A POPULAR valley in Scotland is at risk of being “destroyed” by irresponsible wild campers, according to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).
Coire Gabhail, also known as the “hidden” or “lost valley” in Glencoe, is a popular spot for wild campers and tourists.
However, a new post shared on the Glencoe National Nature Reserve NTS Facebook page has reminded people of their responsibilities when enjoying the environment.
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Coire Gabhail is a narrow gorge surrounded by the rock walls of two of the “Three Sisters” with the Macdonalds of Glencoe said to have used the natural hiding place for rustled cattle.
The NTS’s Facebook page also says it “became a refuge for people in February 1692 when men, women and children escaped into the hills during the infamous massacre”.
It said: "Coire Gabhail is one of our team's favourite spots in Glencoe National Nature Reserve NTS, but sadly it's specialness is at risk of being destroyed by campers and walkers who don't realise the impact of their actions."
What is the problem?
The post pointed to a number of issues the area is facing, including abandoned rubbish and human waste as well as camping gear.
Listing a range of problems, the page listed the following issues:
- Wild campers making fires – these leave a long-lasting scar on Coire Gabhail’s shallow, fragile mountain soils. Please don’t do it.
- Worse than this though - fire-makers are not bringing in their own fire wood (heavy to carry up the steep climb). They are cutting and burning the precious trees and deadwood up in the coire.
- Making a fire from damp or green (living) wood is a waste of time - it does not burn well. It's also vandalism, causing irreparable damage to the ancient woodland habitats.
- The rock art trend has reached us and though we hate to stifle creativity, dislodging rocks to position them into pretty designs has a lasting negative impact on nature, which we are sure the artists don't realise.
- These rocks offer shelter to wee creatures and protect shallow, high-altitude soils from erosion. The concentrated trampling around these artworks also damages tiny fragile wildflowers and plants too.
- Abandoned rubbish, camping gear and human waste - we won't labour the point as everyone knows why this is wrong. We can only imagine that after the challenging walk up, people want to lighten their load on the way down? If that sounds like you, probably best to stay low level.
The statement encouraged anyone who loved the “special place” to “please treat it with the care and respect it deserves”.
It also added that anyone travelling in the area should be prepared to take home their own rubbish.
The images shared on the Facebook page also showed volunteers holding bin bags after collecting rubbish from the area.
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