CLASHINDARROCH WINDFARM UPDATE- A MUST READ

Hi All

It is with deep sadness and anger that we are providing this update.

We have discovered that logging on the windfarm site has already commenced and that huge machinery are already present in the area. Our fieldworker very recently filmed them literally tearing trees out of the ground and satellite images show that extensive tree felling has already occurred in and around the site. This is just one of the pictures he took. They are doing this with the full knowledge that their license approval is undergoing Judicial Review. Further, we also strongly allege that they are already in breach of the consent conditions 20, 21 and 22 of their license, which stipulates that a whole host of mitigation measures (which we believe to be wholly inadequate anyway) are in place before any work commences. There is no evidence that these measures are in place.

Our legal team are formally reporting this to the relevant authorities. Here is a key extract from the letter; ‘On behalf of our clients we request that this abnormally extensive felling activity is investigated as a matter of urgency and halted, and that the Council ensures that there is compliance with these conditions’.

This just shows a continuation of the arrogance and contempt, that Vattenfall (an entirely Swedish owned company and their partner, Forestry and Land Scotland) has for the Scottish wildcat and indeed Scotland’s heritage. It also shows disrespect to the legal system. Our legal appeal (Judicial review) has already passed the permission threshold for continuing to a full hearing to be held on the 18th January 2024. This means that there is a case to be heard in court. We believe it is a very strong one and that will of course be decided by the court. Vattenfall are fully aware of all these facts, yet they and their partner are quite literally bulldozing their way through. It’s shocking and the start of the wildcat breeding season is less than 3 weeks away.

They must be stopped, we have to throw everything at this, or the site and surrounding area will become an industrial wasteland devoid of wildlife and disastrous for the wildcats across the whole of the forest.

We have a top-ranking Senior Barrister, supported by a second excellent Barrister, and a highly experienced team of lawyers and paralegals, all working on this legal challenge. They all believe in our case and are working at reduced rates, but even so, as you can imagine the costs soon mount up. We need to ensure we have the funds to see this through all the way to the end.

We are doing all we can and we won’t give up. We ask you to continue your amazing support and help us to give a voice to the beautiful wildcats who are now under extreme threat. This is all now very real and the stakes are extremely high.

Here is the link to our legal crowdfunder:

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/wildcats/

The sheer contempt and arrogance shown here only strengthens our resolve. More updates to follow.

Many thanks as always

Emily and the Wildcat Haven Team