Fonab and Grandtully Forest Design Plan 2009-2019
Contents
Summary of Proposals
1.0 Introduction: 1.1 Setting and context 1.2 History of plan 1.3 Planning context
2.0 Analysis of previous plan
3.0 Background Description 3.1 Site factors (eg below) 3.1.1 Neighbouring landuse 3.1.2 Statutory and legal requirements and key external policies 3.1.3 Geology Soils and landform 3.1.4 Water 3.1.5 Climate 3.1.6 Landscape, recreation, community and heritage (Landscape value and character, visibility, recreational use, heritage) 3.1.7 Biodiversity (woodland, open ground, lochs and rivers) 3.1.8 The existing forest: (Age structure, species and yield class, access and LISS potential)
4.0 Analyses and Concept 4.1 Constraints and opportunities for each site factor. 4.2 Description of how analysis has lead to broad concepts
5.0 Management Proposals 5.1 Management proposals 5.2 Future habitats and species 5.3 Restructuring 5.4 Future management 5.5 Species tables 5.5 Age structure 5.6 Ancient and long established native woodland restoration
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Appendices: i) Consultation record ii) Tolerance table
Support documents: Maps • Location map
• Key Features map
• Analysis map
• Concept map
• Management map
• Future habitats and management
• Thinning map
• Viewpoints and Visibility map
• Visualisations
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1.0 Introduction:
1.1 Setting and context
Fonab forest was purchased in 3 lots from 1952 to 1958 and covers an area of 807 ha. It was originally planted between the mid 1950s and mid 1960s, predominantly with Scots pine and spruce.
The forest forms part of the south western aspect to the town of Pitlochry together with neighbouring woodlands owned by Atholl and Pitlochry Estates. The forest straddles the ridge plateau above between Strath Tay and the Strath Tummel.
Grandtully forest was purchased in 3 lots between 1977 and 1983 and covers an area of 632 ha. The upper open hill was planted between 1981 and 1983, predominantly with Sitka spruce, but the existing semi-natural birch woodland on the lower slopes most visible from Strathtay and the A827 was retained.
Fonab and Grandtully: location map
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Fonab, Grandtully and neighbouring estates, woodlands and farms
1.2 History of plan
The first forest plan for Fonab was produced in 1999 with Grandtully being added to the planning unit in 2004.
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1.3 Planning Context
The management of the Forestry Commission Scotland’s national forest estate is guided by Scottish Forestry Strategy (SFS) 2006, which sets out seven key themes:- • Climate change • Timber • Business development • Community development • Access & Health • Environmental quality • Biodiversity
Table 1. Relevant issues under the SFS and Tay Forest District Key Themes
SFS Key Relevant issues identified for Fonab and Grandtully FDP Themes Climate Opportunities for contributing towards national targets for Change renewable energy via woodfuel and brash harvesting. Carbon sequestration increased by extending low impact silvicultural systems (continuous cover forestry). Timber Continue to grow quality timber sustainably. Increase the future quality broadleaved resource. Business Through timber harvesting, woodland establishment and Development maintenance. Continue to consider the landscape value of woodlands to tourism. Community Encourage communities who wish to become more involved in Development the management of, or outputs from, their local forest Access and Formal and informal access routes. Potential for improved Health links to neighbouring networks. Environmental Maintain landscape by extending low impact silvicultural Quality systems (continuous cover forestry). Continue to work with local archaeologists and Historic Scotland to protect the ancient monuments in our care. Biodiversity Continue to expand the area of native woodland. Continue to work with SNH to protect and enhance the scheduled and locally important sites in our care.
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Table 2. Initial brief and objectives for developing management proposals Brief Objectives Minimise impact of • extend low impact silvicultural systems (continuous forestry on the cover forestry) landscape • introduce structural diversity by replanting and reshaping coupes whilst maintaining a distinctive age difference between adjacent coupes.
Maintain production • carry out continuing programme of thinning and of quality timber clearfell • restock according to good silvicultural practice for species selection and planting density • develop more broadleaved woodland for timber sales Maintain and • protect statutory sites according to agreed enhance existing guidelines natural habitats • extend locally important habitats (particularly wetlands, open space and for Black grouse) as opportunity arises through other forest operations Preserve historic • protect all known features including Scheduled and features Unscheduled Ancient Monuments
2.0 Analysis of previous plan
2.1 Analysis from previous plan
Fonab has been worked in accordance with the plan with some large coupes being felled and restocked with amendments being made for the onset of windblow. It is intended to continue the process in much the same vein for the higher, less visible ground but an increase in favour of Continuous Cover Forestry will allow the slopes south of Pitlochry to be managed more sympathetically.
