The Reserve Plan Review for Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve 2014 - 2024

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 renowned internationally because of an important geological feature, the 'Moine Thrust' that was first identified here. This is 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. 

The Reserve offers a wide range of interpretation, artwork, paths and viewpoints for the visitors and is also a key facility within the North West Highlands Geopark.   

Knockan Crag is one of a series of National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in Scotland. Scotland’s NNRs are special places where some of the best examples of Scotland’s wildlife are managed. Every NNR is carefully managed both for nature and for people, giving visitors the opportunity to experience our rich natural heritage. This report reviews our achievements and progress against the management objectives set out in the Reserve Plan for Knockan Crag NNR 2014 - 2024. 

Address:

NatureScot,
The Links,
Golspie,
KW10 6UB

Our Vision for Knockan Crag NNR

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is special; the aim is to keep it that way. The Reserve Plan 2014 - 2024 set out our vision for the Reserve describing how we would like the Reserve to be in 2033. The management we have carried out over the past 10 years has been framed with this vision in mind.

Vision

• The Earth science interest continues to be in good condition. Clear exposures of the different rock types and the Moine Thrust enable people to appreciate the geology of the Reserve. The long-term use of the Reserve as a site for scientific research and demonstration continues.
• The upland habitats are in good condition and the native woodland and shrub vegetation is spreading as deer numbers are managed at an appropriate level to allow regeneration in areas where it does not obscure the geological interest.
• The Reserve is well visited, providing an excellent visitor experience for all ages and abilities with up to date and high quality interpretation. There are strong links with many other sites in the North West Highlands, and the Reserve acts as a focal point, inspiring people to explore and learn more about geology and the surrounding landscape.
• Schools use the educational opportunities on the Reserve and the supporting educational materials. Good online resources are an excellent way for those who are unable to visit to learn from and explore the Reserve.
• The property is in good condition, well maintained and meets all statutory obligations.

Management for Natural and Geological Heritage

Objective 1: To protect the earth science and habitat features and maintain them in good condition.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task No.	Task description	Task outcome
NH1.1	Protect the geological interest by maintaining exposed areas and minimum intervention management.	Achieved
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	Partially achieved
NH1.3	Ensure that boundary fences remain in good condition to stop domestic grazing stock gaining access to the site.	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

The Moine earth science feature is in good condition, while the upland habitat features (upland vegetation) have declined and are in poor condition.    

The NNR has a monitoring programme for the earth science features both to protect them and to contribute to the health and safety management on the site by ensuring loose rock is scaled. Upland habitats were monitored in 2023 as a part of a new annual monitoring of blanket bog within the NNR.  

Due to limited staff resource and the challenges of undertaking deer management on a small and busy public site deer management was undertaken on the site on an occasional basis during the plan period. As a consequence, there is some evidence that upland habitats have declined in condition. This is only partially attributable to grazing and other factors, including a wetter climate and more intense storms in recent years are also having an effect. Future deer control will be required on the site and will be directed through assessment of the upland vegetation and working with neighbours. 

Boundary fences were repaired as required during the plan period.

Objective 2: To promote and encourage geological research.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task No.	Task description	Task outcome
NH2.1	Promote the NNR as a site available for geological research through links with the NW Highlands Geopark, BGS and Universities.	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

Geological research happens on an ad hoc basis through Universities and the British Geological Society (BGS), with little contact with NatureScot. Whilst reference is made to geological features found at Knockan Crag in academic papers, there has been no specific promotion or encouragement of geological research. 

There may be opportunities to use the NNR more fully as a site for geological research in partnership with the NW Highland Geopark, perhaps best delivered alongside the many other suitable sites in the area.

Management for People and Property

Objective 3: Enable Visitor to enjoy, understand and appreciate the geological importance of the site, as well as some of the species that are found here, during their visit.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task No.	Task description	Task outcome
VM1.1	Include details of any current management carried out on the NNR for general information on the notice board, and through social media such as Facebook.	Achieved
VM1.2	Assess and evaluate the success of the interpretation through visitor survey work, and make recommendations for any further opportunities for enhancement.	Achieved
VM1.3	Undertake visitor survey to update the visitor profile to the NNR.	Achieved
VM1.4	Ensure the interpretation is maintained adequately within guarantee periods or under separate annual inspections so it continues to meet customer expectations.	Partially achieved
VM1.5	Consider projects identified within the visitor survey (VM1.2) and prioritise those for future inclusion.	Achieved
VM1.6	Working with local providers, such as the Geopark, Rangers and private individuals, advertise any events during the year for the general public and schools, if appropriate to fit with strategic themed 'years' such as Year of Natural Scotland.  Where resources allow, provide support for any events and off-site promotion.	Partially achieved
VM1.7	Look to refresh/update the interpretation towards the end of the 'lifetime' of the current instalment.	Partially achieved

Objective evaluation:

Interpretive provision at Knockan is in the process of a gradual upgrade. As we update the interactive displays we are moving them to more static panels due to the complexity and cost of maintaining either electronic or mechanical interpretation in working order in a space open to the elements. 

