Nearly 50 rangers on patrol in the Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park now has nearly 50 rangers working across the region, an update from the park authority's chief executive has revealed.
The second group of seasonal rangers started in mid-April bringing the total number of the roles to 11.
A further four trainee rangers started earlier this month and will accompany existing rangers over the summer months which will also help to create a pathway into ranger related careers.
Grant Moir said in an update for tomorrow's full board meeting: "We now have 47 FTE (full time equivalent) rangers working across the national park most of which are grant-aided by CNPA –special funding, training and support has also been provided.
"We are increasing the presence of rangers in the Cairngorm and Glenmore area and the patrols in evening and weekends.
"We are working with Police Scotland to provide guaranteed cover at key weekends."
Meanwhile, a raptor conservation officer has been recruited by the CNPA and starts in post on September 1.
Mr Moir said: "Isla Graham has a strong background in wildlife conflict management and experience of working with land managers.
"The CNPA continues to work closely with the raptor study groups in the park, land managers and modelling experts to establish the number of potential, occupied and productive golden eagle, hen harrier the peregrine territories."
Mr Moir also hailed the recent Cairngorms Nature Festival as a major success.
He said in his report to the board: "The festival was a huge success with over 160 activities across 10 days delivered by over 60 partner event providers including environmental non governmental organisations, community groups, inclusion groups and land managers.
"Highlight events include deer management on Balmoral Estate, Nature 4 Health for refugees; the Mountain Bothy film festival and the Kentish Glory moth trap and egg hunt’ event in Aviemore.
"The moth event led to the formation of a local moth group, demonstrating the value of the festival in fostering ongoing engagement and involvement in conservation and land management in the park."
The CNPA board members are meeting tomorrow in Grantown from 9.30am. The agenda for the meeting can be found here.