Wildfowl, waders, and nationally important eelgrass beds could all suffer detrimental impacts and even irreversible destruction if plans to develop a new coal-fired power station in the west of Scotland are given the green light, the Scottish Wildlife Trust stressed today (2 August  2010).  

Throwing its weight behind campaigners objecting to Ayrshire Power Ltd’s proposed development at Hunterston in North Ayrshire, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has now launched its own campaign to urge its members and the public to lodge their own objections to prevent this development from going ahead. 

Tony King, Head of Policy for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said:  “This planning application promises the certain destruction of a significant part of the nationally important Portencross Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

“This area is an essential staging post for migrating birds, which use the mudflats as a stopping off and feeding point.  If this is lost to development, this will put extra pressure on the birds; they use this site because it is the best for miles around.  The site is also important for other wildlife including otter, a nationally scarce plant called seaside centaury, and a type of cuckoo bee which is rare in Scotland.”

Dr Maggie Keegan, National Planning Co-ordinator, said, “SSSIs are designated for good reasons and Portencross Coast is no exception.  Many key bird species, including oystercatcher, ringed plover, shelduck and greenshank, rely on the abundant food sources found within the intertidal mudflats.  As most of Scotland’s coastline is rocky, with only about 10% being made up of sandy beaches and mudflats, this is a scarce type of habitat which should be protected.”

Ayrshire Power Ltd’s application to destroy Portencross Coast SSSI is currently with the Scottish Government with a closing date for objections of 20 August. 

In addition to the fact that the Hunterston development would destroy part of a site which has been nationally designated as one requiring protection, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has also stated its belief that if the plans at Hunterston are allowed to go ahead the Scottish Government will be in breach of section one of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, which places a clear duty on every public body to further the conservation of biodiversity.

Tony King added:  “Giving permission to destroy a nationally protected site would send out a terrible message about the commitment of the Scottish Government to environmental conservation, particularly in the International Year of Biodiversity when there is a momentum building around the globe to take action to put an end to this kind of short-termism which destroys the very resources the economy and human welfare depend on.”

For more information about the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s objections to the Hunterston development or to find out how you can object, visit www.swt.org.uk/hunterston. 
 

***ENDS***
 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR IMAGE REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Nicola McGovern, PR and Communications Manager
nmcgovern@swt.org.uk
0131 312 4742

                
Notes to Editors

1. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. The Scottish Wildlife Trust seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

2. The Scottish Wildlife Trust receives financial assistance and support from a range of organisations, funders and individuals including Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.