FOULA HERITAGE

Foula - The Edge of the World

FOULA PART-TIME COMMUNTY RANGER SERVICE

End of season report April - October 2004

Sections:-

· 1. Introduction

· 2. Project achievements in 2004 against stated :-

2.1 Aims

2.2 Objectives

2.3 Targets

2.4 Longer-term Outcomes and Added Value

2.5 Monitoring

2.6 Evaluation

2.7 Sustainability

2.8 Summary of Tasks achieved

· 3. Environmental monitoring summary

· 5.1 Feedback

1. Introduction

After a winter spent voluntarily preparing interpretive and guided walks leaflets, the Foula ranger service continued for a second season in 2004. The season was extended by two weeks in April and 4 weeks in October through a further grant from Scottish Natural Heritage.

Due to personal circumstances Tony Mainwood was unable to contribute to the ranger job-share during the months May to end of August, but returned in September and October. Sheila Gear and Isobel Holbourn covered all the ranger tasks with help from members of the community. Two young trainees were engaged to assist on guided walks and in seabird monitoring tasks.

Visitor numbers were maintained at high levels for a second year in 2004 – from a total of 619 visitors April to October, 34 guided walks were provided for 169 people.

Environmental monitoring was increased to cover the SOTEAG Foula seabird monitoring, and the Environmental Impact Assessment for habitats along the hydro pipeline, and bird flight paths.

The Foula rangers contributed to the SIC Policy Unit CD of good practice, and made presentations about their work in Skerries, Hoy and Kirkwall (the Small Isles Forum), with further presentations planned in Yell and to the Lerwick agencies.

2. Achievements 2003

2.1 AIMS

To increase the socio-economic benefits of sustainable natural and cultural heritage tourism in Foula

The Foula Rangers continued to enhance the experience of all visitors to Foula, providing an individual welcome on pier and airstrip, offering information and advice, and providing guided walks tailored to the weather, abilities and needs of the visitors. Visitors staying at the local guest house and at the variety of self-catering accommodation were offered information and opportunities for guided walks and wet-day activities.

To raise awareness of the value of the natural and cultural heritage of Foula within and out-with the island

Because of the reduced number of ranger personnel (2 out of 3) for much of 2004 due to Tony Mainwood’s absence for personal reasons, more members of the community became actively involved in the delivery of the ranger service. Two young people became trainees, shadowing the ranger on guided walks, and talking to visitors about their life experiences in Foula. Others helped the ranger work in practical ways – sea and land transport, computer skills training, assistance with environmental monitoring, help with seasonal work to release rangers at busy visitor times, etc.

The Foula Ranger presentation at the Shetland Regeneration Partnership meeting in November 2003 generated a great deal of interest, and may have contributed to increased Shetland visitor numbers in 2004. The Shetland LBAP walks and ‘Walk Shetland’ included Foula guided walks in their programme.

4 detailed Guided Walk leaflets and 4 cultural interpretive leaflets were produced which enhanced the walking experience for visitors walking on their own, and helped to share information and knowledge amongst islanders.

To help safeguard and conserve the natural and cultural heritage of Foula

Visitor management continued to safeguard protected habitats and species in 2004. One photographer looking for red-throated divers was watched carefully by rangers and community members, and SNH was contacted about doubt over an alleged permit. The new guided walk and interpretive leaflets provided an insight for visitors into many details of Foula’s social history and culture, and cultural newspaper cuttings and film archives and activities were made available on bad days. Our normal ranger scientific monitoring was increased to fulfil the needs of the SOTEAG seabird surveys which had been passed on to the Foula ranger service from Glasgow University.

