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 CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM Draft guidance for organised outdoor access events Paper 4 19 August 2008 PAGE 1 CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM Title: Outdoor Access Events Guidance Prepared by: Bob Grant, Senior Outdoor Access Officer Purpose: To note that the current consultation on the draft outdoor access events guidance closed on 8 August and a verbal update will be provided on the issues arising from the consultation. Advice Sought 1. Forum members will be asked to consider the issues that have arisen and provide advice on any further revisions required to the guidance. Background 2. The Outdoor Access Strategy for the Cairngorms National Park – Enjoying the Cairngorms – contains a policy on outdoor access events. The policy recognises that there is a need for more detailed guidance to assist both event organisers and land managers. To help in the development of appropriate guidance, CNPA convened a workshop of interested parties in December last year. Since then, through the assistance of a Steering Group, the guidance has been developed. This has now reached a draft consultation stage and has been sent to all who were invited to the workshop. Attached at Annex 1 is the guidance. Next Steps 3. Feedback from workshop invitees was sought up to 8 August. There is now an opportunity for the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum to provide advice on the guidance in light of comments received. It is planned to take revised guidance to the September meeting of the Delivery Team for their input with final approval being given by the National Park Authority Board at their meeting on 31 October. Bob Grant 1 August 2008 bobgrant@cairngorms.co.uk PAGE 2 Annex 1 DRAFT Guidance for Organised Outdoor Access Events in the Cairngorms National Park Foreword: David Green, CNPA Convener [to follow] How to use this guide This guidance has been written by the Cairngorms National Park Authority to help event organisers and land managers in the National Park organise better events. It should also be of interest to many others, including community groups and businesses,. The purpose of the guide is to enhance the experience and enjoyment of all concerned. A flow chart is shown overleaf to help everyone understand the process to be gone through in organising a successful event. This should help maximise the benefits to the local economy and the enjoyment of those taking part and minimise the impact on the environment and on land management activities. A checklist has also been provided at Annex 1 to help ensure all the necessary actions have been addressed. Contents Foreword: David Green, CNPA Convener [to follow]..................................2 How to use this guide ........................................................................................2 Flowchart for planning an outdoor access event........................................1 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................4 2. So you want to run an event? ...................................................................5 Stage 1 - Research and consultation ..................................................5 Stage 2 - Planning and implementation.............................................9 Stage 3 – Restoration and review ......................................................10 3. Hosting an event on your land................................................................11 Annex A: Roles of the principal organisations and key contacts ...........13 Annex B - Checklist ..........................................................................................14 PAGE 3 Flowchart for planning an outdoor access events Will the event contribute to the aims of the National Park? Yes No Reconsider your event Research & Consultation Might the event clash with other events? (see Para 18) Yes No Are the events compatible? (see Para 17) Yes No Reconsider your event Is land manager permission required? (see Para 18 & 38) Yes No Has land manager permission been given? Yes No Reconsider your event Planning & Implementation Are other permissions or consultations required (see Para 23) Yes No Have all necessary permissions been obtained and consultations completed? Yes No Reconsider your event Run the event Restoration & Review Complete post event liaison and agree lessons learned. (see Para 35) All key steps shown above are further explained in the guidance PAGE 4 1. Introduction 1.1 The Cairngorms National Park is a great place to hold organised events. The area offers unrivalled opportunities for participants in events to enjoy the spectacular landscapes and high quality environment for which the Park is already famous. Events provide many rich experiences for the people taking part and make positive contributions to the economy of the area, enhancing its reputation with visitors. To ensure that we all derive the maximum benefits from events – and minimise any associated problems – they require to be very well planned and managed. 1.2 This Guidance can be used for anyone wishing to hold an organised event in the Cairngorms National Park but it is primarily aimed at events that need access to the land. For such events the Land Reform (Scotland) Act and the associated Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) will be particularly relevant. This Guidance adds a Cairngorms perspective to SOAC so that everyone understands how events should be managed in this particular part of Scotland. 