NW2045 Natural Capital by Rachel Skene https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3 Ideas/ links/ Q’s en-us 2022-05-24 09:49:29 UTC 2022-05-24 13:22:12 UTC hello@padlet.com rachelskene https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197441004 Please share ideas/ comments/ Q’s by adding here. Thank you 

Pls add your name to your comment or Q if you wish so we can attribute /respond. ]]> 2022-05-24 09:55:47 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197441004 Link to data-gathering form: https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197491381 2022-05-24 10:41:51 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197491381 Some threats to assets and ecosystem services to consider: https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197638503 Bio security/invasive species issues
Potential threats for plants and animals: 

Mink – birds, water vole – infrastructure & mitigation to protect otters 
Woodland – tree disease forest operations, visitors etc 
Agriculture – disease – livestock husbandry, feed transport, visitors etc 
Bird flu – poultry, gamebirds, wild birds 
American Signal Crayfish – white-clawed crayfish (Durness) important ‘island’ population 
Invasive plants: e.g. Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, American skunk cabbage, Rhododendron – outcompete native plants 
Parasites - Gyrodactylus salaris – Atlantic Salmon – Good awareness within fisheries, Recreation/tourists canoes etc.?
Pink salmon – threat to Atlantic salmon 

See great plan - West Sutherland Fisheries Trust -  1 (invasivespecies.scot)

David Shaw, UHI North Highland
]]> 2022-05-24 12:49:08 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197638503 Data Capture to Inform Muirburn Practice https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197656788  
Controversial – to burn or not to burn?   & some other questions….
Which areas are suitable for prescribed muirburn and comply with the muirburn code?   Can these areas be easily mapped? 
Cessation of muirburn – & potential for negative effects of long sward on ground nesting birds e.g. golden plover.
Which areas is muirburn part of the current land management practice? 
Where do we have ‘high risk’ assets close to prescribed muirburn areas? 
What are the risks of increased fuel load and wildfires?   
Do we need to raise more wildfire safety awareness for tourists? 
Which areas are sensitive to muirburn and encroachment of bracken?  
How can research, education and training inform land management practices and culture?
David Shaw, UHI North Highland

]]> 2022-05-24 13:00:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197656788 Peat Thickness is pretty important in terms of the potential value of various areas but tends to be poorly mapped https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197680583 2022-05-24 13:14:32 UTC https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197680583 Peatland Restoration https://padlet.com/rachelskene/xqk9wr12dblhd6i3/wish/2197693076 Perhaps think about areas where forest to bog projects are/may be carried.   There may be a very large long term problem with regeneration of coniferous trees in these areas.   My understanding of the current funding schemes for these projects is that regeneration and the cost of this has not been factored into the planned operations.   

Perhaps ask Peatland Action for data on potential areas for peatland restoration.  
David Shaw, UHI North Highland

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