South Ayrshire Local Plan

Wildlife Strategy

The Council has produced a detailed Wildlife Strategy which advocates a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation. At one level it seeks to ensure that the Council, in the fulfillment of its normal duties and responsibilities has regard to biodiversity. However the Strategy is only one of a number of measures being developed to provide the Council with a policy framework for benefiting biodiversity and ultimately people in South Ayrshire. In particular, the strategy seeks to ensure the most effective use of resources in terms of "on the ground" action to:

	protect and promote the proper management of sites of nature conservation importance,
	provide for the enhancement and creation of habitats for wildlife,
	develop and protect a network of "green corridors" through the Council area,
	raise awareness of, and provide opportunities for involvement in, biodiversity conservation.

The following text represents a precis of the full Wildlife Strategy, highlighting the main aims and guiding principles of that strategy within the specific context of the Local Plan. It also identifies those sites considered to be important in terms of environmental wildlife conservation interests.

Designations

Designation of a site is one of the primary means of safeguarding, and raising awareness of, areas of wildlife value. In addition, however, there is a need to be aware of the wider natural heritage - habitats which whilst not meeting the criteria for designation are important in terms of the overall conservation of biodiversity.

Statutory Designations
The most important sites in terms of wildlife, geology or landform have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). This is a UK-wide designation; sites in Scotland are notified by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). As at 2002 there are 32 SSSIs in South Ayrshire covering a total area of 4076.3ha.

Some SSSI are afforded additional protection by European law and/or International Conventions. In South Ayrshire, Ailsa Craig has been designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Birds Directive (1979), whilst parts of Glen App and the Galloway Moors have been put forward as a potential SPA. Under the EC Habitats Directive (1992), the Lendalfoot Hills Complex and Merrick Kells (partly in Dumfries and Galloway) have been put forward by SNH as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).

The network of SPAs and SACs across the community is known collectively as the Natura 2000 series. Some Natura 2000 sites contain habitats or species which are classed as "priorities" because they are particularly threatened in global terms and the European Community contains a significant proportion of their natural range. Priority habitats and species are defined under Article 1 of the Habitats Directive.

Non Statutory Designations
In addition to statutory designations, South Ayrshire contains a number of sites known as Wildlife Sites or Ornithological Sites. These are designated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and RSPB respectively and are considered to be of greatest value for wildlife next to the statutory sites.

Wildlife Sites across Scotland are in the process of being resurveyed. As such, all sites awaiting re-survey, which includes most of the South Ayrshire sites, are now referred to as Provisional Wildlife Sites. There are over 100 Provisional sites in South Ayrshire along with 56 Ornithological Sites. Not surprisingly there is a high degree of overlap between the two designations.

New Designations
The Council can recommend sites for designation to the appropriate designating body. In addition, local authorities have powers to acquire, declare and manage Local Nature Reserves (LNRs). The designation can be used to help safeguard sites of local biodiversity importance and which are of value for environmental education, research and/or informal enjoyment of nature.

Other Designations
There are a number of other designations, which whilst not primarily aimed at, can benefit biodiversity conservation. In South Ayrshire such designations include Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). There are 33 TPOs in South Ayrshire as at January 2002.

South Ayrshire also incorporates the Galloway Forest Park. Forest Parks are non-statutory designations which are made by the Forestry Commission. They comprise extensive tracts of multi-purpose forestry, including areas of scenic value.

The Wider Natural Heritage

The suite of designations in place helps ensure the protection of our best wildlife habitats. Natural heritage interest, however, is not restricted solely to designated areas or areas with potential for designation. There is a wider natural heritage resource spread across the whole of South Ayrshire. This manifests itself in terms of the many habitats of wildlife value which are not designated but still important in terms of conserving overall biodiversity. These may, for example, be wetland habitats such as marshy areas in the corner of fields, woodland areas, hedgerows or areas of species rich grassland. Alternatively they may be derelict sites or land awaiting development, which over the years have come to support an interesting flora and fauna. In some instances the wildlife interest of a site may also be seasonal, for example, coastal fields used as roosting and feeding sites by over-wintering wading birds.

Wildlife Corridors and Stepping Stones

The erosion of the wider natural heritage, whether it be through development or other land use changes, can contribute to the isolation or fragmentation of designated sites and other valuable habitats. Research has shown that isolated sites tend to support fewer species than those which are connected to other areas of similar habitat, a scenario thought to be caused by a combination of a poor rate of species immigration and species decline within isolated habitats through natural processes.

