1. Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 - Report
Renfrewshire Council · 28 May 2024
Back to Planning and Climate Change Policy Board — 28 May 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Planning and Climate Change Policy Board On: 28 May 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board of the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024. The refreshed Biodiversity Action Plan has been developed in collaboration with the Council’s partner organisations in the biodiversity community. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Approves the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 and publication on the Renfrewshire Council webpage. 3. Background 3.1 A Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde was originally prepared in 2004. The plan was developed in partnership with the three local authorities and a range of organisations and stakeholders with an interest in biodiversity. 3.2 In 2018 Renfrewshire Council published a separate Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2018 – 2022. This was prepared in partnership with some 25 biodiversity partner organisations active in Renfrewshire. The plan involved a significant review of the original document, setting out a positive and ambitious approach which identified a range of principles and actions which supported the conservation, promotion, and enhancement of biodiversity across Renfrewshire.
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4. Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 4.1 The Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 provides an update to the 2018 document. The plan reflects current Scottish Government guidance and legislation which places a strong emphasis on the response to climate change and biodiversity, such as the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 and National Planning Framework 4. 4.2 The plan continues to set out a positive and ambitious approach, identifying a range of principles and actions which reflect the current landscape of active biodiversity partner organisations and their activities. In this context the plan provides a refreshed framework for the conservation, promotion and enhancement of biodiversity across Renfrewshire. 5. Next Steps 5.1 The Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan provides a framework for partnership initiatives which promote biodiversity across Renfrewshire over the coming years. A variety of innovative mechanisms will be explored to secure the external resources required to implement many of the actions identified within the plan. 5.2 Some actions identified within the plan are already underway. This includes strong progress on the restoration of more than 200 hectares of peatland at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, a feasibility study considering potential enhancements to the Candren Burn, Paisley in partnership with SEPA and a range of conservation activities developed by the Friends of Jenny’s Well, Paisley such as a new amphibian pond at the Local Nature Reserve in partnership with Froglife, 5.3 Progress on delivery of the Biodiversity Action Plan will be monitored by the Council and its partners through a Steering Group, with updates reported to the Board as appropriate. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – None. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community Planning – Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy – the action plan seeks to support and enhance biodiversity and the network of green spaces across Renfrewshire. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None.
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7. Equality & Human Rights - (a) The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. Climate Change – this report summarises work which the Council plans to complete which will contribute positively towards achieving Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero. ________________________________________________________________ Appendix 1 Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 List of Background Papers (a) “Renfrewshire Biodiversity Duty Report 2021–2023”; Planning and Climate Change Policy Board; March 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Author: The contact officer within the service is Euan Shearer, Regeneration and Place Manager, 0141 487 1461, email: euan.shearer@renfrewshire.gov.uk .
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Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024
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Contents Introduction ..................................................3 Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy 2045 : .........4 Biodiversity Conservation Approach in Renfrewshire .............................4 Policy Framework ..........................................5 Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan’s Vision for 2045: ........................ 7 Action plans ................................................10 People Power: Communication and Engagement .........................................11 People Power: Managed Sites ......................15 Geodiversity ................................................18 Green Networks ..........................................20 Priority Habitats in Renfrewshire ................24 Invasive Non Native species .........................29 Monitoring and Review ................................31 Appendix 1: Organisations actively participating in the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan ........33 Appendix 2: Plant Species of Conservation Concern in Renfrewshire ........35 Appendix 3: Bird Species of Conservation Concern in Renfrewshire..............................41 Images kindly provided by members of the Renfrewshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group. 2
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3 Introduction This is the second Biodiversity Action Plan for Renfrewshire and replaces the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2018-2022. The plan has been produced in partnership with a range of local biodiversity organisations and reflects a shared vision for enhanced biodiversity across Renfrewshire. The plan sets out a positive and ambitious approach to biodiversity conservation and promotion. A continued commitment to partnership working and increased community involvement will be key if successful outcomes for biodiversity are to be achieved and delivered.
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4 Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy 2045: Tackling the Climate Challenge A key element of this plan is integration between the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan and Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy to 2045: Tackling the Climate Challenge. This is to ensure that resources deployed locally are aligned to national priorities and thereby maximise opportunities for external funding support from national agencies. All of Renfrewshire’s priority habitats are included on the current Scottish Biodiversity List and categorised in the top priority as “conservation action needed”. Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 continues to place emphasis on both an ecosystem approach and landscape scale operations to promote biodiversity with an aim of reversing biodiversity decline. The Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan embraces these principles and provides a framework to support organisations involved in promoting biodiversity in Renfrewshire to deliver landscape scale projects where opportunities arise. Renfrewshire’s biodiversity baseline sits at a relatively modest level in comparison to many other parts of Scotland with biodiversity-rich habitats and ecosystems tending to be held within small, isolated and dispersed sites, especially in the lowlands, where intensive human activities have had a significant impact. Key actions in the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan aim to safeguard and enhance these sites, improving links between them via nature networks, harnessing resources before embarking on more ambitious initiatives. Biodiversity Conservation Approach in Renfrewshire The Renfrewshire Biodiversity Partners’ approach in this Action Plan is to conserve current biodiversity and capacity and where possible support enhancement. Over the period of the 2018-2022 Action Plan there were encouraging signs that a growing awareness of the importance of biodiversity in Renfrewshire is having a positive impact on the ground. Biodiversity is now embedded in national policy frameworks and the policy documents of Biodiversity Partners, a key consideration in the delivery of actions and projects. Several community-led initiatives have also undertaken projects to enhance local environments in and around Renfrewshire’s settlements. The Biodiversity Action Plan provides a framework for opportunities to “join up” these pockets of activity into nature networks and to coordinate how they benefit biodiversity for the wider communities of Renfrewshire.
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5 Policy Framework A policy framework to support biodiversity is embedded at national, regional and local levels through Scotland’s National Planning Framework, the Central Scotland Green Network and Local Development Plan. The Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) adopts policies which safeguard and enhance biodiversity, placing a strong emphasis on nature recovery and restoration as part of a wider response to climate change. NPF4 also retains the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) as a National Development. The CSGN seeks to achieve a fundamental transformation across 19 local authority areas in terms of environmental improvements, economic benefits and enriched quality of life. The vision of the CSGN is to transform central Scotland into a place where the environment adds value to the economy, and where people’s lives are enriched by the environment’s quality. It seeks to restore nature at scale and act as an exemplar of green infrastructure in placemaking, provide multiple benefits for health, biodiversity and supporting adaptation to climate change. As the Central Scotland Green Network is a National Development, it brings with it the possibility of additional resources for biodiversity projects. Its importance is reflected in this document in which habitat actions and broader landscape scale projects have been brought together under a Green Networks chapter. The Green Networks chapter also reflects the importance of the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership which champions greenspace initiatives across eight local authority areas in the Glasgow City Region. As well as adopting policies which safeguard and enhance biodiversity, the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan places a strong emphasis on developing and reinforcing local green networks as an integral part of its Place Strategy by identifying and mapping strategic green network opportunities. Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero also has a strong focus on optimising biodiversity to enhance Renfrewshire’s natural environment, particularly through the use of nature based solutions to help address the impacts of climate change, while connecting people and nature. There is a growing appreciation of the role geodiversity plays in underpinning biodiversity conservation, supporting landscape-scale conservation and providing ecosystem services. Geodiversity itself is subject to degradation or loss and is therefore also the subject of conservation initiatives. This has been emphasised in Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter, which was launched by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change in June 2012 and relaunched in November 2017. The Charter has over 50 signatories across organisations including local authorities, government agencies, industry and higher education.
