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Wildfires

Cairngorms National Park Authority Funds Rural Workers to Combat Wildfires

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has confirmed that 12 projects will share a £270,000 fund to tackle the impacts of climate change. This year's Climate Adaptation Fund attracted over 60 expressions of interest and 30 full applications, with a total value of proposed projects exceeding £1 million. The fund will support a growing army of rural workers to help tackle wildfires, following the largest wildfire in Scotland's history at Dava in Moray last month.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cairngorms National Park Authority has allocated £270,000 to 12 projects to combat the impacts of climate change.
  • The Climate Adaptation Fund has now awarded a total of £640,000 to 30 recipients in the national park.
  • The largest wildfire in Scotland's history at Dava in Moray covered over 29,000 hectares.
  • Scottish Land and Estates (SLE) estimated that the wildfires in July were the largest Scotland had ever witnessed.
  • The fund will support the development of equipment, collaboration, and wildfire resilience across Badenoch and Strathspey and other areas.
  • The 12 successful projects include equipment for reducing wildfire risk, fire-fighting equipment, and wildfire prevention equipment.
  • Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, emphasized the importance of the fund in empowering farmers, land managers, and businesses to tackle climate change.
  • Sandy Bremner, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, highlighted the national park's commitment to supporting people dealing with the practical challenges of a changing climate.

Statistics:

  • £270,000 allocated to 12 projects to combat the impacts of climate change.
  • £640,000 awarded to 30 recipients in the national park.
  • 29,000 hectares affected by the largest wildfire in Scottish history.
  • Over 100 workers from dozens of private businesses used to help tackle wildfires in July.
  • 60 expressions of interest and 30 full applications received for this year's Climate Adaptation Fund.
  • Total value of proposed projects exceeded £1 million.

Sources:

  • "Cairngorms National Park Authority Funds Rural Workers to Combat Wildfires."
  • Scottish Government Press Release (Undated)
  • Scottish Land and Estates (SLE) estimate of largest wildfires Scotland had ever witnessed. (Unknown date)

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