CLASHINDARROCH UPDATE- VATTENFALL UNDER INVESTIGATION

Hi All

We wanted you all to know that because of the operational/logging activity our field worker recently documented, Vattenfall are now under Investigation by Aberdeenshire council. This has only happened because we are supported by an excellent legal team (funded by you), who formally raised the issue with the enforcement body.

If the breaches are confirmed, this is potentially extremely significant and damaging to Vattenfall. Even more importantly, we are regularly monitoring the site and on our most recent visit, all work had stopped. Disturbance is of course damaging at any time of the year, but the breeding season is now upon us and so it is essential that the precious wildcats have the chance to mate and the females have the opportunity to select safe and secure dens sites for their kittens.  However, rest assured we will remain vigilant for signs of work across the whole forest.

Keep in mind that Vattenfall are an entirely Swedish owned, multi billion pound company so we take the fact that all work has stopped and that they are now under investigation, as big wins. However, there is still a huge battle ahead. The hearing for our Judicial Review is on the 18th January, so less than 4 weeks away. We will be putting every possible effort into our legal challenge and we will keep fighting for those innocent and magnificent wildcats that call the Clashindarroch Forest their home. Surely it isn’t too much to ask, to allow them to live and breed in peace.

We know many of you have generously supported our legal crowdfunder before and we have fighting for 4 years. The total amount listed on the page represents the total amount raised over the whole 4 years, not the remaining balance which is of course hugely less. You can see in this email just how effective and invaluable those legal funds are.  Our aim is to ensure that we have the funds to see this through right to the end and can employ the services of the very best lawyers and barristers. This is the very least that these wildcats deserve. So, if you can help then please visit:

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/wildcats/

Also, a massive thanks to all of you who wrote to King Charles. We know that he has received letters from all over the world. Please do let us know if you get a response. We really hope he will get involved.

Thanks as always.

Emily and the Wildcat Haven Team