Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in Scotland

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandStrategy for the conservation oflower plants and fungi in Scotland1

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandLorne Gill/Scottish Natural HeritagePink waxcap Hygrocybe calyptriformisExecutive summaryThis strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in Scotland has been produced by Plantlife LinkScotland, the forum for all plant conservation organisations in Scotland. Members of PLINKS comprise expertsfrom learned societies for lichens, mosses and liverworts, fungi, freshwater and marine algae alongside theleading non government organisations involved in plant conservation. PLINKS is also supported by the RoyalBotanic Garden Edinburgh and Scottish Natural Heritage. The Strategy outlines 10 targets with 37 actions,which will lead to significant progress in the conservation of these plants and fungi in Scotland. In taking upthese targets and actions, Scottish organisations are taking a lead in lower plant and fungi conservation in theUK and will contribute significant progress to meeting the targets of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, the UKBiodiversity Action Plan and the 2010 target of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy.3

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandIntroductionThis strategy has its origins in the Convention onBiological Diversity (CBD), one result from the RioEarth Summit in 1992. The Government ratified theConvention in 1994 and gave a new impetus to workon biodiversity through the UK Biodiversity ActionPlan (UKBAP).In 2001, the conservation of lower plants was givenfurther impetus by the adoption of the GlobalStrategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), again aspart of the CBD. The UK responded to this strategyby publishing Plant Diversity Challenge: the UK’s responseto the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (PDC) in2004. This has provided a useful structure withinwhich plant conservation work can take place and isthe structure adopted in this strategy for theconservation of Scotland’s lower plants and fungi.In 2004, in response to the PDC, members of PlantlifeLink Scotland identified a need to direct theconservation of lower plants and fungi through aScottish lower plant and fungi conservation strategy,drawn up by specialists in the lower plant and fungifields. The strategy does not need to address how toinitiate such work since this has in effect beenunderway for much of the last decade, but rather howbest to continue and develop it. The strategy alsoprovides an umbrella mechanism for the conservationBob Gibbons/Plantlifestrategies of the individual learned societies.Monitoring and reviewThe strategy is initially for 6 years and will be subjectto regular review by PLINKS. It addresses long-termissues and covers the period from 2005 to 2010, witha review every two years. This timescale also fits withreporting on UK progress in meeting the EU target ofhalting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 (Gothenberg2001) and in reporting on the Global Strategy for PlantConservation in 2010.Actions have been allocated current, short andmedium priorities. These are defined as:current – strategically important actions that despitebeing ongoing, need regular review and renewedimpetusshort - essential / top priority and urgent;medium – essential but medium priority, becauseaction cannot realistically be undertaken in the shorttermowing to time and / or resource constraints.The mechanism for monitoring and review is asfollows:a) regular reports at six-monthly PLINKSmeetings by nominated PLINKS leadb) reports collated into annual web reportc) annual reports collated into two-yearly reviewwith recommendationsBiodiversityIn 1994, the Government adopted the UK BiodiversityAction Plan, an approach now enshrined in the NatureConservation (Scotland) Act, 2004, which requires‘every public body and office holder … to further theconservation of biodiversity’. With its emphasis onSpecies and Habitat Action Plans (SAPs and HAPs),the UK BAP brought together Scottish NaturalHeritage, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, nongovernmentalorganisations and the learned societiesfor lichens, bryophytes, fungi and algae.The links between those involved in plant conservationare various, but usually comprise mutual participationthrough the society Conservation Committees, as wellas through PLINKS and indirectly via consultantscommissioned to undertake surveys of BAP or otherspecies of conservation concern.The UK BAP has been very successful in raising theprofile of lower plants. However, it has not beenproblem free.4

Sandy CoppinsStrategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandLobaria pulmonariaThe most serious problem, without doubt, is thatthere remains a mismatch between the need fortaxonomic expertise in what are acknowledged to bedifficult groups and the UK Government and ScottishExecutive’s willingness to ensure the continuity of suchexpertise. This is not just a question of funding. Itrequires personnel of the necessary expertise, whichmay take many years of training to achieve. The issueis addressed in the Scottish Executive’s “Strategicresearch for SEERAD 2005 – 2010” in 2005, underprogramme objective 10 (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/).This document also underlines the need to ensure“Taxonomic approaches to accurately describe anddefine biodiversity within Scotland to informconservation policy”, a need which is currently notbeing met.to draw up a list of priority species and habitats forScotland is involving experts from the learned societiesthrough consultation. Both lists are expected to informfuture action and allocation of resources within theUKBAP and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.The initial choice of priority species did not involveclose liaison with the learned societies. The currentreview of the UK BAP priority species and habitats(2005), being co-ordinated by JNCC, is the mechanismthrough which learned societies are now makingsignificant contributions. In addition, a parallel process5

