T(or not)In The Park

That's my opinion also THOMO. Entirely different if a housing association want to build useful homes etc immediate objections are put in it would seem, but the entire Strathallan issue reeks of money and greed from a whole host of organisations for different reasons  

Yes I've always praised the RSPB regularly, but I have also been very critical of them in other areas, when needs be.

Val - thanks for the update.  It is indeed a relief to hear there is a 24/7 surveillance - what wonderful people these residents are.  It is just a pity they are not receiving more help from the RSPB and the likes.    Please keep us informed of developments.

CRinger - What a well constructed email, well done.  The law is the law and I cannot believe that no one has charged.  I am really interested in their reply.  Will look out for your post.

Obviously all festivals affect wildlife. I live near the Glastonbury Festival which is at least as big as T in the Park. It affects wildlife. it is not against the law to affect wildlife. It is against the law to deliberately (or recklessly) disturb nesting birds so that they stop nesting. Technically, the T owners have not yet done this as they have not been disturbing the birds since they started nesting. I have today driven down the A303. Rooks are nesting as usual even in the middle of the dual carriageway. Blackbirds, robins etc feed their babies in the middle of the Glastonbury Fest.  Rooks use their rookery to socialise, badgers and foxes tramp about as usual.  We won't know if the T stops the Ospreys nesting unless or until it does.  Personally I am angry and saddened by the idea that the Festival is being held in such a place, with the risk to the nest, but that doesn't make it against the law. The RSPB can only try to persuade but then act within the actual law. The birds might cope with the Festival and this might be the best outcome. If they don't, then the law will come in to effect. Presumably the owners/organisers know this.

It is a little late, but just seen this BBC posted news report..... Ospreys return to Strathallan T in the Park site

Unknown said:

It is against the law to deliberately (or recklessly) disturb nesting birds so that they stop nesting. Technically, the T owners have not yet done this as they have not been disturbing the birds since they started nesting....

 We won't know if the T stops the Ospreys nesting unless or until it does.  Personally I am angry and saddened by the idea that the Festival is being held in such a place, with the risk to the nest, but that doesn't make it against the law. The RSPB can only try to persuade but then act within the actual law. The birds might cope with the Festival and this might be the best outcome. If they don't, then the law will come in to effect. Presumably the owners/organisers know this.

Hi mozziecat.

With respect, the point I am making is that the law is different in Scotland. The Nature Conservation Act (Scotland) 2004 now makes it an offence to damage, destroy or otherwise interfere with any nest habitually used by any wild bird at any other time. Whether the birds have started to nest or not appears to now be irrelevant. The NCA also makes it an offence in Scotland to obstruct or prevent any wild bird from using its nest.

It is certainly not against the law to hold a festival, but any action that contravenes sections 1(ba) and (bb) are against the law.

My personal opinion is that actions such as those reported, if true, are exactly what the legislators had in mind when making the Scottish amendments.

Thank You Valmc for everything you and STAG are doing to try and stop this deplorable situation.  

I hope you get a reply to your email Cringer.

There was a piece in The Times today - unfortunately I do not subscribe and so the brief look at the opening para was soon covered by an add to pay!  But I did catch:

The organisers of T in the Park have conceded that they may have to “replot” the festival site at Strathallan Castle in Perthshire after a pair of ospreys took up residence in the grounds.

Geoff Ellis, the chief executive of DF Concerts, the festival promoters,

.... and sadly that's all I got.  I like the word 'concede', but not their plan to 'replot' the site.

There was an article yesterday along similar lines.  Interestingly the poll gap seems to be very close now, not good :(

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