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

4. Assessment findings

Introduction

4.1 This chapter presents an assessment of the SEA Alternatives currently being consulted on relating to the spatial extent of the National Park. The following information is presented:

• A description of the Alternatives appraised (as presented in Chapter 2).
• Headline assessment findings, including the sustainability performance of each Alternative with respect to each SEA topic to highlight their relative sustainability merits. The likely significant effects for each Alternative are represented by the scoring matrix in Table 1. Specifically:

─ Significant positive effects (++)

─ Positive effects (+)

─ Neutral or no effects (0)

─ Adverse effects (-)

─ Significant adverse effects (--)

• A series of figures showing the key environmental and heritage designations within the proposed new National Park areas covered by each Alternative.
• Detailed assessment findings, providing a commentary of the likely significant effects identified for each Alternative with respect to each SEA topic, and conclusions on the likely significant environmental effects.

Headline assessment findings

Detailed assessment findings

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

4.2 In alignment with the National Park aims as set out in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 (see Section 1), designating an area as a national park can significantly enhance the protection and management of local biodiversity and geodiversity, ensuring the conservation of valuable habitats and species. The Galloway area is rich in this respect, sustaining many internationally significant ecological and geological sites including the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, numerous SPAs and SACs, SSSI, and Geological Conservation Review Sites. A map of designated sites of international importance are found in Figure 4, while national designations are found in Figure 5.

4.3 Due to there being fewer designated sites and habitats under Alternative 1, they would potentially receive a greater focus for protection and management as a result of the national park designation. However, there would also be more potential for adverse environmental effects at these sites, with tourist numbers concentrated in a smaller area, when compared to the Alternatives with a larger national park area. A particularly sensitive designation that could be affected from this is the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve. Its Core Areas, especially those by Merrick Kells (which also overlap with Ramsar and SAC designations), are entirely located within Alternative 1. The concentrated visitor pressure could lead to habitat degradation, wildlife disturbance, and increased pollution risks in these sensitive areas. However, a national park designation may also enhance opportunities to collaborate with key stakeholders to initiate additional projects and strategies to deliver net gains for nature.

4.4 As the size of the ‘do something’ Alternatives grow, more designations and habitats will fall under the National Parks Act’s protection, and visitor pressures may dissipate over a larger area. A larger area could also help increase awareness and understanding of lesser-known assets, supporting their longer-term protection and enhancement. Additionally, larger areas can facilitate more comprehensive conservation strategies, allowing for the creation of ecological corridors that connect fragmented habitats. This the potential to indirectly support the interpretation and understanding of Galloway’s biodiversity and geodiversity by raising awareness of the key issues and prioritising efforts to address these concerns.

4.5 However, adding more land under the designation is still likely to increase visitor numbers at several sensitive environmental sites. This could pose an issue if designations become honeypot sites.^[1] One area where this could happen, if Alternative 2 is taken forward, would be Luce Sands (an SAC), which could face additional pressures as one of the largest bays in the Alternative 2 area and its proximity to the A75 (the major route between Dumfries and the Rhins of Galloway). Even a small increase in visitors at this site could adversely impact local fauna and flora, if not managed appropriately. Additionally, with a larger national park, the designated area may become more complex to manage as the number of designated sites and habitats to manage grows. This may result in less effective environmental protection and restoration activities, particularly in areas requiring intervention. Effective visitor management strategies, such as zoning and sustainable tourism infrastructure development, would be crucial to mitigate these impacts. Furthermore, increased funding and resources would be necessary to ensure adequate management and protection of the expanded area.

4.6 Alternative 3 and Alternative 5 would bring in even more habitats and designated sites than Alternative 2; however, the larger size could help spread visitor numbers over a wider area and divert them away from locations already under considerable pressure. The larger areas associated with Alternative 3 and Alternative 5 may also provide opportunities to deliver nature improvements and enhancements at a larger landscape scale - including with respect to reducing fragmentation and expanding / linking ecological networks. For Alternative 5, this could incorporate an additional section of the ‘transition’ zone within the Biosphere Reserve, alongside the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands SPA and SSSI. These alternatives could also provide opportunities for more extensive environmental education and outreach programs, fostering a greater public understanding of the importance of biodiversity and geodiversity conservation. Additionally, larger areas could support a more diverse range of recreational activities, potentially reducing the concentration of visitors in any one location and thereby minimising environmental impacts.

