The North Rhins of Galloway borders Loch Ryan which is a unique ecosystem, it supports the oysters that thrive there and they in turn support the longsnout seahorses, which are protected by law, the oysters in Loch Ryan have almost been wiped out on two occasions. Scottish Water have spent £28 million to significantly improve the water quality and shellfish environment of Loch Ryan.

Tidal mapping around the coast of the Rhins show that outflow discharged on the west coast, washes north , around Corsewall and then washes into Loch Ryan where it can remain for days.

Loch Ryan is home to the last active wild native oyster fishery in the country, with beds protected by a Royal Charter dating back to 1701.

The Oyster Festival is now a major tourist attraction, and Loch Ryan has twice held the Skiffie World, which all rely on a clean healthy Loch Ryan.

But this is now at risk with a planning application for  Industrial Poultry Farm to house 128,000 egg laying birds, at Mains of Dhuloch, Kirkcolm. And a pre planning application hs been raised for Valleyfield farm, kirkcolm, for another 128,000 egg laying birds.

We have all seen the news about the damage caused to Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland and the River Severn and the Wye Valley. Phosphate and nitrates from chicken manure washed into these water systems have poisoned them, creating algal blooms that produce toxins, deplete oxygen and kill aquatic creatures. Do we want the same fate for Loch Ryan, can we afford one more industrual poultry farm? Two more? Where will it stop?

We need to say No now!

Please sign our petition.

We are asking Dumfries and Galloway Council to prevent further Industrial poultry farms being given planning permission in the Rhins of Galloway, to protect the health of Loch Ryan and secure the long term survival of its endangered species.