Tag: National Parks

Five areas in the running to be Scotland’s new National Park

Assessment of nominations will now begin

Five areas – in the Scottish Borders, Galloway, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest – are in the running to be Scotland’s next National Park.

The Scottish Government committed to designating at least one new park by 2026, to join Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Each proposal will now be appraised by the Scottish Government against the published criteria and further consultation will be held once a preferred site is identified, expected to be in the summer.

Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said: “The Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Parks have shown how valuable National Park status can be.  Both Parks are recognised for their incredible landscapes, their outstanding natural and cultural heritage.

“National Park status has boosted their economies, supported local business and engaged communities to make the parks work for those who live and work in them. Once we have a site identified, we will engage again with the people in the area to look at determining things like park boundaries and balancing environmental protection with helping the communities and local enterprises thrive.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked so positively and proactively with their local communities to discuss and explore local priorities and the opportunities that National Park status can bring, including those who ultimately chose not to nominate their area.

“I look forward to meeting with those who have led the nominations to hear directly from each community what they would want to see from becoming a National Park.”

Kat Jones, Director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS), said: “Scotland has some of the richest and varied natural and cultural landscapes in the world and is, rightly, world famous for them.

“Of the 15 National Parks in the UK, Scotland has only two and we are pleased that, 20 years since the first Scottish National Park was designated, we will soon have another.

“National Parks in Scotland, in contrast to those in many other parts of the world, are tasked to deliver for people, nature and landscape. This recognition of how important people and livelihoods are for our landscapes, means National Parks are in a unique position to lead the way on the nature and climate crises while also supporting thriving, sustainable communities.”

John Thomson, Chair of Scottish Campaign for National Parks (SCNP), said: “The process of inviting nominations from communities has revealed widespread aspiration and interest in National Park status.

“It’s a strong signal that this should be the start of a process for creating a suite of National Parks in Scotland, so that communities can build on the fruitful discussions they have had.”  

The value of National Parks in Scotland | NatureScot

Summer Day Trips to every corner of the UK with Rabbie’s

There has never been a better time to book an unforgettable day out with small-group tour provider Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com).

Rabbie’s has a wide range of day trips full of exploration and adventure. Whether you fancy roaming the Scottish Highlands, exploring ancient castles and lakes in England, or taking in the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales, Rabbie’s tours are an excellent way to explore Britain in just one day:

Mythical, Magical Scotland

Scotland is a land defined by myths of monsters, legendary lochs, and majestic mountain ranges. Stories and landscapes that characterize the great nation are spread far and wide, up and down, and one would be forgiven for thinking that it would take weeks to see the true face of Scotland, let alone one day.

But on Rabbie’s Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands tour you really can explore the heart of Scotland in just one day. Learn the tragic history of beautiful Glencoe before visiting the monumental fault line Great Glen. Choose between a boat tour or leisurely stroll at world-famous Loch Ness and try to spot the legendary monster said to lurk beneath its surface.

Witness the wonderous Grampian Mountains and spot crumbling castles in Highland Perthshire. Rabbie’s one-day Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands tour departs from Glasgow seven days a week and costs from £57 per person.

Discover Hidden England

West England is a location of historical fascination. Built on the ruins of the past and defined by stones laid by people hundreds of years ago, join Rabbie’s to experience the rich history of this corner of England.

Rabbie’s Bath, Avebury & Lacock Village tour guides you through thousands of years of history in one day. Witness the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world in Avebury and ponder why the Neolithic inhabitants erected these mighty rocks. Stop off at Lacock Abbey, historically serving as a nunnery, bakery, brewery, and more recently Hogwarts on the silver screen!

Journey onwards to the beautiful ancient city of Bath and soak up the history as you walk the 2,000 year-old streets and visit the world-famous Roman baths. Rabbie’s one-day Bath, Avebury & Lacock Village tour departs from London, with prices starting at £62 per person.

Castles, Peaks and National Parks

Northwest England and Wales are renowned for their natural beauty and hidden treasures, but myths and legends of ancient Kings and frightening monsters too mark the land. In an area of the world where every turn offers a new fable or presents a stunning view, Northwest England and Wales is the land where imagination comes to life.

Rabbie’s one day Snowdonia, North Wales & Chester tour takes you to Conwy Castle, a stunningly preserved 13th century fortress guarding a harborside town. Find the jagged peaks of Snowdonia National Park and learn the tale of how King Arthur slayed a giant on the mountainside.

Step into Chester, a medieval city that has been built using the stones of Roman, Medieval and Tudor towns, with an incredible cathedral. Rabbie’s one day Snowdonia, North Wales & Chester tour departs from Manchester throughout the summer from £45 per person.

For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.

In images: The bleak future of the UK’s national parks visualised

  • Artist impressions show the stark future of UK national parks based on current walking habits
  • Images show the impact of footpath erosion and littering on iconic locations like the Lake District and Snowdonia 
  • Research names the Peak District as the national park most in need of protection

New images have been released which show the stark future of the UK’s national parks if current walking behaviours continue, with footpath erosion and mass littering having a massive impact on our favourite natural spaces.

Rohan, the outdoor and travel clothing company, has been inspiring people to adventure into the great British countryside since 1972, so as part of its 50th anniversary, the company is launching a range of initiatives, such as research into the nation’s walking habits, to help raise awareness of and protect the areas that the public know and love.

For National Walking Month (May), Rohan used a variety of data sources, such as visitor numbers and environmental offences, to identify the national parks most in need of protection, and then looked ahead 50 years to see what they could look like if no action is taken.

The Great Ridge, Peak District

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The Peak District, the UK’s oldest national park, tops the list, with the latest data showing a staggering 178% increase in visitors between 2016-19.

