Planning rejection for controversial development will safeguard protected species and environment
The Woodland Trust Scotland is delighted that a proposal for a massive leisure development on the Dall Estate in Rannoch, has been refused at the initial planning stages.
The proposed housing, hotel and golf course development within South Rannoch Woods promised to have a disastrous affect on over 400 ha of woodland, much of which is a remnant of the ancient Caledonian Pinewood, a threatened and irreplaceable habitat, and which also threatened to have disastrous knock on effects to the protected Black Wood of Rannoch Special Area of Conservation (SAC). (there is 216 ha of ancient and 187 ha of associated woodland, 403 in total – 500 football pitches).
The woods are home to many protected species; red squirrels, otters, capercaillie, and crested tits, and is perfect habitat for pine martens, scottish crossbills and golden eagles. There are even reports of wildcats.
Christina Byrne, conservation adviser for the Woodland Trust said: "This is the biggest individual threat to a woodland that the Woodland Trust has ever encountered. The Woodland Trust is delighted with Perth and Kinross Council’s decision to reject this planning proposal, and demonstrate their commitment to preserving their fantastic woodlands for the future.
“Safeguarding these irreplaceable habitats is vital. The Black Wood of Rannoch is the most southerly extensive example of Caledonian Forest in Scotland; formed at the end of the last ice age and considered to be one of the last remaining wildernesses in the British Isles.
In woodland terms this site is immensely important as it is a natural extension of the Black Wood and this development would have destroyed the protective buffer it provides. We hope that this decision will enable many people in the future to experience the Wonder of these very special woodlands.”Planning rejection for controversial development will safeguard protected species and environment."Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact:
The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, email: media@woodlandtrust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters.
The Trust has three key aims: i) to enable the creation of more native woods and places rich in trees ii) to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future iii) to inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its sites is free.