WARNING: By their nature, text files cannot include scanned iamges and tables. The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you should refer to the original PDF version of this document. CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM Title: Update and look forward for the next 3 months Prepared by: Adam Streeter-Smith, Outdoor Access Officer Purpose: This paper provides an update and flavour on the main areas of work undertaken to deliver the key themes in the Outdoor Access Strategy by the CNPA staff and partners. Advice Sought Forum members are asked to note the work undertaken and planned. Any questions, comments or suggestions are very welcome. Action Theme 1: Improving path provision and quality IMPLEMENTING THE CORE PATHS PLAN 1. Core Paths Plan Ð The Plan highlighting the newly designated core paths is now being published and will be available to the public by mid May. All the objectors will receive a letter and will be offered the opportunity to become involved in the implementation of the Plan. In addition, all land owners who have core paths on their ground will be contacted. Over next three months we will: ¥ Finalise the implementation plan; ¥ Complete the Òfit for purposeÓ assessment; ¥ Start the negotiations with the larger Estates in preparation for COATÕs next business plan. 2. COAT- continues to develop low ground core paths most recently the following paths have been built; ¥ Craigellachie link path-Aviemore: the link path has been greatly appreciated by community. ¥ River Dulnain Path-Carrbridge Other projects are mostly still at the negotiation stages. 3. Path Signs Audit - the CNPA has let a contract to P4 Projects to undertake an audit of all the signage and waymarking required in Carr Bridge, Aviemore, Kincraig and Strathdon. Once complete we will use it to develop signage projects with communities. Similar audits will be rolled out across other Park communities and used as the basis for future improvements. 4. The Speyside Way Ð COAT have now taken on the maintenance of the Speyside Way and will shortly be letting contracts for individual sections. 5. The Speyside Way Extension- negotiations with land owners are ongoing. Access officers are also focused on developing the planning applications, which includes a full ecological impact assessment of the route. Action Theme 2: Promoting responsible outdoor access and management 6. Scottish Outdoor Access Code Ð In the last update it was stated that SNH had embarked on a review of the Code. This was not accurate what was referred to was the ongoing monitoring which looks at the effectiveness of the Code. For a full review to take place ministerial direction needs to occur. 7. SOAC Signage - Guidance on the use of signage, including wording for dogs at sensitive sites, has been approved and published. 8. Dogs DVD - The CNPA has received 50 copies of the final Dogs film. Copies have been circulated to Forum members who may wish to use them. Copies have been provided to the Ranger services and the John Muir Award. It is intended to use the film when opportunities arise. 9. Informal camping Ð On the 19th of March 2010 the CNPA Board considered the issues associated with informal camping and agreed that at the two locations, Glenmore and Clunieside in Braemar, the issues had become acute. They agreed that the CNPA should assist the relevant land managers to draw together relevant parties, improve knowledge, develop appropriate management approaches, develop alternatives and support liaison with the police. On the 28th of April the CNPA hosted a seminar for the relevant land managers to share experiences and improve the understanding of the relevant legal and management frameworks. The next step for the CNPA is to develop a guidance note and support the preparation of visitor management plans for the relevant sites. Action Theme 3: Promoting visitor information about outdoor access opportunities 10. Community Path Leaflets- The CNPA is continuing to work with communities to produce new path leaflets based on the new guidance for community path leaflets. The Nethybridge leaflet is complete and consultants are working on Ballater, Kingussie and Boat of Garten which should be complete by the summer. Action Theme 4: Promoting sustainable transport for the enjoyment of the Cairngorms National Park 11. Cairngorms Explorer Guide Ðthe Explorer has now been published and is in circulation. Action Theme 5: Promoting healthy lifestyles 12. Health Walks Ð Mandy Wey the new health walks co-ordinator with COAT is working with communities on the west side of the Park to get groups going and has had success in developing new groups in Nethybridge, Grantown and Aviemore. Alan Melrose continues to support groups on the east side of the Park. Other National Park Initiatives 13. Economic study - a baseline review has been completed for the National Park and contains lots of valuable information which will inform much of the Park Authorities work. 14. Sustainable Tourism Charter - the charter is due for renewal later this year and as part of the process we will be redeveloping the Sustainable Tourism Strategy and action plan. 15. Invereshie and Inshriach NNR review by SNH - peoples views are being sought by SNH and FCS on the management of Invereshie and Inshriach NNR. The consultation runs for12 weeks from the 20th April 2010. 16. Cairngorms Web Portal - Currently under development by the Park Authority this website will detail information about the management of the Park and its resources. 17. Visitor Portal - This site is being developed by the Cairngorms Business Partnership and will be more visitor focused providing information on what to do where. Adam Streeter-Smith May 2010 adamstreetersmith@cairngorms.co.uk