1.3 Many event organisers and land managers will already be familiar with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It can be viewed by clicking here. Anyone considering events should pay particular attention to paragraphs 3.60, 3.61 and 4.22. The Code basically sets out what it means to behave responsibly and applies equally to recreational users and to land mangers. The Code is based on three broad principles: • Respect the interests of other people; • Care for the environment; and • Take responsibility for your own actions. 1.4 There are many other “good practice” guides about how to organise events. This Guidance does not attempt to replace or summarise these other sources. Instead it aims to complement existing guidance by specifically focussing on the requirements of the Cairngorms National Park. The most useful additional sources are signposted through hyperlinks and references as appropriate. 1.5 There are many types of organised outdoor access events and new proposals are emerging all the time. The sort of events that which this guidance is aimed at include: hill races, orienteering events, sponsored walks, 10K races (off-road), mountain-bike races, canoe races, triathlons, challenge events, off-road funding events and long distance riding events. It is worth stating that events such as club outings, outside broadcasts, road based events, car rallies and Highland games do not fall into the category of events covered by this guidance. This is because they are not reliant on the access rights defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act. 1.6 This Guidance has been developed through consultation and engagement with a wide range of interested parties. The Cairngorms National Park Authority welcomes feedback on how it might be improved and is committed to reviewing the Guidance and keeping it up to date. If you wish to offer feedback please write to outdooraccess@cairngorms.co.uk. 1.7 In order help promote best practice in organising events the Cairngorms National Park Authority will convene two open meetings a year of interested parties to learn from the experience of events that have been held and to help guide event organisers about their proposals for the months ahead. Meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of October and of January each year. Contact outdooraccess@cairngorms.co.uk for further details. PAGE 5 2. So you want to run an event? 2.1 This section provides guidance for event organisers considering holding an event in the National Park. There are three key planning stages that require to be followed to ensure an event can be run successfully (see Table 1) and this structure is used throughout the Guidance. The activities marked in bold text mark the end of each stage. Table 1: The three key planning stages Planning stage / Activities undertaken Stage 1 Research and consultation • Identify suitable areas/ locations/ routes • Discuss proposals with key land managers • Discuss proposals with relevant agencies • Timing to consider other events and seasonal acts • Seek and obtain permission from land managers (if required) • Book slot in events calendar • Decide whether to hold the event Stage 2 Plan and implementation • Prepare an overall Event Plan • Health and safety planning • Arrange insurance • Ensure other approvals are in place • Maximise the benefits from events • Recruit helpers marshals and safety officers • Brief participants (including advance publicity) • Brief all other relevant parties • Hold the event Stage 3 Restoration and review • Remove all checkpoints and other infrastructure • Litter clearance • Undertake all agreed restoration works • Seek feedback from participants and interested parties • Thanks and acknowledgements to all involved or affected • Produce brief report on benefits, impacts and lessons learned for future occasions • Share results with others Stage 1 - Research and consultation 2.2 The first stage in this three stage process is that of research and consultation. This section of the guidance provides useful background information for event organisers on each of the bullet points listed above. 2.3 The Cairngorms National Park Authority welcomes events that get people active, are closely connected to the enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park, help build a positive reputation about the National Park and contribute to the economic sustainability of the area. 2.4 The Cairngorms National Park is the largest National Park in the United Kingdom and has an international reputation for its landscape and wildlife. Much of the land is therefore covered by national and international conservation designations, and it is important that anyone planning events is aware of these areas and particular sensitivities. The mountain areas contain some of the most sensitive plants and animals that have adapted to live in this arctic-like climate, and the pinewoods are home to specialised plants and animals that are restricted to this habitat. PAGE 6 The mountains also offer areas for quiet recreation which allow visitors to enjoy the wild qualities of this special place. 