News
Park Authority explores accommodation options
18th December 2008
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is reviewing working space for members of staff, who are based in offices in Grantown-on-Spey and Ballater.No decisions have been made; the review is purely to explore options at this stage, and staff and communities would be consulted before any change took place.
The space restraints of buildings currently used and commitments to reduce the park authority's carbon footprint are among the reasons for the rethink.
Effective working with partners such as Scottish Natural Heritage and other public sector bodies will be another major factor in shaping future workplace options.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has appointed consultants Atriseal Ltd to research possibilities in the area.
"We have initiated this review to address the space restrictions of current accommodation," explained David Cameron, the CNPA's head of corporate services. "Other considerations are the authority's environmental action plan, which seeks to minimise our business impact on the environment, and our need to ensure that we are working as effectively as possible with our partners.
"In keeping with Scottish Government direction to ensure that services are as efficient and effective as possible, and fully integrated with other public bodies, we are undertaking this review in conjunction with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and other partner bodies.
"We have appointed Atisreal Ltd to identify and review potential accommodation options within the National Park which may meet the long-term needs of the CNPA and its partners", he added.
"We expect to receive their report at the end of January. Park authority and SNH representatives will then evaluate the options against a number of criteria including cost, environmental sustainability and impact on current staff settlement patterns. This evaluation will result in a preferred option on which we will be able to consult with local communities.
"No decision has been taken on any accommodation changes at this time. The review and the information to be supplied by Atisreal Ltd will inform future decision-making on the most appropriate accommodation base for the CNPA and its partners in the long term."
Aviemore Highland Resort decision deferred
11th December 2008
CONSIDERATION of the planning application for the second phase of development at Aviemore Highland Resort has been deferred.The item was removed from the agenda on the eve of the December meeting of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's planning committee after a neighbour came forward to highlight he had not been served the appropriate legal notice as an owner of land adjoining the application site.
Applicants for planning permission have a legal duty to serve notice of their plans on all adjoining landowners and occupiers. Aviemore Highland Resort had submitted a certificate stating neighbours had been duly notified as part of the application for full planning permission which was due to be considered by the board on Friday 12 December.
However the item has now been withdrawn from the agenda after checks by the applicant confirmed that the neighbour had not been notified. The landowner has asked for some extra time to consider the application, which is for a large scale and complex range of developments on the site.
Head of planning at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Don McKee explained: "The item was taken off the agenda for the planning committee meeting after an adjoining landowner advised the CNPA he had not been served with a neighbour notice, which is a statutory responsibility of the applicant.
"The agent for the applicant, Aviemore Highland Resort, had submitted the certificate legally required as part of the application to state neighbours had all been notified; however a check has confirmed one neighbour was not notified. This neighbour has now asked that he has time to study the detail of the plans.
"The legal obligation to notify neighbours is the responsibility of the applicant. The planning authority can not proceed with determining an application until the proper due process has been followed and all necessary neighbour notices have been served."
The item is now likely to be considered at a planning meeting in January next year.
Businesses - Save the environment and your pennies!
9th December 2008
BUSINESSES in the Cairngorms National Park can help tackle climate change and benefit financially!That is the message behind Biomass for Businesses, an event which is taking place later this month and is aimed at raising awareness of the environmental and economical benefits of using biomass rather than fossil fuels. The day will include a range of information talks on biomass including grant information, different types of biomass and installations, and costs.
The event will help secure a sustainable future for the National Park and will help to deliver the Park's four aims. It is being run by Forestry Commission Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise.
Claire Standen, for Forestry Commission Scotland in Aberdeenshire, said: "Tackling climate change is a top priority for everyone and biomass - as a sustainable fuel - has a huge contribution to make.
"We are keen to get local businesses on board. As well as highlighting the benefits to the environment of using biomass rather than fossil fuels, we will also highlight the benefits to businesses of becoming a woodfuel processor or supplier.
"We also expect to convert a few people to the benefits of biomass heating systems for their own business premises."
