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The Celtic League have once again pressed the MOD to curtail its activities at the Cape Wrath exercise area in Northern Scotland. Serious damage was caused to the area this month after a series of heath fires were started by trace ammunition fired during exercise.
In a letter to Defence Minister, Des Browne, (see below) the League say:
"It beggars belief that exercises of this type were held at a time critical to the breeding programme of several important bird life species. It is equally concerning that trace ammunition was used given the weather conditions and the propensity of the heathland in such circumstances to ignite."
The League believe the latest damage contradicts assurances given by the MOD in the past to manage and preserve the environment of the area.
Paradoxically the Celtic League had expressed a concern in April about exercises scheduled for this spring.
"Secretary of State for Defence The Rt Hon. Des Browne, MP Ministry of Defence Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB.
31/5/08
Dear Minister,
We wrote to the Defence Ministry in August 2004 questioning the continued use of the Cape Wrath exercise area in Northern Scotland and highlighting the potential ecological and environmental damage that was being caused.
In October 2004 we had a response and reassurance from CINCFLEET in relation to this activity.
We welcomed subsequent assurances given particularly in relation to conservation and protection of wildlife however were concerned when further information was subsequently forwarded with the veracity of some of the information MOD had supplied. (Pointedly we have no record on file of a response from the MOD after we took the time and retained a specialist ornithologist to look at their work).
The League have continued to monitor this situation closely and were extremely concerned when a major and lengthy series of exercises were announced in the area this spring.
From reports we have seen it appears our concerns were well justified as it appears a significant area of heathland in the Cape Wrath area (several square miles) has been destroyed due to fires started by trace ammunition.
It beggars belief that exercises of this type were held at a time critical to the breeding programme of several important bird life species. It is equally concerning that trace ammunition was used given the weather conditions and the propensity of the heathland in such circumstances to ignite. The whole episode calls into question the MODs stewardship of this important area for wild life and we once again urge you to review and curtail activities on the Cape Wrath ranges.
We would also be grateful if the MOD could supply an environmental impact assessment of the damage caused in the recent heath fires.
Yours faithfully,
J B Moffatt Director of Information"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
31/05/08
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