STIRLING & CLACKMANNANSHIRE

Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Supplementary Guidance

August 2014 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

STIRLING & CLACKMANNANSHIRE Forest and Woodland Strategy Supplementary Guidance

Published August 2014 (Stirling Council)

s

r

e

t

s

e

r

o

F Further Information

d

e

r

e

Stirling Council t

r

a

Economy, Planning and Regulation, Municipal Buildings, 8-10 Corn Exchange Road FK8 2HU h

C

www. stirling.gov.uk ,

o

C

&

r

Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 1EB e

p

i

www.clacksweb.org.uk P

J

C

y

b

n

g

Hillhouseridge, Shottskirk Road, Shotts, North Lanarkshire ML7 4JS i

s

www.csgnt.org.uk e

D

Page i Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Contents Page No 1 Introducing the Strategy ………………………….....…...... 1 2 The Context for Forestry & Woodland …………… ...... 2 2.1 National Policy Context ……………………………….…...... 2 2.2 National Regulation & Control ……………………..………...... … 3 2.3 Local Policy Context ……………………………………………...... … 3 2.4 Scotland’s Forest and Woodland Resource …………………….....….… 4 2.5 Forestry & Woodlands in Stirling & Clackmannanshire ...... …..… 4 2.6 Other Considerations ………………………………………...... …. 5 3 Vision & Objectives ………………………………...... …. 9 3.1 Vision …………………………………………………………...... … 9 3.2 Strategy Themes & Policy Objectives ………………………...... 9 4 Opportunities For Woodland Expansion………...... 10 4.1 Overarching Principle ……………………………….………...... 10 4.2 Sensitive, potential and preferred locations…………...…...... … 10 4.3 Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) and Geological Conservation Review (GCR) Sites ………………………...... 12 4.4 Woodland Types.…………………………………...……..…...... … 12

List of Maps, Tables & Figures Maps 1 Location...... 1 2 Scotland Woodland Cover...... 4 3 Current Woodland Cover in Strategy Area...... 4 4 Natural Heritage Designations...... 7 5 Historic Environment Designations...... 8 6 Potential for Woodland Expansion...... 11 7 Opportunities for New Native Woodland...... 13 8 Opportuntities for Mixed Woodland...... 13

Figures 1 Key Woodland Types in the Strategy Area...... 4 2 Woodland Ownership in the Strategy Area...... 6

Tables 1 Forestry in the Strategy Area...... 4 2 Woodland Expansion Sensitivities...... 12 3 Examples of Woodland Expansion in Potential & Sensitive Areas... 12 4 Right Tree in the Right Place Types...... 13 5 Opportunties for Woodland Expansion...... 14 List of Appendices ...... 15 Appendices referred to in this document have not been included in the published version of the Strategy, but can be viewed online 0n both Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council’s websites.

Page ii Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Introducing the Strategy

HE TREES, WOODLANDS AND FORESTS of Stirling & The Strategy has also been the subject of a Strategic Clac1kmannanshire contribute greatly to the quality of Environmental Assessment (SEA), which assessed tThe landscape, environment, biodiversity, cultural heritage significant environmental effects, and a Habitats and the local economy. They also incorporate, or provide a Regulations Appraisal (HRA), which assessed the likelihood backdrop to, popular recreation and tourism destinations of significant effects on ‘European’ sites, that is Special such as Gartmorn Dam Country Park & Nature Reserve, the Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. Carron Valley Forest and Reservoir, the Ochil Hills The SCFWS forms a link between forestry and woodland Woodland Park, Balquhidderock Wood and Mugdock and activities and other Scottish Government initiatives aiming Plean Country Parks. to enhance the wide range of economic, environmental Given these inherent qualities it is essential to ensure that and social benefits derived from woodlands and forests. It any future proposals for developing and expanding Stirling also provides a strategic framework for the development and Clackmannanshire’s woodlands and forests integrate, and expansion of a variety of forest and woodland types in a complementary and balanced way, with other land across Stirling and Clackmannanshire. uses. At the broadest strategic level, the purpose of the SCFWS The Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry and Woodland is to provide a local expression of how the national vision Strategy (SCFWS) sets out the Councils’ vision, strategy and priorities for the protection and expansion of and objectives for the future of woodlands and forestry. It Scotland’s forest and woodland resource as set out in the is based around a 40-year vision to 2052, with options for 5 Scottish Forestry Strategy (SFS) will be achieved . yearly reviews in line with Local Development Plan timescales. Map 1 shows the area covered by the Strategy, Definitions and its relationship to the Central Scotland Green Network The Strategy uses the following definitions adopted in the and the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park (covered Scottish Forestry Strategy: by a separate National Park Partnership Plan 2012 – 2017). Forestry - the practice of all aspects of tree management, The Strategy has been developed by Stirling and including forest and woodland management, arboriculture, urban Clackmannanshire Councils, in partnership with Forestry forestry and environmental forestry and research, education and Commission Scotland and the Central Scotland Forest training in these fields. Trust, and with advice and guidance from a Steering Group Forest - usually applied to a large area of woodland of varied comprising a range of other key players including Scottish ages and tree species. Natural Heritage and the Community Woodlands Wood or woodland – more often describes a smaller area of Association. trees. A consultant team comprising RDI Associates Ltd, C J Piper & Co, Chartered Foresters and Land Use Consultants was engaged to develop the strategy and provide professional Map 1 Strategy Location forestry, GIS and facilitation support. There has been wide ranging public consultation that has helped inform the final version of the document. Consultation responses are summarised in Appendix I . “The trees, woodlands and forests of Stirling & Clackmannanshire contribute greatly to the quality of the landscape, environment, biodiversity, cultural heritage and the local economy.” Page 1 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