2.5 The Rothiemurchus and Glenmore area and the adjacent Abernethy Forest is well served by good public transport links, has a wide range of accommodation and other facilities available and has many opportunities for circuits and loops. The area has a number of environmental sensitivities and a concentration of designated sites for natural heritage. Many successful organised events take place in this area every year but there are concerns about putting too much pressure on this one part of the Park. 2.6 Further background detail on the special qualities of the National Park can be found on page 25 of the National Park Plan. Further advice and more specific information about the specially designated sites within the National Park can be found in paragraph 31. 2.7 As well as the environmental sensitivities mentioned above, event organisers should be aware that all the land in the National Park is managed and provides direct and indirect employment to a large number of people. In planning an event it is important to consider the potential impacts on activities such as lambing, harvesting, grouse and deer shooting and fishing. Further information on the relevant seasons for these activities can be found in Section 5 of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code [insert hyperlink] 2.8 Shown below in Table 2 is the official policy on events contained within ‘Enjoying the Cairngorms’ – the Outdoor Access Strategy for the Cairngorms National Park. This provides a useful steer to where it might be best to consider holding an event. Table 2 – Policy on Outdoor Access Events in the National Park OAS Policy 7: Organised Outdoor Access Events The National Park provides an excellent location for organised outdoor access events, recognising that the area offers unrivalled opportunities for participants to enjoy its special qualities. Events also provide a number of benefits for the area including opportunities to introduce new people to the Park, economic benefits and opportunities for businesses and others to reach new audiences. The Park Authority can facilitate meetings between the interested parties who are considering or organising events. The Park Authority will develop and keep up to date, in conjunction with partners and the National Access Forum, specific guidelines for outdoor access event organisers and land managers, complementing the national guidance already available in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and which will aim to: • guide events away from the most environmentally sensitive areas and from areas of the Park which suffer from excessive pressure; • minimise conflict regarding environmental and land management sensitivities by planning events on robust sites (those that are able to sustain the impacts of organised events) and at suitable times of the year; • encourage the use of environmental impact studies to help assess the impacts of events on the environment and on people’s enjoyment of the area in order to guide future decision making; • minimise conflicts with other recreational users and their enjoyment of the National Park’s special qualities; • promote early dialogue between event organisers, land managers and all other interested parties so that appropriate mitigation measures can be adopted; • encourage participants in events to behave responsibly as defined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code; and • use events to actively promote the Code and the National Park to participants and others. Source: Enjoying the Cairngorms - The Outdoor Access Strategy for the National Park 2007 – 2012 PAGE 7 Discuss proposals 2.9 Event organisers need to allow sufficient time for liaison with all the interested parties. This is the single biggest complaint about the organisation of events – that too little time is left for contact and discussion with interested parties before decisions are made to go ahead. General guidance about appropriate timescales for each type of event is given in Tables 3 and 4. These are provided to give a rough rule of thumb and it is acknowledged that there will be an overlap at the margins between small, medium and large events as there is between the research and planning stages. That said, they provide a useful timescale of the approximate times required to take an event from proposal through to completion. For repeat events the timescales could be reduced. Table 3: Classification of events by numbers of participants Event Size Event Type Small Medium Large Foot based 25 - 50 50 – 500 500+ Cycle 25 - 50 50 – 250 250+ Equestrian 10 - 25 25 – 75 75+ Table 4: Timescales for undertaking activities in each of the three planning stages Planning Stages Event Size Research and consultation Planning and implementation Restoration and review Large 12 – 24 months 1- 12 months Within 2 months Medium 4 – 8 months 1 – 4 months Within 2 months Small 2 – 4 months 1 – 2 months Within 2 months 2.10 Entering into early dialogue with all the interested parties at this stage before the proposals have developed too far is essential. This will save considerable time in the long run and avoid disappointment coming at a later stage if problems cannot be overcome. Timing 2.11 An initial indication of some of the land management activities that take place on a seasonal basis were given in paragraph 11. More detail can be found by clicking on the countryside calendar. Depending on the nature and location of the event it may be a requirement to avoid, for example, lambing or bird breeding seasons. 