Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum - September 2022

This document contains the minutes from the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) meeting on 9 March. The group discussed a number of topics including the Loch Kinord Access Plan where it was agreed to continue with the same guidelines as last year. The Mountain Biking Recreation Management Plan for Badenoch and Strathspey was also discussed; the plan aims to promote responsible riding, but not to restrict access. The meeting also covered managing visitors in 2022, an update on casework volumes, and a review of the forum's membership.

This document contains a summary of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) meeting on 20 April, where attendees discussed the NatureScot Scientific Advisory Committee's report on capercaillie. The report states that the species could become extinct without action, with 95% of the UK population living in the Cairngorms National Park. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is consulting with stakeholders about the report's recommendations, including diversionary feeding of predators, predator control, fence marking, and creating refuges by closing paths, with the LOAF focusing on access rights. The meeting covered available mechanisms for managing public access, such as signage, site planning, and formal measures like Section 29 notices and bylaws, as well as the need for research and possible interventions like signage and infrastructure changes.

This document contains an update for members of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) regarding active travel initiatives in the Cairngorms National Park. Prepared by Colin Simpson, Head of Visitor Services and Active Travel, the document outlines the background and strategic context of the Cairngorms 2030 programme, which focuses on sustainable transport and reducing car use. It details park-wide projects like developing an active travel network plan and an e-bike project, as well as location-specific projects in various communities to improve infrastructure for walking, cycling, and wheelchair access. The document also describes current activities, including public engagement sessions, and seeks advice on how the LOAF can maximize its involvement in these consultations, given their knowledge and experience.

This document contains an outline of key business for the Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) over the next 6 to 12 months. Prepared by Adam Streeter-Smith, Recreation and Access Manager, it informs members that the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) will be revising Active Cairngorms, the Outdoor Access Strategy, for the Cairngorms National Park over the coming year as identified in National Park Partnership Plan 4 (NPPP4). The LOAF will be involved in three stages of the development of the revised Active Cairngorms, and the CNPA will appoint a Project Board to oversee this area of work. Members are invited to comment on any emerging issues, the timeline for development, and support the appointment of the LOAF chair to the Active Cairngorms Project Board.

This document contains information about the Active Cairngorms management plan, which aims to encourage physical activity for residents and visitors in the Cairngorms National Park. The plan focuses on three key areas: creating active places by designing areas that promote physical activity, active management by championing recreational management and environmental protection, and active promotion by encouraging healthy lifestyles using the Park's facilities. The document outlines various policies, objectives, and actions to improve path accessibility, promote outdoor recreation, manage events responsibly, and increase awareness of opportunities for physical activity and volunteering within the park. The ultimate goal is to make the Cairngorms National Park a place where people can easily integrate physical activity into their daily lives, leading to a healthier population and a cherished environment.

This document contains a draft project plan for an Active Cairngorms Review, outlining tasks, activities, and a timeline from November to November. The plan includes setting up a project board and steering group, reviewing policies and themes, and engaging with stakeholders such as the Equalities Group, Cairngorms Tourism Group, and various other organizations. The final stage involves designing the layout and getting approval from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) board.

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum's (CLOAF) casework volumes and types from 2019 to 2022. The purpose of the document is to update members on the handling of all types of casework, including monthly breakdowns and a summary of key types by volume and to consider findings and any relevant issues arising. Casework is split 50:50 between two Outdoor Access Officers, with admin support available. Casework decreased in the six-month review period (Q1 and Q2) of 2021 but maintained an overall upward trend since 2019, amounting to a 16% increase. Notable cases include restriction of access to land at Dellmore, non-compliant signage at Carrbridge and Dalwhinnie rail crossing closure.

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum's (LOAF) work, both completed and planned. The main focus is on core paths and outdoor access, including upgrades to the Speyside Way in Anagach Woods scheduled for October to December. There's also work on the Braemar to Keiloch Path, facing challenges due to steep slopes, and the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and OATS are collaborating to address these. To raise awareness, the LOAF has new posters and signs, a social media campaign, ranger events on topics like responsible dog walking, and adverts in the "What's On" guide. Community path leaflets are being updated for various areas. Lastly, the CNPA is holding meetings to coordinate visitor management in key locations, dealing with ongoing issues like parking and campfires, and will share an end-of-season report with the LOAF.