4.7 Alternative 4 would result in fewer adverse impacts of tourism on Galloway’s existing biodiversity and geodiversity designations (such as overcrowding and disturbance at sensitive ecological sites). However, these sites would not benefit from the additional protections afforded to designated sites/habitats that fall under a national park designation (part of the aim of a national park is to conserve and enhance the natural environment - see Section 1 of the Act). National parks also serve as living laboratories for scientists and researchers, offering insights into ecological processes, species interactions, and the impacts of climate change. Without the national park designation, opportunities for scientific research and environmental monitoring may be more limited, potentially hindering efforts to address local environmental challenges. Moreover, the absence of a national park designation could result in less funding and fewer resources dedicated to conservation efforts in the area.

4.8 Finally, the designation of a new national park has the potential to deliver a more coordinated environmental enhancement / improvement plan across the Galloway area, bringing together existing initiatives which may already be in place for these designations.

Conclusions

4.9 In conclusion, Alternative 3 and Alternative 5 have the potential to deliver significant positive effects for the biodiversity and geodiversity topic, as it balances the protection of habitats and designated sites with the distribution of visitor pressures over larger areas, while also providing opportunities for enhanced conservation strategies, environmental education, and recreational activities.

4.10 Adverse effects are anticipated with Alternative 4. It is recognised that the Galloway area benefits from several international and national designations which offer a degree of protection to ecological and geological networks. However, it would also miss out on the potential benefits, such as enhanced protection due to additional standards set by the national park designation and enhanced coordination of conservation efforts across the area.

4.11 To facilitate a balance between nature recovery, climate resilience, and wider National Park aims, ecological enhancements should be sensitive to the surrounding areas (e.g., with respect to their special qualities, significance, and threats). With reference to possible mitigation, exercises in habitat restoration and creation should be carefully selected to complement existing character and setting, with a view to securing net gains for nature within the Galloway area.

Climate Change

4.12 Scotland has ambitious targets and priorities to meet the climate and nature emergencies, including a commitment to protect at least 30% of Scotland’s land and sea for nature by 2030 (30x30 Target)^[2] and a target date for net zero emissions^[3] of all greenhouse gases by 2045. Both of Scotland’s existing National Parks are working towards becoming net zero areas. Both have climate change mitigation and adaptation at the heart of their 5-year plans^[4][5]. Both are also undertaking and investing in climate action e.g. peatland restoration, woodland creation, sustainable transport solutions, nature-based solutions to manage flooding. Within this context, Scottish Ministers wish to see Scotland’s National Parks as special places for wildlife and landscape that will actively demonstrate nature recovery, and the transformational change needed in approaches to land-use, providing leadership and showcasing a just transition to net zero in Scotland.

4.13 In the context of the above, the Galloway area has a significant climate sequestration resource, with extensive areas of woodland and peatland which act as a carbon sink. A new National Park in this area provides additional opportunities to reinforce this role, alongside potentially stimulating investments in natural solutions to climate change and nature restoration. Larger areas, as proposed through Alternative 2, 3, and 5, would encompass significant areas of peatland and woodland, potentially enhancing the efforts to safeguard these resources across the area. National Park authorities have expertise and capacity to deliver these activities, and they can also leverage external investment into projects aimed at tackling climate change.

4.14 With further reference to climate change mitigation efforts, renewable energy developments are generally permitted in National Parks as long as they do not lead to any significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the area has been designated (see NPF4, policy 4c)^[6]. The only exception to this is onshore wind which is not generally supported in existing National Parks. However, the Scottish Government has committed to developing new bespoke policy on onshore wind in any new National Parks in light of the climate emergency and Scottish Government’s commitments to deliver onshore wind energy^[7]. This means that a new National Park in Galloway may be treated differently to existing National Parks with respect to NPF4 policy for onshore wind.

