The Reserve Plan Review for Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve 2014-2024

Foreword

Tentsmuir NNR 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.

In 2014, we carried out a public consultation on our future proposals for the management of Tentsmuir NNR. Your feedback from the consultation informed the completion of the Reserve Plan 2014 – 2024, which set out our management for the reserve during that period. We have now come to the end of that plan and have started to think about the future direction of our management. This report reviews our achievements and progress against the management objectives set out in the Reserve Plan for Tentsmuir NNR 2014 - 2024.

Address:

NatureScot,
Fetterdale Office,
by Tayport,
Fife,
DD9 9PF

Our Vision for Tentsmuir NNR

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve is special; the aim is to keep it that way.  The Reserve Plan 2014 - 2024 sets out our vision for the Reserve describing how we would like the Reserve to be in 2039.  The management we have carried out over the past 10 years has been framed with this vision in mind.

Vision

Our vision for Tentsmuir NNR in 2039.

The sand dune complex, which is so important to Tentsmuir, is in excellent condition; natural processes are shaping the dunes, sand bars and mudflats. The Reserve continues to display a complete transition of sand dunes types, from strandline to fixed dune heath. The dune habitats and species are increasing and the spread of trees and scrub is controlled.

During the winter months the undisturbed sands support large numbers of waders and wildfowl, which gather for feeding and roosting. The conditions on the Reserve are suitable for the successful breeding of birds and wildfowl. There are suitable conditions for the successful breeding, moulting and haul out of common seals and grey seals.

Morton Lochs are thriving with water returning to good quality and supporting a rich variety of flora and fauna in particular teal. The surrounding relic dune heath is recovering and spreading over a wider area.

The variety of species found on the Reserve is as rich as it was at the turn of the century and the diversity of plants and animals continues to flourish and increase.

The Reserve offers exciting opportunities for education and research. A wide range of visitors are able to enjoy and appreciate the wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage of the site.

Management for Natural Heritage

Objective NH1: Dune and coastal features: Maintain overall extent and condition of dune and coastal SAC and SSSI qualifying habitats and species at Tentsmuir, Tayport and Morton Lochs to at least 'unfavourable recovering condition'.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task no.	Task description	Task outcome
NH1.1	Monitor the condition of the geomorphologic and biological site features using aerial photography.	Achieved
NH1.2	Establish current extent of Tentsmuir point by mapping shoreline with GPS.	Not achieved
NH1.3	Undertake SCM for SAC features.	Achieved
NH1.4	Control scrub cover at Tentsmuir Point to below 5 % of extent.	Achieved
NH1.5	Management for cattle - maintain solar panel, water supplies and sea fences.	Achieved
NH1.6	Monitor extent and density of rosebay willowherb. Control if necessary.	Partially achieved
NH1.7	Maintain 8.5 ha of open heath on Tayport Heath by controlling scrub cover to >5%.	Achieved
NH1.8	Maintain 6.5 ha of dune grassland/slacks at Morton with reduced sward and > 10% of scrub and bracken.	Achieved
NH1.9	Maintain water table at Great Slack to ensure standing water for a min. 4 weeks p.a. across 3 acres in 3 of 5 years.	Not achieved
NH1.10	Maintain Cleek burn as free flowing water course annually.	Achieved
NH1.11	Establish heather cover over 2 ha at Garpit Moor through natural regeneration and seeding or transplanting.	Partially achieved
NH1.12	Monitor restoration plots at Garpit Moor to assess success of heather seeding every 3 years.	Achieved
NH1.13	Control scrub and invasives on Garpit Moor to ensure it is <10% of extent.	Achieved
NH1.14	Maintain grass sward at Garpit Moor by grazing with cattle for 6 months per annum.	Achieved
NH1.15	Ensure Garpit Moor is stock proof by maintaining fences annually.	Achieved
NH1.16	Manage water levels at Garpit Moor.	Achieved
NH1.17	Restore a mosaic of grassland and slack over 4ha west of Morton by 2017 and 10ha to the east by 2021.	Partially achieved
NH1.18	Monitor levels of disturbance by recording significant incidents and witnessed results.	Achieved
NH1.19	Clearance and replanting of areas round Morton Lochs following Storm Arwen	Partially achieved
NH1.20	Fencing and replanting woodland around Morton Lochs following the aftermath of Storm Arwen. Removal of dangerous stumpage	Not achieved

