Nature conservationists have raised concerns about the impact of a proposed country club development on the red squirrel population in and around Aberdeen’s Hazlehead Park.
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) has written to the city council expressing fears that increased traffic from the £50million scheme could have a negative effect on the animals’ habitat.
Steve Willis, project officer for SSRS, said the plans would be a “significant backwards step” and could “massively increase” the death rate.
The 250-bedroom hotel, country club and spa is earmarked for two sites – 13 acres of land between Countesswells Road and Hazledene Road and the nine-acre Hayfield Riding Centre.
Developer Carlton Rock last night said construction work would not directly impact on woodland areas, however, and said measures would be put in place to help protect all animals.
SSRS is a partnership between the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates and Red Squirrel Survival Trust.
Mr Willis said the organisation has been working in the Hazlehead area for the past five years with Aberdeen City Council.
The aim is to “progressively reduce” the non-native grey squirrel population to allow red squirrels to flourish.
He said: “We are concerned that the proposed development will impact negatively on the recovering red squirrel population in Den Wood, and that this will have repercussions for the recovery of red squirrels in wider Aberdeen.
“Whilst the development itself will take place on fields, the concern is that with the stated need to upgrade and widen access roads will reduce available habitat, increase fragmentation of habitat, and, in particular, increase the risk of traffic-related mortality.”
Liberal Democrat ward councillor Martin Greig added: “A significant amount of investment has gone into protecting this important aspect of our natural environment and the welfare of the wildlife will be a factor when considering the future of Hazlehead Park.”
Alan Massie, director of Carlton Rock, said: “There are a lot of things that can be done, such as erecting ropes across from tree to tree, which can help protect animals, not just squirrels.
“However, I find it a bit rich that some elected members pick and choose when they are concerned about wildlife – for example, those who were happy to cull deer on Tullos Hill.”