Trust Petition - The Facts

To avoid any misinformation and rumour about the Trust Petition now under way, the following letter has been sent to the Inverness Courier who are running an article on the issue. There are some in the Nairn community who are making false claims about the Trust and our aims and motives. Here is the letter :

River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust views and aims on river sanctuary.

We would like to make it clear that these are not the views of one man, but the view of the Trustees and membership of 170.

The Trust would like the local authority our 4 regional councillors who are also trustees of the common good, to designate the river area from the A96 Road bridge down stream to the Bailey bridge a wildlife area.

This would not have to be a legal status. The idea is that the wildlife should have priority in this area, over other human interests like water sports and fishing. All this should be on a voluntary basis, recognising that the wildlife their environment and habitat takes priority.

We see no reason that the River Nairn angling association cannot abide by this voluntary code of practice. It should be simple enough for their members to suspend fishing in this area for the preservation of Salmon stocks and wildlife safety. By their own admission only a few members actually fish this area anyway.

As for the boating fraternity, The Trust finds the use of canoes, Kayaks, and paddle boarding in this area, far too disturbing to the wildlife to become the norm. They basically scare the life out of the birds and drive them away, thus depriving  thousands of locals and holidaymakers the pleasure of viewing them. We have no objection to them as long as they do not pass the end of the Maggot wall coming from the harbour. Beyond that lies the Swans nesting island and both river banks used by the wildlife. In any case the river Nairn is a small shallow spate river, unsuitable for boating. When High water conditions allow, we have no issue with canoes passing through from up river. They have the entire Moray firth and Scottish coastline to amuse themselves.

Finally, having 4 or 5 signs around the designated wildlife area asking people to keep their dogs under close control is all that is required. This would be a reminder to all dog walkers, some of whom are on holiday, that there are ground nesting birds in the area and their dogs should not be allowed to run amok.

There is no question of the Trust seeking to impose any ban on any group. 

We see no reason why this would not work to the benefit of all concerned, and the wildlife would have their rightful place on the river.

After years caring for the river birds, we know how appreciated our water birds are, by tourists and locals alike. This would be great for Nairn, having a designated wildlife area in the town and costing the region nothing.  Most Towns would love such a thing – for the common good.

The Trust monitors and reports pollution incidents, and regularly clears litter as well.

Our 170 members have spent £11000 in the past 4 years caring for the wildlife and their environment.

On behalf of the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust

Joe Telfer  ( Founder )

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The fact is, the Trust want to keep the river in this area as free as possible from human interference that would drive away the wildlife, this is to everyone's advantage.

I hope this puts an end to the usual misinformation, rumour and speculation about the Trust Petition. Please sign if you want to keep our wildlife safe.