The Management Plan for Craigellachie National Nature Reserve 2018-2028
For further information on Craigellachie NNR please contact:
The Reserve Manager
Scottish Natural Heritage
Achantoul
Aviemore
PH22 1QD
Phone: 01463 725219
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nature.scot/Craigellachie
Introduction
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve (NNR) lies adjacent and to the west of the A9 near Aviemore, in Badenoch and Strathspey. Passing motorists may remain oblivious to its charm, but the Reserve offers a tranquil respite, for local people and visitors alike, from the hustle and bustle of the nearby village. It is one of nine NNRs within or adjacent to the Cairngorms National Park.
Craigellachie is noted for being one of the largest remaining birch woodlands in Strathspey, but this is not its only attribute. The varied habitat of the Reserve also includes open glade, heath and freshwater bodies which in turn support a wide range of invertebrates, including a nationally important assemblage of moths. There is also a variety of trails throughout the Reserve which allow visitors to enjoy some of its special qualities.
One of the trails leads to the viewpoint, which, on a clear day provides a fantastic panorama of the Cairngorms and is a prime location to view some of the special scenery of the Cairngorms National Park. The imposing crag, ‘Creag Eileachaidh’ for which the Reserve is named, was once a traditional vantage point for Clan Grant, and still provides a breeding location for a pair of peregrines.
Craigellachie is one of a suite of NNRs in Scotland. NNRs are special places where some of the best examples of Scotland’s wildlife are cared for. Nature comes first on NNRs, and people are welcome to discover the rich natural heritage of these places and to contribute to our knowledge and enjoyment of these areas.
Our Vision for Craigellachie NNR
Craigellachie birch woodland is the finest example of high canopy birch wood in Scotland. It has an international reputation for a high value nature site close to Aviemore for connecting people with nature. Local people and other volunteers play an integral part in Reserve management, and are proud of their association with this special place.
The Reserve is used as an important destination and resource for locals, visitors and businesses and somewhere for outside recreation. The way-marked trail network provides good access opportunities and appropriate, well-placed interpretation contributes to their understanding and appreciation of NNR features. The view-point continues to provide a breath-taking overview of the western Cairngorms and surrounding countryside including one of the largest areas of native woodland in Scotland. A great place to take in the extent and magnitude of this part of the Cairngorms National Park.
The woodland is in good health and contains trees of differing age with a good proportion of deadwood. Within the woodland there are natural glades which benefit both bird and invertebrate species. The woodland cover extends to the higher altitudes of the Reserves (534m). Lochs and other freshwater features are well-managed, adding to the variety of habitats on the Reserve.
Craigellachie is an exemplary place within the Cairngorms National Park for people to see nature. The Reserve continues to be a site of importance for invertebrates, notably moths and butterflies such as Rannoch Sprawler, Kentish Glory and Pearl-bordered Fritillary and is acting as a source for expanding populations. Populations of pied & spotted flycatchers, wood warbler have expanded beyond the boundaries of the Reserve but the NNR is the best place for people to observe and enjoy these special species.
Protected Areas and special features
Craigellachie was first declared an NNR in 1961. The Reserve is owned by Reidhaven Estate (part of Seafield Estate) and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) through a lease.
Craigellachie has been designated for its wildlife interest at a UK level. It forms part of the larger Craigellachie Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is nationally important for the upland birch woodland and its moth assemblage. The Reserve is one of a suite of NNRs that lie within the Cairngorms National Park and also falls within the Cairngorms National Scenic Area (NSA).
Whilst managing Craigellachie NNR we also have to take account of our legal obligations and Government policy to manage the features that are listed as important. We will also take account of obligations to manage features that are valued as important in a British context, as well as features that are locally important.
Feature | Protected Area |
---|---|
Moth assemblage | Craigellachie SSSI |
Upland birch woodland | Craigellachie SSSI |
Natural Heritage Management
Objective NH1: Improve the quality and extent of the birch woodland through appropriate management in order to improve conditions for species on the reserve.
Woodland covers more than 250 hectares (ha), and is the largest area of semi-natural, undisturbed birch wood in Strathspey. It has probably been continuously wooded for over 140 years, and grazed for most of that time. Cattle grazing ceased in the 1960s and winter grazing of up to 300 sheep ceased in 1980. From 1980 onwards only deer grazing took place.
The birch woodland at Craigellachie NNR is in good condition. Birch is a pioneer species and produces masses of seed, so where conditions are suitable seedlings establish quickly. Since the removal of sheep, and more active deer management, birch is regenerating and is now spreading onto the open hill. Other trees and shrubs such as rowan, hazel, bird cherry, Scots pine, willow, holly and juniper contribute to species diversity. Aspen is good for invertebrates and we aim to increase it within the woodland.
Within the woodland there are even-aged stands about 100 years old as well as an abundance of standing and fallen deadwood. The woodland has a healthy spread of age classes from seedlings, saplings, young and mature trees to deadwood. There are also wet flushes, wet woodland, open glades and woodland edge.