Grandtully is now approaching productivity with the first thinnings underway but the planned clearfells are still some way off in the block.
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3.0 Background Description
3.1 Site factors
3.1.1 Neighbouring landuse Fonab forms part of an almost continuous 10 km stretch of forest along the south-west side of the River Tummel. East of Fonab, the plateau is also forested whilst to the north the ground is open hill mostly used for sport. To the south and west the land is mixed grazing and small woodlands.
Grandtully is bounded on the west by Griffin Forest and to the south and east by open hill ground and mixed woodlands. A large windfarm is proposed to the south of Grandtully in Griffin Forest with construction work expected to begin in late 2009.
3.1.2 Statutory and legal requirements and key external policies Fonab contains a small part of the Logierait Mires Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (the majority of the SSSI is to the east) and Clachan an Diridh Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) (below). The River Tay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) runs in the valley between the two forests.
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Grandtully has three SAM’s: Castle Dow hillfort (below) and two sets of hut circles to the south. Balnaguard Glen SSSI is immediately to the east.
Both woods lie within the local core capercaillie zone and are important areas within the recently designated ‘Save Scotland’s Red Squirrel’ project.
3.1.3 Geology Soils and landform
Fonab is mainly underlain by metasedimentary rocks (greywacke and semipelite) with two broad bands of intruded lava and tuff running south-westerly from Pitlochry. There are also some small areas of marble and granite. This is overlain with unsorted glacial deposits. The soils consist of surface-water gleys, peaty gleys, gleys, podzolic brown earths and blanket bogs.
Grandtully is underlain by metasedimentary greywacke with an overburden of unsorted glacial clay, sand and gravel. The soils are podzolic brown earths (about half) followed by (in order of area) peaty surface water gleys, typical podzols, surface water gleys, and a variety of bog types. Bare rock is also evident in places.
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3.1.4 Water
There are a number of watercourses and features within Fonab. Lochan Chuir is a small area of open water surrounded by wetlands situated on the flat ridge at the top of the hill. Other wetlands have been enhanced as damselfly habitat by damming ditches. The major watercourse is the Tullypowrie Burn flowing south from the west end.
In Grandtully, the main watercourse is the Balnaguard burn, most of whose course is outside the forest, to the east.
3.1.5 Climate
Both Fonab and Grandtully are relatively open and exposed due to their situations on high valley ridges. They receive moderate rainfall averaging around 1000mm per year.
Based on accumulated temperature and moisture deficit maps produced by Pyatt et al. , climatic conditions are described as cool wet.
Dams scores range from 10-12 for the lower and more sheltered areas of the forest to 16-18 for the upper and more exposed parts.
3.1.6 Landscape value and character, visibility, recreational use, heritage, protection forestry.
Landscape value and character
Fonab forms part of the south-western backdrop to Pitlochry. It is flanked by private forests of a similarly mixed character with a diversity of species, age and structure.
Grandtully has two distinct characters. The lower slopes are mixed broadleaves whilst the upper, largely unseen areas are planted with a range of conifers.
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The southern side of Fonab from Caisteal Dubh
Visibility (see Map 2 and Map 8)
Much of the Fonab is hidden from the valleys with only the forest edge being visible from the Strathtay area. From the A923 to the north of Pitlochry, Fonab forms only part of the mixed, mature forested backdrop to the town.
Grandtully is also mostly unseen from the valley. Only the face of mature mixed broadleaved trees contributes significantly to the views from either side of Grandtully village.
The degree of visibility of both forests can be seen in Map 8.
Recreational use (see Map 2)
Fonab is traversed by a right of way linking Pitlochry and Strathtay. This also forms part of the Rob Roy way, a long distance trail from Drymen, finishing in Pitlochry. The Clunie Walk, part of the Pitlochry walks system also uses the northern part of this route before taking to the moors above Cluniemore.
Grandtully has a newly way-marked trail to Caisteal Dubh (Castle Dow) beginning from a car park adjacent to the county road.
