Upland Landscape Protection
The Upland Landscape Protection Society (hereafter frequently
referred to simply as ULP) has been formed by a group of individuals from
a wide variety of backgrounds united by a profound concern for the well-being
of our upland environment.
A specific catalyst for urgent action has been our extreme
alarm at two separate proposals for large-scale wind-power installations
(with an aggregate of over 300 giant turbines) on the spectacularly beautiful,
but ecologically fragile Lammermoor and Lammerlaw ranges.
It is our conviction not only that these projects would
irreversibly devastate the plateau (and, with the problems associated with
transmission, impact adversely on a much greater area) but also, that the
wider public has not yet had sufficient opportunity to comprehend the potentially
enormous scale of this devastation.
We would like to emphasize that
ULP has been formed to PROTECT LANDSCAPES, not to oppose development of
wind-power as such. Indeed, we readily concede that wind-power has several
advantages over other forms of electricity- generation - provided the location
is appropriate.
In our view, the Lammermoor/Lammerlaw
area is far too valuable in its present state to be even remotely considered
for such projects as TrustPower and Meridian Energy are proposing. Proceeding
with them would, in fact, constitute an environmental disaster of major,
national proportions.
This is the reason these two proposals
are the primary, immediate focus of our concern. Our overall intention,
however, is that ULP should function as a monitoring and campaigning organisation
in relation to ANY threats to the integrity of the upland environment generally.
To that end, ULP warmly welcomes new members who share its concerns and wish
to support its objectives, which may be outlined in broad terms as follows:
To endeavour to ensure that upland areas in this
country, particularly those in a relatively unmodified state, are, as much
as possible, safeguarded from degradation.
This means we will endeavour to be alert to, and to oppose, any
threats to the integrity of
* the geological and soil features
* the flora and fauna
* the water resources and the atmosphere.
Equally, we wish to protect these areas from any unacceptable visual or aural intrusions.
We deplore exploitation of our natural resources solely for the purpose of
financial profit or the maintenance of unsustainable lifestyles.
None of the foregoing means
that we wish to see the uplands preserved simply as "scenery",
devoid of human
beings and their activities. On the contrary, we believe that humanity
certainly has a place in nature (where else could it have a place?) but
that there are important issues which are in urgent need of thorough
revision if the relationship between humanity and the rest of the natural
world is to have any prospect of long-term sustainability
[D.K-H.]
