Saturday, 28 February 2026
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Friday, 27 February 2026
Loch Lomond Banks Refusal of Planning Application. Charity Speaks Out
"Erection And Operation Of A Mixed-Use Tourism And Leisure Development Including Refurbished Tourist Information Building; Up To 60-Bedroom Apartment Hotel; Up To 32-Bedspace Budget Hotel, Up To 104 No. Self-Catering Holiday Lodges; Restoration And Redevelopment/Conversion Of Woodbank House And Attendant Listed Structures For Up To 21 Self-Catering Holiday Apartments (Subject To Other Necessary Consents); Leisure Pool, Waterpark, Spa; Restaurants, Hot Food Cafe And Retail Areas; Craft Brewery Inc
"As a long-established independent conservation charity which works in and around the LL&T national Park, we have consistently supported this planning application because it has always been clear to us that with its minimal frontage on the loch, the site’s previous planning history of being zoned for leisure and recreation and its situation within an existing envelope of development, it would have zero negative impact on the special qualities of Loch Lomond and its wider surrounding area.
"On the contrary, it would help to absorb the visitor pressures which already exist elsewhere and has the capacity to deliver many conservation and economic benefits to the area.
Their Chairman, John Urquhart (PICTURED) told That's Green: “We are disappointed, but not much surprised by Mr McKee’s decision to refuse the Lomond Banks planning application -conveniently before the Holyrood elections in May, in what we suspect is a politically motivated gambit which stands against good sense and all the planning evidence.
“The Green Party has very successfully turned this planning application into a political football, with “Saving Loch Lomond’ never being much about the merits of the planning facts, but much more about whipping up a sensational vote catching narrative.
"However, Mr Greer’s trumpeting of success may be premature as the ancient woodland and flooding grounds for refusal cited by Mr McKee are weak and will not stand up to legal analysis should the developer decide to follow the court option which is now open to them.
"There is almost no ancient woodland on the site, most of it having been cleared well before the 19th Century. A remaining agricultural shelter belt was mostly removed during the mid-20th Century by sand and gravel excavation.
"Ironically, what has saved the fragmentary narrow strip that now remains is the INEOS Finnart-Grangemouth oil pipelines which cross the site. The woodland whicTheh has colonised the former caravan site, rail yards and sand pits is recent.
"It is nonetheless one of the site’s primary assets which the developer wants to retain with compensatory planting nearby or onsite to make up for any trees lost agreed at the detail stage, because, after all, the application was always only an outline proposal. The same goes for the flooding issue.
"Most of the site is above maximum flood levels and mitigation measures for anything built lower down could readily have been developed at the detail stage.
"It is a great pity there has been so little exploration of the many economic, heritage and habitat benefits which could and should flow from such a proposal. The National Park’s planners have seemed largely blind to that, and the scheme’s huge potential has never been properly examined. Instead, many people have swallowed the populist “Save Loch Lomond” bait, including it seems, the National Park’s Board.
"In an effort to insert some balance, we outline here some examples of the kind of “planning gain” which would have been (and may yet be) available if only there was some leadership, ambition, imagination and, dare we say it, partnership.
They include:
Considerable local economic benefit including many good quality jobs during construction and then long-term operation of the business. Increased footfall would also benefit struggling Lomond Shores, Balloch and Alexandria retail and eatery businesses. Conservation of Woodbank House’s 18th century façade. Improved woodland management.
"Promotion of Red Squirrel population versus Grey. Rewilding of Stoneymollan Burn. Support for conservation efforts around Paddle Steamer Maid of The Loch and its heritage slipway, steam winch and Balloch Pier. Conservation of Old Balloch Station. Existing woodland walks lit and maintained. Re-established public transport link between Balloch and Balloch Pier. Strengthening of woodland wildlife corridors around southern end of Loch Lomond.
