Dear All

Thanks for all your kind messages of support on facebook and email about our efforts to establish the Clashindarroch as the first reserve in Scotland for Scottish wildcats. The use of protected sites as sanctuaries for critically endangered species, is a common and effective tool used around the world. It is baffling to us that the Scottish government are currently refusing to use this tool to protect an area they have previously called a ‘Wildcat wonderland’.

Nicola Sturgeon is ultimately responsible for the actions of her government departments and she is also able to make this protected site designation happen. Next November,  Scotland will host COP 26, which is a United Nations Climate Change Conference. Mrs Sturgeon has been very vocal about this and how Scotland is a leader in environmental issues. She has also rightly stated that maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems is crucial to mitigating climate change. Of course we agree with what she says. However, how can this position have any credibility if the Scottish government is currently logging a forest that contains one of the rarest animals on earth and a true Scottish icon.

We think it would be very useful if we galvanised our collective voice to let Mrs Sturgeon know how important it is to save the Clashindarroch, the wildcat’s main stronghold. There are now over 827,000 supporters of this petition and we want to ask you to carry out a call to action and write directly to the First Minister, politely asking her to designate the Clashindarroch as a protected site.

Imagine the impact if you all contacted her, it would simply be impossible for her to ignore. Please do take the time to email her if you can. 

Below is a template letter but it is important that you add your own personal touch to it and tell her your reasons for wanting the Clashindarroch protected. Please be polite but also speak from the heart, so she knows how much the beautiful wildcat means to people.

CONTACT DETAILS

Email: firstminister@gov.scot

Address:

Unit 3
Govanhill Workspace
69 Dixon Road
Glasgow
G42 8AT

Dear Mrs Sturgeon

I am writing to you to request that you designate the Clashindarroch forest, Aberdeenshire, as a protected site, and that this is done as a matter of urgency. The Scottish wildcat is critically endangered and with recent estimates of 35 individuals remaining, is 70 times rarer than a giant panda. Both your own government agencies and Wildcat Haven, have confirmed a population of wildcats in the Clashindarroch, yet your agencies are currently logging this forest and there are plans to build a second windfarm in the forest, which would be devastating to the wildcats.

You have frequently commented on the importance of biodiversity, yet your words seem hollow if you stand by and knowingly allow the Scottish wildcat to go extinct in the wild on your watch. You have the authority to protect the main stronghold for this iconic, Scottish animal and I ask you to use this authority to help to save the wildcat, in the wild where it belongs. It seems hypocritical for Scotland to host COP26 and claim to be leaders on environmental issues, whist Scottish government agencies destroy forests that are home to critically endangered species.

It is important to me that the Clashindarroch and it’s priceless wildcats are protected because………………………………………….

I look forward to your prompt response on this matter.

Best wishes.

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Please do feel free to add/amend  the above letter as you see fit. Many thanks in advance, your help and support is more important now than ever.

Visit www.wildcathaven.com to find out more.