The Action Plan
The Action Plan
The Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan (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. The map shows the area covered by the Cairngorms LBAP Project.
Click on the link below to view a larger image of the map.
Woodland Habitats
The woodlands of the Cairngorms are of national and international importance because they contain the largest remaining areas of semi-natural woodland habitats in Britain. The Cairngorms area occupies just less than 10% of Scotland's land mass, yet contains 25% of the entire Scottish resource of native woodlands and its Caledonian pine woodlands are greater in total area and individual size than anywhere else in Scotland. The extent of native woodland is important for many specialist species of plant, animal and fungus that depend upon this habitat.
Click on the link below to read the full report.
Montane Heath and Bog Habitats
Around one third of the Cairngorms Partnership area is over 600-650m above sea level (above the natural woodland line, although this is variable from place to place). This comprises the largest and highest area of montane habitat in Britain, much of which is in a relatively pristine condition. It contains the main summits and plateaux with their associated corries, rocky cliffs, crags, boulder fields, scree slopes and the higher parts of some glens and passes. The vegetation is influenced by factors such as exposure, snow cover and soil type. The main zone is considered to be one of the most spectacular mountain areas in Britain and is recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of its geology, geomorphology and topographic features, and associated soils and biodiversity.
Click on the link below to read the full report.
Wetland and Water Habitats
Less than 0.5% of the Cairngorms is classified as wetland. Nevertheless, there are still a great variety of healthy wetland and water habitats in the area. The Cairngorms rivers and lochs are of great importance locally, nationally and internationally. They have numerous national and international conservation designations for their biodiversity and high quality of freshwater habitats. Compared to other water bodies in the UK, the freshwaters of the Cairngorms have a high degree of 'naturalness' and are largely in good condition. Most of the area's water is considered to be of excellent quality, and many of these freshwater areas are internationally recognised for their important habitats and species and are used as a bench mark against which others are judged.
Click on the link below to read the full report.
Farmland and Grassland Habitats
Farmland provides habitats for a range of species, including resident and migratory birds, mammals, invertebrates, fungi and plants, many of which depend upon the continuing traditional or modern farming methods for their survival.
The links between farmland and grassland and other habitats is extremely important for many species. The habitat mosaics that exist in the Cairngorms result in the high populations of several species that use more than one habitat as well as being important for some species that particularly use edge habitats. Therefore, it is important to understand and consider the biological links between adjacent habitats. For example, farmland/woodland mosaics favour Roe deer and Badgers; farmland/wetland mosaics favour Water voles and breeding waders; Farmland/upland mosaics favour Twite, Mountain hare and Large heath butterflies; and Farmland/upland/woodland mosaics favour Black grouse and Buzzards.
Click on the link below to read the full report.
| Associated Files |
|---|
| LBAP References and Glossary |
PDF  (59.6 KB) |
| Local Biodiversity Action Plan |
| PDF (206.48 KB) |
| Woodland Habitats |
| PDF (347.69 KB) |
| Montane Heath Bog Habitat |
| PDF (253.83 KB) |
| Wetland Water Habitats |
| PDF (258.01 KB) |
| Farmland Grassland Habitat |
| PDF (294.96 KB) |
| Cairngorms LBAP Project area map |
| PDF (801.32 KB) |