Ayr Model Boat Club worries about using Irvine pond due to plant growth. Council says it enhances biodiversity.
The council disagrees about the pond’s state. They say it’s part of a project aimed to increase local biodiversity. The council doesn’t clean the pond for this reason.
The council suggested a new spot in the pond. The club thinks that area is no good because swans live there and attacked a boat already. The club plans an event this Saturday, running from 10 AM to 4 PM.
They hope council members will visit and want officials to see the pond. Large club events draw people; model boaters come from across Scotland and England.
The club fears it might close down soon and might have to move boating somewhere else. A council cleaned up a pond in Renfrewshire. The club wonders why this is happening.
The council spends a lot of money on harbour plans. Councillor Tony Gurney said the area gets “rewilded” to protect biodiversity. North Ayrshire Council spoke about the issue, discussing pond plants with the boat club and mentioning nature benefits.
The council wants more talks with the group and will repeat the offer for a new spot. Other areas of the pond can be used. A survey checked the pond’s condition and confirmed the pond is in good shape.
Plants help the area’s natural ecosystem and give wildlife a habitat. Scottish guidance promotes local nature links. The council builds those links with a local network, and the pond links to habitats nearby.
The pond and grass help Irvine Beach Park and improve Great Harbour’s renewal project. The council wants to stop losing biodiversity by 2030 and wants a “Nature Positive” area by 2045.