Why RSPB Scotland has objected to the proposed telecoms mast at Ryvoan in Abernethy Nature Reserve

Update 6 December 2024

We were pleased to see the recent recommend refusal from the National Park to the proposed development of a Telecommunications tower at Ryvoan on RSPB Scotland's Abernethy nature reserve and the subsequent withdrawal of the planning application by the developers. This is great news and a victory for the nature of Abernethy and surrounding area. The strong public response this proposed development received highlights just how passionate people are about protecting this remarkable place along with its stunning species. Thank you to those who shared their views, this is certainly a result to celebrate.

You can read more about the site and why RSPB Scotland objected below, in our blog originally posted in August 2024.

RSPB Scotland has significant concerns about a proposed 22.5m high tele-communications mast at Ryvoan and have submitted an objection to this on the Cairngorms National Park planning and development portal. Ben Oliver Jones, RSPB Scotland Abernethy Senior Site Manager, shares more information about our objection.

Above is a photo of me and my canine companion, Otto during our last visit to Ryvoan, looking to the bothy for some shelter from the oncoming rain. The location of the proposed mast is just to the left of this image.  

The area around Ryvoan is truly special; the stunning, natural views, the advancing regenerating forest, the spectacular wildlife you can spot from just sitting in one location all add to the beauty of this site. I find myself needing to stop and marvel at the sights around me when at Ryvoan, whether it is on my way up Meal a’Bhuachaille or just to taking it slow looking for wildlife. On a recent visit I was once again blown away by the impressive natural vista looking down from the bothy towards Glenmore. I had never been at this particular time of year before and the Bog Cotton was blooming like I've never seen, I was even lucky enough to have great views of a male Ring Ouzel and glimpse a Water Vole.

The experience of walking through this beautiful spot, up from Glenmore is also under threat from a proposed relay mast required to make any mast at Ryvoan functional. The Ryvoan mast also requires a power supply, the details to which are not included in the proposal, meaning the experience of walking up to and around Ryvoan could be overshadowed by pylons if the Ryvoan mast gets approval.

RSPB Scotland has been managing this part of Abernethy Nature Reserve since the 1980s. Though I only started working here recently, I knew from my first visit 10 years ago, why this is such a favourite place for many. We want this to continue being a place where people enjoy the outdoors, spot spectacular wildlife and make special memories with friends and family.

This photo above is the RSPB boundary to the south of Ryvoan. It is likely you would be able to see the proposed Ryvoan mast behind me and Otto. 

RSPB Scotland is supportive of the need for an effective telecommunications network in Scotland and, indeed, we host telecommunication masts on some RSPB Scotland nature reserves. However, it is important that projects like these are sited in appropriate locations to avoid potential negative impacts on protected sites, species of highest conservation concern or sensitive, restoring and designated habitats.   

The mast is proposed within a highly protected and sensitive area. It’s our opinion that these issues have not been properly taken into consideration by the Applicant and that they haven’t surveyed the area properly to try and understand what the impacts on nature could be. The proposed mast would be on RSPB Scotland-owned land, within the Abernethy National Nature Reserve, which is within the Cairngorms National Park, around 410m north of the iconic Ryvoan Bothy, in an area that is being allowed to naturally regenerate as native woodland habitat. Usually, a landowner can refuse permission for someone to build something on their land, but telecoms mast developers have particular rights which make this very difficult.  

The application site is also within the Cairngorms Massif Special Protection Area (SPA) which means that it is specially protected as it supports breeding Golden Eagles. The location is also right next to Abernethy Forest SPA and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and within 210m of Cairngorm SPA and Glenmore Forest SSSI, all of which are protected for breeding Capercaillie and Scottish Crossbill, amongst other nationally important species and habitats.  The reason these sites are designated is to protect their natural features, such as Golden Eagle and Capercaillie, enabling them to survive and thrive and give future generations the opportunity to live alongside them.

RSPB Scotland does not believe that this location is appropriate for the proposed mast development. This is due to the potential for birds to collide with the mast itself, as well as potential for the construction and operation of the mast to cause disturbance and displacement for important wildlife. We are also really worried about impacts on the visitor experience to RSPB Scotland’s Abernethy reserve and people’s ability to connect with and experience nature. For all these reasons, we don’t think that the proposed mast would meet policy requirements.   

In summary, our key concerns about the application are:  

• Likely adverse impacts on Capercaillie, which is one of the species for which Abernethy Forest SPA and Cairngorms SPA are protected. 
• Inadequate information and assessment of impacts on species and habitats including qualifying features of the multiple SPA’s (including Cairngorms Massif SPA), SSSI’s and Cairngorm SAC and lack of information to inform appropriate assessment
• Impacts on priority species such as Red-throated Diver and Black Grouse 
• Likely adverse impacts on visitor experience to Abernethy nature reserve

There is still time to make your views heard on the proposal, with the deadline for comments on the application the 12 August 2024. You can respond to the proposed development on the CNPA website.

To learn more about the conservation designations in this area visit NatureScot's SiteLink.

If you would like to make contact with RSPB Scotland about this, please email Abernethy Senior Site Manager, Ben Oliver Jones ben.oliverjones@rspb.org.uk  

Update 01/11/2024

The Additional Information submitted by the developer does not alleviate our significant concerns regarding this proposal. The Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) submitted fails to provide adequate information to enable a full assessment of predicted impacts on species, habitats and designated sites.

We note the Landscape Adviser’s response (dated 28 August 2024) to the Landscape Appraisal (LVIA) and their conclusion that the proposal would have significant adverse effects on landscape character of the area and the visual amenity of people who use the Park. They further conclude that a mast in this location is not likely to be suitable on landscape and visual grounds regardless of mitigation or design. We share concerns over visual amenity including the likely impacts on visitors’ experience of RSPB Scotland’s Abernethy nature reserve and consequently people’s ability to connect with and experience nature.

RSPB Scotland maintains our objection to this application on the following grounds as per our previous response:

• Likely adverse impacts on Capercaillie as a qualifying feature of the Abernethy Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) and the Cairngorms SPA.

• Inadequate information and assessment of impacts on species and habitats including qualifying features of the multiple SPA’s (including the Cairngorm Massif SPA), Site of Special Scientific Interest’s (SSSI’s) and Cairngorm Special Area of Conservation and lack of information to inform appropriate assessment.

• Impacts on priority species such as Red-throated Diver and Black Grouse

• Likely adverse impacts on visitor experience to Abernethy nature reserve.

Read our full objection here: