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LAUNCH OF ACTION PLAN FOR WESTERN ISLES BIODIVERSITY |
1 June 2004 | ||
Journalist and broadcaster Nancy Nicolson formally launched the Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) on Thursday 27th May at Nunton Steadings, Benbecula. The plan seeks to safeguard and enhance nationally and locally important species and habitats in the Western Isles through the involvement of communities, individuals, businesses, organisations and agencies. The launch took the format of a number of presentations followed by a buffet lunch. Anne MacLellan, the Comhairle’s Biodiversity Officer, provided background information on how the action plan had been produced and highlighted the considerable public consultation involved in producing the plan. This was followed by a presentation by Nancy Nicolson. Nancy is considered a leading voice and commentator on issues affecting Scotland’s working countryside and will be familiar to many as a presenter on the BBC’s Landward programme and the Radio Scotland programme Grass Roots. Nancy recounted her experiences of the Western Isles and the changes she had seen over the last 20 years as a visitor to the islands. Having grown up on a family farm in Morayshire, Nancy recalled how her father would stop to move a “peewit’s” nest to safety when they were ploughing. Nowadays the family farm is “farmed for wildlife” with payments being received for particular environmental management as well as for the traditional livestock. The “environmentalists” now work hand in hand in farmers and crofters, helping to sustain agriculture and the environment. Nancy commended the work done to produce the LBAP and wished the plan every success in the future. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in conjunction with the Western Isles Biodiversity Partnership and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has produced the plan. David MacLennan, SNH Area Manager, commented on how he had seen attitudes change in the Western Isles and how crofters and land managers were now able to benefit from the various management schemes on offer such as the Lewis Peatland Scheme. Dr John Markland, chairman of SNH, was also present and summed up by stressing the importance of what is done locally. Dr Markland had been at the launch of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy in Edinburgh a couple of days previous and pointed out that the objectives of the national strategy would only be achieved through action and community involvement at a local level. Councillor Peter Carlin, chair of the launch concluded by acknowledging the considerable involvement and input by the partner organisations. He said “What we decide to do in the Western Isles comes from the direction of the local partnership group rather than from outwith the islands and is a strength of this process. However, this is not where the process ends - we must begin work on the various actions. Having a LBAP will be of benefit to the Western Isles in acquiring funding for projects where these are meeting the objectives of the plan”. Lastly, he encouraged everybody to take time to consider how they could help enhance the local biodiversity by making small changes to their lifestyles. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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