1.18.3.              The Characteristics of the Site

  1. Foula SPA sits to the west of the Shetland mainland. It covers Foula Island and the surrounding marine area. The total area of the SPA is 7985.49 ha. The marine area around the island makes up most of the total area however the SPA includes habitats on the Island such as sea cliffs, bogs/marsh, inland water, grasslands and heath/scrubland. The ecological importance of the area comes from the fact it supports various seabird species of both European and national importance.

1.18.4.              Conservation Advice

  1. Advice on the management and operations of Foula SPA is not available.
  2. The conservation objectives for the site are:
  • To ensure that the qualifying features of Foula SPA and the Seas off Foula SPA are in favourable condition and make an appropriate contribution to achieving Favourable Conservation Status.
  • To ensure that the integrity of Foula SPA and the Seas off Foula SPA is restored in the context of environmental changes by meeting the following objectives for each qualifying feature:
  • The populations of the qualifying features are viable components of Foula SPA and Seas off Foula SPA. 
  • The distributions of the qualifying features throughout Foula SPA and Seas off Foula SPA are maintained by avoiding significant disturbance of the species.
  • The supporting habitats and processes relevant to qualifying features and their prey/food resources are maintained, or where appropriate restored, at Foula SPA and Seas off Foula SPA.

1.18.5.              Current Condition Status

  1. Table 1.15   Open ▸ provides a summary of the protected features within the site, their condition within the site (where known) based on the latest NatureScot SCM assessment, and the broader conservation status of the protected features. Current trends for relevant seabird colonies can be found in JNCC (2021) and are based on trends derived from the SMP including, where available, Seabird Counts census data.
  2. Feature condition refers to the condition of the protected feature at a site level. Broader conservation status is the overall conservation status of the feature within the UK based on Stanbury et al., (2021).
Table 1.15:
Foula SPA Feature Condition Assessment

Table 1.15: Foula SPA Feature Condition Assessment

*Named components of the assemblage only.


1.19. Noss SPA

1.19.1.              Site Overview

  1. Noss SPA is an offshore island lying 5 km east of Lerwick, Shetland. It supports breeding seabirds on cliffs and also on inland heathlands and grasslands.
  2. The boundary of the SPA overlaps that of the Noss SSSI and National Nature Reserve and the seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment to include the seabed, water column and surface.
  3. Key literature sources include:
  • Noss SPA - Citation (NatureScot 2009y);
  • Noss SPA - Conservation Objectives (NatureScot 2009z);
  • Noss SPA - Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (JNCC 2022i); and
  • Noss SPA - Features (NatureScot 2017d).

1.19.2.              Qualifying Features

  1. The site is designated for the following features:
  • Great skua (breeding)
  • Guillemot (breeding)
  • Gannet (breeding)
  • Breeding seabird assemblage including the following additional named components:
  • Kittiwake
  • Puffin
  • Fulmar

1.19.3.              The Characteristics of the Site

  1. The Noss SPA is located of the eastern coast of the Shetland Islands. It includes the Island of Noss, surrounding marine habitat and part of the eastern coast of Bressay Island. The site has a total area of 3338.38 ha. The habitats include, alongside the large marine area, sea cliffs, grassland, heath/scrubland, and bogs/marsh. The ecological importance of the site stems from the fact is supports seabird populations of both European and national significance.

1.19.4.              Conservation Objectives

  1. Advice on the management and operations of Noss SPA is unavailable.
  1. The conservation objectives for the site are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:
  • Population of the species as a viable component of the site
  • Distribution of the species within site
  • Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species
  • Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species
  • No significant disturbance of the species

1.19.5.              Current Condition Status

  1. Table 1.16   Open ▸ provides a summary of the protected features within the site, their condition within the site (where known) based on the latest NatureScot SCM assessment, and the broader conservation status of the protected features. Current trends for relevant seabird colonies can be found in JNCC (2021) and are based on trends derived from the SMP including, where available, Seabird Counts census data.
  2. Feature condition refers to the condition of the protected feature at a site level. Broader conservation status is the overall conservation status of the feature within the UK based on Stanbury et al., (2021).
Table 1.16:
Noss SPA Feature Condition Assessment

Table 1.16: Noss SPA Feature Condition Assessment

*Named components of the assemblage only.