"Former (now disused) Gateway Centre repurposed to provide wet weather/indoor sports facilities for Lomond Banks residents (and the public). Facilitated by a bridge or ferry connection to Lomond Shores at Balloch Pier, repurposing of disused Balloch Castle as a café, shop, interpretation and visitor information centre. Assistance with efforts to improve peak time traffic flows at local A82 pinch points. Substantial tourism levy income to the local authority.
"It is highly unlikely any of these developments will ever occur without this kind of development”
For more information on rewilding the Stoneymollan Burn, see page 13 of the latest edition of their magazine, “Voice”, available online at https://www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk/voice-magazine
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World Water Day: Why Every Drop Matters
World Water Day, coordinated by United Nations, shines a spotlight on the global water crisis and the urgent need for sustainable management of freshwater resources.
It is easy, particularly here in the UK where turning on the tap feels effortless, to forget that billions of people around the world still lack reliable access to safe drinking water.
Yet even closer to home, issues such as ageing infrastructure, river pollution, drought risk and rising demand remind us that water security is not guaranteed.
Why World Water Day Matters
Water underpins everything:
Public health
Food production
Energy generation
Wildlife habitats
Local economies
Without clean water, communities cannot thrive. Globally, water scarcity is increasing due to climate change, population growth and pollution.
Periods of extreme rainfall followed by prolonged dry spells are becoming more common, placing pressure on reservoirs, farmland and wildlife alike.
In England, hosepipe bans in recent summers have demonstrated that even a temperate climate is not immune to shortages. Meanwhile, concerns about river quality have prompted widespread discussion about sewage discharge and environmental regulation. These are not distant problems — they are part of our national conversation.
The Link Between Climate and Water
Climate change is, at heart, a water story. Rising temperatures intensify the water cycle, meaning heavier storms, more flooding, longer droughts and disrupted seasonal rainfall patterns.
This affects:
Farmers managing crops
Households facing higher bills
Wildlife depending on stable ecosystems
Coastal communities vulnerable to rising seas
World Water Day encourages governments, businesses and individuals to think long-term about resilience, infrastructure and responsible consumption.
What Can We Do at Home?
While global policy matters, everyday habits make a difference too. Consider:
1. Use water wisely
Shorter showers, fixing leaks promptly and running full washing loads all reduce waste.
2. Choose reusable options
A refillable bottle and filtered tap water cut down on plastic and support trust in local supplies.
3. Be mindful of what goes down the drain
Avoid pouring fats, oils and chemicals into sinks. These damage waterways and treatment systems.
4. Support river conservation
Many local volunteer groups help protect streams and canals. Even a few hours a year can have impact.
Water and Community
Water has always brought people together, from village wells to canal networks and seaside towns. It shapes our landscapes and our memories. Whether it is a walk along a Welsh coastline, a Shropshire riverbank or a city canal path, water connects us to place.
World Water Day is not simply about statistics. It is about recognising that access to clean water is a human right and a shared responsibility.
A Moment of Reflection
The next time you fill the kettle or water the garden, pause for a moment. Consider the journey that water has taken, from cloud to reservoir, through pipes and treatment plants, and finally into your home.
Every drop has value.
And protecting it is something we can all be part of.
International Day of Forests: Why the World’s Woodlands Matter More Than Ever
From the ancient woodlands of Britain to the vast canopy of the Amazon, forests quietly shape our climate, economy and wellbeing.
Yet they are under constant pressure from deforestation, disease, pollution and climate change. This day offers a moment to pause and reflect on what forests give us and what we must do to protect them.
Why Forests Matter
Forests cover around a third of the planet’s land surface. They:
Absorb carbon dioxide and help regulate the global climate
Support 80% of terrestrial biodiversity
Protect soil and water systems
Provide livelihoods for millions of people
Offer spaces for recreation and mental restoration
In the UK, woodlands are central to our cultural and natural heritage. Think of the legendary Sherwood Forest, or the patchwork of ancient woodlands scattered across Shropshire, Wales and beyond. These places are not just tourist attractions, they are carbon stores, wildlife habitats and natural sanctuaries.