Objective evaluation:

Annual summer grazing of the site has been continued for Morton Lochs and Tentsmuir Point to control of scrub and has been working well to reduce growth of target species. NoFence collars have been trialled on site to increase flexibility of grazing areas without additional fencing. Further removal of scrub across the site to maintain notified features has been done through a combination of hand pulling, cutting and herbicide treatment to prevent regrowth. Sand dune features for Morton Lochs and Tayport – Tentsmuir SSSI are recovering.

An effort to reduce herbicide use across the site from 2021 has been achieved by hand pulling and lopping target species alongside grazing rather than spot spraying to reduce damage to lichens and surrounding flora. This has been achieved through our regular volunteers, corporate volunteering days and staff time undertaking approximately 250 people hours per year.

Trials to reduce the spread of rosebay willowherb by cutting and hand pulling have shown to stunt growth but not eliminate. Grazing reduces spread of seed as the cattle eat the flowers.

Unfavourable features of the Tentsmuir – Tayport SSSI regarding bird and harbour seal population are not isolated at this site but are still a focus. Disturbance is still a factor affecting bird populations and seals which is why we have brought in new signage regarding dogs during the breeding bird season and zoned off areas (more in NH3) but the habitat should still be suitable.

Due to changes in the forest ditch system and the dynamism of the coast, the Great Slack was not consistently flooded over winter months. The deliberate flooding via wind pump was no longer feasible so it was removed and the habitat is being managed by the natural processes of the coastal system.

Efforts to establish heather cover by planting and transplanting on Garpit Moor were continued from the start of this management plan in 2014 until 2016. This active management achieved limited success with few plants establishing but by encouraging natural processes to take place at Tentsmuir, cover is once again increasing across the site.

Storm Arwen caused a lot of damage to Morton Lochs woodlands and path edges but repair works and resurfacing of the path in March 2024 restored and improved access to ‘all-abilities’ level. Brash and felled trees have been cleared and some replanting of native broadleaves has been done to replace lost trees.

Objective NH2: Open water and wetlands: Maintain extent and quality of open water, fen and marsh at Morton Lochs.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task no.	Task description	Task outcome
NH2.1	Maintain open water at 70% of loch surface through controlling vegetation.	Achieved
NH2.2	Control water levels through maintenance of out and inflows annually.	Achieved
NH2.3	Maintain current sluices and flow routes to allow movement of water through the system annually.	Achieved
NH2.4	Control vegetation through spraying and cutting of target species at in and outflows at north loch.	Achieved
NH2.5	Monitor water levels across the site and water quality at the Lead burn inflow and north loch.	Achieved
NH2.6	Investigate causes of eutrophication with SEPA and produce action plan for remedy.	Achieved
NH2.7	Establish a project to determine targets for water level, nutrient load and vegetation.	Achieved
NH2.8	Continue monitoring teal and develop action plan to restore wintering populations to 2000 levels.	Partially achieved
NH2.9	Undertake SCM Morton Lochs SSSI loch trophic range (17/18).	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

Site Condition Monitoring at Morton Lochs in 2021/22 found that the loch trophic range was ‘Unfavourable – no change’. Teal numbers and distribution in the UK and Scotland fluctuate considerably with the species utilising small and often ephemeral waterbodies when conditions allow.  Teal at Tentsmuir are an ‘Unfavourable Recovering’ feature with populations likely to be affected by offsite factors include climate, climate change and habitat availability elsewhere however long-term monitoring of the species continues.

Open water has been maintained at 70% of the loch surface by controlling of vegetation alongside control of vegetation in the in and outflows. This has been controlled by herbicide in the past and in more recent years, hand cutting to reduce the amount of herbicide used on site. Herbicide use has been reduced and is only used when necessary and typically painted on stumps to increase uptake and reduce drift.

