District Strategic Plan
Moray &
Aberdeenshire District Strategic Plan 2014-2017
Strategic Plan 2014-2017
Contents 1. Foreword ...... 3 2. About this plan ...... 5 3. Connecting with Scottish Government national priorities ..... 6 4. Connecting our plans with what we do on the ground ...... 7 5. Values and principles ...... 8 6. Introducing Moray & Aberdeenshire District ...... 10 7. District vision ...... 15 8. District priorities and actions ...... 15 9. Consulting and engaging with stakeholders ...... 48 10. Delivery & Monitoring ...... 53 Glossary ...... 55 Contact ...... 56
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1. Foreword The main role of Forest Enterprise Scotland is to manage explore how best to discharge this responsibility in 21st Scotland’s National Forest Estate. It is, for us, a privilege and century Scotland. we are excited about the potential to make more of an asset that occupies 9% of Scotland’s total land area. We are working with communities and partners to develop the Estate in a way that delivers against current local and national We remain committed to our forest management and timber priorities, while also ensuring that we manage the Estate production roots but we are also showing that with clear sustainably and improve it for future generations. This strategic thinking, good spatial planning and a broadening document lays out the next chapter of the Estate’s story; one range of skills and expertise, the Estate can offer much more that now spans nearly 100 years. besides. To use the language of ecosystem services (essentially, the benefits people obtain from ecosystems), we are enhancing the ‘supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural services’ provided by the Estate’s woodlands and its diverse open land area. Simon Hodge At the same time, we are conscious that the Estate is a public Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise Scotland asset. Ours is a stewardship role, and we are continuing to
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1. Ro-ràdh Is e prìomh dhleastanas Iomairt Choilltean na h-Alba a bhith an Nì sinn tuilleadh obrach a chum nan dòighean as èifeachdaiche urra ri Oighreachd Coille Nàiseanta na h-Alba, agus tha seo na air an dleastanas seo a choileanadh san 21mh linn; ag obair le urram dhuinn. Tha sinn a’ faighinn brosnachadh mòr às na coimhearsnachdan agus le compàirtean gus an Oighreachd a cothroman an lùib seo; stòras mòr chraobhan a tha a’ leasachadh a chum na prìomhachasan ionadail agus nàiseanta còmhdachadh còrr is 9% de dh’Alba. Tha sinn gu mòr airson is a thoirt gu buil. Nì sinn cinnteach, aig an aon àm, gum bi an gum bi sinn dìleas, dìcheallach a thaobh ar n-obrach a’ Oighreachd air a ruith ann an dòigh sheasmhach agus gun tèid manaidseadh nan coilltean agus a’ pròiseasadh an fhiodha. Tha a leasachadh airson an ath-ghinealaich. Tha am foillseachadh sinn a’ sealltainn, ge-tà, gun gabh mòran a dhèanamh a seo a’ toirt cunntas air an ath-chaibideil ann am beatha na h- bharrachd air seo – tro shiostam-planaidh soilleir, ro- Oighreachd, beatha a tha a’ dol air ais an ìre mhath 100 innleachdail - le leudachadh ga dhèanamh air sgilean is bliadhna. teòmachd na buidhne. Ann am briathran nan seirbheisean eag- shiostaim, tha sinn a’ toirt leasachadh air ar taic, goireasachadh, riaghladh agus ar seirbheisean cultarail; seirbheisean air an toirt seachad bhon dà chuid fearann coillteach na h-Oighreachd agus tron fharsaingeachd sgìrean de dh’fhearann fosgailte. Sìm Hodge Ceannard Iomairt Choilltean na h-Alba Tha sinn mothachail gu bheil an Oighreachd na so-mhaoin phoblach agus tha sinn gu mòr an sàs ann an obair ghlèidhidh.
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2. About this plan This document describes the role and strategic directions for Moray & Aberdeenshire District, an area representing approximately a tenth of Scotland’s National Forest Estate (the Estate). It replaces the Forest District Strategic Plan 2009-2013.
Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) is the agency of Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) that manages the Estate on behalf of Scottish Ministers. Information on FES and its governance, corporate goals, targets and performance measures can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk in the FES National Strategic Directions, the FCS Corporate Plan and Annual Reports.
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3. Connecting with Scottish Government national priorities The National Forest Estate covers 9% of Scotland’s land area Lastly and significantly, the Estate contains approximately a and provides a real opportunity to deliver across a number of third of Scotland’s total woodland resource and is key to Scottish Government priorities. We align the management of delivering the Scottish Forestry Strategy and Forestry the Estate to Scottish Government’s Scotland Performs Commission Scotland’s targets. framework. For more information on the delivery of Scottish Government The Estate presents the biggest opportunity for Scottish priorities and the linking of our priorities to the Scotland Government to implement the principles of the Land Use Performs framework, see our National Strategic Directions Strategy by working in partnership with nature, and linking document, The role of Scotland’s National Forest Estate and people with the land. However, the Estate can also help meet strategic directions 2013-16. Climate Change commitments through the use of trees to sequester carbon, by contributing to flood mitigation and by ensuring that the biodiversity of the Estate is secure and able to adapt to future climate change. This will also ensure a continued contribution to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.
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4. Connecting our plans with what we do on the ground We are currently reviewing our land management planning These District Plans will in turn drive our Land Management system – how we link national commitments and decision- Plans, which will build on the success of Forest Design Plans making to local action. We have a new National Strategic and further integrate varied land management priorities to Directions document, The role of Scotland’s National Forest maximise public benefit and optimise the provision of Estate and strategic directions 2013-16, which states our clear ecosystem services. Ecosystem services include such varied strategic direction for the next three years through a number of objectives as conserving vulnerable species, maintaining a National Key Commitments. supply of timber and biomass, and providing the largest area for recreation in Scotland. Land Management Plans will also The document you are now reading is part of the next level in drive the move to a ‘landscape scale’ estate management this planning hierarchy, and is one of ten District Plans that regime. translate the National Key Commitments into regional delivery.