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandObjective 1: Understanding anddocumenting plant diversity1.0 Red data books and listsTogether with distribution atlases, these comprise akey source from which to select species in need ofspecial biodiversity measures.Red data books (RDBs), some in need of revision, existonly for bryophytes, lichens and one algal group, thestoneworts or charophytes (see References).-Red data lists (RDLs), and ultimately RDBs, are neededfor fungi and many algal groups. Red List species arebeing nominated for one group of freshwater algae –the desmids (green algae). Sutherland is one of themost species-rich areas for desmids and many Red Listspecies are likely to be confined to Scotland and,possibly, the English Lake District. A provisional list ofrare seaweeds, those recorded at ten sites, or fewer,across the UK, has been published for discussion(Brodie et al 2005). A draft Red List for fungi is beingproduced by the British Mycological Society and iscurrently under consultation.Whilst it would not be realistic to have separate RDBs,separate RDLs for Scotland are an essential tool tohelp the Scottish Executive and public bodies meettheir duty to further the conservation of biodiversityunder the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.Target 1Extract Red Lists from the GB Red Data books,where possible, for Scottish lichens, bryophytes,fungi and algae, grouped as appropriate by2006.Short termAction 1a. Identify Scottish species in current GB RedLists for lichens, fungi, bryophytes and groups of algae.Action 1b. Add species that are rare and threatenedin Scotland but which do not feature on the GB RL.The same criteria should be applied to all knownspecies in Scotland to assess those to be added.1.1 Distribution databasesIn order for Scotland and its public bodies to fulfil theirstatutory duty to further the conservation ofbiodiversity under the Nature Conservation (Scotland)Act 2004, all public bodies need data on wherethreatened lower plants and fungi grow. These dataare contained for BAP species in the dossiers held byLead partners and SNH. Target 2 lays out plans for themaintenance and development of these records. This isnot necessarily just about continued surveying in thefield. Many groups are involved in surveying and haverecords that others do not know of. Replication ofsurvey effort does happen and is a waste of restrictedresources. Bringing this survey information together isan important tool to ensure that resources are usedappropriately. The British Lichen Society list of ‘greyliterature’ (http://www.thebls.org.uk/) is an illustrationof this approach.Atlases or selective maps are currently available in2005 for: Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland (Hardy & Guiry2003). Stoneworts / charophytes (Stewart 2004). Bryophytes (Hill et al 1991, 1992, 1993). Lichens (Seaward 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000,2001). The atlas is being progressively published infascicles. Fungi. Initial dot distribution maps have beenproduced, in the course of surveys for SNH, ofthe 'tooth' fungi (Newton et al 2002) and variousgrassland fungiWork towards the Water Framework Directive by theMarine Plants task team includes a database of intertidalseaweeds in waters of the UK and Republic ofIreland, based on taxonomically complete species lists,collected within single tides. This database shouldenable full species inventories at sampling sites every 6years.Target 2Maintain distributional databases for Scottishlichens, bryophytes, fungi and algae, as part ofthe UK Threatened Species databases, andsubject to regular and ongoing update from2005.Short termAction 2a. Identify data gaps and continue fieldsurvey to fill them, for example: survey waxcap grasslands and oak woods forfungi, lichens and bryophytes. survey snow-beds, mires, flushes, montane heathsfor bryophytes. identify survey gaps for marine and freshwateralgae.Action 2b. Maintain surveillance of threatened species6