Wildlife corridors and stepping stones play a vital role in terms of linking similar habitat types and facilitating the movement of species from one area to another. Examples include rivers with their banks, traditional field boundary systems, ponds and small woodlands. Wildlife corridors, particularly in urban areas, can also be of aesthetic and social value. For this reason wildlife corridors are also commonly referred to as green corridors or networks. A large number of animal and plant species are protected by law. Many of those protected occur outwith designated sites where they are vulnerable to destruction or disturbance from development and other works.

Planning Permissions

The presence of a protected species is a material consideration when the planning authority in considering a development proposal which, if implemented, could result in significant harm to the species or its habitat.

Some of the protected species known to be present in South Ayrshire include:

	most wild birds,
	red squirrel,
	otter,
	pine marten,
	badger,
	all bats,
	all reptiles,
	bluebell and,
	greater yellow rattle.

Habitat Enhancement and Creation

In many cases wildlife benefits can be accrued simply by changing the management regime of existing open spaces and public parks. Examples of such management include using native rather than non native species in landscaping schemes, managing grassland and introducing wildflower meadows, establishing new hedgerows or retaining and creating new water features. The Council will seek to improve biodiversity in this way on land in its own ownership or control. Other benefits may be secured by influencing land outwith its direct control through planning conditions and obligations associated with planning consent.

Guiding Principles
As part of its commitment to protect and enhance South Ayrshire's environment and more particularly in its assessment of development proposals the Council will refer to the relevant policies of this Local Plan and, where appropriate, to the following guiding principles to ensure that matters relating to nature conservation and biodiversity are fully addressed.

The following points represent the Council's principles towards development and associated wildlife interests.

Overall Biodiversity Conservation

GP 1	The Council will continue to support the Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) process.
GP2	The Council will endeavour to maintain an up-to-date information base on habitats and species within South Ayrshire.

Habitat Protection

GP3	The Council will seek to protect sites of nature conservation importance (including sites where protected or LBAP priority species are present) from harmful development.
GP 4	The Council will seek to ensure that compensatory habitats are provided in instances where habitat loss is unavoidable.
GP5	The Council will encourage the appropriate management of sites of biodiversity value and consider the preparation of management plans, particularly where other issues may threaten the site's ecological integrity.
GP 6	The Council will pursue the declaration of Local Nature Reserves in consultation with local communities and other interested parties.

Habitat Enhancement and Creation

GP 7	The Council will endeavour to take advantage of opportunities to enhance existing habitats, particularly on its land.
GP 8	The Council will seek to create new habitats for wildlife on its land.
GP 9	The Council will encourage the enhancement and creation of habitats through the local planning process.

Green Networks

GP 10	The Council will seek to identify, protect and enhance a network of green corridors through South Ayrshire, taking into account links with adjoining Council areas.
GP 11	The Council will investigate the potential for integrating recreational footpaths in green corridor networks.

Raising Awareness and Involvement

GP 12	The Council will seek to incorporate biodiversity principles in its everyday work activities, where appropriate.
GP 13	The Council will encourage the development of theoretical and practical biodiversity conservation in schools and other educational establishments.
GP 14	The Council will seek to address the implications of its activities and policies on issues of wider biodiversity concern.
GP 15	The Council will seek to maintain close links with Scottish Natural Heritage, the RSPB and Scottish Wildlife Trust, and have regard to their specialist advice and information.
GP 16	The Council will take measures to raise community awareness of, and involvement in, biodiversity conservation.
GP 17	The Council will endeavour to work with other sectors of the community, including industry, developers, farmers and foresters, in order to benefit biodiversity.

STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS

Potential/Existing Special Protection Areas

*Grid Ref*	*Name*
NX 020998	Ailsa Craig Special Protection Area
NX 123718	Glen App and Galloway Moors Potential Special Protection Area

Candidate Special Areas of Conservation

Grid Ref	Name
NX 450840, NX 510860	Merrick Kells
NX 165925, NX 183900, NX 155883, NX 166877, NX 130867, NX 135882	Lendalfoot Hills Complex

