West side nature plan

SHETLAND’S west side community is being asked to join in a project to enhance the natural environment in the area.

The Living Shetland Project has already developed five community-based biodiversity action plans for Sandwick, Bigton, Yell, Fetlar and Bressay.

The next plan is to be developed for the west side, taking in Skeld, Gruting, Walls and Sandess.

Community plans usually involve identifying and cataloguing habitats, areas and species that are of local importance.

They also help develop small community projects to enhance or promote biodiversity, such as community gardens, woodlands, school gardens, local interpretation and walking routes.

Shetland Amenity Trust ranger Howard Toull said that community involvement was the key factor in highlighting areas and species of local importance.

“The west side of Shetland has great potential with regard to biodiversity, with some very good community projects already underway. We want to capitalise on this further through the development of a plan for the area,” he said.

A public meeting will be held at Gruting hall on Wednesday 2 February at 7.30pm to look at the proposal, demonstrate the importance of some west side habitats and outline funding opportunities for potential projects.

A public meeting is to be held in the Gruting Hall on Wednesday 2nd February at 7.30pm for anyone who is interested in hearing about this project or assisting with its development.

More information is available from Mr Towll on 01595 694688 of local community worker Mick Clifton on 01595 745303.