NatureScot launches consultation for Scotland’s proposed new National Park in Galloway - NatureScot

Public encouraged to ‘have your voice heard’ in third National Park consultation, following community conversations, surveys and fieldwork.

NatureScot has opened the formal (statutory) consultation on whether a new National Park should be established in Galloway and parts of South and East Ayrshire. The consultation will include looking at what a potential new Park might consist of - from its boundary to its board makeup, and even what the Park could be called. It will also seek to gauge opinion on the proposal and alternatives to it.

The formal consultation will run from today (7 November) until 14 February 2025 and is accessible on the NatureScot website and in print, audio and Gaelic versions. During the second half of November, a consultation leaflet will be distributed to 52,000 households and businesses within the proposed area.

Public events will be happening across the area in the coming weeks, facilitated by independent consultants on behalf of NatureScot, ensuring that people are supported to share their thoughts and opinions in a positive environment. There will be sessions within each event asking for responses on a variety of topics, as well as interactive boards and spaces and opportunities to leave anonymous feedback. Respondents can also complete a consultation leaflet in writing.

NatureScot will then report a full account and analysis of all views expressed during its engagement and consultation to Ministers in spring next year. The Scottish Government is ultimately the decision maker on whether there will be a Galloway National Park.