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5. Values and principles We aim to be exemplars of multi-purpose and multi-benefit, sustainable land use. Here are the values we apply when delivering our actions on the National Forest Estate:
Value Examples of how this is demonstrated
We think long term Our Land Management Plans have a 50- to 100-year time horizon – we are a world leader in sustainable land management.
We deliver and demonstrate best We work to the UK Forestry Standard and Guidelines. practice We are independently audited against the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS), and are committed to maintaining our certification under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). We will maintain our ISO14001 accreditation and continue to improve our business sustainability. We will actively contribute to the Forestry Safety Accord.
We embrace both a public service and The majority of what we do is funded by commercial revenue. a business ethos
We are exemplars of multi-purpose We deliver a range of benefits in every landscape unit, such as recreation, biomass and sustainable land use production, energy generation, carbon sequestration, habitat management, health, education and skills development.
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Value Examples of how this is demonstrated
We work in partnership, locally and We work closely with other statutory and non-statutory bodies, such as Scottish nationally Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). We work closely with industry bodies, including the Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor), and other land managers, such as utilities companies, farmers and highways agencies. We work closely with the public to ensure their enjoyment of this national resource. We work closely with local communities to enable their involvement in using and managing local Estate woodlands to derive social, environmental and economic benefit.
We actively demonstrate our values of We are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to reflect the population teamwork, professionalism, respect, of Scotland. communication, learning and creativity We will develop and support our people to fully employ their skills, experience, in everything we do creativity and talent.
We are passionate about connecting We will continue to allow open access to all our land where safety allows. people with nature, wild places and cultural heritage
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6. Introducing Moray & Aberdeenshire District The National Forest Estate We manage 57,724 ha of land in Moray & Aberdeenshire There is currently approximately 1,237 ha of agricultural District. A total of 49,522 ha is woodland, 6,965 ha is made up quality land, much of it from recent acquisitions. Following the of open space, watercourses and bogs, and 1,237 ha is planning process, a proportion of this land will remain in farmland, generally under crofting tenure. agriculture in the form of starter farms, in addition to a range of small grazing and conservation leases. Of the 49,522 ha of woodland, 1,833 ha is in natural reserves or minimum intervention areas. A total of 40,300 ha has been There is a significant area (6,965 ha) of open ground, of which thinned – a high figure compared with other Districts. We also the single biggest area is the high ground at the top of manage 15,119 ha under low impact silviculture systems. Bennachie. The remaining open ground is largely formed by a mix of riparian corridors, land that is unsuitable for planting In terms of age, 8% of the woodland was planted in the 1970s (owing to soils, altitude or buildings), areas of conservation and 25% in the 1980s and 1990s. Older, pre-1970 stands value within the woodland matrix, and car parks. account for 44%, mostly in second rotation, and contain some veteran trees. Some of the commercial crop listed above is on ancient woodland sites (1,400 ha), and the total area managed Average conifer productivity for the District is Yield Class 11, includes 3,800 ha denoted as Sites of Special Scientific with a small area (2,478 ha of mostly Sitka spruce) of Yield Interest. The District team also manages 31 scheduled Class 20 and over. This contrasts with 9,000 ha of poor monuments. productivity (Yield Class 6 and below).
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Moray & Aberdeenshire District1
Total area of land Woodland: 49,522 ha (86%) Coniferous forest: 46,938 ha managed: 57,724 ha
Broadleaf forest: 2,584 ha2
Open space, watercourses and bog: 6,965 ha (12%)
Farmland: 1,237 ha (2%)
NOTES 1. Table not to scale 2. Includes 207 ha of ancient and semi-natural woodland Moray & Aberdeenshire District | 11
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Environment Moray & Aberdeenshire District ranges from the flat coastal The District is characterised by its important salmon fishing pine forests of Moray, through the rolling foothills and major river catchments, and silvicultural management is tailored to river courses of the Spey, Don and Dee, to an upland plateau help sustain the health and quality of these rivers – our of nearly 500 metres. The weather and climate to the west is operations are undertaken in accordance with soil and water sheltered by the Cairngorms but is exposed in the east to the guidance. Through our role in the North East Area Advisory effects of the North Sea. The springs and summers are Group, and by working with SEPA and relevant salmon fishing primarily dry (drought can be a factor in the lighter coastal boards, we will continue to make a positive contribution to river soils) but winters can be cold and snowy, which influences basin management plans and flood risk management. management on the higher ground. Although there are relatively few designated sites, there are Soils vary – from sands and the fertile farmland of the coastal also management prescriptions in place for key habitats and zone, to the dominant podzols of the mid uplands, and the species, including otter, freshwater pearl mussel, lamprey, red deep peats on the highest areas. These soil types influence squirrel, capercaillie, black grouse, wildcat, badger, lepidoptera species selection. Sitka spruce is the dominant species and a range of raptors. although the pines (Scots, lodgepole and Corsican) are important in the sandy soils of Moray, the deeper upland peats Moray & Aberdeenshire District also has an important role to and along the riparian corridors. play in the control of invasive species, notably rhododendron, Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed.
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Cultural More than half a million people, roughly 9% of Scotland’s use. The District manages peri-urban woodlands, particularly population, live within Moray & Aberdeenshire District, around within the Aberdeen City boundary, which meet significant half of whom live in Aberdeen with a further large proportion recreational demand for green spaces. along the main arterial transport routes. The area’s oil-rich reputation contrasts starkly with localised pockets of deprivation Moray & Aberdeenshire District cares for 31 scheduled where social inclusion remains an aspiration, and this is not monuments and there are more than 1,200 heritage features confined to the larger towns. on record in the Forester GIS Heritage Module. Those of particular interest include the late Neolithic recumbent stone Approximately 1.8 million day-visitors use the forests each circles unique to Aberdeenshire, the well-preserved World War year, mainly at a number of key sites although there is a Two coastal defences of Moray and the enormous Pictish widespread informal pattern of quiet and active recreational Citadel of the Mither Tap on Bennachie.