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

No	*Grid Ref*	*Name*
1	NX 020998	Ailsa Craig - Also Special Protection Area
2	NX 080818	Ballantrae Shingle Beach
4	NX 134829	Craig Wood
5	NS 234013, NS 232011	Craighead Quarry
6	NS 363343	Dundonald Wood
7	NX 095874, NX 153935	Girvan to Ballantrae Coast
9	NX 113848	Knockdolian Hill
12	NS 316194 - 265177 NS 251158 - 254139 NS 242110 - 219095	Maidens to Doonfoot
13	NS 393173	Martnaham Loch and Wood
17	NS 460253	River Ayr Gorge (Part)
18	NS 251083	South Threave
19	NS 335287	Troon Golf Links and Foreshore
20	NS 119062	Turnberry Dunes
21	NS 336037	Auchalton
23	NX 450840, NX 510860	Merrick Kells (Part) - also Candidate Special Area of Conservation
24	NX 270821	Feoch Meadows
25	NS 325024	Blair Farm
26	NS 417259	Afton Lodge
27	NS 271040	Roughneuk Quarry
28	NX 180945	Byne Hill
29	NS 355036	Knockgardner
30	NX 202945-202946 NX 204947-206947 NX 209943	Laggan Burn
31	NX 134885, NX 137889, NX 138890, NX 143891	Knockormal
32	NS 452242	Stairhill (Part)
33	NX 177905, NX 177906	Millenderdale
34	NX 073808	Sgavoch
35	NX 230984	Penwhapple Burn
36	NX 165925	Pinbain Burn to Cairn Hill - also Candidate Special Area of Conservation
37	NS 196072-207081	Turnberry Lighthouse to Port Murray
38	NX 183900	Aldons Hill - also Candidate Special Area of Conservation
39	NX 155883, NX 166877	Knockdaw Hill - also Candidate Special Area of Conservation
40	NX 130867, NX 135882	Littleton and Balhamie Hills - also Candidate Special Area of Conservation
41	NX 110880, NX 099863 NX 094864	Bennane Head Grasslands
42	NX 123718	Glen App and Galloway Moors - PROPOSED SSSI

NON STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS

Provisional/Confirmed Wildlife Sites

No	*Grid Ref*	*Name*
1	NX 057713	Galloway Burn to Downan Point
2	NX 080760	Glen App
3	NX 089791	Kilantringan Loch
4	NX 136785	Beneraird Moorland
6	NX 288765	Drumlamford Lochs
7	NX 262797	Loch Duisk
8	NX 274799	Corwar Estate
9	NX 092807	Glen App Castle Woodlands
11	NX130900	Ballantrae to Girvan
12	NX 104832	River Stinchar (Knockenfinnick to Knockdolian)
13	NX 120852	Knockdolian
14	NX 155826	Glen Tig, Loch Meraddie and Dunnack Burn
156	NX 163857	River Stinchar (Colmonell to Poundland)
16	NX 145880	Knockdaw Hill and Knockormal Hill
17	NX 197896	Aldons Hill and River Stinchar
18	NX 200827	Black Loch and Kirkie Loch0
19	NX 202842	Loch Lig
20	NX 229813	Cross Water
21	NX 227833	Kildonan
22a	NX 2908400	Shentulloch Knowe and Black Clauchrie
22b	NX 253827	Laggan Loch
23	NX 250815	Feoch Burn
24	NX 220865	Muck Water
26/27	NX 155925	Water of Lendal to Byne Hill
28/33	NX 250925	River Stinchar (Minuntion to Pingerrach Burn)
29	NX 223939	Water of Assel
30	NX 204964	Glen Doune and Troweir Hill
31	NX 225983	Camregan Hill and Penwhapple Burn
32	NX 260975	Penwhapple Reservoir
34	NX 335911	Craigenreoch and Eldrick Hill
35	NX 321960	River Stinchar (Milton to Black Hill)
36a	NX 405907	Shalloch On Minnoch and Tarfessock
36c	NX 432960	Loch Brecbowie
37a	NX 185993	Girvan Mains to Balkenna
37b	NS 196072	Turnberry Castle to Maidens
38	NS 210004	Trochrague
39	NS 231011	Craighead Bank Wood
40	NS 245005	Bargany
41	NS 225048	Chapelton Burn
42	NS 230096	Culzean Country Park
43	NS 290007	Lindsayston Burn
44	NS 275023	Water of Girvan (Dailly to Kilkerran)
45	NS 287041	Baldronnan Burn
46	NS 263065	Craigdow Loch
47	NS 270092	Mochrum Loch
48	NS 286058	Lochspouts and Ghaist Glen
49	NS 312033	Kilkerran
50	NS 335033	Shaws Knowe
51	NS 332043	Kirkbride Glen
52	NS 305055	Water of Girvan (Hamilton Bridge to Carsloe)
54	NS 311094	Heart Loch
55	NS 323097	Chapelton Loch
56	NS 334085	Kirkmichael House
57	NS 339098	Drumore Loch
58	NS 347073	Tranew Flushes
59	NS 420040	Straiton Hills
60	NS 366055	Blairquhan
61	NS 356093	Guiltree Wood
62	NS 380080	Loch Spallander and Cloncaird Moor
67	NS 267101	Mochrum Hill
68a	NS 243111	Goatsgreen to Katie Gray's Rocks
68a	NS 248151	Dunure to Drumbane Burn
69	NS 277151	Carrick Hills
70	NS 325115	Blairbowie Flushes
71	NS 315144	Culroy Burn and Pinmore Burn
72	NS 340135	River Doon (Monkwood to Dalrymple Wood)
73	NS 342155	Carcluie Reservoirs
74	NS 349162	Carcluie Loch
75	NS 340168	River Doon (Cambusdoon to Brae of Auchendrane)
76	NS 328184	Alloway Railway Track
77	NS 338192	Rozelle
78	NS 320194	Doonfoot and Cunning Park
79	NS 380106	Dyrock and Backglen Burn
80	NS 380114	Barnshean Loch and Loch Croot
81	NS 392118	Shankston Loch
82	NS 390141	River Doon (Dalrymple to Patna)
83	NS 372163	Lindston Loch
84	NS 384167	Martnaham Fen
85	NS 391182	Fergus Loch
86	NS 405165	Whitehill Wood
87	NS 428155	Craigs of Kyle
88	NS 433198	Water of Coyle (Bridgend to Mill of Shield)
89	NS 367213	River Ayr (Craigie Park to Mainholm)
90	NS 374254	Clune
91	NS 343291	Troon South Wood
92	NS 395235	River Ayr (Oswald Bridge to Tarholm Bridge)
93	NS 391241	Auchincruive Marsh
94	NS 385271	Raith Burn and Ladykirk
96	NS 415208	Barquhey Wood
97	NS 409214	Water of Coyle (River Ayr to the Cushats)
98	NS 408223	Gadgirth
99	NS 425240	River Ayr (Annbank to Stair)
100	NS 470260	River Ayr (Stair to Barskimming)
101	NS 450265	Water of Fail and Montgomerie Castle
102	NS 428280	Fail Moss
103	NS 425293	Fail Loch
104	NS 475296	Rottenrow
105	NS 320320	Troon North Foreshore
106	NS 345303	Fullarton Wood
107	NS 353333	Dundonald Hills
108	NS 348348	Shewalton Moss
109	NS 395328	Coodham
111	NS 469324	Carnell and Cessnock Water
112	NS 362255	Pow Mill Wood
113	NS 338308	Darley Plantation, Troon

