Members of the public are being invited to come along to a drop in session (Thursday 25 September) to find out about and give their views on the long term management of publicly owned land in Glenmore and Upper Rothiemurchus forests.
This will include the draft masterplan which aims to enhance both the quality of the visitor experience and what is special about Glenmore – fundamentally the spectacular landscape and nature conservation value.
The event will be held at Glenmore Visitor Centre and will run from 1pm to 7pm and will be hosted by staff from Forestry Commission Scotland and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
The emerging master plan includes several proposals, including better information for visitors, reducing the amount of signage, improving the management of car parking and the possibility of upgrading or moving the current visitor centre.
Grant Moir, CNPA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Cairngorm and Glenmore attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year because it is a uniquely beautiful location that stands on the edge of wildness.
“The master plan we have been working on is all about protecting and enhancing the special character of the area and overall the aim is improve the quality of the experience while consolidating and reducing the overall area of built development.
“It’s important that the local community is involved so we’re inviting anyone with an interest to come along, look at what is being proposed and to discuss it with our staff and give us some feedback.”
The latest stage in a long process of developing a ‘joined-up’ approach to the long term management of the area, the development of an over-arching master plan has become more pertinent since the Commission’s recent acquisition of an area of Rothiemurchus forest.
Graeme Prest for the Commission’s team said:
“The national forest estate has expanded quite a bit in the last few months, and that gives us a fantastic opportunity to look at managing these resources on a landscape scale, working with our neighbours and other stakeholders.
“This master plan is essentially about distilling the visitor facilities and interpretation into something less visible but more effective and efficient.
“This is already a fantastic area for walkers and cyclists but we’re looking to make it an even more special, satisfying and memorable experience.”
As well as information, maps and images being available to view, there will also be opportunities to participate in guided tours and to discuss the proposals with members of staff from both organisations.