Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve Draft Management Plan 2024 - 2034
Address:
NatureScot
The Links
Golspie
KW10 6UB
Foreword
Knockan Crag is a 22ha National Nature Reserve located in the North West Highlands of Scotland, some 13 miles north of Ullapool. It is internationally renowned for an important geological feature, the 'Moine Thrust' that was first identified here where the older metamorphic rocks are overlying the younger sedimentary rocks. The site is important as it is one of the few places where these features can be seen clearly. The rocks at and around the Reserve also record the last 3,000 million years of history for the landmass of Scotland.
Knockan Crag is an excellent site for visitors and its value for interpreting the geology and landscape of the surrounding area has been appreciated for a long time. The Reserve offers a wide range of interpretation, artwork, paths, and viewpoints for the visitor. It is open 24-hours a day, throughout the year. The focal point for visitors is the ‘Rock Room’, which is accessible via an easy trail from the car park. From the Rock Room, paths then lead you out onto the wider reserve to explore either the shorter Thrust and Quarry Trails or the longer Crag Top route. Both routes have interpretation and sculptures to inform and inspire visitors. It is also a key facility within the North West Highlands Geopark.
Our Vision for Knockan Crag NNR
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is a special place; our aim is to keep it that way. The Reserve Plan 2024 - 2034 sets out our vision for the reserve describing how we would like the reserve to be in 50 years’ time. The management we describe in this plan has been framed with the current vision in mind.
Vision
Knockan Crag NNR is recognised internationally as a key location where the renowned geology of the West Highlands can easily be seen and studied.
The innovative and inclusive interpretation helps to inspire visitors of all ages, from a wide range of communities and nationalities to understand the geological processes which have resulted in the landscape and rock structures visible all around. A network of paths allows the visitor to explore these geological features and enjoy stunning scenery.
Not only is Knockan Crag NNR popular with non-specialist visitors, but it is also an important resource for research and educational institutions which regularly use Knockan as a venue for teaching and research.
The special features of the reserve and the high-quality facilities which it provides, allow Knockan Crag NNR to function as a key site in the North West Highlands Geopark encouraging visitors to explore further the geology, wildlife and landscape in the locality.
Protected areas and features
| Feature/Name | Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) |
|---|---|
| Moine thrust | Y |
| Upland Assemblage | Y |
Management for Natural and Geological Heritage
Objective NH1: To protect the earth science and habitat features and maintain them in good condition.
Objective description:
The focus of our management at Knockan Crag is to protect the geological and upland vegetation (upland assemblage) interests.
Geology
The main features of interest at Knockan Crag are the geological exposures where the Moine Thrust and the different rock types can clearly be seen. These are set amongst the various habitats that depend on the rock types. Moine schists are poor in nutrients and result in peat-forming vegetation such as wet heath and blanket bog. While limestone, fucoid beds and salterella grits provide much richer soils and vegetation is generally greener and lusher.
Our approach is to keep active management of geological exposures to a minimum but under certain circumstances it is necessary for us to take action. For example, the rock face can become unstable due to weathering and erosion. We undertake regular inspections of the rock face throughout the year and we contract an engineering geologist to survey the site on a two-yearly basis, and stabilise the surface if necessary. Any work is undertaken as sympathetically as possible to protect the geological interest and visual appearance of the NNR. We will ensure that as far as possible a balance is retained between meeting health and safety needs and retaining the current high standard of the NNR. Legal health and safety obligations will however take priority.
Upland habitats
The habitats on the NNR are only managed to a limited extent. We will continue annual monitoring herbivore impacts on upland habitats each spring to help inform and target deer management that promotes recovery of these habitats. Bracken encroachment will also be monitored to ensure that it does not invade important upland habitats. On the top of the crag, we will investigate the options to restore and revegetate this degraded habitat. At a larger landscape scale we aim to work in partnership to restore it to good quality habitat that provides a valuable and resilient carbon sink.
| Task no. | Task description |
|---|---|
| NH1.1 | Protect the geological interest by maintaining exposed areas and minimum intervention management. |
| NH1.2 | In collaboration with the neighbouring estates, review deer management to enable the NNR to continue to contribute to the condition of the upland assemblage interests. |
| NH1.3 | Seek to enhance biodiversity where opportunities exist. |
| NH1.4 | Undertake peatland restoration as demonstration project perhaps as part of larger scale works with neighbours. |
| NH1.5 | Monitor bracken for indications of further expansion across the reserve |
Objective NH2: To facilitate the responsible use of the reserve for geological research.
Objective description:
There has always been a research role at Knockan Crag and it provides an excellent learning facility for teachers and students. The evidence at Knockan Crag has helped towards the wider understanding of geological processes such as plate tectonics and deformation of the Earth's crust, particularly through thrust faulting. We will continue to encourage and support the use of Knockan Crag NNR as a site for responsible research as the site offers opportunities for furthering our geological knowledge and understanding.
| Task no. | Task description |
|---|---|
NH2.1 | The NNR continues to be used as a site for geological studies through links with the NW Highlands Geopark, British Geological Society (BGS) and Universities. |
Management for People
Objective VM1: Enable and encourage responsible access to the reserve. Ensuring visitors are able to enjoy, understand and appreciate the geological importance of the site, as well as some of the special species which are found here, during their visit.
