Vehicle hill tracks in northern Scotland

This book is the most comprehensive account on the spread of vehicle tracks on hill land in northern Scotland that has occurred since the mid 1950s. It reviews timing, numbers, locations, distribution and impacts including run-off, soils and vegetation. Then it provides an impartial analysis of the generally low standards of construction and reinstatement, with recommendations to minimise impacts and maximise reinstatement. Included is a brief history of public concern about tracks. This culminated in a petition and debate in the Scottish Parliament and a decision by the Government Minister to hold a consultative review of planning procedures relevant to the control of tracks. The current book constitutes a sound factual baseline and store of technical information, richly illustrated with 58 colour photographs. This will benefit all, including the government, planning officers, landowners and the public who appreciate and value the Scottish countryside and wish to leave this priceless heritage in good heart for the benefit of future generations. Unfortunately a recent 'good practice guide' published by Scottish Natural Heritage is inadequate. Therefore it is timely for this new report by an acknowledged expert to appear under the auspices of the North East Mountain Trust. The NEMT has also recently published an electronic version of the original maps that were drawn by the book's author in 1982. The electronic version was a result of painstaking work by a member of NEMT. In addition, many members of NEMT and other mountaineers across Britain sent the author their observations on new tracks made in recent decades. The electronic version and this book form a complementary pair. They are a tribute to the value of unpaid dedicated volunteers among British mountaineers.