Western Isles Biodiversity
Community Consultation
The local species and habitat action plans have been produced in 2 phases with all action plans being drafted by specialists. Public consultation exercises were carried out by a consultancy specialising in community engagement to agree the actions identified in the plans.
Phase 1 Consultation
A series of 3 workshops were held in Barra, Benbecula and Lewis in December 2003 to obtain community comments and ideas to help finalise the draft action plans.
The consultants took the opportunity to raise awareness about the local biodiversity of the islands and to engage young people of different ages in the evaluation of the action plans. Pupils from Castlebay Primary and Secondary Schools were invited to look at colourful posters of each species and habitat and to give their thoughts. The pupils were very responsive and the consultation report records all the feedback from these sessions.
Consultants Report – Phase 1
The full consultant's independent report on the consultation exercise is available below.
- Cover Page
- Full Report
- Appendix A - Methodology
- Appendix B - Discussion of broader outcomes
- Appendix C - Attendees and actual comments
The report is also available in the local libraries.
Phase 2 Consultation
A series of 6 workshops were held in Barra, South Uist, North Uist, Harris and Lewis in March 2005 to ascertain the views and opinions of the local community on actions set out in the second phase of 5 action plans.
Further consultations were undertaken with key partners and stakeholders identified in the draft plans by telephone. Awareness raising ‘mini-workshops’ were also carried out at four primary schools across the islands to introduce the children to the latest draft action plans.
Consultants Report – Phase 2