Ecological connection
On the one hand, by introducing woodland and wildflower meadows into the park， biodiversity can be enhanced. The connection between the park and its surrounding habitats will be promoted through the dynamic change of species, particularly birds and pollinating species. On the other hand, the habitat of oyster and eelgrass will catch more sediment and purify pollution, thereby mitigating coastal erosion. In this way, the wetland will be expanded and the enrichment of species will be reinforced. The dynamics of the food chain will strengthen the dynamic links between different habitats.
social connection
The design of the coastal park will foster social connection between different neighbourhood. Firstly, the park can meet the daily needs of Alness residents that compensate for the lack of a big park in the most populous settlement in Cromarty Firth. Secondly, it creates a recreational area for the surrounding settlement, especially the Invergordon and Evanton, and allows some school outdoor learning programmes to be held here. Thirdly, the oyster farming and tourism-related jobs in the park will provide employment for the whole Cromarty Firth. Fourthly, the park could be combined with other tourist attractions, including Dalmore Distillery to create a special tourism industry in Cromarty Firth, which would drive the development of the region and strengthen the economy. For example, the increased economy will boost the government's tax revenue to a certain extent. Finally, the alternative people from Europe and even the whole world could promote the intermingling of diversified culture.
Park network
The proposed socio-ecological oyster park connects with other existing parks to create a Cromarty Firth park network for residents, visitors, as well as wildlife to share. In addition, the self-sufficient oyster industry could also be expanded to other coastal areas eligible for oyster farming, contributing to coastal erosion, biodiversity, employment, and the economy of the whole Cromarty Firth. At that time, these oyster farming industries will become representative of the Cromarty Firth, linked to the park systems, tourism systems, ecosystems to form a comprehensive socio-ecological network.
