On the eve of a meeting which has been organised for this Thursday (03/10/24), at 7pm, at Wallets Marts in Castle Douglas, where NatureScot representatives, will be present to discuss the potential for a Galloway National Park, one local farmer Neil Picken has stated “National Parks are successful worldwide, we need to grasp this opportunity”
Last week the NFU Scotland launched the results of an open survey of residents and businesses affected by the Galloway National Park proposal found almost three-quarters of all respondents were opposed to the possibility of a Galloway National Park. You can find out more about that survey HERE
Neil Picken is a ‘Galloway National Park Association’ trustee, who has farmed in the region his whole life and currently farms 330-acres at Balmangan farm, Borgue on the Solway coast where he also runs the very popular ‘Solway View Campsite’ in partnership with his wife Patrica Picken, who is a board member of ‘SSDA’ a South of Scotland tourism and hospitality marketing organisation.
He said: “A National Park will bring investment to the area, and we need to bring in well-paid jobs to stop our young people leaving.
“Schools are shutting for lack of pupils. We can sit back and do nothing, but this is our golden chance to do something different.
“National Parks are successful worldwide, we need to grasp this opportunity. We need to get people back on the land and in the villages.
“Now there are opportunities to discuss the future with NatureScot, and we need to take these – it’s far better to engage than to oppose as there are so many possibilities for win-wins.
“We need people on the ground getting involved with making the policies and getting proactive to make a success of this opportunity.”
The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) stated today that – Farming in Galloway and across South West Scotland needs help and support in the face of multiple challenges – a National Park in Galloway is the natural way forward.
Today’s fully researched report from The Scottish Environment LINK network, Farming Benefits of National Parks, shows how National Parks in Scotland and beyond provide practical help and solutions with grants, advice, partnership schemes and marketing opportunities.
The Galloway National Park Association (GNPA) believes this could be a huge benefit in Galloway where a dozen dairy farmers have just lost their milk contracts with Lactalis (see Farmers Weekly).
The Link report recognises that Scottish National Parks are working landscapes which need to support thriving and profitable businesses which can also deliver for nature and climate.
The GNPA says it shows how Park Authorities are a positive force in bringing together farmers and others for a better future.
Key benefits include:
- Land managers would have access to additional funding and advice to help them accelerate change towards net zero and being nature positive
- A GNP would provide additional opportunities for land managers to diversify and add value to their existing primary production of food and timber which will also deliver wider benefits for our communities and Scotland as a whole.
- Major advantages in being able to market local produce using a globally recognised brand.
- Lots of opportunities for diversification into areas like agritourism – which bring income to farms and help visitors learn about rural and agricultural life.
- Access to additional help and advice in creating sustainable businesses.
What’s more the Scottish Government’s rural payments system and land management regime are the same both inside and outside Scottish National Parks.
It’s also a boost for younger generations who currently see little future in primary food production but could be attracted by diversification and more ecofriendly farming.
- The report – which contains a series of case studies from existing National Parks – can be found at Publications – Scotlink.
Scottish Environment LINK is the forum for Scotland’s voluntary environment community, with over 40 member bodies including RSPB Scotland, WWF, The Woodland Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust and The National Trust for Scotland. See www.scotlink.org/link-campaigns/nature-for-all/
The No Galloway National Park are asking that as many people as possible attend the meeting at Wallets Marts on Thursday. If you want to join the NO Galloway National Park campaign facebook page then Click Here