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Economy The area has a very strong association with the oil industry, timber and plays a major role in sustaining jobs, particularly in centred in Aberdeen, and this has a significant wider economic the processing sector. impact on much of Grampian. The rural areas are dominated by a very strong agricultural sector with sporting estates in the Mineral resources are limited, although there are two active uplands, distilling primarily on Speyside, salmon fishing on the private sector businesses extracting sand and gravel under numerous key rivers and fishing in the coastal communities. licence. There are several renewable wind energy opportunities Forestry is also prominent over much of the area with long under construction and more under consideration. Forest established private and public sector woodlands. recreation generates income and helps sustain local employment, directly or indirectly, through shops and service Moray & Aberdeenshire District employs 73 full-time equivalent providers. Farming is a developing part of the business and we posts directly and engages significant numbers of mostly locally have 1,241 ha of agricultural land under grazing licence, with based contractors on a wide range of work, particularly timber one starter farm in place and some further potential. felling and haulage. The District is a significant producer of
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7. District vision We will remain an acknowledged provider of well-managed and sustainably managed land and forests in our care so they meet contemporary social, recreational and conservation aspirations, contribute to the local economy through tourism, renewables and timber production, and integrate well with surrounding land uses.
8. District priorities and actions Our overall aspiration is a National Forest Estate that is: The following sections follow these themes (first introduced in Healthy ...achieving good environmental and silvicultural the National Strategic Directions document) to ensure clear condition in a changing climate linkages throughout the planning framework. Productive ...providing sustainable economic benefits from the land All Districts will apply an approach based on a strategic Treasured ...as a multi-purpose resource that sustains assessment of national and regional priorities. livelihoods, improves quality of life, and offers involvement and enjoyment Accessible ...local woodlands and national treasures that are well promoted, welcoming and open for all Cared for ...working with nature and respecting landscapes, natural and cultural heritage Good value ...exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of public benefits
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Healthy ...achieving good environmental and silvicultural condition in a changing climate
Moray & Aberdeenshire District has a high percentage of low Recently, the District has had confirmed cases of Phytophthora impact silviculture, characterised by significant components of ramorum in larch and also Phytophthora austrocedrae in continuous cover forestry and a very high thinnings programme. juniper. We have completed sanitation felling on the known The District will seek to optimise low impact silviculture ramorum outbreak but will remain alert and undertake any wherever practical and will seek to develop forests that are additional work that is necessary. We will seek to maintain our resilient to climate change and diseases through closely current juniper population, and will take any opportunity to matching species to site and environmental conditions. safeguard and, where practicable, increase the resource.
The District has been significantly affected by Dothistroma Areas of important salmon rivers within the District – including needle blight infection on pine species such as Scots, Corsican the River Spey and River Deveron – have been affected by and lodgepole. We will continue to monitor the effects of the invasive giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed and sea buckthorn. blight, and will develop and implement locally effective We will seek to manage these species where they occur on the mitigation measures. This will be achieved by a challenging National Forest Estate as part of wider coordinated partnership programme of clearfelling and thinning (particularly targeting actions. lodgepole pine) to bring the infection back to an acceptable level of management by 2019.
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National Key Commitment (Healthy) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
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Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor Good We are committed to high quality Moray & Aberdeenshire District already has a high silviculture and, increasingly, to using proportion (30%) of woodland cover managed under low alternatives to clearfelling impact silvicultural systems, which is a figure we want to maintain as a minimum.
Thinning to improve timber quality will be our preferred
option and we will work with our staff and contractors to
further develop skills in this area. We will maintain a District Thinning Plan and will aim to thin a minimum
two-thirds of the forested area. Outputs will be approximately 120,000 cubic metres annually.
We are exploring how to best steward The District will adopt a low impact silvicultural system the carbon resources locked up in the where feasible to minimise the impact of ground Estate’s trees and soils preparation and felling, and follow Forest & Water Guidance and Forest Soils Guidance 2011.
Moray & Aberdeenshire District will supply approximately
5,000 cubic metres annually for the domestic firewood market, and 10,000 cubic metres annually for biomass to reduce the requirement for hydrocarbons.
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National Key Commitment (Healthy) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
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Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor Good We will help the Estate adapt to The District will continue to make good use of Ecological climate change and become more Site Classification to closely fit species to sites, and resilient to pressure take into account the anticipated effects of climate change. (One important possible effect is that some current Sitka spruce sites could become more susceptible to drought.) The District will manage Dothistroma needle blight in lodgepole pine during the period of this plan and, by reducing inoculum levels, will seek to safeguard Scots pine and Corsican pine woodlands, particularly in Speyside/Deeside and on the Moray Coast at Culbin. We will continue to work with partners to reduce the risk of flooding due to a changing climate. Areas at risk include Dunnottar Wood, the Deveron and Fochabers Burn.
We are committed to dealing with Moray & Aberdeenshire District is at the forefront of invasive plants and animals that efforts to reduce the impact of grey squirrels in the area. threaten habitats and biodiversity We are particularly committed to reducing their presence around Aberdeen and along the watercourses of the Dee and the Don.
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National Key Commitment (Healthy) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
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Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor Good We are committed to dealing with We will continue to work with partners to destroy invasive plants and animals that Japanese knotweed (especially in Spey catchment) and threaten habitats and biodiversity to help eradicate giant hogweed (in Deveron catchment). (continued) The District will continue to help monitor and control
mink in the Don, Dee and Deveron river catchments.
An active rhododendron control programme will be maintained with the aim of removing all mature bushes by 2015, and eradicating rhododendron completely by 2018.
