Lochab er Forest District

Forest Design Plan

ARDMOLICH

2013 -2023

1 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013

ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023

Ardmolich Forest Design Plan Forest District FOREST ENTERPRISE ARDMOLICH Application for Forest Design Plan Approvals Forest Enterprise - Property Forest Design Plan Forest District: Lochaber FD Property name: Ardmolich Nearest town, village or locality: Kinlochmoidart OS Grid reference: NM71567136 Local Authority district/unitary Council Authority: Plan Area 92 Ha Conifer Felling 37.8 Ha

Broadleaved Felling 0.0 Ha

1. I apply for Forest Design Plan approval for the property described above and in the

enclosed Forest Design Plan. Approval date: 14/4/05

2. I confirm that the scoping, carried out and documented in the Consultation Record Plan Reference No: 030/519/215 attached, incorporated those stakeholders which the FC agreed must be included. Where it has not been possible to resolve specific issues associated with the plan to Plan Approval Date: ***** the satisfaction of consultees, this is highlighted in the Consultation Record.

Plan Expiry Date: ****** 3. I confirm that the proposals contained in this plan comply with the UK Forestry Standard.

4. I undertake to obtain any permissions necessary for the implementation of the approved Plan.

Signed………………………………………. Signed…………………………………. Forest District Manager Conservator

Date…………………………………… Date of Approval…………………….. Date Approval Ends…13 th April 2015

Plan Reference no. 030/519/215

2 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013

ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023 5.3.1 Species tables Contents 5.7 PAWS restoration Critical success factors Summary of Proposals

1.0 Introduction: Support documents: Maps

1.1 Setting and context 1.2 History of the forest • Location map 2.0 Analysis of previous plan • Context map • Analysis and concept map(s) 3.0 Background information • Management map 3.1 Physical site factors (egs of sub headings below) 3.1.1 Geology Soils and landform • Future habitats and management map(s) 3.1.2 Water 3.1.3 Climate Appendices: 3.2 Biodiversity and environmental designations 3.3 The existing forest: (egs of sub headings below) i) Consultation record 3.3.1 Age structure, species and yield class 3.3.2 Access ii) Tolerance table 3.3.3 LISS potential 3.3.4 Current and potential markets iii) Summary of site assessments 3.4 Landscape and land use (egs of sub headings below) 3.4.1 Landscape character and value iv) FDP brief 3.4.2 Visibility 3.4.3 Neighbouring land use

3.5 Social factors Planning 3.5.1 Recreation 3.5.2 Community 3.5.3 Heritage 3.6 Statutory requirements and key external policies

4.0 Analysis and Concept 4.1 Analysis 4.2 Objectives of management 4.3 Concepts of the plan

5.0 Forest Design Plan Proposals 5.1 Management 5.1.1 Clearfelling 5.1.2 Thinning/LISS 5.1.3 Natural Reserve 5.1.4 Road Construction 5.1.5 Deer management 5.2 Future habitats and species 5.3 Restructuring

3 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013

ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023 no access into the block currently. All timber haulage must run to the north and Summary of Proposals join the A86 at , or south and join the A82 at Corran narrows. This is convenient for the BSW log market but less so for other markets. Principal Management objectives of the Plan are as follows: Deer stalking is important on the neighbouring estates and a stalking lease is currently held in this FDP area. Deer populations on the National Forest Estate are • Native woodland restoration currently managed in correspondence with FC objectives. • Maintenance and enhancement of landscape values

• Maintenance of environment and habitat quality An SSE powerline cuts through the block parallel to the public road, creating • Maintenance of known heritage features significant issues for both road construction and timber extraction operations.

These correspond with the characteristics of the site and align with the Scottish Forestry Strategy (SFS) 2006.

All operations will be carried out in accordance with the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and UK Woodland Assurance Scheme (UKWAS).

Principal Features of the next ten years:

• Felling of 37.8 Ha conifers, 26.4 Ha from AWS area • Open/Successional regeneration of 8.8 Ha • Restocking of 18 Ha • Continued management of currently restored 33 Ha of native woodland • Natural reserve of 7.5 Ha • Maintain NSA/SSSI in favourable condition

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Setting and context

Grid Ref; NM71567136

This north facing forest is situated at the head of Loch , and is aligned west-east, rising from the loch shore to 150m, below the summit of Aird Molich (161m).