Objective description:
We estimate that around 40,000 visitors come to Knockan Crag each year with most of these visits during between late March and the end of October. The popularity of Knockan Crag has soared, particularly with overnighting vehicles exploring the North Coast 500 (NC500). In summer 2023, Knockan had an average of 11 overnighting vehicles per night. Consideration will be given to improving facilities subject to available funding. We will continue to encourage people to support local businesses and to make use of locations that are set up for overnight use.
We will continue to prioritise safety and the day-to-day operation of Knockan Crag. Increasing footfall and severe weather has resulted in some sections of path degrading under the previous plan and it is recognised that significant investment will be needed to improve and maintain the paths and other key structures within the NNR. Working with our property team we will ensure that buildings and facilities are maintained to a good standard.
We recognise the value that Knockan Crag has in primary and tertiary education and where we can support specific requests for educational support we will, but we will also encourage self-led groups. We want the NNR to be part of a network of sites within the wider NW Highland Geopark that provide opportunities to study geology, habitats, and landscape. Emerging projects like the John Muir Trusts Junior Ranger programme offer exciting new opportunities and site staff will support these initiatives much as our resources allow.
The inclusion of Gaelic in the new interpretation provides an opportunity for the Gaelic medium schools and Gaelic promotion in line with NatureScot and Scottish Government policy.
NatureScot are not immune to the rising costs of managing our properties and we will look at income generation from the site with any income reinvested into the reserve.
| Task no. | Task description |
|---|---|
| VM1.1 | Provide information about the site on the NatureScot website and through NatureScot social media channels. Also cross posting in partnership with other organisations such the NWH Geopark. |
| VM1.2 | Encourage the use of Knockan for group visits, and support usage by schools and junior rangers through partnerships with NW Highlands Geopark, John Muir Trust, Highlife Highland Rangers and other organisations. |
| VM1.3 | Continue to use the NNR as facility promoting the Gaelic language in line with NatureScot and Government Gaelic Plan. |
| VM1.4 | Review and replace the interpretation towards the end of the 'lifetime' of the current installation. |
| VM1.5 | Replace way markers, seating and signage on site at end-of-life or as needed to align with best practice and NNR policy. |
| VM1.6 | Work with access colleagues to conduct accessibility audits to identify and implement actions to improve accessibility, with a focus upon the trail from the car park to the rock room. |
| VM1.7 | Monitor the use of car park and other facilities by day and overnighting visitors. Carry out an options appraisal for upgrading the sceptic tank and consider providing facilities for disposal of chemical toilet waste from camper vans and mobile homes. |
Management for Property
Objective PM1: Manage the property responsibly, to a high standard and following best practice.
Objective description:
Ensuring public safety is both a high priority and something of a challenge at Knockan Crag. After periods of severe weather, the site can be prone to rock falls and water erosion. To minimise the risk to visitors and our own infrastructure we will undertake regular health and safety inspections and employ specialist contractors to remove loose rock and stabilise the rock face. For safety reasons the NNR is closed during such works. We will keep closures as short as possible and ensure information is made available locally and on the NNR website to ensure visitors are aware of closures. We will also ensure that damage to the geological interest is minimised.
The reserve officer will carry out most of the regular maintenance work such as visitor facility health and safety inspections and general maintenance work. Property Service provides some input to planned preventative maintenance. Subject to available funding, investment in new infrastructure or replacing / upgrading infrastructure will be considered where opportunities arise.
| Task no. | Task description |
|---|---|
| PM1.1 | Maintain all visitor infrastructure (i.e. trails, car park, viewpoints, boardwalks and bridges etc.) in good condition. Conform to Health & Safety Regulations including risk assessment and fire plan reviews. |
| PM1.2 | Every two years commission a full roped access inspection using geo-technical engineering contractors. Undertake remedial works as advised by rope access contract to ensure level of risk to visitors/infrastructure at the NNR is managed appropriately. |
| PM1.3 | Carry out quarterly safety and condition assessments of all visitor areas and infrastructure. Ensure accurate records are kept and appropriate remedial action taken. |
| PM1.4 | Ensure the corporate property (reserve offices & workshops) are maintained and conform to Health & Safety Regulations including risk assessment and fire plan reviews. |
| PM1.5 | Led by our property section undertake property enhancements to progress the organisational drive towards Net Zero through our Net Zero Plan |
| PM1.6 | Maintain existing toilets in safe and operational condition, including regular cleaning. |
| PM1.7 | Develop a wildfire risk assessment and implement measures to minimise risk to both natural heritage and property from wildfires. |
| PM1.8 | Maintain, replace and ensure regular servicing of all tools, equipment and vehicles. |
Summary
Knockan Crag is an increasingly popular and busy site on the route of the NC500. Through the actions in this plan we will manage the site to ensure the internationally important geological features are safely and responsibly enjoyed by visitors from near and far. The condition of upland habitats will be improved. Visitor infrastructure will continue to maintained and improved where a need is identified. We will continue to work in collaboration with partners, including the NW Highlands Geopark, on visitor engagement and education opportunities.
Document properties
Author: Adam Rose
Editor: Neil Mitchell
Approved by: Graham Neville
Date: 25 June 2024
