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Project Outline

Vehicle hill tracks in wild mountain land have become very topical recently. A lot of construction work is ongoing, some of it without planning permission. A number of cases have been challenged. NEMT, CNPA and SNH have agreed that there is a need to collect up to date information on the current state of upland vehicle hill tracks in the Cairngorms National Park. Such a database will be invaluable in both establishing the current baseline condition and in identifying and monitoring new tracks.

In the Winter 06 Mountain Views we explained the need for action on vehicle hill tracks. The Pilot Survey refered to in that article is now under way.

The idea is that individuals survey hill tracks, while they are out walking. The survey will use GPS data and link this to digital photographs. Additional information can include width and surface condition. We will collate the information into a database with output that connects photos to points on a map - sample.

The Pilot Survey is being carried out in the north east of the National Park (see map), bounded by the Dee and the Lairig Ghru. You can pick an area to survey, or simply take photographs and waypoints wherever you have chosen to walk. If you want, we can give you suggestions of where to go. Ideally, everybody simply surveys where they would have chosen to go for a walk in any case.

The Pilot Survey sets out to involve those people who use the park for recreational purposes. It is based on the use of a hand-held GPS and a digital camera, now in common use amongst hill-walkers and mountaineers. We started the Pilot in 2007 and it will continue into 2008. Thereafter it will form the basis for a larger survey, potentially involving the full area of the Cairngorms National Park.

We'd very much like to hear from you if you think you might be able to help. You do not have to be an NEMT Member to participate. You will need to have, or be able to borrow, a hand-held GPS device and a digital camera. We'll send you a CD with instructions and another for you to record and return the data. So, you will also need to have access to a CD writer on a computer. The pack we'll send you also includes a plasticized instruction sheet to carry in your rucksack. If you don't have access to a GPS system and would still like to participate please also let us know and "we will see what we can do!"

If you would like to become involved, please email hilltracks@nemt.org.uk and we will send you the CDs.

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