The Scottish Hill Tracks Campaign, being run by Scottish Environment LINK, is urging walkers to continue to send in photos and information about new tracks being constructed in the hills. Details of what is need and how to submit material is at- http://www.scotlink.org/work-areas/link-hill-tracks-campaign/
Legislation has now been in force for over a year which requires developers considering constructing tracks for agriculture or forestry purposes to notify the relevant planning authorities (Prior Notification procedures). Before the legislation, developers could construct such tracks without notifying anyone.
LINK volunteers have been monitoring all new planning applications for such tracks over the past year and comments have been made to the planning authorities in a number of cases. The following are the key issues which have emerged:
-few issues have been identified regarding forestry tracks, tracks proposed for agricultural purposes in higher and open ground have been the focus of concern.
-it is likely that some tracks claimed to be for agriculture continue to be primarily for sporting purposes with agricultural activity being limited to sheep being put on the hill as tick mops. Proving this is problematic and it is an issue which would exist even if full planning consent were required.
-the new arrangements mean that planning authorities can now try to ensure that tracks are built to a good standard and follow the best line on the hill.
-the new system allows third parties to comment.
LINK is continuing to monitor with a view to both commenting to planning authorities on individual tracks and trying to influence government policy, hence the need for people to provide more information/photos.
LINK is also concerned that reinstatement/remedial work on the tracks created to facilitate the construction of small scale hydro projects is not being carried out well in some instances and it intends to keep an eye on the situation regarding these too.