National park launches consultation on how to tackle its priority issues

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has launched the formal consultation phase over a draft plan to help tackle the park’s biggest priority issues.

Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan has already drawn on initial public feedback, received since June.

More than 500 responses were gathered, with key issues highlighted most including: tackling the climate emergency; improved public transport and walking/ cycling routes; affordable housing; looking after the needs of the local workforce; tree planting and peatland restoration; and managing the impacts of increasing visitor numbers.

A total of 92 per cent of respondents said it was either important or very important that action was taken to tackle climate change, whilst 89 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that local communities have an important part to play in shaping the future of the Cairngorms National Park.

Around half of respondents (48 per cent) were optimistic about the future, with just over a quarter (27 per cent) pessimistic.

The formal consultation process for the fourth Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan started on September 23 and will run for 12 weeks to December 17.

Responses will be gathered through a number of different physical events and digital platforms including the dedicated Cairngorms Views website and interactive mapping tools.

Following that, a consultation report will be produced in the New Year that sets out all the key feedback, which will inform any changes to the plan before it is approved by the park authority board and submitted to Scottish ministers in June 2022 for final sign off.

Convener of the CNPA board Xander McDade said:“We’re very pleased with the great response we’ve had so far and I would like to thank all those who have already responded their thoughts to help shape the draft plan.

“There has been a wide range of opinions expressed, but there have also been a number of recurring themes such as affordable housing, better transport and improving conservation within the Park to help combat our biodiversity crisis.

“I feel that the draft National Park Partnership Plan is probably our most ambitious to date and has been shaped not just by public sector and third sector partners, but by local businesses and the people who live and work here.

“It is vitally important that everyone who calls the national park home, or enjoys the Cairngorms for recreation or works here, gets involved in this consultation so that it reflects the future we all aspire to and is truly a park for all.”

To find out more go to https:// cairngormsviews.commonplace.is