Formal board meeting - paper 1 - CEO report - 26 September 2025

This document contains the CEO's report and Convener's update from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) for September 2025. It covers key work areas like nature, climate change, planning, and community engagement. The Park Authority piloted deer culls, assessed gamebird releases, and managed the aftermath of the large Dava wildfire, which covered 10,000 hectares (ha). They also released beavers, worked on freshwater pearl mussel recovery, and announced a £1.2 million Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) award. Path improvements, visitor infrastructure upgrades, and ranger services were also highlighted. The Park Authority is developing its Local Development Plan (LDP) and dealing with planning applications. Community engagement includes events, cultural heritage initiatives, and a £1 million C2030 communities fund. The update also covers corporate communications, website updates, and staff changes within the Park Authority. Finally, the Convener's update details meetings with various organizations and individuals, including the Scottish Government, other park authorities, and local community leaders, discussing a range of topics from wildfire management to nature restoration.