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6 Renfrewshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan—Lessons Learned One of the lessons learned from the Biodiversity Action Plan process in Renfrewshire is that the initiatives which made the greatest positive progress were those with local champions to take the required work forward and inspire others to become involved in conservation actions. It is also recognised that health restrictions associated with the Covid-19 Pandemic had a significant impact upon biodiversity activities, particularly where this involved face to face educational and awareness raising work. In view of this, the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 incorporates a series of species and actions within the “People Power” chapters, to support and grow local biodiversity expertise and enthusiasm.
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7 Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan’s Vision for 2045: Renfrewshire Renewed Naturally By 2045 Renfrewshire will have a species-rich system of green and blue networks from the uplands of the Renfrewshire Heights to the tidal waters of the Clyde estuary. It will contain environments abundant in wildlife which make the area more resilient to the effects of climate change and benefit physical and mental health by providing opportunities to experience nature locally.
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8 Delivering the 2045 Vision Seven key principles will steer delivery of the vision for 2045. These are summarised under the headings below, recognising that some are interlinked. 1 Climate Change Actions developed and delivered by the biodiversity partners will help Renfrewshire’s characteristic habitats and species to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Actions in relation to the suite of designated sites (local and national) will aim to support improved connections and management, protecting species against climate change where possible, and allowing them to adapt through moving to new areas. Reflecting national policy guidance, the development of nature networks across Renfrewshire will be a key focus. Geodiversity often responds dynamically to climate change, and these responses may affect the survival, extent or ground conditions of local ecosystems. Careful consideration of geodiversity may help in the identification of suitable corridors through which species might adapt and move. The creation of habitats providing important ecosystem services, such as carbon storage or flood mitigation, will be supported (such as through Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) or by restoration in some cases, (such as Renfrewshire’s peatland habitats). The maintenance of other intact habitats and their enhancement will also be supported. Native woodland and wetlands are particularly important for these purposes and their roles should be recognised through appropriate conservation management. 2 Landscape Scale Conservation (Ecosystem Approach) There are a number of opportunities in Renfrewshire for organisations from all sectors to work together to improve the economy, environment and social opportunities across areas by focusing on biodiversity and geodiversity targets as the impetus for cohesive action. This could include the Renfrewshire Heights or within some of the river valleys in which a catchment wide approach could reap dividends for all sectors. These clusters sometimes follow watercourses or line the steeper slopes of hill ridges. Adopting the principle of better linkages between these sites, in line with Nature Network aims, should reduce habitat fragmentation and allow key species to distribute to other areas.
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9 3 Designated Sites An examination of the spatial distribution of designated sites in Renfrewshire shows that there are already clusters or linear series of sites which have been recognised as being of at least local significance for biodiversity. The Biodiversity partners aim to safeguard and expand these designated sites, supporting the formation of nodes within more connected nature networks, thereby helping to enhance local habitats and species. Some designated sites also have geodiversity value, so improved recording of both elements of the local ecosystem will be encouraged, along with evaluation of the significance of inter-relationships between the rock, soil substrate and biodiversity. 4 Invasive Non Native Species It is important that biodiversity partners continue to contribute to research regarding Invasive Non-Native Species and participate in coordinated control action where appropriate, including liaison with organisations in neighbouring areas and in regional and national forums. In addition, where opportunities arise, individual Invasive Non-Native Species will be tackled as part of the implementation of comprehensive habitat management plans for individual sites. Vigilance and biosecurity will be required when any management activities are planned or implemented on any sites with biodiversity importance, especially watercourses. 5 People and Partnership Experiencing nature brings tangible benefits for health and mental well-being. Therefore, a diverse biodiversity should play a fundamental role in the wellbeing of communities and the health of the economy throughout Renfrewshire. People and communities will be encouraged to become more involved in maintaining local biodiversity, contributing directly through voluntary conservation activities like ground works, recording species groups and monitoring sites. 6 Education Supporting the People and Partnership principle, opportunities will be pursued to continue to invest in local programmes to raise public awareness of Renfrewshire’s biodiversity and its relevance to our communities. Information about biodiversity will be readily available on a variety of platforms so that it is accessible to children, families, students, researchers, land managers, consultants and developers. 7 Knowledge Biodiversity partners will consider and progress opportunities to improve the collection, storage, processing and dissemination of scientific information about Renfrewshire’s biodiversity. This knowledge flow is needed to ensure appropriate development, land management and conservation action - including the identification of situations in which more research is required before decisions can be made. The Better Biodiversity Data Project for Scotland provides an important opportunity to support knowledge generation and sharing which aligns with the aims of the Biodiversity Action Plan. Opportunities will be taken to liaise with the National Biodiversity Network Trust to ensure that Renfrewshire’s biodiversity is fully recognised and that mechanisms for addressing data gaps in innovative ways are explored.
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10 Action plans The People Power Priority Continuing to increase the involvement of people is essential for the future conservation of Renfrewshire’s biodiversity. Some of the more notable successes arising from previous Local Biodiversity Action Plans were the result of efforts by community groups and local specialists working to conserve and promote biodiversity interests. Therefore many of the actions within Renfrewshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan seek to encourage and support the engagement of more specialists and enthusiastic community groups to drive the plan forward and enable actions to be delivered. This Biodiversity Action Plan places people at the forefront of actions, designed to assist delivery of the Scottish Government vision for tackling the biodiversity emergency. The following actions are designed to stimulate and sustain increased involvement by people in conserving Renfrewshire’s biodiversity resources. The chapter is divided into two parts, the first covering general or area-wide initiatives and the second highlighting those biodiversity rich sites which have onsite staff or other people who can provide very practical and hands-on experiences.
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11 People Power: Communication and Engagement Actions identified in the following table promote biodiversity and provide a framework for engaging people more effectively in biodiversity work. As part of this, it is recognised that people’s interest in biodiversity conservation issues is more generally linked to individual species than the broader concept of habitats. Therefore a range of actions are designed to conserve individual species, where it is clear that people power will generate positive outcomes across broader habitat areas.
