Machair LIFE+ After LIFE Plan December 2014
1.
Introduction
The Partners involved in the Machair LIFE+ programme remain organisationally committed to the positive future for this internationally important habitat and the wildlife that depends on it. In the five months since the LIFE+ project finished there has been considerable activity undertaken to ensure that the momentum gained during the project is not lost. This document details that activity and outlines future plans.
2.
RSPB Commitment and relationship with RSPB Futurescapes
RSPB work across the UK and internationally is guided by our Corporate Strategy, Saving Nature, from 2012 until 2020. The Strategic intent of this document is translated into Implementation Plans for the various functions within the organisation. The Scottish Management Team, who lead and oversee the delivery of the RSPBs priorities, recently undertook a review of our work, to determine priority areas for the remaining five year period of the Strategy. The protection and promotion of Machair habitats and the wildlife associated with it has been confirmed as one of only five high priority work areas for the organisation in Scotland. Work undertaken on the Machair LIFE+ project, alongside core work in the area not funded by the project, has together contributed to the fulfilment of the RSPBs landscape scale conservation programme, Futurescapes. Whilst the Machair LIFE+ work cannot be directly reported against the outputs of the concurrently running Futurescapes LIFE project (LIFE 10 INF UK 189) it is recognised that the work carried out is in the spirit of the concept of landscape scale conservation. During 2014 RSPB has reviewed the complete suite of Futurescapes within the UK and has prioritised those for future work. The Machair Futurescape has come out as a priority during this review. This means that the organisation is making a commitment to putting resource and effort into the delivery of landscape scale conservation in this area. As part of the review process a Business Plan was put forward for each Futurescape, attached. The vision outlined within the Machair Futurescape Business Plan is: “To see the biodiversity associated with machair maintained and/or improved. This will be achieved through an active and sustainable crofting system that is managed in a way that is sensitive towards the needs of the machair and its associated species. The value of high nature value (HNV) crofting will be recognised by the government and this, along with other factors, will ensure that a new generation of crofters maintains the biodiversity associated with machair and help to sustain a fragile rural economy.
The profile of the machair will be raised. An understanding will be developed of the importance of the biodiversity associated with machair and how it is intrinsically linked to the way in which crofting is carried out and is dependent on the maintenance of this system.” In anticipation of the end of the LIFE+ project the operational management team in the RSPB’s North Scotland Region diverted resources from within the Region, and acquired other resources from elsewhere within the organisation, to the tune of £70,000 for the 14/15 financial year. This is funding the creation of another full-time post on the islands, purchase of new machinery for Lewis & Harris and the Uists and the continuation of Machair LIFE+ specific outputs, such as promoting the biodiversity benefits at Agricultural shows and developing the volunteering and educational aspects of the project. Approximately £35,000 of this ‘new’ money has been consolidated into the Western Isles budget, which will be £150,000 in 15/16, and we are actively looking for future funding options, such as Interreg. In terms of governance, a Western Isles Team meeting will be held bi-annually to plan and review work. This team will include staff from the Western Isles, staff from the Regional Management Team and staff from the other functions within the organisation required to deliver the complete work programme, such as Policy staff or science specialists. The next meeting, planned for February 2015, will have two aspects, focussing on the potential work outlined within the Business Plan; operational planning for the coming financial year and agreement on the timescale to develop a detailed and costed five-year action plan, that can then be used and adapted for Partnership development and funding applications. The objectives, outputs and outcomes of the Business Plan are:
Saving Nature headings
One team for nature
Excelling at nature conservation
A world richer in nature
Species recovery
UK habitats
Site safeguard
Objectives To maintain and restore sustainable populations of the key species of machair including corncrake, dunlin, lapwing, redshank, corn bunting, twite and the great yellow bumblebee. To maintain and restore the quality of the habitats of the machair. To maintain designated sites within machair in favourable condition and help improve habitats outside of the designated sites.
Grow our impact through effective partnerships
Develop an effective network of partners across the machair to help maintain and restore the habitats.
Effective internal governance
Establish effective and workable internal communications, and regular reviewing of our work to maximise our capability.
Move to all nature
Identify our priority non-avian species that are supported by the machair and ensure they are incorporated in a species recovery programme and their populations are maintained or increased.
Outputs Entering into management agreements with individual crofters for the benefit of corncrake and corn bunting management. Assist crofters, SAC and other agents with SRDP applications. Support the control and elimination of Mink and Hedgehog from the islands.
Outcomes/benefit Maintained or increased populations of key species. Reduced or eliminated the predation pressure from non-native predators. Active crofting to be in place across the machair on the western isles.
Monitoring of key species to assess the impact of conservation work.
Sites that are nationally and internationally important to biodiversity and habitats will be protected.
Maintain our active role in casework with regards to planning proposals on the Western Isles.
Active Partnership working will deliver against agreed objectives
Continue to build on successful partnerships eg, University of Highlan ds and Islands, Machair LIFE, Scottish Natural Heritage, goose management groups, Comhairle nan Eilean Sair, Scottish crofting federation and community owned estates.
Our work will be co-ordinated, planned and reviewed effectively, in line with the RSPB’s project management.
Regular western isles team meetings and partnership meetings.
Development of species recovery plans for key species such as great yellow bumblebee and machair flowers.
Increases and improve the area of cultivated machair on the western isles for the benefit of plants, invertebrates.
Facilitate entry into agri environment schemes.
Secured positive management of machair in-bye for breeding waders.
Assist other agents carrying out advisory work through training. Work closely with SAC on SRDP
Secured positive management of machair in-bye
Saving Nature headings Effective policy into practice
Objectives Ensure the successful restoration, sustainable management of the machair and secure long term funding on the back of effective policy.
Outputs applications.
for species rich grassland and wetland plants.
Promote findings of machair LIFE research.
Encourage wider cultivation of machair on Harris and Lewis.
Preparation and involvement with the next SRDP scheme Active in goose management groups and run crop protection demos.
Growing support for nature
Outcomes/benefit
Established network of crofters with knowledge and skill set to pass on to young crofters. Established methods of land management techniques that are sensitive to biodiversity and financially viable.
Increase legislative and political support for nature
Champion machair and its plight to decision makers and the public by promoting its environmental, social and economic values.
Provide guided walks, events and public talks in order to improve understanding of the importance of the machair.
Raises the profile of crofting, machair and the biodiversity it supports with the local community.
Advocacy campaign based on the quality of the High Nature Value Farming on the Western Isles.
Increase moral support for nature
To raise the profile of machair amongst visitors, the local community and the wider public.
Political support in the form of members of the Scottish government becoming species champions for machair and its associated species.
Political understanding of the biological and social importance of the active crofting system within this habitat. Political will to ensure sustainable funding for HNVF
Support crofting by helping to develop University of Highlands and Islands crofting course.
Benefit to local businesses through the tourist industry that machair attracts.
Engage with young people through field teaching. Public engagement events to focus on the western isles All Nature species which include: otter and machair flower walks, great yellow bumblebee and wader events and the western isles bird of prey trail. Participate in local shows or community events. Recruit local volunteers to help establish links with the community.
3.
Partnership Working
Activity during July – December 2014 A new Partnership has just been set up, called
This Partnership met for the first time in October 2014 and the members are RSPB, Scotland’s Rural College, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Comhailre nan Eilean Siar and Scottish Crofting Federation. The main aim of the group was agreed at this meeting as: “To collaborate effectively to secure good practical land management for habitats and species within a healthy crofting system on the Western Isles.” The group are planning to meet again in January to plan future collaborative work, which will initially focus on advisory work around the 2015 launch of SRDP. Future Partnership Working Successful Partnership working undertaken during the Machair LIFE+ project, and as part of core staff work programmes will continue on into the future, whilst active projects exists that require this method of working. These include: • • • • •
Crop protection management through the local goose groups (SNH/RSPB/Estates) Wader monitoring (RSPB/SNH/BTO) Goose counts (RSPB/SNH/SCF) Development of UHI school leavers crofting course (UHI/Cothrum/NTS/SCF/SNH/RSPB) Wildlife tourism enhancement (RSPB/OHTIA)
Once the five year action plan is in place we can identify new Partnerships that might be required to facilitate the delivery of agreed outcomes.
4.
Monitoring and Research
Activity July – December 2014 Waders In May 2014 a repeat survey of the breeding wader population of the Uists was undertaken by BTO, RSPB and SNH. The provisional figures are listed in the table below:
Oystercatcher Ringed Plover Lapwing Dunlin Snipe Redshank
2000 1448 330 1407 402 95 769
North Uist 2007 1101 388 1196 347 74 858
2014 1827 272 939 232 89 1030
2000 291 99 278 134 43 196
Benbecula 2007 216 116 322 127 71 279
2014 323 49 428 49 47 306
2000 854 486 1031 468 119 573
South Uist 2007 2014 1026 1218 461 216 1642 939 383 232 130 131 819 692
BTO recently reported to SNH on research carried out over the last four years, which made the following comments on the figures; The west coast habitats of the Uists, Benbecula and islands in the Sound of Harris, hold concentrations of breeding waders that are exceptional in Scottish, UK and wider European contexts. In 1983 this region (hereafter referred to as ‘the Uists’) was estimated to hold approximately a third and a quarter of the UK breeding populations of dunlin Calidris alpina and ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula respectively (Fuller et al. 1986). By 2000, however, overall and widespread losses of approximately 50% in both the ringed plover and dunlin populations had occurred. By contrast, oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus numbers had increased in all areas, showing an overall rise of nearly 40%. Other species did not show such uniform trends across all the islands. Redshank Tringa totanus and lapwing Vanellus vanellus both declined on South Uist but increased on North Uist. Snipe Gallinago gallinago also declined on South Uist and Benbecula but showed no change on much of North Uist (Jackson et al. 2004). A repeat survey of the Uists’ breeding wader populations in 2007 showed that, overall, the decline of ringed plover had levelled off and the rate of decline in dunlin numbers had also slowed to some extent (Fuller et al. 2010). However, the latest repeat survey in 2014 suggests a continued decline for both species (unpublished data). In addition, redshank numbers have increased since 2000, notably on North Uist and even on South Uist and Benbecula, thus partially reversing the previously reported declines on the latter two islands. Lapwing also increased on South Uist and Benbecula between 2000 and 2007, again at least partly reversing the decline there between 1983 and 2000. The most recent 2014 survey suggests a subsequent decline in lapwing that was most marked on South Uist and Benbecula. Causes of these changes in breeding numbers are unclear, but strong evidence based on a combination of hedgehog exclusion experiments and large-scale surveys of waders implicated hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus depredations of wader eggs as an important factor in declines. Although the evidence for the negative impacts of hedgehog predation appeared compelling, attributing declines in the numbers of breeding waders on the Uists to a sole cause is acknowledged to be an oversimplification of a complex system where a range of factors is likely to be operating (Fuller and Jackson 1999, Calladine et al. 2014).