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandBob Gibbons/PlantlifeWig Wrack at Loch Duichand ensure data reach the UK databases, including theNational Biodiversity Network (NBN).Action 2c. Maintain an annual target of projects forfunding to be obtained from Government agencies andcorporate sources.Medium termAction 2d. Develop and maintain a database ofhistorical, fungal, lichen and bryophyte data at RBGEand other herbaria, compatible with the approachadopted in the NBN and the UK ThreatenedBryophyte Database. This will require funding fordatabase manager posts.1.2 Adequate financial resourcesfor Objective 1 targetsThe UK Government has signed up to the GlobalStrategy for Plant Conservation, whose targets are to bemet by 2010 and towards which this strategy is aimed.In meeting targets outlined in the strategy, Scotland isalso meeting all of the targets of the GSPC for lowerplants. The UK Government is also a signatory to theMessage from Malahide (2004), which is a frameworkfor delivery of the Gothenberg 2010 target to halt theloss of biodiversity. It stresses that adequate financialresources, to enable the desired knowledge andoutcomes to be achieved, should be allocated toEuropean and national biodiversity research and itsdissemination1.2.1 Where is the money to comefrom? Potential sources: The Scottish Executive support for RBGE, SNH,SEPA. Government agencies – SNH, SEPA –commissioned work from RBGE, consultants. NGOs – Plantlife, RSPB, NTS, WT, SWTcommissioned surveys. Learned societies – BLS, BBS, BMS, BPS – projectgrants. Research councils – NERC, BBSRC. SEERAD research budget.Target 3From 2005, keep the UK obligations under theGlobal Strategy for Plant Conservation,underpinned by the Message from Malahide, tothe fore in discussions with Scottish Executiveand research councils and through the ScottishBiodiversity Forum.Short termAction 3a. Work with the Scottish Executive andgovernment agencies to implement GSPC and theMessage from Malahide, through media and directcommunications for appropriate levels of fundingAction 3b. Encourage membership to engage incampaigns and also publicise the need for action fromlocal natural history and botanical groups.Action 3c. RBGE, SNH and SEPA must continue tostress importance of GSPC and the Message fromMalahide in day to day communications with SEERADand research councils.7

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandObjective 2: Conserving plant diversity2.0 Key lower plant andfungi species in ScotlandA programme of survey and research on a wide rangeof BAP species has been set up, including: Bryum latifolium, var. schleicheri Pseudocyphellaria norvegica – Norwegian specklebelly Tooth fungi (Bankera, Hydnellum, Phellodon andSarcodon spp.), Boletopsis leucomelaena, Hygrocybecalyptriformis, Laccaria maritima,Tulostoma niveum Maerl; various charophytesSpecies dossiers commissioned by SNH and LeadPartners summarised location data, information onthreats and recommendations on managementrequirements, based on evidence to date. While only asmall number of dossiers are regularly updated, not allresearch initiatives are maintained. However, currentresearch projects at the Macaulay Institute andUniversity of Aberdeen on ‘tooth’ fungi and at theUniversity of Aberystwyth on waxcap grasslands haveas their central objective to understand ‘how thesystem ticks' and to use this information to informhabitat management and interventions. This deeperlevel of understanding is essential to the conservationof these groups.Target 4Contribute to the identification of species ofprincipal importance for the conservation ofbiodiversity in Scotland and ensure review ofkey priorities for survey and research throughthe 3 yearly BAP reporting process andreporting on progress of the ScottishBiodiversity Strategy in 2006 and 2009.Short termAction 4a. Promote the grouping of species intohabitat groups to progress T6. This has been successfulfor the grouped tooth fungi and waxcap fungi andshould be extended to other lower plant groupsincluding wayside tree lichens and bryophytes, forexample, and charophytes.Medium term2.1 Key lower plant andfungi habitats/sites inScotlandThe strategy should promote the conservation of keyhabitats for lower plants and fungi and ensure theirinclusion on the Scottish list, as above. The NVCapproach is not at an appropriate scale to describehabitats for lower plants and fungi. There is a need forkey habitats and the niches within them for lowerplants and fungi to be identified and prioritised foraction. The habitats and niches listed here areexamples and do not form a definitive list.2.1.1 General habitats, such as:Ancient semi-natural woodlands for fungi,bryophytes, lichens.Agriculturally unimproved and semi-improvedgrasslands for fungi.Pristine lochs, lochans and bog pools, all softwater and acid waters for freshwater algae.Wayside trees and parkland.Sand dunes.2.1.2 Specific habitats, such as:Caledonian pinewood for fungi, lichens.Oakwood for lichens, bryophytes, fungi.Hazelwood for lichens, fungi, bryophytes.Montane heath for lichens, bryophytes, fungi.Moss cushions on limestone boulders forbryophytes and fungi.Standing waters < 0.5km 2 , especially in theHighlands for freshwater algae.Sea lochs and intertidal/shallow sub-littoral watersfor marine algae.Snowbeds for bryophytes, lichens and fungi.Salix herbacea beds on windswept shoulders ofmountain plateaux for fungi.Mires for bryophytes.Flushes for bryophytes.Shell sand for bryophytes.Riparian woodland for bryophytes and fungi.“Kelo” trees for fungi – sun baked, ancient deadpine trees.Base rich areas with Helianthemum beds.Action 4b. PLINKS members who are Lead Partnersshould use 3 yearly UKBAP reporting round to informPLINKS wide review of priorities for survey andresearch.8