1.20. Fetlar SPA

1.20.1.              Site Overview

  1. Fetlar is an island in the Shetland group, lying to the east and south respectively of the larger islands of Yell and Unst. The species-rich heath, bog and mire communities on the island support an important and characteristic breeding bird community, with the cliffs, rocky shores, and adjacent coastal waters important for breeding seabirds.
  2. Fetlar SPA overlaps North Fetlar SSSI, Lamb Hoga SSSI and Trona Mires SSSI. The seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment to include the seabed, water column and surface.
  3. Key literature sources include:
  • Fetlar SPA - Citation (NatureScot 2009aa);
  • Fetlar SPA - Conservation Objectives (NatureScot 2009ab);
  • Fetlar SPA - Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (JNCC 2022j); and
  • Fetlar SPA - Features (NatureScot 2017e).

1.20.2.              Qualifying Features

  1. The site is designated for the following features:
  • Red-necked phalarope (breeding)
  • Arctic tern (breeding)
  • Breeding seabird assemblage with the following additional named components:
  • Great skua
  • Arctic skua
  • Fulmar

1.20.3.              The Characteristics of the Site

  1. The Fetlar SPA covers part of Fetlar Island and the surrounding marine area. It is located east of the Island of Yell and south of the island of Hunsta, in the Shetland Islands area. The total site area is 16964.69 ha. Most of this is marine habitat however, other habitat types include sea cliffs, inland water, health/scrubland, and grasslands. The ecological importance of the site comes from its support of European and nationally important species of birds.

1.20.4.              Conservation Advice

  1. Advice on the management and operations of Fetlar SPA is unavailable.
  1. The conservation objectives for the site are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:
  • Population of the species as a viable component of the site
  • Distribution of the species within site
  • Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species
  • Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species
  • No significant disturbance of the species

1.20.5.              Current Condition Status

  1. Table 1.17   Open ▸ provides a summary of the protected features within the site, their condition within the site (where known) based on the latest NatureScot SCM assessment, and the broader conservation status of the protected features. Current trends for relevant seabird colonies can be found in JNCC (2021) and are based on trends derived from the SMP including, where available, Seabird Counts census data.
  2. Feature condition refers to the condition of the protected feature at a site level. Broader conservation status is the overall conservation status of the feature within the UK based on Stanbury et al., (2021).
Table 1.17:
Fetlar SPA Feature Condition Assessment

Table 1.17: Fetlar SPA Feature Condition Assessment

*Named components of the assemblage only.


1.21. Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA

1.21.1.              Site Overview

  1. Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA lies in the north-west corner of the island of Unst, Shetland, at the northernmost tip of Britain. It consists of 100-200 m high sea cliffs and adjoining areas of grassland, heath and blanket bog.
  2. The boundary of the SPA is coincident with that of the Hermaness SSSI, Saxa Vord SSSI, and Valla Field SSSI. The seaward extension extends approximately 2 km into the marine environment to include the seabed, water column and surface.
  3. Part of the site (Hermaness SSSI and Saxa Vord SSSI) was previously classified as Hermaness and Saxa Vord SPA on 29 March 1994 for fulmar, gannet, great skua, guillemot and puffin.
  4. Key literature sources:
  • Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA - Citation (2009ac);
  • Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA - Conservation Objectives (2009ad);
  • Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA - Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (JNCC 2015c); and
  • Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA - Features (NatureScot 2017f).

1.21.2.              Qualifying Features

  1. The site is designated for the following features:
  • Great skua (breeding)
  • Puffin (breeding)
  • Red-throated diver (breeding)
  • Gannet (breeding)
  • Breeding seabird assemblage including the following additional named components:
  • Kittiwake
  • Guillemot
  • Fulmar
  • Shag

1.21.3.              The Characteristics of the Site

  1. The Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA lies on the northern tip of Hunsta Island which itself sits on the northern edge of the of the Shetland archipelago. The site has a total area of 6832.36 ha. The area is largely marine habitat but also includes sea cliffs, heath/scrubland, grasslands, inland water and bog/marsh. The ecological importance of the site comes from the fact it supports various seabird populations of European and national importance.

1.21.4.              Conservation Advice

  1. Advice on the management and operations of Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA is unavailable.
  1. The conservation objectives for the site are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:
  • Population of the species as a viable component of the site
  • Distribution of the species within site
  • Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species
  • Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species
  • No significant disturbance of the species

1.21.5.              Current Condition Status

  1. Table 1.18   Open ▸ provides a summary of the protected features within the site, their condition within the site (where known) based on the latest NatureScot SCM assessment, and the broader conservation status of the protected features. Current trends for relevant seabird colonies can be found in JNCC (2021) and are based on trends derived from the SMP including, where available, Seabird Counts census data.
  2. Feature condition refers to the condition of the protected feature at a site level. Broader conservation status is the overall conservation status of the feature within the UK based on Stanbury et al., (2021).
Table 1.18:
Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA Feature Condition Assessment

Table 1.18: Hermaness, Saxa Vord and Valla Field SPA Feature Condition Assessment

*Named components of the assemblage only.