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12 People Power: Communication and Engagement Action plan Action No. Benefits and/ or beneficiaries Action/Activity Lead Partner Priority PP01 Communication and engagement Evaluate role of Local Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group in taking forward biodiversity initiatives in Renfrewshire. LBAPSG High PP02 Communication and engagement Develop Paisley Museum public programming, as part of the Paisley Museum Reimagined project, to raise awareness of biodiversity and conservation initiatives. OneRen / Paisley Museum High PP03 Communication and engagement Support local biodiversity groups and enthusiasts to undertake wildlife surveys in publicly accessible sites in Renfrewshire’s towns and villages to highlight the potential importance of urban areas for biodiversity and to engage local communities. LBAPSG Medium PP04 Communication and engagement Support volunteers monitoring Renfrewshire’s plants (particularly those species shown in Appendix 2) and to develop conservation initiatives to prevent decline of plant species. Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland High PP05 Communication and engagement Encourage volunteers to monitor Renfrewshire’s birds (as shown in Appendix 3), and to develop conservation initiatives which aim to reverse decline of bird species. Scottish Ornithologists Club (SOC) Clyde Branch High PP06 Communication and engagement Establishment of a Clyde Branch Discussion Group to coordinate local inputs, bring together current recorders, experienced bird watchers and beginners for peer-to-peer education. Set up and manage a mentoring system to help inexperienced bird watchers gain species identification skills. SOC Clyde Branch High PP07 Communication and engagement Continuation of volunteers monitoring Renfrewshire’s butterflies and drafting conservation proposals where required. Priority species will include Green Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Large Heath and Small Heath. Butterfly Conservation Scotland High
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13 People Power: Communication and Engagement Action plan (continued) Action No. Benefits and/ or beneficiaries Action/Activity Lead Partner Priority PP08 Communication and engagement Continue to deliver the “Clyde in the Classroom” and “Flying Fish” projects, taking school children out in the field to visit and study their local river or burn and introducing school pupils to the life cycle of the native Brown Trout and its conservation needs. Clyde River Foundation High PP09 Communication and engagement Working alongside local partners like the Yearnstane Project and the Friends of Clyde Muirshiel, use native tree planting and woodland conservation projects to increase the numbers of people actively engaged in practical biodiversity projects in Renfrewshire. Eadha Enterprises High PP10 Communication and engagement Support volunteers monitoring Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park’s biodiversity resources and to draft, develop and implement proposals for conservation initiatives which aim to reverse declines at a landscape scale. Friends of Clyde Muirshiel High PP11 Communication and engagement Use various surveys and channels to identify and map places where Swifts nest in Renfrewshire. Investigate opportunities for Swift conservation projects in Renfrewshire, in line with SNH’s 2017 Swift Best Practice Advice Note and the Concern for Swifts (Scotland) website. Concern for Swifts High PP12 Communication and engagement Monitor birds through ringing and deliver events to the public, a schools’ programme and involve students with research through universities. Clyde Ringing Group High PP13 Communication and engagement Continue to offer biodiversity audits and biodiversity enhancements to Renfrewshire schools. Starling Learning Medium
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14 People Power: Communication and Engagement Action plan (continued) Action No. Benefits and/ or beneficiaries Action/Activity Lead Partner Priority PP14 Communication and engagement Encourage and support volunteers monitoring plants, butterflies, birds, amphibians and other wildlife in collaboration with other organisations. Promote conservation activities and events through meetings, website and social media and encourage participation. Paisley Natural History Society High PP15 Communication and engagement Promote conservation gardening activities and events through meetings, shows and other public events to encourage participation by individual gardeners. Paisley Florist Society Gardening Club, High PP16 Communication and engagement Organise face-to-face and online training and networking opportunities based around national biodiversity conservation priorities, providing advice to local organisations on national funding schemes such the Nature Restoration Fund. NatureScot High PP17 Communication and engagement Provide low cost, nesting, roosting and habitat boxes, plus planters and other garden structures for community greenspace projects. Renfrewshire Wildlife High PP18 Communication and engagement Guide local support for the Better Biodiversity Data Project to develop the first steps in a strategic approach to the collection, collation and sharing of biological data across Scotland. National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Trust Medium PP19 Communication and engagement Implementation of the Swift and Barn Owl artificial nest box projects in Lochwinnoch. Lochwinnoch Force for Nature High
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15 People Power: Managed Sites There are a number of sites in Renfrewshire which are managed predominantly or partially for biodiversity conservation. These provide opportunities to communicate with local people and encourage them to become involved directly in conserving Renfrewshire’s biodiversity. These opportunities are highlighted in the following table.
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16 People Power: Managed Sites Action Plan Action No. Benefits and/ or beneficiaries Action/Activity Lead Partner Potential PP20 Managed site users Continue to support local community organisations playing an active role in biodiversity conservation, for example in their funding bids for projects which support the Biodiversity Action Plan. Renfrewshire Council High PP21 Managed site users Continue to encourage the formation and activities of Friends groups covering Renfrewshire’s parks, local nature reserves and other publicly managed greenspaces and support their efforts to enhance biodiversity. Renfrewshire Council Medium PP22 Managed site users Provide facilities and services at Gleniffer Braes Country Park and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park to encourage local community engagement in biodiversity conservation, including continuing to deploy staff to supervise groups of volunteers carrying out biodiversity conservation work in priority habitats. Renfrewshire Council High PP23 Managed Biodiversity Site Users Provide facilities and services at Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve to encourage local community engagement in biodiversity conservation, including continuing to deploy staff to supervise groups of volunteers carrying out biodiversity conservation work in priority habitats. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds High PP24 Managed Biodiversity Site Users Ensure people have access to Glen Moss Wildlife Reserve to engage with biodiversity, including, where resources allow, supporting volunteers to carry out monitoring, biodiversity conservation and access work on all habitats. Scottish Wildlife Trust High PP25 Managed Biodiversity Site Users Continue to recruit, train and retain volunteer Wildlife Champions for the National Cycle Network through the Greener Greenways project. Sustrans High
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17 People Power: Managed Sites Action Plan (continued) Action No. Benefits and/ or beneficiaries Action/Activity Lead Partner Potential PP26 Managed Biodiversity Site Users Provide facilities and services at Boden Boo, Erskine, Johnstone Woods, Windyhill, Howwood Community Woodland and Knockmountain, to encourage local community engagement in biodiversity conservation, including continuing to deploy staff to supervise groups of volunteers carrying out biodiversity conservation work in priority habitats. Forestry & Land Scotland High PP27 Managed Biodiversity Site Users Provide facilities and services at Finlaystone Country Estate to encourage local community engagement in biodiversity conservation, including continuing to deploy staff to supervise groups of volunteers carrying out biodiversity conservation work in priority habitats. Finlaystone Country Estate Medium PP28 Managed Biodiversity Site Users Continue to ensure Lesser Whitethroat research, habitat management and monitoring work can continue at Brownside Braes within Gleniffer Braes Country Park. Paisley Natural History Society High PP29 Managed Biodiversity Site Users Communicate widely the biodiversity benefits, community capacity and health promotion gains associated with community growing. Renfrewshire Council Medium PP30 Managed Biodiversity Site Users Support opportunities to increase the number of allotment and community growing sites/ plots in Renfrewshire and encourage the lease of appropriate sites to engaged communities, in line with the Community Empowerment Act and as a key step in the process of reconnecting people with nature. Renfrewshire Council Medium PP31 Managed Biodiversity Site Users Focus on Jenny’s Well Local Nature Reserve for educational activities providing volunteering opportunities and generally improving access to raise awareness of biodiversity conservation. Friends of Jenny’s Well High
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18 Geodiversity Biodiversity is fundamentally linked to underlying geological features. Geodiversity is a term abbreviated from geological diversity and encompasses rocks, minerals, fossils, soils, sediments, landforms and associated processes, all of which are the foundation for habitats, niches, and ultimately biodiversity. Previous Local Biodiversity Action Plans have included a general description of the area’s geodiversity resources and summarised how the geological framework had led to the formation of today’s landscapes and their habitats. It is recognised that there are links and opportunities for complementary actions which could benefit both geological and biological processes. One key example of where biodiversity is closely linked with geodiversity is in soil, which comprises a mixture of components derived from both geological and biological processes. The varying nature of this and other combinations between geology and biology has presented us with a diversity of landscapes, habitats, niches and species.
