A public consultation is being launched by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on management proposals for Craigellachie National Nature Reserve (NNR) near Aviemore.
© SNH
Craigellachie is one of the largest areas of birchwood in Strathspey and is located on the south and west side of Aviemore, within easy walking distance of the village.
The consultation runs from 23 January until 16 April and provides an opportunity for people to hear and comment on SNH's plans for the reserve over the next six years.
The crag which gives the reserve its name is occasionally used as a nest site by a pair of peregrine falcons and the woods are home to other wildlife including the spectacular Kentish glory moth.
A series of waymarked trails of varying lengths have been created by SNH, and a walk to the top of the viewpoint trail gives a panoramic view across the western side of the Cairngorms National Park. There is also an audio guide to the reserve which visitors can access via mobile phone.
Peter Duncan, the reserve manager, said:
'We are hoping to manage areas of the woodland to improve conditions for some of the rarer insects and possibly carry out some grassland management involving more scarce plants.'
'From a visitor perspective we are really looking for ideas as to how we can best improve the NNR's accessibility from Aviemore and raise its profile locally.'
To participate in the consultation contact SNH by email or call the Craigellachie NNR office on 01479 810477
There is also a drop-in event on Tuesday 20 March in St Andrew's church hall in Aviemore between 5pm and 8pm at which people will be able to talk to SNH staff and view displays on the reserve plans.
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