Community participation: Case Studies
Flanders Moss
The site
Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve (NNR) is one of the largest areas of relatively undisturbed lowland raised bog in the European Community. Because of its natural heritage importance, it has been designated a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Quite simply, it is probably the biggest and best remaining raised bog in Western Europe. It is one of the last remaining natural landscapes in Scotland and is home to many plants, insects and birds. It also tells a fascinating story of the social and cultural history of people living in this part of Scotland. There is much to interest people.
The aim
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) manages the site and wants to place a much greater emphasis on promoting public understanding and appreciation of NNRs. This means giving people opportunities to visit these special places and helping people to understand and enjoy them to the full.
The potential
Flanders Moss has a unique range of specialist wildlife and connections with much of Scotland's natural, social and cultural history. As a visitor attraction there is much to interest people. It is close to the densely populated central belt and with its large size it has the carrying capacity to offer an ideal opportunity to get people onto a bog site. But the dilemma at Flanders Moss is that it is a fragile and delicate site.
Taking the Moss to the People
There are many ways of increasing awareness of Flanders Moss with visiting the site being just one. People can find out more about the Moss through:
- Web based virtual information,
- Leaflets, newsletters and books,
- Interpretation at viewpoints overlooking the Moss,
- Interpretation at other nearby sites with a common history e.g. Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument,
- Information packs for education groups,
- Newspaper and journal articles,
The Plan: consultation stage
A suitable part of Flanders Moss was identified as a possible location for allowing the public access to the bog surface. This access facility is likely to include a car park, protective walkway and viewing tower.
In January 2005, SNH began to consult with the local community over its plans to increase awareness and understanding of the bog and to open up access opportunities. The aim was to ensure that the project complements the desires of the stakeholders and fulfils its purpose of raising awareness of Flanders Moss itself and peatland conservation issues.
The plans were issued in a Consultation Paper that was sent, along with a questionnaire, to around 50 interested local people, community councils and organisations. The consultation exercise was publicised through the local newspaper and local radio and the consultation document was put on to one of the web site of one of the Community Councils. A further five people requested copies of the Consultation package. In all, 25 responses were received. You can see a summary of this consultation report and results here.
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