Appendix 1 - Nature Restoration Fund 2024-25
Perth and Kinross Council · 21 August 2024
Back to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee — 21 August 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
PKC Nature Restoration Fund 2023-24 Report. NatureFund@pkc.gov.uk Appendix 1 Perth & Kinross Nature Restoration Fund 2023-24 Report Introduction In late June 2023, the council received £353,000 from the Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF). The purpose of the fund is to address the biodiversity crisis and its causes - habitat loss and fragmentation, and invasive species - while recognising the need to address both climate change and biodiversity crises at the same time. A key stipulation of the fund this year is that at least half of the funding is dedicated to developing nature networks. Effectively functioning nature networks connect existing nature rich areas through habitat corridors, habitat ‘stepping stones’, or habitat restoration. These networks are crucial for allowing species to move and adapt in response to a changing environment. Nature networks have two main strands: 1) Connecting all sites contributing towards 30x30 (the commitment to protect at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030) 2) Connecting biodiversity within and across urban, peri-urban and rural landscapes Strategically allocating funds has allowed the prioritisisation of projects that focus on creating habitat corridors and stepping stones. Involving community organisations and local landowners in the development of nature networks has further helped to ensure the long-term success of conservation efforts. A total of 23 applications were received and evaluated by the NRF delivery working group. 16 projects were awarded funding, with unsuccessful applicants receiving advice on improving their applications for future years. One project by Milnathort Primary School has been deferred to 2024-2025. The funded projects involved various activities, including invasive species control, riparian habitat restoration, green corridor creation, wildflower meadow establishment, pond restoration and creation, and biodiversity enhancement in greenspaces. Nature Networks Development 14 of these projects contribute to the development of nature networks. Many are located within Buglife’s B-line corridor areas, expanding a network of nectar-rich habitats and creating stepping- stones between them. Other projects focused on restoring habitat within protected areas or improving connectivity to these sites. Several initiatives restored habitat on the Tay Special Area of Conservation (SAC), while some connected native woodlands together, creating habitat corridors for wildlife to move. The funding supported projects by the Council and external community partners including landowners, community groups, and charities. The significant progress achieved in restoring biodiversity across the region is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the funded partners and the invaluable contributions of volunteers. Kinross-shire Civic Trust volunteers planting native plug plants for pollinators around new ponds in the South Queich area. Building an enclosure for tree planting at Alt Eigheach - Rannoch and District Angling Club.
Page 2
2 Grant Awardee Testimonials Rhododendron ponticum chainsaw clearance followed by an application of herbicide to the cut stump. Organisation: Bamff Wildland “We were able to plant 40 riparian copses and remove a large area of Rhododendron ponticum with this grant. The process has been very straight forward, and the benefits will show for years to come. We are delighted.” - Sophie Organisation: National Trust for Scotland “We would like to say a big thank you to PKC's Nature Restoration Fund for supporting and funding our project. This has allowed up to improve the riparian habitat on the banks of the river Tay following the removal of Invasive non-native species including Japanese Knotweed and rhododendron. This will help with our long-term vision of stabilising the banks against flood damage whilst supporting native flora and fauna, including pollinators, through the planting of the native trees. We hope locals and visitors enjoy seeing the habitat being restored and expanding over the future.” - Louise National Trust for Scotland volunteers planting trees and putting up tree protection. Organisation: The Lunan Burn Wildlife Cluster “The fund application process was straightforward and responses to both the application and queries were promptly and helpfully responded to. The fund achieved exactly what it was designed for, achieving nature and habitat restoration through capital works that will provide long-term benefit across a large area that is designated for its biodiversity.” - Ailsa Riparian tree planting along the Cattymill Burn.