2.12 Another factor that needs to be borne in mind is potential clashes with other events. An events calendar can be viewed here [insert hyperlink] which provides an indication of events that are already in the planning stages and which are likely to happen. Events that are already definitely happening and which have been publicised can be viewed here [insert hyperlink to Hi-arts website]. PAGE 8 2.13 Event organisers should actively consider holding events outwith the main summer season which can provide an economic boost for the area at quieter times and also reduce pressure on businesses during the peak season. Permission 2.14 If you are organising an event it is good practice to liaise with relevant land managers. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides guidance on the circumstances in which land manager permission is required. Please note the subtle but important difference between these two words – If permission is required then it can either be granted, with or without conditions, or refused at the discretion of the land manager. Outright refusal does not happen very often as most land mangers are willing to cooperate with reasonable event organisers. 2.15 If event organisers are concerned that permission has been unreasonably refused, or there are other concerns from any relevant party, then the matter should be referred to Cairngorms National Park Authority as the outdoor access authority and/or the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum. Table 5: Clarification of the situations where specific land manager permission is likely to be required in the National Park Does the event, no matter how well it is organised, have potential to … Permission is likely to be required from relevant land manager when … … need new or temporary facilities? • car parking, fencing, toilets, marquees, roped off areas, marked courses or any signage is required. … hinder land management operations? • Car parking required; • Timing conflicts with planned land management operations or seasonal sensitivities, for example lambing, harvesting or grouse shooting; • Event takes place close in time to other events over the same land. … Interfere with other people’s enjoyment? • Large numbers in remote areas or areas popular for quiet recreation; • High volume of people on narrow paths, passing in short timescales; • Noisy events in quiet areas; • Competitive behaviour is likely (i.e. races) • Event takes place close in time to other events over the same land. … affect the environment? • Numbers involved are likely to cause damage to vegetation cover to the specific location; • Specific areas have or will suffer from the cumulative negative effects of events and need time to recover • Timing conflicts with breeding periods of sensitive species. Protected areas and species 2.16 Some places that you might want to hold your event within the National Park may be specially protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or Natura sites – ie. Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). You can find out where these are by using the interactive maps at Sitelink at http://www.snh.org.uk/snhi/. On SSSIs land managers must obtain consent from SNH to carry out or permit certain operations (known as ‘operations requiring consent’) that might damage the features of the site, and if the site is also a Natura PAGE 9 site a further assessment may be required. It is therefore important that land managers are consulted in good time to allow them, if necessary, to apply to SNH. To assist event organisers SNH will be able to advise on any special precautions that may need to be taken to avoid damaging the special features of such sites. CNPA can also provide information and advice on how to avoid causing damage to other sensitive habitats. Stage 2 - Planning and implementation 2.17 Once the decision has been taken to hold the event the Planning and Implementation stage can begin. Many Event Organisers use an Even Plan which proves a very useful means of ensuring all matters have been considered and all involved have a clear understanding of their role. It also ensures that preparation is on track. It is recommended that an Event Plan is drawn up for all events. Preparing an Environmental Policy can also be very useful in reassuring land managers and others and can also help attract both sponsorship and participants. The following paragraphs provide detailed guidance on the main activities that need to be addressed in preparing for a successful event. Health and Safety 2.18 The single most important element of planning any event is the consideration of all aspects of the health and safety. This applies to of those taking part (including participants and organisers) and of people that will, or could be, affected (including spectators, other visitors and third parties). Each event proposal will need to be assessed in the light of its particular circumstances. There is already lots of specialist advice on this topic, particularly on the importance of undertaking formal risk assessments, which can be found here. Event organisers must undertake a formal risk assessment. Liability and insurance 2.19 It is strongly recommended that public liability insurance be obtained before any event takes place. Many land managers