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 National Park Authority PARKLIFE Summer 2005 ____________________________ (FRONT PAGE) Full colour images of Park Authority logo, Parklife logo and other images contained in the newsletter. (not available in full text format) The Local Plan – next stage Full colour images of villages within the Park. (not available in full text format) Cairngorms National Park residents and interested organisations can now have their say on the Preliminary Draft Local Plan, which is out for consultation this summer. Following a successful first phase of community consultation in late 2004, phase two has now kicked off. Norman Brockie, of the Park Authority’s planning and development control team explained: “We had a fantastic response with over 1,400 questionnaires returned and over 1,600 people attending our community meetings. Our aim of fully involving the Park’s communities in the development of the Local Plan is delivering results. “We now have the Preliminary Draft Local Plan but this should be viewed as ‘a work in progress’ that people can still contribute to and influence.” The Local Plan will guide all land-use development across the Park for its five-year lifespan. It is crucial to the Park Authority that every community is fully involved in the Plan’s preparation and the future development of their community. The Local Plan will take the general themes and issues that have arisen from the phase one consultation and develop these. It will contain policies and recommendations that can facilitate solutions and realise potential – in line with the four aims of the Park. The Plan will also include policies on issues such as housing and business, as well as a community statement and settlement proposals map. These maps will zone specific sites for development protection, tailored to meet the needs of each community. A Finalised Draft Local Plan will be out in the spring of 2006 for the third stage of consultation, along with the draft National Park Plan – a separate document that will set out the broader view of how the Park will go about delivering its four aims. A range of key issues have now been highlighted and are addressed in the Preliminary Draft Local Plan. Affordable housing is causing the most concern and the Local Plan is seen as the principle tool to assist the delivery of a better supply of affordable homes. Fears have also been expressed about the rate at which many communities are growing, with most people wanting their community to stay much as it is with only small-scale development. Most communities noted the need for small-scale business units for small firms or new business starts and there is a desire for better facilities to support the Park’s tourism industry as well as economic diversity. Almost everyone expressed the need to protect and enhance the natural environment. So how can you continue to be involved in the development of the Local Plan? For details, check the CNPA website www.cairngorms.co.uk, the local press or look our for posters in your community. (PAGE TWO) ENVIRONMENT Full colour image of front cover - Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for the Householder (not available in full text format) Planning for Biodiversity With the first aim of the Park being to ‘conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage’, it makes sense to encourage householders to consider the impact their proposed development – whether it be a new dwelling or an extension – will have on the biodiversity of the area. Biodiversity is the wealth of wildlife around us. It is the basis of everything we regard as special and important in the Cairngorms and is at the root of all the natural processes that give us clean air, water, food, clothing, health, relaxation and recreation. We all depend on biodiversity for the quality of our lives. To help people make a direct contribution to conserving the wealth of biodiversity in the Cairngorms, the CNPA has published a new leaflet, ‘Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for the Householder’. The leaflet contains information on biodiversity – trees, wetlands, grasslands; mammals, insects and so on – and some suggestions on how people can protect and enhance the wildlife in the vicinity of their property. There is also advice on what to look out for as the law protects some species. Peter Cosgrove of the CNPA explained: “Householders can help contribute to the enhancement of our natural environment in a variety of ways depending on the type of project they are planning. A rule of thumb is to look after and enhance what already exists rather than to create something new. “Having said that, there are many chances for people to encourage wildlife through careful planning and forethought and we would really like people to consider these opportunities.” For a copy of the Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note for the Householder please contact the CNPA on tel: 01479 873535 or email: enquires@cairngorms.co.uk COMMUNITY Full colour image of two people hillwalking near Dalwhinnie (not available in full text format) Local Outdoor Access Forum established The first meeting of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum took place at the end of March. Following a recruitment drive by the Park Authority, which began at the end of 2004, members were officially appointed to the voluntary group in February. The Forum is made up of 21 members representing recreational, land management and community interests and includes three public bodies – Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and VisitScotland. As