SNH are funding three full-time posts in 2015/2016 to continue limited trapping. They are currently in the process of deciding what future long-term action to take over the hedgehog population on the Uists. Corn buntings The corn bunting population was surveyed and the annual work programme review meeting noted; “Population status 2014 saw an increase in CB numbers overall but there was a further contraction in range as shown in the table below. The range has contracted on South Uist to only 6 territorial birds. 2012 2013 2014 North Uist 40 38 47 Benbecula 4 1 4 South Uist 26 10 6 Barra/Vatersay 6 0 0 . It was agreed that RSPB intervention work should focus on North Uist and Benbecula from now on to try to save the remaining population.”
Details of this work are included in the stacking policy response to the EU letter received on 2nd December 2014. Future Monitoring and research Corncrakes: RSPB has committed to monitor the population on the Western Isles until at least the end of the current Business Plan period, i.e. 2020. Waders: RSPB has committed to monitoring a sample of breeding waders, around the Balranald Nature Reserve until at least the end of the current Business Plan period, i.e. 2020. Corn buntings: RSPB has committed to monitor the population on the Uists until at least the end of the current Business Plan period. Local RSPB staff have also submitted a corn bunting proposal to SNH, requesting funding for 2015 to 2017, to assess; “ the likelihood of crofters participating in a scheme to produce ripe cut arable silage on a wide scale and the efficacy of ripe cut arable silage as a winter food source for corn bunting.” (more detail included in the stacking policy response) Machair Biodiversity: Local RSPB staff have submitted another (five year) internal research proposal, to build on the results of the biodiversity monitoring undertaken within LIFE+; “Taking an experimental split plot approach to gain better understanding of the effects of different types of management treatments on machair biodiversity.” (attached).
5.
Advisory
Activity July - December 2014 The setting up of the Western Isles Crofting for Wildlife Partnership is the main development in advisory work undertaken during this period. The establishment of the new advisory post in North Lewis will greatly extend the potential for positive management throughout the Ness and Barvas SPA areas. ML+ publications have been placed in a number of outlets throughout the Uists and distributed at events. The various publications have been placed at outlets based on the audience they attract. Advisory sheets have been distributed to SAC offices on Uist and Carnan Stores. They were disseminated at agricultural shows throughout the Western Isles. On Lewis where there has been a growing issue with goose damage to silage crops the local SAC office have also used the crop protection advisory sheet. Future Advisory This will be taken forward through the WICW Partnership, who will agree an action plan in early 2015.
6.
Agricultural activities
Shed, machinery and equipment Activity July – December 2014 Agreements have been signed for futures use of the shed, machinery and reaper binder. These are all attached. The machinery contracts include stipulations that ensure the continuation of the outputs of Machair LIFE+, including reduced rates and the creation of an apprentiship. Next Steps Use of the Machair LIFE+ machinery will be monitored. RSPB Scotland has also just invested £24,000 in new quads and toppers, one set for UIsts and one for Lewis & Harris. This is to allow rush control in areas that have become overgrown but are difficult to get large machinery in to. We will initially undertake this work ourselves, under a short-term agreement with crofters. In the future we might lend out the machinery, as we do in other active advisory areas within Highland.
Agreements Activity July – December 2014 RSPB has signed one new long-term agreement on North Uist, within 1km of North Uist Machair SAC site and seven short-term habitat management agreements within Ness SPA.
Next Steps We are currently negotiating 2 long-term agreements within the Ness SPA and are exploring the potential for two new RSPB nature reserves, one in North Lewis and one on South UIst.
Cropped Machair and Corncake Rural Priority Options Activity July – December 2014 Some of the recommendations made by RSPB Scotland regarding changes to these options have been accepted. These are: Cover for corncrakes:
Unrestricted grazing between Sept and Feb, to remove annual growth.
Grazed grassland for corncrakes: Stock off 1st March to 15th August. Cropped machair:
Supplement for cutting after 1st September Harvest in a wildlife friendly manner
Next steps We are disappointed that some others (detailed in Annex 6 of the Final Report) have not been included, and will continue to push for these into the future. The previous SRDP had a couple of rounds of option changes within the period but it is not currently clear whether this might happen for the new SRDP. We are currently actively questioning the reduction of payment for late cutting of mown grassland (1st Sept) from £691/ha to £268.25. SNH are beginning the process of extending some contracts within SRDP, that would miss out funding continuity due to the scheme not having opened in time for new contracts to run on from old. They are also working closely with SGRPID on the design of the new scheme and training for staff on the implementation.
7.
Crop Protection
Ongoing and Future The goose groups on Lewis/Harris and the Uists meet biannually to progress goose management issues and are made up of representative from RSPB, SNH, Scottish Government, the Western Isles Council, SAC, landowners and crofters. On Uist, SNH have taken on the responsibility of funding and coordinating the crop protection scheme alongside the Adaptive Management Pilot. The group decides on the distribution of crop protection effort, and coordinates the biannual goose counts. The count in September 2014 recorded 8726 geese. Goose carcasses are being sold under licence and this is generating some economic benefit as well as reducing waste.
The Lewis and Harris group submitted a successful bid to fund a 3 year Adaptive Management Pilot in 2014 which will start in February 2015. The objective of this scheme is to reduce goose numbers on Lewis and Harris from the current 5500 (September 2014 count) to a population of between 2500 and 3100 over a 3 year period. The scheme will fund a coordinator role and ammunition, expenses and training for volunteers involved in the cull. SNH and SAC are coordinating this scheme with input from other stakeholders. The effects of increasing numbers of Barnacle geese are also being explored.
8.
Advocacy
RSPB Scotland machair advocacy was, and still is, very active, alone and in Partnership, during the development phase of the revised SRDP. Looking ahead, RSPB Scotland will continue to make the case to Government for improved levels of public support for High Nature Value farming and crofting systems on which the conservation of machair habitat and related species depend. We will do this independently and by making the case through fora such as the Highlands and Islands Agriculture Support Group. We will monitor and evaluate the impacts of the new CAP (both Pillar I and SRDP) on HNV farming and crofting systems and call for further reforms and adjustments as necessary. In Pillar I, the move to regionalised Basic Payments is likely to have the greatest impact (positive or negative) on the economic viability of farming and crofting in the north and west of Scotland and hence on machair. In the SRDP, the new agrienvironment scheme, the Cooperative Action Fund and advisory measures have the greatest potential to support crofting systems and help secure the on-going management of machair. A key opportunity for improving the use of SRDP funds to support HNV farming and crofting systems is through review of LFASS. RSPB Scotland has been critical of the targeting of this scheme which provides insufficient support for the most economically vulnerable but environmentally important farming and crofting systems in the LFA. The Scottish Government has signalled its intention to continue with the current scheme in the short-medium term but promised review when, in line with EU requirements, Scotland must move from the current Less Favoured Area designation to that of Area of Natural Constraint (by 2018). RSPB Scotland will be pressing for a major overhaul of LFASS at this point.
9.
Climate Change Impacts
SNH and Comnhairle nan Eilean Siar are actively working on the effects of coastal erosion, for both human and wildlife populations. They are continuing work on coastal processes, resilience and flooding on the Uists, particularly South Uist. They are looking at a possible aerial survey following the last round of storms and high waves. Stewart Angus (SNH) is working with community groups and the council on the drainage system and setting up some automatic monitoring.
10. Community engagement Activity July – December 2014 and next steps As well as the long-term commitment to resource conservation work in the area and build connections through advisory and Partnership working there are some specific engagement projects underway and planned. Conservation Volunteering, Uist The whole of S1 and S2 year groups at Linocleit school (96 pupils) on Benbecula are involved in conservation volunteering with the RSPB. The group currently meets on a weekly basis carrying out conservation activity including non native species control, footpath maintenance, constructing scarecrows for crop protection, corn bunting winter feed provisioning, production of interpretation for visitors. The running of this group also involves 4 volunteer leaders from the local community. The ML+ shed on Benbecula is well placed for working with the school and provides an excellent base for this activity. We are currently discussing the potential to extend this to the whole of Uist upper primary classes. Agricultural Fairs RSPB attended Fairs at North Uist, South Uist and Barvas in the summer of 2014, promoting the Machair LIFE+ layman’s report. We commit to attending these Fairs into the future, as a way of connecting with local communities and promoting Machair management. Field teaching RSPB in North Scotland Region has recently committed to increase the field taching capacity within core staffing. Part of this is an increase in hours for the field teacher covering the Western Seaboard of the Region. This person will have some time available to train and assist core staff in the delivery of educational events.
11. Public engagement 2014 engagement During 2014 core staff delivered the following walks and events for locals and visitors; Balranald Nature Reserve walks, Loch na Muilne Nature Reserve walks, Corncrake walks, Eagle walks,
Bird of Prey walks and otter walks. On Lewis & Harris we welcomed 149 visitors over 16 walks and on Uists we welcomed 815 visitors on 69 walks. Future plans This level of activity will be maintained in 2015. We also have plans for new initiatives: Bird of Prey trail: Although not strictly machair species, birds of prey are regularly seen hunting over the machair, throughout the year, and we have been working closely with Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association to develop a self-guided trail, through the whole island chain, which is planned for a launch in April 2015. In association with the launch we will be working with OHTIA to running workshops for tourism providers and actively feed into their website. At the most recent Western Isles Team meeting we agreed that machair waders are in need of more publicity, to highlight the population’s importance in the European context and are now beginning a concerted effort of media coverage.