Foula Heritage was the umbrella body for Sheila Gear to undertake Environmental Impact Assessment surveys of habitats and bird flight-paths for the proposed new Foula Electricity Scheme

To contribute to the viability of the Foula community by enhancing community cohesion and facilitating sustainable community development

Attractive monthly ranger newsletters were produced and distributed to Foula Heritage, all our funders, FH members and all island households. The setback of having our ranger job-sharers reduced from 3 to 2 early in the season eventually had positive results in that more community members helped in some way to ensure we maintained the ranger service standards we’d set the first year. This ended up having a positive two-fold benefit – helpers became trainees and increased their skills and knowledge, and there was more pro-active welcome and help to visitors out and about in the island. Regular meetings were held with Foula Heritage, and good meeting process extended into other island activities

2.2 OBJECTIVES

To establish a part-time seasonal ranger service in Foula initially for 3 years

The ranger service continued for a second season in 2004 with funding raised from SNH for the season to be extended by 2 and a half weeks from the middle of April, and a further 4 and a half weeks till the end of October. The job-share arrangements were re-arranged with agreement of the Steering Group from 3 to 2 rangers for the months of June, July and August in 2004, but the service was maintained and enhanced with help from islanders. From mid-September to end October the number of rangers returned to the original three.

To create interpretive and educational material on Foula’s rich natural and cultural heritage

4 fully detailed guided walk leaflets with maps were produced early in 2004 for the routes Pier to Airstrip; Airstrip to South Ness; the North End; and Airstrip to the Sneck ida Smaallie. Cultural interpretive leaflets were produced on folklore sayings, weather lore, bairns rhymes, and the first in the environmental series on the Puffin. The monthly newsletters were used to give additional environmental education and information, including comment on current local environmental issues.

To undertake environmental monitoring and conservation management in Foula

The ranger service increased the customary monitoring of habitats, flora and fauna, to fulfil the requirements of the SOTEAG seabird monitoring work passed on the ranger service in 2004. The June newsletter reported a disastrous season with only 3 scarf’s nests, very low kittiwake counts, no tirricks nesting and very few puffins or allens attempting to nest. Very few bonxies were bringing out chicks. Fish stomach contents were monitored at every opportunity

Archaeology

Carol Cristensen, archaeologist from Shetland Amenity Trust visited the island for a day and was shown round by the rangers, and Masters student Helen Bradley benefited from the rangers 200 accumulated Foula archaeological data sheets while doing her major survey of Foula’s archaeology during the summer.

The 8m new stiles and gates installed in the spring proved their worth by guiding visitors to walk safely on routes which avoided vulnerable habitats, and more ‘please close the gate’ and ‘cattle hazard’ signs helped protect community activities.

To develop the skills base within Foula Heritage and the wider Foula community through appropriate training

Training, advice and support has been undertaken in the following ways:-

Ø Penny and Leona Gear became ranger trainees and shadowed the rangers on guided walks

Ø Isobel learned to use desk-top publishing programmes for reports, newsletters and leaflets

Ø Isobel and Sheila learned to create and deliver a power-point presentation

Ø Isobel and Sheila and other community members received training from visiting archaeologists

Ø Isobel and Sheila received training in improved computer skills from Tony and Magnus

Ø Penny received training from Sheila in scientific monitoring skills

2.3 TARGETS (over 3 years)

To establish the Foula ranger service starting 1^st May 2003 and increase visitor numbers by 10% over 3 years in a sustainable manner.

There were different circumstances affecting the total number of visitors to Foula in 2004 compared to 2003 when there were 680 visitors .

a) The season was extended by 2.5 weeks in April and 4.5 weeks in October; and

b) there were no cruise ships at all in 2004 putting large numbers of visitors ashore because of insurance issues. (140 cruise ship passengers ashore in 2003)

In spite of this visitor numbers mid-April to the end of October 2004 totalled 619 which would have been considerably up on 2003 with the same number of cruise passengers.

To develop a series of at least 6 walks which can be guided or self-explored, ensuring suitable access (permissions, gates, stiles etc), and produce a map and suitable interpretive material

Early in 2004 rangers produced four attractive guided walk leaflets which included interpretive information on environmental and social history on the route, with a detailed map of the walk route as an insertion. (see Annex 1) These were freely available to groups and individuals wishing to explore on their own. 8 new stiles and four gates provided to the ranger service by the SIC Planning department had been put in place in March 2004 on these walk routes, making access easier and safer for everyone. Many more ‘Please close the gate’ and ‘Cattle Hazard’ warning signs were put up. Rangers led a total of 34 guided walks for 169 visitors over the season, with wet day activities on 7 occasions for 22 people, and leaflets for self-guided walks supplied to many others.

