Hi All.
First of all, just to let you know, Finlay is still alive and making progress. As you can imagine his recuperation is quite an intensive and emotional process, but we are optimistic. We are planning next steps with our legal team and will update fully next week so please keep watching.
We wanted to update you on the findings of our fieldwork in the Clashindarroch yesterday. We are very upset to tell you that we have found evidence that Forestry and land Scotland (formerly the Forestry Commission Scotland) have been recently logging in the Clashindaroch. This pile of logs in the picture above were so fresh you could still smell the resin from the cut logs. As we are all aware, this is a crucial time in the breeding season for wildcats and there is very likely to be females in dens with kittens. In previous posts and at the Inquiry, we have shown you that the Forestry and Land Scotland have no knowledge of den sites or any real handle on the wildcat territories. However, the area that has been felled is in prime habitat where we have found evidence of wildcats.
Wildcats are strictly protected by law and it is illegal to disturb wildcat den sites or even resting places, or to do anything that will negatively impact on the viability of a population. Well logging in the breeding season is extremely reckless and illegal. It also shows the continuing contempt shown by the Forest and Land Scotland for the Scottish wildcat. Remember, this is the same organisation that are partnering with Vattenfall for the new windfarm which by their own admission will negatively impact at least 5 wildcat territories.
The Clashindarroch contains the most important population of Scottish wildcats in existence. All we ask is that these beautiful animals are left in peace to breed in safety and rear their priceless offspring. It is simply not acceptable to be carrying out logging activity that could disturb breeding females. Logging involves the use of heavy machinery, harvesters, articulated lorries, all of which would be terrifying to a nursing mother and could lead to abandonment of den sites and the death of kittens.
We have previously tried in vain to stop Forestry and Land Scotland logging in the breeding season. We have raised complaints and even reported it to the police. Yet still they continue with impunity.
The Chief Executive is called Simon Hodgson. On their website it says, 'Simon is committed to ensuring the forestry sector meets the highest standards in the interests of all its employees and contractors'.
His email is this:
simon.hodgson@forestryandland.gov.scot
The National Wildlife Ecologist for Forestry and Land Scotland is called Kenny Kortland. On one occasion, we met with him and showed him multiple videos of wildcats in the Clashindarroch. Shortly afterwards he gave a quote in a national newspaper, claiming we only showed him one wildcat video. Why would a person in this role downplay evidence of wildcats in the Clashindarroch? We raised a complaint about his conduct and again it was dismissed. HIs email is:
Kenny.Kortland@forestryandland.gov.scot
This organisation clearly won't listen to us and have dismissed previous complaints. Perhaps Simon and Kenny will listen to you. These people should be accountable and answerable for what is happening.
We are more determined than ever to save the Clashindarroch and it's priceless wildcats and we continue to closely monitor what is happening there as we await the decision on the new windfarm. There is a lot at stake here and we know that we we have over a million of you right behind us all the way.
As you can see we are fighting hard on all fronts and Finlay updates will be provided next week.
You can find out more at:
Thanks as always
The Wildcat Haven Team and Finlay