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19 It is recognised that geodiversity conservation must be a key part of biodiversity conservation. There is therefore the need to have a better understanding of the geodiversity resources in Renfrewshire. Renfrewshire’s rolling hills and valleys have been extensively extracted for mineral resources in the past. Historic maps show quarries and other mineral excavations dotted across the landscape, but the current significance of surviving relicts has not been evaluated. They have the potential to become valuable resources for public education and interpretation. Geodiversity Action Plan Action No. Benefits and beneficiaries Action/Activity Lead Partner Priority GD1 Geodiversity Compile a schedule of locally important geodiversity sites in Renfrewshire, with summary descriptions produced for each location. Strathclyde Geoconservation High GD2 Geodiversity Review requirements for promoting geodiversity in Renfrewshire through publications (online and other media). Strathclyde Geoconservation High GD3 Geodiversity Devise programmes to recruit local volunteers to support geodiversity conservation. Strathclyde Geoconservation High Similarly, Renfrewshire’s glacial history means that some watercourses flow through spectacular gorges as a result of natural excavation processes, where sequences of rock strata have been exposed. One of these sequences, the River Gryfe between Bridge of Weir and Crosslee, is of national importance. In other places water has been held back by impermeable rocks and superficial deposits. The water has filled hollows formed during the last Ice Age, allowing the development of shallow lochs and deep layers of peat bearing distinctive blanket bog and raised bog habitats. These accumulations of dead organic matter represent both important geodiversity and biodiversity conservation resources. A small number of actions in relation to geodiversity are set out below. These reflect resources available from partner organisations and highlight key actions which will support geodiversity conservation in Renfrewshire as an important element of this plan.
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20 Green Networks Integration of environmental issues with social considerations, economic regeneration and health in a coordinated manner is a key consideration in this Action Plan. Generally, the Plan identifies actions supporting the development of Green Network principles, in which biodiversity and geodiversity are considered alongside access, active travel, healthy living, community growing, flood control, air quality, climate change adaptation and other quality of life issues. This holistic approach maximises the opportunities for action, diversifies delivery mechanisms and assists access to resources. In particular, this integrated, multiple benefits approach reflects the ‘Nature Network’ principles which underpin Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy to 2045. The strategy identifies five key strategic actions: 1. Accelerate restoration and regeneration; 2. Expand and connect protected areas and improve their condition; 3. Support nature-friendly farming, fishing and forestry; 4. Recover and protect vulnerable and important species; 5. Generate the investment needed to support nature recovery. The actions and initiatives being undertaken in Renfrewshire to align with the approach of the 2045 strategy are summarised in the following table.
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21 Green Networks Action Plan Action No. Benefits and beneficiaries Action/activity Lead Partner Priority NN01 Designated sites in Renfrewshire Review the Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation network across Renfrewshire, resurveying and reassessing sites as required and evaluating candidate sites suggested for addition to the schedule. Renfrewshire Council High NN02 Designated sites in Renfrewshire In relation to designated sites, ensure opportunities to maximise gains for biodiversity are identified, supported, and implemented as part of statutory functions, including the new requirements for Councils to define nature networks. At the same time, seek opportunities to integrate geodiversity, create new habitats, enhance habitats, and form nature networks linking areas rich in biodiversity. Renfrewshire Council High NN03 Designated sites in Renfrewshire Explore opportunities for managed realignment on the Inner Clyde SPA. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Medium NN04 Designated sites in Renfrewshire Explore the effects of recreational disturbance on the Inner Clyde SPA and methods to reduce this. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Medium NN05 Designated sites in Renfrewshire Enhance habitats to encourage the return of a breeding population of Hen Harriers in the Renfrewshire Heights SPA, including community engagement work and building stakeholder support. Renfrewshire Council High NN06 Nature Network Enhancement Develop a Green Network Strategy and Nature Network for Renfrewshire, to align with principles of NPF4 and Scottish Government’s “Biodiversity Strategy to 2045”. Renfrewshire Council High NN07 Nature Network Enhancement Develop and deliver the Greener Greenways Project in Renfrewshire, creating and enriching corridors for wildlife along the National Cycle Network, particularly creating priority habitats, e.g., ponds, lowland fens, wet woodland. Sustrans Medium
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22 Green Networks Action Plan (continued) Action No. Benefits and beneficiaries Action/activity Lead Partner Priority NN08 Nature Network Enhancement Assist the creation of community gardens, allotments and other food growing opportunities in support of community aspirations in various locations across Renfrewshire, whilst reinforcing nature networks in urban areas. Renfrewshire Growing Grounds Forum Medium NN09 Nature Network Enhancement Develop a Forestry & Woodland Strategy – reflecting the previous strategy for Glasgow & Clyde Valley area – in accordance with NPF4. Renfrewshire Council High NN10 Nature Network Enhancement Identify, promote, and carry out greening of sites in line with Renfrewshire Council’s Vacant & Derelict Land Strategy, in partnership with community organisations. Renfrewshire Council Medium NN11 Nature Network Enhancement Implement current and future phases of the “Biodiversity Areas” Project https://storymaps.arcgis.com/ stories/86b7ab224cce402f8f8e3fa2434c0ac4 Renfrewshire Council High NN12 Nature Network Enhancement Participate in the Clyde Climate Forest initiative, concentrating initially on the urban priority areas identified by CCF canopy analysis research – Foxbar and Ferguslie Park. Renfrewshire Council High NN13 Nature Network Enhancement Support the efforts of community organisations to create or enhance biodiversity rich habitats within existing publicly accessible greenspaces. Renfrewshire Council High
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23 Green Networks Action Plan (continued) Action No. Benefits and beneficiaries Action/activity Lead Partner Priority NN14 Climate Change Resilience Use climate change spatial analyses produced by Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership and others to build a case for adaptation interventions which involve using new or enhanced natural habitat elements at specific localities and generally across Renfrewshire. Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership Low NN15 Climate Change Resilience Review Biodiversity Action Plan, site management plans and other conservation strategies, plans and projects to ensure that: a) risks from adverse climate change have been identified, b) future changes in these pressures are assessed, c) that these are being explicitly addressed wherever possible incorporating adaptation measures, d) carbon capture within habitats is considered. Renfrewshire Council Low
