Field Gentian under threat at Carrbridge.

10th October 2007

The Vascular Plant Red List for Great Britain published in 2005 classifies this attractive flower as 'Vulnerable' and describes it as one example of the many species that were previously not known to be under threat but are now shown to be disappearing over a wide area. The red post (see photo below) marks the centre line of a road proposed by developers Tulloch as part of a development of 117 houses that would destroy this gentian site. A recent survey of important species at this site for the developer fails even to mention field gentian that was also not reported on the site by the Natural Heritage Group of the National Park whose report on the Carrbridge application site was based on visits in March when there was snow on the ground.

Field Gentians Gentianella campestris with Bird's foot trefoil, Selfheal and other flowers  in meadow threatened by 117-house development.
Looking across to native Scots pinewood also threatened by the development.The red post marks the centre line of a road proposed by developers Tulloch.



Field Gentian in flower-rich meadow threatened by development at Carrbridge.



Close up of Field Gentian in the threatened meadow at Carrbridge.