Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum - March 2022

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum meeting on Wednesday 9 March 2022, from 6.30pm to 8pm. The meeting will be held in the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) Lifesize meeting room and includes items such as a welcome, apologies, a Loch Kinord Access Plan, a Mountain Biking Recreation Management Plan for Badenoch and Strathspey, managing visitors in 2022, an update on casework, a review of forum membership, and any other competent business. The document also provides dial-in options with phone numbers for landlines and mobiles, requiring a six-digit meeting extension followed by # to join.

This document contains the minutes from the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) meeting on 25 August 2021. Key discussion points included the National Park Partnership plan review, managing visitors, updates on access restrictions at Loch Kinnord due to increased visitors and concerns about birdlife, and a visitor and access plan from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for their reserve. The forum also discussed the Dalwhinnie Railway Crossing closure and agreed to send a letter to Network Rail and Transport Scotland. Finally, the group planned to discuss the membership structure of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (CLOAF), proposals for Loch Kinnord, a casework review, and a strategic infrastructure plan at the next meeting.

This document contains proposals for local access guidance at Loch Kinord for 2022. NatureScot manages Loch Kinord as part of a National Nature Reserve and due to a rise in water-sports users in 2021, revised guidance was introduced asking visitors not to enter the water during bird breeding season (1 March to 31 August). NatureScot reviewed this guidance, sought specialist advice and undertook a survey. For 2022, NatureScot intends to continue this guidance, with possible zones identified for open-water swimming. Survey results showed mixed opinions with some supporting the guidance and some suggesting changes to activities and timings. Alternative options such as zoning and permit systems were considered but ruled out, with focus on pre-arrival information and managing land-based activities instead.

This document contains information about the Mountain Biking Recreation Management Plan for Badenoch and Strathspey. Carolyn Robertson, Project Manager, prepared the plan to review the aims of the project in the context of other recreational users, and the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum has been asked to give advice on how to deliver and communicate the plan, as well as how to use the plan as an example to inspire community-led action. The plan includes management options such as formal trails, community trails, and sensitive areas, and was developed through consultation with various organisations and members of the Trail Feathers group. The plan aims to enable data-driven decisions about trail development, maintenance, and promotion, ensure sustainable mountain biking, improve communication, and promote responsible access in order to protect sensitive habitats and species.

This document contains information for the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum, updating members on managing visitors in 2022. It addresses the increased visitor numbers since 2020 due to lockdown easing and people wanting to experience the outdoors. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is working with partners to deliver a park-wide visitor management plan, aiming to provide a warm welcome, mitigate negative impacts, reduce conflicts, and promote collaboration. The plan identifies key "hot spots" and "warm spots" requiring proactive management and involves various partners like local authorities, land managers, and ranger services. The CNPA will continue the #CairngormsTogether campaign and use variable message signs to provide real-time information, alongside monitoring visitor behavior and gathering data to inform future strategies.

This document contains an update on casework volumes and types from 2019 to 2021, prepared by Douglas Stewart, Outdoor Access Officer for the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum. The purpose of the document is to update members on casework handling, including monthly breakdowns and summaries of key types by volume, and to consider findings and any relevant issues arising. The National Park Authority has responsibilities to provide advice and respond to inquiries and complaints. The report shows a 35% increase in casework since 2019, with 2021 seeing the highest number of cases, possibly due to more UK residents holidaying at home because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Planning and Forestry consultations are also increasing, and notable cases include core path closures and cattle blocking public roads.

This document contains a review of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum's membership and standing orders. The Cairngorms National Park Authority wants to ensure the Forum continues to be effective and dynamic, bringing in new members while valuing existing ones. The document outlines the need for new members, the process for recruiting them, and the desired balance of representation from different sectors like land managers, community interests, recreational users and public agencies. It also discusses the length of term for members, the proceedings of meetings (including virtual and face-to-face options), and proposes minor changes to the operating procedures, including no longer having a Vice Convenor.