On the whole we intend to let nature shape the core woodland and allow it to continue to spread onto the dry heath. Management will concentrate on controlling deer numbers and some small scale habitat work. Plans for the A9 dualling will have an effect on the NNR. There will be a small loss of woodland but two sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) pools will create new habitats.
Dense bracken inhibits tree regeneration and shades out woodland plants. After initial survey we will intervene if required and clear bracken. Small open areas are beneficial to birds and insects and these will be maintained. Non-native trees are not currently an issue but we will monitor and remove any that cause a problem. Deadwood supports a range of wildlife and, unless it is a hazard to visitors, we will leave it where it falls.
Craigellachie is nationally important for its diversity of moths, including some rare species, each with specific habitat requirements. With woodland regeneration under way there is potential for habitat enhancement to benefit key moth species. The pearl-bordered fritillary, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) priority butterfly, has recently been recorded within the NNR. It will be important to maintain open areas to encourage dog violet, an important food plant for the caterpillar.
All three water-bodies within the Reserve are different: Loch Puladdern provides a tranquil spot for local wildfowl, and hosts the nationally important least yellow water-lily; the old reservoir supports a range of aquatic plants and Lochan Dubh is a small, nutrient poor loch.
Task No. | Task description |
---|---|
NH1.1 | Continue deer management. |
NH1.2 | Continue to leave deadwood where it falls unless this is a hazard to visitors. |
NH1.3 | Continue to liaise fully with Transport Scotland and their contractors to ensure that all relevant issues with the A9 are identified and that appropriate mitigation measures are put in place. |
NH1.4 | Plan and implement appropriate habitat management where this will benefit rarer species. |
NH1.5 | Encourage key breeding birds (goldeneye, spotted flycatcher & pied flycatcher). |
NH1.6 | Manage freshwater habitats for biodiversity. |
NH1.7 | Manage bracken and maintain open glades for insects. |
NH1.8 | Continue to increase the amount of aspen. |
Objective NH2: undertake and facilitate relevant research, survey, surveillance and monitoring on the reserve to inform future management and contribute to national programmes.
We will continue with our initiatives with our local Reserve liaison group and formalise our biological recording to secure records and make these available to our volunteers and the public. We will use this information to inform our future management of the Reserve. We will repeat our baseline surveys of breeding birds and priority invertebrates. This will help us with decisions on how best to support these populations. We will maintain provision of nestboxes for key bird species such as pied flycatcher and goldeneye.
We will continue to monitor the tree transect to record deer browsing impact on tree regeneration and use this information to set deer cull targets.
We will continue to monitor our Dwarf Birch population and investigate ways of encouraging expansion. We will also look closely at Loch Puladdern to ensure that it remains a suitable habitat for the least yellow water lily.
Areas of bracken and woodland flowers, especially violets are important for the fritillary butterflies, including the pearl-bordered fritillary. We will monitor and manage the bracken stands to ensure they do not become too dense for wildflower growth.
Task No. | Task description |
---|---|
NH2.1 | Monitor bracken encroachment onto glades and control where required. |
NH2.2 | Continue to monitor the tree transect for deer browsing impact. |
NH2.3 | Carry out dwarf birch monitoring. |
NH2.4 | Repeat our baseline priority insect surveys. |
NH2.5 | Create a species database for the Reserve. |
NH2.6 | Carry out a repeat woodland bird survey. |
NH2.7 | Encourage surveys of key species. |
Management for People
Objective VM1: Provide a welcoming, enjoyable and high quality visitor experience by maintaining, reviewing and refreshing visitor facilities.
Craigellachie NNR provides opportunities to promote the importance of habitat and wildlife conservation, by allowing a wide range of visitors to experience and enjoy the natural environment.
Our visitor numbers are in the region of 8,500 per year, which is relatively large for a small Reserve. This is probably due to its proximity to Aviemore and many of our visitors appear to be local people, enjoying the viewpoint, seeking a quiet place to eat their lunch, or enjoying the tranquillity just a stone’s throw from the town.
Many of our visitor provisions at Craigellachie have focussed on facilities suitable for those visitors just wishing to explore the NNR. There is a network of trails to suit a range of abilities and aspirations. The way-marked routes offer different experiences, from the low-level trail that meanders through the birch and alongside Loch Puladdern, to the more demanding viewpoint walk that offers tantalising glimpses of the unfolding view of Glenmore and the Northern Corries.
Access to the Reserve is a short walk from Aviemore. We have improved the signposting from the main road and also, in partnership with the Scottish Youth Hostel Association, created an indoor visitor hub for the NNR. We have worked with The Tourist Information Centre staff to help them have a better understanding of the Reserve and benefits to visitors. With the impending A9 dualling, we are expecting a new pedestrian underpass at the site of the current access.
Within the terms of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) responsible bike access is acceptable on the footpath network. Unfortunately on the viewpoint trail the path is steep and requires braking at corners. This braking and skidding results in erosion of the path surface and is a cause of concern at present. There is also the possibility of cyclists descending on the narrow, steep path colliding with walkers and this needs to be explored further to ensure that this possibility does not take place. We will meet with local cycling groups to discuss further options to minimise erosion and eliminate the risk of collisions with other users.