The Context for Forestry & Woodland

2.1 National Policy Context should only be permitted where there are National policy is set by the Scottish significant and clearly defined public 2 benefits. NPF also promotes green Forestry Strategy (SFS) (2006), the Scottish Government’s framework for networks and habitat networks. The forestry up until 2050 and beyond. consequential increase in woodland cover will improve landscape quality, It has the following seven themes:- biodiversity and amenity and help to absorb CO 2. Scottish Forestry Strategy Themes The Central Scotland Green Network 1 Helping Scotland mitigate and adapt to climate Trust (CSGNT) is a ‘National change. Development’ in the NPF. It aims to 2 Getting the most from Scotland’s timber resource. restore and improve the rural and urban landscapes of Central Scotland under the 3 Supporting sustainable economic growth through the following five themes: business development of the Scottish woodland sector. 4 Supporting community development to improve quality of life and wellbeing. 5 Improving access to woodlands, to help improve the A Place for Growth - Creating an health of Scotland. environment for sustainable economic growth. 6 Protecting the environmental quality of our natural resources. A Place in Balance - Creating an environment more in balance to thrive 7 Helping to conserve and enhance Scotland’s in a changing climate. biodiversity. A Place to Feel Good - Creating an environment which supports healthy The following documents are also lifestyles and well being. relevant:- A Place for Nature - Creating an The Scottish Government’s Rationale environment where nature can flourish. for Woodland Expansion (FCS 2009) A Place to Belong - Creating an Climate Change Action Plan 2009-11 environment that people can enjoy and (FCS 2009) where they live. The Scottish Government’s Policy on Control of Woodland Removal (FCS 2009) The SCFWS has been developed with a Any recommendations in this strategy for specific aim of contributing to the forest management, forest operations complementary aims of the SFS and and woodland creation also fall within the CSGNT. scope of existing Best Practices and Guidance, in particular the UK Forestry Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) draws Standard and its associated Guidelines, attention to the high biodiversity value of and The Right Tree in the Right Place . woodlands, trees and hedgerows. Ancient and semi-natural woodland should be The following Scottish Government protected and enhanced. Development planning policy documents are also impacts on habitat connectivity should be relevant: ameliorated through mitigation National Planning Framework (NPF) measures. Woodland removal should only Reiterates the objectives of the SFS and be allowed where it will achieve public the need to plan for the expansion of benefit. Planning authorities should woodland cover. NPF confirms the need consider preparing woodland strategies to protect existing woodland and removal as supplementary guidance .

