Board Meeting - June 2020

This document contains the agenda for a Cairngorms National Park Authority board meeting on Friday, 12 June 2020, held via video conferencing. The agenda includes welcoming attendees, apologies, approving previous meeting minutes, discussing outstanding matters, and declarations of interest. Key decisions involve approving the Cairngorms National Park Green Recovery Plan and the 2020/21 budget and operational plan review. A discussion on the National Park Partnership Plan 2017-2022 delivery update for 2019-20 is also scheduled, along with any other business and setting the date for the next meeting.

This document contains the draft minutes from a Cairngorms National Park Authority board meeting held on 27 March 2020. The meeting covered the approval of previous meeting minutes, updates on action points, and a discussion of the 2020/21 budget and operational plan. The budget was approved, with a caveat acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The board also reviewed standing orders for business continuity planning due to the pandemic. Several action points were assigned, mostly concerning communication and process improvements. The meeting concluded with setting the date for the next meeting.

This document contains amendments to the Cairngorms National Park Authority's standing orders, agreed in March 2020, regarding who presides over board meetings and provides support. A specific order of precedence is established for board members (starting with the Convener, Xander McDade, and continuing down a list of six members), to cover absences. Similarly, a list of senior officers is created, outlining who supports the board in order of precedence. These provisions are temporary, lasting only for the period of the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) amendments and will be reviewed within two years. The changes clarify existing procedures and ensure continuity during absences or emergencies.

This document contains a report to the Cairngorms National Park Authority board. The report highlights key achievements and ongoing projects during the first half of 2020. Despite challenges caused by COVID-19 lockdowns which impacted fieldwork and events, many conservation projects continued, including work on peatland restoration, woodland expansion, and the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan. A successful virtual Cairngorms Nature Festival engaged over 4,200 people online. The report also details progress on long-distance walking routes, local development plans, and tourism initiatives, showing how the Park Authority adapted to the pandemic while continuing its important work. Staffing updates and upcoming projects are also mentioned.

This document contains a proposal for the Cairngorms National Park Green Recovery Plan. The plan, prepared by Grant Moir, CEO, aims to help the National Park recover from the impact of Covid-19. It's designed to work across all four aims of the National Park in an integrated way and will be adaptable as circumstances change. The board is asked to approve the plan and consider it alongside the 2020/21 Budget and Operational Plan review paper.

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Green Recovery Plan, created in June 2020. The plan focuses on rebuilding the park's tourism-based economy after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming for a "green recovery". This means protecting natural resources while creating a fairer, greener society. The plan includes creating a recovery fund, working with local businesses and communities, and aligning with national recovery efforts to tackle issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. It sets out high-level principles for a resilient recovery, including using climate investments to support the economy and jobs, and working towards long-term sustainable practices. The plan is intended to evolve as more information becomes available and will inform the next National Park Partnership Plan.

This document contains a review of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's 2020/21 budget and operational plan, considering the impact of COVID-19. The review shows payroll costs are within budget, with some funds available for reallocation. Potential savings and reallocations are identified for the Green Recovery Plan, including a seasonal ranger service, a recovery fund, and a Dark Skies Observatory project. The plan also prioritizes supporting local businesses through procurement strategies. The board is asked to approve these budget changes and reallocations.

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan (NPPP) for 2017-2022, covering the year 2019/20. The NPPP, approved by Scottish Ministers, coordinates work across the park to address key issues. It sets strategic direction for five key plans focusing on outdoor access, nature conservation, economic priorities, land-use planning, and sustainable rural development. The update highlights achievements in woodland expansion, peatland restoration, and biodiversity projects, alongside work on visitor experience and rural development initiatives. The report notes that the impact of the COVID-19 emergency on 2020/21 delivery will be assessed later.

This document contains a progress report from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), dated 12 June 2020. The report details the CNPA's work across several areas, including conservation (woodland expansion, peatland restoration, and flood risk management), deer management, moorland management, visitor experience (infrastructure and information), and rural development (housing and community empowerment). The report outlines various projects and initiatives, their progress (on track, amber, or red), and notes challenges faced, such as contractor capacity limitations and weather conditions affecting peatland restoration. It also highlights collaborations with various partners and stakeholders to achieve conservation and community development goals.