1.22. Firth of Forth SPA and Ramsar site

1.22.1.              Site Overview

  1. The Firth of Forth SPA is a complex of estuarine and coastal habitats in southeast Scotland stretching from Alloa to the coasts of Fife and East Lothian. The site includes extensive invertebrate-rich intertidal flats and rocky shores, areas of saltmarsh, lagoons, and sand dune.
  2. The boundary of the SPA mostly follows that of the Firth of Forth SSSI and slightly overlaps with Forth Islands SPA.
  3. Key literature sources include:
  • Firth of Forth SPA - Citation (NatureScot 2018g);
  • Firth of Forth SPA - Conservation Objectives (NatureScot 2018h);
  • Firth of Forth SPA - Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (JNCC 2018e);
  • Firth of Forth SPA - Features (NatureScot 2015c);
  • Firth of Forth Ramsar - Citation (NatureScot 2021c); and
  • Firth of Forth Ramsar - Information sheet (NatureScot 2005a).

1.22.2.              Qualifying Features

  1. The site is designated for the following features:
  • Bar-tailed godwit (non-breeding) Limosa lapponica
  • Golden plover (non-breeding) Pluvialis apricaria
  • Knot (non-breeding) Calidris canutus
  • Pink-footed goose (non-breeding) Anser brachyrhynchus
  • Red-throated diver (non-breeding)
  • Redshank (non-breeding) Tringa totanus
  • Sandwich tern (passage) Thalasseus sandvicensis
  • Shelduck (non-breeding) Tadorna
  • Slavonian grebe (non-breeding)
  • Turnstone (non-breeding) Arenaria interpres
  • Non-breeding waterfowl assemblage including the following additional named components:
  • Scaup Aythya marila
  • Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus
  • Cormorant
  • Curlew Numenius arquata
  • Eider
  • Long-tailed duck
  • Common scoter
  • Velvet scoter
  • Goldeneye
  • Red-breasted merganser
  • Oystercatcher Haematopus
  • Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula
  • Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina
  • Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
  • Wigeon Mareca penelope

1.22.3.              The Characteristics of the Site

  1. The Firth of Forth SPA and Ramsar site is a large coastal area comprising a complex of estuaries, mudflats, rocky shorelines, beaches and saltmarshes, including many fragmentary bits of shoreline considered to act as a single ecological unit. Several large urban areas, including Edinburgh, are adjacent to the site and include areas of heavy industry and well-used maritime shipping lanes. The site provides habitat for large numbers of wintering waders and wildfowl, many in nationally and internationally important numbers, and a number of aesthetic, archaeological, sporting and recreational interests lend added value. Coastal industrial development is seen as a source of pressure but is subject to detailed planning control, and the potential for rising sea levels are foreseen in "planned retreat" coastal realignment schemes. The total site area is 6317.93ha.

1.22.4.              Conservation Advice

  1. Advice on the management and operations of Firth of Forth SPA and Ramsar is unavailable.
  1. The conservation objectives of the site are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:
  • Population of the species as a viable component of the site
  • Distribution of the species within site
  • Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species
  • Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species
  • No significant disturbance of the species

1.22.5.              Current Condition Status

  1. Table 1.19   Open ▸ provides a summary of the protected features within the site, their condition within the site (where known) based on the latest NatureScot SCM assessment, and the broader conservation status of the protected features.
  2. Feature condition refers to the condition of the protected feature at a site level. Broader conservation status is the overall conservation status of the feature within the UK based on Stanbury et al., (2021).
Table 1.19:
Firth of Forth SPA Feature Condition Assessment

Table 1.19: Firth of Forth SPA Feature Condition Assessment

*Named components of the assemblage only.


1.23. Montrose Basin SPA and Ramsar site

1.23.1.              Site Overview

  1. Montrose Basin SPA contains the enclosed estuary of the River South Esk on the east coast of Scotland, and Dun's Dish, a small eutrophic loch 4 km northwest of the Basin. It contains areas of mudflat, marsh and agricultural land and supports a diverse assemblage of wintering waterfowl of outstanding nature conservation and scientific importance.
  2. The boundaries of Montrose Basin SPA follow those of Montrose Basin SSSI and Dun's Dish SSSI.
  3. Key literature sources include:
  • Montrose Basin SPA - Citation (NatureScot 2018i);
  • Montrose Basin SPA - Conservation Objectives (NatureScot 2018j);
  • Montrose Basin SPA - Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (JNCC 2019c);
  • Montrose Basin SPA - Features (NatureScot 2014b);
  • Montrose Basin Ramsar – Citation (NatureScot 2022a); and
  • Montrose Basin Ramsar - Information Sheet (NatureScot 2006a).

