News

Clackmannanshire Biodiversity Partnership

The Clackmannanshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) was finalised in July 2004. The plan is a key document in driving forward the maintenance and enhancement of habitats and species within Clackmannanshire through focussed local action. In addition, the partnership aims to increase awareness of local biodiversity in communities across Clackmannanshire.

Current Projects

Raising Water Vole Awareness
Water voles are currently the most endangered mammals in Britain. Learn more about water voles and what you can do to help at the Raising Water Vole Awareness page at ClacksWeb.
'Fish go to School' Project
The 'fish go to school' project has been developed by the Clyde River Foundation in partnership with Biodiversity Partnership for Clackmannanshire's primary schools, to provide a practical learning opportunity. The project aims to raise the children's awareness of river ecology (hydrological processes, fish life cycles etc) and the impacts of human intervention on the aquatic environment (pollution, engineering etc). This year the project has ran successfully in 5 schools: Clackmannan, Alva (2 classes), St John's, Menstrie and Strathdevon. A pond dipping (aquatic food chains) session for each class will run in the summer term to complete the first year of this project. Funding (Forth Fisheries Foundation, SNH, Council, CHT) has been secured to run this project for the next two years, based on five schools participating each year.
Clackmannanshire Pond Survey
Craig Macadam has investigated the macro-invertebrates and macrophyte fauna of 21 ponds in Clackmannanshire. These ponds vary in age and biological diversity, from the recently dug pond at Woodland park to the long-established natural pond at Sheardale. The final report details methodologies, results and recommends management prescriptions, Craig presented his findings to the partnership at the last steering group meeting (24th January 06). Based on the findings of the report the Partnership would be keen to take forward pond restoration and pond creation projects (target of 2 ponds per year).
Hedge & Tree Planting Scheme
Clackmannanshire Biodiversity Partnership launched a pilot Hedge and Tree Planting Grant to improve existing or establish new native hedgerows and woodlands in Clackmannanshire. The scheme was promoted through press releases, information on Clacksweb (http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/environment/chtps/), letters to community councils, and mailing to FWAG members. Competition was high (12 applications - farmers, community groups, schools etc) all applicants scored highly against the required criteria. We are able to fund 6 applications this year and hope to secure further funding for next year (2006/07).
Wild Bird Cover Project
This project involves farmers entering into a two-year agreement to establish 1 hectare of wild bird cover on set-aside land. Six farmers have been included in the project to date; RSPB monitoring has shown reed bunting, yellow hammer, and linnets use the sites. A further 2 plots (phase 3) will be sown this spring. A press release was sent to local papers in February.
Creepy Crawly Classrooms
Craig Macadam ran an invertebrate awareness project for P3 classes (St Mungo's, Park, Muckhart and Strathdevon Primary) during Feb/March 06. Craig gave talks to each class and supplied them with a set of sticky traps, a month later Craig returned to each class to analyse the catch! The results for each school and pictures drawn by the pupils are displayed on the project website - http://www.creepycrawlyclassrooms.co.uk
Woodland Management Plans
Forestry Commission funding (Woodland In and Around Towns, WIAT challenge fund) has been secured for the production of management plans for ten council owned woodlands. The Biodiversity Partnership is contributing through production of GIS maps, towards the cost of management plans, PR and public meetings. Surveys are being completed by Eamonn Wall & Co and Scottish Native Woods.

Recording Sheets

Wildlife recording is very important for protecting and enhancing biodiversity. It provides information on where certain animals have been throughout the year. It is easy to do and we would really appreciate your help. All you have to do is print off a copy of the Volunteer Wildlife Record Sheet or contact the Biodiversity Co-ordinator for a copy. Then while you are out on a walk simply take note of any species that are on the sheet.