4.15 Coastal erosion and flood risk is expected to be a significant challenge in the future for this area^[8]. National Park designation has the potential to support the implementation of nature-based solutions to this risk, with Alternative 2, 3, and 5 encompassing most of Galloway’s coastal environment. A national park designation can improve adaptation to climate change through protecting and restoring natural landscapes such as wetlands, peatlands, and woodlands, which can absorb and slow down water flow, reducing local flood risks, acting as a form of natural flood management. Alternatives 3 and 5, with its extensive peatland coverage, would be particularly effective in this regard. Neutral effects are considered through Alternative 1, as the area excludes most of Galloway’s coastline.

4.16 It is recognised that the application of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures may conflict with some of the additional aims of Scotland’s National Parks. For example, retrofitting historic buildings may detract from the significance and character of the built environment. Additionally, there is potential for renewable energy generation to give rise to adverse impacts on landscape character and ecological assets. In this respect, the potential benefits of the additional focus on climate action are dependent on the extent to which such proposals effectively balance the potential climate change benefits against the wider National Park aims to deliver sustainable futures for Scotland. Opportunities to encourage collaborative efforts between key stakeholder groups operating within National Parks are likely to support this balance. This is less likely to be effective in the absence of a National Park designation in this area (as proposed through Alternative 4), as no additional protection to the area’s peatlands (or other green infrastructure) would be delivered beyond what already exists.

Conclusions

4.17 Both existing National Parks have a very strong focus on becoming net zero places, and a big focus of their work with landowners and managers involves climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This includes (but is not limited to) peatland restoration, woodland expansion, nature restoration, and flood management. It is anticipated that the designation of a new National Park in Galloway would further support Scotland’s net-zero ambitions and nature recovery efforts, leading to positive outcomes. Significant positive effects are anticipated for Alternative 2, 3, and 5, as efforts would be applied across larger areas, including key habitats which have a role in climate regulation (i.e., peatland and woodlands), and areas which are at risk from the impacts of climate change (i.e., coastal environments). Significant adverse effects are anticipated with Alternative 4 on this basis.

4.18 It is recognised that potential conflicts may arise between climate change objectives and the wider National Park aims. However, experience to date within Scotland’s existing National Parks has shown a convergence of public sector and stakeholder thinking in these areas, increasing collaboration in a positive way. Applying this approach within the Galloway area would likely help to balance climate ambitions with wider National Park aims, reducing potential adverse effects and maximising potential benefits.

Environmental Quality

4.19 Environmental quality refers to the condition of the natural environment in Galloway, with a particular focus on the area’s air, water, and soil quality. The commitment to protecting and improving Scotland’s environmental quality is embedded in decision-making across different policies and sectors^[9], and the partnership plans for Scotland’s existing National Parks reinforce the importance of encouraging the sustainable management of natural resources.

4.20 As one of the aims of the National Parks Act is ‘to promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area’ (Section 1(b)), their designation can help to limit activities that may degrade soil quality and pollute water bodies (such as industrial discharges and agricultural runoff). This can lead to improved soil and water quality within the park boundaries. Regarding the alternatives:

• Alternative 1 would encompass a smaller area of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve in comparison to Alternative 2, 3 and 5. Whilst a new National Park designation at this location has the potential to complement existing management strategies in place for the Biosphere Reserve^[10], this may reduce opportunities for collaboration between stakeholders across a larger landscape-scale.
• Alternative 2 would provide additional resources and an enhanced focus on the conservation and enhancement of natural and cultural heritage throughout this area, which includes the Rhins of Galloway and the Machars, as well as long stretches of the western coast and many inland waterbodies, including Castle Loch and Mochrum Loch.
• Alternative 3 would extend these protections even further, covering more land in the north of Galloway and the south of South Ayrshire, along with additional coastline and inland waterbodies like Penwhirn Reservoir and Penwhapple Reservoir (see Figure 6).
• Alternative 5 also incorporates the significant areas of Grade 3.1 agricultural land present in the 30km buffer zone, particularly along the western coastline (between Girvan and Kilmarnock) and the eastern corridor between Thornhill, Dumfries, Lochmaben, Annan, and Gretna.

