Healthy double for CNPA
The Cairngorms National Park Authority has picked up a brace of awards for its work in promoting outdoor access and healthy lifestyles.
The British Horse Society (BHS) Access Award 2014 was presented to the park for its outstanding contribution to developing access opportunities for horse riders, the CNPA also been recognised as a Cycle Friendly Employer for helping to make it easier for staff to commute to work on bikes.
David Tidmarsh from BHS Scotland said the CNPA were a very worthy recipient of the BHS Access Award having worked for over a decade to protect the right to responsible access for horse riders in the Park.
“The award is given by the BHS to individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution to improving horse riding access and developing opportunities for off-road safe riding. The BHS applauds the park authority and its access officers for their multi-user access approach that encourages responsible and sustainable access in the Cairngorms for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
“The CNPA is also being recognised for its work to promote tourism, the local economy and better health through improved access to the outdoors for all.”
The authority’s status of Cycle Friendly Employer was bestowed by Cycling Scotland, who recognise organisations which have introduced measures such as having a secure bike shed, being part of bike to work scheme and offering bike maintenance courses.
David Clyne, the CNPA’s Recreation & Access Manager said: “We are delighted to receive both awards. They demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Cairngorms National Park is an unrivalled destination in terms of the amount of opportunities there are for people to enjoy the outdoors.
“Our new emerging outdoor access strategy, Active Cairngorms, will build on all the good work that has been achieved so far with a view to promoting opportunities for everyone to get out and get active whether it’s walking the dog, biking to school or something a bit more adventurous!”
