HC Deb 21 March 1989 vol 149 cc505-6W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the sites of special scientific interest damaged or destroyed since 1983 by afforestation(a) grant-aided by the Forestry Commission and (b) without grant aid.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

I am advised by the Nature Conservancy Council that the information requested is only readily available since 1985:

  1. (a) Craigs of Succoth (1985–86). One hectare damaged in error by an adjoining landowner ploughing in preparation 506 for afforestation. No trees were planted on the SSSI. The afforestation proposal was granted aid by the Foresty Commission.
  2. (b) Abernethy forest (1986–87) 270 hectares planted with the benefit of grant aid from the Forestry Commission.
  3. (c) Glen Feshie (Cairngorms SSSI) (1986–87). Two hectares affected by planting without the benefit of grant aid.

No sites have been lost.