Page 3
3 2023-2024 Nature Restoration Projects List Purchase of Four Amazone Profihopper Machines • Applicant: PKC Operations • All wards These machines are designed for meadow and relaxed mowing operations, playing a crucial role in a comprehensive plan to restore and enhance grassland areas for the benefit of both nature and local communities. The use of these machines is integral to creating diverse and well-maintained meadow habitats, which serve as critical 'stepping stones' for pollinators and other wildlife. This not only enhances local biodiversity but also contributes to the broader development of nature networks. River Almond Invasive Species Control • Applicant: PKC Climate Change • Multiple Wards: Almond and Earn, Strathtay, Perth City North, Perth City Centre Following a successful first year of catchment scale invasive species control, Perth and Kinross Council have continued to work in partnership with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, local volunteers, and contractors to remove giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, and American skunk cabbage from the river Almond, with 25km of the river under management. Improving the condition of the Tay SAC contributes towards nature networks delivery. Ponds for Puddocks • Applicant: Tayside Biodiversity Partnership • Multiple Wards: Almond and Earn, Blairgowrie and the Glens, Perth City Centre, Strathtay SuDS Ponds Enhancement works took place across Blairgowrie, Perth, Murthly, and Abernethy. Six ponds were cleared of invasive vegetation, creating areas of open water and improving conditions for amphibians. Native pond-edge wildflowers were planted to benefit pollinators and other invertebrates. Amphibian ladder workshops and installations further supported amphibian populations. The project received help from 67 local volunteers including the PKC Biodiversity Ambassadors, community groups, school and university students. The project creates a network of high-quality habitats for amphibians, pollinators, and other wildlife.
Page 4
4 Errol Village Nature Restoration Project • Applicant: Carse of Gowrie Group (SCIO) & Friends of Cistern Green • Ward: Carse of Gowrie The project involved planting native trees and sowing wildflowers to enhance biodiversity in two areas of land on either side of Errol Village. The establishment of green corridors and stepping stones ensures that wildlife can move more freely throughout Errol. Braes of Alyth Wild Cores & Corridors • Applicant: Bamff Wildland • Ward: Strathmore A total of 40 riparian copses were established along the waterway traversing Bamff Wildland, each planted with diverse native trees and scrub species including downy birch, grey willow, Scottish aspen, common alder, hazel and oak. Additionally, 40 days of rhododendron ponitcum removal by chainsaw was completed, with significant progress made in eradicating this invasive species from large areas. The removal of rhododendron will create space for many native species like foxglove, downy birch, rowan and others. This project contributes towards nature networks through creating a riparian woodland corridor. It is also part of Montrose to Dunkeld B-Line initiative and borders the Den of Alyth SSSI. Kettins Biodiversity Conservation Project • Applicant: Kettins Parish Community Council • Ward: Strathmore This project involved converting sections of greenspace into biodiverse meadow and wetland habitats. Additionally, pollinator-friendly native fruit and nut-bearing trees were planted, enhancing local biodiversity, and creating valuable habitats for wildlife. Creating biodiverse habitats within Kettins provides stepping stones for wildlife to move between different habitats.
Page 5
5 Glassie Bike Park Rewilding Phase 2 • Applicant: Glassie Bike Park • Ward: Highland Diversifying Glassie Bike Park through native tree planting on the site aims to help create wildlife corridors, benefiting local biodiversity by providing essential shelter and habitat spaces. The newly planted trees connect isolated patches of natural habitat within the park, reducing habitat fragmentation. Alt Eigheach Habitat Improvements Project • Applicant: Rannoch and District Angling Club • Ward: Highland The restoration of riparian woodland along the Alt Eigheach river to reduce riverbank erosion and curb sediment washout. 21 large and 20 small compounds were constructed for planting native trees, helping to reduce water temperature, creating a more favorable environment for aquatic life. As a result, invertebrate populations are expected to thrive, providing a crucial food source for fish. Improved habitat conditions will benefit salmon and trout populations, supporting both biodiversity and local angling activities. Improving the condition of the Tay SAC contributes towards nature network delivery. Dunkeld Riverbank Restoration • Applicant: National Trust for Scotland • Ward: Strathtay Works included completing the eradication of Rhododendron Ponticum, an invasive non-native species, across a one-mile stretch of riverbank. Additionally, over 150 native broadleaf trees and shrubs were planted to stabilise the riverbank, mitigating erosion and flood damage. These tree species will provide essential habitat and support for pollinators and withstand coppicing by beavers once established. The project included the installation of wire guards around all trees to protect against browsing damage from deer, rabbits, and beavers during the establishment phase. This project contributes towards the nature network development by improving the condition of the Tay SAC, restoring native vegetation and enhancing habitat quality along the riverbank.
