Rare sand dunes on the Aberdeenshire coast have lost their Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status after the construction of the Trump International Golf Links at Menie Estate. NatureScot, the public natural heritage organization, determined that the dunes no longer possess the features warranting protection. This decision followed a formal consultation process and independent advice.
Eileen Stuart, interim director of NatureScot, stated that the dunes failed to meet the criteria for special protection, despite Trump International’s efforts to manage conservation on the course. The Foveran Links SSSI was previously noteworthy for its unique sand dune system, but post-construction, it has been deemed insufficiently significant.
Scottish Wildlife Trust criticized the decision, emphasizing the destruction of the ecosystem and urging protection for other threatened dune systems like Coul Links, where plans for a new golf course were recently denied due to potential harm to protected habitats.
Source link
