A wildfire, caused by a campfire, resulted in a beautiful 250-year old granny Caledonian pine tree to burn down on Rothiemurchus Estate. If the estate ranger services hadn’t responded so quickly it could have had devastating consequences. CNPA urge everyone to enjoy the Cairngorms National Park this summer, but to do so with great care, asking everyone to ensure they ‘tread lightly’ in this special place.

Pete Crane, Head of Visitor Services said: “The message is quite simple really – never light a fire during long dry spells of weather or in woodland or on peaty soil. We want people to enjoy the Cairngorms National Park and have a great holiday but not at the expense of our wildlife and the important habitats that support them.”

Other things that people are asked to consider concerning fires are:

• Using a stove for cooking rather than an open fire and if using a foil BBQ tray, always place it on stones, shingle or sand. When finished, damp it down and take it away.
• Never cut down trees or move deadwood for a fire – this is home to insects and other wildlife!
• Do report unattended or out of control fires immediately – time is critical.
• And finally, always heed high fire risk warning signs and the advice of rangers and land managers

For more information on enjoying the Cairngorms National Park responsibly please go to: https://cairngorms.co.uk/park-authority/advice-guidelines/outdoor-access-advice/