4.21 Mixed effects may be anticipated with regards to the impact of a new National Park designation on local air quality. On one hand, a new National Park designation in Galloway will encourage the sustainable use of the area’s natural resources (such as forests and waterbodies). This will have a positive effect on local air quality by safeguarding, and potentially improving, the regulatory ecosystem services provided by these features (such as the absorption of carbon dioxide). However, on the other hand, an increase in visitors as a result of a new National Park designation in Galloway is likely to lead to more private vehicles passing through the area. In the short term, this may lead to adverse effects on local air quality, as the majority of vehicles on the road in the UK are run on petrol/diesel (at the end of 2023, only 3% of cars in the UK were battery electric powered, and 7% were hybrid electric). In the long term, as the UK’s vehicle fleet transitions to electric powered,^[11] the potential adverse effects from vehicles on the area’s air quality are likely to reduce. It is also acknowledged that National Park authorities can work with other relevant public bodies to develop sustainable transport within National Parks.

Conclusions

4.22 In conclusion, Alternatives which encourage greater collaboration between key stakeholder groups operating within the new National Park boundaries will likely facilitate opportunities to reduce levels of pollution and deliver wider benefits for nature restoration and climate regulation. For example, by providing additional opportunities for maintaining and enhancing the contribution of healthy ecosystems in the regulation, provision and restoration of air quality, and the quality and quantity of water and soil resources. Adverse effects are anticipated with Alternative 4 on this basis.

4.23 With respect to the ‘do something’ alternatives, Alternative 3 and Alternative 5 will likely have significant positive effects to environmental quality. Specifically, by incorporating strategies which contribute to healthy ecosystems and improve the quality of soil and water resources at a larger landscape scale.

Material Assets

4.24 Material assets refer to the natural resources of an area (such as minerals and forestry). Since a key aim of a national park is ‘…to promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area’ (see Section 1(b) of the Act), designating an area as a national park can enhance the protection and sustainable management of material assets, ensuring their preservation for future generations. In this regard it should be noted that National Park designation does not preclude certain land uses such as minerals activities; there would instead be an increased focus on the sustainable management of these resources in line with the established purposes and duty of the National Park.

4.25 Opportunities for collaboration between public bodies and key stakeholder groups is likely to enhance opportunities for improvements to the natural and built environment and help to facilitate the sustainable management of natural resources. A larger National Park area would help to safeguard material assets within the Galloway area and also help to encourage the sustainable management of material assets (e.g. through sustainable agriculture and forestry practices) across a landscape-scale. For example, Alternative 2, 3, and 5 would encompass significant areas of peatland and woodland, potentially enhancing the efforts to safeguard these resources across the area and helping to maximise benefits for biodiversity, climate, and people. This is less likely to be effective in the absence of a National Park designation in this area (as proposed through Alternative 4).

Conclusions

4.26 With respect to the ‘do something’ alternatives, Alternative 2, 3 and 5 will likely have significant positive effects to material assets, by encouraging the sustainable management of material assets (e.g. through sustainable agriculture and forestry practices) across a larger landscape-scale.

4.27 The Galloway area has a significant climate sequestration resource, with extensive areas of woodland and peatland which act as a carbon sink. A new National Park in this area provides additional opportunities to reinforce this role, alongside potentially stimulating investments in natural solutions to climate change and nature restoration. Therefore, positive impacts are also anticipated for Alternative 1, although the smaller area covered through this Alternative may reduce opportunities for collaboration between stakeholders across a larger landscape-scale.

