Ospreys upstaged... by High Flying Birds
IT is meant to be the guardian of Scotland’s rich variety of wildlife and habitat.
But, when a pair of nesting ospreys threaten to derail plans to relocate Scotland’s biggest music festival, the nation’s conservation watchdog thinks the best answer is to move the birds rather than stop the music.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has declared itself satisfied with the organisers’ proposals to stage this summer’s T in the Park within the grounds of Strathallan Castle estate in Perthshire – despite ongoing fears over the impact on protected species.
It has given its backing for an ‘osprey management plan’ put forward by promoters DF Concerts which intends to entice the ospreys away from their preferred nesting site close to the event’s main stage to a new, artificial platform further away.
The festival has already unveiled its line-up for the event, which is due to take place from July 10-12, with acts including Kasabian, The Libertines and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Tickets went on sale last Friday, three days after the deadline for public comments on the plans closed.
In a letter to Perth and Kinross Council, David Bale, SNH’s area manager for Tayside and Gram- pian, writes that the proposed relocation is ‘likely to be effective if ospreys use it’ but warns the birds could be disturbed – an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – if they instead choose somewhere closer to the festival.
Nevertheless, Mr Bale said the government-funded body will not be formally objecting to DFC’s plans to relocate to the 1,000-acre estate despite warning the move may also have a serious impact on other rare species, including otters, bats and red squirrels.
Mr Bale adds that 37 trees near the stages have been assessed with ‘definite bat roost potential’ but a proper survey is needed and asks for a ‘thorough survey’ of all potential red squirrel dreys, or nests, within 100 metres of the event area as soon as possible.
Campaigners, Strathallan T Action Group, said it was disappointed by SNH’s stance, particularly on the ospreys, which successfully fledged three offspring last season. A spokesman said: ‘SNH acknowledge that this osprey management plan might not work. There is a real possibility that the ospreys will choose their old nest over the new artificial platform. If they do, it is very unlikely that the festival can go ahead.’
She added that SNH’s submission showed DFC ‘ do not know enough about Strathallan’s rich biodiversity… because they have not carried out full surveys of the site, particularly during the breeding season’.
She added: ‘In our view, DFC should cut their losses and find another, more appropriate site.’
When asked why it had not lodged a formal objection, an SNH spokesperson said: ‘We believe holding T in the Park at the new proposed location will not have a lasting impact on the protected species in the area as long as certain conditions are met.’
A statement from DF Concerts said: ‘We’re pleased that the mitigation plans we’ve put in place with experts have been recognised and SNH has no objections to the event taking place.’