1.23.2.              Qualifying Features

  1. The site is designated for the following features:
  • Greylag goose (non-breeding) Anser anser
  • Pink-footed goose (non-breeding)
  • Redshank (non-breeding)
  • Non-breeding waterfowl assemblage including the following additional named components:
  • Oystercatcher
  • Eider
  • Wigeon
  • Knot
  • Dunlin
  • Shelduck

1.23.3.              The Characteristics of the Site

  1. Montrose Basin SPA and Ramsar site is located on the east coast of Scotland north of Dundee. It has a total area of 981.19ha. The site, relatively unimpacted by development, consists of an enclosed estuary, mudflats, marsh, and a small nutrient-rich loch. Due to its unusual hydrology, there is a high species diversity in the intertidal zone. Internationally important numbers of pink-footed geese, greylag geese, and redshank winter at the site. Human activities include recreation, agriculture, and livestock grazing.

1.23.4.              Conservation Advice

  1. Advice on the management and operations of Montrose Basin SPA and Ramsar is unavailable.
  1. The conservation objectives for the site are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:
  • Population of the species as a viable component of the site
  • Distribution of the species within site
  • Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species
  • Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species
  • No significant disturbance of the species

1.23.5.              Current Condition Status

  1. Table 1.20   Open ▸ provides a summary of the protected features within the site, their condition within the site (where known) based on the latest NatureScot SCM assessment, and the broader conservation status of the protected features.
  2. Feature condition refers to the condition of the protected feature at a site level. Broader conservation status is the overall conservation status of the feature within the UK based on Stanbury et al., (2021).
Table 1.20:
Montrose Basin SPA Feature Condition Assessment

Table 1.20: Montrose Basin SPA Feature Condition Assessment


1.24. Northumbria Coast SPA and Ramsar Site

1.24.1.              Site Overview

  1. The Northumbria Coast SPA was classified in 2000, qualifying under Article 4.1 of the EC Birds Directive because it supported 1.7% of the GB population of breeding little tern Sternula albifrons listed in Annex I of the Directive and under Article 4.2 of the Directive because it supported two regularly occurring migratory species: 2.6% of the biogeographic population of turnstone and 1.6% biogeographic population of purple sandpiper.
  2. The Northumbria Coast SPA is located in north-east England and includes much of the coastline between the Tees and Tweed Estuaries. The site consists of mainly discrete sections of rocky shore with associated boulder and cobble beaches. The SPA also includes parts of three artificial pier structures and a small section of sandy beach. In summer, the site supports an internationally important population of breeding little tern and Arctic tern, and two species of wintering waders occur in internationally important numbers, turnstone and purple sandpiper Calidris maritima.
  3. The inter-tidal rock platform and strandline of sandy beaches form an important resource for wintering purple sandpiper and turnstone, as these areas support high densities of invertebrates which are important food for waders. Purple sandpiper are almost entirely restricted to the rocky shore where they feed on a variety of marine invertebrates but their main food preference is mussels, winkles and dog whelks. Turnstone feed on seaweed covered rocks congregating at high tide to roost on the mainland shore or continue to feed on the washed up seaweed on the strandline. Discrete areas of estuarine intertidal mudflats and sand flats are also included within Northumbria Coast SPA. Man-made structures such as the south pier at the mouth of the River Tyne and Seaham Harbour are used as high tide roosts. The tops of the piers and the sides are used by birds throughout the tidal cycle.
  4. Arctic and little terns in the Northumbria Coast SPA nest at Newton Links/Long Nanny. The Long Nanny tern site is situated at the mouth of the Long Nanny burn, in Beadnell Bay and compromises of a long section of sandy beach ending in small, low-lying sand spit at the mouth of the river, bordered by an accreting sand dune system to the west. The site has been a National Trust reserve since 1977. The beaches of fine sand, vegetated banks of sea rocket and dunes of marram and lyme grass provide good conditions for nesting. Terns forage in Beadnell Bay and the surrounding coastal waters within Northumberland Marine SPA, which support large numbers of lesser sandeel.
  5. Key literature sources:
  • Northumbria Coast SPA - Citation (Natural England 2018b);
  • Northumbria Coast SPA - Conservation Objectives (Natural England 2019g);
  • Northumbria Coast SPA - Natura 2000 Standard Data Form (JNCC 2018f);
  • Northumbria Coast SPA – Supplementary Advice on Conservation Objectives (Natural England 2019h);
  • Northumbria Coast SPA – Advice on Operations (Natural England 2022d); and
  • Northumbria Coast SPA - Ramsar Information sheet (Natural England 2004a).