Borthwickwater Landscape Conservation in Action

The Borthwickwater Valley lies some 5 miles south of Hawick in the Scottish Borders, and includes the villages and hamlets of Roberton, Woodburn, Deanburnhaugh and Craik. A beautiful unspoilt Valley of outstanding natural beauty, it is home to many rare species of birds and animals. It also contains the historic Romans and Rievers route which follows old Roman roads and sections of quiet lanes through the heart of Rievers country. It provides enjoyable walking, cycling and horse riding for residents and visitors alike and is a destination for avid ornithologists and wildlife lovers.  

(See Map)

  We are a group of interested (and now apprehensive) residents in and around the Borthwickwater Valley, in many cases for several generations. We raise sheep and cattle, farm, and sometimes simply and happily reside, our families enjoying the rare peace and quiet and outstanding natural beauty this historic valley offers--as do the many people who visit throughout the year, camping, hiking, fishing, and often simply here to enjoy the clean air and clear, long-range views. All are threatened by an onslaught of industrialization—we need to face the threat together!beauty that this Valley brings to our lives, and the lives of the many people that visit throughout the year.

The valley is under threat—multiple threats, really.  There are proposals for a Wind Farm 

www.midhillwind.invenergy.com 

and

 a string of high-voltage power-line pylons, The Cross Border Connection, hovering over us www.spenergynetworkds.co.uk as well as the potential bombshells of battery-storage units. These are not small-scale developments!

The Wind Farm proposal is one of the biggest in the Borders-- 42 turbines, 200 metres high across the moors above our valley. The power line would have pylons 60 metres high every 300 metres. Both proposals would reduce our farmland. And battery-storage units are considered so hazardous, they’re banned in some urban areas.