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24 Priority Habitats in Renfrewshire In aiming to tailor the approach in Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy 2045 to Renfrewshire, actions identified below have been aligned through focusing on habitats included on the Scottish Biodiversity List and prioritised as “Conservation Action Required”. In future, the increased focus on Nature Networks may require closer alignment between priority habitats and more generalised nature network actions, as habitat fragmentation is a key concern for biodiversity conservation. Priority Habitats Action Plan Action No. Site, topic or habitat type Action/activity Lead Partner Priority PH01 Habitats – Lowland Fens Complete an inventory of lowland fen sites in Renfrewshire, including an assessment of their current conservation condition. Renfrewshire Council High PH02 Habitats–Lowland Fens Ensure all good quality Lowland Fen sites are included within SINCs. Renfrewshire Council High PH03 Habitats–Lowland Fens Employ results of the Clyde Wetlands Project to extend and enhance network of Lowland Fen habitats in Renfrewshire. GCVGNP High PH04 Habitats–Lowland Fens Investigate opportunities for habitat enhancements at Paisley Moss LNR to control scrub invasion, drying out of the fen, etc. Glasgow Airport High PH05 Habitats–Lowland Fens Implementation of the Dargavel Burn SSSI Management Plan, in line with guidance from NatureScot. Forestry & Land Scotland High PH06 Habitats–Lowland Fens Implementation of the Glen Moss Management Plan, including measures to protect the lowland fen, such as controlling scrub and other actions as agreed through discussion with NatureScot. Scottish Wildlife Trust High PH07 Habitats–Lowland Raised Bogs Complete an inventory of lowland raised bog sites in Renfrewshire which are suitable for restoration projects through the Peatland Action Programme. GCVGNP / NatureScot High
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25 Priority Habitats Action Plan (continued) Action No. Site, topic or habitat type Action/activity Lead Partner Priority PH08 Habitats–Lowland Raised Bogs Continue surveying for the presence of Large Heath butterflies on Lowland Raised Bog sites. Butterfly Conservation Scotland High PH09 Habitats–Blanket Bogs Explore opportunities to restore Sergeantlaw Moss (if landowners are supportive) through drain blocking and scrub control projects. Renfrewshire Council High PH10 Habitats–Blanket Bogs Develop and present case for Barochan Moss to be restored as part of reclamation of ROF Bishopton and “community woodland park” attached to the new community of Dargavel. BAE Systems High PH11 Habitats–Blanket Bogs Implement the approved Muirshiel Country Park Woodland Management Plan 2016-2025, specifically the sections relating to the removal of invasive Sitka Spruce regeneration from deep peat areas. Renfrewshire Council High PH12 Habitats–Blanket Bogs Implement the NatureScot Peatland Action recommended peat habitat restoration project at West Tandlemuir Farm. Renfrewshire Council High PH13 Habitats–Blanket Bogs Continue developing (biodiversity focused) moorland restoration projects with appropriate partners for privately owned sections of the Renfrewshire Heights Special Protection Area. GCVGNP / NatureScot High PH14 Habitats–Lowland Heathland Continue restoration of juniper at the Cample Burn, Renfrewshire Heights. Renfrewshire Council High PH15 Habitats–Lowland Heathland Complete an inventory of high-quality lowland heathland sites in Renfrewshire, ensuring best examples of lowland heathland are included within SINCs. Renfrewshire Council High
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26 Action No. Site, topic or habitat type Action/activity Lead Partner Priority PH16 Habitats – Lowland Meadows Ensure best examples of lowland meadow sites in Renfrewshire are included within SINCs. Renfrewshire Council High PH17 Habitats – Lowland Meadows Devise strategy for affording protection and positive management for best examples of lowland meadow sites. Renfrewshire Council High PH18 Habitats–Lowland Meadows Employ results of the Clyde Grasslands Project to extend and enhance network of high-quality Lowland Meadow habitats in Renfrewshire. GCVGNP High PH19 Habitats–Lowland Meadows Update inventory of Greater Butterfly Orchid locations in Renfrewshire, including appeal for information about the presence of the species, as a good indicator of quality grassland habitats and a Scottish Biodiversity List species categorised as “conservation action required”. Renfrewshire Wildlife High PH20 Habitats–Lowland Meadows Ensure that sites which are discovered to hold significant Greater Butterfly Orchids colonies during field surveys are covered by SINCs or afforded protection by other means. Renfrewshire Council High PH21 Habitats–Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Design, implementation and promotion of the grassland habitat sections of the Biodiversity Areas Project, as per specifications agreed with NatureScot and the Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund award. Renfrewshire Council High PH22 Habitats–Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Investigate the extent and quality of lowland dry acid grassland sites in Renfrewshire. Renfrewshire Council High Priority Habitats Action Plan (continued)
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27 Priority Habitats Action Plan (continued) Action No. Site, topic or habitat type Action/activity Lead Partner Priority PH23 Habitats–Lowland Dry Acid Grassland Ensure best examples of lowland dry acid grassland are included within SINCs. Renfrewshire Council High PH24 Habitats–Rivers Support SEPA’s efforts to improve Candren Burn, Paisley to “Good” standard ecologically, via proposed Water Environment Fund project. Renfrewshire Council High PH25 Habitats–Rivers Implementation of the Nature Restoration Fund supported “Restoring Renfrewshire’s Rivers” project to control INNS plants. Renfrewshire Council High PH26 Habitats–Ponds Continue fish population and other aquatic surveys of river catchments in response to requests from anyone either undertaking or considering working in or alongside any of the Clyde catchment rivers. Clyde River Foundation High PH27 Habitats–Ponds Investigate compilation of a list of ponds of potential conservation interest in Renfrewshire, with a view towards future monitoring as resources permit. Clyde Amphibians & Reptiles Group Medium PH28 Habitats–Ponds Trial the use of planted artificial floating islands at RSPB Scotland’s Lochwin-noch Reserve.. Royal Society for the Protec-tion of Birds High PH29 Habitats–Ponds Maintain and extend network of small ponds along the National Cycle Network. Sustrans High PH30 Habitats–Ponds Creation of a new pond at Jenny’s Well Local Nature Reserve to help the survival of breeding amphibians – in partnership with FrogLife. Friends of Jenny’s Well High
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28 Priority Habitats Action Plan (continued) Action No. Site, topic or habitat type Action/activity Lead Partner Priority PH31 Habitats – Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland Produce FCS approved WIAT management plans for Renfrewshire Council owned Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland sites. Renfrewshire Council High PH32 Habitats–Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland Implement the Renfrewshire Woods Land Management Plan 2016-2026 at Boden Boo, Johnstone Woods, Windyhill, Howwood Community Woodland and Knockmountain. Forestry & Land Scotland Medium PH33 Habitats–Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland Manage semi-natural self-sown and planted woodlands at Jenny’s Well Local Nature Reserve in Paisley. Friends of Jenny’s Well High PH34 Habitats–Upland Birchwoods Implement the approved Muirshiel Country Park Woodland Management Plan 2016-2025, particularly the sections for Orblis Hill and Monument Hill (will also benefit examples of Upland Oakwood and Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland habitats). Renfrewshire Council High PH35 Habitats – Upland Birchwood Develop, deliver and promote tree planting activities in privately owned Upland Birchwood sites in Renfrewshire. Yearnstane Project High PH36 Habitats–Upland Oakwood Produce FCS approved management plan for Shaw Wood, Paisley, a Renfrewshire Council-owned Upland Oakwood site. Renfrewshire Council High PH37 Habitats–Wet Woodlands Investigate linear section of Upland Oakwood lining the River Calder upstream of Lochwinnoch and devise management prescriptions for proposing to landowners. Renfrewshire Council High PH38 PH37 Develop, deliver, and promote tree planting activities in privately owned Upland Oakwood sites across Renfrewshire. Yearnstane Project High PH39 PH37 Produce FCS approved WIAT management plan for a Council-owned Wet Woodland site in Renfrewshire. Renfrewshire Council High PH40 PH37 Develop, deliver and promote tree planting activities in privately owned Wet Woodland sites across Renfrewshire. Yearnstane Project High
