Develop 'Pocket Wildlife Areas' on urban greenspace by using less intensive mowing regimes and planting native shrubs and trees, as well as heritage fruit varieties where appropriate. Glades within plantings should be kept open to encourage wild flowers, insects and birds - more wildlife is supported at the edge of plantings when there is a variety of ages and heights. Where possible, involve the local community to raise awareness of the benefits in changing to a less intensive management.

Use more perennials in formal flowerbeds, reducing the need for replacing bedding plants according to season and thereby reducing costs and minimising resources, including water.

Use only biodegradable systemic herbicides wherever possible; ideally applied by spot treatment methods.

Utilise walls and fences for growing a wide variety of climbing plants which will provide shelter and a food source for invertebrates, birds and bats.

Use habitat piles (e.g. small, discrete piles of logs, dead wood or prunings from woody plants) in appropriate locations to encourage fungi, mosses and invertebrates, as well as common toads and hedgehogs.

Consider the use of specific flowers rich in pollen and nectar that will attract a variety of butterflies and moths.

Use native, local provenance species of shrubs, trees and plants whenever possible.

Retain trees where possible - even the old, neglected or dead ones - as these are particularly valuable to wildlife. Standing dead wood should be left in situ if safe to do so.

Chip wood prunings in order to produce mulch for establishing and maintaining low maintenance perennial beds, etc.

Restore ponds and watercourses in late autumn or winter when animals are not breeding. It is usually best to clear only half a pond or one side of a bank at a time, replacing the aquatic plants as soon as possible. Any new plantings should only be of native species found in the local area.

Replace the usage of all peat products with peat-free alternatives and specify peat-free composts for site landscape planting as peat extraction is seriously damaging important wildlife habitats; the UK has lost 96% of its peat bogs in just 50 years.

Avoid the use of limestone pavement or any of its derivatives in horticultural operations. Limestone Pavement is a key habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan; only 3,000 ha. remain in Britain – a small proportion is within Tayside.

Demonstrate to both the local community and visitors to the region through appropriate initiatives how horticultural practices can improve or enhance the area’s biodiversity and what is being done for biodiversity locally.

Planning and Development
Utilise the Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan in assessing all relevant planning applications.

Ensure Development Plans take full cognisance of biodiversity issues.

Ensure the adequate protection of local, national and internationally important wildlife sites.

Encourage wildlife enhancement and appropriate habitat creation when considering projects and in processing planning applications - including the retention and enhancement of existing features such as wildlife corridors, tree-lines, mature trees, footpaths and grass swards.

Use Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s) where appropriate to protect trees of high wildlife value.

Ensure that biodiversity issues are given due consideration in any Environmental Impact Assessments.

Ensure that all mineral site restoration schemes accommodate wildlife through significant, appropriate habitat creation programmes.

Encourage the creation of wildlife-friendly green space within the context of major development or redevelopment; where appropriate incorporate appropriate biodiversity features into all landscaping for such schemes.

Consider biodiversity as a suitable end-use for brownfield sites where appropriate, especially if this assists in achieving the objectives of strategic projects such as Community Woodlands.

Encourage, where appropriate and feasible, repointing in lime mortar so as not to exclude masonry bees when renovating buildings (including listed buildings). Also, where possible, retention of lime-loving plants such as ferns, liverworts and mosses should be considered.

Maximise the biodiversity benefits when considering implementation of SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems), swales or soakaways, water flow technology and willow- and reed-beds. Consideration should be given to any existing water vole populations through the stabilisation of water levels where possible, creation of suitable bank profiles and habitat corridors.

Maximise opportunities for habitat creation through design and development of all schemes, including the re-creation of natural landforms and features such as river and burn meanders. Make sure that all future storm water overflows have incorporated into their design appropriate functioning oil-traps.

Resource Management
Set up composting schemes using locally collected biodegradable materials and manage this to produce an effective by-product that can be used in horticultural work.

Contact the Waste Action Line: 0800 389 5270 or visit www.sepa.org.uk for further information on how to conserve natural resources through reducing, reusing and recycling waste.