Page 2 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

2.2 National Regulation & Control Biodiversity Action Plan 2012-2017 - Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) Supports the Council's Sustainability manages the national forest estate and is and Climate Change Strategy (2010) . also the Scottish Government’s Economic Development Framework regulatory body for forestry. FCS 2008-2018 - provides a focus for assesses potential forest projects for economic development in the area and a their environmental impact, approves set of priorities to help and monitors publicly funded woodland Clackmannanshire realise its economic proposals and ensures compliance with ambitions for 2008 - 2018. local and national policies and best practice guidelines. FCS also maintains a Open Space Strategy (being finalised) - Register of New Planting and Felling, supports increased woodland cover in Register of Environmental Impact support of CSGN and SFS. This will help Assessments and Registers of Woodland to mitigate climate change through the Creation which provide information on capture, storage and retention of carbon key forest proposals. by woodland expansion and promotion of active travel. Forestry activities such as planting and felling are not normally subject to Greening Clackmannanshire (2010) - planning controls. Local authorities are, provides a framework for action on the however, consulted by FCS on a range of local environment and for taking forward planting and felling proposals and longer the environment theme of the term forest plans and therefore can Clackmannanshire Alliance. It aims to influence where future woodland enlist everyone’s help to care for the expansion should occur and the physical environment, address climate development of the forest industry change impacts and enhance within their areas. communication and access. Where appropriate the SCFWS will For Stirling Council: inform the responses from Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils to such Community Plan (2005-2020) - sets out consultations. the local Community Planning Partnership’s vision and plan for the 2.3 Local Policy Context future prosperity for Stirling. At the local level the SCFWS is informed Local Development Plan . The SCFWS by the existing plans and strategies of will form Supplementary Guidance in Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils. association with the adopted LDP. Account has also been taken of views and comments of local residents, Countryside Access and Recreation communities and other stakeholders Strategy 1999 (and Review 1997-2005) submitted in response to the public - this seeks to guide the development, consultation. management and promotion of countryside access opportunities. The SCFWS links with the Councils’ Single Outcome Agreements and Local Open for Business - Stirling Economic Development Plans , together with a Strategy 2009-13 - this includes a vision range of other policy and strategy and action plan based on the principles of documents connected to the themes of sustainable growth and economic the SFS. These include: opportunity. For Clackmannanshire Council: SG02: Green Network – this forms supplementary guidance to the Stirling Community Plan ‘Working Together for Local Development Plan . It explains the Clackmannanshire’ (2010) - provides the concept and functions of the Green overall framework in which community Network and introduces the Open Space planning operates and provides a basis Strategy and its relationship to the Local for the Single Outcome Agreement. Development Plan, including Developer Local Development Plan (LDP) - Contributions relative to Green published in 2013 for public consultation. Infrastructure. The SCFWS will form Supplementary Additional policy documents are listed in Planning Guidance in association with the adopted LDP. Appendix II.

Page 3 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

2.4 Scotland’s Forest and Woodland Figure 1 Key Woodland Types Resource Scotland’s trees, woodlands and forests make a vital contribution to the nation’s economic, environmental and social well- being. Over 55% of Britain’s trees are in Scotland where the total area of woodland and forest is currently 1.38 million hectares - equivalent to 17.8% of Scotland’s total land area. Though woodland cover has increased significantly in the past 50-60 years, woodland and Plantation on Ancient nonetheless it still compares relatively Woodland Sites (PAWS)). unfavourably with the European average The proportions of the key types of of 37%. Of Scotland’s woodland area, woodland that make up the 21,350 approximately 70% is currently hectares are illustrated in Figure 2 below. coniferous woodland producing softwood Woodland in Clackmannanshire can be timber and 14% broadleaved woodland divided into two main categories:- producing hardwood timber. 4% is mixed Small areas of woodland on the Map 2 Scotland Woodland Cover woodland and the balance is open space (Forestry Commission Scotland National Forest Inventory) within woodland. The main conifer edge of settlements whose main species are Sitka spruce, Scots pine and purpose is to provide an open Lodgepole pine, while the main space resource for the local broadleaved species are birch and oak. community, such as Gean Park - Alloa, Back Wood -Clackmannan Over 70% of Scotland’s forests were and Delph Wood -Tullibody; planted during the second half of the 20th Century. Since the 1990s there has Larger areas of woodland / though been a significant shift in the type traditional woodland estates in and location of new planting. Prior to more rural parts of 1990 new forests were mainly planted on Clackmannanshire such as the land with reduced capability for area around Gartmorn Dam - agriculture. Sauchie and Harviestoun Estate - Tillicoultry. More recently planting on better land is now encouraged. At the same time The woodland area totals some 2,170 species diversity is much greater and hectares, accounting for 13% of the total includes a higher proportions of land area, slightly smaller than the broadleaves. Scottish average. Conifer plantations of pine, mixed spruce and larch account for Native Scots pine and broadleaves have 35% of the total wooded area with the also been planted to re-create native balance comprising a range of mixed woodlands lost in earlier times. A greater broadleaved woodland, of which 38 proportion of new planting is taking place hectares are recorded as ancient on land that is privately owned, or owned woodland - that is, areas with continuous by voluntary organisations, charities or woodland cover since AD 1750. community groups. Table 1 Forestry & Woodland within 2.5 Forestry & Woodlands in the Strategy Area Stirling & Clackmannanshire “Scotland’s trees, Woodland Cover and Type Stirling & Clackmannanshire’s overall woodlands and woodland and forest cover currently extends to some 21,350 hectares or 17% forests make a vital of total land area - see Map 2 and Table 1 , comparing favourably with Scotland’s contribution to the 17% woodland cover. nation’s economic, Included within the overall woodland cover of Stirling and Clackmannanshire, environmental and some 8,800 hectares (45%) is classified as ancient and semi-natural woodland social well-being.” (including native woodland, nearly native