Forests and Climate Change
Forests act as the lungs of the planet. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to slow the pace of global warming. When forests are cleared or burned, that stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
The Amazon Rainforest alone plays a crucial role in global climate systems. Large-scale deforestation there has consequences far beyond South America, affecting rainfall patterns and biodiversity worldwide.
Closer to home, tree planting initiatives across the UK aim to increase woodland cover and restore degraded landscapes. However, planting new trees must go hand in hand with protecting existing ancient forests, which are irreplaceable ecosystems developed over centuries.
The Mental Health Connection
Spending time in forests has measurable benefits for mental health. A quiet woodland walk can lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure and improve mood. The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” immersing oneself mindfully in a wooded setting, has inspired similar wellbeing initiatives across Europe.
For many people, local forests became essential spaces during lockdown periods, offering fresh air, exercise and perspective.
Threats Facing Forests
Despite their value, forests face serious challenges:
Illegal logging
Agricultural expansion
Urban development
Wildfires
Invasive pests and diseases
In the UK, ash dieback disease has devastated thousands of trees, reshaping familiar landscapes and reminding us how fragile woodland ecosystems can be.
How You Can Mark the Day
International Day of Forests is not only about awareness, it is about action. You could:
Visit a local woodland and learn about native species
Support conservation charities
Reduce paper and wood waste
Choose sustainably sourced timber and products
Plant native trees in your garden or community
Even small changes in consumer habits can reduce pressure on global forest systems.
A Future Rooted in Responsibility
Forests connect climate, biodiversity, culture and wellbeing in one living network. They are ancient yet vulnerable; resilient yet dependent on human stewardship.
International Day of Forests invites us to look beyond the trees, and recognise that protecting forests means protecting ourselves.
Whether it is a walk beneath towering oaks, a commitment to sustainable choices, or supporting conservation efforts, the future of forests begins with everyday decisions.
Because when forests thrive, so do we.
https://forests.desa.un.org/events/international-day-forests-2026
World Wildlife Day: Celebrating the Natural World We All Share
Established by the United Nations in 2013, the day celebrates the world’s wild animals and plants while raising awareness of the urgent need to protect them.
From towering elephants roaming African plains to tiny pollinators working quietly in British gardens, wildlife shapes ecosystems, cultures, and economies across the globe. Without it, our world would be unrecognisable.
Why World Wildlife Day Matters
Wildlife is not simply something we admire on documentaries. It underpins food security, clean air, fresh water and even medicine. Yet biodiversity loss is accelerating due to habitat destruction, climate change, pollution and illegal trade.
Organisations such as WWF and The Wildlife Trusts warn that many species are declining at alarming rates. In the UK alone, hedgehogs, water voles and numerous bird species have seen sharp population drops over recent decades.
World Wildlife Day encourages governments, businesses and individuals to take meaningful action, not just admire wildlife, but actively protect it.
The Global Theme
Each year, the day adopts a theme highlighting a particular aspect of conservation,from marine ecosystems to forest restoration, youth engagement or wildlife crime prevention. These themes reinforce the idea that protecting wildlife requires cooperation across borders and sectors.
After all, wildlife does not recognise political boundaries. Migratory birds, ocean mammals and pollinating insects move freely — and depend on healthy habitats wherever they land.
How We Can Make a Difference in the UK
You don’t need to trek through the Amazon to support wildlife conservation. Action at home matters.
1. Support Local Conservation
Visit nature reserves managed by groups like RSPB or your local Wildlife Trust. Membership fees directly fund habitat protection.
2. Create Wildlife-Friendly Gardens
Plant native species, leave a patch of lawn unmown, or install a small pond. Even urban balconies can become mini sanctuaries for bees and butterflies.
3. Reduce Plastic and Waste
Marine wildlife, including species studied and protected by organisations such as Marine Conservation Society, are heavily impacted by plastic pollution. Reducing single-use plastics makes a real difference.