the outdoor access authority for the Park, the CNPA has a duty to establish a Local Outdoor Access Forum. The group’s purpose is to advise the Park Authority, and others consulting the Forum, on matters to do with outdoor access rights and strategy and a plan for core paths in the Park. It can also offer to give advice towards the resolution of disputes over outdoor access. For more information on anything relating to outdoor access or to raise and issue with the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum, please contact Fran Pothecary on tel: 01479 870533 or email: franpothecary@cairngorms.co.uk FINANCE Funding boost for LEADER+ The Scottish Executive has pledged more money for the LEADER+ programme in the Cairngorms National Park. The European funded initiative is receiving an extra £300,000. LEADER+ aims to help local communities to make the best use of their natural and cultural resources by targeting funds at projects involving women, young people and the natural environment. Cairngorms LEADER+ is also supported financially by local agencies and the Cairngorms National Park Authority. Cairngorms LEADER+ programme manager, Patricia Hamilton said: “The extra funding is already making an impact. Projects that are already benefiting from the additional funds include audit learning initiatives, conservation projects and walking to health events. There is also support for the Cairngorms Farmers Marketing Group, renewable energy projects in village halls and various arts and music projects. “Cairngorms LEADER+ has been one of the best performing LEADER+ programmes in Scotland. Projects in the Cairngorms that are supported via LEADER+ make a real difference to communities in and around the National Park. We are delighted the Scottish Executive recognises this.” (PAGE THREE) TOURISM Full colour image of the Lairig Ghru (not available in full text format) Walk back in time Do you fancy following in the footsteps of cattle drovers or walking in the shadow of Highland clansmen? A leaflet featuring a detailed map of hill passes in the Cairngorms is now available to help you do just that. Produced by ScotWays – The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society – the leaflet aims to help people plan an interesting, historical route through or around the Cairngorms massif. Funded by the Cairngorms LEADER+ programme, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scotways, the publication replaces a previous version published in 1995. The CNPA has been instrumental in the development of the leaflet, providing assistance with the content and distribution of the map. CNPA’s visitor services officer, Pete Crane said “Many of these traditional routes provide a link to the past because they were used for moving cattle and, in some cases, troops around the Cairngorms. They offer the opportunity to see some of the best scenery in the Cairngorms.” Patricia Hamilton, programme manger for LEADER+ in the Cairngorms said: “This leaflet will assist local people and visitors to plan and find the best routes and will also inform wider and safer access in the National Park.” The map is available free of charge from tourist offices, youth hostel, ranger bases and other information point in the Cairngorms area. It can also be obtained direct from ScotWays at 24 Annandale Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4AN, on provision of a SAE. More information can also be found at info@sctotways.com WILDLIFE Full colour image of two swifts sitting on a nest. (not available in full text format) Save Our Swifts If you look high into the sky on these long summer evenings you are likely to see one of the most dramatic birds to visit the Cairngorms. Swifts are summer migrants travelling from southern and western Africa to breed and nest here, but numbers have been declining for a decade, probably due to the loss of nest sites following the renovation and demolition of old buildings. The Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) is asking for help to identify where swifts nest in a bid to halt their decline. If swifts already nest in your home or office try to avoid any building work that will block or remove their nesting sites. Survey leaflets are available in local communities or can be obtained from Stephen Corcoran, the LBAP officer on tel: 01479 870528 or email: stephencorcoran@cairngorms.co.uk For more information contact Concern for Swifts (Scotland) on tel: 0141 554 8262 or long-on to www.concernforswifts.com POLICY Full colour image of Balnaboth Moor. (not available in full text format) Moorland mission The Cairngorms Moorlands Project has featured in previous issues of Parklife but earlier articles have tended to focus on the educational side of the initiative. However, this innovative project is also about establishing best practice in moorland management. This area of work was highlighted at a recent moorlands seminar at the project’s demonstration moor in the Angus Glens. Balnaboth is one of two demonstration moors – the other being Blairfindy on the Glenlivet Estate. The event gathered together around 30 people with an interest in moorland management from gamekeepers to scientists. The issues discussed included the spread of tick, over grazing and effective muirburn. With around 40 per cent of the Cairngorms National Park covered by moorland, this is a key project for the Park Authority, helping to deliver conservation aims, recreation and economic objectives. Heather moorland is extremely important, not only for sporting and agricultural interests, but it is a valuable habitat for a wide range of species including