Wild. Atmospheric. Rugged. Natural. Special. Just some of the words that may come to mind when you think of the Scottish uplands. The mountains, moorlands and heath which cover half of Scotland contain 90% of the UK’s montane habitat and one of the largest areas of blanket bog in the world. These iconic landscapes provide the water we drink and mountains to climb. They are steeped in folklore, have a rich cultural heritage and support the livelihoods of rural communities that call them home. They are also home to some of Scotland’s best loved wildlife, such as mountain hares, golden eagles, red deer, capercaillie and wildcats. Increasingly Scotland’s uplands are refuges for species which are being lost from the lowlands, for example the cuckoo and whinchat; both migratory species which were once far more widespread in Britain.
But some other words also describe the Scottish uplands: undervalued, exploited and vulnerable. The uplands have been shaped and influenced by man for millennia, from the low intensity agriculture and forest clearance that first created the open landscapes, to increasingly intensive livestock systems in some areas and abandonment in others; the introduction of large sporting estates for country sports; to the more recent wind energy developments; and commercial forestry plantations. Overgrazing, drainage, burning, peat cutting and commercial forestry and hill tracks have each left a legacy, and in some cases a scar. As a result, 80% of our peatlands have been damaged, just over 6% of Caledonian pine forest remains and upland wildlife is suffering.
SNH recently released their annual update on the Index of Abundance of Terrestrial Breeding Birds, 1994-2015. They reported that the upland bird index has fallen significantly, by 14%, between 1994 and 2016. Six of the seven wading birds surveyed have declined by 20% since 1994. This was in contrast to reported increases in both the woodland and farmland bird indices. The wonderful BTO/SOC Atlas of breeding birds also documents the loss of range and numbers for a wide range of upland birds, including the curlew, for which Scotland holds over 20% of the global population.
Upland communities have also suffered in recent years, from fewer job opportunities, out-migration of young people, farm amalgamation, and simplification and the ever increasing average age of farmers. Lifestyle migration into more rural areas has pushed up house prices and reduced access to affordable housing. Increasingly, income is generated through development of renewable energy in the uplands, and tourism though this income does not always reach local communities.
These problems arise because there is no strategic approach to upland management. Land owners with competing interests manage different parcels of land for individual benefit but the impacts are shared by many. The ongoing debate around the management of wild deer, and the impact they have by trampling fragile habitats, and by browsing of native woodlands (including protected areas) exemplifies the challenge playing out in the hills. This leads to conflicts and tradeoffs which affect the functioning of upland ecosystems and delivery of the services they have the potential to provide. Put simply the stock of Natural Capital in our hills is eroding, and the special wildlife that is found in these landscapes is under increasing pressure. The solution is surely a clearer vision for what society wants from the hills, and an incentive system to encourage it, and appropriate regulations to prevent inappropriate and unsustainable use.
The Scottish Government published a revised Scottish Land Use Strategy in March 2016. Within it was a proposal to “scope the potential to develop a strategic vision for the uplands”. SNH were commissioned to carry out a consultation on what an upland vision might look like and what it would need to address. So far so good-indeed its a significant step. Later this month they will present their findings to the Scottish Government, who will decide whether to proceed with the development of a vision. It is important SNH make clear and forthright recommendations to Government. The time is long overdue for action, not further review and debate. And based on that advice we urge Scottish Government to commit fully to the development of a strategic upland vision with policies and incentives to deliver it-that work across all parts of Government. This is even more pertinent now because an exit from the EU means that the subsidies essential for maintaining incomes in rural areas will change, and so too might the protection of important areas for wildlife, and the sustainable use of resources. A strategic vision for the uplands populated with clear recommendations, supporting funding programmes, and required regulatory systems to govern implementation will enable our Country to look forward to sustainable management practices which will future-proof our uplands for the people, our economy and the wildlife they support.