will make this a condition of granting permission. Public liability insurance covers injury, loss or damage to third parties as a result of negligence and therefore the extent of insurance required will be dependant on the potential risks involved. In all cases event organisers must ensure that they hold appropriate cover. A minimum of £5m is considered the norm. For organisers whose sport or activity is undertaken under the auspices of a governing body, and for professional event organisers it is likely that your organisation already carries public liability insurance. For voluntary bodies this may not be the case and organisations such as the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations [hyperlink] can advise on public liability cover. Event organisers should also make clear to participants what insurance cover is in place so that they can consider their own personal situation. This is a complex subject and further advice should be taken from relevant specialist advisers such as insurance brokers [insert link]. Who to involve and further approvals 2.20 The nature and scale of the event will influence which bodies and organisations you need to contact. In some cases approval will be required from public agencies such as Scottish Environment Protection Agency or Scottish Natural Heritage. A brief overview of each organisation’s role in event planning is provided at Annex A. In cases of doubt, event organisers should err on the precautionary side and make contact. The Cairngorms National Park Authority can provide a first point of contact about who owns what land and how to contact them. Briefing participants and other relevant parties PAGE 10 2.21 This process should start with any early publicity for the event. Such publicity helps to raise the profile of the event and can encourage local support and participation. Explaining what is required of participants is essential to avoid problems occurring on the day. Therefore providing clear, easy to understand instructions will assist in ensuring all full understand their respective roles and responsibilities. Organisers should be clear about what standard of behaviour is required to comply with health and safety requirements and to avoid environmental damage or problems for land managers. They may require to be firm with participants (eg disqualification) to promote the highest standards of behaviour. Maximising the benefits of events 2.22 Economic spin-offs - Local produce and suppliers should be used wherever possible. This can cover items such as supplying watering and food stations, printing of vest numbers for participants, publicity, and using local hire companies. If stewarding is required, it may be possible to hire local labour to undertake this task. 2.23 Events should be organised to maximise the economic gain to the area and land manager. This can be done by encouraging participants to use local hotels, B&Bs, campsites and restaurants. Further information on how best to maximise economic gains in the area can be given by contacting the relevant Destination Management Organisation [hyperlink]. 2.24 Encouraging new members - Events are a great opportunity to promote membership or support for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Well run events by charities can often prove an incentive for participants to join. Event managers will want to consider how best this should be arranged. 2.25 Promoting the National Park - Events can play a key role in helping people to think positively about the National Park and to speak positively about the area when they leave. If participants have had a good experience they are more likely to treat the area with respect and to stay longer when they return. Events should therefore be promoted as being “… in the Cairngorms National Park”. 2.26 In addition, consideration should be given to the use of the Cairngorms National Park Brand image (as shown on the cover of this Guidance). The Brand image can be used by event organisers and relates to the area of ground designated as National Park, not to the National Park Authority. The Brand has a strong identity and can only to be used where values of quality and positive environmental management are met. Event organisers should apply to use the Brand image on very simple application form. For further information contact: fionamilligan@cairngorms.co.uk 2.27 Public transport -The Cairngorms National Park is rightly recognised for its stunning landscapes but these are changing as a consequence of climate change. All of us have a responsibility to minimise our use of fossil fuels and the polluting effects their omissions create. Encouraging the use of sustainable transport provides an opportunity for all to help in reducing the carbon footprint of events. When planning an event, do everything you can to encourage the use of public transport and encourage car sharing. For example, publicise or provide links to bus and train timetables with application forms and include discussion boards on websites to help participants share information on car sharing. Prizes could even be included for the most innovative, sustainable means of travelling to and from the event. 