mountain hares, golden plover and raptors. According to figures from the Heather Trust – who were represented at April’s event – only 30 per cent heather cover on moorland is sufficient to maintain a healthy grouse population. Moorland management with this fact in mind should help to encourage greater mix of habitats and species on moorlands and thus contribute to biodiversity aims as well as a healthier grouse population. (PAGE FOUR) Full colour images of new Cairngorms National Park brand on roadside sign and of Deshar Primary School pupils helping to launch the new brand on the platform of the Strathspey Steam Railway. Also images of the Strathspey Steam locomotive promoting the new brand and of CNPA's Heather Galbraith & Frank Roach of the Highland Rail Partnership standing under a new brand sign at Carr-Bridge railway station. (not available in full text format) Brand boost for Cairngorms National Park A new brand identity to raise the profile of the Cairngorms National Park as Scotland’s most exciting and accessible wild place is starting to make an impact across the National Park and beyond. Local communities, local businesses and CNPA joined forces to develop and launch the brand. It will be used for marketing and promotional activities – brand guidelines and criteria for appropriate use of the brand are available from the CNPA. The brand will help to foster a sense of common identity across Britain’s largest National Park, and present one of Scotland’s most special places in a coherent way to visitors. The launch of the brand – which features a bird of prey and rising sun – took place at the Strathspey Steam Railway, Boat of Garten in March, with help from Deshar Primary School pupils. The launch of the brand is part of a wider effort to raise the profile of the Cairngorms national Park to visitors and locals alike. Since the launch event, the first signs marking the entrances to the Cairngorms National Park have sprung up. Signs at railway stations in the Park – Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carr-Bridge greet visitors when they alight from the train. Interim metal road signs are now also in place at various entry points to the Park. The interim metal road signs are scheduled to be in place for around two years while the Park Authority develops permanent granite markers. These will be situated at all road entrances to the Cairngorm National Park – 26 entry points in total – and will vary in size depending on their location. For further information on using the brand please contact Heather Galbraith or Ruathy Donald at the CNPA on tel: 01479 873535 or email: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk (PAGE FIVE) Full colour images of Park publications showing the new brand logo. (not available in full text format) Park produces publications The Cairngorms National Park Authority has produced a wide range of publications to help visitors make the most of their time in the National Park – but they’re useful for residents too! The new leaflets all feature the distinctive Cairngorms brand so that people can instantly recognise that the publications relate to information on the Cairngorms National Park. The Cairngorms Visitor Guide 2005 provides a wealth of information on what to see and do in the Cairngorms National Park. There is information on the Park’s communities; outdoor activities; the area’s history; wildlife; arts and crafts; where to eat and places to stay. Cairngorms Countryside Events 2005 is a pocket-sized guide to countryside events – from guided walks to events and talks – in and around the Park from March through to December. The guide has been produced by the CNPA in partnership with ranger services operating in the area and other organisations including the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The Cairngorms Explorer – the first combined timetable for public transport in the National Park – is a compact colour booklet containing information on bus, train and postbus timetables, including how to access the Park from Scotland’s major centres of population. There is also information on community transport schemes, taxis, the National Cycle Network and popular walking and cycling routes. Talking of walking – there is also a leaflet highlighting the various walking festivals that take place in and around the Park! All of these publications can be picked up at Tourist Information Centres, visitor attractions and accommodation providers throughout the Cairngorms National Park. Alternatively, obtain copies by contacting the CNPA on tel: 01479 873535 or email: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk (PAGE SIX) Full colour image of Andrew Thin, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority. (not available in full text format) The Thin Line By Andrew Thin, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority The Cairngorms National Park was 18 months old in April, and already we are starting to deliver changes that have a direct impact on the lives of everyone who lives here. Most visible are the plethora of signs and publications that are now appearing, all of which are designed to make the place more welcoming and more user friendly to visitors. Much less visible but no less important are the detailed discussions underway between the Park Authority and staff in many other public agencies. The four statutory aims of the National Park apply to all public bodies working in the area, and the challenge for us must be to ensure we are all working towards one shared vision. This will mean changes to what government does in the National Park in areas as diverse