The FDP area is partially within a designated NSA, and bounds the Loch Moidart SSSI and SAC.

Almost 75% of the area is designated Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland, and features bryophytes, lichens and trees species of Atlantic Oakwood habitat.

While relatively close to a good log market at BSW’s Sawmill the FDP area is a long way from small round wood markets reducing the financial viability of thinning. There are constraints regarding access for management purposes with 4 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013

ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023 Rugged coastal hills include features of 1.2 History of the forest - very rocky landscape - small gnarled, lichen covered oaks nestle between boulders and around small lochans Ardmolich was purchased by Forestry Commission in 1955 from Major General R.N. Stewart. - small rounded hills creating an intimate and enclosed landscape This area has supported forest cover for centuries and features on the Roy Military Maps. An - sheltered areas along the Rocky coastland interface have a lush vegetation and thick unscheduled shieling stands within the forest, and the historic ‘Silver Walk’ linking Kinlochmoidart woodland character to Shiel Foot via the shore line passes through the coastal edge of the forest.

The commercial conifer (Sitka spruce/Lodgepole pine/Japanese larch) area planted in the 1970’s 3.1.2 Water covers the east end of the block, and the native woodland area (Oak/Birch) the western end.

Recent management has included fell-to-recycle of conifers in the native woodland area, Water from Ardmolich enters Loch Moidart SSSI. Loch Moidart is an estuarine loch with invasive Rhododendron ponticum treatments, and temporary deer fencing to provide important coastal plant and animal habitats. protection for emerging regeneration in the restored zone. The Forestry Commission will design its clear fell coupes to allow for appropriate riparian buffer zones along watercourses. 2.0 Analysis of previous plan Timber extraction will normally avoid crossing burns or main drains, but, where The previous plan was produced in 2005. necessary, each crossing point will be piped or bridged. Branches will be kept out of

watercourses and trees will be felled away from watercourses. A proportion of the planned fell to recycle work in the PAWS restoration zone has been completed (2002-3) but no significant conifer removal has been carried out due to the When restocking, planting will normally be kept back from the watercourses, although lack of a forest road access. broadleaves may be planted or regenerated to provide dappled shade and retain

humidity. All felling and restocking will comply with the Controlled Activities Regulations The commitment to the restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) is (CAR) 2011 General Binding Rules with respect to appropriate buffer strips between new well reflected in the original plans intent. planting and the watercourses and water bodies.

The restoration felling of the previous plan is awaiting natural regeneration of the sites native broadleaves. 3.1.3 Climate

The climate is mild, wet and windy with an average annual rainfall of 1681mm. The 3.0 Background information alignment of the loch in East-West direction means that prevailing winds strike the western end of the forest first – with the eastern conifer area being protected by rock 3.1 Physical site factors outcrops.

3.1.1 Geology Soils and landform The FDP area is situated at an elevation of 0m to 160m.

Scottish Natural Heritage (Publication Number 97, Lochaber Landscape Character DAMS rating by area 15% 0 to 14 Assessment 1998) describes the Ardmolich FDP area as both Rocky Coastland and Rugged 60% 15 to 17 Coastal hill. 25% 18 to 24

Wind throw has not been a significant problem to date. The conifer edge, on wet soils along Rocky coastland is characterised by the public roadside edge, shows signs of instability. - low rocky hills

- deeply incised bays and narrow beaches

- thick woods of knarled oak, holly, birch often cloak the steeper sheltered slopes

- rugged coastal hills overlook and rise from these coasts

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ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023 3.2 Biodiversity and environmental designations 3.3 The existing forest: Conservation Designations 3.3.1 Age structure, species and yield class SSSI: - Estuarine mud flats SAC: - Atlantic oak woods NSA - , Moidart and Conifer plantations date from 1940’s and continued until the 1980’s; general yield classes range from high (18) at the foot of the slope to low (4) on the exposed upper edge. Oak is The forest and its surrounds provide a habitat for important species including, recorded as early as 1801, but no recent planting of broadleaves is recorded. within the SAC:

