Biodiversity Conservation and Management
The potential added value of Biosphere Reserves to achieve UK social, economic and environmental goals. Review of literature and set of case studies to illustrate actual and potential benefits from Biosphere Reserves with a particular focus on the UK. For DEFRA, UK Government. 2008
Review of Biodiversity Delivery Structures in Scotland. Review through extensive consultation with key stakeholders of the institutions and procdures for the delivery of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan in Scotland. For Scottish Natural Heritage. 2008
Engaging people and communities in biodiversity conservation. A set of inspirational stories about how individuals and organisations throughout Scotland are getting people closer to nature . For Scottish Natural Heritage 2007 . More information and resources.
A review of relevant experience of coastal and marine national parks. A global review for Scottish Natural Heritage preparing the way for the establishment of Scotland’s first Coastal and Marine National Park. The project examined 13 case studies from Europe, N America and Australia - exploring the history behind their designation and management, the nature of their objectives, and the factors which contributed to success.
Scoping study: taking forward environmental capacity and ecosystem services: recommendations for CCW . These terms or ideas lie at the heart of sustainable development,and are referred to in many high level policy statements. Many environmental,conservation and development agencies have responsibility to try to sustain ecosystem services and ensure that activities take place within the capacity of the environment. Thisreview and mentoring project explored the practical meaning of these terms for the policies and activities of the Countryside Council for Wales.
Review of the National Parks and Protected Areas System for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code. Stakeholder consultation and drafting of a code and guidance for watching coastal and marine wildlife in Scotland.For Scottish Natural Heritage. See www.marinecode.org
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy
In two related pieces of work, we facilitated and coordinated the final phase of the production of a set of draft sectoral implementation plans, and made a preliminary assessment of the capacity and role of the local biodiversity action planning network.
In delivering the strategy and implementation plans. We led this work, undertaken in collaboration with Nautilus Consultants and Bluethistle Media .
Galloway Biosphere Reserve. In association with Landwise Scotland, for Scottish Natural Heritage. This small study examines the potential and opportunity to develop the Galloway Biosphere reserve into Scotlands first "new style" UNESCO biosphere reserve, where "conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand". To qualify, the site must meet the revised UNESCO "Seville" criteria which require zoning into core, buffer and transition areas. The study makes a rapid appraisal of the possible zones and their potential contribution to the reserve, as well as the potential impacts on the rural economy of Galloway. The study includes extensive consultation and local workshops to explore these isues with local people and other stakeholders.
Production of training slides for plant species and habitat identification
Production of 200 colour slides and associated commentary to illustrate training courses and interpretative materials on habitat management for nature conservation. The slides illustrated the relationships between land-use practice and flora, with particular emphasis on management for the conservation of rare or beautiful plant species, or to maximise biodiversity. For Scottish Natural Heritage .
Land Use and Nature Conservation Policy in Less Favoured Areas of the UK
The consultant undertook a critical review of the status and application of national and European policy as applied to Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) in the UK with particular emphasis on the implications for land use and nature conservation. For Nature Conservancy Council.
Design and Promotion of an Environmental Management Scheme under the Scottish Islands Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)
For the Nature Conservancy Council and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland. The consultant attended a series of public meetings organised throughout the Scottish Islands by the ADP secretariat, and held extensive discussions with representatives of crofters and farmers, agricultural agencies, and other interests. A grant scheme (ADP Environmental Management) for crofters and farmers was designed to promote environmental and conservation interests, while at the same time supporting existing farming activities and income generation. The consultant produced promotional literature and an advisory handbook in support of the grant scheme.