The Great Ridge, which leads up to Mam Tor, is one of its most popular routes, and artists have visualised how heavy footfall could widen and damage the footpath.

Cat Bells, The Lake District

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The Lake District takes second place, with over two million annual visitors and by far the most online interest of all the parks.

The park’s website was viewed almost 100 million times in 2021 and there are nearly 130 million hashtags mentioning the Lake District on Instagram and TikTok.

Snowdonia

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The impact of the post-lockdown tourism boom in Snowdonia has been well-documented, but visitor numbers were already on the increase before the pandemic, with a 60% rise between 2016-19.

There were nearly two million Google searches for the park last year, which is second only to the Lake District.

Loch Lomond

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The most under-pressure Scottish national park is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, which is home to popular Munros such as Ben Lomond, and the internationally renowned West Highland Way.

In 2021, there were over 30 million visits to its official website, which was the second-highest of any UK national park.

Joanne Backshall, Programme Manager at Fix the Fells, explains what footpath erosion is, how people can help to minimise it and what could happen to the UK’s favourite routes in the next 50 years if they aren’t protected:

“Footpath erosion is where trampling has killed vegetation and exposed bare soil and loose stone, which gets washed away to create unsightly gullies and scars in the landscape.

“It’s caused by a combination of people and rainwater, and the severity is largely determined by the number of walkers and how many stray from the designated path.

“If no action is taken to look after paths and repair damage, then erosion will spread – more vegetation will be trampled and die, more soil and stone will be exposed and washed away, and ultimately more of our stunning mountain tops, ridges and main routes will become gullied and ugly.

Giles Polito, Marketing Director at Rohan, said: “We’re incredibly fortunate in the UK to have such stunning national parks on our doorstep and it’s fantastic that so many people are getting out to enjoy them.

“Since our launch in 1972, we’ve always encouraged the nation to head outside and explore these spaces, but it’s also important that we do everything we can to protect them, particularly those with high footfall, so that future generations can appreciate them as much as we do.

“We all have a joint responsibility to look after the British countryside and listening to and supporting charities like Fix the Fells is a great way to play your part.”

For more research about the future of the UK’s national parks, visit: 

https://www.rohan.co.uk/explore/nationalparks 

New National Parks for Scotland

SCOTS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN CONSULTATION

Communities, groups and individuals are being invited to share their views in a consultation on the creation of Scotland’s first new National Parks in almost twenty years.

The Scottish Government committed to establish at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary session in 2026, as part of the Bute House agreement with the Scottish Green Party and the Programme for Government.

The public consultation is looking at what people value about Scottish National Parks, and what these areas should deliver in future – in particular, how they can help to protect and restore nature, tackle climate change and promote sustainable land use. This will be followed by a longer period during which communities, local government and organisations will be encouraged and supported to develop proposals for new Parks.

Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater visited Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to open the consultation, and speak to pupils at Luss Primary School who have been involved in a local COP 26 legacy tree-planting project.

Ms Slater said: “It is almost two decades since Scotland’s first National Parks in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms were established. Both are home to some of the country’s most outstanding scenery, are internationally important areas for nature and receive millions of visitors each year.

“They work hard to tackle the biodiversity and climate crisis, help manage facilities for visitors, promote responsible access and develop sustainable communities. They have become jewels in Scotland’s crown, and now is the time to add to them.

“We are committed to establish at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary session in 2026. To be able to do this in an open and transparent manner, we need to be able to assess any new area which is to be considered for National Park status against a set of agreed expectations. 

“This is where we need your help and ideas. We want to gauge what people want their National Parks to deliver for the environment, culture and the communities within their boundaries.

“I would strongly encourage everyone to take part and ensure your views are heard and reflected in the shaping of this historic expansion of Scotland’s National Parks.”

Read and take part in the consultation on the Scottish Government website.

DunBear Sculpture lit blue and white to mark Battle of Dunbar

Today (3rd September) lights at The DunBear will alternate between blue and white to commemorate the Battle of Dunbar (1650).

The Battle of Dunbar was fought between the English New Model Army, under Oliver Cromwell, and a Scottish army commanded by David Leslie, on 3 September 1650 near Dunbar.

The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the English. It was the first major battle of the 1650 invasion of Scotland, which was triggered by Scotland’s acceptance of Charles II as king of Britain after the beheading of his father, Charles I on 30 January 1649.

The five-metre high DunBear steel sculpture, designed by Andy Scott (who also designed the Kelpies), was erected in 2019 and is the focal point for the DunBear Park low carbon mixed-use development located beside the A1 at Dunbar. 

The bear was erected as a tribute to John Muir, the Dunbar-born naturalist and conservationist emigrated to America with his family.

He travelled extensively throughout the country, later helping to form the Sierra Club which has gone on to be one of the largest environmental organisations in the world. It is lit-up at various points throughout the year, including the birthday of John Muir in April (blue and white), Remembrance Day (when it is illuminated red) and St Andrew’s Day (blue and white).

John Muir petitioned the President and Congress to form National Parks and through this Yosemite and other National Parks were eventually established.

It is because of National Parks that certain species, such as the brown bear, have survived and thrived.

Ken Ross from Hallhill Developments Limited commented: “Being in such a prominent position at the gateway to Dunbar, the stunning DunBear sculpture provides the perfect opportunity to commemorate key events such as the Battle of Dunbar.

“The DunBear has become a much-loved piece of public art, well-loved by the community and drawing visitors to the area and into Dunbar itself to find out more about John Muir, the pioneering naturalist and conservationist which it is a tribute to.

“It not only celebrates the work of one man, but also reminds us that we can each make a positive contribution to climate change and reduce global warming for future generations.”