12. Attachments 01 - Machair Futurescape Business Plan March 2014 02 - ML+ machinery agreement 03 - ML+ reaper/binder agreement 04 - ML+ shed lease and map 05 - RSPB biodiversity monitoring research proposal
Attachment 1 Machair Futurescape Business Plan March 2014
RSPB Machair Futurescapes Business Plan
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 Futurescape
Machair Futurescape
Date
March 2014
Author
Cat Owen-Pam
Location/cost centre
North Scotland Regional Office
Version
2
1. Programme definition
This document is a business plan for Machair Futurescape covering the period March 2015 to 2020. 2. Background
Futurescapes is the RSPB programme of Landscape scale conservation. This was launched in June 2010 and has benefitted from a three year EU Life Communications project which will be completed in December 2014. This project brief will outline the contribution of the Machair Futurescape to our Saving Nature Strategy in the period up to 2020. The brief will draw on the Saving Nature Scorecard and use the RSPB project management framework to ensure a consistent approach across the UK. The development of the Business plan by colleagues in both our Operations and Scottish Directorates will be completed (using this project brief and our project management framework, by the end of the financial year 2013/2014).
Background Machair encompasses a wide range of vegetation types and is described in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as: ‘a distinctive type of coastal grassland found in the north and west of Scotland, and in western Ireland. It is associated with calcareous sand, blown inland by very strong prevailing winds from beaches and mobile dunes.’ Machair is included in Annex I of the EC Habitats Directive and is a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In a worldwide context, machair is restricted to the north western fringe of Europe. Of the total global area of approximately 19,000ha, 70% of this is found on the western coastline of the Western Isles within the machair Futurescape. The biodiversity of machair is incredibly rich and includes corncrakes, twite, corn buntings, 12000 breeding waders (including the highest densities of dunlin in Europe), 10 species of raptor and owl, a diverse range of plant species such as Irish ladies tresses and Hebridean marsh orchid, great yellow bumblebee and a wide variety of other invertebrates.
1 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020
The conservation value of machair is dependent on low intensity agricultural practices and is probably the best example of High Nature Value Farming in the UK. These low intensity methods are changing and under threat of being lost. The RSPB has been working with crofters in the western isles for decades, Balranald reserve will be 50 in 2016 and many partnership projects have been developed. The Machair LIFE project, which ran from 2010 - 2014, began with the aim to encourage management practices that will benefit the conservation status of machair on designated sites. More details of this project can be found in section 7. The Machair Futurescape provides a framework for landscape-scale conservation and this business plan outlines the vision and objectives for the next 5 years taking into account the potential issues and driving forces.
2 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 3. Programme vision, objectives, outputs and
I Vision To see the biodiversity associated with machair maintained and/or improved. This will be achieved through an active and sustainable crofting system that is managed in a way that is sensitive towards the needs of the machair and its associated species. The value of high nature value (HNV) crofting will be recognised by the government and this, along with other factors, will ensure that a new generation of crofters maintains the biodiversity associated with machair and help to sustain a fragile rural economy. The profile of the machair will be raised. An understanding will be developed of the importance of the biodiversity associated with machair and how it is intrinsically linked to the way in which crofting is carried out and is dependent on the maintenance of this system.
3 April 2013 – V2
See page 19, Annex 1 for list of RSPB priority species and habitats, and Saving Nature species that occur in the Machair Futurescape Saving Nature headings
One team for nature
Excelling at nature conservation
A world richer in nature
Species recovery
UK habitats
Site safeguard
Objectives To maintain and restore sustainable populations of the key species of machair including corncrake, dunlin, lapwing, redshank, corn bunting, twite and the great yellow bumblebee. To maintain and restore the quality of the habitats of the machair. To maintain designated sites within machair in favourable condition and help improve habitats outside of the designated sites.
Grow our impact through effective partnerships
Develop an effective network of partners across the machair to help maintain and restore the habitats.
Effective internal governance
Establish effective and workable internal communications, and regular reviewing of our work to maximise our capability.
Move to all nature
Identify our priority non-avian species that are supported by the machair and ensure they are incorporated in a species recovery programme and their populations are maintained or increased.
Outputs Entering into management agreements with individual crofters for the benefit of corncrake and corn bunting management. Assist crofters, SAC and other agents with SRDP applications. Support the control and elimination of Mink and Hedgehog from the islands. Monitoring of key species to assess the impact of conservation work. Maintain our active role in casework with regards to planning proposals on the Western Isles. Continue to build on successful partnerships eg, University of Highlands and Islands, Machair LIFE, Scottish Natural Heritage, goose management groups, Comhairle nan Eilean Sair, Scottish crofting federation and community owned estates. Regular western isles team meetings and partnership meetings.
Outcomes/benefit Maintained or increased populations of key species.
Reduced or eliminated the predation pressure from non-native predators.
Active crofting to be in place across the machair on the western isles. Sites that are nationally and internationally important to biodiversity and habitats will be protected.
Active Partnership working will deliver against agreed objectives
Our work will be co-ordinated, planned and reviewed effectively, in line with the RSPB’s project management.
Development of species recovery plans for key species such as great yellow bumblebee and machair flowers.
Increases and improve the area of cultivated machair on the western isles for the benefit of plants, invertebrates.
Facilitate entry into agri environment schemes.
Secured positive management of machair in-bye for breeding waders.
Assist other agents carrying out advisory work through training. Work closely with SAC on SRDP
Secured positive management of machair in-bye for
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 Effective policy into practice
Ensure the successful restoration, sustainable management of the machair and secure long term funding on the back of effective policy.
applications.
species rich grassland and wetland plants.
Promote findings of machair LIFE research.
Encourage wider cultivation of machair on Harris and Lewis.
Preparation and involvement with the next SRDP scheme
Growing support for nature
Active in goose management groups and run crop protection demos.
Increase legislative and political support for nature
Champion machair and its plight to decision makers and the public by promoting its environmental, social and economic values.
Provide guided walks, events and public talks in order to improve understanding of the importance of the machair.
Increase moral support for nature
To raise the profile of machair amongst visitors, the local community and the wider public.
Political support in the form of members of the Scottish government becoming species champions for machair and its associated species.
Advocacy campaign based on the quality of the High Nature Value Farming on the Western Isles.
Established network of crofters with knowledge and skill set to pass on to young crofters. Established methods of land management techniques that are sensitive to biodiversity and financially viable. Raises the profile of crafting, machair and the biodiversity it supports with the local community. Political understanding of the biological and social importance of the active crafting system within this habitat. Political will to ensure sustainable funding for HNVF Benefit to local businesses through the tourist industry that machair attracts.
Support crofting by helping to develop University of Highlands and Islands crofting course. Engage with young people through field teaching. Public engagement events to focus on the western isles All Nature species which include: otter and machair flower walks, great yellow bumblebee and wader events and the western isles bird of prey trail. Participate in local shows or community events. Recruit local volunteers to help establish links with the community.
5 April 2013 – V2
4. Programme scope and exclusions
Scope Although machair has a relatively wide distribution, the Machair Futurescape focuses on those regions with large areas of machair, which is in good condition, and/or where there was thought to be the most potential for improvement based on current RSPB activities. Both designated and non-designated machair is included that stretches from Lewis in the north of the Western Isles to the Isle of Barra in the south.
Location of Machair Futurescape boundary (red)
Machair is a recognised RSPB priority habitat at a UK and regional level. There has been a long running landscape scale work programme on the Western Isles, much of this work has been within the machair Futurescape boundary. Our local core RSPB team includes 3 full time staff and 2 part time staff who are delivering a wide range of work. The established relationships between local and HQ/SHQ based staff are: • 2 annual western isles team meeting and regular HQ, SHQ and regional input. • Over the past four years during machair LIFE the project staff has been working closely with regional and HQ/SHQ colleagues to ensure the successful delivery of the project. • The 3 full time staff work closely with regional, HQ and SHQ staff from across the suite of RSPB operations including conservation science, reserves, advisory, policy, public affairs and youth and education.
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 Exclusions Clearly outline any work activities that are outside the scope of this proposal At this stage there are anticipated to be no activities that are outside the scope of the proposal.
5. Constraints and assumptions
What are the constraints to the Machair Futurescape programme? Constraints and assumptions Constraints: • Lack of staff resource to contribute towards the programme, especially with the end of Machair LIFE+ investment. • Uncertainty over the next SRDP scheme and other future funding streams for active crofting and diversification. • Available and suitable agents from other advisory organisations to provide advice to landowners. • Possible barriers on Lewis and Harris due to the RSPB’s stance on wind farm developments there affecting relationships within partnerships. • Climate change will lead to rising sea levels and may lead to changing storm patterns, earlier cropping and increased coastal erosion. • New crofting entrant’s availability as population ages. What assumptions have you made? Provide a brief explanation. Assumptions: • Continued availability of local seed suitable to the climatic conditions of the western isles. • Maintained effort and funding from SNH funded Uist Wader Research for the removal of hedgehogs and American mink. • That machair remains a priority habitat for the RSPB. • Machair LIFE was concentrated on the Uists, therefore Lewis and Harris have not had advisory resource and may require a different approach in advisory and community work. • A successful crop protection scheme alongside sustainable greylag goose population management. What are the main risks to the successful delivery of this programme? • For an area of its size and ecological importance, there is currently little staff resource in the machair. • Long term financial support for High Nature Value Farming is crucial to the future of the economically and fragile communities of the western isles.
7 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 Which have the highest likelihood? Current constraints on RSPB internal budgets and Partner’s budgets, limits the potential for more effective engagement. Which have the highest impact? In the longer-term the moral, political and financial support of the High Nature Value Farming system will potentially have the highest impact. The RSPB could be a significant player in influencing this through a co-ordinated advocacy campaign.
