SFCC Biologists' Meeting - Findhorn Update 2024.pptx

Presentation at the annual SFCC biologist's conference in 2024.

1. A multi-generational vision of coordinated action for nature recovery and connection , at a watershed-scale

2. Nature recovery Healthy, connected  river woodlands , from the  Monadhliath  to the Moray Firth A landscape supporting an  abundance and diversity  of life Cool, clean, wilder rivers shaped by natural processes increasing  resilience to climate risks A watershed fulfilling its  carbon-storing potential , from peatlands to saltmarshes

3. ESTUARINE, COASTAL, MARINE - Native Oyster +/ Mussel bed re-introduction - Seagrass Meadow + Saltmarsh restoration - Carbon sequestering coastal habitats - Campaign to reinstate 3-mile inshore limit LOWER CATCHMENT   - Invasive Non-Native Species management - Native woodland restoration/expansion  - Freshwater Pearl Mussel regeneration - Nature Friendly Farming Cluster - Natural flood alleviation solutions UPPER CATCHMENT - River woodlands - Peatland restoration - Herbivore management - River restoration & floodplain reconnection - Water temp, water quality, water security Nature Recovery, from source to sea : 

4. Increased nature connectedness  supporting wellbeing and quality of life People feeling a deeper sense of pride and belonging within their watershed Fostering a spirit of stewardship and hope through restoring the places we love Nature Connection

5. Increased opportunities for high quality  training , green  jobs , and nature-positive   enterprises Income from  natural capital  investment benefiting all inhabitants  of the watershed A river catchment accelerating Scotland’s  just transition  towards a  wellbeing economy Nature-positive economy  

6. Ecosystem Restoration   Examples

7. Upper Catchment – Progress to date: 14 Estates engaged Currently co-developing woodland and river restoration plans with 9 of these, 1 in delivery Approx 1250+ ha of woodland (excluding Coignafearn which requires its own approach and has potential for 2500+ ha) A number of ecological baseline surveys undertaken, including hydromorphology & FWPM Liaising with local community development company and key local businesses

8. Conventional Scheme Woodland Creation and Restoration Natural regeneration and planting ~40ha 5km of burn to be shaded Exclusion of deer and livestock

9. Land Management Shift Woodland restoration and creation Natural regeneration ~500ha 15.8km of waterways within scheme area Grazing management and restructuring of tick mopping/lambing regime

10. Small Scale Woodland Creation Riparian ‘strip’ 1.5ha – small scale 1.4km – main river Fitting Riparian Woodland within an existing land-use model

11. Blended Approach Natural regeneration, and expansion/creation zone 3km of burn within scheme 46ha Ancient woodland remnant Deer/sheep management Large Wood Structures

12. What next? Signing MOUs with Landowners Development of Watershed Natural Capital Strategy Implementation (LSAs) Community engagement programme and development of River Charter Thriving Community Partnership Agreements (Community MOUs) Continuing downstream to engage more Estates Securing ongoing funding

13. Sign up to the mailing list and be the first to hear future updates: www.findhornwatershed.com @FindhornWatershed