Both forests have untapped further potential for walking, mountain biking and short or long-distance horse riding.
Heritage (see Map 2)
Clachan an Diridh, a circle of three stones, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument next to the forest road through Fonab. There are also unscheduled hut circles
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and corn kilns. Grandtully has three SAM’s: Castle Dow hillfort and two sets of hut circles to the south. There are also cairnfields, sheilings, rig and furrow and further field systems. Some of these have been previously scheduled.
The eastern section of Fonab has been plantation forest for a number of rotations whilst some of the lower slopes of Grandtully are of ancient origin .
Protection Forestry
No protection forestry issues.
3.1.7 Biodiversity (woodland, open ground, lochs and rivers) In Fonab the woodland, particularly the Scots Pine, supported a population of capercaillie and more recently the value of the conifer woodland to red squirrels has been recognised. If Perthshire capercaillie numbers recover the current management of the SP should provide a good environment for them to re- colonise. Red squirrel conservation, through the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, in both woodlands will require that a good mix of conifer species and age classes is maintained. Despite the apparent conflict with red squirrel conservation the areas of broad-leaved woodland (oak in Fonab of Long established Plantation origin and Ancient Woodland Sites under restoration in Grandtully) are valuable habitat.
Open ground is currently scarce but forest edge management, particularly on the higher ground in both blocks, will result in habitat suitable for blackgrouse (blackgrouse are a key conservation species and are also considered as a “barometer” species in Tay FD, indicating the conservation condition of semi- upland forest edge).
Watercourses are very limited in Fonab and Grandtully. The upper sections of the Balnaguard burn are the only representative in Grandtully, currently in an acceptable condition. In Fonab, the Tullypowrie burn exhibits some important (potential) wet ground in the west of the wood. Between Lochan an Chuir (a fine “dubh lochan”) and Clachan an Diridh there is a series of wet hollows that are currently undergoing restoration to mire habitats. In the east of Fonab is a very small section of the Logierait Mires SSSI, designated (partially) for its assemblage of dragonflies. Whilst this site is extremely important in its own
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right, it is hoped that the valuable species associated with it will spread to the other suitable mire habitats.
3.1.8 The existing forest: (Age structure, species and yield class, access and LISS potential)
Fonab was acquired from 1952 with standing mature Scots pine on the ridge at the eastern end but otherwise as open hill. It’s proximity to the Forestry Training School at Faskally meant that it was used to demonstrate good forestry practice and the students were used to plant much of the ground. This resulted in a very mixed species forest growing on sound ecological site types coupled with novelties such as contour ploughing in places. Like most forests of the time, it was planted over a short period limiting the structural diversity. The mature granny pines were ring barked then left in situ some time in the sixties. Fellings to increase diversity of structure began around 2005 in the previous forest plan. Yield classes range from an average of 6 to 8 for Scots pine, 8 to 10 for larch and 12 to 20 for spruces. The main access to Fonab is via Ballechin Farm on the south side. Access from the north is restricted to light vehicles. The current area under continuous cover prescriptions is 31 hectares (under 4%) and is mostly pine and larch stands.
Grandtully was purchased in the late seventies and early eighties and was promptly stocked with mostly Sitka spruce and smaller areas of Lodgepole pine, larch and Douglas fir. The mixed broadleaved woodland on the lower slopes was retained and enriched. Yield classes range from an average of 14 to 24 for Sitka, slightly less for the Douglas and 8 to 10 for the larch and pine. 86 hectares are under continuous cover prescriptions (13%).
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Table 2. Initial brief and objectives for developing management proposals Brief Objectives Minimise impact of • extend low impact silvicultural systems (continuous forestry on the cover forestry) landscape • introduce structural diversity by replanting and reshaping coupes whilst maintaining a distinctive age difference between adjacent coupes.
Maintain production • carry out continuing programme of thinning and of quality timber clearfell • restock according to good silvicultural practice for species selection and planting density • develop more broadleaved woodland for timber sales Maintain and • protect statutory sites according to agreed enhance existing guidelines natural habitats • extend locally important habitats (particularly wetlands, open space and for Black grouse) as opportunity arises through other forest operations Preserve historic • protect all known features including Scheduled and features Unscheduled Ancient Monuments
2.0 Analysis of previous plan
2.1 Analysis from previous plan
Fonab has been worked in accordance with the plan with some large coupes being felled and restocked with amendments being made for the onset of windblow. It is intended to continue the process in much the same vein for the higher, less visible ground but an increase in favour of Continuous Cover Forestry will allow the slopes south of Pitlochry to be managed more sympathetically.
