Sutherland 'Couls LInks' golf course development threatens SSSI

[Mark Brown]

Save protected nature at Loch Fleet from Bandon Dunes & Coul Links Ltd golf development vandalism! Another ecological disaster in the making. Andrew Weston is trying to protect an SSSI and RAMSAR* site from another golf course development. Andrew is asking people to sign the petition. [* The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance] Plans by Bandon Dunes Golf Resort for constructing a golf course at Coul Links, within Loch Fleet Site of Special Scientific Interest, Sutherland would mean bulldozing, digging, turfing and mowing 53 acres of what is presently a variety of internationally important natural dune habitats, with wider substantial collateral damage also threatening many species. The impact would be even worse than that perpetrated by Trump at Foveran Links SSSI, Aberdeenshire If you can please sign the petition. https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/conserve-coul-links-for-nature-not-golf-1 > [http://assets.platform.controlshiftlabs.com/petitions/images/169035/open_graph/Composite_Photograph_2.jpg?1499244993]<https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/conserve-coul-links-for-nature-not-golf-1> Why is this important? A planning application has been submitted to Highland Council to construct a golf course on Coul Links, Sutherland. This is within Loch Fleet Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area for birds and Ramsar wetland. Coul Links is one of the few large areas of undeveloped and largely unspoilt sand dunes remaining in Scotland and is protected by UK and European law and an international treaty. Its development would be at odds with Highland Council’s environmental policies. Trump Golf got official approval to destroy Foveran Links SSSI (Aberdeen) after exaggerating economic benefits, much shenanigans and Scottish Government intervention. Similar could happen again but this time the applicant is Coul Links Ltd. run by Mike Keiser, Trump Golf’s main rival. For many reasons, the destruction within the SSSI would extend far beyond the proposed golf lawn of 34.6 acres. Unprotected dunes outside the SSSI are of comparable ecological interest too. National expert on dune and wetland ecology, Dr Tom Dargie, describes the developer’s surveys and Environmental Statement as very flawed and ‘unfit for purpose’. More information & PLANNING OBJECTION LINKS: http://www.notcoul.com/developers.html How it will be delivered The planning application deadline for public consultation comments and objections to Highland Council is 1st December 2017. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands (countries signed up to the convention must have at least 1 protected wetland area of international importance). The name comes from the first agreement signed at intergovernmental conference in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. Further links below; Writing an objection to the application when it comes in will help. [http://assets.platform.controlshiftlabs.com/petitions/images/169035/open_graph/Composite_Photograph_2.jpg?1499244993]<https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/conserve-coul-links-for-nature-not-golf-1> [http://assets.platform.controlshiftlabs.com/petitions/images/169035/open_graph/Composite_Photograph_2.jpg?1499244993]<https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/conserve-coul-links-for-nature-not-golf-1> PROTECT COUL LINKS SSSI FOR NATURE - NOT PERMIT DESTRUCTION FOR GOLF<https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/conserve-coul-links-for-nature-not-golf-1> Coul Links Golf - links to stuff about Coul Links, golf course development - Home <http://www.coullinksgolf.com/> List of internet links to content about the proposed Scottish links golf course development at Coul Links near Dornoch, Scotland plus images of Coul Links SNH Management Plan summary: http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A1622682.pdf The Management Plan for Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve ...<http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A1622682.pdf> www.snh.gov.uk Loch Fleet species (incomplete): Northern brown argus: http://butterfly-conservation.org/1934-850/northern-brown-argus.html [http://butterfly-conservation.org/scaleImage.ashx?MaxSize=625&file=/files/northern-brown-argus-upperwing1-jim-asher-web.jpg]<http://butterfly-conservation.org/1934-850/northern-brown-argus.html> Butterfly Conservation - Northern Brown Argus<http://butterfly-conservation.org/1934-850/northern-brown-argus.html> Northern Brown Argus (upperwing) Northern Brown Argus (underwing) Northern Brown Argus (egg) Northern Brown Argus (caterpillar) Northern Brown Argus (video) Brown ... Fritillaries & bracken: https://butterfly-conservation.org/files/habitat-bracken-for-butterflies.pdf Bracken for Butterflies - Butterfly Conservation<https://butterfly-conservation.org/files/habitat-bracken-for-butterflies.pdf> butterfly-conservation.org Reasons for decline The High Brown and Pearl-bordered Fritillaries are two of Britain's most rapidly declining butterflies.