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandObjective 3: Using plant diversity sustainablyBob Gibbons/Plantlife3.0 Sustainable use of lowerplants and fungiThe sustainable use of biodiversity is one of the threepillars for successful conservation in the Convention ofBiological Diversity. There are three main areas of collectionin lower plants that are relevant in Scotland atthe present time: wild fungi collection for the foodtrade; moss collection for the horticultural trade andseaweed collection for alginates.Sphagnum mossesCollection of fungi for commercial use occurs throughoutScotland; some guidance is available through theScottish Wild Mushroom Code (Scottish Natural Heritage2003). There is currently no guidance available for thecollection of mosses. The urgent need for researchand assessment of sustainable collection practice resultingin a code of conduct is reflected in the actionsidentified in this strategy.Industry demand for alginates from seaweeds in Scotlandis very low and largely met by imported seaweedfrom China and Norway. Research on sustainable seaweedcollection practices has been conducted in Norwayand should be used to inform practice here, if demandincreases. Collection of seaweed requires consentfrom the landowner, usually The Crown Estate asowners of the seabed, in consultation with local authoritiesfor coast protection reasons and ScottishNatural Heritage in terms of nature conservation.There is one current Crown Estate consent for seaweedcollection in the Outer Hebrides and renewedinterest in Orkney.Bob Gibbons/PlantlifeTarget 7Provide data and input into codes of conduct toinform sustainable harvesting of lower plantsfor local and commercial use from 2005CurrentAction 7a. Continue to raise awareness of issuesthrough Partnership for Action against Wildlife crime.Short termAction 7b. Produce a code of conduct for bryophytecollection with Forestry Commission, with provisionsfor monitoring as part of the licensing agreement.Action 7c. Distribute code of conduct to other landowners with moss collection on their land.Action 7d. Reinvigorate the Scottish Wild MushroomForum and assess the economic value of commercialcollection of fungi.Medium termAction 7e. Conduct research on sustainable collectionof mosses.Mosses, lichens and ferns growing on a wall near Loch Duich10

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandSimon Williams/PlantlifeObjective 4: Promoting education and awarenessabout plant diversity4.0 Taxonomic capabilityCentral to this strategy is the need to provide asustainable future for lower plant conservation inScotland through a central core of taxonomic expertisein each field. This requires the recruitment oftaxonomic expertise to The Royal Botanic GardenEdinburgh. The minimum is considered to be: a senior mycologist of international repute toreplace Prof. Roy Watling who retired seven yearsago. a 2 nd lichenology post as pre-retirementunderstudy to Dr Brian Coppins, RBGE's seniorlichenologist of international repute, who isexpected to retire in approximately four yearstime. A senior bryologist to replace Dr David Long, whois expected to retire in approximately four yearstime. A desmid specialist. Of two important areas inScottish phycology, one of these, marinephytoplankton taxonomic expertise, is available atother Scottish institutions. However the other,despite being of Scottish importance, is desmidtaxonomic expertise, for which there is only oneexpert in Scotland, who has retired.Target 8Continue dialogue with senior management atRBGE to secure a senior mycologist, 2 ndlichenologist, a senior bryologist and phycologistposts in 2005.Short termAction 8a. Engage with RBGE to find ways of filling thecurrent and imminent gaps in taxonomic expertise atRBGEAction 8b. Use launch of strategy to bring issue uppolitical agendas, including implementation of theScottish Executive’s research strategy (2005)4.1 Raising awarenessThe strategy aims to raise awareness of lower plants. Itidentifies a number of actions that would achieve this.However in order for these actions to be realised,dedicated posts for a lower plant and fungi conservationofficer and an education officer in the voluntary sectorare urgently needed. These should be centrally fundedand would serve all lower plants and fungi learnedsocieties. These posts would coordinate awarenessraising and information services. Awareness raisingwould develop approaches already in use by thespecialist societies, including guided walks, interpretative11

