Question reference: S6W-26908
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 18 April 2024
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Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 30 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an up-to-date assessment of the ecological condition of species-rich grasslands (a) within and (b) outside of Special Sites of Scientific Interest.
Answer
The 2023 Official Statistic ‘The Proportion of Scotland’s Protected Areas in Favourable Condition 2023’ reported that, of 161 species rich grassland natural features on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 73% were in favourable condition or had recent management put in place to recover to favourable condition, and 27% were unfavourable.
The data for the condition of species rich grassland outside of protected areas is limited. The condition of species-rich grasslands forms part of six yearly reports which NatureScot compile to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations – the next report is due in late 2024. In the 2019 report, NatureScot estimate that 17% of species rich grassland types were in good condition, 31% were in poor condition and the condition of the remainder is unknown. The most common pressure on species rich grassland which causes poor condition are invasive species and under-grazing. The draft Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan contains commitments to restore degraded habitats, including species rich grassland.