The event is free and takes place on Tuesday 16th December, 9.30am-1.30pm, Victoria and Albert Memorial Hall, Ballater. Businesses, charities, community groups and residents in Aberdeenshire are welcome to attend. It is the first in a series taking place across Aberdeenshire.
To register download a booking form from www.usewoodfuel.co.uk/Docs/Agenda MC.pdf or email Grampian.cons@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
For more information on future biomass events, visit the Wood Energy Scotland website or call the Forestry Commission Scotland Grampian biomass team on 01466 794542.
Securing a future for Capercaillie
27th November 2008
THE future of one of Scotland's most critically endangered birds will be discussed at a conference in the Cairngorms National Park this Friday.Urgent conservation action is needed to help boost the survival odds of the Capercaillie, whose population plummeted from 20,000 to just 1,000 in the 25 years up to the turn of the century.
Such was the rate of the decline that by the mid 1990s they were expected to go extinct in the UK within 20 years. However, the bird has benefited from intensive conservation work in the past decade, and recent surveys have indicated that the population has now stabilised at around 2000 individuals.
The success in conserving and enhancing this important species is down to effective partnerships between public bodies, NGOs and private estates and individuals. Experts from the RSPB, Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, Friends of Capercaillie, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Seafield Estate and Capercaillie BAP Group, will discuss the bird at the 'Capercaillie - Finding the Way Forward' conference at the Boat of Garten Community Centre from 9.30am to 4pm. The conference, organised by the RSPB and CNPA, will build on these relationships and work towards growing the population to a target 5,000 individuals.
It will explore the current health and status of the bird, which is the biggest grouse in the world, as well as current management issues and future work. There will also be discussions on predation, funding for ongoing conservation work, and disturbance from public access, which link to priorities for action in the Cairngorms National Park Plan, a document which sets out the Park's short and long term future.
Colin McClean, the CNPA's land management officer, said: "This a timely opportunity to examine the current status of capercaillie following the work funded through the Caper LIFE programme and plan the next phase of the recovery of this iconic species."
Capercaillie management must be implemented at a landscape scale and funding is available through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) and SNH's Species Action Framework. For more information on SRDP contact Gordon McConachie or Zoe Taylor on 01479 873 535. For information on SNH funding contact Susan Haysom on 01463 725 000.
Taking action for sustainable rural communities
5th November 2008
TAKING action to help some of Scotland's most fragile rural communities is the theme of a meeting to be held in the Cairngorms National Park later this month.
The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) and the Cairngorms National Park Authority want to meet with residents to discuss the findings of the RSE's Inquiry into Scotland's Hills and Islands. The report found that there is a need to integrate social, economic and environmental measures for rural areas and empower communities to act within a national strategy. It also calls for greater use of local skills and natural resources.
The meeting at Tomintoul Village Hall on Wednesday 12th November will be an opportunity for residents, the RSE and CNPA to discuss the findings and actions to be taken from them. The meeting starts at 7pm and attendance is free and open to all.
Commenting on the meeting, the inquiry's vice chairman, Professor Jeff Maxwell, said: "This independent Inquiry arose from concerns at the decline in hill and island agriculture and the possible impact on rural communities. Having gathered evidence widely, our broadly-based report makes recommendations encompassing policy, the environment, land-use, tourism, economic stimulation, energy, forestry, and the re-shaping of institutional structures to help develop viable communities.
"We hope that this document will support decision-makers, the people of these distinctive communities and all involved in working to achieve a sustainable future for the Hills and Islands. The event in Tomintoul will be an important opportunity to discuss the Report's findings and how to translate it into action."
Professor Bill Slee, RSE committee member, added: "The Cairngorms National Park encapsulates many of the challenges to the hills that we encountered and addressed in the Royal Society Inquiry into the Future of the Hills and Islands.
"The very clear relationship between the land use qualities of the park and the environmental and recreational values that lie behind its designation, make it a highly suitable location to discuss the findings of the RSE Inquiry with its emphasis on an integrated and holistic vision of how more sustainable solutions might be found. "
The inquiry focused on how to secure a more prosperous and environmentally-sustainable future for Scotland's economically fragile rural communities. Consultations took place around Scotland and the findings are currently being discussed by the Scottish Government.