4. Choose Ethical Products
Look for sustainably sourced timber, palm oil and seafood. Consumer choices influence global supply chains.
Wildlife and Wellbeing
Spending time in nature benefits mental health and overall wellbeing, something increasingly recognised in modern Britain. A quiet walk in a woodland, a glimpse of deer at dusk, or even the sight of garden birds feeding can restore a sense of perspective.
Wildlife enriches not only ecosystems but our everyday lives.
A Shared Responsibility
World Wildlife Day is not just about saving distant species. It is about safeguarding the intricate web of life that supports us all.
Whether it’s protecting a rainforest thousands of miles away or helping hedgehogs cross your local road safely, every small action contributes to a larger movement.
The natural world is extraordinary. World Wildlife Day invites us to celebrate it, and more importantly, to protect it for generations to come.
Thursday, 26 February 2026
International Polar Bear Day: Why Arctic Conservation Matters More Than Ever
Every year on 27 February, International Polar Bear Day shines a spotlight on one of the planet’s most recognisable, and increasingly vulnerable, animals: the polar bear.
Organised by conservation groups including Polar Bears International, the day is designed to raise awareness about the challenges these Arctic giants face in a warming world.
For a sustainability-focused platform like That’s Green, it’s a moment to pause and consider not just the fate of one species, but what polar bears represent in the broader climate conversation.
Why Polar Bears Are Under Threat
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are uniquely adapted to life on sea ice. They rely on it as a platform to hunt seals, rest, and in some cases travel vast distances. The problem? Sea ice is shrinking.
According to climate scientists, Arctic sea ice has declined dramatically over the past few decades due to rising global temperatures. This directly affects polar bears’ ability to feed, leading to longer fasting periods, lower body weights, and reduced cub survival rates.
The species is currently listed as vulnerable on the global conservation scale, with estimates suggesting around 20,000–25,000 individuals remain in the wild across the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia and Alaska.
The Climate Connection
Polar bears have become a powerful symbol of climate change. While their image is often used in environmental campaigns, the science behind their vulnerability is starkly real.
When sea ice forms later in the year and melts earlier in spring, polar bears have less time to hunt. This means:
Fewer fat reserves to survive the summer
Lower reproductive success
Increased human-wildlife conflict as bears move closer to settlements in search of food
The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average. What happens there doesn’t stay there – melting ice affects global weather patterns, sea levels and ecosystems worldwide.
What International Polar Bear Day Encourages
International Polar Bear Day focuses on practical climate actions. Organisations such as World Wildlife Fund and Polar Bears International often promote:
Reducing home energy consumption
Switching to renewable electricity suppliers
Improving insulation and heating efficiency
Supporting climate-conscious policies
Educating others about Arctic conservation
The aim isn’t guilt, it’s momentum. Small actions, multiplied across communities, create measurable change.
How You Can Mark the Day
You don’t need to travel to the Arctic to make a difference. Here are meaningful ways to observe International Polar Bear Day:
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Review your household energy use. Could you switch to LED lighting, lower your thermostat slightly, or explore green tariffs?
Learn and Share
Read about Arctic ecosystems and share reliable information through your social media channels. Raising awareness matters.
Engage Young People
Polar bears capture children’s imaginations. Use the day to spark conversations about wildlife protection and sustainable living.
Support Conservation
Consider donating to reputable organisations working in Arctic research and habitat protection.
Why It Matters Beyond the Arctic
Polar bears are not just distant wildlife in a frozen landscape. They are indicators of planetary health. When their habitat disappears, it signals wider environmental instability.
For readers of That’s Green, International Polar Bear Day is a reminder that sustainability is interconnected. From energy choices in UK homes to global climate agreements, our decisions ripple outward.
Protecting polar bears ultimately means protecting ecosystems, coastal communities, and future generations.
And perhaps that’s the most powerful message of all.
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