6. The customer and any other stakeholders
Include both internal and external stakeholders Internal stakeholders involved with the machair Futurescape programme: Regional Western Isles staff NSRO Advisory staff Public affairs staff North Scotland Conservation Management Team SHQ/HQ: The Species and Land Management Team Landuse and policy team Fundraising and communications Nature recovery groups-Farmland, coastal, wetland and upland Conservation Science External Stakeholders involved with machair Futurescape programme: Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Comhairle nan Eilean Sair – local authority James Hutton Institute Scottish Crofting Federation Outer Hebrides Biological Recording Project Machair Study Group Estates – both private and community owned SGRPID Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association Coast Hebrides
8 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 For both categories outline the current state of relationships. Relationships between RSPB and external organisations are currently very positive. What are the communications issues? External – Maintaining the partnerships requires long-term commitment. Internal - Geographically, staff and teams work out of different offices across Scotland and the UK. It is key that communication is maintained between teams. Are there any training issues? The following audiences would be targeted for training as well as cross partnership communication to enable effective delivery. Training with SAC, as they are influential in designing agri-environment schemes Training with SGRPID, as influential in monitoring outcome of agri-environment schemes Training with tourism providers on promoting fantastic wildlife of the Western Isles
9 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 7. Links to other RSPB and external initiatives
What are the other projects and programmes that are likely to impact on the probability of this programme achieving the objectives specified above? The community on the Western Isles is small and dispersed but well connected between one another. The RSPB is a big player within the community, integration and support of other initiatives is key to success. Western Isles Coastal Erosions Project ‘Following storms in the Outer Hebrides in 2005 the Western Isle Coastal Erosions Project has been working on a range of local coastal protection schemes to offer greater protection to the surrounding community and shoreline. It is commissioned by the Western Isles Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Sair, to help assess coastal erosion impacts and the mitigation measures required to protect vulnerable communities and infrastructure.’ SNH Uist Wader Research ‘This project was established in 2000 in response to concern about the large and long term declines in the internationally important wader populations which nest on the islands of North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist at very high density. Extensive research showed that this was largely due to predation of their eggs by non-native hedgehogs.’ For several years hedgehogs have been trapped and translocated to mainland Scotland, and this programme looks set to continue for several years to come. Western Isle Mink Project The main objective of the Hebridean Mink Project is to eradicate non-native American mink totally from the Western isles, thus preventing further significant disturbance and losses to our internationally important populations of ground nesting birds such as waders and terns. The RSPB’s High Nature Value Farming campaign and advocacy Machair is the most outstanding example of HNVF within the UK and it is at the core of our advocacy work around this theme. Machair LIFE ‘A four year project which aims to encourage management practices that will benefit the conservation status of machair on designated sites. The funding was provided by the EU (50%), RSPB, SNH and Comhairle nan Eilean Sair. The project has mainly focussed on the Uists, where work on a crop protection scheme (in relation to geese) and the collection and distribution of seaweed, has been particularly successful. Part of the project involves a fouryear study on different methods used to cultivate machair (e.g. plough depth, plough method, fertiliser use) and the associated biodiversity.’ Work is currently underway to plan management of the legacy of this project.
10 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 FAFA Key farmed areas within the Futurescape make up the Uist Farm Advice Focus Area. Outer Hebrides Bird of Prey Trail The concept of the Outer Hebrides Bird of Prey Trail was initiated through partnership between the RSPB and the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association. Its aim is to provide a series of walks and watch points where the 10 species of birds of prey that breed on the Western Isles can be observed by members of the public. UHI The RSPB are supporting the development of a crofting education programme.
8. Outline business case
The success of the Machair Futurescape programme will be measured in terms of the following, and continuously reviewed during the life cycle of the programme. Why: is the Machair Futurescape programme needed and why should the Society invest in it? Machair is a very rare and special type of coastal grassland unique to the north-western fringe of Europe. Of the total global area of approximately 19,000ha, 70% of this is found on the western coastline of the Western Isles. Machair is internationally recognised as being of unique conservation importance and is listed on Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive. The Machair is home to internationally and nationally important numbers of breeding birds. These include approximately 314 breeding male corncrake which represent 30% of the national breeding population, no other Futurescape has such a significant number of breeding corncrakes. North and South Uist alone support the largest concentrations of breeding waders in the UK and one of the most important in Europe with approximately 2343 pairs of oystercatchers, 965 pairs of ringed plover, 3160 pairs of lapwing, the highest densities of dunlin in Europe at 857 pairs and 1956 pairs of redshank. The Western Isles also support an important population of the UK breeding corn bunting population with regards to range. Machair habitats are rich in invertebrates, butterflies, moths, bees and wasps, and support diverse and rare plant flora. RSPB’s priority All Nature species include otter, pillwort, potamogeton, slender naiad, great yellow bumblebee and the highly diverse and dense arable plant assemblage that is the machair flowers. However many of these species are declining due to a change of land management.
11 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020
Machair, and the species that rely on it, are dependent on the specific traditional farming methods that are at risk from more intensive practices driven by financial and social factors. The Western Isles community is fragile and relies on visitors and the tourist industry to help support the islands economy. The range and ease of access to a spectacular wildlife spectacle means that wildlife tourism is fast becoming a major economic driver within the area. The RSPB have had a long running programme of working at a landscape scale on the Western Isles, building relationships with landowners and assisting them with accessing funds that will enable them to manage their land sympathetically which benefits the islands wildlife and so attracts visitors to the island. The RSPB brand is seen in a positive light and as an asset by the local community of the Western Isles. The 4 year £2.2 million machair LIFE project which has provided resource and funding to protect traditional crofting methods is coming to an end. This leaves a gap in the RSPB’s capability to implement our conservation work programme in the area. The future conservation needs of the Western Isles cannot be achieved with the current resources.
12 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 What options have been considered locally? (More/less/static) More Current Core Resource allocated: 0.5 Full Time Equivalent 2.3 FTE
0.2 FTE
Conservation Officer, Western Isles Site Manager, Assistant and Corncrake Officer, Uist Reserves £22,000 revenue budget for species, habitat and people projects (plus £8,000 14/15 Regional budget to undertake some legacy work from LIFE project) Regional staff – Conservation Manager, Reserves Manager, Public Affairs Manager etc.
Current External funding: £15,000 Nature Recovery Fund emergency funding for corn buntings 2013/2014 £15,000 Nature Recovery Fund emergency funding for corncrakes 2014/2015 £1,900,000 LIFE +Machair Project (4 years) finished March 2014 Approximately £1.3 million has been provided for wildlife management on crofts through RSPB submitted SRDP applications. In addition Scotland’s Rural College (SCA Consulting) has submitted many more plans, most of which have had RSPB advisory input. New Resource Required, additional to the above core spend: 1 FTE Machair Futurescape Officer 1 FTE Project/Advisory Officer 0.4 FTE Public Engagement and Education Officer £100,000 for species and people projects (machair management, corn bunting, corncrake, Great-yellow bumblebee, twite, Raptor trail, events, education, Partnership working, research (both scientific and economic)
9. Quality (what good looks like)
Indicate how you will know that the programme has been completed? The machair Futurescape has a long term vision for landscape conservation across the machair habitats on the Western Isles. Due to the nature of the project it is unlikely to be complete in the near future. The 2015 – 2020 stage of the project will be complete once all the stated outputs have been complete. The programme will involve quantifiable aims and targets that will be continually reviewed throughout, and adjusted if needed. Once these have been achieved the key species and habitats will have been increased and improved, the crofting community will be healthy and supported and wildlife tourism will be benefiting the local economy.
13 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 The following targets will have been achieved once the next phase of the programme has been completed: • All targeted areas will have received advisory effort and the number of management agreements and SRDP applications will have increased. • A successful programme of media releases, events and guided walks, managed by RSPB and its partners will have been carried out and an on going programme will be in place for the local community and tourists. These will be carefully monitored to ensure our target audience is being reached and our methods are effective in raising the profile of machair. • Information, demonstration and training programmes and events, managed by RSPB and its partners will have been carried out and an on going programme will be in place for the benefit of the crofting community. • Monitoring of the populations of key species in machair will show a consistent increase in number or the population will be maintained. This will be measured against our advisory and conservation interventions so we can critically review our work to ensure it is showing positive results. • A network of crofters and partners will have been established and combined working will deliver biodiversity benefits and tangible benefits for local and crofting communities. • Bespoke agri-environment measures will have been developed for the inclusion in the SRDP to bolster the longer-term sustainability of extensive agricultural systems on the Western Isles machair. • The concept of High Nature Value Farming will be recognised, celebrated and funded appropriately.
What happens if the objectives have not been achieved by the programme end-date (or by the time funding runs out)? The scale, extent and sustainability of the above will depend entirely on resourcing. All aspects of delivery are critical to a coherent programme but resource constraints will determine priority and achievability. The Machair Futurescape programme will be aligned with the RSPB’s project management framework to ensure it receives a consistent approach and it benefits from efficient ongoing management for the duration of the programme. Throughout the programme it will be constantly reviewed and outputs amended if needed, milestones will be incorporated into the programme to enable this function. Communication between staff members involved with the delivery of the programme will be a priority. There will be a Project manager, Project Board and Project Team who together will have overall responsibility over the delivery of the programme. By using the ARCI/RACI roles, responsibilities can be assigned and structured communication can be made to ensure the set objectives and outcomes have been achieved by the programme end-date.
14 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 What is expected in terms of the quality of the programme’s outputs – think about the customer of each main output and what they will expect. The main customers of the outputs are: Crofters and community land owners will work closely with us if seen as collaborative and helping to sustain active crofting, through: Entering into management agreements with individual crofters Provision of machinery and working with local contractors where we lack capacity Facilitate entry into agri environment schemes Training and advocacy events Support crofting courses through primary and secondary schools and engage with young people through field teaching Working with UHI to help develop a crofting course
The public (tourists and the local community) will understand and value the rich biodiversity associated with sympathetic crofting, through: The engagement with young people through field teaching Provision of guided walks, events and public talks RSPB press releases and journalistic pieces will be a valued source of information Our participation in local shows or community events The recruitment of local volunteers to help establish links with the community The development of the Outer Hebrides bird of prey trail
15 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 Our partners will collaborate effectively with RSPB and recognise importance of machair, through: Close working with SAC and other agents on SRDP applications RSPB being supportive of partners projects which support active crofting Support the control and elimination of mink and hedgehog from the islands Crop protection Politicians and civil servants will welcome RSPB input and advocacy to support their promotion of active crofting both nationally and at EU level.