To book a place at the meeting contact Dr Marc Rands on 0131 240 5000 or email evidenceadvice@royalsoced.org.uk
Businesses go Green in the Cairngorms National Park
30th October 2008
BUSINESSES and tourists in the Cairngorms National Park are being urged to play their part in making a cleaner and greener Park!The Waste Aware Tourism project has been launched to encourage tourism businesses and visitors to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste. An information leaflet has been produced, which will be available at all tourist accommodation in the Park, detailing where and how people can recycle their waste. The project will help to meet the zero waste target in the Cairngorms National Park Plan, a document which sets out the National Park's short and long term future.
The Cairngorms Recycling Forum, Association of Cairngorms Communities, the Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS), the Cairngorms National Park Authority and Waste Aware Scotland are behind the project.
Joe Hind, Campaigns Officer at Waste Aware Scotland, said: "The campaign has been developed to encourage local tourism businesses and their staff to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste. We have added a new Tourism section to the Waste Aware Business website: www.wasteawarebusiness.org.uk which has relevant information, advice and tools for businesses to use to help inform visitors of the recycling facilities available during their stay. If each business makes even a small individual effort towards the campaign we can achieve something significant to show that businesses in Scotland really care about the waste we all produce."
Members of the Cairngorms Recycling Forum are also trialling Green Johannas and compost bins (supplied by Green Cone Ltd), which take cooked and uncooked food waste and garden waste to produce all year round compost, and a ventilated food waste caddy with compostable liners by BioBags (Scotland).
David Bryan from the Community Recycling Network for Scotland, explained: "This project, which is led by the Association of Cairngorm Communities, is about how well Green Johannas will perform in a Cairngorms winter. They will be trialled with winter jackets to test their ability to compost waste during cold periods. If they work well, as we think they will, we will be able to promote this sort of technology more widely in the Park and make a big difference to our waste and carbon footprints."
The Cairngorms Recycling Forum is also looking for new members. It is made up of businesses, organisations, community groups, councils and individuals from around the Park with the aim of reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Anyone interested in joining should contact David Bryan at david@crns.org.uk
For more information about Waste Aware Tourism please contact Joe Hind on 01786 468789 or joe.hind@ksbscotland.org.uk
Cash Boost for Cairngorms
27th October 2008
COMMUNITIES across the Cairngorms National Park are in line for a major cash boost with the announcement of more than £2million funding for the area.Rural community groups are being invited to come forward now to apply for the latest round of funding to support and develop the rural economy at grassroots level.
A total of £2.17 million European LEADER and Convergence funding has been allocated to the Park through the Scottish Government. The money for projects which will improve life in rural areas will be distributed through the Cairngorms Local Action Group (LAG), a Board made up of community and public agency members.
Of this £1million is EU LEADER funding, which will be available across the Park area while the EU Convergence funding of £1.17million is restricted to the Highland and Moray areas of the Park.
Examples of local projects already supported under the Cairngorms Local Action Group include: local radio, newsletters and events; a community exhibition in Glenbuchat; a shinty coaching initiative in Badenoch and Strathspey; creating a wildlife garden at Crathie primary school; an International Junior Ranger Camp; a conference on rare aspen trees and the Creative Cairngorms and Cairngorms Hostels initiatives.
Scotland's Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "This funding for the Cairngorms LAG will empower rural communities to take action to revitalise and revive remote areas, in line with the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth.
"By enabling funding decisions to be taken at a local level, we can ensure a wide variety of high-quality projects that meet local needs."
Joyce Lyle, Chair of the Cairngorms LAG added: "This is excellent news for the communities of the Cairngorms National Park, giving us a real opportunity over the next five years to use this funding to benefit the area.
"Activities to assist those living in rural areas to gain new skills and to develop new innovative ideas, community facilities, marketing, Cairngorm-wide projects, events, festivals, environmental and land based projects can all be considered by the LAG.
