Loch Ness in the Highlands is known around the world for its beauty and legends, with its waters and surrounding habitats supporting a wealth of wildlife. However, proposals for a new Pumped Storage Hydro development would result in the destruction of ancient woodland and harmful impacts on the freshwater ecology of Loch Ness. Wildlife groups are seeking help to cover the costs of the legal advice and expertise needed to challenge the scheme.
We are encouraging everyone to contribute towards this crowdfunder at: Protect the wildlife of Loch Ness and Loch Kemp
Wildlife impacted would include the Endangered Atlantic Salmon, Critically Endangered Freshwater Pearl Mussel and Critically Endangered European Eel, and an array of freshwater invertebrates on which many species depend. The ancient woodland is home to internationally important lichen communities, including the second largest British population of Nevesia sampaiana, while these rich lichen assemblages in turn provide suitable habitat for invertebrates, such as the Nationally Rare and superbly camouflaged Lichen Running Spider (Philodromus margaritatus). All of this alongside Otters and Red Squirrels.