We are encouraging people to have their say on the plans for a Galloway National Park. The public consultation closes on Valentine’s day – 14 February. This post explains how you can give your view. Show your love for National Parks.
The consultation – Have your say
NatureScot are consulting on the Scottish Government’s proposal for a new National Park which is an important part of the official process towards designation of a new National Park.
It is vital that people give their opinions to the consultation, even if it’s only to the first question on whether you support a new national Park in Galloway and why.
The short survey
This is designed to be straightforward to respond to and accessible for the public. Questions cover areas such as:
- The potential boundary and name of the National Park
- The powers the National Park could be given
- The size and makeup of the Board
Click the button below to start the survey or read on for a worked example of the short survey
You can answer as many or as few questions as you like. If you don’t have time, the most important thing is to just answer the first question.
The deadline for responses is 14 February
Short Survey worked example
These answers were submitted by a young adult, Angus, to the consultation and he has given permission for us to reproduce them here as an example to help others in writing their responses.
Worked example in text (for screen readers)
Galloway Consultation – Summary Survey worked example
These answers were submitted by a young adult, Angus, to the consultation and he has given permission for us to
Our Full Consultation Response
APRS and SCNP have written a joint response to the full technical survey. You can read it here.
Read our responseIf you wish to respond to the full consultation you can find it on the NatureScot consultation website
Resources, Information and Reports
Key websites
Our page on National Parks
APRS’s dedicated webpage of information on our long-running National Parks Campaign
SCNP’s website
The Scottish campaign for National Parks, our partner in our 12-year campaign for a new National Park for Scotland.
Galloway National Park Association
GNPA have been putting the case for a National Park in Galloway for eight years and have done a huge amount of engagement in the area.
Our Reports on National Parks
Social and Economic Benefits of National Parks
This report, by Scottish Environment LINK, considers the socio-economic benefits of Scotland’s National Parks for businesses working within them.
Farming Benefits of National Parks
This report, by Scottish Environment LINK, considers the benefits of Scotland’s National Parks for farmers and land managers.
Unfinished Business – a National Parks Strategy for Scotland 2013
Unfinished Business is. report on the benefits of National Parks for Scotland and was written in 2013
The Socio-economic Benefits of New National Park Designations in Scotland
This paper discusses the positive socio-economic impacts that new National Park designations could have on specific rural areas in Scotland. It refers to research in the rest of the UK, in Norway, Poland, New Zealand and North America, where a variety of studies have taken place regarding the socio-economic impacts of National Parks on their local areas.
Reports on Galloway as a National Park
A Galloway National Park?
This report, commissioned by Dumfries and Galloway Council, is a feasibility study into the potential for a National park in Galloway.
The Potential Socio-economic Impacts of a New National Park for Galloway
This report, published in 2019 gives the socio-economic case for a new National Park in Galloway. A new National Park could provide a significant stimulus to the local economy, attracting at least an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 new visits per year with £30 – £60 million of additional spending and supporting 700 to 1400 jobs. It would attract small businesses and create a more desirable place for people to live.
Tourism and the Future of National Parks in Scotland
A paper reviewing the postive impact that having more National Parks in Scotland could have on the visitor economy of the country. The way that other countries with more national parks than Scotland use this to promote tourism is cited.
Other organisations’ support and reports
Ramblers support
Ramblers write about why a new National Park in Galloway would benefit walking, enrich nature boost local jobs and transport provision.
Marine National Park
Blue Marine Foundation produced this report about the benefits of a marine National Park. With Galloway there is the possibility of a marine component to the park
RSPB support for National Parks
RSPB has seven Nature reserves in the potential area of the National Park in Galloway. They wrote this in support
Environmental Report
This report for Government, as part of the Strategic Environment Assessment, concludes that a larger national park will give more environmental benefits and no Park risks negative impacts.
The Galloway bid
This is the bid that the Galloway National Park Association made which led to Galloway being the preferred location for the new National Park
Nature Scot
Nature Scot produced a webpage showing the benefits of National Parks
Donate
Every donation is greatly appreciated by APRS, so thank you for choosing our charity and helping us to continue our work.