Page 6
6 The Lunan Burn and Clunie Loch Catchment Restoration Project • Applicant: The Lunan Burn Wildlife Cluster • Ward: Strathtay The project focused on improving water quality and freshwater habitats along the Lunan Burn and Loch Clunie Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It involved measures to reduce diffuse pollution. Planting hedging and native trees helped create linear habitat corridors between existing core areas of native woodland, facilitating species movement. Reducing pollution and planting riparian vegetation improves the condition of the protected site, contributing towards nature network delivery. Boosting Biodiversity at Denmarkfield • Applicant: Rewilding Denmarkfield • Ward: Strathtay The project included planting 470 meters of pollinator- friendly hedgerows to connect existing wildlife corridors, sowing a 2-acre pollinator bank with native local wildflower seed, and the creation of a 2000m2 wetland in the House Field and a wildlife pond in the Education Hub. Furthermore, collaboration with Forest Research and the University of Reading aimed to create an experimental design, known as Fungi4Restore, by inoculating an area of ex-arable land with soil from an Oak woodland and planting local provenance Oak saplings to increase soil microbes and underground biodiversity. The project creates pollinator-friendly, flower-rich habitats that contribute to Buglife's B-Line network. The woodland mosaic and hedgerows will form migration corridors for woodland wildlife, connecting to ancient woodlands in the landscape. Marybank Farm Habitat Restoration • Applicant: Marybank Farm • Ward: Strathtay The project involved a range of measures aimed at enhancing biodiversity and habitat diversity on the farmland. This included restoring and creating ponds, establishing hedgerows to facilitate wildlife corridors, creating wildflower meadows, installing a beebank to support pollinators, and planting trees. The creation of wildflower rich areas within the B- line area contributes towards nature networks by creating stepping-stones habitat for wildlife.
Page 7
7 Comrie Croft Wild Connections • Applicant: Comrie Croft • Ward: Strathearn The project successfully connected and enhanced diverse native woodland habitats. The project included woodland creation, wildflower meadow establishment, species enhancement in existing woodlands, and the removal of invasive species such as sitka spruce, as well as plastic tree tubes, and redundant wire fencing. Connecting and enhancing woodland and meadow habitats helps creates corridors and stepping stones, facilitating wildlife movement. Kinross Rain Gardens Trail • Applicant: Kinross-shire Civic Trust • Ward: Kinross-shire A continuation of the Kinross rain gardens trail project. This encompassed four projects including pollinator friendly planting around the edges of the Kinross park and ride; landscape work to enhance wetlands at the South Queich Flood Area; new hedgerow at the Kinross Rugby Club; and surveying at South Queich for design work to create amphibian pools within the South Queich catchment. This project enhances connectivity for aquatic species, contributing to the development of nature networks along watercourses. The Kinross Rain Gardens Trail through Kinross-shire connects with the Loch Leven Heritage Trail and the pollinator pathways network. Birds, Bees, Bogs and Frogs- creating a safe corridor for nature • Applicant: PKAVS • Ward: Perth City Centre (the Walled Garden) The project established a large wildlife pond and bog garden, providing habitat for a diverse range of native plants, supporting pollinators, birds, and insects. The pond offers a home for amphibians and insects, evidenced by the presence of pond skaters, great diving beetles, frogs, and an increase in birds and waterfowl to the area. Pollinator highways were created through sowing native wildflower seeds, connecting different areas of the garden, and contributing to Buglife's B-Line network.