Roads and Transport
Ensure, as far as is possible, that all necessary works are undertaken without a negative effect upon biodiversity. Where Environmental Impact Assessments are not required, endeavour to undertake an ecological survey prior to the determination of road alignment or re-alignment schemes. This is especially important where works are to be undertaken adjacent to sensitive sites or habitats such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Wildlife Sites or key habitats identified in the TLBAP.

Ensure that bridges and culverts wherever possible are designed at the initial stage or re-designed when reconstructed to accommodate the safe passage of species such as badger and otter where there is a known presence of the species.

Give consideration wherever possible to the design of bridges and culverts to allow features such as bird and bat boxes.

Ensure that all works to bridges and culverts take into consideration the possible presence of bats which are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended).

Ensure, as far as is possible, that road drainage schemes do not discharge into wetland sites or on to sensitive habitats that could be damaged by petrochemical run-off. Where appropriate, work with the relevant authority to consider removal of any which currently do, unless specifically designed for the purpose e.g. balancing ponds.
Minimise salt loading of roads, especially by-roads to reduce salt spray effects (notwithstanding the public safety aspects) - particular attention should be paid to areas near wetlands and semi-natural grasslands.

Be aware of the potential presence of water voles in urban waterways and along ditches. These animals are close to extinction, there being only 2% of the original population left in the UK. They are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended). Design appropriate protection for all populations of water voles (as well as other vulnerable species) when drainage and similar works are to be undertaken.

Protect roadside trees from root damage—where the service providers/agency has responsibility— during any roadworks or work on utilities’ pipes and cables. If trees have to be lost to such works ensure that they are replaced as quickly as possible using native and berry-bearing trees where appropriate.

Protect townscape trees from drought after nearby work by the use of porous, replacement road and paving surfaces, allowing rain water to reach the roots.

Timetable maintenance work where possible - especially verge, grass sward and hedge trimming operations that might disturb nesting birds - to avoid the breeding season (which takes place between March and July).

Reduce the frequency of grass-cutting on roadside verges. Mow suitable safety margins and all sight lines; otherwise allow the development of a rough grassland network to develop along all major road corridors. This favours wild flowers, small mammals and birds of prey and acts as a network along which many species, especially invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles can disperse. Consider scalloping edges or show definite defined areas to demonstrate that the area is being managed for wildlife rather than abandoned. Raise awareness of this change of management to the local community, contractors and local tourist boards.

Liaise with the relevant agencies to take control measures if advised of serious infestations of ragwort (an injurious weed covered by the 1959 Weeds Act) on roadside verges or land managed or owned by the Local Service provider/ agency.

Use local provenance wildflower mixes as low maintenance alternatives on poor soil and manage these under a once a year cut/hay crop regime.

Use nursery grown native trees and shrubs from UK-stock, preferably of local provenance. This will contribute towards the preservation of local landscape character and genetic biodiversity, at the same time as possibly improving tree and shrub survival rates and contributing towards the rural economy.

Undertake appropriate roadside hedge management work in late winter to avoid nest destruction and to maintain winter food supplies such as hawthorn berries for birds. All management should be carried out with a view to prolonging the life of the hedge as a wildlife resource; a cut once every two years is usually sufficient. Seek advice as to which roadside hedges to flail or which hedge bottoms, if any, to spray and ensure that staff and contractors are sufficiently trained. Ensure that the local community is kept informed of the benefits to wildlife.

Encourage the height of roadside hedges to be increased to at least 2m, where safe and appropriate to do so, particularly if barn owls are known in the area. This will help prevent road kills when the birds can swoop over lower hedges into the path of vehicles.
Retain mature hedgerows and hedgerow trees where appropriate and plant new or additional hedgerow trees to safeguard future tree-lines. Since the 1950s the UK has lost 190,000 miles of its hedgerows.

Consider the installation of appropriate wildlife warning signs in areas where road kill may be negatively impacting on important species programmes e.g. red squirrels, otters and common toads.

Social Services
Take client groups to well run countryside facilities to allow a wider enjoyment and appreciation of biodiversity.

Involve volunteers in making, siting and maintaining a variety of nestboxes and bird feeding stations to contribute to the various biodiversity projects being undertaken throughout Tayside.