• Alder woodlands on the flood plain (priority habitat) Remnant and regenerating broadleaves – oak, ash, birch, alder, hazel and rowan - are • Otter widespread, accounting for around 30% of the woodland area. • Intertidal mudflats and sandflats • Western acidic oak woodland • Mixed woodland on base rich soils associated with rocky slopes (priority There are extensive areas of Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). This amounts to habitat) 54.8 Ha of the total 92 Ha FDP area. Areas of exotic conifers within the designated PAWS area have already been felled, and the area is being monitored to ascertain the level of Ardmolich is within the Loch Moidart SSSI which is notified for the following natural regeneration occurring. features:

See overleaf for Age Class graph. • Moine Geology • Mudflats 3.3.2 Access • Saltmarsh

• Upland Oak woodland Economic timber recovery is dependant on providing access via a forest road; there is • Beetle ( Schizotus pectinicornis ) currently none. Either route to major public roads – north onto A861 or south to A82 via

Corran ferry – is feasible for timber transport.

Natural regeneration of the native woodland will protect and expand the woodland features, allowing bryophyte and other plant communities to develop. The transitional woodland edge, between the main forested area and the shore, supports the cardinal beetle Schizotus pectinicorni which lives in deadwood. This zone also provides suitable breeding habitat for otter.

Approximately 54.8 Ha of designated AWS is within the FDP area.

The current woodland restoration area is enclosed by a temporary deer fence and deer height boundary fencing, which along with increased deer control has reduced the level of browsing. This has allowed some areas of native woodland to start regenerating.

Lochaber FD has a rolling programme to identify and monitor the species and scale of Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) within its boundaries and to deal with any identified INNS in the recommended manner.

6 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013

ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023 with intimate smaller hills lower down, and thick woods cloaking the sheltered slopes to the shore.

3.3.1 Graph of Ardmolich Age Class 3.4.2 Visibility The FDP area is most visible from boats on the loch and from the northern shore Ardmorlich Age Class where the public road runs. The forest is not clearly visible from the road, however

400.00 the mid-scale backdrop it forms in the local views form an important element of the landscape design. This road is popular with visitors and tourists – primarily for 350.00 the views provided of the distinctive landscape.

300.00 3.4.3 Neighbouring land use 250.00 Neighbouring landowners include Mrs Nino Stewart (Kinlochmoidart), Highland 200.00 Council, Messrs Colin and Patrick Lees-Millais (Glenmoidart Estate), and Mr John

No. of Ha MacAuley (Dalilea Farm). 150.00 Adjacent forest area – Drynie Wood – is under management; aims include 100.00 clearfelling operations within the next year to remove the roadside strip of

50.00 conifers, with further conifer removal over the next 5-10 years. Restocking of Scots Pine, other conifers and natural regeneration of native species is envisaged – 0.00 as well as an extension of the policy woodland character surrounding nearby 1801-1900 1940s 1960s 1980s Kinlochmoidart House. Planting Period

3.5 Social factors

3.3.3 LISS potential 3.5.1 Recreation There is little opportunity for the implementation of low impact silviculture among conifers due to the steep ground and high wind throw hazard. These factors The Silver Walk right of way and core path links the public road and forest car park reduce our ability to manipulate crop structure via thinning. Future timber to Shiel Foot via the shoreline of Loch Moidart. Reasonable precautions will be production for local wood users on a micro-scale may be possible through taken during forest operations to keep this PROW open. continuous cover management in both hard and softwood crops. A loop of forest walk and a car park are maintained by FE within the woodland, linking to the Silver Walk and the hilltop viewpoint of the Loch Moidart islands. 3.3.4 Current and potential markets While relatively close to a good log market the FDP area is a long way from small round All forest operations are planned to allow the continuation of recreational access. wood markets reducing the financial viability of thinning. Timber haul routes are This may require the construction of short, well maintained, and well signed convenient for the BSW market but less so for others. diversions.

A firewood business is operated by nearby Dalilea Farm.

