National Parks

Loch LomondCaringorms

Aims

For any named Upland Glaciated area or a National Park

Describe the environmental/land use conflicts which may arise.

Describe how these conflicts are solved by the National Park Authority

Back ground – National Parks

1950s A decade of new National Parks for the nationThe first ten National Parks are designated starting with the Peak District in 1951. By the end of the decade the Lake District, Snowdonia, Dartmoor, Pembrokeshire Coast, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Exmoor, Northumberland and Brecon Beacons National Parks have been established.

This 1995 National Park Authorities become independent bodies within local government.

2005 New additions to the familyThe new millennium brings two Scottish National Parks – Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, created by the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. In 2005, the New Forest finally joins the National Park ‘family’.

The UK National Parks

Order of National Parks designation Peak District - 1951 Lake District - 1951 Snowdonia - 1951 Dartmoor - 1951 Pembrokeshire Coast - 1952 North York Moors - 1952 Yorkshire Dales - 1954 Exmoor - 1954 Northumberland - 1956 Brecon Beacons - 1957 The Broads - 1989 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs - 2002 Cairngorms - 2003 The New Forest - 2005

Why is there a need for national parks?

Increased affluence of the population.

Greater leisure time. Improvements in personal mobility. Global communications. Increasing population – urban

sprawl. Changing tourism.

What do National Parks do?

The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 sets out the four aims of National Parks in Scotland. These are:

To conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage

To promote the sustainable use of the natural resources of the area

To promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public; and

To promote sustainable social and economic development of the communities of the area.

The Cairngorms – Conservation!!

4 of Scotland’s highest mountains. One of Europe’s last wilderness areas. Unique arctic and alpine species. Ospreys and Golden Eagles. Home to 25% of UK’s threatened bird,

animal and plant species. Various designations, SSSI, NSA’s. Finest collection of glacial landforms in

UK. Rich Cultural Heritage.

The Cairngorms – Under Pressure

Large increases in visitor numbers all year round.

Has resulted in conflicts between those wanting to expand tourism and those wanting to conserve the area.

Winter Sports

Demand for better ski infrastructure V’s visual and environmental impact.

Solution Funicular Railway. Visitor

management plan. 

For Against

40% business’s rely on tourism

Visual impact

Skiers bring in £12 million

Intrusion on wilderness

350 local jobs Walkers, Climbers, Cross country skiers.

Less rural depopulation

 

All year round tourism

 

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond – Conservation? More than 70% of Scotland's population live less

than an hour's travel time from Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.

720 sq miles (1,865 sq km) of some of the finest scenery in Scotland.

There are 20 Munros (mountains above 3,000ft) in the Park and the highest is Ben More at 1,174m.

There are 22 larger lochs, with numerous smaller lochs and lochans.

About 50 rivers and large burns. Ospreys and Golden Eagles.

Tourist related ConflictsLocal Residents Environmentalists/National Park

AuthorityFarmers Tourists

Tourists

Local Residents Environmentalists/National Park Authority

Farmers Tourists

Tourists Litter especially in Luss, on beaches and on the islands.

Traffic Related issues (Luss) Inconsiderate parking. Noise and pollution.

Rising House Prices

Seasonal Tourism

Trespassing – Luss

Anti Social Behaviour – Luss

Litter

Footpath erosion – West Highland Way, Ben Lomond.

Increasing access to fragile environments especially the islands.

Camp Fires.

Trespassing irresponsibly.

Gates open

Leaving Litter.

Scaring animals especially pregnant sheep.

Active versus passive tourists.

Mountain bikers versus walkers.

Water based conflicts

Jet Skiers Water Skiers Canoeists

Kayakers Fishermen Ferry’s

Speed Boats Swimmers Cruise Boats

Sea Plane Sailing Dinghy's

Divers

Jet Skiers Water Skiers Canoeists

Kayakers Fishermen Ferry’s

Speed Boats Swimmers Cruise Boats

Sea Plane Sailing Dinghy's

Divers

Solutions

Large car park at Luss NPA – Bye Laws Ranger service – empty bins twice daily in

Luss. No bins provided on beaches. Education. Interpretation boards. Creation of Honey pots – Luss and Balloch. Loch Lomond Shores visitor centre. Affordable Housing.