Help residents, visitors and staff in sheltered housing, nursing homes, hostels and hospitals – as well as visitors and staff at medical centres and clinics - appreciate their surroundings by improving the immediate environs both for their benefit and the benefit of wildlife. Where appropriate encourage the setting up of bird feeding stations and provision of identification materials (posters, books and binoculars).

Trading Standards & Licensing
Develop links with the local Police Wildlife and Environment Officer – tel. 01738 892650 or 07808 899113. Information is available through the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW): www.ukcites.gov.uk on wild birds and the law; amphibians and freshwater pearl mussels; badgers; other wild mammals; poaching of game, deer and salmon; wild plants and the law.

Ensure biodiversity issues are taken into account when liaising with Local Service providers/agencies and the public regarding `green' legislation – i.e. to reduce the effect on wildlife by minimising the use of pesticides and substances prepared or used for the control of pests or for protection against pests, and poisons (including use of drain cleaners, weedkillers, pond cleaners and mould removers).

Additional information, including extra website contacts, is given in Appendix 3 of the TLBAP

Biodiversity: The Wider Perspective
• Biodiversity Challenge Group. Biodiversity Counts – Delivering a Better Quality of Life. 2001
• NPPG14 Natural Heritage. January 1999
• PAN 60 (Planning for Natural Heritage). August 2000
• Scottish Biodiversity Group. Action for Scotland’s Biodiversity. ISBN 1-84268-010-2. 2000
• Scottish Biodiversity Group. A Flying Start – Local Biodiversity Action In Scotland. ISBN 0-7559-0183-5. 2001
• Scottish Executive. Biodiversity Matters! Towards a Strategy for Scotland’s Biodiversity (Strategy Proposals). Paper 2003/5. ISBN 0-7559-2319-7. 2003
• Scottish Executive. Scotland’s Biodiversity Resource and Trends. Paper 2003/4 (Towards a Strategy for Scotland’s Biodiversity). ISBN 0-7559-2320-0. 2003
• Scottish Executive. Developing Candidate Indicators of the State of Scotland’s Biodiversity. Paper 2003/6 (Towards a Strategy for Scotland’s Biodiversity). ISBN 0-7559-2321-9. 2003.
• Scottish Executive. Cost Effective Landscape: Learning from Nature (Landscape Design and Management Policy). 1998
• Scottish Executive.Trunk Road Biodiversity Action Plan. ISBN 0-7480 8938-1. 1999.

Species Information
• Barn Owl Trust. Barn Owls on Site: A Guide for Developers and Planners. ISBN 0-9525578-0-0. 1995
• Dewar, S.M, and Shawyer, C.R. Boxes, Baskets and Platforms: Artificial Nest Sites for Owls and Other Birds of Prey. Hawk and Owl Trust. ISBN 0-9503187-6-0. 1996
• English Nature. The Conservation of Wild Mushrooms (and The Wild Mushroom Pickers Code of Conduct). ISBN 1-85716-420-2. 1998
• Environment Agency. Otters and River Habitat Management, 2nd Ed. Environment Agency, Bristol. 1999
• Fauna and Flora Preservation Society. Bats in Houses. 1988
• Fauna and Flora Preservation Society. Toads on Roads (Road Warning Signs and Amphibian Tunnels). ISBN 0947902-015
• Froglife. Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook. ISBN 095211-0644. 2001
• Froglife. The Herpetofauna Workers Guide: A Directory of Information and Resources for the Conservation of Amphibians and Reptiles in the UK. ISBN 0-9521106-36
• Hawk and Owl Trust. Building for Barn Owls (designs on owl windows and lofts) and Planning for Barn Owls: Advice for local authorities and developers. Leaflets 1996
• JNCC. Habitat Management for Bats: A Guide to Land Managers, Landowners and their Advisors. ISBN 186107-5286. 2001
• RSPB. A Management Guide to Birds of Scottish Farmland. 1996
• RSPB. Wild Birds and the Law: A Plain Guide to Bird Protection Today. 1998
• SNH. Badgers and Development. ISBN 1-85397-1375. 2001
• SNH. Natural Heritage and the Law—Bats. 2003
• SNH. Otters and Development. ISBN 1-85397-255X
• Southern Uplands Partnership. Woodlands for Red Squirrels. Booklet
• Strachan, R. Water Vole Conservation Handbook. Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford. 1998
• The Stationery Office. Design Manual for Roads and Bridges – Good Roads Guide: Nature Conservation Management in Relation to Bats. ISBN 011552130-5. 1999
• The Stationery Office. Wildlife Crime: A Guide to Wildlife Law Enforcement in the UK. ISBN 0117533173