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandSandy CoppinsStudent lichenologists studying a pine snagObjective 5: Building capacity for the conservation ofplant diversity5.0 Increasing capacityThe achievement of the targets and actions outlined inthis strategy will be proof of increased capacity to deliverplant and fungi conservation across Scotland. Theexistence of PLINKS itself is one of the most successfulforums in delivering targeted and appropriate plant andfungi conservation at all levels from policy to on theground conservation and education.Sandy CoppinsStudent lichenologists inthe laboratory13

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandSummary table of objective, targets and actionsNon PLINKagency andgovernmentpartnersObjective Target Action PLINKS lead PLINKSmemberinvolvementRBGE; SNHLearned societiesLearned societiesRBGETimeperiodShort term:Action 1a. Identify Scottish species in current GB Red Lists for lichens,fungi, bryophytes and groups of algae.Action 1b. Add species that are rare and threatened in Scotland butwhich do not feature on the GB RL. The same criteria should be appliedto all known species in Scotland to assess those to be added.Target 1. Extract RedLists from the GB RedData Books, wherepossible, for Scottishlichens, bryophytes,fungi and algae,grouped as appropriateby 2006.1:Understandinganddocumentingplant diversityGovt agenciesLearned societiesSEPA 2006 forallgroups.Short term:Action 2a. Identify data gaps and continue field survey to fill them:survey waxcap grasslands and oak woods for fungi, lichens andbryophytes. Survey snow-beds, mires, flushes, montane heaths forbryophytes. Identify survey gaps for marine and freshwater algaeAction 2b. Maintain surveillance of threatened species and ensure datareach the UK Databases, including NBN.Target 2. Maintaindistributional databasesfor Scottish lichens,bryophytes, fungi andalgae, as part of theUK ThreatenedSpecies databases, andsubject to regular andongoing update from2005.14NGOs, RBGE,SNHLearned societiesOngoingOngoingSE2005/62006Govt agenciesPLINKS membersSNHRBGEAction 2c. Maintain an annual priority list of items for funding to beobtained from Government agencies and corporate sources.Medium term:Action 2d. Develop and maintain a database of historical fungal, lichenand bryophyte data at RBGE and other herbaria, compatible with theapproach adopted in the NBN and the UK Threatened BryophyteDatabase. This will require funding for database manager posts.Govt agenciesSE20052005onwardsSEPA, FC, Link,NERC, BBSRC2005onwardsNGOsNGOs andlearned societiesRBGE, SNHShort term:Action 3a. Work with the Scottish Executive and government agenciesto implement GSPC and the Message from Malahide, through media anddirect communications for appropriate levels of fundingAction 3b. Encourage membership to engage in campaigns, and publicisethe need for action from local natural history and botanical groups.Action 3c. RBGE, SNH and SEPA must continue to stress importance ofGSPC and Message from Malahide in day to day communications withSEERAD and research councilsTarget 3. From 2005,keep the UKobligations under theGlobal Strategy forPlant Conservation,underpinned by theMessage fromMalahide, to the fore indiscussions withScottish Executive andresearch councils andthrough the ScottishBiodiversity Forum.

