Performance Committee - September 2023

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Peatland Action programme for 2023-24. The peatland programme aims to help meet the targets and priorities of the National Park Partnership Plan 4 and the Heritage Horizon Cairngorms 2030 Programme, while supporting the Scottish Government's peatland restoration targets. The programme has a £3.63 million capital finance budget for 2023/24 with the intent to maximise its use for peatland restoration, with capital expenditure increasing as Autumn and Winter approach. By the end of July 2023, 204 hectares of restoration work had been completed. There are some challenges to be worked through, mainly delays in land manager appointments, complex procurement processes and contractor capacity. There is a robust pipeline of 25 projects for 2024/25, exceeding the target of 1515 hectares.

This document contains a paper presented to the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Performance Committee on 8 September 2023, outlining the committee's scope of work and terms of reference. Prepared by David Cameron, the paper is intended to update the board on the Committee's activities, especially with its new membership and chair. The Committee provides scrutiny and assurance on programmes such as the Cairngorms 2030 Heritage Horizons Programme and the Peatland restoration programme, and it also manages visitor infrastructure and the Cairngorms Nature Festival. The board is asked to note the scope and terms of reference of the Performance Committee. The full terms of reference for the committee can be found via a link in the document.

This document contains the minutes from the Performance Committee meeting held at the Cairngorms National Park Authority office on 8 September 2023. The meeting included discussions on previous meeting action points, updates on the Cairngorms Peatland Action Programme, and an update on the Heritage Horizons application. Members discussed security for contractors, peatland restoration projects by estates, staffing risks, and the scope of work for the Performance Committee, including potential future papers on Beaver and Wildcat Releases, the Raptor Project, and woodland restoration. The meeting concluded with thanks to Doug McAdam for his service as Vice Chair.