Talks continue on future status of site

13th August 2015

Discussions on the Glen Roy National Nature Reserve with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Lochaber Geopark Association, which raises awareness of geology, are continuing.

The site was originally acquired in 1970 to protect it against proposed tree planting, as at the time Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) legislation was weaker than today. Now the protection comes from the SSSI - and not its national nature reserve (NNR) status.

The NNR amounts to just 8% of the much larger Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI.

Following the SNH Board meeting in Inverness today, Ian Ross, the SNH chairman, said:"Glen Roy is an important place, recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its geology. The SNH Board has listened to the many representations and recognises the significant support which exists within the local and wider Lochaber area for the Glen Roy NNR. It is also clear that there is existing good work to support visitors to the area.

“We have considered the concerns raised and decided to remove the threat of de-declaration and to engage with the local community and groups such as the Lochaber Geopark Association to explore ways of delivering the wider features required for NNR status – a NNR should be nationally important, well managed and be inspiring and accessible to the public, offering attractions for visitors to experience, savour, and enjoy. We have agreed we will review progress at Glen Roy in 18 to 24 months' time."

Mr Ross added: “The geological features of the Glen are protected through its designations as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the access rights remain the same for places bearing NNR or SSSI status. People are able to visit this part of the Lochaber Geopark under the terms of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, as they would any other area, provided they exercise their rights responsibly.

“This geological feature is one I’d encourage everyone to see if living in or visiting the Lochaber area.”

As well, the Board agreed to de-declare the below sites. The reasons are given below:

Ben Lui, near Tyndrum – While the mountain is popular with hillwalkers, the NNR itself has no central point for people to engage with the reserve and no visitor facilities. The landscape interest of the area is high, but it is part of a very high quality backdrop which offers many other fine views.

The NNR is also part of Ben Lui SSSI and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Parts of the site are also within Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA. SNH owns around half the NNR, and will continue to manage its land for its natural features. The site will retain its SSSI and SAC status.

Kirkconnell Flow, near Dumfries – The site, 100% owned by SNH, is undoubtedly of importance and has had considerable time and money spent on restoring its natural hydrology. Some interpretation is in place but apart from a small number of specialists it is unlikely to attract larger numbers of people. The site will retain its SSSI and SAC status.

Monach Isles, west of the Outer Hebrides – Though a high value nature conservation area in good condition, its remoteness means it is not possible or suitable to develop it as a visitor attraction and therefore it is a poor fit against the people criteria. The site will retain its SSSI, SAC and SPA status.

Rona and Sula Sgeir, off the north west coast of Scotland – Although an excellent nature conservation site, its fragility and inaccessibility to the general public means it is a poor fit with the NNR requirements. The site will retain its SSSI, SAC and SPA status.

Silver Flowe, north east of Newton Stewart – A site of national and international importance, but the length of walk in and the fragile surface of the bog make it unsuitable for large numbers of visitors and is therefore a poor fit against the people criteria. Priority for the site will be the continued management to re-wet it and reduce the extent and dominance of flowering grass (Molinia) through an agreed management programme with FCS. The site will retain its SSSI, SAC and Ramsar status.

Whitlaw Mosses, near Selkirk – The site is of high nature conservation interest, but it has low appeal to the general public and limited scope for development as a visitor destination due to its fragile habitat. The board walks were installed to allow researchers to access the reserve and are not suitable for public access. Visitors are currently guided around the adjacent Lindean Reservoir SSSI which is not part of the NNR. The site will retain its SSSI and SAC status.

The proposals will see promoted NNRs go from 47 to 42. With the SNH Board approval of a new NNR and an extension today – the Great Trossachs Forest national nature reserve and extension to the Flows NNR – the total area of NNRs will now increase by about 16,000 hectares to 117,000 hectares.