Grandtully is now approaching productivity with the first thinnings underway but the planned clearfells are still some way off in the block.
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4.0 Analyses and Concept
4.1 Constraints and opportunities for each site factor.
The Analysis and Concept maps show the factors which, through our consultation and development periods, have significantly influenced the design and long term vision of this forest.
4.2 Design Concept
The design concept has been graphically presented in the site analysis and design concept maps (Map 3 and Map 4).
The intention with this plan is to produce a woodland that meets the demands of timber production, landscaping, biodiversity and recreation in a sustainable manner while retaining flexibility to adapt to priority changes in both the short and long term as well as any opportunities that present themselves.
The concept encompasses 5 core areas, each of which is briefly outlined below.
Timber production
Both Fonab and Grandtully are currently potentially highly productive, but the other factors limit maximising some of the harvesting opportunities. Therefore, where harvesting is unrestrained by recreation, landscaping or conservation constraints, maximum returns will be sought by planting the most productive species to suit the ground conditions.
Fonab is now becoming a predominantly second rotation forest with a consequent drop in thinning output as the young restocked crops establish. However, an average of some 450 hectares will be thinned over a 5 year period producing about 3000 cubic metres of timber annually.
Thinning has only recently begun in Grandtully. The thinnable area of conifers is about 350 hectares on what will be a five year return cycle. This should produce an average of 3500 cubic metres annually though the actual out-turns will be used to refine the current estimates. The area of broadleaves to the north will be thinned on a fifteen year cycle producing around 3000 cubic metres at each intervention, though this may be spread over a number of years to allow successful marketing of the mainly firewood product.
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Fonab and Grandtully Forest Design Plan 2009-2019
Landscaping
Most of Fonab cannot be seen from the main routes or the nearby towns and villages. However, the portion visible from Pitlochry is an integral part of the mixed wooded landscape seen to the south of the town so it is desirable to reduce the impact of management there. The original forest plan began this process by using coupes appropriate to the lower slopes and a more intimate landscape. The range of good species on suitable stable soils means that what remains can begin to be converted to Continuous Cover Forestry over the period of the plan.
To the SW of Ballechin Wood, the edge coupe appears blocky when viewed from Strathtay, appearing as a straight line on the brow of the hill. As this is to be felled in 2012, there is an opportunity to introduce structural diversity by replanting and reshaping this coupe using a mixture of broadleaves and open space.
Like Fonab, most of Grandtully is unseen from the floor of the strath. The visible portion is predominantly broadleaf trees and is managed as Continuous Cover Forestry. The area covered by CCF will increase southwards to beyond Caisteal Dubh and minimise change to this view of the forest.
Recreation
Both forests are moderately used by the public. Fonab, with the Strathtay to Pitlochry route and the Clunie walk, probably attracts users from a wider geographic area than does Grandtully, which has more local usage. The new Tay Forest Park Guide will give Grandtully increased promotion so will bring in a more diverse user group.
Discussions were held in late 2007 with a researcher from the British Horse Society with a view to increasing the provision of long distance (including multi- day) riding routes in Perthshire. A link with Griffin Forest was identified as desirable. So far, nothing further has developed.
Varied structures, open space and internals well as external views will maintain the interest of the visitor.
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Conservation
As well as a small part of Logierait Mires SSSI, Fonab has a large area of created wetland to the west of Clachan an Diridh which provides good damselfly breeding habitat. Grandtully has remnants of Ancient Woodland on its northern edge and the moor to the east on the high ground holds a reasonable population of Black grouse which have made use of the young forest edge in the past.
Heritage
Scheduled Ancient Monuments in both forests are managed according to plans agreed with Historic Scotland. These are retained in the Forest District Office. Unscheduled features are left undisturbed where possible.
5.0 Management Proposals
5.1 Future Management
Both Fonab and Grandtully are predominantly commercially productive forests though both also have significant areas that be managed by Low Impact Silvicultural Systems (LISS). There are also areas of Fonab and native broadleaved woodland restoration in both Grandtully. Both forests have an amount of open space already that will increase when thinning, felling and restocking.
