T in the Park threatens ospreys - and vice versa
Ospreys have returned to the proposed site of T in the Park festival at Strathallan Castle, and police are monitoring the nest site for fear of disturbance to this highly protected species. Campaigners opposed to the festival taking place so close to the traditional nesting site of Scotland's conservation icon, have obtained video evidence that shows they have returned from their African wintering grounds.
The festival, which is due to feature acts such as The Prodigy, Kasabian, and Noel Gallagher, has been dogged by controversy since its proposed move there was announced last year. Hundreds of letters of objection and support have been sent to Perth and Kinross Council. Tickets have been sold despite a decision on planning permission not being due until next month.
The RSPB and other conservation campaigners have criticised DF Concerts for being poorly organised and unprepared for the ospreys' return. The organisation's tactic of erecting a crane by the nest site to scare the birds away from this site while an alternative site was constructed, has also been controversial. As long as the birds were away in Africa, the nest site was not considered "active", the organisers argued, claiming that the move was therefore not against the law.
Now video obtained yesterday shows the birds' attachment to their usual nest site is too strong, and they appear to have returned. If so, the concert organisers, and potentially concert-goers themselves, may face up to 6 months in prison and/or a £5000 fine. DF Concerts have announced that the festival will still go ahead, but have not yet explained how they will achieve this within the law. Experts have called for a 750 metre buffer zone around the nest.
RSPB Scotland said they “will continue to work with all parties to see if any contingencies might be available to allow the event to proceed and for the birds to be given the required space and freedom they require so they will enjoy a successful breeding season.”
A spokesperson for T in the Park said: “We can confirm that Osprey have returned to Strathallan.” They pledged to “liaise with the relevant organisations to ensure the protection of the birds,” and added: “we’d also like to assure fans that the festival will go ahead. The decision on our planning application will still be made in May and we remain confident that the event will take place at Strathallan.”
The RSPB and other conservation campaigners have criticised DF Concerts for being poorly organised and unprepared for the ospreys' return. The organisation's tactic of erecting a crane by the nest site to scare the birds away from this site while an alternative site was constructed, has also been controversial. As long as the birds were away in Africa, the nest site was not considered "active", the organisers argued, claiming that the move was therefore not against the law.
Now video obtained yesterday shows the birds' attachment to their usual nest site is too strong, and they appear to have returned. If so, the concert organisers, and potentially concert-goers themselves, may face up to 6 months in prison and/or a £5000 fine. DF Concerts have announced that the festival will still go ahead, but have not yet explained how they will achieve this within the law. Experts have called for a 750 metre buffer zone around the nest.
RSPB Scotland said they “will continue to work with all parties to see if any contingencies might be available to allow the event to proceed and for the birds to be given the required space and freedom they require so they will enjoy a successful breeding season.”
A spokesperson for T in the Park said: “We can confirm that Osprey have returned to Strathallan.” They pledged to “liaise with the relevant organisations to ensure the protection of the birds,” and added: “we’d also like to assure fans that the festival will go ahead. The decision on our planning application will still be made in May and we remain confident that the event will take place at Strathallan.”
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