Beach Vandalism
22 July, 2008.
The following is in response to our questions put to Mr. Stuart Chalmers of Forestry Commission Scotland, with regard to Ardentinny beach.
1. Is overnight camping/caravanning allowed at Sandy Beach?
Wild Camping is permissible under the Scottish Outdoor Access code - if
people are using their access rights such as walking, cycling, canoeing
or horse riding. Currently there is no definition of when wild camping
is not wild camping. There is a national group looking at this very
subject. Our preference would be that people do not park overnight, but
we have no legislative control. We have attempted to tackle similar
problems on the East of Loch Lomond by installing gates and flow plates
but this has only been partially effective.
2. Are long-term camping/caravanning/camper vans stays allowed at Sandy
Beach (i.e. more than one night)?
The Scottish Access Code suggests that wild camping is for up to three
nights.
3. Which authority is responsible for policing and enforcing the by-laws
of the area?
The police are ultimately responsible for policing the area and
enforcing the law. We, FCS, work in good partnership with the police to
assist with these matters. This year Central Scotland police are
producing a Policing Strategy to cover the whole of the National Park. I
would expect this to benefit Ardentinny from next season on.
There is good criminal and civil law to cover most of the antisocial
issues therefore Forestry Commission Scotland no longer have bye-laws.
4. Are any personnel of the relevant authority available during the
summer period (especially weekends) to patrol the area and ensure that
the relevant by-laws are adhered to by the visitors?
Currently, Forestry Commission Scotland have no staff working at the
weekend to cover the Argyll Forest area, other than for events. With an
upcoming retirement I am looking at the option for the replacement to
have weekend working as part of their role. This will depend on budget
negotiations with senior staff.
5. Which authority is responsible for maintaining the area and removal
of litter?
Forestry Commission Scotland as the land manager and owner has the
responsibility to pick up the litter. We aim to do this on a Monday
morning when possible. Were are also fortunate to get additional support
from the National Park Authority.
6. Although a "take your litter home with you" notice is in place, this
is largely ignored. Has the provision of litter bins been considered?
Forestry Commission Scotland have a national 'Take your Litter Home'
policy. Irresponsible people will drop litter regardless of whether
there is a bin. Responsible people will use a bin if it's present,
otherwise they will take it home. It is much more efficient in terms of
cost and resources for people to use their domestic waste disposal
rather than having multiple van journeys to empty a bin in the
countryside.
There will always be a debate over the effectiveness of this policy, but
at the end of the day the important aspect is to educate visitors. We
have worked closely with the Community Partnership, National Park
Authority, Grab Trust, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Stirling Council to
produce a poster and education campaign. This is a small but important
step. At the end of the day the much wider goal is trying to develop
some National pride so that people look after their countryside.
7. Has additional signage been considered advising visitors as to the
rules related to use of the area?
There is signage in place at Ardentinny which provides information on
the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The rules for the area are basically
criminal & civil law which cover issues such as vandalism, litter,
violence and loud music.
Forestry Commission Scotland has developed an Access Behaviour Code
which replaced our byelaws. It is possible that in the future there will
be some informational signage that is developed from this work, but at
this stage I do not plan to erect any more signs.
8. Can you provide a telephone number and/or email address where
residents may report cases of littering and vandalism of the area?
The best number to use is 01877 382383 and the email address is
cowal.trossachs.fd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk and this will be passed on to the
most appropriate staff.
In addition, the issues of fires is complex. People lighting fires on
the beach is permissible under the amended Trespass Scotland Act, if
they are exercising there access rights and they are acting responsibly.
However cutting down trees to create the fire is effectively an act of
criminal damage and not permissible. The police in East Loch Lomond have
managed to charge a few people for cutting trees. Many visitors bring
their own firewood which is good. A fire on the beach causes little
damage whereas a fire on grass does cause damage and is therefore
unacceptable.
I would be very happy to meet with you and any other residents to
discuss the issues raised and look at useful ways forward.
Discuss this in the forum.
Beach Vandalism
14 July, 2008.Ardentinny residents will be aware of the continuing problem of litter and vandalism in the Sandy Beach picnic area. This appears to caused by both day visitors and overnight campers to the area. We are aware that many of the Forestry picnic tables have been badly damaged by "disposable" barbecues and allegedly trees have been cut down for firewood.
Over the past couple of weeks we have received several complaints from concerned residents (see here). We are publishing below photographs of the damage, kindly provided by an Ardentinny resident. We will be in contact with the relevant authorities this week and will report our findings in due course.
We also understand that the Village Hall Committee are in the process of considering an Adopt-a-Beach campaign. This would help the community provide regular beach cleans and surveys. A project of this type would be reliant on volunteers, though this would not necessarily prevent litter and vandalism taking place in the first place or cover the picnic area which has received much of the abuse.
Meanwhile, please continue to post your comments within the forum.
Click photo to enlarge