3.4 Landscape and land use

3.4.1 Landscape character and value SNH describes Ardmolich FDP as rocky coastland and rugged coastal hills; characterised by remnant oaks scattered across a rocky landscape higher altitudes,

7 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013

ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023 4.0 Analysis and Concept 3.5.2 Community 4.1 Analysis of Constraints and Opportunities Kinlochmoidart is a remote highland community which relies on tourism as well as traditional rural enterprises such as stalking and hill farming. The following table sets out all the site factors identified during the survey period and described in the FDP brief, which are deemed to be significant in influencing the management 3.5.3 Heritage and long term vision for the forest. It identifies how these aspects influence the proposals by highlighting the opportunities and constraints they create. Heritage features are associated with a depopulated settlement and evidence of historic land management activity such as platforms and a possible mill. Known features have been identified and entered onto the heritage management layer in GIS. Factor Opportunity Constraints Concept Development Plantations on Through clear felling Deer browsing. The areas designated for The forest forms a backdrop to the Seven Men of Moidart viewpoint on the A861. ancient wood land and FTR of coupes Deer will continue natural regeneration will sites (PAWS). within the PAWS to be controlled to be monitored over a 5 Section 6 of the area. These coupes a level that will year period. At that time if 3.6 Statutory requirements UKWAS requires will regenerate allow the natural supplementary planting is The area is subject to a number of statutory designations. that all PAWS sites naturally with regeneration of required it will be carried are managed to indigenous native broadleaves out Designation Name Notifiable elements maintain and broadleaves from from neighbouring Site of Special Ardmolich SSSI enhance remnant local seed sources. seed trees. Scientific features of ancient Interest (SSSI) wood land sites. National Scenic Morar, Moidart and The FDP area falls Area (NSA) Ardnamurchan NSA within a designated NSA some work i.e. tracks, roads and Timber Production. To maximise timber Forest road access A short road and turning quarries may require production from the is not currently point will be constructed an EIA determination. current commercially available on the line of the current Special Area of Loch Moidart and viable stands, and carpark and forest walk. Conservation Woods SAC future forest, while Re-instatement of such meeting the will be included in The proposals of the FDP will seek to enhance the notifiable features where requirements of the operations. possible. UK Forestry Standards.

Landscape Through the phased The conifer area will be felling of conifer areas significantly reduced, FES will take the enhancing the natural opportunity to ‘wilderness’ view from enhance the Seven Men and public landscape. road.

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ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023 Biodiversity To increase the areas The native woodland areas under native will be significantly • A continued commitment to produce high quality timber, both soft and woodland. increased, with attendant hardwood, and maximise return from a reduced productive conifer area. Protect and enhance benefits for water quality, habitats for key natural regeneration, and • An increased emphasis on planting non-invasive conifer species such as wildlife species. wildlife habitats. Norway spruce and Scot’s pine where site conditions, and designations, To improve forest allow. structure and retain Old growth broadleaves some older forest and deadwood will be • Enhancement of existing riparian woodlands. elements. retained throughout the site. • To maintain and enhance the recreational experience.

Recreation To maintain and During forest The FC are in full support enhance the operations it will be and will encourage the use recreational necessary to of the forest paths, 5.0 Forest Design Plan Proposals experience. provide a diversion carpark and PROW by to eliminate any walkers, cyclists and 5.1 Management conflicts. equestrians The FDP for Ardmolich has been designed in accordance with sound silvicultural, environmental and landscape design principals, within the framework outlined by the UK Forestry Standard and the UK Woodland Assurance Scheme, and following 4.2 Objectives of Management the current edition of the Forest and Water Guidelines.

• Restoration and expansion of native woodland of ecological value, as cited in statutory designations. 5.1.1 Clear Felling

• Maintenance and enhancement of landscape values A single clear fell coupe will remove the commercially viable exotic conifers at the eastern end of the forest. • Maintenance of environment and habitat quality A fell-to-recycle operation – with timber residues being retained on site – will • Maintenance of known heritage features remove exotic conifers in the inaccessible portion of the site.

• Maintenance of current levels of recreational provision.

4.3 Concepts of the plan

The Design Concepts forms the broad framework from which the detailed design of the forest can be structured around. It develops the initial ideas outlined in the design brief and reacts to any issues identified in the survey and analysis stages.

The design concept is presented graphically in the Analysis and Concept maps.

The intention is to manage the forest in such away that it delivers the following broad objectives.

