The Management plan for Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve 2014-2024

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve (NNR) is the extreme north east point of Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It lies 10km north of St Andrews and a similar distance south of Dundee. The reserve consists of three areas Tentsmuir Point, Tayport Heath and Morton Lochs. They are all part of a once extensive sand dune system, stretching between the Eden and Tay estuaries. Most of the dune system is now covered by forest and farmland but these areas are being restored to dune habitat.

NatureScot manages the NNR and the neighbouring land by Forest Enterprise and private landowners. NatureScot works closely with Forest Enterprise on aspects of management. 

Tentsmuir Point is an extensive area of dunes and mudflats which continues to grow seaward. Indeed, this is one of the fastest growing parts of Scotland. The dunes constantly change and shift as sand is eroded and deposited by the sea. The slow moving River Tay deposits large quantities of rich sediment here where it meets the sea. The point is an internationally important area for waders and wildfowl, providing a rich food source and resting place. It is also an important area for both grey and common seals, both species being found at Tentsmuir throughout the year. As you move inland through areas dominated by marram grass the dunes stabilise and dune heath develops. Between the dune ridges are extensive dune slacks rich in wildflowers. In summer the slacks provide sheltered breeding sites for birds. A short distance west of the point Tayport Heath is an area we are restoring to dune heath. 

Further inland on the edge of the forest Morton Lochs is a wetland area with open water and a fringing fen. It attracts both wintering and breeding ducks and a variety dragonflies and damselflies. A dune heath restoration area, Garpit Moor, is found to the north end of Morton Lochs.

Managing, monitoring and improving the natural heritage interest of the reserve has always been the focus of our work, but visitors are also important and we provide facilities for them. An extensive network of paths and trails through Tentsmuir forest, managed by Forest Enterprise, link the three areas of the NNR. Around the reserve information boards tell you more about the wildlife. And hidden in the forest are a series of sculptures - creating a timeline from Morton Lochs to Tentsmuir point.

At Morton Lochs the wildlife viewing hides are connected by an easy access path. It has excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for those who wait quietly. The lochs and fens are rich in waterfowl and the woodland glades in flowers and insects. You may see red squirrels in the trees or raiding bird feeders. 

Tentsmuir point rewards those who visit with views across the silver waters of the Tay, an extensive beach and a seemingly never ending shoreline. Seals regularly haul out on the shore and flocks of waders dance along the water's edge. Rafts of duck gather off shore and the occasional sea eagle is seen.

Tentsmuir is one of a suite of NNRs in Scotland. Scotland’s NNRs are special places for nature, 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.  

'The Story of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve’ is a companion publication which has more information about Tentsmuir NNR and its history.  The Story provides the foundation for managing the site and is recommended reading for those wishing to understand more about the management of this very special place. 

In 2013, we carried out a review of our last Plan for Tentsmuir NNR (2006-2012 extended to 2014).  This, together with management plan workshops and specialist advice, was used to develop our future management proposals and inform the preparation of a draft Management Plan for 2014-2024, which we opened for public consultation.  Your feedback was collated in a Consultation Report which was used to inform the completion of this Management Plan.

The first section of this Plan gives our vision for Tentsmuir, describing how we would like to see the reserve in 2024. It specifies our objectives for management and outlines projects planned to deliver these objectives.

During the final year of the plan, we will review our progress against this plan to determine the future direction of our management on the reserve.

Contents

  1. 1. Maps of Tentsmuir NNR
    1. Location map
  2. 2. Our Vision for Tentsmuir NNR
  3. 3. Protected areas and features
  4. 4. Natural Heritage Management (NH)
    1. Dune and coastal features
    2. Open water and wetlands
    3. Species management
  5. 5. Management for People
    1. Visitor experience
    2. Education
    3. Volunteering
  6. 6. Property Management
  7. 7. Summary
  8. 8. Document properties

1. Maps of Tentsmuir NNR

Location map

Full description provided next
Getting to Tentsmuir
Click for a full description

Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve lies some 2.5 miles (4kms) east of Tayport, or 1.5 miles (2.5kms) north of the Forestry and Land Scotland car park, signposted Kinshaldy Beach, off the B945 Tayport to Leuchars road.

Tentsmuir NNR boundary map

2. Our Vision for Tentsmuir NNR

Tentsmuir NNR is special; the aim is to keep it that way.

The Management Plan 2014 - 24 sets out our vision for the reserve describing how we would like the reserve to be in 2039. The management we plan to carry out over the next 10 years has been framed with this vision in mind.