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29 Invasive Non-Native species The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 recognises non-native species and wildlife diseases as one of five direct drivers of global biodiversity loss. In Renfrewshire the issues and challenges are most readily seen along its watercourses, where invasive non-native plant species like Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam can dominate some stretches of riverbank. The presence of North American Mink in the same water systems has been one of the major contributory factors towards the loss of the Water Vole from Renfrewshire. The White Cart Water also has widespread populations of Bullhead and Gudgeon, both non-native fish which the Clyde River Foundation fears may be damaging trout and salmon breeding success through egg predation. The requirement for ongoing active detection of Invasive Non-Native Species is illustrated by the tree disease, Ash Dieback Disease, which was first found in the UK only in 2012 but which saw confirmed infections in eastern and central Renfrewshire during 2016. It is now prevalent throughout the area and is causing significant issues for woodland managers. Other invasive non-native species have been with us for much longer and cause concern for biodiversity conservation, for example Rhododendron ponticum and a variety of other imported trees and shrubs. These non-native species have adapted to Renfrewshire’s wet climate and soils and now threaten a number of sites containing Lowland Raised Bog, Blanket Bog, Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodlands, Upland Birchwood and Upland Oakwood habitats in particular.
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30 Invasive Non-Native Species Action Plan Action No. Problems tackled Action/Activity Lead Partner Priority INNS01 Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Rhododendron ponticum. Development and delivery of the Nature Restoration Fund supported “Restoring Renfrewshire’s Rivers” project, monitoring and controlling five invasive plant species along five river valleys - including tracking locations, extents and population densities, making control inputs in publicly owned and managed greenspaces, sharing information about invasive non-native species identification and control. Renfrewshire Council High INNS02 Giant Hogweed Continuing Giant Hogweed control along the White Cart Water in Paisley town centre and elsewhere on Council land as required. Renfrewshire Council High INNS03 Rhododendron ponticum Continuing control of invasive non-native trees and shrubs at Muirshiel Country Park and Parkhill Woods, in line with the approved management plans. Renfrewshire Council High INNS04 Rhododendron ponticum Continuing control of invasive non-native trees and shrubs at Finlaystone Countryside Estate. Finlaystone High INNS05 Rhododendron, Japanese Knotweed & Himalayan Balsam Implement control measures for Rhododendron ponticum, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam at Johnstone Woods. Forestry & Land Scotland High INNS06 Rhododendron, Japanese Knotweed & Himalayan Balsam Implement control projects to remove Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam from Jenny’s Well Local Nature Reserve. Friends of Jenny’s Well INNS07 Himalayan Balsam Implement control measures for Himalayan Balsam in Howwood Community Woodland. Forestry & Land Scotland High
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31 Monitoring and Review Several performance reviews of previous Local Biodiversity Action Plans have been undertaken in recent years. These exercises revealed that monitoring and review were two areas which had presented some difficulty for the LBAP partners and that a reappraisal of the approach was needed. The introduction of a Biodiversity Duty reporting regime for public bodies, to comply with the provisions of the Wildlife & Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 has placed a greater focus on monitoring and review since 2014. The emphasis of this process is however much more focussed on the policies and actions of the public bodies, rather than their impact on biodiversity resources on the ground. At a national level, focus is being brought to the monitoring and evaluation of different habitats and species by the RSPB led State of Nature Partnership, which is producing State of Nature Reports every three years for the UK and its constituent nations, including Scotland. The challenge for local biodiversity partners, particularly in view of diminishing resources, is to identify creative approaches to share data and the implications at the Renfrewshire level.
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32 Monitoring and Review Action Plan Action No. Benefits and Beneficiaries Action/Activity Lead Partner Priority MR01 All Species Participate in national species monitoring schemes as opportunities arise. All High MR02 All Species Production and online publication of public bodies’ Biodiversity Duty Report, as required by the Wildlife & Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 on a three-year cycle. Renfrewshire Council High MR03 Birds Compilation and publication of the Clyde Bird Report as a guide to fluctuations in local bird populations. Scottish Ornithologists’ Club High MR04 Rivers Continue collecting river quality data from ad hoc surveys (as commissioned and permitted) and encouraging local angling clubs to participate in river surveys. Clyde River Foundation High MR05 All species and habitats Collect, record in recommended formats, and submit biological records to the Glasgow Museums Biological Records Centre, so that data can be uploaded to the National Biodiversity Network database and to other national recording schemes. All High MR06 Various, as resources and expertise permit Regular recording of flowers, birds and butterflies at Jenny’s Well Local Nature Reserve. Friends of Jenny’s Well High
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33 Appendix 1: Organisations actively participating in the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 Organisation Name BAE Systems Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI) Brediland Allotments Association Butterfly Conservation Scotland Clyde Amphibians & Reptiles Group Clyde Ringing Group Clyde River Foundation Concern for Swifts Darkwood Crew Eadha Enterprises Erskine Community Allotments Association Finlaystone Country Estate Friends of Clyde Muirshiel Friends of Jenny’s Well Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership Glasgow Airport Glasgow City Region Strategic Environment Partnership
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34 Organisation Name Grow in Glenburn Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust Lochwinnoch Force for Nature Lochwinnoch Sustainable Community Garden National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Trust NatureScot OneRen Paisley Florist Society Gardening Club Paisley Natural History Society Paisley West End Allotments Group Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners Renfrewshire Council Renfrewshire Growing Grounds Forum Renfrewshire Wildlife Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (Clyde Branch) Scottish Wildlife Trust Starling Learning Strathclyde Geoconservation Sustrans Scotland West End Growing Grounds Association Yearnstane Project
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35 Appendix 2: Plant Species of Conservation Concern in Renfrewshire Nationally Significant Plants Growing in Renfrewshire: Found in less than 5% (141) of 10km squares in GB Scientific Name English Name No. of 10km squares recorded in the Atlas Cicuta virosa Cowbane 139 (“Caplaw” in Renfrewshire) Corallorhiza trifida Coral Root Orchid 102 Elatine hydropiper Eight-stamened Waterwort 33 Hierochloe odorata Holy Grass 18 Lysimachia thyrsiflora Tufted Loosestrife 51 This information has been compiled from a range of sources, with the national distributions being assessed using the BSBI’s New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora (2002) (edited by Preston, Pearman and Dines). The Renfrewshire dimension was provided by various sources, including the audit process which preceded the production and publication of the 2004 Local Biodiversity Action Plan, from Keith Watson’s 2013 Flora of Renfrewshire, from Phase 1 Habitat Surveys undertaken in 1991 and 1999 and from SINC surveys undertaken since initial designation in 2002. The information is presented below in three levels of National Significance and three levels of Local Significance. Higher plants are one of the better groups for information held, because of a history of surveying and data compilation at both national and local levels, as can be seen below.
