This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Farmers helping to protect environment
27/08/2003
Scottish farmers are playing a vital role in protecting
Scotland's valuable natural heritage according to
Environment Minister Ross Finnie.
Mr Finnie was visiting the Lunan Lochs where Letter Farm
is participating in a unique collaboration to reduce
phosphate pollution of an important aquatic
environment.
The chain of five lochs between Dunkeld and Blairgowrie
support an outstanding range of aquatic flora including
important pondweeds and the most easterly occurences of the
rare Slender Naiad on the Scottish mainland. Otter is
another species of European importance that is also present
on this Special Area of Conservation.
Mr Finnie met with Mr and Mrs Andrew whose farm is
involved with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency,
Scottish Natural Heritage and Farming and Wildlife Advisory
Group to reduce levels of phosphate fertiliser and soil run
off leading to harmful nutrient enrichment of the
lochs.
Mr Finnie said:
"The Scottish Executive will shortly bring forward
proposed legislation to improve the protection of
Scotland's rich natural heritage. The Nature Conservation
Bill recognises that the responsibility of care we have
towards the environment is shared across a wide range of
interests.
"The vast majority of Scottish farmers who manage most
of our rural environment take that responsibility extremely
seriously. We are determined to work with the farming
industry to ensure a sustainable future that protects the
interests of the industry and the environment on which it
depends.
"The work being done here in Perthshire demonstrates
that commitment. All of the farms within the catchment of
this precious aquatic environment are taking part in an
environmental audit, working with government agencies and
environmental NGOs to secure the future of this important
habitat."
The Dunkeld-Blairgowrie candidate Special Area of
Conservation (cSAC) is one of approximately 250 sites in
Scotland that have been designated under the EC Habitats
Directive for a range of habitats and species of European
importance. These sites form part of a European newtork of
sites known as Natura sites.
The Dunkeld - Blairgowrie Lochs cSAC was designated in
December 2000. The site has many important characteristics.
Of particular importance are its Oligotrophic to
mesotrophic standing waters and its Transition mires and
quaking bogs. The site area is some 428 hectares.
Part of the site area, including Lochs Clunie and Marlee
and Lochs of Butterstone, Craiglush and Lowes have also
been notified by Scottish Natural Heritage as a Site of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The special features
include slender naiad (a delicate water plant) and
otter.
The Nature Conservation Bill will reform the SSSI system
and reinforce wildlife crime measures introduced under the
Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act.