4 interpretive leaflets on local sayings, weather lore, bairns rhymes, and The Puffin, have been created and made available. (see Annex2) A need has been identified for interpretive material/maps for the Foula film “Edge of the World”, the wreck of the liner ‘Oceanic’, sister ship of the ‘Titanic’, wrecked aircraft on Foula.

· To produce with others a series of talks, slide-shows and events promoting Foula’s natural and cultural heritage at appropriate times for the benefit of visitors and locals

Isobel and Sheila made a ranger service presentation illustrated by original photographs to the Shetland Regeneration Partnership event in Aith in November 2003. Items and articles with our photographs describing the ranger service have appeared in SNH’s Annual Review 2003, the Shetland Regeneration Partnership 2003 report, and the SIC Community Development and Learning Strategy consultation document.

In the summer Sheila and Isobel were filmed describing the process Foula Heritage used to set up the ranger service for a CD promoting good practice being compiled by the SIC Policy Unit.

A considerable archive of digital photographs recording environmental, social and cultural information has been added to by the rangers over the 2004 season, and bird data and photographs contributed to the Shetland Bird Club web site.

To undertake educational visits/walks/activities at least monthly with Foula Primary School children during the summer

Sheila took the school-children on different walks on fine days through the summer term to teach them about habitats and food-chains. Tony did a lesson with the children about why birds’ eggs were different shapes and colours.

To create a map and initial guidance notes for visitors to safeguard the environment and the interests of the local community, and to ensure safety

Maps and guidance notes have been included in the ranger welcome leaflet, and the 4 guided walk leaflets. Negotiations have continued to try to correct the errors and improve the big Tourist Board map at the airstrip.

· To help develop interpretive leaflets in Foula Heritage’s proposed natural and cultural heritage series (flora, fauna, archaeology, language & folklore, etc)

3 leaflets have been completed on local sayings, weather lore, and bairns rhymes. Archaeological work in the summer will hopefully provide material for a leaflet over the winter. The first in the environmental series of leaflets on The Puffin was completed in the spring. Throughout the season photographs were taken for the intended CD and leaflet on Foula’s flora.

To identify and help fulfil training needs to enable Foula Heritage members upgrade their skills

Ø Two trainees have shadowed rangers on guided walks and have learned to help

Ø One trainee has trained to undertake bird monitoring

Ø One ranger hopes to complete the ECDL computer course over the winter

Ø Members of the community have benefited from the sharing of increased computer skills

Ø Members of the community have learned good meeting process

To liaise with others involved and participate in ongoing environmental monitoring and conservation management activities as appropriate

Early in 2004 Glasgow University handed over the SOTEAG seabird monitoring to the Foula rangers who have liased with the University and SOTEAG throughout the season. There has also been liaison with the Shetland Bird Club and groups of ornithologists, with SNH during the EIA habitat and flight-path monitoring, and with Brathay Exploration Group during insect trapping.

To monitor/report on progress on the above targets after each 5-month summer period

This is the report of the Foula ranger service for the second season ending October 2004.

2.4 DESIRED LONGER TERM OUTCOMES and ADDED VALUE

· The ranger project should provide a catalyst for wider sustainable community development

Foula ranger service have co-operated with the Shetland development officer of the Crofters Commission to arrange a tour of remote areas in Shetland and Orkney to share the lessons and successes of the good practice developed by Foula rangers. Presentations have been made to the community in Skerries on 6^th December, and to Hoy and the Small Isles Forum in Orkney on 8^th and 9^th December. At least a further two presentations will be made to agencies in Lerwick and the Northern Isles Initiative at the Edge group in January 2005, and the Sanday and Hoy rangers among others will make a return visit to Foula in May 2005..

Improved potential for sustainable tourism in Foula

Visitor numbers enjoying the ranger service are being maintained at higher levels for the second year running, and the community acknowledges that visitor management is ensuring low impact on local activities and the environment. Continuation of the ranger service and visitor management should ensure sustainable tourism in the future.

