King Charles unveils plaque to commemorate The Flow Country’s UNESCO World Heritage bid success
The project team behind the Flow Country’s successful World Heritage bid spoke of His Majesty The King’s pride and knowledge of the peatlands, after he visited RSPB Forsinard today.
Representatives from the team were joined by scientists, politicians and members of the local community for a celebration at the north Sutherland site before the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the milestone.
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As the world’s most expansive blanket peat bog, the Flow Country, was granted the designation reserved for sites of exceptional natural, cultural, historical or scientific significance by the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi last week.
The Flow Country becomes Scotland’s first World Heritage Site inscribed for its natural criteria, highlighting the global importance of its critical ecosystem for wildlife and an important defence against climate change.
During the visit, the King, making his first visit to the site since becoming a patron for the RSPB, was briefed on the dedication of the bid team in achieving the accolade.
He also heard of the significance of the Flow Country’s natural ecosystems and its contributions to biodiversity and the economy in the north of Scotland.
His Majesty enjoyed a tour of the RSPB Forsinard visitor centre, before joining a gathering where he met local residents and members of the community.
The Flow Country’s new status is anticipated to realise a range of environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits for the north of Scotland including the creation of job opportunities in landscape restoration and conservation, and an increase in sustainable tourism.
Bid lead for the Flow Country World Heritage Site project and NatureScot head of operations for the north of Scotland, Graham Neville, says the site can “unlock” a range of new benefits for the area.
He said: “Today’s event marks a significant milestone and celebrates over a decade of dedicated effort by a diverse group of stakeholders and the supportive local community.
“This designation not only reconnects residents with the Flow Country right on their doorstep, enhancing their sense of place, but also unlocks a range of benefits.
“We are committed to continue to engaging with local people and businesses to ensure everyone in the north of Scotland can make the most of the new opportunities this status presents.”
Frances Gunn from Tongue, who chaired the Flow Country World Heritage bid, said: “I am delighted for the folk who live in Strath Halladale and across the whole north coast, and that the King had such an interest.
“I was really impressed that he was able to talk to everybody, and how knowledgeable he was. Everyone had a really nice time.
"The UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the Flow Country shines a light on the importance of this beautiful landscape.
“Through sustainable land management, the bog system will continue to draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere for generations, playing a vital role in cooling our climate.
“The future vision for the Flow Country is a multi-use landscape where healthy peatlands support globally significant biodiversity and climate protection, while also fostering a lively and prosperous region with high-quality jobs.
“By embracing this vision, we will ensure the Flow Country thrives as a leading example of environmental responsibility and economic vitality for years to come. And what an honour to meet The King today at this wild, remote and vitally important place.”
Lord Lieutenant for Sutherland, Major General Patrick Marriott said: “We were hugely privileged for the King to turn up today to unveil a plaque that marks the inscription of this World Heritage Site, the second that we now have in Sutherland.
“It is very exciting for lots of people here who have been part of this bid which has been years in the making. It is not something that happens instantaneously so all credit to all of them.
“I think His Majesty really enjoyed the visit. He is very well informed about this subject and was asking some really quite penetrating questions of the many scientists who were here today, and they all enjoyed it.
“You got the equivalent of scientific banter at the highest level, which is quite special.
“The project has been very inclusive and it has brought people together, and that is something that is wonderful for Sutherland.
“Developing the project is the most important thing. It’s what I would call a ‘think to the finish’ moment. They’ve got to take this forward. The opportunities are huge for Sutherland, but most importantly huge for the people of Sutherland.
“There are opportunities here for tourism, the environment and it’s turning those into hard reality. That’s the challenge now, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Peter Gilberts, senior site manager at RSPB Forsinard, said: “There’s a huge turnout here today and it’s huge recognition for all the work that has gone into getting the UNESCO bid to where it is today.
“Community is crucial to everything that underpins the project. We are talking about really shining a spotlight on what is on the doorsteps of our communities up here and putting a focus on the area or region.
“The King was extremely knowledge. The questions he was asking were really poignant and he understands the value of the work that is being done in the Flow Country, and the importance that the World Heritage Status brings to the community and the peatlands.
Campaigns and communications officer for RSPB Scotland, Milly Revill Hayward, added: “It feels really special that His Majesty acknowledges and understands why we have this status.
“It’s like a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved, and the community members who have been looking after this land for so long, so that it is in this brilliant condition to now be a World Heritage site.
“When you look at similar World Heritage sites, we see more sustainable tourism, marketing and business opportunities. It brings a new level of kudos to the area, and more opportunities for peatland restoration and with that again comes more training and job opportunities.”