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36 Found in less than 10% (281) of 10km squares in GB Scientific Name English Name No. of 10km squares recorded in the Atlas Carex aquatilis Water Sedge 219 Meum athamanticum Spignel 164 Salix myrsinifolia Dark-leaved Willow 276 Sedum villosum Hairy Stonecrop 211 Zostera noltei Dwarf eel-grass 159 Found in less than 20% (562) of 10km squares in GB Scientific Name English Name No. of 10km squares recorded in the Atlas Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort 435 Carex diandra Lesser Tussock Sedge 378 Carex lasiocarpa Slender Sedge 461 (Walls Hill and Hartfield Moss in Ren.) Carex limosa Bog-sedge 423 Carex pauciflora Few-flowered Sedge 377 Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 296 Diphasiastrum alpinum Alpine Clubmoss 539 Drosera intermedia Oblong-leaved Sundew 508 Hammarbya paludosa Bog Orchid 302 Oenanthe lachenalii Parsley Water-dropwort 551 (“Erskine” in Renfrewshire) Pseudorchis albida Small-white Orchid Old records only Pyrola minor Lesser Wintergreen 558 Rubus chamaemorus Cloudberry 394 Ruppia maritima Beaked Tasselweed 363 (“Langbank” in Renfrewshire) Saxifraga hypnoides Mossy Saxifrage 406 Stellaria nemorum Wood Stitchwort 432 Trientalis europaea Chickweed Wintergreen 514 (Bardrain Glen in the 1940s)
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Renfrewshire Significance: Found in 5 sites or fewer in Renfrewshire: very uncommon Scientific Name English Name Estimated No. sites where species has been found in Renfrewshire Campanula latifolia Giant Bellflower 1 Carex acuta Slender Tufted-sedge 1 Carex arenaria Sand Sedge 1 Carex dioica Dioecious Sedge 1 Carex disticha Brown Sedge 1 Carex paniculata Greater Tussock Sedge 3 Carex pauciflora Few-flowered Sedge 1 Carex pilulifera Pill Sedge 1 Carex pulicaris Flea Sedge 1 Carex spicata Spiked Sedge 1 Centaurium erythraea Centaury 1 Chrysosplenium alternifolium Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage 1 Corallorhiza trifida Coral Root Orchid 2 Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern 1 Ceratocapnos claviculata Climbing Corydalis 2 Cruciata laevipes Crosswort 1 Drosera anglica Great Sundew 1 37
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38 Found in 5 sites or fewer in Renfrewshire: very uncommon (continued) Scientific Name English Name Estimated No. sites where species has been found in Renfrewshire Dryopteris carthusiana Narrow Buckler-fern 2 Eleocharis quinqueflora Few-flowered Spike-rush 1 Empetrum nigrum Crowberry 1 Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff 1 Geranium pratense Meadow Cranesbill 5 Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid 1 Gymnocarpium dryopteris Oak Fern 2 Hippurus vulgaris Marestail 2 Huperzia selago Fir Clubmoss 1 Juniperus communis Juniper 2 Lathraea squamaria Toothwort 1 Listera cordata Lesser Twayblade 1 Listera ovata Twayblade 3 Littorella uniflora Shoreweed 1 Lysimachia thyrsiflora Tufted Loosestrife 1 Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife 1 Melica uniflora Wood Melick 1 Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean 5 Nuphar lutea Yellow Water Lily 2 Ophioglossum vulgatum Adder’s-tongue 1
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Found in 5 sites or fewer in Renfrewshire: very uncommon (continued) Scientific Name English Name SINC No. or other sites where found Paris quadrifolia Herb Paris 1 Phegopteris connectilis Beech Fern 1 Platanthera bifolia Lesser Butterfly Orchid 1 Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield Fern 1 Pyrola minor Lesser Wintergreen 1 Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle 4 Rorippa palustris Marsh Yellow-cress 1 Salix aurita Eared Willow 1 Salix myrsinifolia Dark-leaved Willow 1 Stellaria nemorum Wood Stitchwort 1 Triglochin palustris Marsh Arrowgrass 1 Trollius europaeus Globeflower 1 Utricularia minor Lesser Bladderwort 2 Utricularia vulgaris Greater Bladderwort 1 Vaccinium oxycoccos Cranberry 2 Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cowberry 1 Viola lutea Mountain Pansy 2 Viola tricolor Wild Pansy 1 Vulpia bromoides Squirreltail Fescue 1 39
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40 Found in 6 -10 sites or fewer in Renfrewshire: uncommon Scientific Name English Name Estimated No. sites where species was found in Renfrewshire Carex aquatilis Water Sedge 7 Carex diandra Lesser Tussock Sedge 6 Carex echinata Star Sedge 8 Carex limosa Bog-sedge 6 Carum verticillatum Whorled Caraway 8 Drosera rotundifolia Sundew 7 Hydrocotyle vulgare Marsh Pennywort 6 Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin 8 Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean 6 Meum athamanticum Spignel 6 Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle 6 Found in 10-20 sites or fewer in Renfrewshire: less common This table will be populated as ongoing survey work across Renfrewshire progresses during the lifespan of this Biodiversity Action Plan. Scientific Name English Name Estimated No. sites where species was found in Renfrewshire Platanthera chlorantha Greater Butterfly Orchid 11
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Appendix 3: Bird Species of Conservation Concern in Renfrewshire Since the outset of the LBAP process in Renfrewshire, bird conservation inputs have depended on the expertise and inputs of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Clyde Branch for its ornithological components. This continues to be the case for the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan and SOC has provided updated information on local bird species of conservation concern, which is based on many years of monitoring bird populations and distributions. The SOC has reviewed the latest Red and Amber lists included in 2021’s Birds of Conservation Concern 5 and concluded that the following species are the most pertinent for the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Selected Red List species of concern in Renfrewshire Selected Amber List species of concern in Renfrewshire Hen Harrier Whooper Swan Kestrel Lapwing Shelduck Rook Swift Woodpigeon Sedge Warbler Cuckoo Moorhen Willow Warbler Skylark Oystercatcher Common Whitethroat Grasshopper Warbler Common Sandpiper Wren House Martin Redshank Dipper Starling Snipe Song Thrush Mistle Thrush Black-headed Gull Dunnock Spotted Flycatcher Lesser Black-backed Gull Meadow Pipit Whinchat Short-eared Owl Grey Wagtail House Sparrow Tawny Owl Bullfinch Tree Sparrow Sparrowhawk Reed Bunting Tree Pipit Greenfinch Linnet Lesser Redpoll Yellowhammer 41