Page 4 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Several woodlands in Clackmannanshire Map 3 Current Woodland Cover in Strategy Area are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) including Back Burn Wood, Damhead Wood and Linn Mill. Stirling has a woodland cover of 19,180 hectares, accounting for just under 18% of the total land area. This woodland supports a wide range of tree species and contains a mosaic of different forest and woodlands types including large-scale conifer plantations (e.g. Carron Valley Forest, Lennieston Muir and Braes of Doune), mixed traditional estate woodlands (e.g. Cromlix and Blairdrummond), small-scale mixed lowland farm woodlands, ancient woodland / long established plantation origin sites (e.g. Abbey Craig and Cambusbarron) and urban woods. As in Clackmannanshire, several woodlands are designated as SSSIs, including Abbey Craig, Balquidderock Wood, Glen Lochay Woods, Kippenrait Glen and Wester Moss.

2.6 Other Considerations The Forest and Timber Industry The forest and timber industry is one of The current harvested volume of Scotland’s hidden assets, contributing softwood in Scotland is between 6-7 directly and indirectly to the economy. It million cubic metres per annum; forecast spans the complete lifecycle of wood - to increase to circa 8.5 million cubic the growing of tree seedlings; the metres in 2016, representing 60 % of the planting, managing and harvesting of UK’s total softwood timber production. forests; manufacturing activities such as Multiple Benefits sawmilling, pulp and paper production, Forests and woodlands, by their very panel and board manufacturing and the nature, provide multiple benefits. They development and production of higher create places for recreation, promote value goods such as engineered wood health through cleaner air and provide products. In addition, forest and habitats where biodiversity can flourish. processing co-products such as wood Perhaps most importantly forests absorb chips and pellets can be used in carbon generated by other parts of the renewable energy production. In economy and so provide an increasingly Scotland 90% of renewable heat important way of mitigating climate generation comes from wood energy. In change. Recent research demonstrates the European Union wood energy is the that as much as 10% of all carbon largest (66%) renewable energy sector. emissions in the UK could be absorbed Local examples include Norbord’s MDF through an expanded forest industry and particleboard manufacturing facility based on more wooded and forested at Cowie and the installation of a areas. biomass boiler at the Viewforth headquarters of Stirling Council. The past decade has seen considerable growth in the economic impact of forest and timber industries. It currently has a Gross Value Added (GVA) of some £1.67billion, 1.8% of the total Scottish economy, and accounts for 38,500 direct and ‘downstream’ jobs.