• The restoration of the PAWS areas will continue over the period of the plan. 9 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013

ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023 • If regeneration of desirable species has been unsuccessful, then the district will embark on a programme of appropriate enrichment planting. 5.1.2 Thinning/LISS Outwith the core areas restored to native woodland, the district will restock with There is little opportunity for the implementation of low impact silviculture among commercial non-invasive conifer species. The predominant species will be Scot’s pine. existing conifers due to the steep ground, access limitations and wind throw hazard Where soil conditions and lower exposure levels (DAMS) allow Norway spruce and which limit thinning intervention. The areas being management for AWS Scot’s pine will be planted. restoration are however managed under LISS principles, and future hardwood and softwood planting may present opportunities for continuous cover management. Detailed restocking/regeneration proposals are outlined in the future habitats and species map.

5.1.3 Natural Reserve 5.3 Restructuring The Natural reserve will be managed via a no intervention policy, creating a standing and fallen deadwood reserve, wildlife shelter and residual habitat during It is an UKWAS requirement that all PAWS are to be restored to native woodland, either the transition from conifers to native woodland. to full restoration (>90% site native species) or enhance status (ancient wood land still containing >10% non-native species). 5.1.4 Road Construction

Mature and stable broadleaves will be retained throughout the site. The felled A short forest road and turning point is proposed; facilitating timber operations and areas and forest margin will fill in naturally through succession. Birch and Rowan haulage access. are likely to dominate in these areas initially.

5.1.5 Deer management 5.3.1 Species Table by Current Land Use

A boundary deer fence and a temporary internal fence protect the regenerating Land use by Ha woodland in the west end of Ardmolich. The eastern end of the block is not protected by the current fence; this will be replaced before regeneration and replanting is undertaken. Deer control by shooting will continue as populations and damage assessments require. Japanese Larch 2% Lodgepole Pine 4% Neighbouring land owners rely on hefted deer movements from Aird Molich hill ground Productive BL's across Loch Moidart mud flats, thus passing through Ardmolich forest. Future deer 17% management and fencing options will be agreed with neighbours, and the Moidart Deer Open 38% Japanese Larch Management Group, in advance of the new fence erection. Lodgepole Pine Productive BL's 5.2 Future habitats and species Sitka Spruce UnProductive BL Open The biggest influence on the future structure of Ardmolich FDP area is the planned restoration of an additional 28.5 ha of PAWS. Once felling of the current rotation in UnProductive BL these areas has taken place, the default prescription for these areas will be: 2% Sitka Spruce 37%

• 5 years fallow, post felling, to allow native species to establish through natural regeneration. • Monitoring of the regeneration levels on an informal basis over this period • Formal annual monitoring of regeneration and vegetation levels will be carried out for a further two years after this. 10 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013

ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023

5.4 PAWS restoration

Ancient Woodland restoration is a key objective of the Forest Plan. Currently 68% of the PAWS area (35.7 Ha) has been restored by exotic conifer removal and regeneration of native species. The future plan proposals see this area increasing by a further 26.4 Ha, to 100% of the total PAWs area.

11 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013

ARDMOLICH Forest Design Plan 2013-2023

Appendix II: Tolerance Table

Adjustment to Timing of Changes to Wind throw Adjustment to road lines felling coupe restocking species response boundaries FC approval <10% of coupe size Up to 7 planting Change within Where wind throw Creation of turning points/loading bays. not normally seasons after felling species group represents more Departures of <100m either side of the predicted required (allowing fallow e.g. Scots pine to than 40% of the centre line of the road/track in low sensitivity periods for hylobius).. birch. crop. areas.

Non-native conifers e.g. Sitka spruce to Douglas fir,

Non-native to native species (allowing for changes to facilitate Ancient woodland Policy). Approval by 10 -15% of coupe 7 years+ Change of coupe Where wind throw Departures of 100 metres in either direction from exchange of size objective likely to represents<40% the centre of road in areas of low sensitivity. letters and be consistent and the coupe is in map with current an area of low policy (e.g. from sensitivity. productive to open, open to native species). Approval by >15% of coupe Major change of Where wind throw As above depending on sensitivity formal plan size objective likely to represents <40% of amendment be contrary to the crop and total policy, e.g. area affected >5ha native to non- native species, open to non- native.

12 | Ardmolich FDP | Kate Tuer | September 2013