News
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.