In 2017 a new reed bed was planted in the inflow and in 2023 it was dug out and replanted with phragmites to increase filtration of water and absorption of nutrients before entering loch. Solar aerators were installed in 2022 to increase aeration of water with 2 additional aerators added in 2023 to improve coverage of lochs.

Objective NH3: Species management: Maintain the biodiversity interest of the reserve and continue to contribute records to national programmes.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task no.	Task description	Task outcome
NH3.1	Undertake SCM Firth of Tay and Eden estuary SPA, SAC, Ramsar and SSSI.	Achieved
NH3.2	Monitor coral root orchid at Tentsmuir point annually.	Achieved
NH3.3	Undertake SCM Morton Lochs SSSI - non-breeding teal (16/17).	Achieved
NH3.4	Maintain lagoon areas by cutting vegetation for invertebrates and otters.	Achieved
NH3.5	Manage for ground nesting birds, waterfowl, and water voles by controlling predators and invasive species.	Achieved
NH3.6	Manage for butterflies by cutting grass from edge of track and controlling the spread of target species along the old railway line.	Achieved
NH3.7	Encourage invertebrates by maintaining glades.	Achieved
NH3.8	Collate survey and monitoring records for dragonflies.	Partially achieved
NH3.9	Encourage breeding birds and bats by providing boxes in the woodland around Morton Lochs.	Achieved
NH3.10	Monitor butterflies using volunteers and report to UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme.	Achieved
NH3.11	Support survey for lunar yellow underwing.	Achieved
NH3.12	Detailed habitat survey for Morton Lochs areas.	Partially achieved
NH3.13	Identify a suitable location to build an osprey platform at Morton Lochs.	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

Monitoring of rare plants and annual survey of coral root orchid has continued with the exception of 2020/21 due to covid-19 restrictions of travel. Coral root orchid numbers in the survey area have declined although habitat conditions remain stable.

Lagoon areas have been maintained by cutting of vegetation and overhanging branches to benefit otters and invertebrates.  Morton Lochs is a designated Scottish Dragonfly Hotspot with new interpretation panel installed 2023. Ponds, lagoons and ditches are maintained and managed for dragonflies by clearing some vegetation to maintain open water. Dragonfly survey data has been submitted to IRecord.

Areas are managed for butterflies by cutting grass from path edges, keeping glades open and controlling the spread of target species on the old railway line. The railway line is managed as a meadow as well as the area beside the Education Pavilion.

Annual monitoring has continued of the 3 longstanding transects that feed into the United Kingdom Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS). Volunteer Gillian Fyfe published SNH research report 970 in 2018 – A report on butterfly abundance and flight periods 1978-2015. Grayling numbers have been in steady decline on site (see graph) so work was done with Butterfly Conservation to create scrapes to boost areas of suitable habitat. The habitat requirements for grayling are also favourable for lunar yellow underwing, a moth that was last recorded in Scotland at Tentsmuir in 2007. Moth surveys for lunar yellow underwing and Portland moth have also been supported on site with Butterfly Conservation and volunteers.

Breeding birds and bats have been encouraged at Morton Lochs with the provision of nest and bat boxes. An osprey platform was installed in 2016 but has not been used.

Invasive species have been controlled with regular monitoring and trapping when necessary. Tentsmuir and Morton Lochs are a red squirrel stronghold and we are working in partnership with the Eastern Lowlands Red Squirrel Group to monitor red squirrel populations. As it is a red squirrel core site, we monitor and control any greys sighted. Sea buckthorn has been controlled on the reserve by being cut with herbicide painted on the stumps and surrounding dune areas will be monitored.

