1. GLACIATED UPLANDS CAIRNGORMS

2. LANDSCAPE Large mountain mass of granite Several summits over 900m Heavily glaciated Many corries facing north Major glacial troughs

3. Landuse 1 Highest mountains are wildscape Recreational uses – climbing, walking. Corries on north slope of Cairngorm for skiing

4. Landuse 2 Middle height land for forestry. Some native (Scots Pine) estate managed Some Forestry Commission plantings of extensive coniferous – monotonous Some deer forest (open moorland managed for shooting) Public access on Forest Walks

5. Landuse 3 Low ground in valley mainly farmland Largely mixed and pastoral with sheep on higher ground Recreational use of lochs – boating, canoeing and fishing Urban development in Aviemore area.

6. Conflicts Recreation and Tourism create pressures on upland – conflict with internationally valued wildscape ecology Estates protect upland for deer management and shooting- conflict with public access Forestry need to shut out deer to allow regeneration but fences restrict public access

7. Mountain Conflicts Cairngorm Summit has a world recognised significance as an alpine environment Conservation is requirement under Environmental objectives Overuse by walkers leads to erosion of footpaths damaging the fragile ecosystem and plant habitats Skiing in the thin frozen snow conditions strips the vegetation and scars the hillside

8. The Issues The approval of the Funicular Railway went against all scientific advice. It was opposed by environmental groups but backed by Highland Council Scottish Natural Heritage originally opposed the plan but agreed after restrictions on summer walkers leaving the top station were included. Is the National Park able to control these issues without full planning control