10. Programme approach
We will formulate a detailed plan of how best to deliver the programme outputs by using the project management framework. The top priority work will be included in core staff work programmes and a funding package will be developed for stand-alone and partnership projects. Long term resource will be sought, both by the RSPB and in partnerships to ensure the sustainability of the active crofting communities, vital to the biodiversity interest of them. How will the outputs from this programme be maintained once the programme has finished? The successful formation of the programme will result in outputs and outcomes that can be maintained once the 2015 – 2020 phase concludes. This shall be achieved by: • Identifying future internal and external funding resources. • A programme of monitoring and reviewing will show increases and improvements in species and habitats, and awareness of importance of machair. • Continued support from our partners and collaboration with a network of land managers and crofters to enable future positive conservation work that is financially viable. • Core RSPB staff and volunteers will have continued presence on the ground and will maintain relationships between landowners and partners, and provide public engagement programmes. • Communication between all relevant parties will be incorporated into the programme structure. This will be achieved through discussions, meetings, reports and reviewing. • As the next phase of the programme comes to an end a review process will identify any gaps in knowledge or lessons to be learned from the process and will feed into future work.
16 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 11. Programme team structure
Regional Futurescape oversight: NSCMT (North Scotland Conservation Management Team): Kenna Chisholm (Conservation Manager), Pete Mayhew (Senior Conservation Manager), Dan Tomes (Regional Reserves Officer), Bridget England (Advisory Officer), Stuart Benn (Communications Officer) Machair Futurescape Manager: Robin Reid (Western Isles Conservation Officer) Machair Futurescape Team: Jamie Boyle (Uist reserves, site manager), Robin Reid (Western Isles Conservation Officer), Stuart Taylor (Uist reserves assistant/Species Officer), Kenna Chisholm (Conservation Manager, NSCMT, NSMT), Dan Tomes (Regional Reserves Officer, NSCMT, NSMT), Alan Tissiman (Communications manager, NSMT), Bridget England (Advisory Officer)
Core machair Futurescape Team Robin Reid - Western Isles conservation officer Jamie Boyle - Uist reserves, site manager Stuart Taylor - Uist reserves assistant/species officer Kenna Chisholm - Conservation Manager Dan Tomes - Regional Reserves Officer Alan Tissiman - Communications Manager Bridget England - Advisory Officer
Role Lead Futurescape contact Specific project roles Specific project roles Lead conservation contact Lead reserves contact Lead public affairs contact Lead advisory contact
Decision making framework Activities which potentially impact on regional budgets and work plans will be passed on from the Machair Futurescapes Team to NSCMT NSCMT will assess against other priorities, if the impacts are greater than the regional conservation budget, decision will go to: NSMT (North Scotland Management Team), if it is within the region or Nature recovery groups, funding and communications or Futurescape group depending on the activity Key Departments for 2 way communications Scottish – Advisory, Land use and policy, Funding and Communication, Reserves, Conservation science, Conservation planning. UK – Nature recovery groups (farmland, upland, coastal and wetland), conservation, funding and communications departments as required.
17 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 12. Next steps and recommendations
As with section 10, project plans will be developed for specific projects, and an advocacy and communications plan will be developed. The RSPB’s Project Management Plan will be used as a guide to assist in the implementation of the next phase of this programme.
13. Business Plan document history 13.1 Approvals This document requires the following approvals: Name
Signature
NSCMT
Title and Remit
Date of Issue
Issue No.
28/03/2014
13.2 Revision history: Revision date
Issue No.
24/03/2014
Summary of Changes
Reviewed by Machair Futurescapes Team and NSCMT
13.3 Distribution File location: Name
Date of Issue
Version
S:\DptShare\Futurescapes\Machair
31/3/2014
2
18 April 2013 – V2
RSPB Project Management Framework Business Plan Futurescapes Programme 2015 to 2020 Annex 1
RSPB species and habitat priorities in the machair Futurescape Key species (all nature): European eel Lesser water-plantain Otter Pillwort Potamogeton Slender naiad Arable plant assemblage Great yellow bumblebee Irish ladies tresses Widespread and declining moths
Priority birds – p44 Redshank Corn bunting Corncrake Curlew Lapwing Twite Hen harrier White-tailed eagle Skylark Starling Linnet Little tern
P101 Snipe Black- throated diver Red-necked phalarope Golden eagle Dunlin Dunnock Reed bunting Ringed plover Golden plover Song thrush Arctic tern
High Priority habitats
Medium Priority Habitats
Arable land Machair Coastal lagoons
Coastal sand dunes Mesotrophic, oligotrophic and dystrophic lakes
19 April 2013 – V2
Attachment 2 ML+ machinery agreement
Ardbhan Croft Mr Angus A. MacDonald Kyles, Paible, North Uist HS6 5DY March 28th 2014 Dear Angus, I would be grateful if you could sign and return two copies of this document, to signal your acceptance of the following agreement: 1) The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) owns the machinery that is listed in Appendix A (the Machinery). The RSPB has agreed to allow Ardbhan Croft exclusive use of the Machinery for the nominal sum of one pound (£1.00)/year, for a period of three years commencing 01/04/2014. 2) During this period all responsibilities for insurance, maintenance, repair or any ongoing or related costs for the Machinery will be met in full by Ardbhan Croft. No Machinery will be disposed of or substantially altered without prior written agreement by the RSPB. All monies received from any insurance claim will be used for the maintenance or replacement of the Machinery, subject to prior consultation with and agreement of the RSPB. Machinery will be returned to the RSPB on 31/3/2017 in the same condition as 01/04/2014 allowing for reasonable wear and tear. 3) The use of the Machinery by Ardbhan Croft is made on the condition that it is used in the manner detailed in the document entitled ‘Submission for the management of the Machair Life+ machinery’, and submitted to the RSPB on 1st October 2013 (Appendix B) inclusive of a commitment to take on a new apprentice, investigating a domestic seaweed scheme and providing teaching hours on the existing school and any new school leavers crofting course. ( Appendix 3.a and b) The RSPB reserves the right to monitor the use of the Machinery at any time and at any location. 4) Ardbhan Croft will supply RSPB annually with data to show the type and how much management work has been undertaken and an indication of the geographical spread of this work. 5) Should it come to the attention of the RSPB that the Machinery is not being used in the manner described under clause 3) above or that any of the conditions of this agreement are not being complied with, then discussions will be held with Ardbhan Croft in order to clarify the situation and to come to a mutually agreeable solution. If the parties cannot agree to a solution [within a period of 30 days from the start of the discussions], then the RSPB may terminate this agreement with immediate effect, without prior notice, and reclaim and recover the Machinery, at Ardbhan Croft’s costs. 6) Provided the terms of this agreement are complied with by Ardbhan Croft at all times, the RSPB will offer to sell the Machinery to Ardbhan Croft at a cost of £1 on 1/04/2017. Should Ardbhan Croft choose not to take ownership of the Machinery at this time then the RSPB will dispose of the Machinery as it sees fit.
7) From 01/04/2014, the RSPB will allow Ardbhan Croft to use a purpose built shed at Lionacleit (the Shed) for the purpose of storing the Machinery from the RSPB, at a cost of £100/year. This arrangement will terminate on 31/3/2017. During this period, maintenance, repair and insurance of the Shed will be the responsibility of Ardbhan Croft. As well as storage of Machinery, the Shed will be used for teaching and community work, as outlined in the submission document (Appendix B). No other use of the Shed is permitted without prior agreement with RSPB 8) This contract is applicable under the law of Scotland
Signed on behalf of Ardbhan Croft Name Position Signature
Date
Signed on behalf of RSPB
Appendix B
Date: Wednesday 11th September 2013 Dear Sir/Madam, Submission for the management of the Machair LIFE+ machinery Period : January 1st 2014 - January 1st 2017 ** ** please note that an EU extension of 3 months has been applied for by ML and this may affect the date of handover of the machinery, building of and handover of the new shed. You are invited to submit in competition with others, to take ownership of the machinery and management of the proposed new shed, as part of the assets of the Conserving Scottish Machair LIFE+ Project (ML) The machinery is to be used for 100% conservation agricultural management of the machair, ensuring that socio-environmental benefits will ensue for the community for a minimum period of three years post Project hand over ie: until January 2017** This date corresponds to seven years post the machinery purchase date and complies with EU LIFE+ funding requirements. The sale of machinery can take after January 2017, however any revenue or proceeds should used for the benefit of conservation of the Uists machair. The contract between the new company/organisation/sole person and the ML will be administered for the first three months by ML, after which the RSPB North Scotland Office will take over any administrative or auditory work. RSPB is the managing partner for the ML Project and this is why it is referred to in the documents attached. The appointed new company/organisation/sole person will be expected to submit an annual report to the RSPB Regional Director with details of progress, targets achieved and including a financial summary. Planning permission for an agricultural shed on CnES land at Lionacleit to house the Project machinery has just been approved. The timescale for building it is very tight. RSPB are now considering retaining ownership of the shed and leasing it to the new company/organisation/sole person whoever takes on the machinery at a negotiable rent. The Council have requested a business plan from RSPB and/or the winning company/organisation/sole person as a condition of their granting of a lease for the land. Machair LIFE+ will help fund a business plan and assist in any legal handover/leasing arrangements for the shed. If built, the shed will form part of the assets of the Project and be subject to EU LIFE+ funding rules. Please note: the business plan is to be completed post submission of offers by the appointed new company/organisation/sole person and does not form part of the enclosed submission.
The following documents are enclosed and must be, where applicable, completed and signed. Document A Document B Document C Document D Document E Document F
Instruction and Information Updated list of machinery and July update summary of management agreements ML estimation of overheads Specification of Services Company Information Declaration
Your submission should be completed electronically and emailed to
[email protected] by noon on Wednesday 2nd October or a hard paper copy should be handed into the ML office on the said time and date. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this submission
[email protected] or call the ML office on 01870 603361.
