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Conservation Strategy launched

Tuesday 11th June 2019, 10:00am


Mountaineering Scotland has launched its new conservation strategy in line with the wishes of members – and marked the occasion with a hillside litter-pick.

The new Conservation Strategy looks at three main areas.

Land Use & Wildlife issues include overgrazing by wild or domestic animals, the creation of extensive monocultures through excessive muirburn or large, single-species forestry plantations, and the concept of rewilding.

Under Wild Land & Development Activity the strategy looks at ways of responding to increasing demands for wind turbines, hydro power schemes and new hilltracks in wild areas.

And in Recreational Activity the spotlight is turned on walkers and climbers themselves, looking at what people can do to minimise their impact on the environment.

Stuart Younie, Chief Executive Officer of Mountaineering Scotland, said: “Our landscape provides us the environment in which to enjoy our recreational activities, so we need to do our part to help preserve and enhance it.

“Mountaineering Scotland already has a strong record of campaigning on issues that matter to its members. We will continue to do that and by launching this strategy we hope it sends a clear message to Government  and other organisations about our commitment  to the conservation agenda, and also our desire to take a strategic approach and engage with other organisations to help influence change in policy and legislation.”

Vehicle roads in the uplands, whether for agriculture or field sports access, or for access to new hydropower schemes, have been a growing concern, and the organisation, while supportive of the drive for increased renewable energy, continues to object to wind farm proposals in inappropriate locations.

Over the last twelve months Mountaineering Scotland was active in the Mend Our Mountains appeal, which has raised £100,000 for path repairs on mountains in Scotland’s two national parks.

And a new campaign – Tak It Hame – is encouraging members – and other walkers and climbers, to take home their own rubbish from the hills and to pick up any other rubbish they find there. Directors, staff and members all took part in a litter-pick on Birnam Hill on Saturday to mark the launch of the conservation strategy. There was gratifyingly little litter to be picked up, but interest was more than maintained through the inspiring commentary by Conservation and Access Officer Davie Black, who talked about changing ecology on the way up Birnam Hill and related it to aspects of the Conservation Strategy.

In a survey of Mountaineering Scotland’s 14,000 members, 85% of respondents gave a high priority to campaigning to protect the wildness of Scotland’s mountain areas.

The new conservation strategy is introduced here, and can be downloaded in pdf form.

Become a member of Mountaineering Scotland and add your voice to our campaigns and work to protect access rights and encourage sustainable mountain environments. 

As a not-for-profit organisation, we offer membership to anyone who loves Scotland's mountains - whether you walk, climb or ski, no matter where you are from or your ability or fitness. In return, you get liability insurance, our quarterly magazine, a range of discounts and member offers, access to mountain huts, subsidised mountain skills and climbing courses, and opportunities to get involved in consultations and the future of the organisation.