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandPLINKS memberinvolvementNon PLINKagency andgovernmentpartnersObjective Target Action PLINKSleadLearned societies,NGOsShort term:Action 4b. Promote the grouping of species into habitat groups to progressT6. This has been successful for the grouped tooth fungi and waxcap fungiand should be extended to other lower plant groups including wayside treelichens and bryophytes, for example and charophytesMedium term:Action 4c. PLINKS members who are Lead Partners should use 3 yearlyUKBAP reporting round to inform PLINKS wide review of priorities for surveyand research.SNH, RBGESNHTimeperiod2006Target 4. Contribute tothe identification of speciesof principal importancefor the conservationof biodiversity in Scotlandand ensure review of keypriorities for survey andresearch through the 3yearly BAP reportingprocess and reporting onprogress of the ScottishBiodiversity Strategy in2006 and 2009.2: Conservingplant diversityLead partnersRBGELearned societiesRBGE, SNH2005 onwardsSEPA 2006Learned societiesPlantlifeLearned societies,NGOs20052006Short term:Action 5a. Identify and describe important niche habitats and the characteristicspecies of lower plants and fungi they support.Action 5b. Use IPA process to identify priority areas for surveysAction 5c. Continue to press for and support the amendment of SSSI citationsto take account of lower plant features of national / international importanceand press for the designation of sites where gaps existTarget 5. Promote thesurvey of habitats of highnature conservation interestfor their lower plantsand fungi from 2005.15Learned societies,NGOsNGOsSNHLearned societies,SNHSNHSNHSEPA2005 onwardsSEPA2006 onwardsNative WoodlandsPartnershipFACT,CEBDMNC,SEPA, FCS2005 onwards2005 onwardsSEPA, FES2006 onwardsCurrent:Action 6a. Establish direct dialogue with SNH to ensure that SSSI managementstatements, SAPs, HAPs, LBAPs and EIAs incorporate appropriate actionfor the conservation of fungi and other lower plants.Action 6b. Use the niche list generated under action 5a to produce managementbooklets for lower plants and fungi, their habitats and niches.Short term:Action 6c. Ensure that lower plant interests are incorporated into woodlandHAPs through the work of the Native Woodland Partnership for ScotlandAction 6d. Draw up a list of specific site problems, eg Rhododendron, invasiveaquatic plants, and identify SSSIs where advice is available but is not resultingin positive management.Medium term:Action 6e. Contribute to training for site managers in conserving lowerplants and fungi, using key habitat characters or habitat/species indicatormethods.Target 6. Promote managementof key habitatssympathetic to the needsof lower plants by issuingguidance and advice from2005SNH, RSPB,PL, WTSLearned societies,NGOsLearned societies

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandPLINKS memberinvolvementNon PLINKagency andgovernmentpartnersObjective Target Action PLINKSleadNGOsCurrent:Action 7a: Continue to raise awareness of issues through PartnershipAgainst Wildlife crimeShort term:Action 7b. Produce a code of conduct for bryophyte collection, with provisionsfor monitoring as part of the licencing agreement.Action 7c. Distribute code of conduct to other land owners with moss collectionAction 7d. Reinvigorate the Scottish Wild Mushroom Forum and assessthe economic value of commercial collection of fungiTarget 7: Provide data andinput into codes of conductto inform sustainableharvesting of lower plantsfor local and commercialuse from 20053: Using plantdiversity sustainablyBBS; NGOsPL, LearnedsocietiesPLBBSSNHPL, SNH, RBGESNHSNHRBGEFES; Scottish EnterpriseReforestingScotland; UniversitiesUniversitiesTimeperiod2005 onwards2005200520052005Action 7e. Conduct research on sustainable collection of mosses16

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandNon PLINK agencyand governmentpartnersObjective Target Action PLINKS lead PLINKSmemberinvolvementRBGE; universities,SEPA, SNHRBGEAll PLINKS membersAll PLINKS membersShort term:Action 8a. Engage with RBGE to find ways of filling the currentand imminent gaps in taxonomic expertise at RBGEAction 8b. Use launch of strategy to bring issue up politicalagendas, including implementation of the SEERAD ResearchStrategy (2005)SEERADSEERADTime period2005Target 8. Continue dialoguewith senior managementat RBGE to secure asenior mycologist, seniorbryologist, 2 nd lichenologistand phycologist posts in2005.4: Promotingeducation andawarenessabout plantdiversitySNH; RBGELearned societies andNGOsLearned societiesRBGEPLINKSLearned societiesShort term:Action 9a. Replicate apprentice scheme with other lowerplant and fungi groups and build in training up of apprenticesas part of grant applications and contractsAction 9b. Promote society field trips as first step for identificationtrainingAction 9c. Set up and maintain a PLINKS web page of opportunitiesand events of interest across ScotlandAction 9d. Set up equipment pools for training workshopshoused at RBGE and / or appropriate field centresAction 9e. Set up 3 year contract posts for lower plants andfungi conservation officer and education officerAction 9f. Use event opportunities to promote lower plantsand fungi including the Edinburgh Science Festival, AberfoyleMushroom Festival.Action 9g. Include ‘lower plant and fungus awareness’ aspart of Best Practice and Water Framework Directive trainingfor practitionersMedium term:Action 9h. Set up local bryology groups across ScotlandAction 9i. Work in partnership with IEEM and FACT onensuring taxonomic elements in further and higher educationcourses2005RBGETarget 9. Identify gaps ineducation and publicawareness programmesand support action to fillthem through institutinglinks with partners from2005. This will include extendingthe apprenticeschemes to all lower plantand fungi groups.17SNHRBGEBTCV Scot, BRISCFES, SEPASE Education Dept; SEEnterprise and LifelongLearning Dept2005 onwards2005 onwardsFrom strategylaunch2005200520052005 onwards2007From strategylaunchLearned societies andNGOsLearned societies andNGOsLearnedsocietiesSNH, NGOsBBSPLINKSSESEPA, FCS2005 onwards2005 onwardsPLINKSSNH Learnedsocieties,NGOsCurrent:Action 10a. React to priority policy issues when necessaryShort term:Action 10b. Develop good communications with agencies toprovide them with full cognisance of ecological impact whenassessing planning applicationsTarget 10. Continue toinput on relevant policyissues in planning, climatechange, water quality, agrienvironmentand non nativeinvasive species from2005.

