Nature network for Oban welcomed

Funding to introduce a planned nature network for Oban has been welcomed by the town’s community council.

A report to go to a council committee meeting has said that money has been secured from Inspiring Scotland’s Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund to support the introduction of the network.

Oban Community Council now intends to work closely with several partners, including Argyll and Bute Council, to deliver the project.

The details are given in a report for the council’s Oban Lorn and the Isles community planning group on Wednesday, February 11.

The report by the community council said: “Oban is blessed with a rich and diverse natural heritage, including some rare habitats and species across its beaches, bogs, freshwater systems and areas of temperate rainforest.

“During consultation work undertaken for the Oban Place Plan, the community council consistently heard from residents of all ages and backgrounds that protecting and enhancing our green and blue spaces is a top community priority.

“With close partners Lorn Natural History Group and Argyll Biological Records Centre, the Oban Nature Network project will focus on mapping natural spaces in and around Oban to identify an area-wide Nature Network for protection, enhancement and long-term management.

“The work will help guide regeneration, address invasive species, and improve connectivity between currently fragmented habitats to better support biodiversity and rare species. Improving access to, and the quality of, spaces used by people is also a key element of the project.

“Community involvement will be central to the project’s delivery. The community council intends to work closely with Argyll and Bute Council, local communities, groups and stakeholders throughout.

“Local knowledge will be vital, and residents will be invited to share their experience of local green and blue spaces, report sightings of invasive species, and take part in “ground-truthing” and engagement activities.

“A steering group is being formed, drawing on local expertise, and further ideas and participation are welcomed.”

The report added: “Collaboration is a core principle of the Oban Nature Network. The community council is keen to work alongside existing strategies, tools and programmes, and to ensure alignment with work already underway at regional and national levels.

“In particular, the project seeks to complement Argyll and Bute Council’s nature network activity and relevant NatureScot approaches, including the use of established mapping and assessment tools where appropriate, to avoid duplication and maximise shared value.

“Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.”