“We are particularly interested in supporting young people and women in rural areas so we look forward to hearing from communities with new ideas that they would like to develop."
Cairngorms Businesses aim for Green Profit
21st October 2008
GREEN innovation and the fantastic natural environment of the Cairngorms National Park will help tourism businesses ride out the credit crunch, according to experts.
Green Places, Green Profit is the theme at the free Cairngorms Tourism Conference next Wednesday, 5 November, when businesses from across the National Park will come together to share expertise, practical advice and ideas.
Tourism leaders are urging operators from across the Cairngorms National Park area to attend the conference at Boat of Garten Community Hall from 10am to 4pm. And as a special 'green' incentive delegates arriving in a full car will get their fuel paid for by the organisers.
"We know that visitors come to the Cairngorms National Park for the fantastic scenery and unspoilt natural environment" explained Heather Trench, sustainable tourism officer for the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
"At the same time, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues, and at this time of rising fuel prices and economic uncertainty, the next few years will be a critical time for many businesses.
"We're going to be exploring how best to ride out the credit crunch, turning the situation to tourism businesses' advantage by presenting the Cairngorms National Park as a very special place for everyone to enjoy and attracting a increasing number of visitors who are reluctant to travel abroad.
"We'll look at how businesses could save money through more efficient use of resources, and use that as a key marketing tool to attract and retain visitors."
Claire Bruce, chair of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation said: "As green issues get higher on the priority list for many people, here in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms we recognise that the green factor can have a bearing on the choices that visitors make. In favour of reducing their carbon footprint and saving money, many people are now choosing to holiday at home and for these people, the Deeside and the Cairngorms area is an attractive destination for a break away.
"This event aims to highlight how important the green message is and how local organisations can enhance their business by understanding and implementing a green approach to their company operations.
"The green bottom line encourages businesses to save money by reducing energy costs whilst attracting visitors who opt to do business with those who are doing their bit for the environment," she added. "I would encourage as many local businesses as possible from Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms area to attend what promises to be a thought provoking and practical day. There will be a fuel cashback offer for those who car-share to the event, so encouraging others to attend will also bring benefits!"
Pamela Grant of Cairngorms Chamber of Commerce added: "At this time of economic uncertainty, and with environmental issues becoming increasingly high profile, the theme of Green Profit is particularly topical.
"The annual tourism conference is always a popular event, and this year will be no exception. Places are limited, so we would urge businesses to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment."
Tourism operators should book their places by phoning 01479 780539 or e-mailing conference@cairngormschamber.com
School's Out in National Park!
14th October 2008
A MAJOR drive is underway to help get schoolchildren out of the classroom and into Britain's biggest national park.Education experts from the Cairngorms National Park and beyond are keen to use the park's spectacular landscapes in teaching subjects from art and English to science and technology.
Research has shown that learning outdoors boosts the personal development of children and young people as well as giving them first hand knowledge of the natural world and sparking enthusiasm for the outdoors.
More than 80 people, including teachers, councillors, education chiefs and outdoor education staff, recently gathered at the Lecht Ski Centre in Morayshire to develop ideas on using Scotland's national parks to the full.
Forging strong links between the parks and the Scottish Government's formal educational programme, the Curriculum for Excellence, was a main priority of the day organised by Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and Learning and Teaching Scotland. (LTS)
"Obviously there are superb opportunities in the Cairngorms National Park for kids to learn about things like geography, geology, culture and history" said CNPA convener David Green. "But scope for young people to learn and broaden their horizons through their experience outdoors goes way beyond that.
"The big country of the Cairngorms National Park encourages big thinking and children who are inspired and encouraged by the landscape will grow up to become knowledgeable, enthusiastic ambassadors for the area."
LTS Area Adviser, Eddie Broadley chaired the 'Cairngorms in the Curriculum' event at the Lecht.
He said: "Curriculum for Excellence is about giving teachers the freedom and flexibility to look at new and innovative approaches to learning. The Cairngorms National Park offers a excellent opportunity to engage children and young people in their learning and make links across the curriculum, showing how learning is relevant to modern day life.