Enhanced natural and cultural heritage experience in Foula for all through improved education and interpretive materials and activities

Public and community alike have used and enjoyed the 4 detailed guided walk leaflets, and there has been considerable interest in the cultural leaflets with suggestions for further subjects like the Foula film, and sinking of the Oceanic. The school-children have enjoyed activities with the rangers and benefited from their local experience.

Sensitive management of issues pertaining to improved access

Rangers continue to discuss with members of the community the most appropriate places for visitor access to their land and identify new locations for improved or new stiles and gates. A second batch of 8 locations has been identified for further stiles in 2005 and an application been made to the SIC Planning department for financial assistance. Several more ‘Please close the gate’ signs have been installed along with ‘Cattle Hazard’ warning signs. Efforts have also been made to minimise the adverse effects of ‘twitchers’ activities during bird migration seasons.

Increased skills base within the community will benefit wider development in the island

Computer skills are steadily increasing across the community, and good meeting process continuing. Increased confidence among the rangers and the committee of Foula Heritage is paying off in other areas.

Enhanced community cohesion within the island through co-operative working and transfer of skills will have spin-off in other areas

There has been much co-operation among islanders in sharing and learning new computer skills triggered largely by the work and increasing skills of the rangers.

Wider opportunities for development through island exchange and comparison

Foula rangers have made presentations and had discussions with islanders from Skerries, Hoy, Sanday, Stronsay and Eday in December 2004, and hope to continue into January 2005 meeting islanders from Unst, Yell and Fetlar.

2.5 MONITORING

Foula Heritage will be assisted by a Steering Group from the Shetland Re-generation Partnership in supervising the work of the ranger

Foula Heritage has stayed in close contact with the Steering Group throughout the season. Visits have been made to the island by Steering Group members, and advice and training offered in person, by phone and email.

The ranger will be required to maintain records of all activities which will be monitored fortnightly in the island by the committee of Foula Heritage

Rangers maintained log-books of their hours and work, and activities and plans were discussed regularly with the Foula Heritage committee. Summaries of these were distributed throughout the community in newsletters.

The committee of Foula Heritage will report monthly to the Steering Group on the progress of the ranger service.

Foula Heritage has sent monthly reports of activities to each funder and Steering Group member.

2.6 EVALUATION

The ranger’s record of work will be assessed by Foula Heritage on a monthly basis against the stated targets and effort adjusted as necessary

The ranger service was assessed by the Foula Heritage committee at the end of each month, and adjusted as necessary.

At the end of each 5-month period a report will be produced jointly by the ranger and the Foula Heritage committee and distributed to the community, FH members, the Steering Group, and funding bodies.

This second season’s report will be distributed to the mentioned bodies.

At the end of each 5-month period, the summer’s work will be evaluated by Foula Heritage and the Steering Committee as to progress made against the desired targets and outcomes.

Foula Heritage will assess this end of 2004 season report in January 2005, and make recommendations for the 2005 season. The report will also be sent to and assessed by the Steering Group.

The Foula part-time ranger project should reach the end of its 3-year pilot term at approximately the same time as Shetland Amenity Trust’s 3-year ranger pilot project. Evaluation of the smaller Foula project alongside that wider ranger project could prove valuable

This 2004 report is the second step towards the wider evaluation which will be on-going throughout the third season in 2005.

2.7 SUSTAINABILITY As seen above all the following sustainability elements have been achieved.

The project will be sustainable because of its real value in preserving and enhancing the environmental resource on which the island’s socio-economic development potential depends

The emphasis on sustainability is ensured by the 100% community support for the project

The project should also trigger other new sustainable developments

The chances of longer-term sustainability are improved through the involvement and educational activities of primary school-children, young people, and Foula residents

Longer-term sustainability is also more likely because this project is a self-help one instigated by the local community to help secure their future

If Foula Heritage cannot obtain further funding to continue the ranger post at the end of the three-year lifespan of this project, the wider impacts of the project will remain in place and continue to influence and benefit community development in the future.

