On Saturday 15th October, Cairngorms Connect hosted ‘Hill to Grill’, a celebration of local forests and local food, in Nethy Bridge.

The event was held on the playing fields behind Nethy Bridge Community Centre and featured a free BBQ, serving Cairngorms Connect Venison; an outdoor concert from Hamish Napier performing music from his award-winning album, The Woods; cooking demonstrations; guided walks; wood carving; foraging and folklore; and much more. Children of all ages enjoyed arts and crafts, and forest restoration-inspired games.

^{Sarah Hobbs, of Strathspey Storywalks, who led guided storywalks exploring the folklore of the forest. Credit: scotlandbigpicture.com}

The event was attended by 300 people, including many local residents and visitors from across the UK. 

Chiara Alagia, Cairngorms Connect Community Ranger, who organised the event said “It was brilliant to put on a big community event in Nethy and to work with so many fantastic local businesses. It felt pretty special to be able to put on an event like this in the heart of the Caledonian forest, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped out.”

The event follows the launch of Cairngorms Connect Venison earlier in the year. An important part of Cairngorm Connect’s habitat restoration work involves controlling deer numbers in order to protect woodlands from the pressures of grazing. 

Cairngorms Connect Venison uses venison produced from necessary deer management to share the story of Scotland’s recovering forests. While supporting forest restoration, the project also enables local people and visitors to benefit by increasing access to local venison.

^{Serving up Cairngorms Connect Venison burgers at the free BBQ. Credit: scotlandbigpicture.com}