Yours faithfully
Rebecca Cotton
prior
to
tendering,
please
email
Document A Instructions and information
1. This questionnaire and application is designed to be completed electronically but you are also welcome to fill it in by hand. You are required to mark boxes, insert information or submit additional documentation in response to the questions. Whilst the text boxes should expand as you add text, if there is insufficient space for your response please attach a separate sheet clearly marked with your name. 2. If you are unable to comply with a request for information or provide documentation requested then a written account explaining the absence of the information must accompany the return of this questionnaire and application. Please be aware that the failure to respond to any of the questions, without a written reason, may result in a negative evaluation of that element within the overall evaluation. 3. Machair LIFE+( ML) may require supplementary information or clarification or further evidence of the information given. 4. Machair LIFE+ may request interviews with all or a selection of applicants on October 7th 2014. Applicants will be notified in due course. 5. Please answer the questions specifically for your company. Please note the term “Company” refers to: Sole proprietor, partnership, incorporated company, co-operative, or voluntary organisation as appropriate. 6. No charge will be made to the Machair LIFE+ by applicants for any preparation costs accrued during the tender process, whether the applicant was successful or not. 7. You are invited to submit your best offer for the work as detailed below. Machair LIFE+ reserves the right to undertake post-tender negotiations. 8. If you require any further information or clarification regarding this tender please email
[email protected]. Correspondence relating to queries must be received by Wednesday 18th September and final submission by 2nd October 9. It should be noted that in any formal contract that is subsequently entered into, reference will be made to the detailed information provided in the formal response to this tender document provided by the successful organisation. Thus answers and information given in your reply will become a binding part of the contractual relationship between yourselves and the RSPB/Machair LIFE+ 10. Timetable Invitation document sent out Wed 11th Sept 2013 Deadline for queries Wed, 18th Sept 2013 Responses to queries Wed 25th Sept 2013 Response documents to be returned 12pm Wed 2nd October 2013 Discussion of responses at ML Steering Group Meeting Mon 7th October 2013 Initial decision on way forwards for machinery and shed Mon 14th October 3012 Handover ** January 1st 2014 **An extension of 3 months for the Project has been requested to the EU which may affect date of handover and construction timetable for shed.
11. The RSPB/ML does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any submission, and reserves the right to accept part only of a submission. 12. Submission Evaluation Process Submissions that fail to meet essential requirements may be excluded from consideration. Assessment of submissions will be made on the basis of: 1. Competence of new/existing legal organisation 2. Capacity to administer, organise and operate machinery 3. Financial viability of new/existing legal organisation 4. Capacity to deliver public benefit
Document D Specification
The new company/organisation will guarantee the machinery will be used for 100% agricultural and conservation management of the machair for at least three years from January 1st 2014** Any tender which can demonstrate additional community benefit, will score more highly. The benefits will be spread across designated sites on the Uists, Berneray and Barra or a geographical area to be further defined by Machair LIFE+ Working outside designated sites is also desirable but you may propose rates and a scope of work that differ in non-designated areas. **This date is subject to a decision by the EU on granting a Project extension for works on the ground until March 2014
Please respond to the following questions in the comments box or add further signed sheets. The sections are divided up into ‘general’, ‘essential works’, ‘additional community benefits’ and ‘operations and logistics’. If you are a new organisation please give as much information as possible and suggest ways you may tackle each area. The information in italics is to guide your answers. 1. General a. If you are an existing organisation please tell us more about your legal structure/constitution. If you intend to set up a new organisation, how will you ensure a proper legal structure/constitution will be in place by January 1st 2014? A legal transfer of machinery to the new organisation is intended to take place by January 1st 2014, unless an EU Project extension is granted to allow Machair LIFE+ to continue to collect and spread seaweed on behalf of crofters. If the handover date is delayed until March 31st 2014 there will be wider discussion with the party winning the submission about how best to manage this activity. Firm of Ardbhan Croft is an agricultural holding which has the traditions of crofting deeply embedded in its’ business ethos. The business farms using traditional methods where appropriate and believes in using traditional breeds and has a fold of pedigree Highland Cattle currently numbering 350. Breeding stock has been sold to game estates in Perthshire and Yorkshire and forestry estates who needed traditional breeds to manage the grasslands and birdlife in an environmentally sustainable manner; cattle have also been sold to Europe to countries such as Estonia and Germany for the same reasons. Firm of Ardbhan Croft is a partnership which was formed in 1990 between Angus A MacDonald and Michelle C MacDonald. After leaving Agricultural College in 1984 Angus purchased a reaper binder and square baler and began servicing the needs of the local crofting community with these implements. He expanded the business further in 1987 with a thrashing mill and provided local seed for crofters from Berneray to the north end of South Uist. In 1990 he formed the company Firm of Ardbhan Croft and purchased a round baler and wrapper for silage. He introduced this new form of feeding to South Uist and is now the largest contractor in the southern isles with customers from Berneray to the southern end of South Uist. He produces in excess of 7000 bales a year over an area of 350ha for a large amount of crofters many of whom we have been dealing with since the company began. Since 1999 the company has also been providing a combine harvester service, which covers the same area. The company also provides a mechanised peat cutting service which again covers the same area from March till June. All these services require coordination between the crofters and the Ardbhan management team to ensure all areas receive the best service whenever required. The addition of the Machair Life machinery and the extra services these would allow would blend in seamlessly with the current operations. If our bid is successful, it will guarantee that the services provided will continue well after the three year period that Machair Life has requested as long as the crofting community still needs it.
2. Essential Scope of Work a. How will you encourage the continued use of seaweed as fertiliser ensuring it will be available to all crofters in designated and non-designated sites on the Uists? Please consider how you might service a similar area to that carried out by ML ie: 100 ha across the Uists in 2013. You are advised to provide a price band or range for seaweed work for tractor and trailer/spreader. What daily rates will you offer for collecting and spreading seaweed both in designated and non-designated sites ? You might consider capping areas per crofter/township. How will you maximise efficiency of loading? Have you considered how equipment might be loaned to crofters or will you supply driver, tractor and trailer/spreader? ML have been collecting fresh seaweed at a rate of 10 loads per hectare, which is approximately 80 tonnes. They have spread 2ha per crofter at varying rates but on average about 10 loads are spread per hectare. Using current contractor rates for a tractor and 8 tonne trailer working with another tractor loading ( to save constant uncoupling ) Ml have averaged 30 loads a day ( with distances of less than 1 mile from source to store) This equates to @ £230 per hectare Using a 9 tonne spreader working at 4 loads an hour ( 10 tonnes per hectare) the cost is @ £75 per hectare. The total cost of collecting and spreading is working out at @£305 per hectare. The business currently spreads seaweed over 100 ha for their own purposes which, as far as we are aware, is more than any other agricultural producer in the U.K. We farm 700ha organically and are registered with the Soil Association. Seaweed is an integral part of our operation and is used on all cultivations and grasslands especially on Vallay Island. The benefits to the flora , fauna and birdlife have been immense with corncrakes being introduced to the island and their numbers are now flourishing. We also have several customers who we provide a seaweed spreading service for on an annual basis. Our machinery is state of the art and was used by Machair life this year when they struggled with the demand for spreading on their limited resources. With the current high prices of artificial fertiliser we believe that the demand for this service will increase annually and there is great scope for expansion within this sector especially with many crofters signed up to SRDP cropping schemes. However, the rates provided by Machair Life are unrealistic to charge the crofters as it is more expensive than the artificial equivalent. After having three years of free seaweed spreading done for them the crofters will not pay the rates that Machair Life have evaluated. We are currently exploring machinery options on how to possibly cover large areas at a more realistic cost. The benefits of encouraging seaweed spreading to the environment cannot be over emphasised. No capping of this service would be introduced as the business provides a full unrestricted service to its’ current customers and would continue to do so when expanding its’ services with the Machair Life equipment and all townships would be charged at the same rate. No daily rate would be charged as we would price per hectare as at present. From experience with using excavators and other loading methods we have discovered that a large capacity telehandler is by far the most efficient method of loading the seaweed. We currently have a JCB 310S telehandler, a twenty five ton dump truck and three 100hp tractors with twelve ton trailers that we use for loading and transporting seaweed. All machinery would be operated by our experienced and skilled staff. Angus has also provided advice on cropping with seaweed to the Blacklands Research Group and Machair Life. We have completed a costing exercise for this service and estimate that we can provide a full collecting and spreading operation for a cost of £175 per hectare to the crofter. We can provide a breakdown of these figures at any interview if required.
b. How will you encourage shallow cultivations? Please consider how you might service a similar area to that carried out by ML ie: 50 ha across the Uists in 2013. How might this best be achieved? What daily rates might be offered for ploughing/rotovating/harrowing/rolling using tractor and equipment? Have you considered how equipment might be loaned to crofters or will you supply driver, tractor and plough etc? Would you consider capping areas per crofter/township?
The company currently shallow ploughs over 100 acres for their own purposes and their customers using up to date machinery. With the addition of the new plough this service would be offered throughout the crofting community using our current staff and machinery. Far from capping each crofter we would actively encourage shallow ploughing and crop rotation in the traditional manner by demonstrating the benefits that are own practices have brought to our land. This could be done in conjunction with SNH and RSPB staff at open days on Vallay Island and other suitable sites within Benbecula and South Uist which would be available to all members of the community. Our rates for the services are: Ploughing – £65 per hectare. Rotovator - £80 per hectare Harrowing - £27 per hectare Rolling - £15 per hectare Discs - £32 per hectare
c. How will you encourage harvesting by reaper binder? Please note there is currently a problem with the knotting mechanism casing which needs attention. How will you service a similar area to that carried out by ML ie: 20 ha in 2013. What daily rates might be offered for the binder? Would you consider capping areas per crofter/township? Have you considered how equipment might be loaned to crofters or will you supply driver, tractor and binder?
