Health, wellbeing and equalities
The health and wellbeing benefits of nature are well known. In our most recent resident and worker survey, 82% of respondents said that living in the National Park was good for their mental health and 89% said it was good for their physical health. However, we also recognise that not everyone has the same opportunities to access nature on their doorstep.
From the UK's first Outdoor Dementia Resource Centre at Badaguish - helping people living with dementia and their families connect with nature - to prescribing nature on the NHS and coordinating a programme of health walks across the National Park, there is a huge amount of work going on to ensure that people and nature thrive together.
Likewise, our dedicated Equality Advisory Panel and widening participation work through Cairngorms 2030 are helping remove some of the barriers that exist to under-represented communities enjoying and benefiting from the National Park.
The Park Authority and its partners are taking forward a number of health, wellbeing and equality activities within the National Park, some of which are summarised below.
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.
Relevant alerts
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a wildfire warning impacting areas of the National Park on Friday 29 May until Monday 1 June. 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.