230908CNPABdPaper4CapercaillieConservation

This document contains a discussion paper for the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board about capercaillie conservation. The paper outlines the next steps in capercaillie conservation, following up on previous discussions and advice from NatureScot (NatureScot) and the Minister. It highlights the need for a coordinated approach to restore pinewood habitat, develop a costed management plan, and conduct a pine marten population survey, and also discusses the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan 2023-2027 which was approved by Ministers in August 2022. The Board is asked to note the Park Authority's commitment to working with NatureScot to develop a spatially explicit plan, with regular updates from the Performance Committee, and the document then outlines strategic risk management, implications, success measures, background information and next steps relating to capercaillie conservation in the Cairngorms National Park.