Latest news with #NationalTrustForScotland
BBC News
2 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
In pictures: Invasive plants killed off in Corrieshalloch Gorge
Invasive non-native plants have been cleared from crags of a 60m (197ft) deep gorge in the Highlands. Corrieshalloch, south of Ullapool, was created by meltwater from glaciers at the end of the last ice age about 11,000 years ago, and has a 45m (148ft) mile-long canyon takes its name from Gaelic for "ugly hollow".National Trust for Scotland (NTS) received funding for the work which involved contractors abseiling into the gorge. The plants removed or killed off included Japanese knotweed, rhododendron ponticum and American skunk species, brought to the UK from other parts of the world for planting in gardens, can smother native plants and damage fragile said the work at Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve was part of its wider efforts to conserve native species.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
Conservationists abseil into 60-metre gorge to tackle invasive plant species
Conservationists have abseiled down a 60-metre gorge in the Highlands to tackle invasive species such as Japanese knotweed in a bid to protect biodiversity in Scotland. Rope access specialists from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) dealt with invasive plants which had grown in crags in Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve in Wester Ross. The gravity-defying feat is part of efforts to tackle invasive non-native species (INNS), including Japanese knotweed and rhododendron ponticum, under NTS's new Plan for Nature, which identified it as the main driver of nature loss in Scotland. Property and conservation staff surveyed the gorge, identifying sites where invasive plants had established themselves on the cliff sides before applying a targeted dose of herbicide. The project aims to protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitats. NTS plans to remove the six most troublesome non-native invasive plants from its estate: rhododendron ponticum, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, salmonberry, skunk cabbages and New Zealand broadleaf, and to gradually remove non-native invasive shrubs where they are protecting gardens from coastal spray. It will also review emerging invasive species, targeting those which are most invasive and have the highest ecological impact. Rob Dewar, the trust's INNS project officer, said: 'Our work at Corrieshalloch is part of our ongoing nature conservation to remove invasive non-native species and demonstrates the extreme lengths we go to, to protect the places in our care. 'These gravity-defying feats are undertaken by our rope access specialists who support our conservation efforts in these hard-to-reach places where these species can quickly establish themselves, like on the vertiginous sides of the gorge. 'The INNS work is focused on eradicating invasive non-native plants, including Japanese knotweed, American skunk cabbage and rhododendron ponticum. 'The work helps to tackle these species and protect native flora from being crowded out of their natural habitat to safeguard the biodiversity of Scotland's wild landscapes. 'It is thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters, including players of People's Postcode Lottery, that we're able to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland's natural heritage at this special place for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.' Players of People's Postcode Lottery have supported NTS's Love Our Nature project since 2022, which benefited from £900,000 last year, and have raised more than £3.4 million since 2014 to support the charity. Further funding will support nature conservation work across a variety of habitats including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland, and the eight national nature reserves cared for by the trust. Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: 'Players of People's Postcode Lottery will be delighted to know they are supporting the important work of NTS to protect the biodiversity of our beautiful landscapes. 'Tackling invasive non-native species is vital to ensure the survival of our native plant-life by protecting the natural habitats in which they thrive.'
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Horse racing track near Bannockburn site refused
The Scottish government has refused planning permission for a horse racing track next to the historic Bannockburn battlefield Council had approved the proposal, which would have seen a trotting track for harness racing built on land at Chartershall on the outskirts of the ministers ruled the proposals would "introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield".The Scottish government formally "called in" the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination. Ministers ruled the development would have a "significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place".The Battle of Bannockburn, fought in June 1314, saw Robert the Bruce and his Scots army defeat the English troops led by King Edward proposed development would have had parking for more than 200 cars and access roads within view of the battle Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) saying it was "shocked and disappointed" at the acting director of conservation and policy Diarmid Hearns said: "This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history."He said the ministers' conclusions "closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield". Impact on Bannockburn as a nationally significant battlefield Ministers said that while they were "sympathetic" to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they "do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings".The Scottish government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: "The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield."Stirling Council has been approached for comment.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Development on Bannockburn battlefield site refused planning permission
Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a development on the historic Bannockburn battlefield site. Turning down plans to build a trotting track for harness racing, the Scottish Government ruled the proposals would 'introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield'. As such it ruled the development 'would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'. The site is where in June 1314 Robert the Bruce and his Scottish army famously defeated English troops led by King Edward II. Stirling Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland saying was 'shocked and disappointed' at the decision. The Scottish Government formally 'called in' the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination. While ministers were 'sympathetic' to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they 'do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. Ministers added the part of the battlefield where the development was to be sited is 'especially sensitive and remains undeveloped' – adding this 'greatly assists an appreciation of its role in the battle'. Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history.' He said the ministers' conclusions 'closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield'. He added: 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' The Scottish Government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: 'The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield.' Ministers said these plans 'would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised by the proposed development'. A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed: 'Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a golf driving range and trotting track within the Bannockburn battlefield.'
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
West Highland Way walkers become ill after drinking from stream
Some walkers tackling the West Highland Way have become unwell after drinking water from rivers, according to National Trust for Scotland (NTS) said at least nine hikers had suffered vomiting and diarrhoea while walking the popular long-distance route over the past rangers said the people had drunk water from rivers near Balmaha, a village on the shores of Loch of them had taken water from The Burn of Mar, and rangers warned that there were farm animals upstream in the area. In a post on social media, the NTS staff said the hikers' symptoms had only lasted a day or affected had filtered the water first, but rangers advised that boiling the water was a safer warned there were "lots of livestock" upstream of The Burn of West Highland Way starts in Milngavie, near Glasgow, and then winds its way north for 96 miles (154 km) to Fort William in the route's website has a list of the locations of Scottish Water Top Up taps along the way, as well as details on where other provisions are available. Tens of thousands of people travel the West Highland Way every route was established 45 years ago and follows old cattle drover routes and 18th Century military journey takes in the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, crosses the sprawling Rannoch Moor, and up the zig-zag ascent of the Devil's Staircase footpath in Glen Coe, before reaching its final destination in the whole route often takes up to a week, while some people have completed it in shorter times by running or cycling. Mountaineering Scotland, an organisation representing the interests of walkers and other outdoor activity enthusiasts, said people should take precautions around drinking from burns and rivers.A spokesperson said: "In general, being in the Scottish mountains at higher levels above human habitation, the water is safe to drink."But there are some key rules to bear in mind. "It is recommended only to take water from a flowing stream rather than still water, away from paths and people and to avoid sources that are obviously muddy or near or downstream from livestock or where people are camping."Boiling water is the most reliable way to ensure it is safe to drink, and there are various filtering equipment on the market, although performance and longevity is determined by a number of factors."
