The Ochils are taking quite a battering at present with three windfarms approved and one already built, but we remain hopeful that good government will prevail and the hills will be spared further desecration by the Beauly to Denny power line. It is important to remain optimistic about the future and the committee is working hard to ensure that we keep the positive issues to the fore while being eternally vigilant against those who wish to damage the Ochils landscape.

So what are we working on at present? We have been and continue to be involved with core path developments as they relate to the Ochils. Dave Prentice has been influencing decisions on core paths within the Perth and Kinross area of the Ochils, while David Scott has now taken over from Robin Kelsall on the Clackmannanshire Local Access Forum. Nicki Baker has also worked with Stirling Council on core path issues at the western end of the range.

The leaflet is being updated and we will have a sufficient number printed to enable them to be distributed widely in and around the Ochils. This will be accompanied by a drive to increase our membership. We responded to the consultation by the Scottish Government on Climate Change and the National Forest Estate', as well as the felling of forestry on the Sheriffmuir battle site, but further work remains on the future of other forestry sites in the Ochils as the existing forests reach maturity and applications are made to possibly replant.

Finally, as a committee we are starting to think about the issues and activities that we might take on board over the coming years so that we can be both proactive and influential in relation to future developments in the Ochils. In this newsletter and through other forums we will do all we can to keep you informed and involved with the way forward. Meanwhile thank you for your continued support.

Stuart Dean
FotO Chair

CONTENTS
1 Spring in your Step
2 Beauly to Denny Powerline - back to the campaigning
3 A Core issue: paths in the Ochils
4 New Gateway
5 Hill running in the Ochils
6 Second Outing
7 Walks 2009


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