Angus MacDonald supplied a reaper binder service to the community in the 1980’s. He is well experienced in binder operation and advocates the use of local seed whenever possible. He is willing to hold field demonstrations showing the benefits to the wildlife, stock and the preservation of home produced seed. Whilst baling for silage he has often recommended leaving good areas of standing corn for binding. Field visits could be made with SNH and RSPB staff before harvesting time to promote the benefits of binding corn. However, support would have to be given to the crofters to protect their corn crops from the geese population as the damage done by the birds often deters crofters from delaying their harvest for binding. The knotting mechanism casing can be replaced by our experienced agricultural mechanics and we would also purchase a second reaper binder. In the event of a large uptake in demand for this service we would sub contract some of the work to other binder contractors at peak times. Once again there will be no capping of this facility. The rates for this service will be: £35 per hour + cost of string.
d. How will you encourage increased quantities and quality of Uist corn for example: using the ML mobile seed drier? How will you house the drier if it is not possible to build the new shed? How will you transport the drier to where it is needed? What will be the charge out rates for use of drier? We would encourage crofters to combine more local barley, where it is not possible to use the binder as it would reduce their winter feed costs by cutting the amount of compound feed brought into the islands. This would also bring benefits to the birds on the machair areas which would increase their numbers within the community. Ornithologist visitors are an important part of the islands tourist economy and any crofting practices that can increase the wealth of birdlife on the island will be encouraged. We currently have a modern combine harvester which can cut large quantities of corn in one day. This service is available throughout the islands. The mobile seed drier service would be offered as a follow on facility. Storage in one of our sheds was provided free in 2011 when trial tests were conducted on our crops. We currently have ample storage facilities which we are intending to expand this winter. Transportation will be done by tractor c/w loader to discharge the full seed bags. The charge per hour for the seed drier and tractor with loader would be £50 per hour which would include fuel and an experienced operator. However, if Crofters wish to operate the drier themselves it would be charged at a daily rate of £40 per day.
e. If ML build the shed to house the machinery, can you explain how you will promote its long term conservation and community use? You will take on leasehold/ownership for at least three years until 2017 and will need to consider how you will continue to support its original purpose beyond this date. If you do not require the use of the new shed please explain why? There are various other options for providing storage facilities for the machinery should the proposed shed not be built due to the timetable for construction or other obstacles. One option includes continuing to rent the hangar space at East Camp. If built, the land which houses the new shed will be leased from CnES to RSPB or the new organisation/company/trust who will be responsible for all maintenance and on going costs. Arrangements for this transfer will take place in January 2014 unless an EU Project extension is granted in which case transfer etc will take place in March 2014. Firm of Ardbhan Croft currently have a range of sheds and steadings which require annual maintenance due to the inclement weather conditions. Angus & Michelle are also owners of a building company ( Angus A MacDonald Contracting Services Ltd) and employ local tradesmen who carry out regular inspections and repairs to all the buildings under the company control. The proposed shed at Liniclate will be located in an ideal position to service the needs of the whole of the southern isles and we currently employ three members of staff who live within a short distance of the proposed shed and can be on call for any emergency repair or maintenance work. We would be delighted to work in conjunction with the Crofting Course at Liniclate school in providing access to the shed at any time that is required. We could also provide experienced staff to assist with the lessons within the confines of the shed if required. However, if the building of the shed in Liniclate does not go ahead, we will have ample space within our own buildings to store the machinery securely.
3. Additional Community benefits a. How could you provide education and training opportunities to young people and new crofters through taking on the machinery and new shed? Please include the possibility of working with Lionacleit Secondary School crofting course and any future crofting course set up by Lews Castle College on Benbecula If our bid is successful we would employ another young agricultural apprentice to join our current staff. We employed our first student this year and we will be supporting his education through college and assisting him in gaining new skills associated with our current agricultural activities. Angus MacDonald’s son Fraser has now joined the business and his enthusiasm for the breeding of livestock and cultivation of crops is an example to all budding young crofters. Along with Ena MacDonald this is now three generations of the family who are involved in using traditional farming practices whilst employing new technology to create a sustainable business which is committed to both the social and environmental benefits of crofting. As the business has recently provided advice to both the Blacklands Research Group and Machair Life, we would be delighted to work with any group / school who are encouraging crofting using traditional methods. Angus MacDonald has over 35years experience in crofting and is a regular contributor to tv and radio programmes along with Ena when they require a crofting adviser. Angus and Fraser would be delighted to talk to students in either a classroom or field environment and assist with their education. The business is currently the largest agricultural producer in the Western Isles and manages Vallay Island in conjunction with agreements with the RSPB. The island is the “ jewel in the crown’ in the southern isles as far as traditional crofting practices go and we have taken school trips over on day trips to the island to experience first hand the handling of livestock and the growing of crops. We have experienced mechanics on our staff who could assist in the crofting course by teaching basic machinery maintenance using the shed facility. b. Can you provide any other socio-environmental benefits to the community through taking on ML machinery assets and the new shed? This could include promoting other conservation measures implemented by the Project. Eg: use of community goose plucker and through any profits made from the hire-charging out of equipment. Traditional crofting practices help to create a healthier environment for our community and our children can benefit from being taught about the cultivation and growing of their basic feedstuffs. The business voluntarily created the garden area at Paible School and we would be happy to do this in all the schools. We would ask our new agricultural apprentice to implement a survey to assess the demand for supplying seaweed to domestic producers of garden vegetables. If there is a demand then we would introduce a delivery scheme for the kitchen garden growers using our existing machinery. All profits produced by Firm of Ardbhan Croft are channelled back into the business to create new employment opportunities for youngsters and to make the business sustainable on a long term basis for the existing staff. This helps the local community to flourish and create social and cultural opportunities. The introduction of the third generation of MacDonalds into the business has revitalised the enthusiasm of the staff and there are plans being implemented to further add to the cultivation of crops and breeding of livestock. Kirkibost Island is being looked at with a view to create a setting similar to what exists on Vallay at present with guided tours and discussion groups being invited to visit this unique environment. These visitors would provide income to the local business’s and help to create a more diverse community spirit.
We would be happy to discuss any needs that schools or community groups have to see if we could help them move agricultural/ educational projects forward.
4. Operation and logistics a. How will the existing or new organisation/company/trust be administered? ML has a permanent core staff of four people and the seasonality of work and geography of the Islands makes coordination a key part of the way it has carried out work on the ground. For example, how will you coordinate collecting and spreading seaweed on an Island basis? How will payments by crofters be made? How and on what basis might they be subsidised? The management team of Firm of Ardbhan Croft have vast experience in servicing the needs of the crofting community and have a track record of reliability and excellent workmanship. If our bid is successful the three year expansion project will be managed by Ralph Thompson who currently coordinates the Baling, Peat cutting, Ploughing, Seaweed spreading and other crofting services that we deliver throughout the islands. He has over 25 years experience in delivering services to the crofting community from Berneray to Barra and can provide the managerial and financial reports that are required. Our current invoicing procedures using the Sage software would be used for processing payments. Most of the crofters who would be using any seaweed or ploughing services are already on the database which makes the administration simple. Crofting is not a nine to five occupation and the management team of the company are available on a 24 hour basis for advice and service. During the spring and summer months our staff regularily work 12 hour shifts to ensure that each township is serviced with their requirements as seasonal and weather conditions permit. We have given examples of our intended fees for the services that are required in a successful bid for your machinery and these are heavily subsidised compared to the figures estimated by Machair Life. We can manage to provide these services at these sustainable rates due to our more efficient coordination of our current machinery along with the equipment from Machair Life and our staff whose skills have evolved over many years of trial and error of providing crofting services. As mentioned in earlier sections the business will not be using a capping system as we believe that it is vital to offer a full service to all crofters and communities who require it. b. How will the existing or new organisation/company/trust maintain and operate the machinery according to current legislation and standards eg: Safe working practices, use of licensed operatives and insurances?
The company has a current Health & Safety Policy as per current guidelines. All machinery is maintained regularly and are licensed and insured as per legal requirements. All staff have a contract of employment and are trained to the highest standards. Insurance details as specified below.
Document D: Company Information 1.0
General
1.1
Registered Name Firm of Ardbhan Croft Trading Name (if different)
1.2
Correspondence Details Name of person applying on behalf of the company** note this may refer to individual/voluntary organisation etc Angus A MacDonald Address: Kyles, Paible, North Uist. HS6 5DY Telephone: 01876510293 Mobile: 07970218904 Fax: 01878700186 Email:
[email protected] Registered office Address (if different from above) As above
1.3
Company Registration No (if applicable) VAT registration number 377 0994 08 Certificate of Incorporation number
1.5
Date company was founded (if a limited company, date of incorporation) 1990
1.6
Company structure and nature of company The company is a partnership. The two partners are Angus A MacDonald and Michelle C MacDonald. Is the company proposed as party to the contract part of a larger organisation? If so please explain the relationship between the various parts of the organisation, up to the ultimate holding company. No Current number of full time equivalent staff currently employed by the company (not larger parent company) 6
2.0
Financial & Business Probity
2.1
Person responsible for financial matters within your company Name: Mrs Michelle C MacDonald Position: Partner Telephone: 01876510293 Fax: 10878700186 Email:
[email protected]
2.2
Bankers details Name of Bank: Bank of Scotland Address: Lochmaddy , North Uist Telephone: 01876500834 Fax:
Can you provide 3 years audited accounts or prepared financial statements if asked? Yes
x
No
If yes, please state the turnover of your organisation for the last 3 years. This information will be treated with confidence. If required we will grant permission for our accountant Catherine Muir to supply turnover figures to date.