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Productive ...providing sustainable economic benefits from the land
Moray & Aberdeenshire is a key District for timber production this strategic plan, this will result in significant private sector on the National Forest Estate. It contributes significantly to involvement to establish new forests under framework meeting the demand from local value-added processing capacity contracts. – an approach that minimises haulage and maximises income. We will ensure that any future land purchases are made only The District will continue to sustainably produce around 350,000 after due consideration to the effect on the agricultural sector. cubic metres of timber per annum. This will be actively We will seek to make agricultural quality land available for marketed as a component of long-term contracts and as a grazing (and, where appropriate, cropping) where this is proportion of open market sales to maintain competitiveness. compatible with, or complementary to, other objectives. This Costs will be measured against private activities, and will include the development of two starter farm opportunities. competitive processes will be applied to procurement activities. The District contributes significantly to the local tourism We will implement a productive broadleaf strategy to ensure a economy, through the National Forest Estate generally and the steady expansion of the broadleaf woodland on Estate where provision of specific high quality visitor attractions, such as it is compatible with sound silviculture. This will involve the Bennachie and Culbin. effective delivery of a deer management strategy in accordance with nationally agreed working practices. We will maintain the current key visitor facilities, remain receptive to new opportunities and continue to contribute to Moray & Aberdeenshire District has been purchasing land for local partnership and tourism strategies. This will include the establishment of new woodland and, during the period of hosting a wide range of recreational events, such as the
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Scottish Orienteering Championships. These larger scale events can deliver significant local economic gains and, by promoting active lifestyles, reduce pressure on health providers in the longer term.
The Land Management Plans for the Deeside (Inver, Pannanich, Cambus) and Strathdon (Bunzeach and Auchernach) forests are developed to contribute to the wider land management objectives of the Cairngorms National Park Forest and Woodland Framework. Aberdeenshire is one of two Regional Land Use Pilots in which Forestry Commission Scotland works with a range of partners. It is expected that Moray & Aberdeenshire District will get more involved after the results of the pilot are known.
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National Key Commitment (Productive) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We aim to increase the contribution of Moray & Aberdeenshire District will continue to actively the National Forest Estate to the look for opportunities for business development. These economy of Scotland and its regions, include renewable energy (at Clashindarroch and and recognise the potential of the Fetteresso) and commercial recreation. Estate to assist transition to a low We will maximise brash and stump recovery where it is carbon economy economic and environmentally viable to do so.
We aim to provide at least three The District will maintain a sustainable annual softwood million cubic metres of sustainable timber production of 350,000 cubic metres over bark softwood timber every year standing.
We intend to manage at least a The District will adhere to its local broadleaf strategy. quarter of our expanding broadleaf This includes increasing our productive broadleaf woodlands to produce quality resource by planting a further 700 ha by 2019. hardwoods and woodfuel Where economically viable, we will actively manage our broadleaf resource to secure silvicultural improvement and commercial return.
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National Key Commitment (Productive) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We will market timber in ways that To optimise recovery and income streams, timber will be encourage value adding and create marketed to best match demand, including parcelling additional jobs in manufacturing and firewood and potential biomass material. processing, while recognising the A high proportion of timber production (70%) will be benefits of contributing to local economic activity, especially in more marketed within medium- or long-term contracts to fragile rural areas ensure market stability and to encourage processors to invest in maintenance and upgrades.
We will use our work programmes to The District will offer long- and medium-term contract promote the development of the work on an open and fair basis to encourage business forestry and land management development and investment through sustainable work sectors programmes. Key to this will be direct contracts for approx. 110,000 cubic metres of timber production.
The District will support the Modern Apprenticeship
scheme, and encourage forest skills development with a programme that will produce qualified apprentices for employment in the public or private sectors.
We plan to increase agricultural use Where practical and economically viable, land of grazing of the Estate where this is consistent quality will be made available for lease or grazing licence. with environmental objectives
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National Key Commitment (Productive) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We plan to increase agricultural use The District will maintain a starter farm at Upper of the Estate where this is consistent Tullochbeg and look at further opportunities during the with environmental objectives period of this plan. (continued) We will ensure that any agricultural-quality land that is acquired will be managed productively, pending land management decisions, in accordance with Woodland Expansion Advisory Group protocols.
We aim to realise the Estate’s The District will facilitate the development of windfarms renewable energy potential, while that have planning consent. achieving a reasonable balance with Subject to grid connection dates and planning approvals, other objectives we will also help the progression of windfarms with a view to optimising returns during the period of this plan. Initial sites will include Huntly, Speyside and Fetteresso.
The District will consider community wind and hydro opportunities on the National Forest Estate.
We will work with partners to find The District work with VisitScotland, local authorities, new ways to harness our natural and local tourism organisations, volunteers and businesses to cultural heritage and develop the capitalise on visitor attractions at Cambus o’ May, Estate’s potential for tourism Culbin, Gallows Hill (Dunnottar), Mither Tap (Bennachie); thus benefiting the local economy.
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National Key Commitment (Productive) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We will work with partners to find We will continue to work with the Bennachie Centre new ways to harness our natural and Trust and Bailies of Bennachie to maintain and develop cultural heritage and develop the Bennachie as an important local visitor destination. Estate’s potential for tourism We will develop Land Management Plans within the (continued) Cairngorms National Park that reflect and contribute to the objectives of the Forest and Woodland Framework.
We will support the Scottish Through appropriate acquisitions, we will help deliver Government's woodland expansion Scottish Government woodland expansion targets in policy accordance with the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group report.
During the plan period, we will consult on, and
thereafter implement, agreed Land Management Plans for all extant acquisitions, including Corniehaugh/
Woodfold, Mains of Ittingstone, Upper Tullochbeg,
Curlusk, Broadfield, Culdrain and Waulkmill.
A portfolio analysis of existing holdings will identify woodlands for disposal, with a view to generating income to purchase and establish new forests.
