Cairngorms National Park will get more Active in 2015

A new outdoor access strategy for the Cairngorms National Park will go out for consultation early in the New Year after the Board of the Park Authority agreed to the 12-week exercise at its latest meeting today (Friday 12th December).
The ‘Active Cairngorms’ draft strategy details the types of actions to be taken to promote healthy lifestyles through being active in the outdoors while also ensuring that recreation does not impact negatively on the Park’s special species and habitats.
Recreation and Access Manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), David Clyne explained: “Physical inactivity is the second biggest cause of mortality in Scotland every year leading to 2,500 premature deaths. Increasing physical activity can lead to improvements in many conditions from heart disease to mental health issues. It is therefore very important that we get an outdoor access strategy that benefits everyone who lives here or visits the Park.”
‘Active Cairngorms’ aims to make it easier and safer for people to move around the Park whatever their age, ability or background; to be more physically active, to learn about, care for and appreciate the Park.
CNPA Board member Paul Easto said: “We have a responsibility as the Park Authority to help residents and visitors enjoy the outdoors whether that’s cycling to school, walking the dog or paddling down the Spey. We also have a responsibility to make sure that recreation is managed effectively – helping people to be healthy and active while ensuring that the special environmental qualities of the Park are protected.
“I hope when the consultation gets underway in January that as many people – whatever their interest – will take the opportunity to make their views known. Our hope is that the Cairngorms National Park becomes a place where physical activity is an enjoyable and everyday part of life for both residents and visitors.”
The Active Cairngorms formal consultation will begin mid-January and last for 12 weeks. To read the board paper in full please go to: https://cairngorms.co.uk/park-authority/about-us/meeting-papers/board-papers/