WILD land in the Scottish Highlands is in a state of long-term decline and needs greater protection, according to a new report.
Coordinated by the Scottish Wild Land Group, the report concludes that the loss of Scottish wild land due to ongoing pressure for development appears to have increased, and that the greatest threats facing these areas come from energy generation, plantation forest expansion and the kind of hill track construction often association with estate management.
Until 31 March, the Scottish Government will be consulting on its strategic plans for the country through its draft National Planning Framework 4. The Scottish Wild Land Group has called for the new Framework to incorporate greater protection for wild land areas.
Dr James Fenton of the Scottish Wild Land Group commented: “There has long been a mismatch between the commonly stated view that the Highlands are renowned for their scenery and the practical measures in place for its protection. This report should be a wake-up call for us all to realise that the Highland landscape is under threat from ill-sited development.
“If we really do care for our scenery, we must ensure that there is strong protection for it in the planning system, including the Wild Land Areas. Otherwise attrition of this fantastic asset will continue apace, and, in time, future generations will inherit an impoverished landscape.
“Of course we need development in the Highlands, but it must be in the right place and not destroy what is the essence of the Highland mountain landscape.”
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A Scottish Government spokesperson responded: “The draft National Planning Framework 4 includes green energy policies which support renewable energy development other than in National Parks and National Scenic Areas.
“Under the draft framework, development proposals for renewable energy developments must take into account landscape and visual impacts on wild land.
“The Scottish Government recognises, and will continue to champion, onshore wind as a key part of Scotland’s energy mix but any individual proposals would need to include an assessment of the impact on the natural environment and local communities.
“We are committed to addressing twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change - expanding and improving protected areas is an important part of how we do this.”
The Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, which will invest £13.5 million per year in projects to restore Scotland’s natural environment, has already committed to a biodiversity which aims to protect at least 30% of land and sea for nature.
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