Cairngorms National Park National Park Partnership Plan 2022: Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report - April 2021

This document contains baseline information on climatic factors within the Cairngorms National Park for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping of the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan. It includes questions for consultation authorities regarding missing information or errors, and asks about relevant initiatives. The document also provides context on Scotland's temperate climate and how it's being affected by climate change, including predicted effects like hotter summers, milder winters, and increased extreme rainfall. Historic climate trends from the Braemar weather station show a decrease in air frost days and an increase in rainfall. Future climate projections, based on UK Climate Projections (UKCP18), suggest temperature increases and uncertain precipitation changes. Finally, the document looks at greenhouse gas emissions by source in Scotland and the Park, noting that transport is now a leading source of emissions, though overall emissions per person have decreased. The document concludes by outlining proposed SEA objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure infrastructure can cope with future climate conditions.

This document contains baseline information on air quality in the Cairngorms National Park, as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping exercise for the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan. It discusses the sources and effects of air pollution, both generally and specifically within the National Park, noting that while air quality objectives are currently being met, increasing traffic could be a concern. The document also raises questions for consultation authorities regarding the baseline data and presents proposed SEA objectives focused on maintaining or improving air quality and reducing emissions of key pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and sulphur dioxide (SO2).

This document contains baseline information about water in the Cairngorms National Park as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping exercise for the Park Partnership Plan. It discusses water quality, noting that while point source pollution has been reduced, diffuse pollution is now a concern, and it reviews the status of water bodies in the park. The document also covers water quantity, with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) monitoring water levels. It touches on water infrastructure, including the capacity of water and waste treatment works, and addresses flooding risks, particularly along the River Spey and River Dee. Finally, it lists proposed SEA objectives related to water resource quality, demand, and the impact of invasive species. The document also poses questions for consultation authorities about any missing information, errors in what is presented, or new relevant projects that may be included as the SEA progresses.

This document contains baseline information from the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping report. This information pertains to Topic 4, which covers soils and geodiversity within the park. The document discusses the importance of soil, land capability for agriculture, carbon-rich soils, contamination, soil erosion, and geodiversity. It includes questions for consultation authorities and proposes SEA objectives related to minimizing contamination, safeguarding, and improving soil, peat quality, and geodiversity. The document references figures that illustrate land capability for agriculture, carbon-rich soils, and geomorphology within the Cairngorms National Park.

This document contains baseline information for the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping, focusing on material assets within the park. It covers various aspects like energy generation and infrastructure changes, geological resources, waste management, transport (roads and rail), and digital infrastructure, including broadband and mobile connectivity. It includes data, figures, and maps to illustrate the current situation and trends within the park. The document also raises questions for consultation authorities regarding the topic baseline and proposes SEA objectives related to the sustainable use and reuse of material assets.

This document contains baseline information on the biodiversity, flora, and fauna within the Cairngorms National Park, particularly focusing on topics related to the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping for the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan. It highlights the Park's significance as a haven for nature and wildlife, noting its rich variety of habitats and species, covering less than 2% of the UK but is home to 25% of its rare animal, insect, lichen, fungi and insect species. The document outlines key priorities from the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan (CNAP), including woodland, upland, lowland, and freshwater habitats, and specific species like the Scottish wildcat, mountain hare, capercaillie and curlew. It also addresses factors impacting biodiversity, such as deer populations, diseases, and non-native species, and identifies areas protected for nature conservation, detailing changes in their condition since 2015, alongside proposed SEA objectives related to protecting and enhancing the Park's biodiversity.

This document contains baseline information on landscape and cultural heritage in the Cairngorms National Park, as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping exercise for the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan. It covers topics like the special qualities of the park's landscape, National Scenic Areas, landscape character, wild land, historic landscape, scheduled monuments, gardens, battlefields, planned towns, listed buildings, and buildings at risk. The document also touches on linguistic heritage, highlighting the presence of Scottish Gaelic and Scots languages in the park. The document also poses questions for consultation authorities and outlines proposed SEA objectives related to protecting and enhancing the character, diversity, and special qualities of the park's landscapes, historic environment, and cultural assets.

This document contains baseline information and scoping for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) regarding population and human health in the Cairngorms National Park. It includes questions for consultation, context, population statistics up to 2018, population projections, household information, economic activity, travel to work details, health and housing information, recreation, and proposed SEA objectives. The document notes a population increase in the park but uneven growth across areas, an aging population, shifts in household size, and the importance of tourism and outdoor activities for the local economy. The analysis also covers deprivation levels, housing affordability, and the availability of recreational paths and facilities, and highlights the links between housing, health and deprivation.