5.1.1 Commercial areas
Commercial areas of the forest will be marketed and harvested in such a way as to maximise return on the initial investment whilst maintaining a district-wide steady rate of production.
Restocking will be done by selecting the species that best suit the ground conditions. These are assessed after felling using a combination of plant indicator species and soil pits to gauge soil moisture and fertility.
Management prescriptions for areas of CCF are outlined in Appendix III, but detailed prescriptions form part of the Coupe Work Plans produced for internal approval two years before an operation is to take place.
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Reduction of >10% of productive net area
Appendix III: Continuous Cover Prescriptions Plan Reason for Long-term Silvicultural CCF: BLVD: Observatio Next Proposed ref and selection structure* or system Rotation – Target ns (e.g. treatment monitori compt objective** Conversio tree cover likely required ng range and expected n - (%) – barriers to Timescale species Return achieving (years) period objective) (years) 09001 Burnside Blvs Simple, Oak Shelterwood 100 Next plan review 09008 Mature blvs Simple, Oak Shelterwood 100 Next plan review 09010 Burnside Blvs Simple, Oak Shelterwood Next plan review
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09014 Maturing Simple, Pine, Shelterwood 120/5/40 2010 Next plan conifers on Larch, Sitka review drier soils. Will spruce give long-term structure to this part of forest 09020 Scots Simple, Pine, Shelterwood 120/5/40 Sitka spruce 2010 Next plan pine/larch Larch understorey review mixture on developing- drier soils. currently may be useful for capercaillie cover but should not be retained long- term. 09019 Maturing Simple. Scots Shelterwood 150/7/20 Where there 2011 Next plan 09053 mixed conifers pine, larch, are small review 09054 on drier soils Douglas fir, areas of less 09056 forming an Norway and Sitka desirable 09063 important part spruce species 09066 of the present (eg 09067 backdrop to Lodgepole Pitlochry. pine), these can be thinned at a
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greater intensity to allow regeneration of preferred neighbouring species. 09057 Maturing Shelterwood 150/7/20 Around 2011 Next plan mixed conifers summit TV review on drier soils mast, thin forming an progressively important part more of the intensively to backdrop to give natural Pitlochry. scattered appearance after several cycles. 09068 Burnside Blvs Simple, Mixed Minimum 100 Next plan broadleaves intervention review 09171 Old, mature Minimum 150/7/20 Next plan Scots pine intervention review 09576 Felled Simple. Larch, Shelterwood 150/7/20 Continue to Next plan awaiting Scots pine. control and review restocking remove regenerating Western
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Hemlock. 23001 Mature Simple; birch, Shelterwood 200/10/15 100 2010 Next plan 23002 broadleaves oak, alder, hazel review 23029 etc 23030 23003 Young mixed Simple; SS, SP, Shelterwood 120/5/50 2013 Next plan 23007 conifers DF review 23024
23006 Young mixed Simple; SS, SP, Shelterwood 120/5/50 2014 Next plan 23025 conifers DF review 23180 23401 23031 Young mixed Simple; SS, SP, Shelterwood 120/5/50 2012 Next plan 23032 conifers DF review 23907
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Planning
Appendix I: Forest Design Plan Consultation Record
Joint Environment panel meeting for Faskally, Fonab and Grandtully (note: comments are attributed to the group as a whole)
Mr A Barbour 19/6/08 19/6/08 Mr J Burrow (SNH) 19/6/08 19/6/08 Restore further area Can be done after coupe of wetland by 09047 is felled in 2011. blocking more drains. Mr V Clements (SNW) 19/6/08 19/6/08 Mrs S Fleming (RSPB) 19/6/08 19/6/08 Mr B Fryer (SWT) 19/6/08 19/6/08 Mr T Barratt (FCS) 19/6/08 19/6/08 Mr M Whitehead 19/6/08 19/6/08 (Ramblers Association) Mr M Cheesewright 19/6/08 19/6/08 (Pitlochry community council) Mrs D Bancroft 19/6/08 19/6/08 (Killiecrankie and Fincastle community council)
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Public meeting (Joint meeting for Faskally, Fonab and Grandtully)
Mr J Pearson 20/4/09 20/4/09 No comments on (Pitlochry Fonab and community Grandtully council) Mr T Barratt 20/4/09 20/4/09 (FCS)
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