A South Lanarkshire forest school fears it will have to close if plans for a battery storage and solar development site are approved by the Scottish Government.
The proposal for a 200-megawatt Solar and Battery Energy Storage System is slated for land adjacent to Loch Wood near Lesmahagow.
Developers Green Switch insist the site would not result in the loss of woodland or learning space, and their plans are sensitively designed to “protect and enhance” biodiversity.
But local campaigners and children who use the ancient woodland for weekly forest school sessions warn that the scale of the industrial development would “ruin” the natural environment.
‘My childhood memories are here’
STV NewsLoch Wood Community Woodland currently provides an environmental education programme for more than 200 pupils, who come here to learn and play.
The children have written letters protesting against the development.
“It would make me so upset,” said one pupil.
“All my childhood memories are here. I really hope they don’t build it so we can keep coming,” another added.
“I love coming here for the animals, trees, and fish.”
Another youngster said: “Lots of people liked coming here just to have a nice walk. It would ruin the fun here.”
The impact extends beyond the classroom.
‘It’ll have a huge impact’
STV NewsMembers of the local Men’s Shed use the woods for a walking group.
Coordinator Alan Watson said: “If we’re unable to use it, it would be detrimental to the project. We’d be back to walking the pavements again.”
Graeme Stewart from Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill Coordination Walking Group warns it will have a “huge impact.”
He argued that the construction efforts will also make the local area less safe.
“It’s quite a narrow road – if this is going to be used by contractors to lorry in containers, this will have a serious effect from a security and health point of view. There will be an increase in traffic going through the village.”
“We’re all into physical and mental health and tackling loneliness and isolation. There will be longer-term effects on people who need these open spaces. This is a valuable community amenity.”
Campaigners have lodged more than 600 objections to the proposals.
STV NewsCommunity association treasurer Vicky Connick said: “This local woodland belongs to everyone – and everyone looks after it.
“It has an amazing array of wildlife and habitats we must protect. This is ancient woodland – there’s hardly any of that left in Scotland. It’s a rapidly declining resource.”
Councillor Ross Lambie said: “The countryside of Lanarkshire is defined by historic estates like this. It’s one of the unique characteristics of this part of Scotland. The legacy is these special landscapes, which were planted several hundred years ago and maintained over generations. We are the custodians of these ancient woodlands.
“We’ve got herons, badgers and otters here. This is not the kind of place for these large-scale renewables projects.”
‘Our plans protect and enhance the environment’
STV NewsThe application for the construction of 360,000 panels, a battery energy storage system, Scottish Power Energy Networks substation, and associated infrastructure was first lodged in 2023 by Green Switch Capital.
The green energy developer says solar energy is a “vital part” of Scotland’s energy mix, providing “affordable” renewable electricity and supporting energy security.
The statement added: “The project includes significant biodiversity improvements, including 330 acres of meadow grassland, 27 acres of enhanced wildlife habitat and around two and a half miles of new hedgerow. New footpaths will improve access, including a direct link from Bent Primary School to Loch Wood, alongside a new wildlife corridor and outdoor learning area.
“The project, if consented, will also deliver a £1.96m voluntary community benefit fund, which can support local groups, schools and outdoor education initiatives, including those linked to Loch Wood.”
“NatureScot, the Scottish Government’s statutory adviser on nature and biodiversity, has assessed the proposals and confirmed it has no objections. South Lanarkshire Council has also raised no objection, and the final decision now rests with Scottish Ministers.”
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