Practical Guides and Best Practice
• English Nature on behalf of FACT (Forum for the Application of Conservation Techniques). The Practical Solutions Handbook, 2nd Ed: Equipment, Techniques and Ideas for Wildlife Management. ISBN 18516575-6. 2001
• English Nature, Quarry Products Association and Silica & Moulding Sands Association. Biodiversity and Minerals – Extracting the Benefits for Wildlife. Entec UK Ltd. ISBN 0-9535400-0-6. 1999
• Emery, M. Promoting Nature in Cities and Towns, A Practical Guide. Ecological Parks Trust/Croom Helm Ltd. ISBN 0-7099-0970-5. 1986
• Gilbert, O., Anderson, P. Habitat Creation and /Repair. Oxford University Press
• SNH. Community Gardens: Places for People and Wildlife. ISBN 1-85397-104-9. 2001
• Scottish Golf Course Wildlife Group. Nature Conservation and Golf Course Development: Best Practice Advice. 2000

Water and Wetland
• CIRIA/SUDS Scottish Working Party. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems: design manual for Scotland and N. Ireland. SIBN 0-86017-52-19. 2000
• Pond Conservation Trust. The Pond Book – a Guide to the Management and Creation of Ponds. ISBN 0-9537971-0-4. 1999
• RSPB, ITE, EN. The Wet Grassland Guide: Managing Floodplain and Coastal Wet Grassland for Wildlife. RSPB Sandy. 1997
• SEPA Habitat Enhancement Initiative. Ponds, Pools and Lochans. ISBN 1-901322-16-5. 2000
• SEPA Habitat Enhancement Initiative. Watercourses in the Community. ISBN 1-901322-15-7. 2000

Woodland, Trees and Hedges
• English Nature. Guide to the Care of Ancient Trees. Veteran Trees Initiative. ISBN 185716-252-8. 1999.
• English Nature. Trees and Hedges in Churchyards. Living Churchyard Project. Leaflet
• Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. The Good Hedge Guide. Bayer plc, Agricultural Division
• Forest Enterprise. Life in the Deadwood: A Guide to Managing Deadwood. 2002
• Forestry Commission. Forest and Water Guidelines. 1993.
• MacKenzie N Restoring and Managing Riparian Woodlands. Scottish Native Woods. ISBN 0-9529283-2-9. 2000.
• Reforesting Scotland. Community Woodland Information Pack. 2002
• Scottish Executive. Scotland’s Native Trees and Shrubs: A Designer’s Guide to their Selection Procurement and use in Road Landscape. ISBN 0-7559-1017-6 2002

This Guide has been researched and compiled by Catherine Lloyd, the Biodiversity Co-ordinator on behalf of the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership. It has been funded by SITA Environment Trust, Angus Council, Dundee City Council and Perth & Kinross Council.

With thanks to Bruce Reekie for his input and Lynda Shorthouse for designing the document. Thanks also to members of the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership for their contribution and professional advice.

Photo Credits
Perth & Kinross Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Alan Ross
Front Cover photograph—Simon Broad

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched
to everything else in the Universe”
John Muir (1834-1914)

FURTHER INFORMATION

Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Ring-binder versions of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan are available in most Local Authority Departments, as well as all libraries and museums in Tayside. Alternatively, CD-ROM copies of the Action Plan and an introductory booklet are available from the Tayside Biodiversity Co-ordinator.

The Action Plan can be viewed on www.pkc.gov.uk or www.pkc.gov.uk until such time as the Partnership has its own website.

CONTACT
Tayside Biodiversity Partnership (TBP)
Catherine Lloyd
Tayside Biodiversity Co-ordinator
c/o Environment Services, Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street,
Perth, PH1 5GD

Tel: (01738) 476481
Fax: (01738) 476410
Email: tayside.biodiversity@ukf.net

“ When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe”
John Muir (1834-1914)