Lesson 2:

Land uses in the Cairngorms

What you should know by the end of this lesson:

Be able to explain how a Glaciated upland landscape is used by people

Background

This topic is very similar to the National 5 topic, the major difference is the depth of knowledge you will need to go into. Also, you will need to be able to evaluate the strategies for how effective or not they are/have been.

but taking a step back as a reminder or introduction, Land Users in the Cairngorm can be split into 2 major categories:

Economic

Farming
Forestry
Quarrying
Water Supply
Renewable Energy

Social

Settlements
Tourism

Digital Workbook and Paper Jotter

Using the 6 different land uses above create a mind map that details all of the land uses that can be found in the Cairngorm.
Use the video to help you remind you how to create effective mind maps

Farming

Farming is dominated by sheep farming. The land is mostly unsuitable for other types of farming due to:

There is poor quality soil, so it’s difficult to grow crops.
High rainfall leaches nutrients from the soil, leaving it thin, acidic and infertile.
The slopes are very steep, which makes the use of modern machinery very difficult.
Temperatures are low because of the height of the land, which leads to a very short growing season, and cloudy conditions do not encourage plant growth. Lack of sunshine means crops will not ripen.

Sheep can cope with the cold, wet climate in the Cairngorm due to their thick, wool fleece.
Sheep are sure-footed so can cope on the steep slopes and high relief.
Sheep can eat the rough grazing that grows on poor quality soil.

Forestry

Commercial Forestry

The area of native woodland in the Cairngorms National Park is 42,947ha, which is 69% of the total woodland area or 9.5% of the total land area of the Cairngorms National Park.

Commercial forestry can take place on the lower, gentler slopes of U-shaped valleys, where conditions are less harsh and soils are of better quality.

The land may not be good for crop farming but trees can be planted as they need little attention.

Tourism

Tourism is vital to the Cairngorms National Park. It attracts an estimated 1.87 million visitors annually. It accounts for 30% of the economy (GVA) and 43% of employment.

Hillwalking/Rock Climbing

Amazing dramatic scenery and great routes attract hillwalkers /cyclists/tourists.

Amazing scenery for hill walkers.
Arêtes provide great opportunities for hill walking, while pyramidal peaks are good for rock climbing.
Corries provide excellent climbing opportunities on their steep back walls.

Water Sports

Glacial lakes, such as Loch Morlich, exist with easy access to the waterside and deep water with stunning scenery are perfect for water sports such as kayaking, sailing and SUP (stand up paddleboarding).

Winter Sports

Skiing and Snowboarding

Corrie gather and hold snow (remember they are where glaciers begin) and provide steep sides - creating excellent opportunities for winter sports such as skiing/snowboarding
The geographic location also tends to put them at the right altitude and latitude for creating the much needed winter climate for snow to form early in the season.

Renewable Energy

Hydroelectric Power (H.E.P)

U-shaped valleys are very deep and can be flooded to create reservoirs that are needed for HEP
Steep drops from corries provide a good head of water to power turbines.
Hard impermeable rocks provide excellent geological conditions for water storage in reservoirs to provide firm foundations and prevent leakage
Cairngorms has a high average rainfall which is essential for Hydro-Electric Power
Balmoral Estate and Glen Provan both have HEP stations

Wind Turbines

The area has a high relief and is quite open so can generate lots of uninterrupted wind which is essential for a consistent energy supply
Not a lot of people live there so less likely to generate complaints vs building them next to towns and cities.
There is a lot of open unused space, which is not suitable for building on.
BUT… how do they get the wind turbines to these areas? What impact does this have on the environment?

Settlements

Aviemore

The Cairngorm is home to more than 18000 people with Aviemore the centre being

home to 3613.

Development is usually limited to flatter parts of valleys as building homes and transport

links is easier. Settlements are not only homes to people but also provide the centre of

services such as hospitals, schools and shops for use by locals.