SNHi Secondary School Activities

Text box 1 Some Trends in the Park 2006

Snow

• Decrease in snow fall duration at 400-50 metres above sea level. The number of snow patches lying throughout the year has decreased significantly.

Soils

• Footpath erosion, off-road vehicle use, overgrazing, peat erosion and commercial plantations have all affected soils.

Landscape

• Pressure for new housing has increased significantly in recent years.

Water

• Water quality in the Park is generally good.
• Many lowland wetlands have been drained.

Woods

• Between 1991 and 2003 new woodland was established over 2 per cent of the Park comprising 3,126 hectares of native broadleaves and 4,718 hectares of conifers (both native and non-native conifers).
• Overgrazing by sheep and deer has prevented tree and shrub regeneration in some upland areas
• There are increasing opportunities for community ownership and involvement in woodlands.
• The value of a range of different functions of forestry is being recognised more and more. In the early 20th century the purpose of forestry was just the production of timber.

Wildlife

• Red squirrels (which have their main UK stronghold in Scotland) have recovered in numbers with woodland expansion. The Cairngorms is now considered to be one of the species’ most important core areas in the UK.
• Otters are widespread and now present on almost all waters in the Cairngorms.
• There has been a steady increase in non-native fish species in the Cairngorms and the number of waters in which they are present.

Farming

• Farming has become more intensified and specialised. Mixed farming has changed to more monoculture production and resulted in the loss of wildlife habitats.
• Sheep numbers and so grazing pressure increased during the 1980s-1990s and 1990-2003. This may change with policy reform.
• The abandoning of farms and land is likely to be happening already and is predicted to increase.
• Farms have increased in size.
• Crofting has become restricted.
• Estates and farms have diversified their activities into recreation, tourism and conservation.

Sport

• Sport has continued to be a major influence on the landscape and culture of the estates.
• Sport has become more accessible to a greater part of the population.

Visitors

• At a Scottish level, visitor numbers decreased by 10.2 per cent between 2002 and 2003 and the money spent by visitors decreased by 2.2 per cent from 2002-2003.
• At a Park level it was estimated in 2003 that the Park would attract 1.2 million visitors each year, spending around £240 million a year. While the Park attracts a higher number of overseas visitors than Scotland as whole, visitors are mainly from Scotland and travel in parties of two. Two-thirds stay overnight. The main reasons for visiting are the wide range of outdoor activities, the natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage. Walking is the most popular activity in the Cairngorms (26 per cent of visitors).
• Downhill skier numbers have declined by over 50 per cent in the Cairngorms since the late 1980s.
• Ski centres and businesses are diversifying their activities.

Source: The State of the Park Report 2006. Cairngorms National Park Authority, 2007.

Text Box 2 – Vision for the Park in 2030

Landscape

The distinct character of the Cairngorms and its diverse mix of mountains, straths, glens, forests and farmland will be conserved and enhanced, shaped by natural processes and positive management.

Wildness

The sense of wildness, particularly in the high montane areas, will be enhanced and renowned as a particular special quality of the area that continues to be enjoyed by many.

Biodiversity

The Park will continue to have a rich biodiversity, which will be better connected and able to adapt to a changing climate.

Land management

There will continue to be active and productive land management that conserves and enhances the special qualities of the Park.

Source: Cairngorms National Park Authority (2007) National Park Plan 2007