PLANS to demolish a farm building and removal of a private access track have been met with anger from residents.

The RSPB and Natural England have both submitted plans to alter the area at Rogersceugh, Bowness-on-Solway.

Natural England are planning to enhance the condition of the South Solway Mosses Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and improve public access to the area. This will involve removing a section of track at Rogersceugh so two areas of wetland can be joined.

This initiative is part of long-standing efforts by Natural England staff to restore South Solway Mosses and provide public access to these reserves.

A key element of the plan is to retain non-vehicular public access to Rogersceugh, connecting with the other rights of way to Campfield, Glasson and Bowness.

Emma Austin, land management and conservation adviser at Natural England said: “The planned removal of the private access track at Rogersceugh will ensure ongoing protection for the area’s unique peat bogs – which are increasingly rare and special places with importance for wildlife and carbon storage.

“Our ambition to restore the peatland in this area includes plans to create an easily accessible place for people to enjoy some of our rarer nature - and some of the history of the Rogersceugh drumlin.”

Following on from Natural England’s plans for peatland restoration, the Rogersceugh farm buildings will be demolished by the RSPB with work beginning in September.

RSPB area manager, Dave Morris said: ‘We have explored multiple avenues with these farm buildings, but we have to make the right decisions for saving nature and wildlife.

“By restoring the farm to peatland habitat, we will create a healthier environment, not only in terms of climate change mitigation, but also for the myriad species that healthy peat bogs support.

“Creating an uninterrupted bog, as we hope to Rogersceugh, can support populations of rare curlews, snipe and marsh fritillary butterflies.”

These plans have been met by some frustration by residents.

Marilyn Leech, a resident in the area, has voiced her concerns after learning about the plans only last week.

She said: “We have had no notification by the RSPB that their intentions are to demolish this ancient farmstead at Rogersceugh.

“It might not look beautiful, but it had immense historic importance.

“We are wanting to call a halt to this, there is no reason for all of this to happen so quickly.”

Residents are wanting to call a halt to the plans so they can discuss other options for the building.

Mrs Leech found out about the plans after the RSPB contacted the parish council with a notice of demolition.

“We want people to know the plans and to enter into public discussion,” she continued.

“It’s not a glamorous place, but it’s an amazing view point. There is potential.”