Plans to create two build two structures in the style originally used by nomads in Central Asia at a Moray park are being resisted by local residents.
Elgin-based nursery group ‘Earth Time’ plan to build two Mongolian-style yurts in Millbuies Country Park aimed at teaching young children in a natural environment.
Earth Time are also seeking to create 10 additional parking spaces alongside a compost toilet facility and child-proof fencing at the park which is four miles south of Elgin off the route to Rothes.
However, the plans – for which a planning application has been submitted to Moray Council – has been the subject of several objections from local residents, who say that if allowed it will disturb local wildlife at the park.
Earth Time representative Deborah Hockney insists that the group wish to work with local people rather than against them. She said: “It has been shown by studies that learning in an outdoors environment is beneficial for young children, particularly boys.
“Our aim is to offer parents in Moray something we think will help their children.”
In 1975 Moray District Council first took over the estate at Millbuies Loch which was first created by the damming of streams to provide angling facilities. The CountryPark has been improved several times since to provide a range of family-orientated activities.
Wildlife attracted to the park includes red squirrels, roe deer, badgers and pine martins.