WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images and tables. 
The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and 
misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you 
should refer to the pdf version of this document.


CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM 
Paper 6 -Guidance for Land Managers on Managing Recreation in Capercaillie areas 18th 
August 2009 

CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM 


Title: Paper 6 -Guidance for Land managers on Managing 
Recreation in Capercaillie areas 

Prepared by: Bob Grant, Senior Outdoor Access Officer 

Purpose 
This paper seeks the initial views of the Forum on the 
elements to be included in the guidance to assist land 
managers address disturbance when managing recreational 
access in capercaillie areas. 

Advice Sought 

Views are sought from the Forum on: 

+ 
a. on the main elements of the guidance; and 
b. the range of skills and knowledge required to be represented on the Steering Group. 


Background 

1. At the Local Outdoor Access Forum meeting in February, members were able to hear 
at first hand the potential issues concerning impacts on capercaillie populations: one of 
which was from recreational activity. The meeting provided the opportunity for 
members to question a panel of experts on the scale of the problem and how effective 
existing measures had been in preventing disturbance. 

2. Staff within CNPA have been considering how best to take the issues that have been 
raised forward, both at that meeting and which have come to the fore at other 
meetings such as the Capercaillie Conference held in November last year. 

3. It is now proposed to develop guidance on this subject. The guidance will be prepared 
to assist land managers manage the issues they face with recreational disturbance and 
will include the role of CNPA and the assistance that we can provide. The Forum’s 
view are sought on the proposed main elements that should be included in the guidance 
which are outlined below; 

o A description of the importance of the Cairngorms National Park for 
capercaillie; 
o Summary of research on disturbance to capercaillie, and it’s relevance within 
the National Park 
o Main messages to include: 

i. Benefits of planning and proactive recreational management i.e. 
attracting people to robust sites, positive management for quiet 
zones, manage people away from most sensitive sites;; 


PAGE 2

ii. Integrating capercaillie management with other aspects of land 
management; 

iii. Sign guidance, including model formats and preferred wording; 

iv. Working with local communities and repeat users of sites. 

o The role of the CNPA. 


Next Steps 

4. Once the elements that need to be included are agreed a Steering Group will be 
created to help take this work forward. It will be important to ensure that the Steering 
Group is comprised of individuals who, collectively, can call on knowledge in land 
management, recreation and conservation science. Views are sought from the Forum 
on whether any additional skills or knowledge are required to be represented on the 
Steering Group. 

5. The CNPA Board will provide input into the process at their meeting on 30 October. 
The emerging guidance will then go through an inclusive consultation process and be 
taken back to the Forum for advice before final decision by the CNPA Board. 


Bob Grant 
18 August 2009 
bobgrant@cairngorms.co.uk