Performance Paper 3 - Restoring Landscapes theme update

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms 2030 'Restoring and Enhancing Landscapes' theme, presented to the Performance Committee in February 2026. All seven projects are progressing as planned in their third year, with project scopes finalised, though some National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) approvals are still pending for Nature Recovery projects. Upcoming decisions involve securing NLHF approval, a feasibility study for new woodland in Glen Tilt, and scoping a 'Future Skills' project with the West Grampian Deer Management Group. Common challenges have included increased 'consultation fatigue' in community engagement and delays due to external approvals, such as those from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), but teams have adapted well. The team is performing strongly, demonstrating new skills and confidence in community engagement. Financially, there's a £2.3 million shortfall in woodland expansion match funding due to lower delivery costs, despite maintaining the planned planted area; the Cairngorms National Park Authority will address this by proposing other Scottish Forestry (SF) funded schemes to NLHF. Peatland restoration continues to secure £3.5 million this year from the Scottish Government (SG), with other project budgets seeing minor redistribution.