WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images 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 pdf version of this document. CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM Paper 1 – Outdoor Access Casework 19 August 2008 CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM Title: Outdoor Access Casework Prepared by: Fran Pothecary, Outdoor Access Officer Purpose: To update the Forum on new and resolved access casework issues regarding the upholding of access rights Advice Sought 1. The Forum members are asked if the changes to the way the Outdoor Access casework paper is presented, are acceptable to them. Background 2. Mindful of the quantity of business that the Forum has to deal with, it is proposed that this paper is presented as a standing item and offers a simple update of new cases received, and cases closed (see below), between Forum meetings. On an annual basis, a year end spreadsheet will be presented and analysed as a review of outdoor access cases which have been dealt with by the Park Authority Outdoor Access staff over the year. Case Update 3. Aviemore CC, Glenmore area – a complaint was received from a member of the public about signs with “no cycling” symbols on them, at the start and end of a constructed path. Liaison with the land manager to discuss this, and other matters, has begun – case ongoing. 4. Aviemore CC, town outskirts – there are issues of damage by mountain bikers to a path through an NNR which has recently been upgraded. A site visit to discuss solutions has been arranged for mid August – case ongoing. 5. Donside CC, Corgarff area – there has been a query about the ambiguity of a “no unauthorised access” sign at the start of an estate access. An initial assessment would indicate that the signage is intended to deter vehicular access but this could have a knock-on ‘deterrent’ effect on non-vehicular access – case ongoing. 6. Kincraig CC, Insh area – residents complained about damage to a path by horse-riders after a wet spell in the spring. A site visit revealed that the path needed work on it to deal with drainage problems, and that all forms of access at this time were having a detrimental impact. It was agreed to look at the possibility that the work could form part of the COAT business plan. A letter was written by the Community Council to a local horse-riding operator to warn about the potential for damage when the route was wet – case closed. 7. Kincraig CC, Feshiebridge area – a complaint was received last year about vegetation being allowed to grow and block a path on an NNR leading on to the open hill. A site visit in spring revealed that some vegetation had been cut back by a third party (not the land manager). The accessibility issue has been addressed and the need for closer management of the path now established – case closed. 8. Kincraig CC, Loch Insh area – a query was received about a charge being levied for landing canoes at a watersports centre. The Park Authority has advised that in this particular location, it is likely that the area constituted curtilage (the “working” area) of the business and therefore was outwith access rights. Alternative nearby landing sites have been suggested – case closed. 9. Kingussie CC, Drumguish area – a new sign has been erected warning of “Danger - Snakes” where a well-used route passes a cottage to cross a bridge over the river. Given a history of access difficulties here, it is likely that the sign is to deter people stopping or taking access in this vicinity – case ongoing. 10.Kirkmichael CC, Tomintoul area – we have received a report of a gate being locked at a point at which people can access the River A’an. Site visits have revealed the gate to be open intermittently so a watching brief is being kept on the status of the route, whether it is obstructed or not – case ongoing. 11.Nethybridge CC, Abernethy area – there has been an issue of DoE groups camping unwittingly in the middle of a black grouse lekking site. CNPA staff has been involved in advising the land managers on appropriate signage; and making contact with the DoE Award scheme to reinforce messages about responsible behaviour – case ongoing. 12.Nethybridge CC, Nethybridge village - efforts are underway to revise existing path signage to ensure it is compliant with the Code. Land managers have been contacted and fresh signage is being developed – case ongoing Fran Pothecary 8 August 2008 franpothecary@cairngorms.co.uk