Vision

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.

3. Protected areas and features

Morton Lochs became a NNR in 1952, the second place in Great Britain to be declared a NNR; two years later Tentsmuir Point became an NNR and Tayport Heath was added in 1988.  In 2003 NatureScot combined the sites to become Tentsmuir NNR.  The reserve is situated in the far northeast corner of Fife and covers 564 hectares (ha). 

The reserve has many features of national and international importance which are protected by a number of European and UK designations. The reserve is part of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Tay and

Eden Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA). It is also included in the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance. At a national level the reserve is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It includes part of the Tayport – Tentsmuir Coast SSSI and all of Morton Lochs SSSI.  It is also part of the Tentsmuir Geological Conservation Review site.

The recognition of Tentsmuir as a European site of international importance means that it is part of a Europe wide network of areas referred to as ‘Natura’ sites which reinforces the message that it can be considered one of the best sites in Europe.     

Whilst managing Tentsmuir NNR we have to take account of our legal obligations and Government policy to manage the features that are listed as important in a European or international context. This management plan has been appraised accordingly, and where a project listed in the plan is likely to have a significant effect on one or more of the qualifying features of the SACs and/or SPA, we will carry out an ‘appropriate assessment’. This includes all projects, whether they are direct habitat management or providing a new visitor facility on the reserve. We will only proceed if they do not adversely affect the integrity of the SAC and/or SPA. Likewise, 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.

4. Natural Heritage Management (NH)

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'.

Dune and coastal features

We do not actively manage Abertay Sands, the area of intertidal sand and mud. This area is left to the natural processes of erosion and deposition.   

We actively manage the more stable areas of fixed sand dunes and dune heath at Tentsmuir Point and Tayport. The main issue for these areas is the seeding of trees and shrubs from the adjacent forest and the spread of rosebay willowherb. The grasslands at Morton are affected by the spread of bracken. In order to maintain these habitats in good condition we use a combination of techniques. We graze these areas with cattle leased from a local farmer to reduce the spread of trees and shrubs. This maintains an open grassland and heath vegetation cover with low scrub which is beneficial to the species diversity on the reserve. For us to be able to have cattle on site we have to maintain the inland and sea fences and ensure a supply of water.

Grazing is supplemented by focussed treatment with herbicide of target species such as pine, bracken and rosebay willowherb, pulling of saplings and some mechanical cutting.  

Similar techniques will be used in to establish and manage dune grassland and heath at Garpit Moor. However, in this area, the regeneration of heath is being enhanced through planting and seeding of heather. 

At Tentsmuir Point we manage the water levels using a combination of clearing burns and a solar powered water pump. This allows a constant water table to be maintained in the ditches for cattle grazing and to allow for the winter flooding of the Great Slack to encourage a diversity of plants. 

We will complete monitoring of all features during the life of the plan to ensure our management is being successful and to report to national programmes such as site condition monitoring. This will include the monitoring of visitors to assess the level of disturbance to wildlife.  

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective NH1:

Task No.

Task description

NH1.1

Monitor the condition of the geomorphologic and biological site features (coastal, geomorphology, mudflats and sand dunes) using aerial photography.

NH1.2

Establish current extent of Tentsmuir point by mapping shoreline with GPS.

NH1.3

Undertake SCM Firth of Tay and Eden estuary SAC - estuaries, intertidal mudflats & sandflats and subtitdal sandbanks (13/14) and

Task No.

Task description

-

Tayport-Tentsmuir Coast SSSI - mudflats (16/17) and coastal geomorphology (17/18).

NH1.4

Control scrub cover at Tentsmuir Point to below 5 % of extent by grazing up to 25 cattle for 5 months per annum, by treating with herbicide and mechanical cutting and removing saplings.

NH1.5

Management for cattle - maintain the solar panel at the Great Slack, water supplies and sea fences.

NH1.6

Monitor extent and density of rosebay willowherb. If spreads beyond cover in 2000 by more than 5% investigate methods for controlling.

NH1.7

Maintain 8.5 ha of open heathland on Tayport Heath by controlling scrub cover to less than 5% (broom, gorse, bracken & other target species) through herbicide treatment annually and removing pine saplings.

NH1.8

Maintain 6.5 ha of dune grassland and slacks at Morton Lochs with reduced sward and less than 10% of scrub and bracken cover using cattle grazing and herbicide annually.

NH1.9

Maintain water table at Great Slack to ensure standing water is present for a minimum of 4 weeks per annum across 3 acres in 3 out of 5 years.

