Nature needs YOUR Voice against Chemicals at Traprain Law, Scotland UK!

East Lothian Council Countryside Service are planning to introduce harmful chemical spray to historical Traprain Law, situated just outside Edinburgh, Scotland UK, later this month (October 2015) in their attempt to "control" the gorse plant. Traprain Law is home to a variety of wonderful wild creatures including sparrowhawks, kestrels, buzzards, peregrines, foxes, badgers, nesting birds. They plan to use a herbicide called Grazon 90 which according to the COSHH Report on Grazon 90 is "dangerous for the environment" and "very toxic to aquatic organisms".

East Lothian Council proudly state that "Traprain Law is noted as a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI), having extensive areas of mineral rich unimproved grassland - a rare and declining habitat within East Lothian". It further states that the biodiversity process began over 20 years ago following increased international concern about the loss of wild species and habitats and that although improvements have been made, wild species and habitats are still in decline due to human activity. It further states that humans cannot live without biodiversity and that we need to reduce our impact on the natural world. It also states that all public bodies have a legal duty to further the conservation of biodiversity as described in the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. It continues to state that one of their principles is "to protect what we have, so that there is no greater decline in biodiversity".

So the question arises - why introduce a poisonous chemical to historical Traprain Law and jeopardise the health of its wildlife? There is absolutely no justification at all for chemically spraying the gorse at Traprain. Indeed, the gorse serves good purpose by giving food and shelter to wild Exmoor ponies living there (the Council will need to remove them to a safe site if chemical spraying goes ahead - but they cannot remove the wildlife there....), the gorse acts as a favoured hunting ground for the kestrels, nesting birds use it.

Why do they wish to kill the gorse at Traprain? (a) because they favour it as grassland only and (b) because it is a site of archaeological importance. However, these reasons "pale into the sunset" when we consider the damage done there to the very delicate ecosystem. The chemical will jeopardise the water table and alter the energy of the whole area. Once chemicals are needlessly introduced there will be no turning back.....

For centuries Traprain Law has managed highly successfully to live in accordance with the natural Laws of Nature. It is one of the rare places on our Planet that can still be called totally "natural". The gorse has played a major role in helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem at Traprain.

Our local community are saying NO to chemicals at Traprain - but we need our international brothers and sisters to join forces with us now - lets unite as One Voice to condemn the introduction of chemicals at beautiful Traprain Law - and let Nature's Voice really be heard.... Please support our Petition - and together we are uniting to create a cleaner, more caring and more harmonised beautiful Planet.... thank you....

You can find out more about our Campaign by visiting www.traprainponiesofexmoor.com