With the decision which will seal RAF Leuchars’ fate only a few days away, a small conservation project has demonstrated the important links the base has with the community.
For the RAF Leuchars Conservation Group has joined forces with Leuchars Community Council in a project to transform a disused railway siding into a nature trail.
The conservation group, made up of both civilian and military personnel, got the project under way with a general litter pick, fence removal and scrub maintenance of the 200-metre site.
Over the course of the next month, the group will be conducting a beach clean along the north shore of the Eden Estuary.
It will also work with St Andrews University to promote the growth of new saltmarsh plantings by removing the harmful algal mats that grow around them.
This work forms part of the university’s saltmarsh restoration project which is at the forefront of scientific research into the reduction of coastal erosion through soft engineering techniques and was partly funded by RAF Leuchars.
K. C. Campbell, the environmental protection adviser and conservation officer at Leuchars said, “Events such as these are a great way to demonstrate not only the close working relationship between RAF Leuchars and other estuary stakeholders, but also to show the station’s continued commitment to the enhancement of the local environment.”
RAF Leuchars is committed to the environment.
The base is located alongside the Eden estuary, which is a haven for visitors such as the osprey, peregrine, grebe, heron and swallow to name but a few.
Close liaison with the Fife Ranger Service and a very active station conservation group ensures that the aircraft and wildlife live and work together.
In another bid to help protect the environment, the station’s energy manager and station environmental protection adviser continue to work very hard to monitor and reduce energy usage where possible at RAF Leuchars.