as forestry management, water and sewerage, social housing delivery and much more. The most immediate and significant change for all of us is the development of a new Local Plan. On the face of it, planning may appear to be something of a dark art. The reality is very different. Planning is based around two basic principles – an agreed and detailed Local Plan based on public consultation; and that (except in exceptional circumstances) individual planning applications should only be approved if they fit within the terms of this. The new Local Plan is therefore of profound importance to us all. It will determine how the area develops and be the mechanism for preventing unwanted changes. It is therefore vital that everyone who lives here and who cares about this place makes sure they have their say over the coming weeks as more detailed proposals and draft versions of the plan start to emerge. COMMUNITY Full colour image of cyclist in the Cairngorms looking down towards a small loch. (not available in full text format) Ditch the car You can go by bus, train, on a bike or foot. It is up to you how to explore the Cairngorms National Park – without the aid of a car – and a new publication is available to help you. The Cairngorms Explorer – the first combined timetable for public transport in the Park – has been published by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and designed and distributed by Landmark Press. The publication has been funded by the CNPA with support from the Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership (NESTRANS). This compact A5 colour booklet contains information on bus, train, and postbus timetables, including how to access the Park from Scotland’s major centres of population. There is also information on community transport schemes, taxis, the National Cycle Network through the Cairngorms and popular walking and cycling routes. The Cairngorms Explorer aims to encourage people to think about the environment and their own health before embarking on a journey and to reduce both visitors and residents reliance on cars. According to the CNPA’s Visitor Survey, around 80 per cent of visitors come to the Park by car with only five per cent using public transport. John Thorne, the CNPA’s economic development officer said: “The publication of the Cairngorms Explorer has been in response to business and community wishes to see an improvement in public transport in the Park. “Four local authorities and many different operators means a very disjointed service but we aim to highlight to people that with all the information at hand, it is not only possible to get the Cairngorms National Park by public transport, it is fairly easy to get around to it too.” A copy of the Cairngorms Explorer can be obtained from various sources including Tourist Information Centres, travel offices and libraries. Alternatively contact the Cairngorms National Park Authority direct on tel: 01479 873535 / email: enquires@cairngorms.co.uk. The information contained in the booklet is also available on the CNPA website, www.cairngorms.co.uk (PAGE SEVEN) POLICY Full colour image of Dr Adam Smith & Dave Howarth from the Game Conservancy Trust; Andrew Rafferty of the Strathspey Veterinary Practice and CNPA and Ian Gill, a vet from Kirriemuir. (not available in full text format) Targeting ticks! A major conference for land managers and land-based workers looking at tick control and heather management was held in Grantown in May. The event was hosted by the Park Authority via its Land Based Business Training project, and co-ordinated by the Strathspey Veterinary Practice. The event aimed to outline ways of controlling ticks and louping-ill – a viral infection caused by ticks – and discussed ways in which estates can work with others to develop a control strategy. Ticks carry diseases afflicting livestock, mammals and humans. In the UK, the micro-organism causing Lyme Disease is carried by the most common tick, which feeds on deer, livestock and other smaller mammals. Those most at risk from tick-borne diseases are those working in the land-based sector such as shepherds and gamekeepers. However, anyone who enjoys a walk in the woods or on the hills is exposed to some risk. TRAINING Training aid The CNPA has been helping to deliver a range of courses to meet the needs of a variety of industries in the Cairngorms National Park over the past few months. For those involved in the tourism sector, a series of specially designed courses were delivered in April and May in partnership with Moray College and Tourist Board Training Ltd. The training was designed to improve people’s knowledge of attractions and things to see and do in the Park, to encourage visitors to stay in the Park longer. The Land Based Business Training project continues to help those working in agriculture, forestry, estate management, crafting and other land based operations become more competitive, adaptable and efficient and contribute to the aims of the National Park. Supported by Europe, the project part-funds a variety of courses such as ATV driving, deerstalking and IT. Recent fully-funded public benefit courses include wildfire, fighting and Communication and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. EMPLOYMENT Considering apprenticeship The seasonal nature of some jobs in the Cairngorms National Park has prompted the Park Authority to consider establishing a vocational apprenticeship scheme designed to equip young people with a variety of skills to improve their employability. When the CNPA was formed it was given an extra role to most UK national parks – to help develop