Red kite trail helps local economy soar

23/03/2007 00:00:00 August 2006 Research by Glasgow University students shows that the Galloway Kite Trail is boosting the local economy by around £750,000 a year by bringing in tourism. The Trail, launched in October 2003 by RSPB Scotland and the Forestry Commission Scotland, is one of the major wildlife-tourism attractions in Dumfries and Galloway. Although only in its 3rd year, the study suggests that the Galloway Kite Trail may be helping to generate an estimated revenue of some £750,000 a year for local businesses around the Loch Ken route.

RSPB Dumfries & Galloway Area Manager Chris Rollie said, ‘This is extremely exciting news for all of us involved in the Galloway Kite Trail. When meeting folk along the route and at the feeding station, we are aware of its popularity with tourists, but it is encouraging to see this enthusiasm represented in an economically beneficial way for businesses in the area. With red kite numbers and visitor spend increasing, the Galloway Kite Trail is joining ospreys and eagles elsewhere in sharing a slice of what is becoming an increasingly lucrative and beneficial ‘wildlife tourism’ market in Scotland.’

South of Scotland MSP Alasdair Morgan said, `Clearly, the primary aim of the red kite project was to re-establish the species in Dumfries & Galloway, but the fact that it has had such a substantial economic impact is a great bonus for the local economy. This demonstrates that nature based tourism is destined to be a major player in the development of tourism in the region.’ Chris Miles Area Manager for Scottish Natural Heritage, who part-funded the Trail, said, `The success of the Kite Trail is demonstrating that our natural resources can play a key part of in the future social and economic development of the area. This fully justifies a robust conservation effort. The kites have shown the way and we can develop similar approaches with other species.’

The study, based around the analysis of detailed, standard questionnaires, provides a snapshot of the average spend and visitor habits of those using the Trail. These figures were then applied to the 6,000 known visitors to the Feeding Station, giving a conservative estimate of the total income to the area, with the actual figure probably being at least ten per cent higher than this.

A similar recent study by the RSPB highlighted the economic benefits of bird watching across Scotland, with the boost to local communities from several species such as ospreys and eagles estimated at up to £7 million pounds.

The survey showed that nearly 75% of those visiting the Trail were from outside the region, and almost 70% of people also visiting 4 or more of the business or wildlife Trail points along the route.

Analysis of the spending of one hundred Trail visitors showed a figure of £124 spent per person whilst in the area, compared with £78 spent per person in year one. The red kite feeding station at Bellymack Hill Farm is the key visitor point along the Trail, with almost 90% of visitors calling in to see the colourful raptors circling the skies above the hide. The birds are fed at 2.00pm each day, and the RSPB have an Information Officer on hand five days a week to interpret the kites to visitors.

You can find out more about the Galloway Kite Trail at www.gallowaykitetrail.com.