Page 5 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Figure 3 illustrates the distribution of standing conifer timber stock, some 212 woodland ownership within Stirling and million cubic metres. Figure 2 Woodland Ownership Clackmannanshire. Privately owned Timber harvesting within the Strategy woodlands – almost 80% - predominate, area is set to increase over the next 5 with the balance - 19% and 3% years due to the legacy of past planting respectively - owned and managed by regimes, with an increasing proportion Forestry Commission Scotland and emanating from private sector Stirling / Clackmannanshire Councils. As woodlands. Though timber prices, elsewhere in Scotland the pattern of especially those for fuel and firewood, private ownership is highly fragmented, have recovered significantly from recent though also includes a number of large- past lows, mainly due to increased scale private commercial plantations in demand for biomass, prices are the more upland areas of Stirling and nonetheless subject to the influences of towards the eastern part of the global market place, and cannot Clackmannanshire. therefore be predicted with confidence Landscape Types over the period of the SCFWS. At 2012 There is a wide range of landscape types levels, however, developing markets offer in Stirling and Clackmannanshire, from real opportunities of income from low relatively flat lowland river valleys to quality timber in previously unprofitable mountains and highland lochs; in which or otherwise undermanaged smaller forests and woodlands are intrinsic woodlands. elements. Land uses are also various and Certification diverse, from urban/industrial to remote In the 1990s schemes such as the Forest upland moors. Details of the landscape Stewardship Council (FSC) and the characters found within the Strategy area Programme for the Endorsement of can be found in Appendix V Map A1 . Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC), These are derived from Landscape were established to provide assurance to Character Assessments (LCAs), a business and consumers that forest standard system for identifying, products were sourced from well describing and mapping landscape managed forests. An estimated 8% of variation. LCAs provide baseline world and 45% of UK forests are now information to guide landscape changes, certified. which can then be used in development plans, decisions of development In the UK, PEFC and FSC both use the UK proposals, land management plans, Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) forest and woodland strategies and agri- (www.ukwas.org.uk ) as the basis for environmental schemes. General owners to have woodlands independently information on LCAs, together with more certified as being sustainably managed. detailed landscape assessment reports At the national level forest certification is guidance are held by Scottish Natural an important mechanism for delivering Heritage and can be viewed via the link national policy objectives for achieving http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting- sustainable forest management. As at scotlands-nature/looking-after- 2009 approximately 87% of the 8 million landscapes/lca/ tonnes of softwood roundwood harvested in the UK was certified. The thirteen landscape character types found within Stirling and At the regional level, the level of uptake Clackmannanshire have been used in the of certification can also be used as an SCFWS to identify links between each indicator of the environmental, social and landscape character and potential economic credentials of the timber woodland types, along with the seven resource. The decision to apply for key themes of the SFS. These links are certification is, though, entirely voluntary highlighted in Table 5 (see Page 14) and and the inspection/audit process is help show where to best target funded by the owner or manager. appropriate woodland expansion across As all Forestry Commission woodlands in Stirling & Clackmannanshire. Great Britain are certified against the Timber Production UKWAS, by definition 19% of the Forests and woodlands in eastern woodland cover in Stirling and Scotland – including Stirling and Clackmannanshire is certified. The Clackmannanshire – currently contain picture is less clear within the private approximately 10% of Scotland’s total sector.

Page 6 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Whilst many larger scale traditional Woodland and Wood Pasture, all UK estates and commercial plantations are priority habitats. Large parts of the Firth certified, the level of uptake of of Forth are internationally designated as certification elsewhere within privately a RAMSAR site and Special Protection owned woodlands remains relatively low, Area (SPA), on account of overwintering reflecting the prevalence of fragmented, bird populations. There are nine Sites of small scale woodlands within Stirling and Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Clackmannanshire where costs of Gartmorn Dam Local Nature Reserve and certification can be disproportionate to Country Park and twenty one Local the benefits. Nature Conservation Sites, include woodlands such as Blackmuir Wood, Timber Transport Braehead Woodlands, Brandyhill Wood, The Stirling & Tayside Timber Transport Cowpark Wood, Pond Wood, Red Carr Group was established in 1996 to ensure Wood, Devon Gorge Woodlands, Silver good liaison between the forest sector Glen and Woodland Park, Twenty-five and local roads authorities, with Acre Wood and Auchlinksy Burn and particular regard given to timber haulage Wood on more rural roads. A key consideration is the identification of agreed routes for A combination of agricultural, industrial timber haulage, as required. Further and urban pressures has, however, details can be found on the Timber degraded and/or fragmented many Transport Forum website at habitats within Clackmannanshire. www.timbertransportforum.org.uk Map 4 Natural Heritage Designations Biodiversity The Strategy area contains impressive high quality wildlife habitats and biodiversity. Stirling hosts some of the largest and most important lowland raised bog habitats in the UK (e.g. Flanders Mosses), upland habitats and botanical resources north and west of Killin, and significant areas of ancient and semi-natural woodland. It is also holds a key position in Central Scotland in terms of habitat networks. The Stirling Biodiversity Action Plan (2005) identifies a list of priority species and habitats, including juniper and lowland broadleaved woodlands. The Stirling Biodiversity Partnership is currently updating the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, with a view to progressively halting the decline and loss of biodiversity across Stirling. In addition to SPAs, SACs and SSSIs there are also Balquidderock Wood Local Nature Reserve and Mugdock and Plean Country Parks. Stirling Council is also seeking to designate a range of Local Nature Quality of Life Conservation Sites. Forests and woodlands can enhance the Clackmannanshire contains examples of general wellbeing of residents, local all major habitat types; from the Ochil communities and visitors, for example by Hills uplands, estuarine habitats along facilitating outdoor recreation in high- the River Forth and all that lies between quality landscapes, and providing local including woodlands, freshwaters, recreational opportunities to nearby wetlands and lowlands. The towns and villages. In recent years both Clackmannanshire Biodiversity Action Councils have accessed funding from Plan identifies several woodland Forestry Commission Scotland’s habitats, including Lowland Mixed ‘Woodlands In and Around Towns’ (WIAT) Deciduous Woodland, Upland Mixed Challenge Fund to make improvements Ashwood, Upland Oakwood, Wet to woodlands around settlements.

