Home / Environment / Loch Kemp Hydro Project Threatens Ancient Woodland
Loch Kemp Hydro Project Threatens Ancient Woodland
1 Jul
Summary
- Ancient woodland and hazel trees face destruction.
- Loch Ness salmon population could become extinct.
- Protected site and iconic loch threatened by project.
Plans for new hydropower schemes in the Scottish Highlands, including the Loch Kemp project, have raised significant environmental alarms. The Loch Kemp scheme is designed to draw water from Loch Ness and transfer it to an enlarged Loch Kemp reservoir.
A new power station is planned for protected ancient woodland along Loch Ness's shores. This woodland, an internationally recognized special area of conservation, will suffer partial destruction, impacting ancient hazel trees and a prime lichen habitat.
The drawdown of water associated with hydro activities is expected to severely affect Loch Ness's shoreline. Concerns voiced by the Ness District Salmon Fisheries Board indicate a potential extinction of the loch's salmon population.