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Treasured ...as a multi-purpose resource that sustains livelihoods, improves quality of life, and offers involvement and enjoyment
We will maintain and enhance our established track record of suitable candidates for employment within the forestry sector. working constructively with communities, and encourage We will also work with local schools and encourage them to use further local engagement through active partnerships and the of the forests as an educational and recreational resource. promotion of the National Forest Land Scheme. The District has invested in the improvement of the popular Car ownership is a prerequisite of rural living but, where Tyrebagger Christmas Tree Centre, visited by more than possible, we will try to encourage decision-makers to help us 15,000 local people during the Festive season. We will facilitate social inclusion by providing appropriate public encourage and develop this opportunity for commercial and transport to local forests. community engagement, and continue to explore new opportunities to improve the year-round use of our woodland Moray & Aberdeenshire District supports Modern Apprenticeships resource. and will continue to provide two opportunities to prepare
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National Key Commitment (Treasured) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We want to encourage local people Land Management Plans will be developed in to get involved in using and managing consultation with local communities, in accordance with local Estate woodlands, so we will our consultation strategy, to take into account local actively engage with local views that add value and provide benefits. communities and be open to work We will continue to work with local groups (eg, Bailies of in partnership Bennachie, Dunnottar Woodland Park Association, Friends of Durris Forests), and develop partnerships with others.
We will continue to use the Estate as We will provide a mid-year student placement in each a place for volunteering and gaining business year, and participate in the Modern employment skills Apprenticeship programme to provide opportunities for up to two apprentices every two years. We will work with third sector organisations who provide development and recuperation opportunities for adults, and maintain a register of volunteers so suitable projects can be progressed as volunteering experiences.
We are committed to creating more Moray & Aberdeenshire District will promote our key uniquely special places across the sites at Bennachie, Culbin and Roseisle as special places, Estate and to delivering benefits to an and maintain the highest standards of recreational increasingly diverse range of management to maximise the opportunities for their Scotland’s people responsible use.
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National Key Commitment (Treasured) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We are committed to creating more To enhance the visitor experience, we will continue to uniquely special places across the make visual and environmental improvements around Estate and to delivering benefits to an priority visitor recreation sites and along major tourist increasingly diverse range of routes. Scotland’s people (continued) We will continue to work in partnership with the Huntly
Nordic Ski Club and the Huntly Nordic & Outdoor Centre on the ski trail network within Clashindarroch Forest.
This forest has some of the best snow-holding capabilities
in Britain for forest skiing and is enjoyed by a wide
range of Nordic skiers.
Visitor experience plans explore how we may best interpret special places to add value to visitors’ appreciation and understanding of these locations and their management. We will prepare management plans at Quarrel Wood, Blackhall (Scolty), and Culbin. The District will encouraging an inclusive approach to the enjoyment of the forest resources by continuing to work with partners such as Greenfingers and the Fieldfare Trust to ensure facilities are fit for purpose.
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National Key Commitment (Treasured) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We recognise the value of the Estate Moray & Aberdeenshire District will support appropriate as a place for research and research programmes (eg, Aberdeen University research development of best practice programme), including those with a focus on developing mitigation measures against Dothistroma needle blight.
The District will, subject to resources, seek to be an
exemplar of best practice in all aspects of our management delivery.
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Accessible ...local woodlands and national treasures that are well promoted, welcoming and open for all
Every year, around 1.8 million day-visitors make use of high- actively promoted for recreation will be evaluated for all- quality recreational sites on Scotland’s National Forest Estate. abilities access. Sites at Culbin, Monaughty and Bennachie will In Moray & Aberdeenshire District, we will focus available be prioritised, and evaluation will build on earlier work resources on sites that maximise public benefit. For example, completed in 2012-2013. We will continue to encourage the we will concentrate improvements to the Moray Monster Trails use of woodland for therapeutic, restorative experiences and on those areas that are most heavily used. will work with partners who promote the use of forests to improve wellbeing, such as the Paths to Health initiative and We have a significant number of Woods in and Around Towns the Moray-based Greenfingers programme. (WIAT) sites in the District, including Aberdeen and Elgin. These provide recreation and education opportunities to We will maintain an active What’s On programme, play a full predominantly urban users. The sites require significant on- part in the schedule of events in the north-east, and encourage going management and we will strive to deliver and maintain the use of promoted trails (eg, Bennachie) and the forest roads standards of excellence, aided by the development of two network for active recreation. We will also work with local ‘woodland warden’ posts. We will consider opportunities for access authorities to manage core paths and long distance further WIAT provision subject to the availability of suitable ways, such as the Deeside Way, Speyside Way, Moray Coastal land and resources. Trail and Gordon Way. In order to minimise disruption to recreational access, our site management will adhere to best With assistance from our in-house Equalities & Diversity team practice principles as set out in the Management of Health & and assessments from the Fieldfare Trust, sites that are Safety in Forestry Guidance.
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National Key Commitment (Accessible) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We will continue to invest available We will continue to review our facilities and prioritise resources into high quality facilities resources to ensure they continue to deliver a safe, high that encourage and help visitors quality product at key locations (such as Bennachie) to experience and enjoy the outdoor meet the needs of local people and visitors in accordance environment with priorities informed by our visitor surveys.
Our staff will continue to be responsive to visitor needs,
learn and develop their customer focus and facility
management skills, and continue to improve our marketing (including on-line information) and
promotional work. This will include working closely with
VisitScotland and other local partners.
Moray & Aberdeenshire District will welcome approaches from third party recreation providers where their proposals are compatible with our management objectives. This will include looking at possible third- party sponsorship opportunities at Blackhall.
We will continue to encourage use of The District will work with local private and public sector the Estate for health benefits and education leaders to encourage the use of the forest as a outdoor learning learning and physical activity resource through the forest schools programme.
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
National Key Commitment (Accessible) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We will continue to encourage use of We will continue to promote the use of the National the Estate for health benefits and Forest Estate for a wide range of events and activities, outdoor learning (continued) including competitive sports, leisure activities and learning opportunities. We will publish a newsletter, maintain our annual Christmas tree sale and develop our ‘What’s On’ programme.
