Wetlands
The wetlands of the National Park are one of the most important and impressive ecosystems that we have. Given the importance they play in connecting habitats and sustaining life, they shouldn’t be underestimated and are deserving of the same awe and wonder that the mountains provoke.
Though proportionately they cover far less of the National Park than other habitats, the wetlands of the Cairngorms play a vital role in storing carbon, slowing the water flow from upper to lower catchments, and sustaining populations of fish, mammals, plant life, amphibians, invertebrates and birds.
Acting as a sponge, wetlands can both hold back and store water and increase its quality by trapping silts and storing and breaking down nutrients. From soggy bogs to marshes to pools, wetlands at their best offer a mosaic of rich and biodiverse habitats, joined up spaces where a multitude of species can thrive. This is important for all of the wildlife that needs wetlands to survive, especially so for the genetic diversity of species like frogs and toads who cannot fly or easily access broader gene pools.
Alert
Featured
The new fire byelaw
How the Cairngorms National Park Authority and its partners are tackling the threat of wildfires, including details on the recreational fire management byelaw, in place from 1 April to 30 September each year.
Wildlife
The Cairngorms National Park is home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species. Its rich habitats are a haven for an array of wildlife, from iconic birds to elusive plants and flowers.
What we do
From pioneering conservation projects to community engagement and active travel, find out more about the range of work happening across the National Park.
Historically wetlands were subject to widespread draining to allow for development and an increase in livestock and gamebirds. Rewetting is now common as part of broader conservation efforts in recognition of the fact that healthy wetlands enable resilience in species and in landscapes and are relied on by wildlife and humans alike. In the face of a changing climate, wetlands are important both in terms of storing water and preventing widespread flooding, and mitigating against drought, reducing the risk of wildfires and ensuring that species still have the water that they need to survive.
The Cairngorms boasts a number of internationally protected wetlands, increasingly important sanctuaries for species in decline, in particular waders like curlew, and rare invertebrates like the northern damselfly found almost exclusively in the National Park.
Though they may not offer the same thrilling intensity as the plateaux, wetlands are often a place of peace and contentment, tranquil havens found off the beaten track to listen for the calls of birds nestled amongst the rushes, and to watch for the unmistakable swoop of a marsh harrier on the hunt for a water vole.
Relevant alerts
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Update - 21:55
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that emergency services continue to tackle a large-scale wildfire covering more than two kilometres in width near to Glenmore.
A number of homes and businesses, including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area, have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution due to the close proximity to the incident.
As of 9pm on Wednesday night (15 July), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, specialist resources and tactical commanders mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 12 noon earlier today.
Firefighters are working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks, with high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of trees and woodland. There are no reported casualties.
Road closures continue to be in place to support the emergency response, and people are asked to avoid the area within Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich on Thursday, 16 July as this incident continues.
We will share updates as the situation develops. In the meantime, our thanks go out to the emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff and many others from across the community who are working non-stop to get these fires under control, and providing support to those affected.
Update - 20:06
Emergency services and partners are continuing to respond to this wildfire. A number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution. The Ski Road is currently closed. Anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know when they have returned.
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.
Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice. If you are aware of someone hiking in the area, please ask them to get themselves safely off the hill as soon as possible.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has asked that people avoid the Glenmore and Aviemore area, and remain vigilant. Our thanks go to all those engaged in active firefighting - we will post further updates when we have them.
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Very high fire risk - 15 to 20 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Wednesday 15 until Monday 20 July. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue, in line with the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.