An information campaign is to be launched in a region of Scotland picked as the proposed site for a new national park.
All households living within Galloway are to be sent leaflets explaining how to get involved in a wide-scale consultation process, after the area was identified as the possible home for Scotland’s first National Park for 15 years.
A dedicated online hub has been set up to share news and information and allow a ‘space for conversation’ for residents and communities in the area.
Galloway was selected from a five-strong shortlist following a months-long review.
NatureScot has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to investigate its proposal for the national park, and been appointed its statutory Reporter.
However, the plan has met with opposition, notably from the National Farmers Union (NFU), a powerful voice in the predominantly rural area.
The NFU has raised fears over the impact of agriculture , saying that “existing parks” have failed to make a positive contribution to farming and crofting’.
No decision to designate a third national park has been made, and NatureScot’s advice on the Galloway proposal will be considered by Ministers in deciding whether to proceed.
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The public has been invited to use the online hub to discover more about the government’s proposal and the existing national parks in Scotland, to explore opportunities to share their insights and views, through interactive maps and surveys, and to be part of the conversations taking place.
NatureScot will also be hosting a series of meetings with local authorities, community councils and other local organisations, as well as holding drop-in surgeries across the area.
NatureScot Head of People and Places, Pete Rawcliffe said: “Since the government’s announcement of Galloway as its proposed location for a new national park, we have been busy listening and discussing our reporting plans with community councils, farming and other land management groups, local politicians and public bodies.
“Ahead of the formal consultation in November, we are looking forward to hearing more from individuals in Galloway and beyond, either through this new online hub or in person at meetings and drop-in sessions, about what they value in the area, and how they feel about the potential of a national park.”
In November there will be a formal 12-week public consultation, also available on NatureScot’s own website.
The consultation will look at the detailed arrangements for a national park, including its area, powers and governance.
The consultation will result in advice and analysis submitted to government ministers at the end of April 2025. All the views expressed during the consultation will be reported to Scottish Government as part of this advice.
Scotland’s nature agency previously undertook the Reporter role for the country’s first two national parks, in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the Cairngorms.
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