Care

AN ENVIRONMENT OF QUALITY.

Rothiemurchus, like the rest of the Cairngorms, is shaped by geology, climate, glaciers and early settlers but it is the Multiple Land Use Policy practised over the last three centuries that has resulted in an “unspoiled” environment. Taken together in terms of variety, wildness, intimacy and welcome this landscape is unrivalled. From 1954 the quality of the environment has been formally recognised by the 55,000 hectare of government designations that cover the 10,000 hectare of the estate; an average of 5.5 units of designation on every unit of land! Today protection and enhancement are achieved by looking after nature and people.  This is helped by working closely with the government.

Multiple Land Use respects all interests including nature and the enjoyment of nature in all aspects of economic activity. For example, the purpose of the Forest Plan is to enable management to safeguard biological diversity with a presumption toward improving conditions for rare species that are threatened elsewhere together with meeting recreational, social and economic objectives. By caring and hard work, we can ensure that the full range of habitats are protected and enhanced so that the landscape and species are conserved for future generations to enjoy.

We invite visitors and others to engage in this conservation work.

 

CONCORDAT

Working together, the public sector and Rothiemurchus Estate are determined to safeguard the future of this historic and beautiful Highland Estate. Public sector bodies and the private Estate of Rothiemurchus have come together to sign an innovative Concordat, sharing the responsibility to care and shape the future of this special area.

As partners in the Concordat we share a vision of a living landscape, supporting the wildlife and the community and available for all to enjoy. We want people to enjoy the magnificent scenery and recreational opportunities. We also intend to enhance the distinctive habitats and species, which make this such a wonderful place. We also listen to and respect the views of local people and neighbours in shaping this vision. We all work very closely together to keep the natural environment healthy and to encourage a dynamic blend of land use with supports the local community in forestry, farming, tourism, recreation and sporting interests. Working in harmony, we plan to show how a sensitively and dynamically managed estate can contribute to the development and economic viability of the local community. We also appreciate the importance of the Estate in the regeneration of the Aviemore area as a quality tourist destination.

Concordat partners include: Rothiemurchus EstateScottish Natural HeritageHighlands & Islands Enterprise, Forestry CommissionCairngorms National Park AuthorityHistoric ScotlandThe Highland CouncilThe Scottish Government.

Rothiemurchus Estate thanks the Cairngorms National Park Authority, The Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage for the payments they make for the delivery of public outcomes in Rothiemurchus. We also thank The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government for the work they do and the funding they provide in and around the estate.

 

FORESTRY MANAGEMENT PLAN

 

Care and management of the woodlands on Rothiemurchus is guided by a comprehensive forestry plan.   A revised long-term forest plan for 2016-2035 has now been approved by Forestry Commission Scotland (with support through the Scottish Rural Development Programme).

Download the Forestry Plan (2MB) or to download just the summary pages click here.

Capercaillie Framework and What goes clatter, clatter, click, click, pop, pop in the woods?

To understand the thinking behind the forest plan it is helpful to read “The forest, its ecology and future management” by Dr Phil Ratcliffe and reproduced here from “Rothiemurchus – Nature and People on a Highland Estate 1500-2000” by T C Smout and R A Lambert (1999).

For 2016-2020 part funding for care of the native woodlands on Rothiemurchus and management for capercaillie is provided by the Scottish Government and the European Union.

FARM LIVESTOCK ON ROTHIEMURCHUS

Animal welfare and the safety of visitors and team members are the most important consideration for everyone.

We advise anyone who is not working with animals as part of their job on Rothiemurchus to avoid entering fields with farm animals or horses to avoid unintentional disturbance and to ensure their safety.

Domestic dogs and farm animals do not mix – the consequences can be unintentional but fatal.

The Rangers and the tours they lead enable people including those who live and work locally, to enjoy our farm animals safely.

Farm Animals can be unpredictable at any time.

Even a normally placid breed like Highland cattle can become aggressive.

Highland cows are exceptionally protective of their calves and can attack if they think the calf might be threatened. At the very least, getting too close to a young calf will cause unnecessary stress to the mother.

Do not underestimate the speed with which these half ton plus animals can move.

Be aware that farms and farmland are a working environment with heavy machinery or livestock on the move.

ALWAYS BE AWARE

MAINTENANCE TRUST

 

What is it?

Rothiemurchus Estate Maintenance Trust was established to care for Rothiemurchus; its natural environment, its buildings and people. It was started by Johnnie Grant the younger of Rothiemurchus, in 1980.

How much is spent maintaining Rothiemurchus?

In 2020 Rothiemurchus spent £142,000 looking after ‘the public benefit’ and helping visitors that choose to visit Rothiemurchus act responsibly. This investment has been made in the Countryside Ranger patrols to prevent fires, path maintenance, picking up litter, provision of toilets and helping visitors to understand how to enjoy the countryside responsibly.

However there is so much more we can do, from improving paths to modernising our farming systems to improve the carbon footprint of the farm and improve its impact on the environment. We really need your support to help care for Rothiemurchus. You can do this by becoming either a Friend or an Explorer, buying activities or from our shops. The money you spend goes towards caring for this fantastic place.

Is this enough?

We would really like to work on some projects in the future such as consolidating the walls of Loch an Eilein Castle, making the Cairngorm Club or Iron Bridge suitable for all abilities and improving the paths in the hills, such as the Lairig Ghru.

How can I help?

You can help by becoming a Friend or an Explorer. You can also help by participating in activities on the estate, purchasing estate produce in the shop or by making a donation. Everything is extremely welcome. If you wish to make a donation you can do so here, or you can send a donation, please make a cheque payable to; Rothiemurchus Maintenance Trust, c/o Hugh Younger, WS, Murray Beith Murray, 3 Glenfinlas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6AQ.

Will my donation be spent well?

Of course, and any donations will be greatly appreciated to help maintain this superb place. Donations can be made free of capital gains and inheritance tax. The trust is supervised by the UK Treasury, expenditure is audited by Chartered Accountants

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