Cairngorms National Park Authority
(CNPA) was set up by the Scottish Parliament to ensure the unique aspects of the Cairngorms – both the natural environment and the local communities – are cared for, sustained and enhanced for current and future generations to enjoy. The CNPA is designed to be an ‘enabling’ organisation promoting partnership and giving leadership to all those involved in the Cairngorms. It must ensure the aims of the Park are “collectively achieved in relation to the Park in a co-ordinated way.”
It has regulatory powers to call in and determine planning applications which are of significance to the Park aims and make management rules and bylaws to: protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Park; prevent damage to the land or anything in, on or under it; secure the publics enjoyment of and safety in the Park.
The CNPA is lead by a board of 25 members – 10 appointed by local councils, 10 appointed by Scottish Ministers and five directly elected by local people.
It is involved in a large number of projects around the Park through a variety of roles, including funding, advisory and delivery including more long term projects which focus on improving outdoor access, providing better information and interpretation services and helping tourism and other businesses operate more sustainably.
Considerable work is also focused on conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of the National Park through partnership initiatives such as the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and the Cairngorm Deer Advisory Group.
For further information on the work of the Cairngorms National Park Authority click here
Scottish National Heritage
Scottish Natural Heritage’s work takes it down many threads, all of which are connected to the natural heritage. Among them are the important ambitions of encouraging Scotland's people to be involved with and enjoy their natural surroundings.
Our audience is wide and its interests, diverse. From visitors and residents, local communities and schools, much is being done. We support All-abilities projects, improve freedom for visiting the countryside, establish path networks around villages and long distance trails and promote school grounds nature areas.
By ensuring a healthy environment we contribute to peoples’ well-being, whether it be walking, cycling, climbing and sitting.
Our National Nature Reserves play a major part in stimulating visitors and residents to enjoy some of the most varied countryside anywhere in Britain. From the beautiful, birchwoods of Craigellachie, which rub shoulders with Aviemore, to the wild land of the Cairngorms, you'll find it all here.
We are lucky enough to have two of the largest natural Scots pine Reserves in Scotland. Dell Woods near Nethybridge and Rothiemurchus close to Aviemore itself. They are only a bus ride away from Aviemore. A quiet, patient visit may bring you some of Scotland's specials: crested tits unique to the old pines, peregrine falcons, crossbills, shy siskins, roe deer and red squirrels.
If more open spaces appeal to you, treat yourself to Insh Marshes near Kingussie, an outstanding mix of loch and rough grassland. Great for water birds and a lovely day out.
Venture safely into the world of the ptarmigan, snow bunting and eagle. Try the viewpoint near Cairngorm summit. Wrap yourself up though!
And remember, all our National Nature Reserves are free and open throughout the year.
Forestry Commision Scotland
Forestry Commission Scotland manages three large forests near Aviemore.
Glenmore Forest Park is situated around Loch Morlich. It contains an important remnant of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest; this is a wonderful place for walking and family cycling with over 50km of trails provided. These range from gentle walks suitable for all to a route up Meall’ a Bhuachaille (The Herd’s Hill). Find out more about the Forest Park and the National Nature Reserve at Glenmore by visiting the Visitor Centre in the village where you can learn about the special features of the pinewoods such as the Red Squirrels, Crested tits and Twinflower. The FC ranger service at Glenmore organises a number of events during the year. There is also a campsite in Glenmore village run by forest Holidays Forest holidays. Inshriach forest, situated around Feshiebridge and Kincraig is a quieter and larger forest with 15 km of waymarked trails to use. At Feshiebridge is the Frank Bruce Sculpture Collection containing 12 large features.
If energetic mountain-biking is for you, then Wolftrax at Laggan is the place! This purpose-built facility has 30 km of green, blue red and black rated routes. The forests here are managed in partnership with Laggan Forest Trust.
RSPB
Abernethy is internationally famous for the breeding ospreys at Loch Garten. It also protects Britain's largest remaining area of native pinewood, home to several other rare species.
Other habitats include heather moorland, blanket bog and mountain plateaux. The RSPB is managing all these habitats in order to maintain their scenic and biological importance, as well as providing a popular visitor attraction, a good example of conservation management practice, and an important resource for the local community.
Our Insh Marshes reserve protects around 1,000 ha of the river Spey floodplain in the Scottish Highlands and is the most important floodplain mire in Britain.
The RSPB is managing the reserve for the benefit of its breeding and wintering birds, its plants and invertebrates. The site’s scenic splendour makes it a popular attraction, so we are also improving visitor facilities and developing our education and training programme.
Cairngorms Chamber of Commerce
The geography of the National Park provides an abundance of activities, natural wildlife & outstanding picturesque views. Encompassing many communities, there is a diverse range of businesses throughout the Park that can add value to your stay, and provide a quality experience.
Many members of the Cairngorms Chamber of Commerce already participate in schemes that give recognition to good environmental business practice. Others are working towards accreditation, and in addition, individual businesses are encouraging everyone living, working and visiting the Park to give consideration to “leaving no trace”, and looking after this very special place.
The Chamber is a vibrant, forward thinking business organisation, representing businesses on matters of policy at local and national level. Being the voice of business for the Cairngorms National Park, the Chamber is working with other partners in delivering many of the priorities of the National Park Plan.
The 4th aim of the Park, “To promote sustainable economic & social development of the area’s communities” is fundamental, to ensure we have healthy and vibrant communities that can continue to grow and provide everyone visiting the Park with an enjoyable stay.
To explore the range of things to do, places to stay, and other services throughout the Park, check out the Chamber’s website www.cairngormschamber.com