NH1.10

Maintain Cleek burn as free flowing water course annually.

NH1.11

Establish heather cover over 2 ha at Garpit Moor through natural regeneration and seeding or transplanting every 3 years.

NH1.12

Monitor restoration plots at Garpit Moor to assess success of heather seeding every 3 years.

NH1.13

Control scrub and invasive species on Garpit Moor to ensure it is below 10% of extent by cutting annually.

NH1.14

Maintain grass sward at Garpit Moor by grazing with cattle for 6 months per annum.

NH1.15

Ensure Garpit Moor is stock proof by maintaining fences annually.

NH1.16

Manage water levels at Garpit Moor by maintaining and clearing ditches annually.

NH1.17

Restore an open mosaic of dune grassland and slack over 4ha west of Morton by 2017 and 10ha to the east by 2021.

NH1.18

Monitor levels of disturbance by recording significant incidents and witnessed results.

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

Open water and wetlands

 At Morton Lochs we are currently managing the site to maintain a balance between open water, fen and marsh. We also want to improve the water quality to reduce the possibility of algal blooms. This is for the benefit of overwintering birds, in particular teal, and breeding birds. They need a varied habitat ideally with a mosaic of vegetation types, open and sheltered water.  Managing the vegetation maintains the right conditions for many of the rare plants and the diverse insect population for which the site is important.  

The extent of open water will be maintained by controlling vegetation through targeted spraying with herbicide and cutting.  

To keep the level of nutrients and sediment in the system at an acceptable level a flow of water is needed.  We will maintain a series of inlets and outlets to allow for this. Sluices will be maintained and kept free of vegetation. The water levels will be constantly monitored and adjusted accordingly.

In recent years the wintering population of teal has decreased.  While a number of issues could be causing this we are not clear on what the main issues are.  We are therefore going to run a project to review our current data, look at issues within the wider teal population for comparison and assess whether the current proportion of open water is suitable. We will work with ornithological advisors to determine the extent of open water required for teal and will adjust this once we have a recommendation. 

We are still concerned about the level of eutrophication within the lochs.  Working in partnership with SEPA we will investigate the causes of eutrophication and produce an action plan for remedy. 

 

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective NH2:

Task No.

Task description

NH2.1

Maintain open water at 70% of loch surface through controlling vegetation until target revised.

NH2.2

Control water levels through maintenance of out and inflows annually.

NH2.3

Maintain current sluices and flow routes to allow movement of water through the system annually.

NH2.4

Control vegetation through spraying and cutting of target species at in and outflows at north loch.

NH2.5

Monitor water levels across the site and water quality at the Lead burn inflow and north loch.

NH2.6

Investigate causes of eutrophication with SEPA and produce action plan for remedy.

NH2.7

Establish a project to determine targets for water level, nutrient load and vegetation management: including review of existing data.

Task No.

Task description

NH2.8

Continue annual monitoring of teal and develop action plan to restore wintering populations to 2000 levels.

NH2.9

Undertake SCM Morton Lochs SSSI loch trophic range (17/18).

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

Species management

We do a number of projects for specific species at Tentsmuir to enhance biodiversity. 

We will continue with monitoring coral root orchid to determine whether our management at Tentsmuir Point is suitable for this species. 

At Morton Lochs we manage vegetation to maintain lagoon areas for otters, watervoles and invertebrates.  We also control vegetation through removal of shrubs and cutting along the old railway track and within the woodland to create open glades for butterflies and invertebrates.  

Working with volunteers we will continue to monitor butterflies for the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme and will submit dragonfly records.  We will also continue to maintain and install bat and bird boxes to encourage breeding. 

We try to enhance populations of ground nesting birds, waterfowl and water voles by controlling predators and invasive species across the site.  Contracts will continue to be let for this.

We are planning to install a platform to encourage osprey to breed close to Morton Lochs. 

We complete monitoring of notified species as part of the national Site Condition Monitoring Programme. 

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective NH3:

Task No.

Task description

NH3.1

Undertake SCM Firth of Tay and Eden estuary SPA, SAC, Ramsar and SSSI: non-breeding species - bar-tailed godwit, non-breeding, common scoter, dunlin, eider, goosander, grey plover, greylag goose, Icelandic black-tailed godwit, long-tailed duck, oystercatcher, pink-footed goose, red-breasted merganser, redshank, sanderling, shelduck, velvet scoter, waterfowl assemblage and grey seal.

NH3.2

Monitor coral root orchid at Tentsmuir point annually.