2.28 Voluntary contributions - Successful events rely on the cooperation of a great number of people, some of whom have to live alongside events without seeing much direct benefit. It is often a good idea for event organisers to make sure that something is put back into the area to acknowledge their support. Such behaviour promotes goodwill and makes it easier for those who come in the future. For example, event organisers may wish to make a voluntary contribution to help with local community initiatives or the upkeep of paths and tracks. The PAGE 11 Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust [hyperlink] is a charity that can accept payments that will all go directly towards the care and maintenance of paths and associated visitor information in the whole Park. Stage 3 – Restoration and review 2.29 After the event the work is not finished! The Restoration and Review stage can begin, as described below. 2.30 On the day – Ensure that you have appropriate stewarding to ensure that competitors know where they are going: for registration, during the event and on completion. Tidying up after the event is essential and, organisers should ensure that level of stewarding is sufficient to ensure all rubbish is cleared away, signs are removed and any other infrastructure removed such as tents, tables etc. You are encouraged to liaise with the land manager on the day of the event to ensure that there are no uncertainties left over who has responsibility for actions to be taken and that clearing up is done to the satisfaction of the land manager. 2.31 After the event – If conditions on restoration were part of the permission then these must be completed within the agreed timescale and to the satisfaction of the land manager. 2.32 Review – It is good practice to survey participants and all interested parties after the restoration work is complete but soon enough so that everyone remembers the good and not-so-good elements of the day. Event organisers may wish to consider keeping a written note of issues throughout the process of planning to the actual day of the event so that these can be included. For larger events a meeting may help draw out what has been learnt from the staging of the event which will help in the future. A short report should be produced and circulated to all interested parties. A copy of all reports should be forwarded to outdooraccess@cairngorms.co.uk for retention. These reports can be consulted by future event organisers. 2.33 Bi-annual meetings – Cairngorms National Park Authority are keen to ensure that lessons learned are shared as widely as possible and that future planning of events is undertaken in a coordinated manner. Paragraph 6 highlights the intention of CNPA in holding two meetings per year: on the third Wednesday of October and January each year and those wishing to attend should contact: outdooraccess@cairngorms.co.uk. 3. Hosting an event on your land 3.1 This section provides guidance for land managers who are approached about events in the Cairngorms National Park. Further advice for land managers when approached by event organisers is contained in the Scottish Outdoor access Code which can be read by clicking here. 3.2 Liaison and permission - Experience from land managers who have had events hosted on their ground indicates that early engagement and involvement in the event planning process pays many dividends. This ensures that event organisers have a clear understanding of the issues that concern you, the land management operations that could be affected and the benefits that you are seeking to gain from events. Table 5 on page 7 provides an indication of the circumstances when your permission is required. Land managers are encouraged to use the liaison discussions to actively influence how the event is held. If permission is required, you have the opportunity to further influence this through the setting of conditions. If you have concerns over the effectiveness of the liaison or other aspects of the event, the matter can be referred to CNPA as the Outdoor Access Authority and/or the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum for advice. PAGE 12 3.3 Payment for events -Where permission of the land manager is required to stage an event an appropriate payment can be sought to the satisfaction of both parties. It is reasonable to charge for most events that are not commercial in nature in a way that is closely tied to the management time and facilities that a land manager is required to provide. 3.4 Liability and Insurance – The Scottish Outdoor Access Code makes it clear that individuals must take responsibility for their own actions. In addition, event organisers are strongly encouraged to carry public liability insurance and this could be a condition of granting permission for the event. The duty of care that all land managers have to the public is, however, unaffected and land managers are encouraged to ensure that potential risks are identified and made clear to event organisers. A brief guide to occupier’s liabilities in Scotland has been produced by Scottish Natural Heritage and can be read by clicking here. 3.5 Protected areas – Where a proposed event is going to take place on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), you must consider whether the event is an operation that requires the consent of SNH. If the site has a Natura designation (Special Protection Area or Special Area of Conservation) then a further assessment may be required. Event organisers are encouraged to find out in advance of organising an event whether the ground in question is a designated site (see paragraph 31). Land Managers are encouraged to contact SNH at the earliest possible time to ensure advice can be given at a stage that can still enable changes to be made to the event. 