In 2021, a ‘dogs on lead’ management rule during the ground nesting bird season was implemented at Tentsmuir Point on the NNR. This was backed up with trials of zonation to protect ground nesting birds by fencing off areas of suitable habitat with electric fencing to keep cows, people and dogs out. The areas chosen for zonation were popular short cuts to the beach by visitors with and without dogs. This was intended to reduce disturbance and help boost numbers of nesting skylarks. Casual observations by staff indicated that numbers in the first zone may have increased. Skylark pairs were surveyed in the first year and compared to an unfenced adjacent area which was subsequently fenced off the following year. This has seen numbers rise from 3 skylark pairs in 2021 when unfenced to 6 in 2022 and 2023 once fenced off (Fig. 4). Numbers of stonechat and meadow pipits appeared to increase in the zones so future surveys will include them to monitor numbers. An additional zoned off area was implemented on the foreshore to target ringed plovers in 2023 and saw one chick fledge in the first year. This will be maintained and expanded over suitable habitat.

There have been numerous species recorded on the reserve for the first time during the period of this management plan including many butterflies such as comma, speckled wood, wall and holly blue. Although only first recorded on the site in 2018, speckled wood numbers have been rising since. It is thought that these species have been expanding their distribution northwards due to climate change. Many of these records have been significant and banded demoiselle was recorded for the first time in 2021 and was the second record for Fife, the most northerly sighting on the east coast of Scotland, and the second most northerly sighting in the UK.

Management for People

Objective VM1: Visitor experience: Engage with visitors through the provision of a variety of high quality facilities, live and static interpretation aimed at current and new audiences.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task no.	Task description	Task outcome
VM1.1	Organise and promote at least 3 annual events and up to 10 walks or talks.	Achieved
VM1.2	Provide information for visitors by distributing the reserve leaflet at main access points at all times.	Achieved
VM1.3	Provide upto date information in the hides.	Achieved
VM1.4	Provide displays about Tentsmuir within the local community using panels created for Fife show.	Achieved
VM1.5	Contribute information to national publications and campaigns for NNRs annually.	Achieved
VM1.6	Update website and provide social media posts 3 times weekly.	Achieved
VM1.7	Repeat national visitor survey at site in 2015-16 to improve understanding of audience and visitor satisfaction.	Not achieved
VM1.8	Review the Tentsmuir Time Trail booklet, reprint required and its promotion. (Booklet specific dispensers obtained for FCS car park structures)	Partially achieved
VM1.9	Review and where appropriate refresh or replace interpretation on the NNR by end of 2016-17.	Partially achieved
VM1.10	Provide access routes. Work with FLS & access officer to agree approach to promoting access.	Achieved
VM1.11	We will work with Fife Council to develop an accreditation scheme for commercial dog walkers.	Not achieved
VM1.12	Promote key messages to encourage responsible use by dog walkers and work with Fife Council to reduce dog fouling.	Partially achieved
VM1.13	Provide information on impacts of disturbance on wildlife to educate visitors about how they can minimise it. Target specific groups e.g. jet ski users.	Achieved
VM1.14	Review and revise behavioural signs and messages.	Achieved
VM1.15	Improve the Morton Lochs car park by resurfacing and extending number of bays.	Achieved
VM1.16	Maintain viewing hides. Assess condition and replace hides.	Achieved
WM1.17	Maintain paths, boardwalks, signs and interpretation in good condition and repair as necessary.	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

Regular events including guided walks and cycles and an annual Open Day have been successful in engaging with new visitors and sharing information with the public.
The leaflet has been available at entrances to the reserve and in visitor hot spots throughout NE Fife (Visit Scotland Centre / V&A Dundee etc.) to highlight the reserve.
Fullerton Hide to be demolished November 2023. Christie hide is now subsiding and needs steel reinforcements which should take place in 2024. All hides have had roofs and boardwalks replaced with the remaining boardwalk to be replaced at the Railway hide winter 2023.
Morton Lochs path upgrade to be completed by March 2024 to improve surface, remove dangerous stumps at edges and upgrade loop to be an ‘all-access’ path to improve accessibility.
Signs were not replaced in 2017 and as such are showing significant decay with several removed already. Seasonal signage is kept up to date with targeted behavioural messages to keep signs current and informative. The national visitor survey was not undertaken in 2015-16 due to lack of funds.
Social media sites kept up to date with reserve news and events weekly.

Construction and opening of the Pavilion as an education facility in 2019 renewed interpretation on the reserve and gave a focal point to visitors. It has been very successful in providing shelter and a space for talks with groups and education visits as well as a space for visitors to enjoy day to day. It was the winner of the ‘Education Building Scotland 2019’ award.

