Wildlife  

As part of the environmental awareness sewn into the fabric of the Glendoe project, SSE are working closely with various organisations including the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). In doing this we are helping to ensure that the local flora and fauna are protected both during the construction of the power station and in the future. For example, common scoters and Slavonian grebes live near to Glendoe for part of the year, and SSE has consulted with SNH and the RSPB to agree work schedules which will avoid disturbing the birds.

Slavonian Grebe

Male Common Scoter

In addition, the burrows of active water vole colonies are visible in damp, grassy patches around the reservoir area on the plateau. However, in the ground which will be flooded when the dam is built, it has been established that there are only old burrows, which are not currently being used. Furthermore, SSE have ensured that access tracks have been positioned sympathetically, in order to avoid water vole colonies.

A black-coated water vole

Regarding plant-life, there is a rare moss, Bryum muehlenbeckii, growing on rocks beside the River Tarff, close to where the dam will be located. To conserve this moss, over 100 samples have been transplanted to suitable, similar rocky habitats, on burns which are outwith the dam works. These samples are doing well in their new locations.

A ‘plug’ of Bryum muehlenbeckii (below white marker peg)