Bid Team Welcomes Launch of First Stage in National Park Engagement

·      Discover what it would really mean for Galloway

·      Major investment and better representation for region

The launch of the first stage in NatureScot’s public engagement process for a new National Park in Galloway has been warmly welcomed by the teams behind the bid.

An online portal is now open, giving clear, factual information about the process, the timetable and how the community across the region can get involved.

Galloway was chosen from among five competing areas as the preferred location for what would be the third National Park in Scotland.

The National Park bid has been made jointly by the Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership.

They are urging the public, and organisations across the area to take part in the consultation and ensure the fullest possible range of voices is heard.

Sandra Mcdowall, Vice Chair of GNPA, said: “This is a really exciting moment – we warmly welcome the start of the formal process and the plans that NatureScot have outlined to consult as widely as possible on the project.

“It’s especially welcome that they are going to great lengths to ensure people can easily find out exactly what the proposals would mean.

“Local democracy is hugely important and we want everyone to get involved and have their say. And it’s vital for people to get the facts.

“It’s great that NatureScot will be doing so much to set out what the plans really mean so there can be a well-informed debate. Our ambition is not just to have a National Park, but for it to be shaped by the needs and interests of the people and the place.”

If the proposal goes ahead it has the potential to bring significant investment from Scottish Government, increasing prosperity and helping to secure a sustainable future.

If the plan does not go ahead this will be lost.

Sandra said: “This is a one-off chance to get large-scale ongoing investment for our area that is designed to help Galloway thrive and prosper.

“We hope local people will help make this possible by engaging with the NatureScot Reporter fully over the next few months.”

During the public consultation NatureScot will host platforms for digital engagement as well as meetings and drop-in sessions at community hubs across Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire.

This will give all residents, organisations, businesses and other interested groups the opportunity to participate in shaping how a Galloway National Park would function and the powers it would have.

The public consultation will run through November to the end of January and NatureScot, as Reporter, will submit their findings to Ministers at the end of April next year.

John Thomson, Acting Chair of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership, said: “Galloway’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere testifies not only to the importance of its natural and cultural heritage but also to its potential as a place where local communities can chart a path to a better and more sustainable future. 

“We see the proposed Galloway National Park as a marvellous opportunity to build upon the efforts that the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership has already made to help them to achieve this goal. 

“It is central to our ethos as a Biosphere that local people should have the widest possible chance to contribute to the development of what we see as a designation very much complementary to our own. We are therefore delighted with NatureScot’s plans for an inclusive and comprehensive public consultation.

“Our vision for a Galloway National Park encompasses everything we know to be priorities for the people who live here, and with nothing yet decided on the proposal this is a unique chance for everyone to play a part in shaping what the GNP could look like, if communities and Ministers agree that this is the best way forward for Galloway. We encourage everyone to have their say and look forward to supporting NatureScot in any way we can.”

The NatureScot portal is at https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/national-designations/national-parks.

Information about the reporting process can be seen here.

It explains:

·       the plan

·       the process

·       the different phases of work

·       how and when people can find out more

·       how and when they can take part in the consultation.

Anyone wishing to contact NatureScot directly with regard to the Galloway National Park proposal, including to request a meeting for a local community group or other organisation, is invited to email directly via nationalparkreporter@nature.scot.