Page 7 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Many elements of Stirling and New groups continue to form, Clackmannanshire’s rich cultural heritage encouraged by the Scottish are found in and around woodlands, an Government’s Land Reform legislation added ‘draw’ that enhances the visitor and the National Forest Land Scheme experience and can also act as a focus for (www.forestry.gov.uk/nfls ). environmental interpretation and Community woodlands are extremely education. diverse, embracing all woodland types Map 5 below illustrates the range of from ancient semi-natural woods to Historic Environment designations in the extensive conifer plantations, and Strategy area. ranging from less than a hectare to over a Map 5 Historic Environment Designations thousand hectares in size. Likewise, the communities involved range from crofting townships in the far north and west to small towns and inner-city communities in the central Scotland. Some of the larger groups now employ staff to manage and develop their woods, while others are managed entirely by volunteers. Whilst aims and objectives vary, with account taken of local needs and aspirations and the type and scale of the woodland managed, all groups are working towards sustainable, flourishing, creative, resilient and vibrant community woodlands that deliver an impressive range of public benefits, such as local recreation, nature conservation, economic development, renewable energy and social inclusion. In Stirling and Clackmannanshire there are now several established or emerging groups involved in managing, or exploring the possibility of managing, local woodlands on behalf of their community, such as Menstrie Community Woodlands, the Bridge of Allan Community Council and the Friends of Community Woodland Plean Country Park. In the broadest sense community For more information on community woodlands are those that, whilst not woodlands, see necessarily directly owned by the www.communitywoods.org community, are used - and in some situations involve activity by - the local Natural Flood Risk Management community in conjunction with the Restoration and enhancement of natural woodland owner, on a formal or informal features and characteristics of a basis. Examples include woodlands landscape can play a role in managing the owned and managed by the Local sources and pathways of floodwaters. Authority, Forestry Commission Scotland Woodland planting can provide an or charitable bodies such as the opportunity to manage downstream Woodland Trust. They can also be partly flood risk via land use change in upland or wholly owned and/or managed by a areas, for example through a local - usually formally constituted - combinaition of reduced stocking community woodland group. The densities, blocking of drains and creation woodland may be owned or leased by the of upland woodlands. group, or managed in partnership with another organisation such as FCS. Since the late 1980s, over 200 groups across Scotland have become involved in, or responsible for, the management of thousands of hectares of woodland and open space.

Page 8 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

3 Vision & Objectives 3.1 Vision landscapes protected, so that local people Through their expansion, protection and can live and work and visitors enjoy the sustainable management, the forests and area's natural and cultural heritage. woodlands of Stirling and 3.2 Strategy Themes & Policy Clackmannanshire will provide a range of Objectives benefits for local people and visitors and The main strategic themes, policy contribute to economic, environmental objectives and outcomes that are the and social well being. basis for the SCFWS and how they Through partnership working and support the development, expansion and integrated planning, implementation and management of forestry and woodlands monitoring, new jobs will be created, across the area are provided in Appendix opportunities provided for active and IV (Strategic Themes, Objectives and passive outdoor recreation, habitats Outcomes). enhanced for wildlife and attractive

“Through their expansion, protection and sustainable management, the forests and woodlands of Stirling and Clackmannanshire will provide a range of benefits for local people and visitors and contribute to economic, environmental and social well-being ”