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandAbbreviationsPlantlife Scotland (chair)Botanical Society of the British IslesBritish Bryological SocietyBritish Lichen SocietyBritish Mycological SocietyBritish Phycological SocietyBritish Pteridiological SocietyBiological Recording in ScotlandFarming and Wildlife Advisory Group ScotlandNational Trust for ScotlandRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds ScotlandScottish Wildlife TrustWoodland Trust ScotlandRoyal Botanic Garden EdinburghScottish Natural HeritagePLBSBIBBSBLSBMSBPhycolSBPtSBRISCFWAGNTSRSPBSWTWTSRBGESNH18

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandReferencesBrodie, J., Tittley, I., John, D. & Holmes, M. (2005) Important Plant Areas for the marine algae: determining whichspecies are rare. The Phycologist 68, 3-5.Church, J.M., Coppins, B.J., Gilbert, O.L. et al (1996) Red Data books of Britain & Ireland: lichens. Volume 1:Britain. JNCC. Peterborough.Church, J.M., Hodgetts, N.G., Preston, C.D. & Stewart, N.F. (2004) British Red Data Books: mosses and liverworts.JNCC. Peterborough.Hardy G. & Guiry M.D. (2003). A check-list and atlas of the seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. British PhycologicalSociety, London.Hill, M. O., Preston, C. D. & Smith A.J.E. (1991, 1992, 1993) Atlas of the bryophytes of Britain and Ireland, vols 1-3.Harley Books.JNCC, Plantlife, Royal Botanic Garden Kew (2004) Plantlife Diversity Challenge. The UK’s response to the GlobalStrategy for Plant conservation. JNCC, Peterborough.Message from Malahide (2004). Available at www.eeb.org/activities/biodiversity/Malahide_messagefinal.pdfNewton, A.C., Holden, E., Davy, L.M., Ward, S.D., Fleming, L. V. & Watling, R. (2002) Status and distribution ofstiptate hydnoid fungi in Scottish coniferous forests. Biological Conservation 107, 181-192.Newton, A.C., Watling, R., Davy, L. M., Holden, E. & Ward, S.D. (2002) progress towards implementing theBiodiversity Action Plan for stipitate hydnoid fungi in Scotland. Botanical Journal of Scotland 54, 89-110.Scottish Executive (2005) Strategic Research for SEERAD, Environment, Biology and Agriculture, 2005 – 2010.SEERAD, Edinburgh.Scottish Natural Heritage (2003) Scottish wild mushroom code. www.snh.org.ukSeaward, M.R.D. (Ed.) (1995, 1996, 1998, 199, 2000, 2001) Lichen Atlas of the British Isles. Fascicles 1 – 6.Available from www.thebls.org.ukStewart, N. F. (2004) Important Stonewort Areas of the United Kingdom. Plantlife International. Salisbury.Stewart, N.F. & Church, J.M. (1992) Red Data Books of Britain & Ireland: stoneworts. JNCC. Peterborough.UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1994). Details available at www.ukbap.org.ukUNCED (1992) Convention on Biological Diversity. Available at www.biodiv.org19

Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in ScotlandPlantlife Link ScotlandPlantlife ScotlandBalallan HouseAllan ParkStirlingFK8 2QG.Tel: 01786 478509Email: deborah.long@plantlife.org.ukISBN: 1 904749-17- 8© February 2006Plantlife International-The Wild Plant Conservation Charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee.Registered Charity Number: 1059559. Registered Company Number : 316633920