We will also continue to improve our permission system,
to reduce potential conflicts between different users and
encourage healthy activity and sport on foot, bike and horseback (and by any other method consistent with rights afforded under Part One of the Land Reform Act 2003).
Through our Woods in and Around We will maintain high standards of management at Towns (WIAT) programme, we aim to established Woods in and Around Towns (WIAT) sites provide more opportunities for more (eg, Countesswells and Dunnottar) and consider of Scotland’s people to enjoy high- opportunities for further development. quality countryside, and find health, We will continue to explore opportunities to extend the education, skills and community provision of woodland cover, facilities and services in involvement benefits and around Aberdeen City, and reactivate the partnership approach at Quarry Wood, near Elgin.
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
Cared for ...working with nature and respecting landscapes, natural and cultural heritage
In our work programmes, Moray & Aberdeenshire District pine forests of Deeside and Speyside. We actively monitor the takes a keen interest in safeguarding all aspects of natural population, and adjust our operations to maintain and create and cultural heritage. We have 14 Sites of Special Scientific appropriate habitats and minimise disturbance. This involves Interest, manage 31 scheduled monuments and engage an scheduling operations appropriately, implementing thinning archaeologist to carry out archaeological surveys before programmes to favour ground vegetation, and retaining groups undertaking operations. We also deliver public events to of larch and standing deadwood to provide fodder and roosting promote particular highlights, including the Colony Houses sites. Our operations also help protect the District’s small at Bennachie and the extensive World War Two fortifications populations of black grouse. All designated nature conservation in Roseisle, Culbin and Lossiemouth. sites in the District are managed in accordance with agreements developed in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage. We will ensure that historic environment features are identified within our work plans and that damage is avoided The District also has small areas of juniper, which we are during forestry operations. We will also ensure that relevant careful to sustain. For the most part, these are above the designated historic assets (and significant undesignated historic commercial treeline so are separated from felling and assets) are included within our Forest Design Plans and Land restocking activities. Deer browsing is, however, a constraint, Management Plans, and are actively managed within a and some sites are also suffering from losses through programme of detailed archaeological recording and Phytophthora austrocedrae, a fungus-like plant pathogen that conservation management. causes an often fatal disease of its host plant.
Our District is one of only four with established populations of However, there are some opportunities to expand the District's capercaillie. Key areas for this rare and elusive bird are the juniper resource in areas of renewables development. Where
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
taller-growing conifers would affect the wind flow to turbines, they can be replaced with lower-lying shrub layers, such as juniper.
Red squirrels are found throughout the area and our District is the highest priority area for red squirrel management on the National Forest Estate. We promote favourable conditions for them through the timing of operations, species protection and tree species selection. Additionally, we will continue an active programme of grey squirrel control, and select broadleaf species with care to avoid creating wildlife corridors favourable to grey squirrel movements.
The District is working with external advisors to assess possible opportunities for an appropriately scaled sand dune habitat restoration programme. We will continue to further develop the thinking, and build on existing initiatives at Lossie Forest and Culbin in particular.
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National Key Commitment (Cared for) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We are restoring around 85% of Moray & Aberdeenshire District will have 38% of areas on ancient woodland sites to plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) in active largely native species – the remaining restoration within the plan period, with an overall aim of areas will be enhanced through our achieving 53% of sites fully restored to native woodland. management This is lower than the national target because a number of large sites (eg, Blackhall and South Drumtochty) have conflicting objectives, including the management of sites for red squirrels, historical landscapes and high recreational use.
We aim to increase broadleaf tree The District will expand its commercial broadleaf cover from the current 8% of resource wherever viable to contribute to the 20% woodland cover to around 20% national target.
Existing broadleaf woodland will be surveyed to ensure there is an accurate record. We will ensure an active
programme of bringing these areas into District
management.
There will be a programme of fencing and culling to reduce the effects of deer grazing and browsing on the broadleaf resource to allow the production of commercial quality broadleaf timber.
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
National Key Commitment (Cared for) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We are committed to maintaining the The District will contribute to the developing policy of best open habitats in good ecological sand dune habitat restoration where it is relevant to condition Culbin and Lossie forests, and will progress any agreed prescriptions during the plan period.
We will pursue favourable condition status (where
practicable) for designated open ground sites, including Culbin, Hill of Towanreef and Spey Bay, in accordance
with plans agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage.
The District will continue to review all open ground management on a regular basis to ensure it is
appropriate. Grazing licences may be used, where appropriate, to maintain or enhance open ground habitats (eg, Blackmiddens and Mortlach Moss).
We will work to the Peat Policy and Lowland Raised
Bog Strategy and look for opportunities to protect and enhance carbon-rich soils. We will continue
reinstatement work at Gowmoss and the Moss of Cairnty while looking for further sites as forest plans are
reviewed.
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
National Key Commitment (Cared for) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We are committed to maintaining the We will ensure that all our Land Management Plans take best open habitats in good ecological into consideration the requirements of the Water condition (continued) Framework Directive. We will ensure that our management of woodlands within Cairngorms National Park will contribute to the objectives of the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2013- 2018 and Cairngorms Forest and Woodland Framework.
We will identify particularly Moray & Aberdeenshire District is one of only four with vulnerable species for which the populations of capercaillie. We will manage the relevant National Forest Estate is important forests in Deeside and Speyside in accordance with best and take specific conservation action practice guidance to minimising disruption and enhancing habitat where practicable.
We will employ a best practice approach to ensure that
raptors are safeguarded and enhanced by beneficial silvicultural management. There will be a particular emphasis on goshawks and red kites. We will safeguard the current limited juniper resource in Cambus o’ May and Strathdon, and will consider appropriate opportunities for expansion in Clashindarroch and new acquisitions.
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
National Key Commitment (Cared for) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We will identify particularly Red squirrels exist throughout much of the District and vulnerable species for which the there are a number of stronghold sites. We will
National Forest Estate is important safeguard existing populations through beneficial and take specific conservation action management and by supporting a cull programme to (continued) constrain the populations of grey squirrels in the Aberdeen area and along the watercourses of the Don and the Dee. We will also work to maintain habitats suitable for red squirrels with particular emphasis on the Deeside corridor.
