Written Question · S6W-33380 · Session 6
What assessment it has made of which actions in the Scottish Biodiversity Delivery Plan 2024-2030 are specifically targeted to restore and …
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of which actions in the Scottish Biodiversity Delivery Plan 2024-2030 are specifically targeted to restore and manage species-rich grasslands.
The answer
The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (SBS) notes that “Scotland’s uplands (above the limits of enclosed farmland) comprise a range of habitats including … species-rich grasslands” and that there has been a substantial long term decline in species-rich grasslands. The SBS Delivery Plan is intended to drive the restoration and improvement of habitats across Scotland, many of which are not mentioned explicitly.Objective 1 of the Delivery Plan: Accelerate Restoration and Regeneration includes as a Priority Action: Introduce a programme of ecosystem restoration. There are five species-rich grassland habitats on the current Scottish Biodiversity List, and action 20.1
- revision of the Scottish Biodiversity List
- is also therefore relevant. Other actions relevant to species-rich grasslands, include:Ref:Action2.5Develop upland-specific, best practice guidance on measures for upland restoration to regenerate peatlands, increase nature woodland cover, manage grazing, protect certain target species and priority habitats and increase habitat heterogeneity2.9Marine & coastal ecosystem restoration – machair and other grasslands5.3Explore how best to support optimal herbivore densities to enhance biodiversity outcomes in the uplands.11Actions to implement Nature Networks21.1Species on the Edge – great yellow and moss carder bumblebees, marsh fritillary, Scottish primrose, etc..21.3Species with identifiable human pressures (especially specialists and arctic alpines)21.4Genetic diversity mapping – as Scotland is on the edge of the range of habitats it is likely to host unique genetic variants and the potential for useful traits in wild relatives of utilised species.21.6Better biodiversity data – will help with understanding the condition of species-rich grassland In areas outside designated sites.21.7Publish Plant biodiversity strategy
- grasslands are specifically mentioned28Public Awareness and engagement to improve public awareness of climate-biodiversity issues and our connectedness to nature
- revision of the Scottish Biodiversity List
- is also therefore relevant. Other actions relevant to species-rich grasslands, include:Ref:Action2.5Develop upland-specific, best practice guidance on measures for upland restoration to regenerate peatlands, increase nature woodland cover, manage grazing, protect certain target species and priority habitats and increase habitat heterogeneity2.9Marine & coastal ecosystem restoration – machair and other grasslands5.3Explore how best to support optimal herbivore densities to enhance biodiversity outcomes in the uplands.11Actions to implement Nature Networks21.1Species on the Edge – great yellow and moss carder bumblebees, marsh fritillary, Scottish primrose, etc..21.3Species with identifiable human pressures (especially specialists and arctic alpines)21.4Genetic diversity mapping – as Scotland is on the edge of the range of habitats it is likely to host unique genetic variants and the potential for useful traits in wild relatives of utilised species.21.6Better biodiversity data – will help with understanding the condition of species-rich grassland In areas outside designated sites.21.7Publish Plant biodiversity strategy
- grasslands are specifically mentioned28Public Awareness and engagement to improve public awareness of climate-biodiversity issues and our connectedness to nature
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-33380 by reference.