The number of visitors to the NNR have increased over the plan period and this is largely attributed to the increasing popularity of the NC500. We have also seen a corresponding increase in motorhomes. In 2023, there was an average of 12 motorhomes, car campers and campervans per night over the summer months. Tour coaches visiting the reserve have also increased with more cruise ships visiting Ullapool with some using it as a toilet stop off on the way to visiting the rest of the NW Highlands. The rock room and trails are popular features for many of our visitors.

Some events were run during the plan period including Feis Rois music events as part of the Ceilidh trail and to promote Scotland’s Natural Larder; over 100 people have attended each open event. There have also been guided walks led by the NW Highlands Geopark with mixed success

Part of the Rock Room interpretation has been replaced with new panels, while other interpretation will be replaced or refreshed during the next plan period as part of a rolling interpretation refresh.

Objective 4: Raise awareness of and promote Knockan Crag NNR

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task No.	Task description	Task outcome
VM2.1	Encourage promotion of Knockan Crag locally and nationally using appropriate mechanisms and in partnership with other organisations such the NWH Geopark.	Achieved
VM2.2	Test the effect of the promotions through visitor numbers, surveys and on-site questionnaires.	Partially achieved
VM2.3	Ensure there are NNR and Rock Route leaflets provided to tourism outlets within the catchment area.	Achieved
VM2.4	Use opportunities for linking to other NNRs, Geoparks and similar sites within the UK when and where possible or appropriate.	Achieved
VM2.5	Promote the NNR and the Rock Route with the NWH Geopark strategy as key facilities for visitors to the Geopark.	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

We continued to raise awareness of, and promote the opportunities at, Knockan Crag, in partnership with the NW Highlands Geopark. We have seen an increase in visitors which reflects the trend in the region in recent years.

The NW Highlands Geopark promotes and encourages geodiversity interpretation throughout the Geopark area. The NNR website provides information for visitors on how to find and what you can do at the reserve. Onsite information explores the geology of the reserve.

Leaflets have been available throughout the period of the plan. NatureScot are currently investigating ways to provide greener alternatives to leaflets which are also costly to print. Site information will continue to be provided digitally and the continual development of our website and social media channels are all part of this work. Overall, there is a more that could be done in partnership with the Geopark and the Wester Ross and Sutherland Rangers to promote and encourage enjoyment of the reserve.   

Objective 5:  Encourage the use of the site for education at all levels.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan:

Task No.	Task description	Task outcome
VM3.1	Promote the use of the NNR as facility for dual language (Gaelic-English) and the environment, in line with SNH and Government Gaelic Plan.	Partially achieved
VM3.2	Refresh and revise the current schools pack to meet new curriculum requirements and use to promote increased usage from schools within the NWH Geopark and Ullapool.	Not achieved

Objective evaluation:

We continue to work with the NW Highlands Geopark, within a wider marketing and interpretation strategy. Knockan Crag is clearly a 'gateway' to the Geopark and is used extensively as a promotional destination throughout the UK and Europe.

Staffing constraints meant that we were no longer able to support school or other educational groups and the schools pack was not refreshed. The reserve is used by educational groups on independent visits including universities from across the UK.

Knockan Crag continues to support the use of Gaelic language in line with NatureScot policy. New interpretation panels to be installed in the Rock Room will continue to support Gaelic language provision.

Objective 6:  Manage the property responsibly to a high standard and following best practice.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan:

Task No.	Task description	Task outcome
PM1.1	Maintain the property through regular maintenance checks and management. This requires regular path works, interpretation maintenance, strimming and weeding, Visitor Facility Inspections, management of water and systems, all in line with updated Risk Assessments and to meet health & Safety requirements. Contract for cleaning (2019/20) forward.	Achieved
PM1.2	Undertake 6 monthly photographic rock face inspections, and every two years full roped access inspection using geo-technical engineering contractors.	Achieved
PM1.3	Following roped access inspections, undertake rock scaling the following year along the cliff face where an unacceptable level of risk to visitors/infrastructure at the NNR has been identified.	Achieved
PM1.4	Ensure a full programme of Planned Preventative Maintenance is in place with Property Services department which includes all infrastructure on site.	Achieved
PM1.5	Where possible source support services and goods locally to help reduce carbon footprint for site as well as supporting the local economy.	Partially achieved
PM1.6	Identify any reduction in use of fossil fuels through the installation of renewable energy such as solar or photovoltaic panels.	Achieved
PM1.7	Work with property services to improve and upgrade the water supply to ensure continuity of water to the public toilets.	Achieved
PM1.8	Install EV charger at Knockan Crag.	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

Repairs and maintenance of infrastructure continues at Knockan, notable projects included resurfacing the car park and upgrading the accessible path to the Rock Room. A path audit has been undertaken at the end of the plan to inform future maintenance. An increasingly wet climate with more regular storms has increased erosion on the paths and we are looking at how we make them more robust in future.     

