Cairngorm National Park case study
Scotland (Northern ToSIA)
The case study in Scotland is implemented in the Cairngorms National Park. This case study is both forest-defined and industry-defined. It will explore how changes in forest management will affect the rest of the forest wood chain and also how changes in industry operation will affect forest and consumption techniques.
The Cairngorms National Park is Britain's largest National Park. It contains within it a wide and varied range of mountainous landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique habitats. The National Park is also home to about 16 000 people, living in substantial towns and smaller villages, and has a low population density of 4.2 people per square kilometre.
Tourism is a significant and lucrative area with related businesses accounting for about 80% of the economy. It is estimated that at least 1.4 million people visited the Park in 2007.
Within the Cairngorms National Park, the Scottish case study will focus on two forests: Strath Mashie and Inshriach. Both are located on public Forestry Commission land, and are mainly comprised of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis).
Download the case study map in pdf format for greater detail.
Progression of the case study
Progress report April 2010
Final results of the Scottish case study
The Scottish case study in the Cairngorms National Park worked at two levels: at a forest stand level by assessing various forest management scenarios, and at a National Park level by spatially determining where woodland expansion is suitable. The case study focused on regional development and multi-functionality of forests, and on examining the impact this has on several sustainability indicators. The case study developed a linkage between a GIS-based heuristic optimization model for site suitability and ToSIA to generate spatially explicit management alternatives. The selection of scenarios and indicators concerning the case were developed and discussed with managers and planners from the Cairngorms National Park Authority and numerous regional stakeholders. Results were suggested to be included in the upcoming Cairngorm National Park Plan 2012.
More information about the case study
