Buglife welcomes the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s decision to refuse planning permission for 58 houses in School Wood, Nethy Bridge, which would have threatened the rare wildlife of the Cairngorms.
School Wood is irreplaceable ancient woodland and home to many endangered insects including the Pinewood mason bee (Osmia uncinata) and a solitary wasp (Pemphredon rugifera). The Pinewood mason bee is only found in the Scottish Highlands and is reliant on the nectar from Bird’s-foot trefoil found at School Wood.
Alice Farr, Planning Manager at Buglife said “We are delighted that the Cairngorms National Park Authority has refused to grant planning permission at School Wood and fully support their decision. The Cairngorms is one of the best places in the UK for invertebrates, especially for species associated with mountains, woodlands and cooler climates”
Many species that are becoming rare or extinct elsewhere in Britain have a stronghold in the Cairngorms. Research has shown that Strathspey in general has almost double the number of rare species of insect in comparison to other areas in Scotland. Ensuring that the habitats they need are protected from harm is essential for their survival.
