WOC 2015 and Moray 13

[plain lazy]

The "athletes village" in Inverness is also coming along nicely and the diggers are hard at work.

It's a bit early to be digging out the latrine trenches for WOC 2015 isn't it?

[AndyO]

I think Freefall was referring to John Colls and other antipodean cousins, Plain Lazy

A query on another point, though, what restrictions could be applied to locals but not Orienteering at Loch Vaa? I thought that the Access Code would allow any local (or anyone else) to gad about anywhere in Loch Vaa forest, but an organised event is outside that "right" and needs approval from landowner and/or agent? I recall at S6D 2003, we were severely restricted at Loch Vaa to the open heather, and (fortunately) Grainish, until they opened a noping quarry at the south end

[greywolf]

not sure if this is what Freefall was refering to, but as you might imagine, Capercaillie (and the SNH/RSPB lobby) are not universally popular in Strathspey, where locals are generally priced out of the housing market by holiday-home buyers

it seems generally agreed that the main issues for caper are predation by pine marten, etc, changes in forest management practice (not enough diversity of structure and specieis) and over-grazing by deer (changes the ground flora). caper are also a bit stupid and have a habit of flying into deer fences.

there isn't much evidence that building a few houses would make any real difference (except for the direct loss of a bit of forest) however this is a clear case of the precautionary principle in practice: i.e. don't make any decisions which might upset anyone with any real power or influence...so if you're Donald Trump you can trash an entire landscape for a golf course and a holiday complex, but if you're local and you need affordable housing you can f*ck off

[Domhnull Mor]

Although Freefall is quite correct in using the name Strathspey, it should be noted that Inshriach is actually in Badenoch. I remember several Badenoch residents complaining to me during the 6-days in 1995 that the event was being called "Strathspey '95" when it was based in Badenoch. It's a small point but as I've seen first hand, it means a lot to some of the local populace and can impact on the good-will that can be created from these events.

As far as capercaillie are concerned..... Well, if I say that one of my fellow postgrads here in Sweden is a keen hunter and for several months had two capercaillie in the freezer compartment of the oil fridge in our lab (until someone shifted the fridge and pulled the plug out leaving it without power for about 6 weeks whereby the smell made us realise what had happened). The comment about the lek is quite true. In fact, I seem to recall that the identification of fresh droppings on a typical lek site (e.g. a large rock) is enough for the area to be closed off for access. No bird needs to be seen at all. This makes it extremely difficult to motivate planning any form of event and makes landowners a bit edgy.

The only time I've actually seen a capercaillie in the strath was in Anagach when I almost trod on one. I can't claim to have seen a bear myself but I know plenty of people who have and I have heard one running off as I bulldozed through the woods near my home.

As regards Strathspey, Rothiemurchus has become increasingly negative to any form of arranged event on their land. For example, the Aviemore half marathon has had to use the ski road itself rather than the infinitely more runner friendly (both from the type of running surface and the road safety points of view) footpath which runs alongside as a result of this stance. With other "large scale" outdoor events being planned for and held in the strath, local landowners are having to think about what to agree to. Requests for access to the forests for events is no longer limited to just orienteering as it was until not too long ago.

Landowner attitudes are one thing - and they can and do change occassionally. After all, they all need money. However, when it comes to widlife and wildlife legislation then we're up against a bit of a brick wall. Good to see that work is ongoing to find new areas. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes of it.