Attended 2019 Scottish Parliament event that showcased NNRs.

Breeding bird zones and dogs on lead guidance was implemented as of 2021 breeding bird season to tackle disturbance which has seen increased numbers of visitors putting their dogs on a lead on the reserve. There has been some success with breeding bird zones and this will be expanded on in the future management plan. It is difficult to enforce and depends heavily on staff resources. Staff have been working with Safer Communities Fife and Police Scotland to tackle wildlife disturbance and antisocial behaviour by undertaking joint patrols and engagement events on site.

Staff have held events each year both onsite and in the community to reach wider audience. Partnership working with local community groups and centres to be involved in having Tentsmuir NNR stalls during various events/festivals to raise awareness, advertise events and volunteering and increase community engagement.  ‘Four for the Shore’ beach cleaning initiative was launched in February 2020.

A research report was written by Molly Aldam - NatureScot Research Report 1253 - Overcoming the barriers to participation on NatureScot's National Nature Reserves by disadvantaged communities in central Scotland.

There have been several media visits and Autumnwatch based at Tentsmuir NNR in October 2020. A poetry competition event in St Andrews inspired by Tentsmuir NNR as part of StANZA 2020 (international poetry festival) was held. Tentsmuir NNR along with wider NNRs were the focus of a music composition competition - ‘In Tune With Nature’.

Objective VM2: Education: Engage with the formal education sector through supporting teachers and educational visits.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task no.	Task description	Task outcome
VM2.1	Support 7 pre-school and primary groups, 10 secondary and 15 tertiary groups.	Partially achieved
VM2.2	Support 1 'Teaching in Nature' group annually.	Achieved
VM2.3	Monitor and evaluate use of teachers’ pack, implement modifications as required.	Achieved
VM2.4	Facilitate and encourage local playgroups & nurseries.	Achieved
VM2.5	Develop and construct an education and visitor facility.	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

In recent years there has been lower numbers of school groups due to increases in bus costs and shortage of drivers which has been observed nationally. The pandemic in 2020 along with subsequent lockdowns meant there were no visits in 2020/21 and 2021/22 with slight recovery since then as schools return to normal. Morton Lochs hosts an outdoor nursery and has been the site of a home education group that have been completing their John Muir Trust award with staff support. The pavilion offers an excellent base for education groups as does the benefit of the compost toilet which removes a barrier for groups. We hosted groups from Education Scotland and SQA for volunteer work parties to boost links between organisations and highlight our place in education.

Objective VM3: Volunteering: Encourage local engagement through volunteering and liaison group.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task no.	Task description	Task outcome
VM3.1	Support 20 regular volunteers including voluntary wardens & wildlife survey work and 10 one day group events.	Achieved
VM3.2	Manage volunteers - including risk assessments, H&S, i-People, PPE as required.	Achieved
VM3.3	Offer one apprenticeship/placement annually.	Partially achieved
VM3.4	Promote the site to a variety of user groups who aim to encourage walking and improved health through access to the countryside.	Achieved
VM3.5	Produce and distribute a newsletter and press releases.	Partially achieved
VM3.6	Hold Reserve management and liason group meetings biannually.	Achieved

 
Objective evaluation:

Tentsmuir NNR has a wide range of volunteers that support vital work on site to contribute to the ongoing management plan. There are 20+ volunteers that take part in weekly and bi-monthly practical volunteer sessions as well as an array of dedicated surveyors that record data on moths, dragonflies, plants, birds and butterflies. We have additional volunteering from corporate and staff groups that add an additional approx. 10 extra volunteer work parties per annum.

During this management plan, there have been 5 Student Placements employed on the reserve and many have gone on to employment in the nature conservation sector.

The site has been promoted to a variety of user groups to encourage access to the outdoors. We have been working with Backbone, Dundee Carers and Dundee Green Health Partnership (2020-current) as well as the Tayport Community Trust to encourage local engagement. Visits have been supported by staff to host guided walks, family activities and volunteer taster sessions. In June 2022 we worked with Backbone and Yusif Youth Initiative to host ‘Festival for All’ at Tentsmuir Point. We work in conjunction with the Larick Centre which is a community centre in Tayport and hosts various events throughout the year.

