Case Study - Arran Access Project

Programme: Your Heritage
Applicant: Scottish Natural Heritage
Grant awarded: £37,200
Project length: 1 Year 9 Months

Arran Access Project - printable (PDF, 153KB)

Summary

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) identified four areas on the island of Arran where poor path condition was causing damage to sensitive habitats through unmanaged access.

A popular destination for walkers these fragile hills and coastal paths were suffering damage from thousands of pairs of feet each year.

The scheme aimed to protect these sensitive areas while promoting better access and interpretation for the local community and visitors, many of whom had stopped using the paths due to their condition.

The aims of the project

To protect sensitive areas of natural heritage on Arran by restoring footpaths using local materials and installing water controls
To promote more and better access to these areas both for the local community and visitors to the island

Benefits for heritage

Greater protection for the island’s fragile local ecosystem was provided by the work to the footpaths
The heritage has a more sustainable future now that unique habitats are no longer at risk
The project resulted in greater knowledge and understanding about the outstanding natural heritage of Arran including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area and a national Scenic Area, where the need for sensitive working was crucial

Benefits for people

The improved paths mean that more people have easier access and greater freedom to explore Arran’s stunning coastal and mountain heritage
The production of information panels, maps and guide leaflets has increased awareness of the island and helped people learn about its natural heritage
The project has created new opportunities for local people to volunteer. To ensure benefits are sustained, island residents have received training to monitor the state of the paths and carry out maintenance and repairs to as necessary

Lessons learnt

Involve the local community at an early stage. SNH consulted with island residents, visitors, farmers and landowners and gave people an opportunity to take part
Consider opportunities for ongoing volunteering and training opportunities as part of your project
Include costs for ongoing maintenance and management from your own organisation’s budget as these will not form part of HLF's grant

Long term benefits

The project helped to ensure that the outstanding natural landscape of Arran is enhanced and protected and better able to cope with the 300,000 people who visit each year

The budget

Main Project Costs	£	Funding	£
Equipment	61,485	Other grants	45,050
Design / writing / printing education materail	1,575,147	HLF grant (45%)	37,200
		Total costs	82,250

Visitors using the Arran coastal path

Sector

Land and Biodiversity

Activity

Conservation