"There is a great reservoir of support available to schools to assist them in taking learning outdoors and there is a wealth of opportunities for teachers to inspire pupils, developing skills for work and life in the 21st Century."
Get on your marks for The Old Logging Way
10th October 2008
A LANDMARK link in one of Scotland's most popular recreation areas will improve safety and boost local travel on foot and by bike.
The Old Logging Way in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park was officially opened today by Scotland's Minster for Community Safety Fergus Ewing.
The 5 ½ km path provides a safe route for off-road users such as walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders to travel between the communities of Aviemore and Glenmore.
Mr Ewing, MSP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, started members of Cairngorm Runners off on a run before taking a walk along the path with his partner Dr Fiona Pearsall and their baby daughter Natasha.
Mr Ewing said: "I am delighted to launch the new off road route at Glenmore. This should be an excellent facility for walkers, runners and cyclists of all abilities.
"The trail has been named the Old Logging Way, reflecting the historic use of Glenmore for forestry. In more recent times the area has, of course, become a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of all descriptions.
"This new facility at Glenmore will help locals and visitors to enjoy their chosen sports and activities even more, enabling them to travel safely between Aviemore and the rich variety of trails and paths in the Glenmore area. Walkers, runners, orienteering enthusiasts, cyclists - people of all ages and abilities will benefit from this trail.
"Fiona and I are looking forward to cycling its full length when Natasha is a bit older - we are not quite confident enough on our own bikes to try out the baby seat arrangement yet. So we need to get some practice in soon!
"However, we have already taken Natasha along the path, in her pram from Rothiemurchus to Badaguish. The path surface is smooth enough to prevent the journey being too bumpy for the baby - so it is a great walk for parents with toddlers."
Natalie Aird of Cairngorm Runners said the new path had greatly improved the training options for club members.
"The Old Logging Way is a very welcome development for Cairngorm Runners," she said. "It gives our runners softer terrain underfoot, which is easier on joints, a much safer route than having to run on the road and the gentle undulations of the path offer some superb new scenery to enjoy.
"It will also make a great difference to those members of Cairngorm Runners taking part in the third Aviemore Highland Half Marathon on 19 October 2008," Ms Aird added. "In previous years, runners had to run on a coned-off section of road from Loch Morlich to Inverdruie, a distance of about 4 miles. This year, the organisers have been able to re-route the half marathon to pick up the new path at Badaguish and then bring runners along this delightful new path all the way to Inverdruie, reducing the on-road running to just a few hundred yards."
The Old Logging Way runs through the spectacular Rothiemurchus Estate and the cooperation and support of landownders Johnnie & Philippa Grant helped bring the project to fruition. Costs totalled around £270,000, with funders including sustainable transport charity Sustrans, the Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Cairngorms National Park Authority. The contractors were Mark Hedderwick from Beauly and D & I Rutherford of Dornoch.
David Jardine, Inverness forest district manager for Forestry Commission Scotland, hailed the project an example of successful partnership working.
"Forestry Commission Scotland is delighted with the completion of this final link in the path between Aviemore and Glenmore Forest Park as it opens up a number of green transport links for this special forest," he added.
Mouthwatering Finale for Schools' Deer Project
6th October 2008
FRESH wild meat will be on the menu for schoolkids in Strathspey on Monday when a renowned cook rustles up some tasty treats from local venison.
Youngsters from Abernethy and Deshar primary schools will be sampling a range of deer-based delights during a cookery demonstration by past Masterchef finalist Fi Bird.
Last month the pupils visited Kinveachy Estate, where they met stalkers and rangers to learn how and why wild deer are managed in the countryside.
Monday's event will give them a chance to try out dishes created from the final product; wild venison from animals like those they saw and learned about in the estate's deer larder.
Media are invited to attend at Deshar Primary Primary School, Boat of Garten on Monday 6 October at 1:30pm. Please ask for Catriona Ross on arrival at the school.