We are considering interpretation at the viewpoint. This prominent site on the NNR lends itself to a visual theme that can be observed first-hand, for example habitat diversity, woodland expansion or even general interpretation relating to the National Park.
One of the most popular attractions at the NNR is the nesting peregrines. Our established nest cam will continue and we will work to upgrade and improve the provision of live and recorded footage to the hub at the Youth Hostel.
Many of our visitors will seek information from the internet prior to their visit. This is an important way of promoting the special features of the NNR, as well as preparing people for their visit. In the future we hope that visitor’s may be able to share experiences of their visit by contributing feedback comments and photographs using social media.
Task No. | Task description |
---|---|
VM 1.1 | Investigate ways of reducing bike impacts on trails and meet with local cycling groups. |
VM 1.2 | Take opportunities presented by the A9 dualling project to improve access and visitor provision. |
VM 1.3 | Improve promotion of the Reserve within Aviemore. |
VM 1.4 | Provide interpretation where required. |
VM 1.5 | Maintain and when appropriate improve the peregrine nest-cam. |
VM 1.6 | Provide information for the NNR website. |
Objective VM2: To ensure communities, volunteers and educational groups play an increasingly important role in determining the outcomes delivered by the reserve and make significant contributions to the management of the reserve.
Craigellachie is well-used by the local community, and the regular walkers are invaluable in updating us on notable changes ranging from wildlife sightings to occasional acts of vandalism. There are a number of keen volunteer surveyors who contribute to valuable wildlife records for the NNR, and the continuity of their work over many seasons is an important aid to management. There is also a local community liaison group which meets twice a year and discusses Reserve management issues. We would be interested to hear if others wished to join this group or discuss possibilities of further development of the group so that it became more involved with the management of the Reserve.
We would also be interested in filling the gaps in our knowledge about the cultural and natural heritage history of the site and would be interested to hear from anyone who may have this type of information. We will also look at ways of keeping local people up-to-date with NNR events.
We would like to encourage educational groups to use the Reserve for project work including local schools and we will look at ways of raising the Reserve’s profile for this purpose. We will also contact the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) regarding possible future student projects.
Task No. | Task description |
---|---|
VM 2.1 | Continue with the community liaison group. |
VM 2.2 | Investigate possibilities for encouraging more community involvement. |
VM 2.3 | Encourage educational groups to use the NNR. |
Property Management
Objective PM1: To manage the land and reserve properties responsibly and in collaboration with our neighbours.
Craigellachie NNR is leased from Reidhaven Estate. All proposals are discussed with the Estate and are subject to their approval before being implemented. Our aim is to exhibit best practice in all aspects of our stewardship of the land.
The most prominent built structure on the Reserve is the water tank which is the responsibility of Scottish Water. Other infrastructure mainly consists of paths, bridges, benches, fences and signs. The old reservoir, however, was man-made and there is still a small concrete structure at the location of the old sluice. The reservoir was built to provide water to the railway and later as a supply for Aviemore.
We carry out quarterly visitor facility inspections to check the condition of the infrastructure, and have a current Fire Plan for the Reserve. The responsibility for fence maintenance is shared with Reidhaven Estate.
We keep accurate records of our checks, and will attend promptly to any problems that are highlighted.
Task No. | Task description |
---|---|
PM1.1 | Maintain all visitor infrastructure (trails, viewpoint etc.) in good condition for visitors. |
PM1.2 | Carry out quarterly safety and condition assessments of all visitor infrastructure and keep accurate records. |
PM1.3 | Ensure the property is maintained and conforms with Health & Safety Regulations including risk assessment and fire plan reviews |
PM1.4 | Ensure payments are made for Nature Reserve Agreement and other annual payments. |
PM1.5 | Retain the reservoir dam structure and consider appropriate interpretation. |
Planning and Reporting
Objective PR1: Ensure management planning is adaptive and effective.
Ensure management planning is adaptive and effective.
The reserve plan provides valuable continuity however it is only part of the process and it will be monitored and reviewed on an on-going basis with formal milestones at regular intervals.
An interim review will be completed mid-plan unless there are significant changes that require an earlier review.
We will review the plan in the final year to inform preparation of the next management plan.
Task No. | Task description |
---|---|
PR1.1 | Update budget in Q3 for bidding. |
PR1.2 | Report on finance and projects in corporate systems |
PR1.3 | Update annual report at least every quarter and finalise by end of Q1 of following financial year. |
PR1.4 | Complete an interim review of this management plan in 2022/23. |
PR1.5 | Review current reserve plan and complete new management plan for 2027. |
Document properties
Authors: Wayne Fitter, Site Management Officer.
Signed off by:
Date:
Links
For information about Scotland’s National Nature Reserves visit Scotland’s NNR website.
For further information about Craigellachie NNR visit the NatureScot website
For information on the protected areas associated with Craigellachie NNR please go to the SNHi website.