NH3.3

Undertake SCM Morton Lochs SSSI - non-breeding teal (16/17).

NH3.4

Maintain lagoon areas by cutting back vegetation to maintain open water for invertebrates and otters every 2 years.

NH3.5

Manage for ground nesting birds, waterfowl, and water voles by controlling predators and invasive species numbers at both sites annually including crows, grey squirrel and mink.

NH3.6

Manage for butterflies by cutting grass from edge of track and controlling the spread of target species along the old railway line.

NH3.7

Encourage invertebrates by maintaining glades which are open and sunny areas through removal of shrubs.

Task No.

Task description

NH3.8

Collate survey and monitoring records for dragonflies.

NH3.9

Encourage breeding birds and bats by providing boxes in the woodland around Morton Lochs.

NH3.10

Monitor butterflies and support volunteers in completing transects, reporting results to UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme.

NH3.11

Support survey for lunar yellow underwing.

NH3.12

Detailed habitat survey for Morton Lochs areas.

NH3.13

Identify a suitable location to build an osprey platform at Morton Lochs.

 

5. 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

Visitor experience

We want to maintain the current level of visitors to the reserve and provide them with a high quality visitor experience.  We will continue to maintain and where appropriate upgrade out paths, signs and interpretation.  The current signage and interpretation has been in place for a number of years and we will review how well it is working and its overall condition.  Depending on the outcome of this we will work with Forestry Commission Scotland and other partners to enhance or renew the interpretation as appropriate. 

We will promote the reserve and provide information through a variety of media both on and off site.  This will include regular updates on site and online.  We will continue to promote Tentsmuir through national programmes of work. We will continue to offer events for visitors. 

One area of serious concern on the reserve is the level of disturbance caused to wildlife in particular on the foreshore area.  Working with our partners we will look at ways to manage this. 

 

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective VM1:

Task No.

Task description

VM1.1

Organise and promote at least 3 annual family-focused events and up to 10 events (guided walks or talks) per annum.

VM1.2

Provide information for visitors by distributing the reserve leaflet at main access points at all times.

VM1.3

Provide up to date information on sightings in the hides and identification panels about the more commonly seen species on the lochs.

VM1.4

Provide displays about Tentsmuir within the local community using panels created for Fife show.

VM1.5

Contribute information to national publications and campaigns for NNRs annually.

VM1.6

Update and refresh content on NNR website to provide a high quality source of pre-visit and follow on information for visitors every 6 months and update facebook page at least fortnightly.

VM1.7

Repeat national visitor survey at site in 2015-16 to improve understanding of existing audience and assess satisfaction levels.

VM1.8

Review the time-trail leaflet including updating the map and how the route is promoted by 2015. Investigate extending the features of the Time Line.

VM1.9

Review and where appropriate refresh or replace interpretation on the NNR by end of 2016-17. Revised interpretation should be considered within the context of the wider Tentsmuir area and in partnership with

Task No.

Task description

 

FCS.

VM1.10

Work with FCS & the local access officer to agree a joint approach to managing users within the Tentsmuir area to provide promoted routes for a variety of access takers. This should include zoning the reserves with areas promoted specifically for having dogs of the lead, dogs on leads at all times and dogs under close control to reduce disturbance to notified features.

VM1.11

We will work with Fife Council to develop an accreditation scheme for commercial dog walkers.

VM1.12

Promote key messages to encourage responsible use by dog walkers to clean up after their dogs and work with Fife Council to reduce dog fouling.

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.

VM1.14

Review and revise behavioural signs and messages including considering alternative locations and creating time limited and changing seasonal messages.

VM1.15

Improve the Morton Lochs car park by resurfacing and extending number of bays.

VM1.16

Maintain wildlife viewing hides at Morton Lochs annually. Carry out annual structural surveys of Fullerton hide. Assess and replace wildlife viewing hides as needed.

VM1.17

Maintain paths, boardwalks, signs and interpretation in good condition and repair as necessary.

 

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

Education

Tentsmuir NNR has strong links with education groups in the local area and we plan to continue to treat it as a priority site for education. 

We will support groups from each education level.  The level of input will vary depending on staff resource and the requirements of each group. 

We will work with staff on the ‘Teaching in Nature’ project to provide them with the support and skills to deliver outdoor education to their classes on independent site visits. 

The education pack for Tentsmuir will be kept up to date, its use and purpose reviewed and if necessary changes made. 

We are lacking in a facility for use by education groups.  We propose to look at the options for creating a shelter within the forest close to the Ice House.  The exact requirements will be decided by an options appraisal.  We plan to include space for interpretation within the structure which meets the needs of both education groups and visitors. 

