Conflicts in rural areas and
National Parks
Loch Lomond
Cairngorms
Aims
 For any named Upland Glaciated area or a
National Park
 Describe the environmental/land use
conflicts which may arise.
 Describe how these conflicts are solved
by the National Park Authority
Back ground – National Parks
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1950s A decade of new National Parks for the nation
The first ten National Parks are designated starting with the Peak
District in 1951. By the end of the decade the Lake District, Snowdonia,
Dartmoor, Pembrokeshire Coast, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales,
Exmoor, Northumberland and Brecon Beacons National Parks have been
established.
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This 1995 National Park Authorities become independent bodies within
local government.
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2005 New additions to the family
The new millennium brings two Scottish National Parks – Cairngorms and
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, created by the National Parks (Scotland)
Act 2000. In 2005, the New Forest finally joins the National Park ‘family’.
The UK National Parks
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Order of National Parks designation
Peak District - 1951
Lake District - 1951
Snowdonia - 1951
Dartmoor - 1951
Pembrokeshire Coast - 1952
North York Moors - 1952
Yorkshire Dales - 1954
Exmoor - 1954
Northumberland - 1956
Brecon Beacons - 1957
The Broads - 1989
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs - 2002
Cairngorms - 2003
The New Forest - 2005
Why is there a need for
national parks?
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Increased affluence of the population.
Greater leisure time.
Improvements in personal mobility.
Global communications.
Increasing population – urban sprawl.
Changing tourism.
What do National Parks do?
 The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 sets out the four aims
of National Parks in Scotland. These are:
 To conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage
 To promote the sustainable use of the natural resources of the
area
 To promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment
in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area
by the public; and
 To promote sustainable social and economic development of the
communities of the area.
The Cairngorms – Conservation!!
4 of Scotland’s highest mountains.
One of Europe’s last wilderness areas.
Unique arctic and alpine species.
Ospreys and Golden Eagles.
Home to 25% of UK’s threatened bird, animal
and plant species.
 Various designations, SSSI, NSA’s.
 Finest collection of glacial landforms in UK.
 Rich Cultural Heritage.
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The Cairngorms – Under
Pressure
 Large increases in visitor numbers all year
round.
 Has resulted in conflicts between those
wanting to expand tourism and those
wanting to conserve the area.
For
Winter Sports – The Cairngorm
Funicular Railway THE
CAIRNGORM FUNICULAR
RAILWAY
Against
40% business’s
rely on tourism
Visual impact
Skiers bring in
£12 million
Intrusion on
wilderness
350 local jobs
Walkers,
Climbers, Cross
country skiers.
Less rural
depopulation
All year round
tourism
 Demand for better ski
infrastructure V’s
visual and environmental
impact.
 Solution
– Funicular Railway.
– Visitor management plan.
Loch Lomond National Park
Loch Lomond – Conservation?
 More than 70% of Scotland's population
live less than an hour's travel time from
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.
 720 sq miles (1,865 sq km) of some of the
finest scenery in Scotland.
 There are 20 Munros (mountains above
3,000ft) in the Park and the highest is Ben
More at 1,174m.
 There are 22 larger lochs, with numerous
smaller lochs and lochans.
 About 50 rivers and large burns.
 Ospreys and Golden Eagles.
Tourist/Land use related Conflicts
Local Residents
Tourists
Environmentalists/National
Park Authority
Farmers
Tourists
Tourists
Local Residents
Environmentalists/National Park Authority
Farmers
Litter especially in
Luss, on beaches
and on the islands.
Litter – As more people gain access to
the islands there is increasing
pressure on fragile environments.
Trespassing
irresponsibly.
Gates open
Traffic Related
issues (Luss)
Inconsiderate
parking. Noise and
pollution. One way
street in Luss.
Footpath erosion – West Over 15,000
walkers manage to walk the entire way Leaving
every year and over 70,000 'day
Litter.
Rising House Prices
Increasing access to fragile
environments especially the islands.
Dogs scare nesting birds on the
islands Capercaillie, buzzards.
Seasonal Tourism
Trespassing – Luss
Anti Social
Behaviour – Luss
walkers' visit the route every day.
Highland Way, Ben Lomond.
Camp Fires. Lack of control or
consideration.
Wake/waves from engine powered
water activities cause beach erosion,
Scaring
animals
especially
pregnant
sheep.
Tourists
Active
versus
passive
tourists.
Mountain
bikers
versus
walkers.
Water based conflicts
Jet Skiers
Water Skiers
Canoeists
Kayakers
Fishermen
Ferry’s
Speed Boats
Swimmers
Cruise Boats
Sea Plane
Sailing Dinghy's Divers
Water based conflicts
Water based conflicts
Jet Skiers
Water Skiers
Canoeists
Kayakers
Fishermen
Ferry’s
Speed Boats
Swimmers
Cruise Boats
Sea Plane
Sailing
Dinghy's
Divers
Solutions
 Large car park at Luss
 NPA – Bye Laws
 Ranger service – empty bins twice daily in
Luss.
 No bins provided on beaches.
 Education provided by Ranger Service.
 Interpretation boards/signage.
 Creation of Honey pots – Luss and Balloch.
 Loch Lomond Shores visitor centre.
 Affordable Housing.[[[-[
 Outdoor Access Code.
A sewage issue in Luss
 Problem
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The car park facilitates over 400 cars
Luss is one of the main toilet stops on the A82.
I million visitors a year.
The sewage system in Luss was built to provide for the 200 residents.
 Solution
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Development of a open sewage treatment plant on the outskirts of Luss.
 Conflict
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Smells in summer
Unsightly
Noisy for local residents.
 Success?
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No raw sewage going into Loch Lomond.
Improved sewage facilities in Luss to meet the demand.
Footpath erosion
 Areas which attract a lot of people can suffer from
the effects of repeated trampling by human feet.
Mountain vegetation cannot withstand heavy
pressure and dies back ultimately leaving bare
ground with consequent problems fo soil erosion.
 On Ben Lomond with increased visitor pressure
the path steadily became wider. As the vegetation
cover was lost a lot of sediment was washed off
the path to be deposited further down the slope
causing further vegetation loss.
Core Paths
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What Are Core Paths?
The essential paths that people need to get about their area and enjoy the outdoors.
They can include waterways as well as paths and apply to everyone, including walkers,
canoeists, horse-riders and cyclists. Most of the proposed core paths already exist and
are already being used by the public.
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Positive Solutions
Provides access to the landscape.
Provides well built paths which can be maintained.
By sticking to paths there is less opportunity to trespass or put
pressure on fragile environments.
Interpretation boards can be set up along the paths to improve
education.
NP has greater control of where people are in the park.
Offer opportunities to enjoy the Park’s special qualities
Are promoted and offer potential economic benefits
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