Joined-up approach to land management is the only way forward
Joined-up approach to land management is the only way forward
The creation of Scotland’s national parks is an opportunity to develop a more joined-up approach to countryside management, according to the Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
Speaking at a major land conference in Edinburgh, Jane Hope CNPA Chief Executive, told delegates of the challenges faced by the CNPA in trying to bring together the many different interests associated with the management of the Park’s landscape and the benifits derived from a partnership aproach.
“With the creation of National Parks in Scotland we have the opportunity to adopt a more joined-up approach to countryside management. The Cairngorms National Park Authority was not set up to duplicate the work of all the other agencies, organisations and businesses operating within the Park but to bring them all together so that a co-ordinated and integrated approach to land managment can be acheived.
There are lots of legitimate public and private interests operating within the Park but we hope, that over time, there will be greater acceptance of the fact that a very wide range of people have legitimate interests in the countryside and that the Cairngorms National Park is for everyone – not just the fit and the few.”
As part of its response to the consultation on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the CNPA recognised an urgent need to undertake work on the pricing and purchasing of public goods from farmers in the area and is now looking at how this could be extended to other landowners.
“Landscape is an interesting case of a public benifit. It is widely available and is a product of man and nature. Its basic structure has been there for thousands of years but man can, and does influence it significantly and that is why payments to land managers to help create and maintain particular landscapes and habitats can be in the public interest”
The Royal Society of Edinburgh organised the ‘Scotland’s Land Conference’ with support from Scottish Natural Heritage.
Alert
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Relevant alerts
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Update - 21:55
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that emergency services continue to tackle a large-scale wildfire covering more than two kilometres in width near to Glenmore.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution due to the close proximity to the incident.
As of 9pm on Wednesday night (15 July), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, specialist resources and tactical commanders mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 12 noon earlier today.
Firefighters are working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks, with high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of trees and woodland. There are no reported casualties.
Road closures continue to be in place to support the emergency response, and people are asked to avoid the area within Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich on Thursday, 16 July as this incident continues.
We will share updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, our thanks go out to the emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff and many others from across the community who are working non-stop to get these fires under control, and providing support to those affected.
Update - 20:06
Emergency services and partners are continuing to respond to this wildfire. A number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution. The Ski Road is currently closed. Anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know when they have returned.
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.
Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice. If you are aware of someone hiking in the area, please ask them to get themselves safely off the hill as soon as possible.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has asked that people avoid the Glenmore and Aviemore area, and remain vigilant. Our thanks go to all those engaged in active firefighting - we will post further updates when we have them.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 20 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Monday 20 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.