Scottish new National Parks - phase 2 - strategic environmental assessment (SEA): SEA reasonable alternatives report

3. Assessment methodology

Approach to the assessment of reasonable alternatives

The scope of the assessment

3.1 The SEA Alternatives have been assessed against the SEA Framework developed during SEA scoping, with findings presented as a commentary of effects under each topic scoped in’ to the assessment. These are:

• Biodiversity and Geodiversity.
• Climate Change.
• Environmental Quality (encompassing air, soil and water resources).
• Material Assets.
• Cultural Heritage.
• Landscape; and
• Population and Human Health.

3.2 The SEA Framework is presented in Appendix A of this report.

3.3 The assessment findings have been informed by the environmental baseline information established during Phase 1 of the SEA. Key environmental designations within the Galloway area (i.e., the characteristics of the areas likely to be significantly affected by the SEA Alternatives) are presented in Figures 4 to 9 in Chapter 4 of this Addendum.

Assumptions

3.4 Every effort is made to predict effects accurately; however, this is inherently challenging given the high-level nature of the Alternatives under consideration. In light of this, there is a need to make certain assumptions regarding how the Alternatives will be implemented ‘on the ground’ and what the effect on particular receptors will be. The following assumptions associated with designating a new National Park in Galloway have been identified:

• Biodiversity Conservation: National Park designation can help protect and restore native habitats through an increased focus on conserving and enhancing the area’s natural heritage. This can lead to increased biodiversity, as species are safeguarded from human activities like deforestation, intensive farming, construction, and projects which are taken forward to regenerate and restore biodiversity within the area.
• Ecosystem Restoration: National Parks often prioritize conservation projects, such as reforestation, peatland restoration, and river management, which help restore natural ecosystems. This can improve soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration, contributing to climate resilience.
• Reduction in Pollution: A stronger focus on conserving natural heritage and managing the land sustainability may support a reduction in pollution from vehicles, industries, and agricultural runoff. This can benefit local air and water quality, supporting healthier ecosystems for both wildlife and human visitors.
• Increased Awareness and Education: National Parks provide opportunities for public environmental education, fostering a greater understanding of ecological issues. This can lead to more sustainable behaviours among visitors and local communities, potentially reducing negative impacts in the surrounding area.
• Increased Tourism Pressure: Designation often attracts more visitors, leading to issues like footpath erosion, littering, and wildlife disturbance. Unless carefully managed, increased foot traffic can damage fragile habitats and disrupt animal behaviour, particularly in sensitive areas.
• Infrastructure Development: To support tourism, there may be increased development of infrastructure, such as car parks, roads, and visitor centres. Without careful planning and design, these developments can lead to habitat fragmentation, loss of green spaces, and soil compaction, potentially harming local flora and fauna.
• Higher Resource Demand: Increased tourism requires more resources, including water, energy, and waste management facilities. Unless carefully planned and managed, this can lead to resource strain on the local environment, with waste disposal and sewage management becoming significant concerns.
• Increased Light Pollution: Tourism amenities and facilities could lead to increased light pollution, which unless carefully planned and managed could disrupt nocturnal wildlife behaviour and affects stargazing visibility in Galloway’s Dark Sky Park.
• Changes in Land Management: Designating an area as a National Park may lead to shifts in land use and management strategies, albeit on a voluntary basis. For example, National Park authorities can support land managers with nature restoration, woodland creation, and peatland restoration projects. Some of these changes, such as altering grazing patterns or forest management, might have neutral effects, balancing conservation with traditional practices without significant environmental shifts.
• Controlled Tourism Activities: If well-managed, tourism could have minimal environmental impact. Guided tours, for example, can concentrate visitors in specific areas, protecting more sensitive zones. This can result in a sustainable tourism model where visitor access is balanced with conservation goals.
• Collaborative Conservation Efforts: In some cases, partnerships between local communities, landowners, and conservation organisations can lead to balanced decision-making that respects both environmental and community needs. This approach may result in net positive impacts on the environment, as conservation initiatives can align with local land use.

3.5 Where there is a need to rely on assumptions in order to reach a conclusion on a likely effect, this is made clear in the assessment. Where it is not possible to predict likely significant effects on the basis of reasonable assumptions, efforts are made to comment on the relative merits of the Alternatives in more general terms. This is helpful, as it enables a distinction to be made between the Alternatives even where it is not possible to distinguish between them in terms of ‘likely significant effects’.

Limitations of the assessment

3.6 The SEA Framework of objectives and assessment questions presented in Appendix A have provided a useful steer when considering the potential impacts of the Alternatives, rather than each Alternative being tested against every objective and assessment question.

3.7 The assessment of alternatives has been undertaken based on the legal framework set out in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. If the Scottish Government decides to bring forward proposals to amend the National Parks legislation through provisions in the forthcoming Natural Environment Bill, it will be important to consider whether any new or previously unidentified significant effects may arise and whether any additional assessment of these proposals may be required.