NHS Highland Habitat Survey Summary

Summary

A habitat survey has been completed for NHS Highland. This project was supported and funded by NatureScot and provides a comprehensive review of the habitats associated with NHS Highland estate, in terms of nature and biodiversity. This survey is based on draft estate boundaries and so all figures are approximate. The survey used the UK Habitat Classification System.

• 34 sites were included in the survey, (inclusion criteria >0.2ha).
• Just under half the NHS Highland leased and owned estate is greenspace, 44.8 ha (about equivalent to 45 football pitches).
• The report highlights sites with habitats that are of significant value for nature and biodiversity and recommends these should be retained and protected.
• There is significant opportunity to increase the biodiversity of our grassland areas, with nearly 30% of the estate currently considered of low value to nature.
• Existing habitat includes 1186m of native hedgerows, 603m of watercourses and 1547m of trees.

Suggested biodiversity enhancements include creating a more relaxed mowing regime, reducing hedgerow management, removal of invasive species such as rhododendron and planting native scrub and tree species. A guidance note has been created that summarises these recommendations.

There is significant opportunity for low cost enhancements to be implemented and for partnership working to deliver some aspects of this work. By working together we can also enable greater custodianship of our greenspaces, working beyond NHS budgets, linking and working with local communities will create opportunities for connecting with nature on our sites, and creating nature rich spaces that are well loved by our staff, patients and neighbours.

Figure 1. Pie chart shows Cumulative proportion of greenspace and urban habitats for the Highland NHS sites. (This is based on draft estate boundaries and therefore figures are approximate).

Figure 2. Total greenspace (ha) and total urban space (ha) for each NHS Highland site

NHS Highland sites with notable existing wildlife friendly habitats

A number of sites were noted in the report as having areas of habitat that are good for wildlife.

• Raigmore – Watercourse along east with mature trees and standing deadwood along bank and scrub and treeline along northwest corner.
• Argyll & Bute – Deciduous woodland throughout site.
• New Craigs – Mature coniferous woodland in southeast corner, semi-mature deciduous woodland in northeast and gorse scrub along east boundary.
• Lorn & Islands – Wetlands, watercourse and deciduous woodland in east of site.
• Invergordon – Conifer Woodland in northwest of site.
• Lawson Memorial – Mature woodland along west and mature treeline.
• Badenoch & Strathspey – Broom scrub throughout grasslands.
• Isobel Rhind – Semi-mature to mature woodland and scrub habitats in west, east and north of site.
• Dunbar – Mixed scrub habitat along the northwest, with the bare rock face along west boundary.
• Victoria Hospital annexe – Mature deciduous woodland in east and west of site.
• Pines – Upland heath in north and south and Scots pine woodland canopy.
• Ian Charles – Woodland and scrub in the south

Guidance & Recommendations for enhancements