Protecting Wild Land in the UK

– Challenges and Solutions

Helen McDadeHead of Policy

John Muir born April 21st 1838 in Dunbar, Scotland

El Capitan, Yosemite

President Roosevelt

& John Muir

John Muir Trust

UK organisation which aims to

• protect and enhance wild land

• ensure that wild places are valued by all sectors of society

1. By owning and managing wild land

2. By raising awareness of its value

3. Through advocacy for better protection

• Owns 9 key areas of wild land

• Works with crofting and community interests

• Works in partnership with communities in other key areas, where invited

• Welcomes exploration and discovery

Land ownershipand partnership

Sandwood Bay Sutherland

Bla Bheinn, Cuillins, Skye

• The battle for conservation will go on endlessly. It is part of the universal battle between right and wrong.

• John Muir (1838-1914)

• As inscribed on the Scottish Parliament wall

Third strand of Trust work- is on strategic policy issues

Wild Land campaign running

• For better protection of wild land

(Petitions to Scottish Parliament & UK)

• Better statutory protection

• National energy strategy

Definition of wild land?

JOHN MUIR TRUST DEFINITION

The Trust regards “large areas of high scenic and wildlife value with minimal evidence of modern human development” as core Wild Land.It is a holistic concept which embraces both • ecological quality and diversity •and the landscape aspects important to people for its aesthetics and spirituality

Where is the wild land?

John Muir Trust map•Top 10% in UK (blue) •How well protected is it?

(Wild Land Research Institute mapping for Trust)

Scottish Natural Heritage

Much more detailed resolution than the Trust’s map – using cell size of around 50metre square.

Mostly similar areas highlighted –

Main significant exception is islands.Where will this leave Western Isles and Shetland?

Wild land faces major threats

SNH Natural Heritage Indicator“Visual influence of built development and land use change”•the extent of Scotland unaffected by any form of visual influence declined from 41% in 2002 to 28% in 2009”

Map gives tool for policy decisions

E.g. Beauly Denny pylon route –

Transmission impacts -

• Beauly Denny was start of major UK expansion

• Power needs to get to south England

• Many other lines now on cards – from Wales; Cumbria; East Anglia

• Has the cost-benefit analysis been done?

• How is natural environment valued?

View from Callanish standing stones to Muaitheabhal, Western Isles

Looking towards site ofMuaitheabhal wind development

Approved Muaitheabhal development (photomontage)

Public Local Inquiry into previous design, in National Scenic Area, found landscape and visual impacts unacceptable

Developer redesigned outside the NSA; no further public involvement

Is this the right development, in the right place?

Shetland Viking

Development

103 turbines

145metre high

Developer’s photomontage of a small part of site

Shetland “Viking” proposed development 103*145metre high turbines –

Consented without public inquiry

How to protect?

John Muir Trust discussion paper - OPTIONS

1.A new wild land designation (petition in Scottish Parliament)

2.New, and enlarged National Parks

3.Improved National Scenic Areas (NSAs)

4.A light touch approach through planning guidance and legislation

IUCN – ideal forum?

• Unintended consequences of devolution – different remits, causing lack of joined-up thinking and ability to “pass the buck”

• Needs a UK body to take a role in reviewing the problems of different administration remits – environment; planning; economic drivers

• And bring pressure for joined-up policy

‘Do something for wildness and make the mountains glad.’

John Muir