Farming

FARM 1 - Diffuse Pollution

Objective:

Reduce the impact of diffuse agricultural pollution on the surface and groundwater quality of the Spey Catchment.

Significant achievements against objective (2017 - 2022):

  • SCI riparian buffer strip/stock exclusion/tree planting projects delivered; 4km at Kinchurdy Farm, 2018 - 2019, 3.2km on River Truim 2019 - 2021.
  • SAC facilitating many farm agri-environment schemes including water margin management, fencing and alternative waterings.
  • SAC Consulting, with SEPA, has promoted diffuse pollution control measures at outreach events across catchment as part of the Farming and Water Scotland Initiative.
  • Site inspection and enforcement at sites of concern on-going (SEPA).
FARM 2 - Water Flow Control

Objective:

Develop land management practices which contribute to high flow and flood water management and thereby reduce flooding impacts downstream.

Significant achievements against objective (2017 - 2022):

  • CNPA Heritage Horizons programme will focus on projects upstream of PVA's to reduce flood risk.
  • SCI delivered Delliefure Burn project in 2021 featuring farm floodplain water storage.
  • Insh Marshes restoration projects (on-going) involve improved hydrological management of farmland.
FARM 3 - River Functioning

Objective:

Improve natural functioning of watercourses through farmland to manage flows and sediment more effectively, stabilise banks, reduce erosion and benefit ecosystems.

Significant achievements against objective (2017 - 2022):

  • Many successful agri-environment stewardship schemes to fence off river margins delivered, supported by SAC and other agents.
  • Water margins schemes enforced by SGRPID and SEPA.
  • Exemplar green engineering projects (log jams and willow spiling) delivered on two farms through TGLP, partially funded via SRDP.
  • SCI project trialling establishment of riparian trees under challenging conditions at Croftnahaven.
FARM 4 - Wetlands and Ponds

Objective:

Retain, enhance and expand wetlands and natural ponds for a variety of benefits.

Significant achievements against objective (2017 - 2022):

  • Two new large wetlands established (SCI), and wader scrapes constructed (SWWI) on Delliefure Farm.
  • Two dragonfly ponds constructed and further four planned at Insh Marshes (RSPB, Dragonfly Society and community).
  • RSPB/SWWI promoted funding schemes that encourage pond development and the recreation of lost wetland habitats.
  • Pools retained at RSPB Abernethy reserve.
  • CNPA funded works for more ponds for Northern Damselfly in Speyside.
FARM 5 - Land Management

Objective:

Enhance water and riparian environments through effective land management.

Significant achievements against objective (2017 - 2022):

  • RSPB working towards a holistic wetland and riparian habitat strategy with SCI.
  • Grazing excluded from river margins at Kinchurdy Farm and Cuaich Flats (Truim) as part of SCI projects.
  • Flood plain grazing for habitat maintenance at Delliefure Farm.
  • Many land management projects with significant cumulative benefits delivered through AECS, RPID, NS.