2.3
Judgements etc. Are there any judgements, claims or suits pending or outstanding against your company? Yes
No
x
Has your company ever failed to complete a contract? Yes No x
If Yes, please provide full details
If Yes, please provide full details
2.4 Please answer all of the following questions as they apply to your Company’s circumstances. Please confirm that: 1) being a company, no resolution has been passed or Order of the Court made for the company’s winding up otherwise than for the purposes of bona fide reconstruction or amalgamation, nor has a receiver, manager or administrator on behalf of a creditor been appointed in respect of the company’s business or any part thereof, nor is it the subject of any proceedings for any of the above procedures, nor is it the subject of similar procedures under the law of any other state. Confirmed Not confirmed Non-applicable x 2) being a partnership, it has not granted a trust deed or become otherwise apparently insolvent, or it is not the subject of a petition presented for sequestration of its estate. Confirmed x Not confirmed Non-applicable 3) being an individual, you are not bankrupt, or have not had a receiving order or administration order made against you, or have not made a composition or arrangement or trust deed with or for the benefit of your creditors, or have not made any conveyance or assignment for the benefit of your creditors, or have not had a petition presented for sequestration of your estate or do not appear to be able to pay or to have no reasonable prospect of being able to pay a debt within the meaning of the Insolvency Act or any similar procedure under the law of any EC member state. Confirmed x Not confirmed Non-applicable 4) no Directors, Partners, Associates or the Company Secretary have been involved in any Company which has been liquidated or gone into receivership. Confirmed x Not confirmed Non-applicable 5) none of the Directors, Partners, Associates or the Company Secretary have been convicted of a criminal offence relating to the conduct of their business or profession. Confirmed x Not confirmed Non-applicable 6) neither the Company nor any of the Directors, Partners, Associates or Company Secretary has committed an act of grave misconduct in the course of their business or profession. Confirmed x Not confirmed Non-applicable 7) all obligations relating to the payment of taxes under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or the EC member state in which the Company is established has been fulfilled Confirmed x Not confirmed Non-applicable 8) all obligations relating to the payment of social security contributions under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or the EC member state in which the Company is established have been fulfilled. Confirmed x Not confirmed Non-applicable
If you have ticked ‘Not confirmed’ for any questions above please give details here
2.6
Insurances ( if this is yet to be obtained, please let us know and give details below)
Insurer
Policy No
Value of Cover
Expiry Date
Employers Liability
Towergate AIUA
F1380357
£10,000,000
19 August 2014
Public Liability
Towergate AIUA
As above
£10,000,000
19 August 2014
All Risks (if applicable)
Axa
GWCCH268897 2
£250,000
4 October 2013
th
th
th
3.0
Health & Safety and Environment
3.1
Has your company been served with any enforcement or prohibition notices or been prosecuted in the past 5 years for breaches of health & safety legislation? YES
3.2
x
If yes please provide full details.
Has your company been served with any enforcement or prohibition notices or been prosecuted in the past 5 years for breaches of environmental legislation? YES
3.3
NO
NO
x
If yes please provide full details.
Has your company been served with any enforcement or prohibition notices or been prosecuted in the past 5 years for breaches of data protection legislation? YES
NO
x
If yes please provide full details.
3.4 Have any restrictive clauses in relation to your company’s Employer’s Liability, Public Liability or Professional Indemnity Insurance policies been enforced in the last 5 years due to past Health & Safety performance? YES
NO
x
If yes please provide full details.
Document E Declaration
I state that everything in this tender submission is truthful, that if found to be untruthful the RSPB/ML can terminate any agreement between the RSPB/ML and the company formed on the basis of this tender, and we will pay to the RSPB/ML any loss or expenses the RSPB/ML suffers as a result of such untruthfulness, whether an agreement is entered into or not. In this certificate, the word “person” includes any persons and any body or association, corporate or unincorporated; “any agreement or arrangement” includes any transaction, formal or informal, and whether legally binding or not. Signed
Angus A MacDonald
On behalf of
Firm of Ardbhan Croft
Date
01/10/2013
Please note: a name added in an electronic document is functionally equivalent to a signature.
Attachment 3 ML+ reaper/binder agreement
Rebecca Hutton, Grazings Clark Northton Grazings Committee 1 Grian Airigh Northton Isle of Harris Dear Rebecca I would be grateful if you could sign and return two copies of this document, to signal your acceptance of the following agreement: 1) The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) owns the reaper binder specified in Appendix A. The RSPB has agreed to allow Northton Grazings Committee exclusive use of the Machinery for the nominal sum of one pound (£1.00)/year, for a period of three years commencing 01/04/2014. 2) During this period all responsibilities for insurance, maintenance, repair or any ongoing or related costs for the Machinery will be met in full by Northton Grazings Committee. The reaper binder will not be disposed of or substantially altered without prior written agreement by the RSPB. All monies received from any insurance claim will be used for the maintenance or replacement of the Machinery, subject to prior consultation with and agreement of the RSPB. Machinery will be returned to the RSPB on 31/3/2017 in the same condition as 01/04/2014 allowing for reasonable wear and tear. 3) The use of the reaper binder by Northton Grazings Committee is made on the condition that it is used solely for the purposes of the conservation of Machair through the cultivation of corn varieties indigenous to the Western Isles, in accordance with the objectives of Machair Life +. The RSPB reserves the right to monitor the use of the Machinery at any time. 4) Should it come to the attention of the RSPB that the Machinery is not being used in the manner described under clause 3) above or that any of the conditions of this agreement are not being complied with, then discussions will be held with Northton Grazings Committee in order to clarify the situation and to come to a mutually agreeable solution. If the parties cannot agree to a solution [within a period of 30 days from the start of the discussions], then the RSPB may terminate this agreement with immediate effect, without prior notice, and reclaim and recover the Machinery, at the Northton Grazings Committee’s costs. 5) Provided the terms of this agreement are complied with by the Northton Grazings Committee, the RSPB will offer to sell the Machinery to Northton Grazings Committee at a cost of £1 on 01/04/2017. Should the Northton Grazings Committee choose not to take ownership of the Machinery at this time then the RSPB will dispose of the Machinery as it sees fit.
Signed on behalf of Northton Grazings Committee
Signed on behalf of RSPB
Name Position Signature
Date
Appendix A Reaper Binder Specification A Modern original sourced from Alvan Blanch. The Machair life reaper binder is a modern day take on the traditional reaper binders which eliminates the need for canvases and has easily sourced parts which is a significant problem with the traditional binders as they become rarer. Both parties to note below condition of machinery at 01/04/2014
Signed on behalf of Northton Grazings Committee
Signed on behalf of RSPB
Attachment 4 ML+ shed lease and map
Attachment 5 ML+ RSPB biodiversity monitoring research proposal
Conservation Science Concept Note Template for 2015/16 Budget round April 2014, Guy Anderson Biodiversity of Arable Machair CG: Reserves Acquisition and Management Conservation case: Machair habitat is globally extremely rare, covering approximately 19,000 ha, with 70% of this located in western Scotland and the remainder in western Ireland. It is therefore internationally recognised through a suite of Natura 2000 sites which cover the majority of Uist Machair. Machair is also a priority habitat for RSPB and much of it is covered by the Machair Futurescape. We have invested significantly in the conservation of Machair through our involvement at Balranald RSPB reserve for almost 50 years and as lead partner in the recent Machair LIFE+ project. The traditional system of low-input arable cultivation on the Machair is believed to be critical in maintaining the diversity of the arable plant assemblage and supporting nationally important and declining populations of breeding waders (lapwing, redshank, snipe, ringed plover, dunlin and oystercatcher), twite, corn bunting, as well as nationally rare invertebrates (great-yellow bumblebee, belted beauty moth, Colletes spp.) and plants (corn romwell corn marigold, common ramping-fumitory, corn spurrey Spergula arvensis). Balranald Nature Reserve is crucial to our work on Machair as it functions as a demonstration site and its management informs our advisory and policy work throughout the Machair Futurescape. Our current advisory and advocacy work is based on our knowledge of traditional arable cultivation techniques using organic seaweed fertiliser and shallow ploughing techniques. However, we currently have weak scientific evidence for the benefit of this management for biodiversity over the use of inorganic fertilisers and deep ploughing. We need to understand the effects of these different management treatments in a more control environment (ref. Approach, paragraph 2) such as Balranald Nature Reserve to better inform management throughout the Machair Futurescape. Use of results: The results will be used to influence RSPBs advisory work and advocacy work across the Machair Futurescape. Most importantly the results will be used to inform our advocacy for future support of specific machair management practices through SRDP agri-environment options. Urgency: The research will take five years to complete as it needs to follow a full rotation cycle of cultivation (1 baseline year to assess diversity prior to treatment + 4 years of rotation) . Therefore, in order to inform SRDP agri-environment options in the next scheme work needs to start in 2015. Objectives: To test whether a) arable machair treated with traditional organic seaweed fertiliser supports a greater diversity of arable plant species compared to that treated with conventional inorganic fertilisers. A third scenario with a mixture of organic and inorganic will also be assessed as it currently the most common type of management by crofters on the Uists. b) depth of ploughing affects the diversity of arable plant species c) soil chemistry and depth of organic matter vary between treatment types and how this correlates with plant growth and diversity.
Null Hypothesis: management treatment type has no effect on diversity and composition of the arable plant assemblage or soil chemistry. Approach: In a split-plot design, the diversity, composition and abundance of the arable plant assemblage will be measured on a sample of cultivated plots given different but consistent management treatments through a four year cultivation cycle. Soil analysis will also be carried out on treatment plots in each year of the cultivation cycle. This research will build on the results from a study carried out as part of the Machair Life+ project. However, the Machair Life+ study suffered from a range of confounding factors largely as a result of plots being selected in an opportunistic fashion, lack of detailed control over treatments and lack of knowledge of historical treatments. This reaserch will be carried out on Balranald Nature Reserve in order to keep variability in the external environment and management across plots to a minimum. Due to the RSPB presence at Balranlald it will be possible to achieve a high level of control over the consistency of treatments such as the amount of fertiliser used, timing of cultivation and harvest etc. Designated Con Sci lead: Davide Scridel Likely duration/staffing requirement: 5 year project (one year of baseline data collection followed by four years of data collection through one cycle of traditional cultivation: 2 years crop and 2 years fallow). 1 summer RA each year followed by write up by SRA or CS in final year. External funding: No external funding secured. Invertebrate and avian analysis of diversity and abundance could also be incorporated into the project by involvement of MSc students on an annual basis from agricultural/entomological/ornithological courses. The study could also take the form of a PhD. Within Concept Group Priority level ranking (1=highest, no equal ranks allowed): please grade the importance of this concept notes relative to others submitted by the group.
