View of the Cairngorms across Loch Inch

Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan Project (LBAP)

Cairngorms Big BioBuzz Day - 22May 2010 2010 International year of Biodiversity

Project Introduction

Local Biodiversity Action Plans (or LBAPs) have been set up all over the country as a way of stimulating effective local action for national priorities identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, as well as for species and habitats which are particularly cherished or valued in local areas. The Cairngorms LBAP is a long-term initiative that seeks to initiate actions for biodiversity across the whole Cairngorms area and raise the awareness of protecting, enhancing and appreciating the biodiversity of this fantastic area of Scotland. It is a way of initiating new projects, bringing all the relevant bodies and individuals around the table with a new perspective. The LBAP initiative is based on the premise that everyone has a stake in their local environment and the quality of life it supports - from national government agencies to local community groups, from environmental organisations to local businesses, and from farmers to school children. The spirit of partnership to date has been one of the initiatives greatest strengths. The Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan covers a large area and extends beyond the boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park. It includes the areas of the Angus Glens, Badenoch and Strathspey, Atholl and Glen Shee, Upper Deeside, Strathdon and Glenlivet.

Aims

The aims of the Cairngorms LBAP are:

  • To take forward national biodiversity priorities (UK Habitat and Species Action Plans) by helping to deliver them at a local level;
  • To conserve locally important species and habitats;
  • Engage local people and visitors in the management of biodiversity and ensure that they benefit from biodiversity;
  • To bring together in partnership those working in the Cairngorms to better achieve biodiversity conservation;
  • To deliver several key objectives in the Cairngorms Partnership's Management Strategy;
  • To set clear, achievable targets and be transparent about progress towards them.

Targets and Objectives

The Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan (or LBAP) was published in 2002. This document sets out the targets and objectives for biodiversity in the Cairngorms. The plan provides a mandate for action for all partners to make a difference on what is considered important in the area.

Partners

The project is overseen by a partnership Steering Group, which draws representatives from a wide range of organisations including the following:

Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen University, Angus Council, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Cairngorms Community Councils Group, Forestry Commission Scotland, Highland Council, Moray Council, National Farmers Union of Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Government Environment and Rural Affairs Department, Scottish Rural Property and Business Association and the Spey Research Trust.

A smaller Management Group, comprising the core funding bodies, guides the work of the Biodiversity Officer.

Funding

The core funding bodies are: Scottish Natural Heritage, Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council, Highland Council and Cairngorms National Park Authority.  Click on the links below to visit their websites.

Outputs

A number of projects have been started to initiate action on species and habitats identified within the LBAP, and further projects will develop out of the LBAP in future.  Current publications include the Cairngorms LBAP (2002 - CD only), The Biodiversity and Management of Aspen Woodlands (2002 - CD only), Cairngorms Swifts Nest Survey leaflet (2005), Butterflies of the Cairngorms: An Identification Guide leaflet (2005) and a Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for the Householder (2005).

You can download the above publications by clicking on the Additional Information Pages above.

Contact

The Biodiversity Officers, based in the Cairngorms National Park Authority's offices in Grantown-on-Spey, are tasked with taking forward the objectives set out in the LBAP. For more information, please contact: Stephen Corcoran (Part-time Monday - Wednesday) or Justin Prigmore (Part-time Thursday - Friday), Cairngorms Biodiversity Officer, 14 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HG Tel: 01479 870528 stephencorcoran@cairngorms.co.uk  or  justinprigmore@cairngorms.co.uk

Links to external sites