RECREATION & AMENITY

Overall Objective
 

To create and maintain to a high standard access routes and other facilities
that allow people of all abilities to enjoy the woods, that contribute to the value of Grantown
 as a whole and that balance with the primary objective of conservation.

Planning

  142 hectares (37% of the area) have been identified for recreation priority,
but with high regard for the conservation objectives

Identify the community requirements for recreation and preferences for improved amenity
value of the woodland. More intensive use of the wood for recreation should take place west of the blue trail, but consideration needs to be given to potential spill over-effects. 
 Impact on the Capercaille core area east of the blue trail must be minimised.

Safety

  Carry out an annual survey in October of dangerous trees along roadsides and main footpaths.Map all mature, dead or dying trees that may cause concerns for the safety of the public  and determine appropriate action

Install a boardwalk crossing over the stream between Loch nan Geadas and Lag na Caorach. Autumn 2004

Maintain the fences around fire ponds.  Autumn 2004

Maintain or remove unsafe seats

Car Parking 
 

In the short term there are no plans to increase car parking capacity within the woods.

Maintain car parks as required

Managed Footpaths
 

Maintain paths and bridges as required

Identify and construct a suitable core path network in Kylintra Wood,
 including a footbridge over the Kylintra Burn.  

Identify a suitable location for path gravel from within the wood

Waymarking

Install 11 new waymark posts and 12 orientation marks along the red,
 blue and green trails, by March 2004.   

Install "Walkers welcome" symbols as per FCS agreement for Scottish Forestry Grants.

Install trailhead signs for Kylintra, Free Church and Ladies Garden Woods, Summer 2004.

Improve signs to the River Spey along the Burnie path

Unmanaged paths
 

Monitor the development of paths in the capercaille core area and close
these routes if erosion indicates heavy use of the paths.

Encourage walkers and cyclists to keep to the main tracks within
the capercaille core area during the capercaille breeding season

Improve all-ability access  
 

Ensure all new recreation developments cater for special needs:
 blind, wheelchairs, pushchairs, and toddlers.

Remove the gate at Kylintra House (Free Church Wood) and replace it with a pole barrier
beyond the sewage works entrance.

Install a two-way self-closing gate at the Nether Port entrance to the wood.

Re-route path where it enters Ladies Garden Wood from Spey Avenue and liaise
 with Highland Council to link this to a new section of pavement.

Up-grade and realign sections of green trail to improve access for wheelchairs
and thus creating a circular route for users.

Survey and construct new path sections in Kylintra Wood in order to make up
a route suitable for all-ability access, Spring 2005. 

Upgrade the Kylintra burn path for wheelchair access. 

Interpretation
 

By March 2004, design and produce 3,000 copies of a new guide map leaflet for Anagach Woods.
 This guide map will probably require renewal or reprinting in 2008.

Liaise with the Highland Council Countryside Ranger and with other organisations
(Speyside Way Ranger Service, Aviemore Walking Festival committee)
to organise and run guided walks for visitors to the Woodland.

Install capercaille interpretation panels

Consideration should be given to the value of a visitor centre in the wood,
 at or near the old dump near the curling rink that will provide visitor information,
 toilets and perhaps a tea-room and shop. 
 

Seating

Remove or replace all unsafe and poorly-maintained seating
and install new seats as per an agreed seating plan

Picnic Areas

Designated picnic areas and barbecue sites are not being considered at this stage

 Specialist Recreation
 

Research the opportunities for installing trail orienteering,
Mountain bike facilities, and cross-country skiing

Monitor the use of the paths for horse riding and ensure paths are kept clear of horse manure.

Ensure good liaison with the National Orienteering centre and local clubs to ensure
that orienteering does not extend into the capercaille core area during the breeding season
 and that areas sensitive for conservation are avoided.

Bird watching tour companies, Heatherlea Birdwatching and Speyside Wildlife,
have permission to take vehicle up to Craigroy – in exchange for a donation. 
 All bird watchers should follow the RSPB code on responsible birdwatching.

Tree Houses and Kids Play

For safety and litigation reasons, informal tree houses can not be allowed in the woods,
 but alternatives for safe and appropriate play facilities will be researched with the local
 community and implemented if long-term funds and local commitment can be found.

Motorised Vehicles

Management to take all reasonable action to ensure that motorbikes,
 all terrain vehicles and unauthorised cars are not used in the woods.

 Events

Consideration should be given to organising and hosting special events in the wood,
 such as drama or musical performances.  These will need to be in areas
 close to the town and they should not conflict with conservation efforts

 Amenity  
 

Maintain a litter-free wood

Discourage the dumping of garden waste at car parks.

Design, manufacture and install Anagach Woods signs
that will be visible from the two roundabouts along the River Spey

Thin trees bordering the approach roads to Grantown to improve the diversity of views
into the wood and the views of large pine trees while maintaining sufficient beech
 trees for Autumn colour.  Important specimens of other conifers will be kept for diversity.

Paint the gate on the Old Military Road.  April 2004.