Sun and Smiles at Grantown Show!

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) stand at the Grantown show welcomed plenty of visitors today (Thursday 8^th August) with children and adults alike enjoying learning more about how farmers and crofters in the National Park are benefitting the natural heritage.

The CNPA has sponsored the Grantown Show for many years now, supporting the event both financially, through the Pride of the Park awards and of course, an organisational presence on the day. As this year’s main sponsor of the Show, the CNPA’s tent was a celebration of how agriculture is good for the National Park’s landscapes and wildlife.

With displays and information about Speyside Fields for Wildlife, Farmland and Riparian Woodland and the Wetlands & Waders initiative along with activities for children, the CNPA tent proved a popular stopping point.

Farming communities in the Cairngorms have a long established reputation as some of the best livestock producing areas in Britain and a healthy farming industry is crucial to the economy of the Park. Furthermore, with a mixture of world renowned habitats, from Caledonian pinewoods to exposed mountain tops, farming in this area has managed to work with – and for – the natural world around it while still producing the finest quality livestock to the highest of welfare standards.

“Farming and crofting businesses work better when they support and enhance the natural environment around them” said Andy Ford, Head of Conservation at the CNPA.

“The projects and farm award winners we’ve seen in the tent today highlight how farming and nature go hand in hand in the Park – productive land bursting with wildlife. Agriculture in the Park delivers many benefits for wildlife and for people and we’re proud to be able to champion just some of that work and look forward to working with many more farmers and crofters in the future. We are delighted to support the Grantown Show, the biggest agricultural event in the Cairngorms National Park.”

Bruce McConachie, President of the Grantown Show as well as one of the CNPA’s Land Management Advisors commented: “Farmers in the Cairngorms make an immeasurable contribution to the environment on and around their farms and crofts while at the same time as producing high quality produce. While the future of support schemes is uncertain and there will be challenges ahead, the CNPA will continue to work closely with farmers and crofters, supporting the great work they do to enhance the Park’s natural environment and contributing to the local economy.”