Galloway National Park Association has welcomed the news that the Scottish Parliament is to debate a motion by Emma Harper MSP on 11 February in support of a National Park for Galloway.
We need to work together to undo the damage Covid has done to rural economies and to people’s wellbeing.
Access to the countryside was never more important than now.
Rob Lucas, Chair of the Association, said: –
“A National Park in Galloway would bring huge benefits to the people of our region and the whole of Scotland.
“There is a great deal of support for the idea and the contribution it could make to building a sustainable economy and improving wellbeing.
“Scotland also needs to protect more land for nature in order to meet the international 30% target set to mitigate nature loss and climate change. A National Park in Galloway would go a long way towards that goal.
“We are calling on MSPs of all parties to support Emma’s motion as a key action to help us recover from the pandemic and towards meeting the requirements of COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow later this year.
“The Association is grateful for Emma Harper MSP bringing this motion forward and to Colin Smyth MSP and Finlay Carson MSP for backing it – continuing the cross-party support from local MSPs who have been working together to ensure a National Park for Galloway becomes a reality.”
There are also proposals for a National Park in the Scottish Borders. Approving both would allow Scotland to immediately meet the 30% target.
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Note to Editors
Contact: Rob Lucas 01557 870098 or Matthew Shelley on 07786 704299 [email protected]
The Association’s objects are:
“The organisation’s purposes, so far and so far only as the same are legally charitable, within the area of Galloway (including parts of South and East Ayrshire), are:
- To promote the protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural assets of the area for public benefit
- To promote, undertake and publish research into issues affecting conservation and enjoyment of the natural and cultural heritage of the area and to identify how this may be furthered through the designation of a National Park
- To advance public education in and understanding of how a National Park could contribute to improving health and wellbeing through the enjoyment, understanding or enhancement of the area’s natural and cultural asset”
The association now has 750 members and recently held its AGM following which Rob Lucas was appointed Chair and Sandra McDowall as Vice Chair. Dame Barbara Kelly continues to be the association’s President.
Details of the work of the association, trustees etc. are also available on the website.
The association has been funded by membership and donations, and contributions from Scottish Campaign for National Parks, Dumfries & Galloway Council, South Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Council.
See www.gallowaynationalpark.org
Galloway National Park Association is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with OSCR (SC047398) on 9th May 2017