Ornithological Sites

No	Grid Ref	Name
1	NX 075775	Downan Point to Garry Point to Glen App
2	NX 115775	Glen App Hills
3	NX 082820	Ballantrae Shingle Beach
4	NX 105820	Auchairne
5	NX 130830	Glen Tig Woodlands
6	NS 115850	Knockdolian
7	NX 117860	Loch Melemon
8	NX 090790	Kilantringan Loch
9	NX 095874	Bennane Head
10	NX 175865	Stinchar Valley Woodlands and River
11	NX 225870	Muckfoot Woodlands - Docherneil
12	NX 225840	Kildonan to Mill Loch
13	NX 280835	Black Clauchrie to Feoch Bridge
14	NX 280803	Knockytoul
15	NX 255803	Hilgh Altercannoch to Loch Duisk
16	NX 285770	Drumlanford to Loch Gower
17	NX 200840	Loch Lig to Black Loch
18	NX 200890	Daljarrock to Asselfoot
19	NX 130895	Carleton Bay
20	NX 160900	Currarie
21	NX 020995	Ailsa Craig
22	NX 240920	Barr to Minuntion
23	NX 310923	Changue
24	NX 180950	Ardmillan to Ardwell
25	NX 330920	Haggis Hill to Nick o' the Balloch
26	NX 240997	Penwhapple Burn to Old Dailly
27	NS 305040	Kilkerran
28	NS 200035	Girvan Harbour to Maidens
29	NS 265055	Kirkhill to Craigdow
30	NS 270095	Mochrum Loch
31	NS 240102	Culzean / Pennyglen
32	NS 315100	Springgarden to Blairbowie
33	NS 385115	Lochs Croot, Barnshean & Shankston
34	NS 340130	Dalrymple Woodland to Boreland
35	NS 330160	Monkwood to Doonside
36	NS 320170	Newark Hill
37	NS 305150	Sauchrie to Culroy
38	NS 270140	Carrick Hills
39	NS 290185	Croy Bay to Doonfoot and Cunning Park
40	NS 395175	Fergus and Martnaham Lochs
42	NS 365060	Kirkmichael House to Blairqhan
43	NS 395020	Girvan Valley - Loch Derclach
44	NS 400920	Shalloch to Loch Riecawr
45	NS 325286	Meikle Craigs, Troon
46	NS 405210	Auchincruive - Failford including Sundrum
47	NS 342277	Powburn and Prestwick Golf Course
48	NS 342300	Fullarton Woods
49	NS 465300	Lochlea to Rottenrow
50	NS 425285	Tarbolton Moss
51	NS 324325	Barassie Shore
52	NS 275294	Lady Isle
53	NS 355340	Dundonald Woodlands
54	NS 465320	Carnell
55	NS 285006	Dobbingstone Burn, Dailly
56	NX 310965	Glengennet to Dalwyne

