The Ministry of Defence (MoD) have admitted that environmental damage caused during a military exercise at the Cape Wrath firing ranges may take 5-10 years to rectify.

The League had written to the MoD following fires in heathland used by wildlife and nesting birds following live firing exercises. The League also pointed out that the MoD had failed to honour earlier assurances given to protect and respect the environment.

In the reply, on behalf of Defence Minister Des Browne MP, Headquarters Defence Estates say they have 'lost' correspondence in which the previous assurances were given (see below).

"Thank you for your letter of 31 May addressed to Rt Hon Des Browne MP, Secretary of State for Defence about the military training exercises taking place on the Cape Wrath Bombardment Range. I have been asked to reply as this matter falls within my area of responsibility.

Since your organisation corresponded with Fleet on this topic in 2004, the ownership and management of the Cape Wrath Bombing Range has been transferred from the Defence Logistic Organisation to the Defence Training Estate; it has not been possible to locate the letters to which you refer.

The planning of major exercises such as the recent Joint Warrior is still undertaken by Fleet. The fact that such exercises take place during the lambing season is regretted. However the erection of a fence running along the southern boundary of the training estate was undertaken to allow livestock to be removed from the Danger Area.

The local community of Durness, has been supportive of training exercises taking place in the area and are consulted on a regular basis. To that end an Integrated Rural Management Plan for Cape Wrath went out for consultation last week, which includes matters such as military activity, farming interests and nature conservation and it is expected the local population and stakeholders will respond to it.

An area of heathland (approximately) 137ha in extent was damaged by fire. This was not during the major Exercise Joint Warrior, but, in a subsequent training exercise. The cause was due to the use of tracer rounds, and once communicated to the Chain of Command, a seasonal ban was immediately imposed on this type of ammunition. The fire took place between, but not on, areas classified as SSSIs. A representative from Scottish Natural Heritage was flown to survey the area by the MOD and his initial estimate was that it may take between 5 and 10 years for the vegetation to fully recover, although some bird species will nest in the area, possibly as soon as next year. It is gratifying to learn that recent inspections already show signs of recovery by the vegetation.

Although close to a Special Protection Area, none of Cape Wrath's land Danger Area is subject to conservation designations. It was not possible to avoid the nesting season this year for the large tri service exercises.

The MOD takes it stewardship of training areas very seriously; high standards of conservation management are maintained throughout the estate and the MOD enjoys and values good working relationships with all stakeholders, including Scottish Natural Heritage.

Yours sincerely

Colonel J N O'H Pollock"

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

26/06/08

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