The Reserve Officer carries out most of the regular maintenance work such as visitor facility health and safety inspections and general maintenance work. NatureScot’s Property Service has provided some input to planned preventative maintenance.

The roped access cliff inspections and remedial works are let on a four-year contract which ensures some continuity of work and contract personnel. Every two years a full roped access inspection is undertaken by a qualified geo-engineer which identifies any remedial works to be carried out the following year. Although this ongoing requirement is 

demanding of NNR staff time and other resources it is necessary to meet our health and safety responsibilities.

The toilets were moved on to the mains water supply to reduce how often we were having to close them. An EV charger was installed at Knockan Crag to support wider electric vehicle roll out. Vehicles used by reserve staff were transitioned to full electric during the plan period to reduce Knockan’s impact on the environment. An assessment of potential to install renewable energy determined that options such as solar panels would not make significant savings at the reserve due to low power use.

Objective 7: Ensure the Management Plan is valid in light of changing circumstances or increasing knowledge.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan:

Task No.	Task description	Task outcome
7.1	Undertake period reviews to ensure the objectives are being met.  Develop these reviews through community consultation, clearly providing feedback and identifying how local views have been taken into account.	Partially achieved
7.2	In 2013 the British Geological Survey undertook a small contract to review the rock stability work, and its validity in retaining the site in a safe manner.  This was done by desk study. The conclusions were that these works were necessary and proportionate to the visitor levels on site. There were suggestions for techniques for further monitoring. For any further cost-benefit analysis to be done, this would require field work and additional budget.  Review 16/17.	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

Tasks and specific projects were assessed throughout the plan to ensure the overall objectives of the plan were met. 

The BGS survey was carried out and reviewed as part of ongoing cliff face works. Cliff inspections continue on site with remedial works carried out as advised by professional geo technical engineers and geologists in order to manage the risk of rock fall from the site. 

Summary

The Earth science interest continues to be in good condition. Clear exposures of the different rock types and the Moine Thrust enable people to appreciate the geology of the Reserve.  There will be opportunities to use the NNR more fully as a site for geological research and demonstration through the Geopark. In contrast, the upland habitats are in poor condition and future deer control will be needed to reduce trampling and overgrazing impacts to ensure to these habitats to good condition. The amenity woodland will be allowed to develop where it does not threaten the other upland habitat interests or obscure the geological interest as it contributes to the biodiversity of the reserve.

Visitor numbers are up on the previous plan period, largely driven by the NC500, and the Reserve continues to provide an excellent visitor experience for a wide variety of audiences.  Knockan is now a very busy motorhome overnight and a popular ‘toilet break’ stop. 

The Reserve continues to act as a focal point (e.g. on the Rock Route and within the Geopark), inspiring people to explore and learn more about geology and the surrounding landscape. Links to other NNRs were not developed as being a predominately geological NNR, there are no clear synergies between Knockan and other NNRs within the NNR partnership.

Schools have used the educational opportunities on the Reserve, and we would also like to see further involvement of the local community with the Reserve although this is a challenge given its remoteness and the lack of all year round site-based staff.    

The property continues to be in reasonable condition and is regularly inspected and maintained within budgetary constraints.  Sections of path beyond the Rock Room have deteriorated over the plan period and will require investment under the next plan period to restore them to good condition. Consideration will need to be given to long term sustainable solutions to infrastructure that reduce maintenance and make Knockan more resilient to the impacts of climate change including extreme weather. This is no small task given the dynamic nature of the rock face and its proximity to our interpretation and path network.

The COVID 19 pandemic and budgetary constraints had a significant impact on the delivery of the objectives within the plan.  Staff resource was supplemented by a seasonal reserve officer who covered Knockan, as well as up to another five other NNRs in the Highlands. The focus of the seasonal reserve officers was on visitor management and engagement following the surge in visitor’s experiences across the North Highlands. 

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Authors

This document was written by Adam Rose (Reserve Manager), edited by Neil Mitchell (NNR adviser) and approved by Juan Brown (NNR Area Lead - North).