T(or not)In The Park

I am pleased RSPB has spoken on this final day for submissions, but I don't think the criteria go far enough, and I am not sure how much any forthcoming promises would be adhered to if permission is granted - it would only take one transgression to disturb these Ospreys at what will be a vital time in potential chicks lives.

I'm extremely disillusioned in the RSPB, I think they were depending on the ospreys not returning and are now trying to placate both sides and pleasing no one. Sorry but I think the whole affair has been mishandled by the RSPB and is a public relations disaster.

There are just so many things which could go wrong for the birds if the concert goes ahead here.  The noise levels will be hideous - the crowd will be mainly well behaved but there are always a few who will be drunk or drugged, and the publicity the ospreys have unwittingly been given means the some idiot will probably target them just for being there.

Very disappointed with the RSPB.

I do agree the RSPB has not handled this well. At the very least they should have objected with all these points way back when the event was first put forward. Really no good reason why not!

All this will be very difficult to police, and as OG says it will not take much to disturb the ospreys at a very sensitive time. They do not say NO fireworks either, seems odd.

PS -Thanks to Karen for the link.

When you consider the reactions of EJ, Odin, Monty, Glesni and Laddie on the occasions that the odd person has gone too near the nest it's ridiculous to think the Strathallan ospreys will somehow tolerate thousands.

I'm also very very disappointed that no one from the RSPB has come forward to respond in this thread over the last few weeks and months to all our worry's to this situation. Most of the members of this forum are probably members of the RSPB, although not all and they haven't had the curtesy to come and post on this thread. Members support the RSPB by there membership fees and some also give donations, al least I would have thought someone could have responded to all of us. I can't say exactically how I feel about this matter in full as this is a public forum.

I'm in the U.S., so it's inappropriate for me to comment on Scottish policy. However, I will share my personal experience.

I live in a rural area back in the woods, surrounded by old growth trees, a creek, and a wooded ridge. Out on the main highway is a small pub/tavern/bar. Every couple of months, this pub hires a rock band to entertain the customers.

These are just local bands; they don't have sophisticated, advanced sound equipment -- only the customary small speakers and amps.

But in my garden...

When the band begins to play, some nesting birds leave their eggs/chicks in terror. The birds that stay alarm call, cry, and remain agitated into the wee hours of the night. 

The white-tailed deer bolt through the forest and across the creek to get away. The coyotes take their offspring and climb up the ridge to leave the area. I can see and hear them running up there. The rabbits hasten to escape under my car and huddle there (without eating) because that's where they feel safest.

Even though these are not high-end musical performances, the noise still distresses the wildlife and disturbs their natural behaviors.

The sound from T in the Park would be deafening in comparison to my tiny local pub. I wish the ospreys and the other wildlife well.

Thank you for sharing your experiences, Diana.  I know that even where I live, surrounded by agricultural fields, noise from any parties held over a mile away travels, particularly at night.  I have already written my objection, and today I wrote again for the second consultation period.  This time I used the Woodland Trust site, because they are objecting on grounds of the ancient woodland, but I put my bit in about the wildlife, and osprey in particular.