The annual newsletter has been replaced as there is a focus on social media to give more regular updates across the year.

Management for Property

Objective PM1: Property: Manage and maintain the reserve and associated property in good condition; meeting both corporate and legislative requirements.

Projects to be delivered during life of plan

Task no.	Task description	Task outcome
PM1.1	Employ assistant reserve manager in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland.	Achieved
PM1.2	Ensure legal responsibilities of owners of scheduled monument sites within the NNR are adhered to.	Achieved
PM1.3	Carry out quarterly safety and condition assessments of all visitor infrastructure and keep accurate records.	Achieved
PM1.4	Maintain Reserve Office & Workshop.	Achieved
PM1.5	Maintain roads, vehicles, equipment, fences, stiles and gates.	Achieved
PM1.6	Ensure the property is maintained and conforms with Health and Safety Regulations including risk assessment and fire plan reviews.	Achieved
PM1.7	Property management - foreshore lease from Crown Commission	Achieved
PM1.8	Fixed costs - utilities, office costs etc.	Achieved
PM1.9	Fixed costs - utilities, office costs etc.	Achieved

Objective evaluation:

There have been internal delays in sourcing suppliers to replace the existing signage some of which is now in poor condition. However, we are using this opportunity to consider how we might better reduce the amount of signage, by removing some permanently. The track to Morton Lochs undergoes an annual repair on our section but has faced significant damage from FLS harvesting activities in 2023. 
The Feather trail was closed due to storm damage on south area of Morton Lochs and windblown trees blocked the route. FLS have replanted this area in March/April of 2024 with a native broadleaf mix. The Feather trail is no longer a marked trail. We are progressing well towards net-zero by 2025 by replacing tools where possible with battery operated options and have replaced diesel vehicles with electric.

Summary

This review provides an evaluation for each of the 7 objectives of the management plan and a majority of the projects within them have been achieved. 

Overall, the habitats within Tentsmuir NNR have remained in good condition due to the practical management being undertaken annually. Tentsmuir Point has a mixture of dune heath and grassland in good condition, clear of invasive forestry species and the coastal edge and sandbars remain dynamic and are left to the natural processes of erosion and deposition. Heather regeneration is progressing at Garpit Moor with some planted heather surviving and the cover steadily increasing by natural regeneration. Morton Lochs will continue to be managed to maintain 70% open water and further efforts to reduce nutrient enrichment will be investigated.

Bird monitoring has continued throughout the plan period highlighting many off site trends as well as ongoing issues of wildlife disturbance.

Disturbance of wildlife by visitors remains to be a problem on this site and new measures were implemented during the ground nesting bird season to reduce impacts from both visitors and dogs. Areas were fenced off to protect ground nesting birds which saw some success and will continue along with species monitoring.

The butterfly monitoring programme of three transects continues annual recording which contributes to national datasets. This work is largely due to a band of dedicated volunteers. Annual control programmes of predators and invasive species have enhanced the breeding success of water birds, ground nesting birds and red squirrels. 

Most of the visitor management objectives have been met including education and volunteering. Regular events have been held as well as partnership working with the local community. Following damage from Storm Arwen, upgrades to the Morton Lochs path should be completed be an ‘all-access’ path to improve accessibility. The Education Pavilion was opened in June 2019 and provides an excellent learning space for groups and also acts as an interpretation centre. The coach car park and composting toilet are brilliant facilities to enhance education visits.

Volunteering has remained successful and as numbers of interest were so high, we started a second regular practical volunteering group. The engagement and enthusiasm from our volunteers is invaluable.

The way ahead

Our next steps are to draft a new ten-year management plan for Tentsmuir NNR, considering lessons learned from the past management plan and identifying work that needs to be continued as well as any new projects. 

Document properties

Author: Marijke Leith
Editor: Neil Mitchell
Approved by: Caroline Gallacher
Date: 4^th April 2024.