BSCG Steps in to Help Wintergreens
- Details
- Written by Gus Jones
- Category: Plants
- Published: 24 March 2016
Teamwork on the outskirts of the ‘Forest Village’ of Nethybridge has delivered a successful conservation outcome for attractive pinewood plants. Recognizing that two kinds of wintergreen were at risk along a verge earmarked for the laying of a broadband cable, BSCG volunteers marked the plants with high visibility tape enabling contractors A. Willox & Sons to take the cable along a route that skirted the wintergreens.
Complimenting the teamwork with A Willox & Son, Dr Deborah Long, Head of Plantlife Scotland said, ‘This is a really good example of all the benefits that can be achieved when local conservation groups work with contractors. The wintergreens are a group of beautiful flowers that are highly characteristic of our native pinewoods. It is heartening to see their conservation as a key part of road verge management, which is sensitive enough to avoid harm to these plants, securing a stronger future for them in the National Park.’
The team at the roadside.
The temporary marker tape in position.
Wintergreen flowers.
Talk: 'Cairngorms Nature - Current Challenges' by Andy Ford
- Details
- Written by Gus Jones
- Category: Meetings
- Published: 11 November 2015
Illustrated talk by Andy Ford who works for the Cairngorms National Park Authority as their Cairngorms Nature Manager.
Andy Ford’s illustrated talk will highlight some of the key species in need of conservation action in the Cairngorms, and review the progress that has been made with the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan as well as look at a range of future challenges and opportunities.
8.00pm Wednesday 25 November
Carrbridge Village Hall.
Thousands paid but case unheard
- Details
- Written by Gus Jones
- Category: Press Releases
- Published: 05 August 2015
Land at An Camas Mor in Strathspey controversially proposed for 1,500 houses
BSCG and co-appellants have halted the legal challenge to the Cairngorms national Park’s 1st Local Plan. This is because the Supreme Court refused to cap the costs that we would have paid to the CNPA should our case fail. Regrettably we have been forced into this position before our case about the correct interpretation of European law could be heard by the court. In pursuing the case that started in 2010 we have adhered to the proper processes following professional legal advice. Our case would have never been taken had the CNPA followed more closely the findings of the 2009 local inquiry into the plan. Our costs have been met entirely through donations and we are very grateful to all those without whose support the legal challenge would have been impossible.
We are still working to oppose the proposed new town of An Camas Mor and other large scale developments in the Cairngorms National Park, which we believe would threaten the natural heritage which the park was set up to protect.
Gus Jones, Convener of the Badenoch & Strathspey Conservation Group said, “The reason for our challenge terminating at this stage is because the Supreme Court refused to limit our liability to the CNPA’s legal costs. No charity could proceed on the basis of unknown costs.
The incredible level of public support we have received demonstrates the deep and far-reaching public concern that exists about the Park Authority’s unsustainable and developer-driven approach to planning taken in their Local Plan, which threatens the natural heritage that the Park was set up to protect.”
Ian Lawson, founding Convener and long serving Director of the Cairngorms Campaign and former member of the Cairngorms Partnership commented, “That we have been able to take this case so far is testimony to the ground swell of support for what we were trying to do. Many people feel outraged about excessive development in the National Park that includes an entire new town.
We have been following due process and we are disappointed that we have not been able to get the clarification of the law that we were seeking. We hope this case will lead to tighter scrutiny of future Park Plans. We give every one of our supporters our heartfelt thanks for their generous help.”
BSCG at Grantown 250 Anniversary Celebrations
- Details
- Written by Gus Jones
- Category: Grantown-upon-Spey
- Published: 21 July 2015
BSCG was delighted to be involved with the Grantown 250 anniversary celebrations of June 2015. ‘Food from Flowers’ and protecting ‘Precious Pollinators’ were themes of our display in the food tent and later in the week at the Figgat Fair day we focussed on 'Grantown’s Wildlife Gems'. Honeybee combs at different stages of development provided part of our exhibit which attracted plenty of interest. We also had a display on other pollinators including little scabious mining bee, one of the special bees of the Mossie and an outstanding wildlife area at Grantown-on-Spey.
Leading Conservationist speaks out on deer management
- Details
- Written by Gus Jones
- Category: Debates
- Published: 20 April 2015
Dick Balharry who attended the very first meeting of BSCG in 1975 deserves warm congratulations for the award of the prestigious Patrick Geddes medal for his outstanding contribution to conservation.
Presenting the award at a ceremony at Glen Feshie the Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society described Dick as “a relentless and passionate advocate for improving and protecting Scotland's natural landscapes" who "has influenced, advised, inspired and encouraged so many people and organisations".
The Sunday Herald (19 April 2015) reports on the award and mentions that Dr Adam Watson who spoke at BSCG’s inaugural meeting recalled vital work in Wester Ross undertaken by Dick on the poisoning of golden eagles that contributed to the banning of some persistent organochlorines pesticides in the 1970’s and 1980’s. BSCG members will also recall Dick’s important contribution to the establishment of Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve.
Referring to his speech the paper reports that Dick Balharry criticised landowners for erecting fences to protect native woodlands from marauding deer and commented this damaged the landscape, inhibited public access and deprived deer of shelter. The report is followed by an editorial headed 'Cairngorms talk highlights need for land reform'. This echos Dick’s views and comments "What's now crucial is that ministers introduce measures that oblige landowners to manage their estates for the public, good, rather than private gain."
See the article here: http://www.robedwards.com/2015/04/landowners-under-fire-for-selfish-greed-from-leading-conservationist.html