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42 SOC Clyde Branch has narrowed down these lists further to a selection of species which are realistically viable for conservation measures in Renfrewshire. Even within this selection, SOC has recognised the resource challenges faced by all the biodiversity partners by identifying local priority (*) candidates and indicated the summary reasons for selection in the following tables below. Red List SPECIES SOC comments on conservation requirements Notes on status and distribution Hen Harrier * The Renfrewshire Heights Special Protection Area (SPA) lies entirely within Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. The designation was applied because of its national importance for breeding Hen Harrier. This is one of the highest categories of nature conservation importance in the UK, indeed Europe, and there is a responsibility to monitor the breeding population and address the habitat requirements of this species. The breeding population of Hen Harriers declined after the publication of the 2004 LBAP and there are currently no breeding pairs in Renfrewshire. Swift Being tackled through Actions summarised within this Action Plan, particularly PP11. Scattered and to be clarified by the survey element of specific Actions above. Lapwing * This is a declining species in Renfrewshire, thought to be mainly due to lack of suitable ‘honeypot’ breeding sites, which theoretically could be relatively easily created through habitat manipulation and cooperation from farmers. Only a handful of sites in Renfrewshire believed to still hold nesting Lapwings. House Martin Initiate public education programme to deter illegal destruction of nests on residential and other properties. Widespread but dependent on small, isolated habitats. Starling Requires action at national and farming policy level, but maintained grassland under public ownership, private golf courses, etc, could be managed more sympathetically towards sustaining the bird’s natural (invertebrate) food supply. Reasonably common and widespread as a breeding species in Renfrewshire. Mistle Thrush Creation of native woodlands in semi-upland habitats. Reasonably common and widespread as a breeding species in Renfrewshire.
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43 Red List (continued) SPECIES SOC comments on conservation requirements Notes on status and distribution Spotted Flycatcher Habitat manipulation, mainly by appropriate tree planting at suitable sites. No recent records of nesting in Renfrewshire. Whinchat * Habitat manipulation by creating open neutral grassland habitats, lightly grazed; advising farmers and foresters on glade requirements. Has declined as a result of changing agricultural practices. Tree Sparrow * Retention of traditional colony sites, e.g old farm buildings; erection of nest boxes in suitable habitat; supplementary feeding. Has declined as a result of changing agricultural practices. Linnet Conservation of areas of gorse scrub and farmland hedgerows; control of burning by farmers, especially during nesting season; sensitive road verge maintenance planning. Has declined as a result of changing agricultural practices. Yellowhammer Encourage farmland biodiversity appropriately for the species. Has declined as a result of changing agricultural practices.
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44 Amber List SPECIES SOC comments on conservation requirements Notes on status and distribution Whooper Swan * Action required to sustain Renfrewshire’s internationally important flock of Icelandic Whooper Swans. Specifically, encourage an appropriate land management regime on the sanctuary area within the Black Cart Special Protection Area. Reduction in recent years as a wintering bird in Renfrewshire. Shelduck * Encourage research into the decline of wintering and breeding Shelduck on the Inner Clyde Special Protection Area. Red Grouse Encourage moorland management of the Renfrewshire Heights SPA to produce a naturally sustainable population of Red Grouse, as part of an overall plan for the conservation of biodiversity focusing on Hen Harrier. Formerly an Amber Listed species on the Birds of Conservation Concern schedules. Low population levels and limited distribution in Renfrewshire. Redshank Integrate with appropriate wetland habitat plans. Encourage research into the decline of wintering and passage Redshank on the Inner Clyde Special Protection Area Reduction in recent years as a wintering bird in Renfrewshire. Only a handful of sites in Renfrewshire believed to still hold nesting Redshank. Snipe As Redshank for breeding habitat, also moorland water table management. Only a handful of sites in Renfrewshire believed to still hold nesting Snipe. Black-headed Gull Review previous draft plan. The species has continued to decline. Lesser Black-backed Gull Attempt to halt and where possible reverse the effects of illegal persecution. Short-eared Owl Integrate ecological requirements to the Hen Harrier prescribed management plan for the Renfrewshire Heights SPA. Only occurs in Renfrewshire as an occasional winter visitor.
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Amber List (continued) SPECIES SOC comments on conservation requirements Notes on status and distribution Kingfisher Design riparian tree planting to discourage disturbance of nests by anglers. Localised breeding population. Kestrel Create more open neutral grassland areas and wider woodland glades to facilitate improved hunting habitat. Has declined as a result of changing agricultural practices. Song Thrush * Conservation of scrub woodland habitat and selective naturalisation of public parkland; also, education on use of garden pesticides. Reasonably common and widespread as a breeding species in Renfrewshire. Dipper Installation of nesting niches/boxes in bridge construction and maintenance works. Widespread but dependent on small, isolated habitats. Bullfinch Encourage conservation and retention of scrub woodland, and inclusion of Prunus and Malus fruit tree species. Small but widespread population in Renfrewshire. Reed Bunting Integrate with appropriate wetland habitat plans, and conserve areas of purple moor grass Molinia caerulea (winter seed supply). Widespread but dependent on small, isolated habitats. 45
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46 Other Bird Species of Local or Regional Significance Only species with potential practical opportunities for local conservation measures are listed here. SPECIES SOC comments on conservation requirements Notes on status and distribution Kingfisher Design riparian tree planting to discourage disturbance of nests by anglers. Formerly an Amber Listed species on the Birds of Conservation Concern schedules. Localised breeding population. Lesser Whitethroat Lesser Whitethroat is retained as an LBAP species in Renfrewshire because: 1.They are locally rare in both Renfrewshire and Ayrshire. 2.The breeding habitat in itself is extremely rare in those counties. 3. It remains a perfect indicator species for quality scrubland habitat, which benefits other important scrub species i.e. Song Thrush & Linnet. 4. Long term field research in Renfrewshire & Ayrshire (SW Scotland) is still ongoing and vitally important as, according to the British Trust for Ornithology, this is the only research project in the UK that is looking into the Lesser Whitethroat specifically and the distribution results are an important source of information for a migratory species which has benefited from climate change. 5. Funding for habitat management (restoration & replanting) is still ongoing in Gleniffer Braes Country Park. 6. Scientific papers about habitat management / distribution and habitat preference changes for the Lesser Whitethroat are in preparation for future publication. Species has only a tentative presence in Renfrewshire, nesting intermittently at a single site in Gleniffer Braes Country Park.
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For more information visit Renfrewshire Councils website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk or contact regenerationandplace@renfrewshire.gov.uk Customer service centre Renfrewshire House Cotton Street Paisley PA1 1AN 0300 300 0300