THE Cairngorms National Park Authority is running two free courses next week aimed at raising the awareness of the importance of land managers in moorland management.

Moorland and Management: Developing the Dialogue will look at the role land managers play in protecting the important uplands and ways of improving their management and condition.

The course is taking place at Invercauld Arms Hotel, Braemar on Tuesday October 9th and at Duke of Gordon, Kingussie, on Wednesday October 10th. Both days run from 3.30-9pm and are open to land managers and the general public.

The events will include a moorland walk and a panel discussion session chaired by the Heather Trust. The discussion will focus on a number of issues including ticks, deer, grazing, access and muirburn. There will be a number of land management representatives on the panel, including the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Scottish Natural Heritage, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, private landowners and land managers.

Heather moorland is one of the Park’s most valuable natural assets for tourism and recreation and around 40 per cent of the Park is managed moorland. The course aims to raise awareness and understanding of the subject and of those involved in its management.

Colin McClean, from the CNPA, said: “Moorland is one of the most important valuable habitats within the Park. It’s an integral part of our landscape and economy and is a home for many important species. This is an ideal opportunity to inform the public about moorland management issues and get public views on the moorland issues important to them.”

The courses are part of the Land Based Business Training Project (LBBTP) and the Cairngorms Awareness and Pride project. The LBBTP offers training to land-based business in the Park to help them become more sustainable and economically viable as well as learn skills that will help them to deliver the Park’s four aims. The CAP project promotes, teaches and trains residents in areas that are central to the Park’s aims and special qualities.

They will also help to deliver two of the Park’s aims: to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area and to promote understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.

For more information or to book a place contact: Kate Christie or Sam Masson on 01479 870 535/537 or email katechristie@cairngorms.co.uk  or sammasson@cairngorms.co.uk