11 November 2024

Ramblers Scotland is urging outdoor enthusiasts to take part in the newly-launched consultation on the proposed new Galloway National Park.  

Natural heritage agency NatureScot will run a 14-week online consultation until mid-February 2024, to seek views about the new national park for Galloway (including parts of South and East Ayrshire), including about its boundary, powers and how it should be run. 

Click here to complete the consultation today

We believe that the national park – if delivered well – has the potential to:  
 

• Improve walking opportunities, by improving path networks and protecting access rights 

• Enrich nature, from seashore to mountain summits 

• Boost local jobs and businesses 

• Expand public transport and active travel links 

 
We think that national park status would help better support visitors - with facilities such as toilets, camping areas, litter collection and information - and ease pressures upon sensitive habitats and local communities. 

Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: “Scotland has waited a long time for its third national park and Galloway is an exciting choice, with huge potential for this to be a win-win for both locals and visitors.  

“Experience shows that national parks are often better placed than other areas to attract vital funding, to promote outdoor recreation and to support more people – from all backgrounds – to responsibly enjoy walking and nature. 

“While Ramblers Scotland supports the overall plan, we believe that walkers will only see the benefits if the national park is delivered effectively. So, I urge walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts to engage with the proposals, and to argue for the many benefits for outdoor recreation during this important consultation phase.” 
 
NatureScot’s public consultation will also include drop-in sessions across Dumfries & Galloway, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. 

This summer, the Scottish Government named Galloway as its preferred location for Scotland’s third national park, to follow in the footsteps of Cairngorms NP and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs NP. Galloway topped a shortlist of five bids submitted by local groups in scenic areas.