Page 9 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Opportunities for 4 Woodland Expansion 4.1 Overarching Principle species, landscapes and other heritage The overarching principle of the SCFWS assets, all relevant regulatory, approval, is that woodland expansion should be assessment and monitoring processes looked upon favourably in Stirling and should be promoted and implemented. Clackmannanshire, but subject to Furthermore, it should be noted that the appropriate scale, type, objective and classification of “preferred” or overriding constraints. Furthermore it is “potential” does not automatically mean an aspiration of the SCFWS that that any proposal would proceed. Where woodland expansion should be more woodland creation / expansion is integrated, more diverse, more inclusive, recommended, this would need to follow more productive, more resilient and current regulatory, approval, assessment more positive; thus contributing to the and monitoring processes and industry delivery of multiple economic, social and recognised good practice to ensure environmental benefits. compliance with the UK Forestry 4.2 Sensitive, Potential and Standard and associated Guidelines Preferred Locations (including the consideration of local sensitivities) and be approved by the In order to achieve this, the Strategy has relevant regulatory bodies. Details of classified land under three broad such processes are included in categories for woodland expansion – Appendix III . ‘sensitive’, ‘potential’ and ‘preferred’. This follows recommendations in The The SCFWS also recognises that the level Right Tree in the Right Place: Planning of woodland creation in Stirling & for Forestry and Woodlands (RTRP) Clackmannanshire should be subject to which sets out the broad criteria Forestry review every five to ten years, as too and Woodland Strategies should follow. should the overall aims and objectives of “...w0odland It states that “.... woodland strategies the Scottish Forestry Strategy. In should divide land into categories, addition, any individual woodland expansion should including the suitability of different creation proposal, regardless of its size, locations for new woodland planting.” It should be assessed on its ability to be more will be for planning authorities to deliver the strategic priorities highlighted determine the detailed list of local in the Scottish Forestry Strategy and integrated, more sensitivities that will inform the identified specifically in the Stirling & categorisation of land, but it is expected Clackmannanshire Forestry and diverse, more this will include priority species and Woodland Strategy. inclusive, more habitats, landscape, the cultural and historical environment, and interactions The RTRP Categories: productive, more with the water environment and soils. Preferred - land which offers the resilient and more In seeking to encourage such woodland greatest scope to accommodate future expansion in Stirling & Clackmannanshire expansion of a range of woodland types, positive; thus however, the SCFWS recognises that and hence deliver on a very wide range of both woodland expansion and associated objectives. Within preferred areas contributing to the forest management operations have the sensitivities are, in general, likely to be capacity to generate both positive and limited, and it should be possible to delivery of multiple negative environmental impacts. In order address any particular site specific issues therefore to ensure that any woodland within well designed proposals that meet economic, social and forestry expansion and forest the UK Forestry Standard and associated and environmental management operations protect guidelines. Future woodland expansion is internationally, nationally and, where therefore likely to be focused on benefits.” appropriate, locally important habitats, preferred areas.

Page 10 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Potential - land which offers Map 6 (Potential for Woodland considerable potential to accommodate Expansion) below identifies the land future expansion of a range of woodland covered by each of the above RTRP types, but where at least one significant recommended categories with the sensitivity exists . The extent to which following additional land categories specific proposals in potential areas will Existing woodland (the current be permissible will depend on how well woodland resource); sensitivities can be addressed within the proposals. The design of schemes in such Unsuitable ( areas assessed as being areas will require careful consideration. physically unsuitable for the growth or management of trees, based on the * Note : This modifies the RTRP definition in Sensitive* - land where the nature or former Macaulay Institute’s Land that it allows the ‘nature’ of a sensitivity to combination of sensitivities restricts the Capability Maps for Forestry and wind have sufficient weight in itself to justify a scope to accommodate woodland farm footprints); sensitive allocation. In the case of the SCFWS expansion or removal. Limited expansion Built-up areas this applies to Inventory Battlefields at is only likely to be possible where Sherrifmuir, Bannockburn, Sauchieburn and Stirling Bridge (primarily urban). Further proposals are of a scale and character It is critical to understand, however, that discussions are however taking place between which can be accommodated without this mapping is necessarily indicative . FCS and Historic Scotland to ensure a significant negative impacts, and/or consistent national approach is taken on this where it would positively enhance issue. Depending on the outcome it may then be necessary to adjust the categorisation of features of interest. In some areas Inventory Battlefields. cumulative impact may be a relevant Map 6 Potential for Woodland Expansion [Available to view at a larger scale via Stirling and consideration. Clackmannanshire Councils’ internet mapping services ]

