Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have launched a consultation to gather people's views on the creation of additional Special Protection Areas (SPAs) to protect the golden eagle in Scotland. SPAs are areas which are protected under the European Birds Directive - in these areas, some development proposals have to follow additional statutory procedures. At the moment, there are eight SPAs in Scotland for golden eagles, but the Scottish government are considering the addition of a further six sites. The sites being considered are: Foinaven; Glen Affric to Strathconon; Moidart & Ardgour; Cairngorms Massif; Glen Etive & Glen Fyne; and Jura, Scarba & Garvellachs. The consultation is open to anyone with an interest in these areas and runs until April 7th, 2010. You can find all the consultation information here.
