Knockdaw Hill SSSI
  • Littleton & Balhamie Hills SSSI
  • Pinbain Burn to Cairn Hill SSSI

The Lendalfoot Hills Complex cSAC also lies within these sites.

The main conservation interest is botanical. The sites are notable for the extent of unimproved species-rich grassland present, while a range of heath, mire and wetland vegetation adds to the botanical diversity. The scheme has been set up to support land managers in maintaining and enhancing these plant communities through appropriate grazing management, along with bracken control where necessary. The scheme uses an outcome-led approach, and entrants are asked to achieve certain vegetation condition targets, rather than simply following a prescribed grazing regime. It aims to draw on the skills and experience of land managers, working in partnership with SNH, so that conservation needs can be addressed while taking account of the practicalities of livestock production. 

The scheme was launched in December 2003, and is open for applications until April 2007, with individual scheme agreements running for five years.

Natural Care - PEATLANDS MANAGEMENT SCHEMES >>