Page 11 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Site specific constraints and Geological Conservation Reviews Table 2 List of Sensitivities opportunities exist within each land In addition there are also various classification, but cannot be effectively Geological Conservation Review (GCR) recorded or depicted at a scale sites in the strategy area. They vary appropriate for the FWS. Detailed considerably in scale and nature, from assessment of individual woodland the Gargunnock Burn to part of the creation proposals, as required by southern escarpment of the Ochil Hills. forestry legislation and regulations, Gartness covers around 10 sq.km, remains the primary means of whilst Aucheneck is about 1.0 sq.km. environmental safeguarding. The maps Where appropriate it may be necessary in this document are therefore intended for woodland expansion proposals to only to guide readers towards suitable take account of impacts on the geo- sites and to highlight areas where diversity value of GCR sites and also particularly objectives apply. consider where woodland planting could improve understanding, access As a regional strategy, the SCFWS and interpretation. focuses on regionally significant sensitivities and environmental effects. With respect to the selected Information on sensitivities for sensitivities it is acknowledged there woodland expansion was therefore are a range of sites across Stirling and compiled using GIS datasets depicting Clackmannanshire within the potential the most important environmental and sensitive categories but, on account features. In line with RTRP, each of the of their designation, location or identified sensitivities was then landscape character, the level of assigned to the ‘sensitive’ or ‘potential’ sensitivity for woodland expansion category, depending on the likely level varies. Examples of such sites, together of constraint their presence would with an indication of appropriate impose on any type of future woodland woodland expansion opportunities that expansion. The categorisation of could be considered, are shown in Table sensitivities are detailed in Table 2 3 below. below and mapping of a number of Table 3 Examples of Woodland expansion in Potential and Sensitive Areas sensitivities included in Appendix V . 4.3 Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) and Geological Conservation Review sites Habitats Regulation Appraisal It is a statutory requirement that ‘a ) competent authority must not authorise a plan or project unless, by means of the appropriate assessment, they can ascertain that it will not adversely affect the integrity of a European / Natura site.’

Accordingly the SCFWS has been the subject of an HRA which has identified that woodland planting in the following localities should be the subject of site specific limitations to ensure the integrity of these European sites are not adversely affected, that is:- 4.4 Woodland Types Flanders Moss SAC (refer to As well as setting out guidance on restrictions) planning for forestry and woodland, RTRP also encourages planning The River Tay, River Teith, Endrick authorities to consider what types of Water and Firth of Forth SACs woodland they may wish to include (refer to restrictions) within their Strategies; particularly in Firth of Forth SPA (refer to relation to the four main types listed restrictions) and defined in Table 4 overleaf.

Page 12 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Map 7 Opportunities for New Native Woodlands

Map 8 Opportunities for Mixed Woodlands

Table 4 “Right Tree in the Right Place” Woodland Types

Page 13 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

Native woodland and mixed woodland Indicative Flood Risk Map - highlighting with a significant productive timber the ‘area of search’ for new flood plain component are considered to be the two and riparian woodland to contribute to most appropriate types of woodland climate change adaptation. expansion for Stirling and Furthermore, and in order to give a local Clackmannanshire ; descriptions of geographic context, these two woodland softwood and energy forests are included types have been mapped against the for general reference only. thirteen Landscape Character Types In order to determine areas for potential found within Stirling and woodland expansion, for these two Clackmannanshire and as shown in woodland types – native woodland and Appendix V (Map A1 Landscape mixed woodland – two maps have been Character), together with the seven key developed using the indicative potential themes of the Scottish Forestry Strategy; dataset as their basis, to ensure that key thus showing how and where to target sensitivities were respected in each the delivery of these themes instance (see Maps 7 and 8 above). geographically across Stirling and Clackmannanshire. Additional sources of data were used to draw out opportunities and different Table 5 below shows the relationship priorities; these include: between each Landscape Character area, potential woodland type and main Integrated Habitat Network datasets - Scottish Forestry Strategy theme. highlighting opportunities for new native It should be recognised, however, that woodland and as shown in Appendix V other types of forest / woodland may be (Map A4 Integrated Habitat Network). appropriate within each of these Land Capability for Agriculture - Landscape Character areas and equally highlighting better quality agricultural that the forest / woodland types land where the priority would be suggested may not be appropriate across supporting existing agriculture, and more the entire area of each. marginal areas where woodland could add value for farmers and the environment alike. Table 5 Opportunities for Woodland Expansion

Page 14 Stirling & Clackmannanshire Forestry & Woodland Strategy

APPENDICES

I Summary of Consultation Responses II Additional Policy Documents III Regulatory Processes IV Strategic Themes, Objectives and Outcomes V Maps VI References VII Key Partners

[Appendices referred to in this document have not been included in the published version of the Strategy, but can be viewed online in both Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils websites .]

Page 15