Conservation
Introduction
In just a few words, the baseline of the conservation ethic is that the natural world has intrinsic and intangible worth. In general terms, if we promote conservation and associated issues then we will improve the quality of life of service personnel and the local population. We are in fact improving the well being of our personnel, their families and the people that support us. Ultimately, we are enhancing the operational effectiveness of the military. The aim of the team is to promote local conservation issues through education, partnership and achievable projects.
Importance of RAF Leuchars
RAF Leuchars is special in that it occupies a coastal area of important natural interest. The coastal wetland marshes of the Eden Estuary are a habitat to endangered bird species; on base grassland provides a protected area for small mammals and birds; nearby fresh water wetlands harbour rare amphibians and provide a refuge for migratory birds; locally managed forests are the most abundant area for Red Squirrels in the UK and the local beaches and footpaths are an outstanding area for the recreation Service families. In summary, RAF Leuchars occupies some of the most important habitats, which are vital to conservation.
Moray Firth Bottlenose Dolphins
It is a common misconception that you have to travel abroad to see dolphins in the wild. We are very lucky to be host to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the North East of Scotland. There is believed to be approximately 130 bottlenose dolphins who predominately stay in the waters around the Moray Firth, but that travel to the far North of Scotland and down to the Berwick and can often be seen off the Fife coast. They are unique in the fact they are so large, having blubber to keep them warm in the Scottish waters. In addition, this population is an isolated group; the only surviving population of its kind in the North Sea and one of only two resident bottlenose dolphin populations around the UK for which protection has been established.
The dolphins generally travel in “bands” of 6 or 7, comprising of 2 or 3 females and their calves. The males tend to be solitary. Dolphins are whales with teeth and actively pursue and catch their prey, consisting of salmon, herring, mackerel and other fish. They probably use their "sonar" system while hunting using a series of clicks to echo-locate their prey. Other sounds produced are whistles, which is thought to be a means of communication. Sometimes dolphins breach the surface, which experts believe is done to look for sea birds that are fishing so they know where to fish themselves, however, another reason may purely be for fun.
Responsible Wildlife Watching on the Tay Estuary
The Tay Estuary is a hive of activity playing host to bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, grey and common seals, and birds such as Pinkfoot Goose and Bar-Tailed Godwit. Boat trips are available, visit Wisescheme for accredited Wildlife Safe operators, however there are lots of excellent shore-watching spots as well. Broughty Castle and the adjacent harbour are ideal locations for shore watching. Also within Broughty Castle is a small interpretation area, located in the observation chamber at the top of the castle. Watching dolphins in the wild is an amazing experience and does not impose on their lives. Wild dolphins can reach to about 30 years old but captive dolphins only live for 3 years on average after being caught.
How you can Help!
Most wildlife species in the Tay Estuary are protected by law. If you are watching from the shore or on your own vessel please take responsibility for your actions. Keep your distance, use binoculars or viewing scopes and always behave in a quiet and calm manner in the vicinity of wildlife. Unfortunately, cetaceans are facing an increasing amount of litter in the oceans, from old fishing nets to household rubbish. This causes them untold problems and sometimes even death.
RAF Leuchars: A Bit on the Natural Side
The airfield of RAF Leuchars sits in one of Scotland’s most interesting coastal areas. The airfield is bordered to the north by Reres Wood, a great place for red squirrels and roe deer and Earlshall Muir a great place for a bit of solitude and wildlife. To the south, the Eden Estuary, Local Nature Reserve an internationally important site and the place to spot a huge number of interesting birds. The Eden Estuary is noted for its Common Seal population and these hardy mammals can be seen hauled out and relaxing along the sandbanks close to the airfield. It is not a bad place to spot otters either, often fishing along the Leuchars shore. Down at the beach look out for porpoise and dolphin, both regular visitors to the area.
Just a short walk to the north of the base brings you to Tentsmuir, a red squirrel haven and a little further Tentsmuir Point, National Nature Reserve. This site is fantastic for wild flowers, Grey seals and coastal birds as well as being a jolly nice place to visit.
All of this is a stone’s throw from RAF Leuchars. The airfield itself is an important site for wildlife as it is built on coastal heath-land, important grassland that supports a good number of butterflies, bumblebees and nesting birds such as Stonechat, Skylark, Snipe, Lapwing and Meadow pipit.
The airfield is buzzing in spring ‘literally’, it is the season to look out for Orange Tip and Clouded Yellow butterflies, look out for the arrival of the Swallows who favour the airfield. Patrolling the airbase regularly are the resident pair of Peregrines a regular site around the airfield. Also on the hunt are Short eared owls and if lucky you may spot the Merlin or the Marsh harrier.
Out on the estuary and very close to the airfield Osprey can be watched fishing, last summer these birds were daily visitors to the estuary with 3 fishing off the Leuchars shoreline on a single visit. Keep an eye out now as Osprey usually arrive here in April.
Arctic, Sandwich, Common and Little terns all visit the estuary. These birds are spectacular to watch fishing and the sight is made even more amazing when you remember that these birds have traveled from the Antarctic to spend the summer on the East Coast of Scotland and do so every year. Once the coast around Leuchars hosted sizeable tern breeding colonies, due to the dynamic, changing nature of the coast and more unfortunately disturbance from human activity the terns’ no longer breed in any number, it doesn’t stop them making the 14,000-mile trip to try though! Please bear these birds in mind when you are out walking on the coast, they are trying hard to succeed against many odds and dogs off leads, quad bikes and an unintentional foot make it that bit harder. They are not the only ones to look out for, watch out for our wee Ringed plovers, they nest along the shoreline right on the beach, if you get too close they do their best to protect their young by pretending to be injured and running around like a mad thing, a funny but sad spectacle, if you notice this behavior please back off gently and let them get on with the tough business of living on a beach....in Scotland.
So as spring moves on and the lightweights are pulled out the cupboard, look to the grass, sea and the sky....and maybe you’ll see the natural side of Leuchars. If you would like any further information or would like to be involved with conservation contact your station Conservation Group.
Ranald Strachan. Fife Ranger Service