Letter: Historic destruction of Scotland's native woodlands
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Debates
- Published: 26 October 2010
Dear Sir,
It is slightly encouraging to note the dismissal by Roseanna Cunningham, Scottish environment minister, of reports that the Forestry Commission Scotland might be required to sell off its forests in line with its English counterpart, (your report, 25 October).
Many will concur with her affirmation that "we believe Scotland's national forests are a very precious asset" and her earlier "it is quite shocking to think that we only have a tiny remnant of our original native woodland left, due to historical exploitation" (your report, 11 May).
It is all the more puzzling, and unacceptable, therefore, that the Scottish Government has done nothing to prevent the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) from targeting native woodlands for housing developments in its local plan.
This latter is due to be adopted on 29 October, and includes provision for several hundred houses that will destroy areas of pinewoods, some listed as ancient woodland.
Scottish Government reporters advised against these housing allocations in woodlands, following a local plan inquiry (LPI) in 2009, but the CNPA largely ignored their recommendations. Now, despite receiving a letter signed by 16 environmental organisations urging Scottish ministers to intervene and recommending "broad acceptance of the findings" of the LPI, no action has been taken by government. Ms Cunningham may be shocked at the historic destruction of Scotland's native woodlands. Many will be shocked at her failure to prevent further such destruction in Scotland's premier national park.
Roy Turnbull
Vice-convener, BSCG
Original published letter in The Scotsman: http://news.scotsman.com/letters/Letter-Woodland-threats.6598247.jp
Illustrated Talk and Annual General Meeting
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Meetings
- Published: 30 October 2010
Wednesday 10 November 2010
Nethybridge Church Hall
AGM 7.00 - 7.45pm
Talk: ‘Discovering Grassland Fungi – Strathspey’s Forgotten Kingdom’ 8.00pm
I am writing to invite you to attend the AGM on Wednesday 10 November at 7.00pm in the Church Hall on Dell Road, Nethybridge. After the AGM we have an illustrated public talk on ‘Discovering Grassland Fungi – Strathspey’s Forgotten Kingdom’ starting at 8.00pm. The talk will be given by fungi specialist and enthusiast on this ecologically vital group Liz Holden. Recently Liz has undertaken a project on the fungi of unimproved grasslands in our district which, as reported in the Strathy of 20th October, has been welcomed by BSCG as a fitting piece of work for International Year of Biodiversity. As some members will know, Liz wrote the chapter on Fungi in the book The Nature of the Cairngorms. She has led workshops locally as well as a foray of the Grampian Fungus Group in Strathspey in 2009. Liz has coined many of the common names for our fungi. We hope members will be able to stay on after the AGM for her talk and will pass on word about it to any friends who may be interested.
The existing committee automatically stand down at the AGM, and can then be re elected. All the present office bearers are willing to stand again, but we are looking for additional members. So if you would be willing to help on the committee in any way please let me know. New nominations are welcome for all posts and a nomination slip is enclosed.
The present office bearers are:
Convener: Gus Jones
Vice Convener: Roy Turnbull
Secretary / Treasurer: Tessa Jones
Cairngorm relaxes funicular rules
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Debates
- Published: 07 July 2010
BSCG gave an interview to the BBC for the Reporting Scotland news programme (see link for video) over the sudden Cairngorm Mountain Limited announcement about trial guided walks to the summit of Cairngorm. This was considered before the funicular got planning permission when it was considered impractical.
Passengers to go off the beaten track - Press and Journal
Mountain rail doors to open - Strathspey HeraldAll change for the summit as Cairn Gorm passengers allowed to top - The Scotsman
Sunday Herrald article on An Camus Mor
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Debates
- Published: 21 June 2010
Sunday Herrald article on An Camus Mor: Endangered bug highlights plight of national parks By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor, 20 Jun 2010.
© 2010 BSCG. An Camas Mòr site. The green dwarf shrub in the forgeground is bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi a constant in this heathland vegetation community that was overlooked in survey for the developer.
BSCG deplore the CNPA decision for 1,500 houses on Rothiemurchus estate
- Details
- Written by Administrator
- Category: Debates
- Published: 16 June 2010
BSCG deplore the CNPA decision on Friday 11 June to give the go ahead to 1500 houses on Rothiemurchus estate within the Cairngorms National Scenic Area . We consider this decision, that was for 400 more more houses even than reccommended by the CNPA's own officials, put the developer's interests ahead of the national interest of safeguarding Scotland's most precious countryside.
See articles in P & J and The Scotsman.
Photo: Lowland heath at the ACM site. This is a threatened habitat for which the UK has a special responsibility and is one of the outstanding wildlife habitats habitats that would be destroyed if the ACM proposals are ever given detailed permission (photo BSCG).