OTHER DESIGNATIONS

Forest Parks
Galloway Forest Park

Confirmed Tree Preservation Orders (as at May 2002)

No	Location
6	Piersland, Troon - group of trees
7	Big Wood, Turnberry - woodland
11	Longhill Avenue, Ayr - strip of woodland
12	Treetops and Dunchattan, Troon - woodland
15	Bellevue Road, Prestwick - group of trees
22	The Mote, Dumfries Park, Ayr - woodland
23	Drumley House School, Mosslblown - woodland
24	Ayr Riding Stables, Hillfoot Road, Ayr - group of trees
25	Southwoods, Troon - woodland
28	Darley Woods, Troon - woodland
30	Castlehill Estate, Ayr - two areas of woodland
31	Ardmillan Estate, Girvan - woodland
32	Dalblair Road, Ayr - individual tree
37	Craigend Road (Warrix and Landale), Troon - group of trees
39	Kilnford Drive, Dundonald - group of trees
40	Elmbank Street / Tam's Brig, Ayr - two trees
41	Stonefield Park, Ayr - group of trees
42	Greenan, Ayr - group of trees
43	Alloway and Greenfield Avenue, Ayr - strip of trees
44	Longbank Road, Ayr - avenue of trees
46	Kirkmichael House, Kirkmichael - woodland
47	Craigowan, Brewlands Road, Symington - woodland
49	Powmill Road, Pow Burn, Prestwick - woodland
50	Hole Road, Coylton - group of trees
51	Backlochans, Annebank - strip of woodland
1/97	Seafield House, Ayr - group of trees
1/98	6 Racecourse View, Ayr - group of trees
3/98	Coodham Estate, near Symington - woodland
1/00	Monkton Road / Powmill Road, Prestwick - groups of trees
3/00	26 - 48 Main Street, Prestwick - group of trees
1/01	Eldo House, Monkton Road, Prestwick (Provisional TPO) - strip of trees
2/01	Slaphouse Burn Gorge, Ayr (Provisional TPO) - woodland

Potential Green/Wildlife Corridors Through Main Settlements60

Grid Ref approx. start/end points Name and Type of Corridor
Ayr /Prestwick

NS 329228 - 363215	River Ayr - watercourse
NS 325195 - 338178 / 315183	River Doon and Tributary - watercourses
NS 295189 - 339282	Coastal Strip - coastal habitats (including Prestwick Golf Courses)
NS 339282 - 367264 / 362252	Pow and March Burns - watercourse
NS 325196 - 357197 / 349184	Slaphouse and Annfield Burns (including Cunning Park, Belleisle and Rozelle) - watercourses plus established parkland and grassland habitats
NS 300182 - 349184	Alloway Disused Railway Line - scrub and grassland
NS 350187 - 347280	Glasgow to Stranraer Railway Line - scrub habitats
NS 344227 - 368237	Ayr to Mauchline Railway Line - scrub habitats

Troon

NS 339282 - 329332	Troon Golf Courses - dune grassland and heath
NS 339282 - 325338	Coastal Strip - coastal habitats
NS 345286 - 344307	Darley Plantation to Southwood - plantation mixed woodland
NS 324320 - 345307	Darley Burn - watercourse and scrub habitats
NS 335327 - 338323	Roughlea Place to Struthers Primary School - parkland
NS 347280 - 327338	Ayr to Glasgow Railway Line - scrub habitats

Girvan

NX 180983 - 193988	River Girvan and Tributary - watercourses
NX 180962 - 186994	Coastal Strip - coastal habitats
NX 193972 - 191986	Ayr to Stranraer Railway Line - scrub habitats

Maybole

NS 294094 - 307106

Ayr to Stranraer Railway Line - scrub habitats