Futurescapes launches in Scotland

An ambitious new partnership approach for delivering landscape-scale conservation was launched by RSPB Scotland yesterday [23rd September]. Designed to help halt biodiversity loss and create more space for wildlife, Futurescapes will see RSPB Scotland working in partnership with others to create whole landscapes where people and nature can co-exist, whilst also delivering a wide range of social and economic benefits. The conservation charity is reaching beyond its traditional nature reserves and, through working with others, hopes to restore disappearing species to huge swathes of the wider countryside.

Bog pools below Stetill Hill, Forsinard RSPB reserve. (Photo: Andy Hay (rspb-images.com))

Duncan Orr-Ewing, RSPB Scotland's Head of Species and Land Management, said: "Nature reserves and protected areas are vitally important — they are a refuge from where, with help, plants and animals can spread into the wider countryside. Alone, however, these areas cannot reverse the gradual loss of biodiversity, which continues despite the endeavours of many sympathetic land managers. Habitat fragmentation and now climate change threaten to add even further pressure. We have a vision, shared by many others, whereby large areas of the countryside can be restored, so they support much more wildlife. This endeavour will involve partnerships between conservation bodies, government, companies, local authorities and private landowners, creating opportunities for wildlife to thrive. We also believe that this initiative will deliver a greener and healthier environment for our human communities."

To showcase this approach, RSPB Scotland has revealed its first tranche of Futurescapes in Scotland, including the Inner Forth, Living Loch Leven and the Flow Country. These are already home to a wealth of fantastic wildlife and habitats, from acting as a refuelling station for wintering wildfowl, to forming the largest expanse of blanket bog anywhere in the world. Now, along with local, and national partners, RSPB staff aim to restore large areas, thus creating much larger areas of conservation value, which can help attract visitors.

Duncan Orr-Ewing continued: "What's happening on this first batch of Futurescapes are fantastic examples of what can be achieved right across the country. However, the transformation we want to see in our countryside is too big a job for any one organisation — everyone needs to pull together to make it happen to ensure this effort and investment makes a lasting difference."

"We encourage others to join us, and call on the Government to take the intellectual lead in driving forward this 21st-century approach to nature conservation. If we succeed, this will be a win#8211;win situation. Not only will wildlife benefit but we can improve other natural services provided by the land, including carbon storage, water management and recreation, alongside food production, tourism and other important economic benefits."

The Flow Country

The Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland is one of Scotland's treasures and forms the largest single expanse of blanket bog found anywhere in the world. The site is home to a wide variety of birdlife from Golden Eagles and Hen Harriers to waders such as Golden Plover, Lapwing, Snipe and Redshank. RSPB Scotland currently manage about 20,000 hectares at Forsinard Flows, which makes that it is the largest RSPB nature reserve in the UK. Historically this fragile peatland environment was damaged by ploughing of the bogs and the planting of extensive blocks of non-native trees, encouraged by Government tax incentives. Further removal of plantations and restoration of water levels are urgently required.

Bog pools and conifer plantation, Forsinard RSPB reserve. (Photo: Norman Russell (rspb-images.com))

Inner Forth

With its focus around the Firth of Forth SPA, this Futurescape includes areas of international importance for wintering waders and wildfowl. At the heart of Central Scotland, it also has a long history of industrial and agricultural use that has resulted in loss of valuable wetland and intertidal habitat over centuries. With new pressures from development, climate change and disturbance to the birds using the Forth, there is a need for action on a big scale to ensure this rich biodiversity interest is maintained. Our vision is for large-scale habitat creation of over 2,000 ha around the Falkirk and Alloa area, centred on our Skinflats nature reserve. By creating a network of new wetland habitats including saltmarsh, mudflat reedbed and wet woodland, we will deliver for wildlife and help to achieve a wide range of other socio-economic benefits.

Living Loch Leven

At the heart of this Futurescape is the beautiful Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, which, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, forms a significant visitor destination as well as supporting large numbers of birds throughout the year. The Living Loch Leven Futurescape will link to the economic redevelopment of the area, restoring existing wetlands and creating new habitats around the loch, improving the quality of life for residents and providing a draw for visitors. Projects will contribute to environmental restoration, improvements to water quality and flood management. Paths and trails, sensitively designed with hides and viewpoints, will offer improved access to the habitats created. Links to cities such as Perth and Edinburgh with a focus on environmental education will be at the heart of this Futurescape.