Major Conservation Project Launched for the Tay
A major conservation project has just been launched in the western catchments of the Tay river system in Highland Perthshire. Covering 1,017 miles of watercourses, the Tay Western Catchments Project (WCP) is the biggest riparian habitat project ever undertaken in Scotland.
It has rapidly growing support across a wide range of community, landowning, agency and business interests. The project is being managed by Scottish Native Woods, and a number of different bodies including the Tay Ghillies Association, The Tay Liaison Committee and landowners have come together to advise on and facilitate the work.
With many wildlife and fish species (notably the Atlantic salmon and native trout) in recent decline, this project will evaluate biodiversity at a catchment scale, identifying areas where habitat condition is a problem and then drawing up a ‘shopping list’ of projects which will seek to remedy any problems found. |
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With the initial publicity now over, the task of walking the miles has begun, with almost a tenth of the length already completed. The logistics of surveying 1000 miles of watercourses are frightening, considering that some run up to almost 3000ft. Lesser streams still have waterfalls, steep gullies or electric fences to navigate, fighting through bracken, avoiding ticks and all the time trying to remember everything that must be recorded. Escape from driving rain at high altitude or in an open glen is impossible when it closes in quickly on you, maintaining morale is all important.
Already the sheer numbers of species of animals associated with our riparian habitats is becoming obvious, from water voles and dippers, to montane willows, newts and golden eagles. These are the things that break up a day. Routes have to be planned so that long hikes back to your vehicle can be avoided.
A typical day can involve walking up to 1500 ft, finding the next tributary along and coming down that. Then up another one and down the next. And the following day, the same again. Sometimes coming down is the worst bit. It is a punishing schedule, and will take 2-3 people about four months to complete, over the course of a year, and cost approx £70,000.
There are many, many owners and other interested parties in the area who must be consulted and persuaded of the merit of the idea. Keeping good communications is then paramount. The task is time consuming but ultimately rewarding. We have a few phone calls to make yet however.
This project will open up the possibility of future land management funding being targeted at the specific issues identified in Highland Perthshire, helping farmers and woodland owners as well as those with fishing interests.
It is our intention to provide opportunities for local people to help us survey approx 100 miles of the total, allowing them to learn about this valuable resource that we often take for granted.
To learn more about the Western Catchments Project, to become involved as a volunteer, or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.scottishnativewoods.org.uk and you will find details under Whats Happening?
by Victor Clements, SNW
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