4.28 As a key aim of a national park is ‘…to promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area’ (see Section 1(b) of the Act), adverse impacts are anticipated through Alternative 4. Specifically, there would be missed opportunities relating to the sustainable management of resources associated with material assets in the Galloway area through National Park designation, including opportunities to protect, enhance, and restore natural and built resources.

Cultural Heritage

4.29 One of the key aims of National Parks is to conserve and enhance the cultural heritage of the area(s) covered by the designation. Specifically, the relationship between historic environment assets (e.g., historic buildings and monuments, archaeological sites, and historic landscapes) and their contributions to Scotland’s cultural heritage value. This reinforces the role that National Parks can have in terms of conserving, enhancing, and promoting Scotland’s historic environment, including designated and non-designated assets (and their settings).

4.30 The Galloway area has a rich heritage resource, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 (above). There are significant clusters of Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas, and Garden or Designed Landscapes surrounding the coastal environment, particularly within and adjacent to key towns and villages. This includes Kirkcudbright, Wigtown, Luce Bay and The Rhins, Stranraer, Girvan, Prestwick, and Troon. In this respect, Alternative 2, 3, and 5 will likely enhance opportunities to support access to, interpretation and understanding of the historic evolution and character of Galloway’s coastal locations. For Alternative 5, this may also include locations with significant clusters of historic environment designations along the A76 corridor, including Dumfries, Thornhill, Sanquhar, New Cumnock, Cumnock, and Mauchline. Neutral effects are anticipated through Alternative 1 on this basis, as this area excludes most of Galloway’s coastline where the designated heritage assets and areas are concentrated.

4.31 It should be noted that an increase in attention towards these sites through a national park designation may increase the recreational pressures, which, if not managed effectively, could result in adverse effects on the assets through direct impacts, or impacts to their setting. However, a larger area could also help increase awareness and understanding of lesser-known assets, supporting their longer-term protection and enhancement. Additionally, larger areas can facilitate more comprehensive conservation strategies through establishing partnership working and collaborative approaches with key stakeholders^[12]. This has the potential to indirectly support Galloway’s historic environment by raising awareness of the key issues and prioritising efforts to address these concerns. For example, most of Galloway’s ‘at risk’ historic environment assets listed on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register are located in the south western section of Galloway, including (but not limited to) around Stranraer, The Rhins, and Wigtown (see Figure 2) (included in Alternatives 2 3, and 5). These assets would benefit from the increased protection and funding afforded to assets in a national park; however, careful management would be needed to ensure that tourism does not have an adverse impact on these particularly sensitive assets.

4.32 In addition to protecting designated historic environment assets and areas, a national park designation would afford additional protection to non-designated historic environment assets. These assets, which may not have formal recognition but still hold cultural and historical significance, would benefit from the enhanced management and conservation efforts that come with national park status. This includes increased monitoring, maintenance, and potential funding for preservation efforts, ensuring that these local assets are not overlooked. The larger Alternatives would perform better in this regard.

Conclusions

4.33 In conclusion, with regards to the historic environment topic, significant positive effects are anticipated for Alternatives 2, 3, and 5. These Alternatives have the most potential to promote the significance of buildings, structures, and features of architectural or historic interest, both designated and non-designated (and their settings), by encouraging a comprehensive strategy for locations surrounding Galloway’s coastal environment. Neutral effects are anticipated for Alternative 1, as this area excludes most of Galloway’s coastline which has the greatest concentration of designated heritage assets and areas.

4.34 It should be noted that an increased focus of the National Park proposals on biodiversity and climate change may have adverse effects (direct and indirect) on the significance of heritage assets including their settings. Peatland restoration, for example, can have impacts on non-designated archaeological resources. Additionally, retrofitting historic buildings may detract from the significance and character of the built environment.

4.35 Adverse effects are also anticipated with Alternative 4. It is recognised that the Galloway area benefits from several heritage designations which offer a degree of protection to the historic environment. However, it would also miss out on the potential benefits, such as enhanced protection of the historic environment due to additional standards set by the national park designation and enhanced coordination of conservation efforts across the area.

