Views wanted on conservation in the Cairngorms

Time’s running out for those who want to have their say on the next Cairngorms Nature Action Plan.

Launched in May 2013, Cairngorms Nature is a partnership that brings people and organisations together with the aim of driving forward conservation projects in the Park.

It has seen a great deal achieved within the first five years from significant progress in woodland expansion and creation, peatland restoration and improved habitats for waders.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is currently asking people to give their views on the draft action plan for 2018-2023, with the current consultation ending on 14 September.

It sets out what the park authority considers the most important things to do are and provides a focus for the work of partners. The key elements of the plan are landscape scale conservation, focused action for priority species and ensuring that people can get involved.

They want to know what used think are the most important things that need to happen to safeguard and enhance the rich and varied wildlife of the Cairngorms National Park in the next five years.

The Cairngorms National Park is home to almost 1200 species considered to be nationally or internationally important so a major part of the draft action plan focusses on getting particular species back on a sustainable footing – from the Scottish wildcat and curlews to pine hoverfly and one-flowered wintergreen.

With some of the best habitats in the UK, the next five years for Cairngorms Nature also aims to focus efforts on creating more habitats suitable for breeding waders, more sustainably managed moorlands and bigger, more natural woodlands.

There are also objectives aimed at getting more people involved in nature conservation from recruiting more volunteer rangers to an increase in people attending nature focused events.

For more information or to take part click HERE.

You can also view the draft action plan at the park authority offices in Grantown-on-Spey or Ballater and it is available at libraries and council offices throughout the park.

The Cairngorms National Park was established in 2003. It is the UK’s largest national park at 4,528sq km.