The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is encouraging people to take a walk in the Park to mark the start of Biodiversity Week.
Biodiversity Week takes place from the 21 May – 29 May and a variety of events are taking place across Scotland. In the Cairngorms National Park, there is the opportunity to visit a grouse moor in Moray to discover the variety of life that lives in and around these valuable habitats.
Organised by the Cairngorms Moorlands Project – an initiative designed to promote best practice in moorland management across the Park – and Stephen Corcoran, the Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan Officer, the walk takes place on Wednesday 18 May at Blairfindy Moor on the Glenlivet Estate, near Tomintoul.
Speaking ahead of the event, Stephen Corcoran said: \”Now is a great time to get out and see the spectacular diversity of wildlife on your doorstep in the Cairngorms. Biodiversity is the wealth of wildlife around us and provides us with clean water, air, food, clothing, health, relaxation and recreation. This walk to mark Biodiversity Week will demonstrate to people the variety of life on a grouse moor. Blairfindy Moor is a good example of a managed heather moorland that provides a home for many different species from the smallest insect or moss to a beautiful roe deer or birch tree.\”
Blairfindy Moor is one of two sites that come under the Cairngorms Moorlands Project. The local Moorlands Liaison Officer, Juliet Robinson said: \”We would like to see as many people out enjoying Biodiversity Week and where better to go than a local moor, where there is so much to see and enjoy.\”
The guided walk on Blairfindy Moor leaves from the Altnaglander car park, Strathavon at 10am, returning at around 12 noon. The walk is free and participants are reminded to bring stout footwear and a waterproof jacket.
For more details on Biodiversity Week log on to www.biodiversityscotland.org.uk or contact Stephen Corcoran, the Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan Officer on tel: 01479 870528 / [email protected] Alternatively contact Juliet Robinson on tel: 01479 870539 / [email protected].