We will safeguard archaeological We will continue to update the Forester GIS Heritage sites through our planning and Module with new discoveries, and will commission management, and recognise special archaeological survey where necessary. places and features with local cultural We will continue to undertake conservation management, meaning condition monitoring and archaeological recording at significant historic assets
We will continue to work with stakeholders to develop, share and promote best practice historic environment
conservation management.
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
National Key Commitment (Cared for) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We will safeguard archaeological We will ensure our significant designated heritage assets sites through our planning and are managed according to Monument Management Plans management, and recognise special agreed with Historic Scotland. places and features with local cultural We will continue to hire an archaeological specialist to meaning (continued) carry out checks of all work sites of archaeological interest. The District will work particularly closely with Bennachie Centre Trust and Bailies of Bennachie to interpret the cultural interest in Bennachie.
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
Good value ...exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of public benefits
In addition to timber production, we will continue to recognise Mid Hill, Fetteresso, and Clashindarroch) and two more are in and, where possible, further develop our contribution to the planning, and we will work with the developers to facilitate the local tourism sector. We will maintain car parking charges at delivery of the schemes. The District is also working with a current visitor sites and seek to develop partnership-working number of developers and relevant communities on smaller elsewhere that creates income streams, efficiency gains or scale renewable programmes, and will continue to do so as wider benefits. schemes approved through the formal planning process are implemented. Given that the area is predominantly agricultural in nature, we will seek to make best use of the agricultural quality land Where there are opportunities to derive income streams from within the Moray & Aberdeenshire District and create grazing the management of the Estate (eg, minerals or recreational licences, leases or agricultural tenancies where appropriate. management activities), we will seek to optimise income wherever possible. The District has played an active part in developing renewable wind energy projects. Two major schemes are underway (at
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
National Key Commitment (Good value) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We will seek a diverse range of Moray & Aberdeenshire District will work constructively income sources to underpin the cost with developers to secure renewable energy of managing the Estate, and we will programmes which fit with other management continually look for ways to achieve objectives. best value in delivery of public Following fair and open tenders, we will develop benefits relationships with recreation and tourism related businesses for commercial recreational opportunities
which can be accommodated on the Estate and which
contribute to other management and policy objectives.
We will continue to charge for car parking at current sites where charges are levied in a way that is considered commensurate with short and longer stays. The proceeds will contribute to the upkeep of recreation and tourism facilities and services. The District will optimise the return to the public purse from estate development, such as land sales, telecommunications opportunities or third party negotiations.
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National Key Commitment (Good value) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes
Healthy Productive Treasured Accessible Caredfor value Good We will make progressive reductions Moray & Aberdeenshire District will continue to reduce in the emissions from our Estate energy consumption in the management of management activities infrastructure through rationalisation and design. This will include a reconfiguration of our buildings at Durris and a replacement for the current Craibstone offices linked to a review of our base at Bennachie.
We will strive to secure a 5% reduction in carbon
emissions associated with travel through the use of video conferencing and low emissions vehicles, and by
the application of the evolving light vehicles policy.
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Strategic Plan 2014-2017
9. Consulting and engaging with stakeholders When it comes to developing and implementing new plans, strategies or policies, Forest Enterprise Scotland attaches great importance to consulting and engaging with customers and stakeholders. We aim to achieve that involvement at an early stage, and use the information and consultation process as a way of broadening the range of those who are engaged. Our aim is to ensure that the engagement is thorough, effective, transparent and appropriate to the target audience.
Key commitments Share a clear and agreed purpose with all parties These commitments highlight the importance of equality and Ensure that fairness, equality and inclusion underpins all of recognising the diversity of people and organisations. They aspects of engagement, and is reflected both in engagement offer a clear sense of purpose for achieving change; one that policies and the way that everyone participates builds on the skills and knowledge of all those involved, and Provide accurate and timely information puts emphasis on continuous improvement. Exercise skill to build relationships, ensure practise of equalities principles, share ownership of the agenda, and Engagement by the District on plans and programmes enable all viewpoints to be reflected conforms to the FES Engagement Strategy, which in turn Improve the quality of engagement by learning from follows the Scottish Government Consultation Good Practice experience Guidance. The table on the next page details our Give participants the opportunity to build on their engagement strategy. knowledge and skills Conform to statutory legislation
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Who we engage with
Types of activity National Regional Local
District Strategic Forestry Commission Scotland FCS Conservancy Individuals
Plans Statutory and non-statutory Grampian Regional Forestry Council Members consultees (eg, timber trade, Forum Community Councils SNH, SEPA, RSPB) Timber trade, local Communities of Interest authorities, Cairngorms National Park Authority, statutory and non-statutory consultees
Land Management FCS Conservancy, timber Neighbours, businesses, Plans trade, local authorities, residents, Council members, Cairngorms National Park Community Councils Authority, statutory and non- Communities of Interest statutory consultees
Renewable energy FCS Conservancy Office, local Neighbours, Community Councils projects – wind authorities, statutory and and community groups and hydro non-statutory consultees Communities of Interest (Potential Investors); Communities of Interest (Objectors)
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Types of activity National Regional Local
Development Ministers, statutory and non- FCS Conservancy Office, local Neighbours, businesses, Plans statutory consultees (eg, authorities, statutory and residents, Council members, timber trade, SNH, SEPA, non-statutory consultees Community Councils RSPB)
Work plans Utility companies, access Neighbours, businesses officers, local authorities, Utility companies highways agencies Renewable Developers Conservation Groups UKWAS
Repositioning Ministers, FCS, SGRPID FCS, SGRPID, local authorities Neighbours, Community Councils programmes Local User Groups
Recreation events Access officers, local Access officers, local authorities, authorities, highways highways agencies, neighbours agencies, neighbours Local User Groups Educational Groups
