Board Meeting - February 2025

This document contains the formal agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board meeting on 14 February 2025 at 9.30am in the Spey/Dee meeting rooms, Grantown on Spey. The agenda includes welcoming attendees and apologies, discussing matters arising, declarations of interest, a decision on seasonal fire management byelaw (Paper 1), a decision on the draft integrated wildfire management plan (Paper 2), any other competent business, and the date of the next meeting which is 28 March 2025.

This document contains a paper for the Cairngorms National Park Authority board, dated 14 February 2025, regarding a seasonal fire management byelaw. It outlines the strategic context, including the National Park Partnership Plan's focus on fire management and reducing fire risk. A public consultation showed strong support for the byelaw, leading to a revised proposal for its wording. The board is asked to note the consultation responses and agree to submit the revised byelaw to Scottish Ministers for approval. Stakeholder engagement, particularly with Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, has been undertaken. Implementing the byelaw will have resource implications, addressed in the draft budget for 2025/26. The document also summarizes the consultation responses, noting the level of support for the proposed wording and suggested changes. The revised byelaw removes high fire risk elements and will be accompanied by plain English guidance notes to ensure public understanding.

This document contains a summary of responses to a consultation regarding a fire byelaw in the Cairngorms National Park. A total of 109 online responses were received, along with 10 written responses and direct discussions with relevant organizations like Police Scotland. The survey collected information on the respondents' connection to the National Park and their demographic information. The majority of respondents agreed with the draft wording of the byelaw, although some disagreed or didn't give a view. Forty-seven respondents suggested changes to the wording, with 22% giving specific alterations.

This document contains byelaw wording changes proposed and considered with subsequent amendments by the Cairngorms National Park Authority. The queries and suggestions are grouped by theme, addressing definitions of fireplaces and stoves, including whether they include portable items or those in vehicles. It also considers the definition of curtilage, the use of "avoidable damage", and the definition of "tenant". Further considerations include inconsistencies or potential ambiguity in terms like "land manager" and how different property types are referenced, as well as the use of gas versus disposable barbecues. The document also covers suggestions for wording related to fire raising and cigarettes, advice from Police Scotland regarding enforcement on private property, and the removal of the part about not having a fire or barbeque in own homes during times of high fire risk. Finally, it discusses the period for which the byelaw applies and suggestions for widening the offence of tending a fire and gathering additional information for enforcement.

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Fire Management Byelaws for 2025. These byelaws, which are in effect from 1 April to 30 September, outline what is considered an offense related to fire and barbecues within the National Park. Specifically, it is against the rules to light or tend a fire or use a barbecue without permission, unless it is safely contained within a private home, a bothy, a licensed caravan site, or private property, with the appropriate safeguards and permissions. The byelaws do not prevent the use of camping stoves or gas barbecues if they are used safely and do not cause a fire hazard. It is also an offense to refuse to provide personal details to an authorised person who suspects a byelaw has been broken, and anyone breaking these byelaws could face a fine.

This document contains a board paper for the Cairngorms National Park Authority regarding the Integrated Wildfire Management Plan (IWMP). The plan is being developed in response to climate change predictions of wetter winters and drier summers, which increase the risk of wildfires. The IWMP aims to support land managers in reducing ignition risks and improving wildfire fighting, while building landscape resilience. The board is being asked to approve the draft IWMP for a six-week consultation period with stakeholders including the Cairngorms Upland Advisory Group, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and individual landowners. Resource allocations are included in the operational plan, and the implementation of the plan will be monitored annually.

This document contains an Integrated Wildfire Management Plan for the Cairngorms National Park, dated 14 February 2025, which is currently in draft for consultation. The plan addresses the increasing risk of wildfires due to climate change and changing land management practices, such as increased woodland cover. The plan aims to provide guidance and support for land managers in reducing wildfire risks, improving firefighting effectiveness, and building wildfire resilience. Key areas covered include wildfire risk assessment, visitor management, current legislation, communication strategies, and fire byelaw consultations. It also details estate fire plans, equipment, training, and collaboration with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). The document emphasizes managing vegetation, creating firebreaks, and protecting communities. The plan is for the Cairngorms National Park Authority to support recommendations, and monitoring for adaptations over time.

This document contains the minutes from the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board meeting held on 14 February 2025. The meeting covered a seasonal fire management bylaw, including updates on the consultation responses and a revised proposal for the wording of the byelaw, which the board agreed to submit to Scottish Ministers for approval. They also discussed a draft Integrated Wildfire Management Plan, which the board approved for wider consultation. The next meeting is scheduled for 28 March 2025.