The Waters of Philorth is Under Threat

A unique coastal nature reserve and much-loved community space is at risk from proposed development. Add your voice and help protect it.

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What's happening?

The Waters of Philorth Nature Reserve is at risk of being lost, as Ground Golf advance plans for a new golf course at Mains of Cairnbulg extending into the reserve.

A place people rely on
The Waters of Philorth has long been part of everyday life in Fraserburgh. It is used daily by walkers, dog owners, families and others as an open, accessible natural space. If these plans go ahead, that freedom will be lost.

A landscape under pressure
The reserve includes a fragile dune system and estuary that help protect the coastline from erosion and flooding. It also supports a wide range of wildlife and plant species. Development and ongoing maintenance would directly impact these habitats.

A change in how the land is used
While the proposal describes a shared space, there is a clear concern that golf would become the primary use, fundamentally changing how the land can be accessed and experienced.

Long-term impact
New infrastructure, including buildings and a bridge, along with increased traffic and maintenance, raises serious concerns about the long-term stability of the area.

Voices not being heard
Following consultation events, there is a growing sense that local knowledge and lived experience are not being reflected, and that the plans are moving forward regardless.

Long-term impact
New infrastructure, including buildings and a bridge, along with increased traffic and maintenance, raises serious concerns about the long-term stability of the area.

Voices not being heard
Following consultation events, there is a growing sense that local knowledge and lived experience are not being reflected, and that the plans are moving forward regardless.

What will be lost

How you can help

Open access to a landscape used every day by the community

A fragile dune system that protects the coastline from erosion and flooding

A habitat supporting wildlife and rare plant species

The natural character of a place shaped by generations of use

What will be lost

How you can help

Open access to a landscape used every day by the community

A fragile dune system that protects the coastline from erosion and flooding

A habitat supporting wildlife and rare plant species

The natural character of a place shaped by generations of use

What will be lost

How you can help

Open access to a landscape used every day by the community

A fragile dune system that protects the coastline from erosion and flooding

A habitat supporting wildlife and rare plant species

The natural character of a place shaped by generations of use

What will the development look like?

The map below shows the proposed layout of the golf course and how it would extend into the Waters of Philorth. As illustrated, several holes are planned across the dune system within the nature reserve, repurposing this protected landscape for development.

Ground Golf state that they are “committed to sensitive development, protecting the existing natural landscape, enhancing and celebrating its biodiversity.” However, given the scale of the proposal, the length of time required to construct and maintain it, and the extent of changes to the land, there are serious concerns about whether this can be achieved in practice.

The plans also describe the area as being opened up for managed public access, including walking trails. However, it is difficult to see how this would reflect the way the land is currently used. There is a strong concern that the area would become, in effect, a golf course, and that its existing role as an open and informal space for the community would be lost.

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