Highland Council ranger Saranne Bish said: "It's vital that children learn where what's on their plates comes from and learn to connect with food and how it relates to the environment.
"Out on the estate the youngsters were totally fascinated to discover more about deer. Actually being out there on the spot, talking to estate staff, finding out how the animals and land are managed made it all very real and memorable. Getting children to think about where meat comes from can be perceived as challenging but it's really important. Once they are armed with knowledge they can make informed decisions about what they choose to eat.
"Venison is a superb, wild product - as well as being low fat and versatile it's absolutely delicious. We're all looking forward to tasting what Fi's going to be cooking up on Monday."
The project to teach school children about deer management and venison is run by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Deer Commission Scotland, Highland Council Countryside Rangers and Seafield Estates.
Two Ticks for National Park
2nd October 2008
Cairngorms National Park Authority has been nationally recognised as a flagship employer for people with disabilities.The Authority has been awarded the Disability Two Tick Symbol - "Positive About Disabled People" - which recognises good practice in the employment of people with disabilities.
The recognition follows an audit by Job Centre Plus, examining the authority's policies and procedures for working with employees, Board members and job candidates with disabilities.
CNPA human resources manager Francesca Scott said being able to use the two ticks symbol on business stationery and in job adverts would boost the reputation of the park authority as an equal opportunities employers.
"We hope to attract candidates to apply for jobs who may not previously have considered working for the Cairngorms National Park Authority," she said.
"We believe this recognition of our good employment practices will encourage a more diverse range of candidates to apply for vacancies, and will reinforce our commitment to existing staff."
CNPA board member Anne Maclean, who has a visual impairment, added: "This is a milestone for the park authority, recognising it as being an exemplar in encouraging diversity in public appointments.
"As well as being important for staff, it is crucial to encourage a broad range of people to apply for public appointments. The help and support I have been given from the Cairngorms National Park Authority staff has enabled me to play a full part in the work of the board."
Climate Challenge Fund Open Evenings!
16th September 2008
OPEN evenings are taking place in Boat of Garten and Ballater this month for residents to learn about how they can get their share of the Scottish Government's £18.8m Climate Challenge Fund.
The events take place at:
- Boat of Garten Community Hall, Wednesday 24th September, 7-9.30pm
- Albert Hall, Ballater, Thursday 25th September, 7-9.30pm
They are open to all and are being run by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and Scottish Government. There will be a talk by Jon Rathjen, from the Government's Greener Directorate, on how the fund works as well as an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and discuss the fund and possible projects it could support.
The Climate Challenge Fund was launched in June this year to support community organisations with projects that would help to reduce carbon emissions. For more information visit www.infoscotland.com/ourfuture/61.html
Willie McKenna, a CNPA board member, said: "Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing Scotland and it is something we must help to tackle. The fund will allow communities to take action to reduce their carbon emissions.
"We would encourage everyone to come along to this event as it will help them to learn about how they can access the fund and make a difference in their community."
Children enjoy a deer lesson!
16th September 2008
PRIMARY children in the Strath are to visit a local estate this Friday (September 19th) as part of a project to learn about deer management and why venison is good for you.
The project will see 50 youngsters from Deshar Primary, Boat of Garten, and Abernethy Primary spend a day at Kinveachy Estate. They will meet with estate stalkers and staff from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) and The Highland Council.
It promises to be an interesting and exciting day with all aspects of deer management covered. There will be five workshops:
- Deer Are Fab
- Deer management
- Deer as Food
- Deer and wider biodiversity
- Skills and tools for working with deer
It is the first in a two-part course. Next month chef Fiona Bird of Stirrin Stuff will visit the two schools and give a venison cookery and tasting session.
The project is to increase understanding amongst the children about deer and their management as well as the importance of using local produce. It is linked to the Supporting Sustainable Deer Management Priority for Action in the National Park Plan, a document which sets out the Park's short and longer term future.