4.36 Regarding possible mitigation, appropriate methods for enhancements should be devised with input from historic environment specialists from the outset. This would help to maximise benefits to cultural heritage within the Galloway area, balancing heritage objectives with wider National Park aims and reducing potential adverse effects.

Landscape

4.37 Currently, the third National Park aim is “ to promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public”. In this respect, a new National Park designation in Galloway is likely to have positive effects with respect to understanding and awareness of the special qualities of the landscape. This may include by enhancing opportunities for people to access and experience these areas. However, negative impacts may occur from the potential recreational pressures and impacts to natural and cultural assets associated with an increase in visitor numbers (e.g., from access, disturbance, traffic).

4.38 As shown by experiences within Scotland’s existing National Parks, protecting and enhancing the significance of the landscape has been a key focus of their respective Partnership Plans. This is demonstrated through the emphasis on collaborative working to explore and implement sustainable ways to manage the land, supporting restoration and conservation efforts to deliver landscape-scale benefits. On this basis, a new National Park designation in Galloway is likely to deliver enhancements to the key landscape designations within the area, which includes Galloway Forest Park (which is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park), Wild Land, and three National Scenic Areas. Positive impacts are likely to be more pronounced through Alternative 2 and 3 which incorporate all of these designated landscapes. Neutral effects are anticipated through Alternative 5, as there are no additional landscape designations within the 30km buffer zone covered by this Alternative.

4.39 With respect to Alternative 4, the area’s existing landscape protections would continue to exist in the absence of a new National Park designation. However, this would potentially limit opportunities to deliver significant enhancements to the area through collaborative efforts to management. An additional positive of the ‘do something’ Alternatives is that planning policy for National Parks (see NPF4 Policy 4: Natural Places) means that development proposals should not have significant adverse effects on the integrity of the area. This will strengthen efforts to protect the local landscape by reducing the number of inappropriate developments coming forward in particularly sensitive locations.

Conclusions

4.40 In conclusion, Alternative 2 and 3 have the potential to deliver significant positive effects for the landscape topic, as these Alternatives incorporate all of the designated landscapes in the Galloway area. This provides opportunities to implement coordinated management strategies through partnerships and collaborative efforts, with a view to reinforcing the significance of Galloway’s landscape character and special qualities.

4.41 Positive effects are anticipated through Alternative 1, but this alternative does not encompass all of the locations covered by the Forest Park and National Scenic Area designations, which may reduce opportunities to maximise the potential benefits of a new National Park designation, including with respect to visitor management and the impacts of increased tourism.

4.42 Neutral effects are anticipated with Alternative 4. It is recognised that the Galloway area benefits from several landscape designations which offer a degree of protection. However, it would also miss out on the potential benefits, such as enhanced awareness and understanding of its special qualities due to additional standards set by the national park designation and the coordination of conservation efforts across the area. Neutral effects are also anticipated through Alternative 5 as there are no additional landscape designations within the 30km buffer zone covered by this Alternative.

Population and Human Health

4.43 As shown by experiences within Scotland’s existing National Parks, establishing strong links with local communities has been key to ensuring successful outcomes. This is reflected within the aims and objectives of their respective Partnership Plans, and also through initiatives such as ‘Cairngorms 2030’^[13] and the Loch Lomond Countryside Trust Strategy^[14] which aim to put local people at the heart of decision-making in the areas.

4.44 The designation of a new National Park within Galloway has the potential to create nature-rich environments through coordinated plan making which seeks to enhance ecological connections and access to nature. By establishing strong links with key stakeholders within the community, facilitated through effective governance, this has the potential to strengthen Galloway’s identity through a shared sense of pride and responsibility for the new National Park. This may include through the implementation of community-led projects across the area that are supported by the National Park Authority, and which seek to deliver on key community issues. With reference to the existing National Parks, this has included projects which focus on improving accessibility and connectivity via public and sustainable transport, green and blue infrastructure enhancements, and supporting healthy and active communities. However, it is important to note that there could also be tensions if the needs of residents are perceived to be secondary to those of visitors.