the area economically and socially. Quality education and training is key to this, helping to retain young people in the area. For many school leavers there is the choice of moving away from home to attend college or university, or some stay and face periods of unemployment between seasonal work. Vocational training can offer young people an alternative. The Cairngorms National Park offers a variety of employment options including outdoor leisure, agriculture and conservation management, as well as hospitality and manufacturing. This planned new scheme will help young people attain the skills that are in demand where they live. If you would like to know more please contact John Thorne, economic development officer on tel: 01479 870520 or email: johnthorne@cairngorms.co.uk COMMUNITY Black & white image of the new Moorland Project logo. (not available in full text format) Full colour image of Grantown Grammar School pupil Bethany Wilson (13), winner of the Park Authority's competition to design the new logo for the Young Cairngorms website. (not available in full text format) New Logos The Cairngorms Moorland Project is boasting a brand new logo featuring a pair of grouse, thanks to the design efforts of Rhiannon Calder (P6) from Inveravon Primary School in moray who received a £30 book token from local CNPA member, Eleanor Mackintosh. Nadia Jamieson from Northmuir Primary School in Angus won second prize and third prize went to Rhiannon’s classmate, Scott Forsyth. Rhiannon’s winning design will be used to promote the Cairngorms Moorlands project and will feature on promotional material. For more information on the Cairngorms Moorland project or to arrange a visit to Blairfindy or Balnabooth, please contact Gail Renwick on tel: 01241 828032 / email:gailrenwick@cairngorms.co.uk or Juliet Robinson on tel: 01479 870539 / email: julietrobinson@cairngorms.co.uk Grantown Grammar school pupil Bethany Wilson (13) has won the Park Authority’s competition to design the new logo for the ‘Young Cairngorms’ website – www.youngcairngorms.com Bethany’s prize – a £30.00 book token was presented to her by CNPA board member Andrew Rafferty. Bethany said “When I think of the Cairngorms I think of having fun and that to me means snowboarding (PAGE EIGHT) Parklife goes audio In order to ensure that Parklife is accessible to everyone who lives in the Cairngorms National Park, this edition – and future editions of Parklife – will be available on audio cassette. If you are registered with the Highland Society for the Blind, and live within the Park boundary, you will automatically receive an audio copy of Parklife through the post. People living within the Park boundary in Moray, Aberdeenshire or Angus areas of the Park – whether registered with a Blind Society of not – should contact the Park Authority direct if they wish to receive an audio copy of Parklife. Alternatively, we can provide copies of all the articles published in Parklife in large print. The newsletter is also available on the Park Authority website, www.cairngorms.co.uk Please contact the Park Authority to request an audio cassette or large print version of Parklife: Cairngorms National Park Authority, 14 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HG, tel: 01479 873535, email: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk See you there! Full colour image of extremely rare Twinflower - Linnaea borealis. (not available in full text format) Throughout the summer, the Park Authority will be out and about at various games and shows in the Park. Staff will be on hand to answer the questions about the Authority’s work and there will be information and literature to browse through and take away. We look forward to seeing you there! · Tomintoul Highland Games Saturday 16 July · Kirriemuir Show Saturday 16 July · Newtonmore Highland Games Saturday 6 August · Ballater Highland Games Thursday 11 August · Grantown Show Thursday 11 August · Lonach Highland Gathering Saturday 27 August · Braemar Gathering Saturday 3 September DID YOU KNOW? The delicate pink Twinflower – ‘Linnaea borealis’ – is extremely rare in the UK. However, this beautiful plant can be found growing in abundance in the Cairngorms National Park, especially in the Dee and Spey Valleys. The famous botanist, Carl von Linnaeaus, named it after himself because he said it was ‘lowly and creeping’ . . . .just like him! WHAT’S ON? Full colour image of Loch Morlich. (not available in full text format) Park Authority meetings July 29 Planning committee, Lecht August 12 Board meeting, finance and planning committees, Braemar August 26 Audit and planning committees, Ballater September 9 Board meeting and planning committee, Edzell September 23 Planning committee, Grantown-on-Spey October 7 Board meeting and planning committee, Strathdon October 21 Planning committee, Ballater November 4 Board meeting, finance and planning committees, Kingussie November 18 Planning committee, Grantown-on-Spey December 2 Board and planning committee, Ballater December 16 Audit and planning committees, Grantown on Spey December 30 Planning committee, Ballater Further details regarding venues and times of board and committee meetings can be found on the CNPA website or see local press. Contact Cairngorms National Park Authority, 14, The Square, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HG Tel: 01479 873535, Fax: 01479 873527, e-mail: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk OR Albert Memorial Hall, Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5QB Tel: 013397 53601, fax: 013397 55334, or e-mail: planning@cairngorms.co.uk www.cairngorms.co.uk