In Brief…
SNH responds to Lewis windfarm proposals
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has submitted its formal response to the Scottish Executive on proposals for a 234 turbine windfarm in north Lewis. SNH has formally objected to the proposals on three counts. The first is due to concerns over serious adverse impacts on protected bird species and their supporting habitats within the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area (SPA). The second relates to concerns over serious adverse impacts on protected birds within the Ness and Barvas SPA. And the third objection is on the grounds that there is insufficient information in the Environmental Statement to determine the potential impact on other breeding and wintering birds. The full text of the SNH response is on the SNH website at www.snh.org.uk
£850,000 for Rangers
In January Scottish Natural Heritage confirmed a grant of £850,750 to The Highland Council to support the continued employment of its countryside rangers for the next three years. The rangers make a significant contribution to the delivery of SNH’s functions for promoting public enjoyment and fostering understanding of the natural heritage as well as playing a key role in encouraging and managing access and recreation. They are involved in recreational projects throughout the Highland Council Area including, environmental education, footpath development, interpretation provision, access provision, school visits, talks and guided walks. This brings them into regular contact with landowners, tenants, local communities, and statutory authorities to secure improved recreation facilities. The SNH grant secures the 26 full time and four seasonal posts who provide a ranger service throughout the local authority area.
Kinloch Castle options report commissioned
The Prince of Wales’ Phoenix Trust was commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage in December to produce a report on the options for the restoration of Kinloch Castle on the island of Rum. This will identify a range of initial options that will be put to the SNH Board for short listing. More detailed feasibility studies will then be carried out into the preferred two or three options. This will ultimately identify the final option to be pursued, that will be the most sustainable in the long term and the most likely to attract the necessary funding.
The island of Rum is owned by SNH and managed as a National Nature Reserve. The 105 year-old castle, which has presented SNH with challenges beyond its normal remit, is now in need of major repair work with costs estimated at around £6m.
Strategic move on renewable energy welcomed
Proposals announced by The Highland Council in January, to develop a strategic approach to the handling of renewable energy casework, were welcomed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). SNH has experienced a huge increase in the number of consultations staff have been involved in responding to over the last few years. A statutory consultee in most cases, the organisation evaluates the potential impact of developments on the natural heritage, particularly in relation to UK and international wildlife legislation, and promotes appropriate mitigation of these impacts. SNH has repeatedly advocated a more strategic approach to renewables, and published the 'Strategic Locational Guidance for Onshore Windfarms' document, in 2002. The organisation also published a supportive statement on marine renewables and undertook a national seascape study looking at the suitability for areas for offshore wind farms.
World leaders in ‘outdoor ethics’ teach in the Highlands
World leaders in the ethics of outdoor pursuits were in the Highlands last month (March) to deliver a master educator course in responsible countryside access. The Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics in Colorado provided the trainers for the event, the first of its kind to be held in Scotland. The ‘Master Educator’ course is designed for people who teach others outdoor skills or provide recreation information to the public. The training is recognised throughout the world and successful graduates can train others in Leave No Trace skills as well as facilitate trainer courses. Seven delegates from nature based tourism businesses in the Highlands and Islands took part in the training and it is hoped that a further event can be held in the future.
The event was organised as part of a major three-year initiative to develop nature-based tourism in north-west Europe, part-funded by the EU's Northern Periphery Programme (NPP). The international partnership behind the initiative includes public and private sector organisations in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Scotland. The Scottish partnership involves Visit Scotland, the Tourism and Environment Forum, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).