Before starting to manage our properties it is important to know what is already there and to see how this is changing over time. We therefore have a programme of surveying and monitoring the natural features present on each property which, on occasions, can reveal some unexpected gems. Surveys of the lawns of two of our properties have shown that they are of European importance for certain rare species of fungi, and this has enabled us to plan their management accordingly. Detailed observations of some of our highland properties have revealed formerly unsuspected populations of the nationally declining water voles or, at another, a colony of great-crested newts. Often, with some of the more obscure species of mosses and lichens, it is necessary to bring in the experience of some of the few experts who can identify them.

In some cases, the remaining populations of plants or animals are so rare that we need to check at regular intervals to ensure that they do not continue to decline. The work with rare plants at Ben Lawers is a good example. Where our management is designed to bring about a change in the habitats, for instance the restoration of native pinewood at Mar Lodge, we need to monitor its development to ensure that it has responded positively to our management.

Gradually, we are building up a better picture of what we have, and an understanding of how best to manage it.