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District engagement The area covered by Moray & Aberdeenshire District has a Agriculture dominates much of the land use pattern outwith the very small proportion of ethnic communities and limited racial city, while the fishing industry has a significant economic and or religious diversity. There are localised but fluctuating cultural influence on the coastal communities. employment-related clusters of mainly eastern European workers. Localised pockets of deprivation are restricted to specific areas within the city of Aberdeen and coastal communities that are Approximately half of the area’s population lives within the remote from much of the woodland resource. There are also city of Aberdeen, with a high proportion of the remainder along small localised areas such as Upper Strathdon and Cabrach, the main arterial corridors (A96, A90 and A93). The large where the decline in traditional agriculture and estate number of smaller towns and villages outwith these corridors management has fragmented communities. This constrains tend to have developed through a close association with local social inclusion through loss of critical mass and service industries, such as fishing, distilling or agriculture. provision. Car ownership is a prerequisite of life in many of these locations. The area’s prominent oil-rich economy is centred round Aberdeen but has an influence over much of the District, Larger, national level stakeholders tend only to engage with providing highly paid jobs and creating demand for off-shift Moray & Aberdeenshire District when we approach them on recreational resources. The recreational activities prominent matters regarding planning processes, primarily at Forest within the District reflect the relative affluence of user groups – Design Plan level. This may change with the advent of Land equestrian, sled dogs, motorsports and mountain biking are all Management Plans. well represented. Many rural communities also have a close association with their local forest and a sense of ownership, Regional level stakeholder engagement is limited to local not least through dog walking and quiet recreation. As a authorities and occasional interaction with the well-represented consequence, they commonly take a keen interest in their local timber trade. The latter tends to focus on issues associated woodland, which is usually most evident in relation to delivery with production-forecasting, which is primarily addressed at rather than planning. national level.
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Local stakeholders vary, and there are a number of partnership initiatives – primarily linked to their local woodland (eg, Dunnottar Woodland Park Association) – that are closely involved in planning the management of their woodland. There are also significant ‘communities of interest’, most commonly with a recreational remit (eg, Moray Sled Dog Group, Grampian Orienteers, Moray Equestrian Access Group), with whom we frequently engage on access management permissions.
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10. Delivery & Monitoring Context A rolling annual business plan identifies and measures the Before finally agreeing on the way forward, a key component of physical and financial resources required to deliver the Moray & any strategic planning is to establish the current position. This Aberdeenshire District component of the National Strategic is achieved by reviewing past performance against the Directions. indicators outlined in the previous Moray & Aberdeenshire Forest District Strategic Plan 2009-2013. The business plan is developed using data from detailed work plans, which are prepared for all significant programmes Monitoring for the 2009-2013 District approximately two years before work commences. Work plans are driven by Land Management Plans and, ultimately, by the Strategic Plan District Strategic Plan. The 2009-2013 plan contained seven themes from the Scottish Forestry Strategy: Climate Change, Timber, Business Following approval of the business plan, local managers Development, Community Development, Access & Health, organise the agreed programmes and report quarterly against Environmental Quality and Biodiversity. In the plan, we timescales, resources and quality standards. This monitoring is outlined how we would contribute to the targets for each of the integral to sustainable forest management and is wide ranging; seven themes. Progress is shown separately in Appendix 1, reflecting formal performance monitoring, such as the UK which reports completion of the targets (new, yes, no or Forest Standard, and informal monitoring, which deals with partial) and includes appropriate comments on achievements day-to-day detailed management activity. (or mitigation where the target has not been fully met).
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Monitoring for the 2014-2017 District Strategic Environmental Assessment Strategic Plan Monitoring The 2014-2017 District Strategic Plan will be routinely All ten District Strategic Plans will be subject to assessment monitored to ensure that progress can be tracked against and consultation through established Strategic Environmental national and local aspirations. Monitoring will focus on specific Assessment procedures. The outcomes will be used to create a District Priority Commitments, which are outlined in the suite of indicators under the six national priorities. The thematic tables containing ‘District Actions’ and have been reporting strategy will be owned at national level but will reflect determined by each District’s ability to deliver against the six local trends and District issues derived from the relevant aspirations of the National Strategic Directions document. District Priority Commitments. The relevant indicators will be These aspirations or ‘national priorities’ are: Healthy, reviewed at the same time as the National Strategic Directions Productive, Treasured, Accessible, Cared for, and Good value. and the District Strategic Plans.
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Glossary ASNW Ancient Semi-Natural Woodlands PEFC Programme for the Endorsement of Forest CCF Continuous Cover Forestry Certification ConFor Confederation of Forest Industries RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds DSP District Strategic Plans SAC Special Areas of Conservation EQIA Equality Impact Assessment SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment FCS Forestry Commission Scotland SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency FES Forest Enterprise Scotland SGRPID Scottish Government Rural Payments and FSC Forest Stewardship Council Inspections Directorate GIS Geographic Information Systems SNH Scottish Natural Heritage KPI Key Performance Indicator SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest NSA National Scenic Areas STTF Strategic Timber Transport Fund NSD National Strategic Directions UKFPA United Kingdom Forest Products Association PAWS Planted Ancient Woodland Sites WIAT Woods in and Around Towns
Forestry Commission Scotland serves as part of the Scottish Government's Environment and Forestry Directorate and is responsible to Scottish Ministers. Forest Enterprise Scotland is the agency of Forestry Commission Scotland charged with managing the National Forest Estate.
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Contact Forestry Commission Scotland Moray and Aberdeenshire District Portsoy Road Huntly AB54 4SJ Tel: 01466 794161 Email: [email protected] Web: www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
If you need this publication in an alternative format (for example, in large print or in another language), please contact:
The Diversity Team Forestry Commission Scotland Silvan House 231 Corstorphine Road Edinburgh EH12 7AT Tel: 0131 314 6575 E-mail: [email protected]
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