Designated Wildlife Haven - The Case For

Let me say at the outset, this only applies to the area between the A96 road bridge, and the bailey bridge on the River Nairn, it therefore does not effect any other part. 

Waterfowl have taken millions of years to evolve - long before humans. They are called waterfowl because their home environment is water, this fact alone should give them priority over frivolous human water based activities.

They have many predators, humans, Crows, Gulls, Heron, Otter, Mink, Seals, foxes, stoats and weasels,Dogs, Rats and Cats. It's no wonder they use the water as a means of survival. Nairn is a small coastal town, some would say dying on it's feet, with shop closures lack of investment, jobs and affordable housing. 

The leisure industry is one that is growing, and being a coastal town one of it's main attributes is tourism. One of my arguments for a designated wildlife haven, is to use the Natural assets the town has. What could be more Natural, costing the public purse ZERO than to declare part of the riverside a wildlife Haven.

This is an attraction that is open 365 days a year, regardless of the weather, or tides.

We have beaches and river walks all of which are available 365 days a year, but the weather dictates their appeal. The last 30 years have brought the natural world into sharp focus, with our understanding of the planet and it's myriad of life species.

People now appreciate the diversity of life more than ever, and many consider it a privilege and pleasure to see it close at hand in a natural setting. Nairn has this Natural setting and some wildlife that is pleasing to all. 

Declaring this small area a wildlife haven, would cost nothing, and all that would be needed is a few advisory signs eluding to that fact. It would change peoples perception and help promote a more responsible attitude to littering and pollution. It would bring more visitors who value the natural world, and Nairn would enhance it's standing as a caring coastal town.

There are many reasons this area is ideal as a wildlife haven. There are two islands available to the water birds, where they can nest and loaf and escape predators.

It is tidal, and therefore does not freeze  in the winter, it provides a food source for over wintering birds. It's location means it can be policed easily and avoids certain predators. I have heard people say that building a weir or two on the lower river would allow boating. Let me dispel any notion of that idea.

The river Nairn is a small spate river, prone to flash flooding and tidal surges, building any kind of barrier at the end of this river would be courting disaster.

The volume of gravel and trees that are washed down this river would get caught on any weir, and depending on the tides at the time, could cause major flooding of Fishertown. Moving water is dynamic and should be treated with a great deal of respect ! The above is my case for a wildlife haven. If you agree, please sign the petition. 

The local angling community would still have the right to fish there, but it is hoped they would suspend this, in the interests of conserving salmon stocks and wildlife safety. The boating fraternity would not be a problem providing they confined their activity below the end of the Maggot wall, thereby leaving the wildlife in peace to nest on the islands and riverbanks. The whole of Nairn would be the winners along with it's wildlife.