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective VM2

Task No.

Task description

VM2.1

Support 7 pre-school and primary groups, 10 secondary and 15 tertiary groups per annum.

VM2.2

Support 1 'Teaching in Nature' group annually.

VM2.3

Monitor and evaluate use of teachers’ pack, implement modifications as required.

VM2.4

Facilitate and encourage local playgroups & nurseries.

VM2.5

Develop and implement options for an eco-style education room / shelter at the Ice House with external static interpretation facilities.

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

Volunteering

Volunteers are an essential part of Tentsmuir NNR.  They bring a whole range of skills and support to the reserve providing time and effort to do many projects which we would not be able to deliver without their input. 

We will continue to support a group of volunteer wardens and will provide opportunities for voluntary groups to help with tasks on site.  We will complete the necessary tasks to manage volunteers.  

We are keen to develop an opportunity for an apprenticeship or placement role at Tentsmuir to provide work experience and skills development for an individual.  We will work with partner organisations to develop this. 

We have written a newsletter for many years and will continue with this as a key way for us to communicate with people about what is going on at Tentsmuir.  We will also issue press releases about events and projects. 

We have a reserve management and liaison group and will continue meeting biannually.  

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective VM3

Task No.

Task description

VM3.1

Support 10 regular volunteers including voluntary wardens & wildlife survey work and 10 one day group events.

VM3.2

Manage volunteers - including risk assessments, H&S, i-People, PPE as required.

VM3.3

Offer one apprenticeship/placement annually.

VM3.4

Promote the site to a variety of user groups who aim to encourage walking and improved health through access to the countryside.

VM3.5

Produce and distribute a newsletter and press releases.

VM3.6

Hold reserve management and liaison group meetings biannually.

 

6. Property Management

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

Tasks planned to inform and achieve Objective PM1 during life of plan:
Task No. Task Description

PM1.1

Employ assistant reserve manager in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland.

PM1.2

Ensure legal responsibilities of owners of scheduled monument sites within the NNR are adhered to.

PM1.3

Carry out quarterly safety and condition assessments of all visitor infrastructure and keep accurate records. 

PM1.5

Maintain reserve Office: ensure 5 year testing of hard wiring, weekly fire alarm tests, 6 monthly engineer inspection of fire system, 6 monthly fire drills, annual inspection of emergency lighting, annual inspection of fire extinguishers, annual portable appliance testing, annual septic tank emptying, fabric of building repairs. Ensure weekly purges or hot water and monthly water hygiene tests. .

PM1.6

Maintain Morton Lochs road, vehicles, tools and equipment, boundary fences, stiles and gates.

PM1.7

Ensure the management of the property conforms with Health and Safety Regulations including risk assessment and fire plan reviews. 

       

7. Summary

The emphasis of habitat management at Tentsmuir will be the ongoing control of invasive tree, scrub and other species to maintain the open sand dune habitats. At Morton we will maintain the balance of open water and marginal habitats. We will continue to restore the Garpit Moor to open dune grassland and heath.

During the course of this plan we will focus our efforts on trying to establish the causes of eutrophication at Morton Lochs and develop and implement an action plan to improve water quality. We will continue to monitor the teal population and identify ways to improve conditions for this species.

We will be looking to reduce the levels of disturbance to our wildlife by some of our visitors particularly those with dogs. 

We will continue to build on our successful education programme using Tentsmuir as an Outdoor Classroom and design and build a shelter as a focus for studies. We will continue to develop our Outreach programme and work with volunteers.

We would like to achieve all of this with the continued support and involvement of the local community.

8. Document properties

Photography:  Lorne Gill (NatureScot).

Mapping: Produced by Geographical Information Unit, NatureScot.

Authors: Tom Cunningham, Reserve Manager and Caroline Gallacher, Operations Officer

Editor: Susan Luurtsema, Operations Officer – Protected Areas

Signed off by: Iain Rennick, Area Manager – Forth

Date: August 2014

Links: For information about Scotland’s National Nature Reserves and further information about Tentsmuir NNR please visit Scotland’s NNR website.

Other useful links:

Forestry Commission Scotland 

Joint Nature Conservation Committee 

For further information about Tentsmuir NNR please contact:

Reserve manager: Marijke Leith

NatureScot
Fetterdale Office
Tentsmuir Forest
Tayport
Fife
DD6 9PF

Telephone: 01738 45 8818
Email: [email protected]

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