2.8 Summary of Tasks achieved

Visitor Management

Met all ferry and regular Loganair flight arrivals, also all visiting boats, yachts, and private aircraft
Greeted 619 visitors over the summer
Led 34 guided walks for 169 people
Lifts organised for less able visitors when required
Hosted 7 ‘wet-day’ cultural activity sessions with 22 participants
Held 3 Open Days for locals and visitors, attended by 2 rangers and 2 trainees, with another community member acting as guide on ‘Cyfish’ trips round the island, and several members of Foula Heritage at school afternoon teas.
Installed more ‘Please close the gate’ and ‘Cattle Hazard’ warning signs after consultation with community
Installed 8 new stiles and 4 gates on guided walk routes and elsewhere

Information

Organised multi-copying and handed out Foula ranger welcome/information leaflets to all visitors
Distributed Foula ranger Open Day posters on 3 occasions to many points out-with the island
Produced four comprehensive guided walk leaflets to allow visitors to self-guide if they wished.
Many environmental and cultural photographs collected throughout the summer for photo-bank
Updated Foula Heritage, community, Steering Group members and funders every month
Produced 4 interpretive leaflets on the Puffin, bairns rhymes, folk sayings and weather lore

Community Liaison

· Distributed monthly community news updates, requests for help/feedback

· Twice-monthly meetings with Foula Heritage to monitor progress, make suggestions, plan Open Days

· Consulted islanders re visitor access and stiles/gates improvements

· Assessment of ranger service 2004 by Foula Heritage to be undertaken January 2005

Community Development & Training

· Increased training in computer skills and good meeting process is ongoing

· 2 young trainees shadowing rangers on guided walks

· Archaeological training received from Carol Cristensen(Amenity Trust), Helen Bradley (Sheffield)

Environmental monitoring

· The following were monitored at appropriate times throughout the summer:- red-throated divers, puffins, razorbills, shags, kittiwakes, Arctic skuas, bonxies and Arctic terns. There was ongoing examination of fish stomachs for sandeels/contents.

· Foula ranger service was employed to undertake the SOTEAG seabird monitoring in Foula for 2004

· Ranger Sheila Gear was employed to carry out the Environmental Impact Assessment of habitats and bird flight paths for the proposed new island electricity scheme

· Seasonal flora and bird breeding success/failure were updated for the guided walk routes

Administration

· Monthly updates sent to Steering Group

· Weekly liaison meetings among rangers to plan and prioritise work

· Beginning of season funding applications made, end of season retrospective funding applications underway, season’s accounting spreadsheet finalised.

· This second season 2004 report distributed to funders, Steering group, and Foula Heritage

3. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SUMMARY

Another disastrous breeding season for Foula birds…

Bonxies

Only a handful of chicks survived from the normal 2,500 breeding pairs

Arctic Skuas (allens)

Total breeding failure – 13 pairs out of the normal 100 + laid eggs, a few chicks hatched, none survived

Puffins (nories)

Total breeding failure as far as can be ascertained – adults only managing to feed themselves

Guillemots and Razorbills

Total breeding failure as far as visual check can ascertain

Kittiwakes

6 Kittiwake chicks in the cave at Hodden in August, normally 100 nests, all other colonies failed

Arctic Terns (tirricks)

Usual large numbers arrived in June but disappeared 2 weeks later due to lack of food

Fulmars (maallies)

Maallies bred reasonably well but other species predated many chicks and eggs

Shags (scarfs)

Worst failure, did not breed, and abandoned the island

Others …

Three, possibly four, raingoose chicks fledged from 13 possible sites. Fewer eider duck and wader chicks due to predation.

Fish stomach contents were monitored every opportunity throughout the season.

Flora was registered and photographed as it appeared throughout the season.

Archaeological sites were identified for Sheffield University and recorded in July,

5.1 Feedback

There has been much positive and constructive feedback to the rangers from visitors, local people and tourist service providers. Members of the community have made suggestions for further improved stiles and gates at various access points, and rangers received a total of £274 in donations throughout the season, along with many cards and letters of thanks and appreciation.