Colin McClean, the CNPA's Deer and Uplands Officer, said: "Deer management, and indeed venison, is an important part of the land use, history and culture of the Park. This project will not only allow the children a better understanding of the issues affecting deer management, but hopefully get them interested as well. We might even meet some of our future deer stalkers!"
Alistair MacGugan, DCS Director of Stakeholder Relations, is enthusiastic about the project. "The cookery and tasting session will give the children an opportunity to sample and enjoy the wonders of wild venison and having them out on the estate highlights where this food comes from. It further provides an excellent opportunity for local children to appreciate the skills that are required to manage deer effectively and to understand more about the fantastic contribution that deer make to the natural environment and to our quality of life."
The event is being run by the CNPA, DCS, Highland Council, Seafield Estates and Deshar and Abernethy Primary Schools.
Please note: There will be a photo and interview opportunity with the children at 12.45pm at Kinveachy Estate. If you are interested in attending please contact Stephanie Bungay, CNPA, tel: 01479 870 507.
Junior Rangers are Go!
28th July 2008
Countryside rangers from across Europe are enjoying thrills, spills and splashes in Cairngorms National Park during their first ever UK gathering.Scottish youngsters are joining forces with international counterparts to share ideas on protecting the world's natural treasures during a week long camp at scenic Glen Tanar on Deeside.
Canoeing, hillwalking, ceilidhs and campfires are among the activities taking place at the EUROPARC Junior Ranger Camp, hosted by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and Scottish Countryside Rangers Association.
Junior rangers were welcomed by Moray MP Angus Robertson and CNPA convener David Green, who joined them on a canoeing adventure on the River Dee at Aboyne.
Mr Robertson, the Scottish National Party's leader in Westminster, said he was keen to meet the park rangers of the future to find out first hand about the camp and work they were involved in.
He added: "Scotland boasts some of the world's most stunning landscapes. Protecting special places, promoting understanding of them and enabling people to live and prosper in such areas is crucial.
"It's great that young people from a broad range of social backgrounds from all over Scotland and Europe are getting together to learn from each other, forge friendships and, above, all have fun.
"In Scotland rangers care for our environment, help people get out to make the most of the outdoors and encourage people to learn about their natural and cultural heritage. They play a key role in supporting local businesses and boosting tourism in rural communities."
David Green, convener of Cairngorms National Park Authority added: "More than 40 rangers and junior rangers are taking part in the week-long celebration. We are delighted Cairngorms National Park is able to play a part in the development of this up and coming talent.
"Helping people understand and enjoy landscapes lies at the heart of rangers' work; these youngsters and many more like them will have a direct impact on future links between people and place."
EUROPARC is the umbrella organisation of Europe's protected areas, uniting national parks, regional parks, nature parks and reserves in 38 countries, with the common aim of protecting Europe's unique variety of wildlife, habitats and landscapes.
The camp coincides with National Parks Week, a celebration of the UK's 14 National parks. Thursday 31 July is also International Ranger Day.
The ranger camp will be based at Glen Tanar from Saturday 26 August to Sunday 3 August with activities taking place across the Park.
Carbon Footprints in Farming - Stay ahead of the game!
23rd July 2008
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions on farms is the topic in the spotlight and subject of a special seminar in Strathdon on Tuesday evening (29 July).The concept of 'carbon footprints' will be explained and business opportunities explored during the informal event, aimed at farmers and landowners, at the Lonach Hall at 7pm.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) Ltd have just completed a partnership project involving audits of 16 farms and local food producers within the park. They have produced a guide for famers on how to estimate and reduce carbon footprints and cut sources of greenhouse gases as part of business decision making.
"Some form of carbon accounting for farms seems inevitable in the future," explained SAOS project manager Jim Booth. "This is your chance to stay ahead of developments, find out what is involved and explore business opportunities."
A second seminar will be held in the Community Hall in Boat of Garten on Tuesday 5 August.
Copies of the free Farmers' Guide are available from the CNPA office at 14 The Square, Grantown on Spey, Moray, PH26 3HG, e-mail: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk Tel: 01479 873535
For past news articles, please see the News Archive page.
