Paper 4 Update and forward look
CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM Adam Streeter-Smith, Recreation and Access Manager
Paper 4- Update and forward look Purpose: This paper provides an update on the main areas of work both undertaken and planned.
Management of core paths and outdoor access duties: a. Speyside Way – A significant surface upgrade project is underway on a popular section of the route near Aviemore, namely between Dougal Drive and the junction with National Cycle Route 7. The project will implement a full re-surface of the path along with reinstatement of the original path width, re-grading of subbase and drainage improvements. b. Speyside Way – A Park Authority funded project to build a new section of path (which will be adopted as part of the Speyside Way) near Kincraig is now complete. The new path creates an additional traffic-free section between the Spey Bridge at Kincraig and the nearby Shinty Pitch making for an improved and safer user experience. The project was complicated by the need for significant modifications to the roadside crash barrier. It was delivered by the Community Council with invaluable input and permissions from Alvie Estate. c. Core path maintenance- The recreation and access team in collaboration with the Ranger Team have undertaken detailed path inspections to develop a network level assessment of the core path network. This information has also been invaluable in addressing recent storm damage.
Other Path Projects- d. Braemar to Keiloch Path- Planning permission has been granted for the middle section of the new path. OATS, Aberdeenshire Council and the Park Authority are working with the contractor on associated costs.
Community Path Leaflets • First of the community path leaflets (Carrbridge) has been produced in a new branding design. View the leaflet. • Next leaflets to be reviewed and updated are Strathdon and Laggan. Also planned to install new walking panels at Strathdon.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code promotion • New Capercaillie and dogs on leads signs being produced for this season. • Other promotional activities (leaflets, posters, ranger events, social media etc) planned as per previous years.
National Access Forum The NAF met on the 14th of February and discussed: • Wildlife disturbance • Campfire messaging.
Cairngorms Capercaillie Project Work is ongoing with the Capercaillie project to develop a “dog friendly Cairngorms” project. Between now and summer various elements will be trialled with two audiences the community of Boat of Garten (predominately residents) and the Loch Garten centre and Abernethy reserve (visitors). Proposed activities include: a dog exercise space, grading waymarked routes, signage, fostering a dog friendly community, events and engaging businesses.
Cairngorms 2030 The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £10.7 million to the Cairngorms National Park Authority to deliver Cairngorms 2030, a programme that will inspire people and communities in the National Park to take action and tackle the nature and climate crisis. The programme brings together 20 long-term projects on nature restoration, active travel and sustainable transport, community development and health and wellbeing. Together, they will help the Cairngorms become the UK’s first net zero national park. Some specific deliverables in this phase of the Cairngorms 2030 programme are: • To become the first national park in the UK to reach net zero • Create the equivalent of 1,500 football pitches of new woodland • Develop the world’s first outdoor dementia resource centre • Transform the way people get around the Cairngorms — making communities for walking, wheeling and cycle friendly • Pioneer nature-friendly farming and green finance • Foster meaningful relationships with under-represented communities • Restore 6,500 hectares of carbon-storing peatland • Prescribe nature on the NHS • Empower communities to shape the future of their area • Restore and enhance three iconic rivers: the Spey, Dee and Esk