3.6 Maximising the benefits – Paragraphs 25 to 30 highlight the benefits that can be won from events. These are equally applicable to land managers and particularly where you have diversified your business into tourism related activities. You may wish to involve neighbouring land managers and businesses to help event organisers tap into potential suppliers thus ensuring financial benefits remain local. PAGE 13 Annex A: Roles of the principal organisations and key contacts The police – must be contacted if the event is likely to require some form of traffic management, bring large, unexpected numbers into an area, require marshalling on, or adjacent to roads or have an impact on normal activities. The Local Authority – must be contacted for any event that runs along or adjacent to roads or where parking issues are likely to impact on other road users. Similarly, if signage, way-marking is required along roads or other council facilities are required e.g. car parks then contact must be made. The Local Authority is also likely to contact the Police, Fire Service and local councillors depending on the nature of the event. Cairngorms National Park Authority – must be contacted: • if there is likely to be an impact on the natural heritage (outside protected areas) or other outdoor users; • if any restriction is required to land covered by access rights; or • if environmental or planning considerations are required. Scottish Natural Heritage – must be contacted if the event is going to take place on, or affect a protected area. Scottish Environment Protection Agency – must be contacted if the event is going to have an impact on water quality, flow or management. Temporary car parks are an example of when SEPA should be contacted. Destination Marketing Organisations and Chambers of Commerce – should be contacted if you require to source useful information and knowledge relating to tourism, suppliers and marketing. Local NHS Health Centre and Ambulance Service – should be contacted to ensure adequate staffing can be deployed if there is likely to be a call on their resources. PAGE 14 Annex B - Checklist [To follow] Annex C: Other useful websites www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk http://www.scvo.org.uk http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ http://www.highland.gov.uk/ http://www.moray.gov.uk/ http://www.angus.gov.uk/ http://www.pkc.gov.uk/ http://www.snh.org.uk/ http://www.sepa.org.uk/ PAGE 15 DRAFT EVENTGUIDANCE: STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK FORM The Outdoor Access Strategy for the Cairngorms National Park recognises that the area offers unrivalled opportunities for organised events but more detailed guidance for both event organisers and land managers is required. Guidance has been developed which is intended to address the 7 key aims highlighted in the Outdoor Access Strategy. Each of these aims is shown below and your views on how well the guidance addresses these are sought. Aim 1 Guide events away from the most environmentally sensitive areas and from areas of the Park which suffer from excessive pressure. To what extent does the guidance meet this aim? Very Well / Largely / To some degree / Not at all Comment: Aim 2 Minimise conflict regarding environmental and land management sensitivities by planning events on robust sites (those that are able to sustain the impacts of organised events) and at suitable times of year. To what extent does the guidance meet this aim? Very Well / Largely / To some degree / Not at all Comment: Aim 3 Encourage the use of environmental impact studies to help assess the impacts of events on the environment and on other people’s enjoyment of the area ion order to guide future decision making. To what extent does the guidance meet this aim? Very Well / Largely / To some degree / Not at all Comment: Aim 4 Minimise conflicts with other recreational users and their enjoyment of the Park’s special qualities. To what extent does the guidance meet this aim? Very Well / Largely / To some degree / Not at all Comment: PAGE 16 Paper4 Outdoor Events Guidance 19 August 2005 Aim 5 Promote early dialogue between event organisers, land managers and all other interested parties so that appropriate mitigation measures can be adopted. To what extent does the guidance meet this aim? Very Well / Largely / To some degree / Not at all Comment: Aim 6 Encourage participants in events to behave responsibly as defined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. To what extent does the guidance meet this aim? Very Well / Largely / To some degree / Not at all Comment: Aim 7 Use events to actively promote the Code and the Cairngorms National Park to participants and others. To what extent does the guidance meet this aim? Very Well / Largely / To some degree / Not at all Comment: Are there any additional points you wish to make about the guidance not covered in your responses above? Comment: Questionnaires should be returned no later than 8 August and sent to: outdooraccess@cairngorms.co.uk Or by post to: Events Guidance Feedback, CNPA, 14 The Square, Grantown on Spey, Morayshire PH26 3HG