4.45 Additionally, a new National Park designation has the potential for mixed effects from the seasonality associated with a tourism-heavy area. The coastal area within Galloway is particularly sensitive from an environmental and heritage perspective and is primarily only accessible via the road network. In such areas, environmental impacts are anticipated to result from an influx of visitors in peak tourism season (usually summer). On one hand, this could lead to adverse impacts on the natural environment (e.g. pollution) and the area’s settlements (e.g. overcrowding and traffic). On the other hand, the economic boost to the local area through visitors’ spending may help to increase funding for key community projects, which may help to deliver public realm enhancements which improve the quality of the natural and built environment. Comparatively, the 30km buffer zone within Alternative 5 would directly connect the new National Park area to the national rail network^[15] and provide public transport opportunities to key locations such as Dumfries, Kilmarnock, Troon, Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, and Stranraer. Nonetheless, the areas proposed through Alternative 1, 2 and 3 would likely seek to establish links with these key transport nodes and communities in the wider area and ensure the benefits of the National Park can be delivered to communities outside of its boundaries.

Conclusions

4.46 A larger new National Park area (as proposed through Alternative 2, 3 and 5) would mean that more locations in Galloway could benefit from coordinated management and conservation efforts, supporting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of locals and visitors. This has the potential to lead to significant long-term positive effects for population and human health by enhancing green and blue infrastructure networks, supporting nature-rich environments and active travel opportunities, and encouraging better connected areas and communities. More effective community engagement coordinated by the National Park Authority may also help reduce the potentially negative impacts on local communities that can arise from a new National Park designation (such as potential conflicts over land use).

4.47 As shown by experiences within Scotland’s existing National Parks, establishing strong links with local communities has been key to ensuring successful outcomes. By establishing strong links with key stakeholders in the local community, facilitated through effective governance, this has the potential to strengthen Galloway’s identity through a shared sense of pride and responsibility for the new National Park. This would not be achievable through Alternative 4, with adverse impacts anticipated on this basis.

4.48 With respect to possible mitigation, opportunities for sustainable travel and active travel within the Galloway area should be encouraged wherever possible. This would help to maximise the benefits of a new National Park designation for local communities and visitor management.

Consideration of cumulative / synergistic effects

4.49 A key designation within the area includes the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve, which has a strong focus on improving ‘…the relationship between people and their local environment’,^[16]. A new National Park designation would complement the Biosphere’s Reserve’s existing protections by providing additional resources and an enhanced focus on the conservation and enhancement of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. This dual designation can enhance conservation efforts, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that both the natural environment and visitor experience are well-managed and preserved.

4.50 NPF4 Regional Spatial Priorities for Southern Scotland^[17] emphasises the goal of creating connected, liveable places which benefit from further investment and innovation. A new National Park designation in Galloway would support this objective. Specifically, by encouraging opportunities for collaboration between public bodies and key stakeholder groups; focusing efforts on improving the natural and built environment and helping to facilitate the sustainable management of natural resources. It is anticipated that a new National Park designation in Galloway will also work in alignment with key Scottish Government strategies and priorities, including the implementation of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy^[18] and the ambitious targets to tackle the climate emergency and delivering net-zero emissions.

4.51 As discussed within several of the appraisal sections, it is recognised that Scotland’s climate ambitions will likely drive a significant increase in demand for the retrofit of traditional and historic buildings, renewable energy schemes, and the implementation of landscape-scale strategies to increase ecosystem resilience to the impacts of climate change. In order to support the collective achievement of the aims, functions, and management of Galloway’s natural and built environment, it will be important to establish effective partnerships between local communities, landowners, and conservation organisations which can lead to balanced decision-making that respects both environmental and community needs. In this respect, a new National Park designation is likely to deliver long-term significant positive effects for the Galloway area, through helping to enable the ‘win-win’ opportunities associated with sustainable and effective management to be realised.