Item 5 Appendix2 HRA 20250109DET NMU Aviemore and Carrbridge

This document contains a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA), which is a detailed check on a plan to build a 3-meter wide, 9-kilometer long walking and cycling path between Aviemore and Carrbridge. This HRA looks at how the new path might affect important wildlife and their habitats in protected areas such as the Loch Vaa Special Protection Area (SPA) and River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It highlights potential concerns for animals like Slavonian grebes, capercaillie, salmon, and otters due to things like disturbance during construction, habitat changes, and possible pollution. However, the report concludes that if a number of careful steps are taken – including detailed surveys, ecological management plans, preventing pollution, avoiding sensitive breeding times, and putting up fencing – then the path won't have a harmful impact on these special sites and their wildlife.