Forestry Commission Lochaber Forest District Ardochy Land Management Plan Date: October 2015 Planning Team:

Chris Tracey Iain MacEachern D J Robertson Samantha Wilson

Description

The Ardochy Forest is situated on the Northern shore of Loch Garry and some 9km north of the village of Invergarry. The woodland consists of some 260 ha reaching from the Kinlochourn road on the northern shore of loch Garry and stretches upwards and across the A87 Skye trunk road to a maximum elevation of approximately 200 metres. The wood extends from beyond Ardochy House and the deer grid on the A87, to the junction of the A87 and the Kinlochourn road, with the eastern boundary being the watercourse known as the Allt Daingean.

The forest block is deer fenced for much of its boundary however there are degraded sections throughout and the forest is dissected on its upper margins by the A87 Public Highway. From here a number of viewpoints allow visibility into the interior and loch side margins of the forest however it is from the surrounding hills and opposite shore of Glengarry Forest that visibility is most prominent.

The land was acquired by the Forestry Commission in the 1947 and was planted with commercial conifers from then through to the present day.

The forest is in the process of restructure with a proportion of rotational age timber now harvested however the general character of this forest was one of commercial conifers, predominately Sitka spruce with Norway Spruce and larch as a secondary timber crop.

There is a PAWS designation to the forest with significant broadleaf components and internally Ardochy contains small stands of naturalised Scots Pine, planted in the 1890’s and offering the potential of seed trees to the aid of natural regeneration.

The current Forest Design Plan was largely driven by a desire to redesign the original boundaries of the forest in a sensitive manner through the clearfell of coupes with careful restocking of a range of tree species to allow the forest to sit more comfortably within the context of a large woodland area of mixed ownership.

While many of the policies of the original plan are still valid today the main influences on the future management of Ardochy will put a greater emphasis on conservation, biodiversity and heritage, which will result in a reduction of commercial conifers and an increase in native woodland and open space.

Social Factors Recreation - The formal visitor interest internally is the Daingean Township which offers a small car park and interpretative walk round the remains. The main visitor interaction is a lay off the A87 and at a viewpoint just off the public highway at its highest point .This affords iconic views down the length of Loch Garry and is on private ground however overlooking the Forest Estate.

Working with the Community - Community representatives will continue to be consulted during the planning process and include Glengarry Community Council who represents the interests of local residents.

Access - Heavy vehicle access to the forest is from the A87 and to the upper and lower portions of the forest situated at the GR22160294 (AD4) and at GR24060291 (AD1) which also serves as access to Daingean Township. A new planned road line as a result of an agreement with SSE that they will fund road line in the year 16/17 will be in place prior to LMP approval. This is situated at NH23380286 in lower forest section and will be approved by FA , then through the PN procedure and prior to approval for new LMP.

Environmental Factors

This area has supported forest cover for centuries and features on the Roy Military Maps. One third of the area (86ha) is designated plantation on ancient woodland (PAWS) which features remnant bryophytes, lichens and with trees species of Atlantic Oakwood habitat. There is medium potential for restoration to native woodland.

The forest bounds an SPA and SSSI (Loch Garry – part of West Inverness-shire Lochs SSSI) and native broadleaves have been established via natural regeneration of X ha and planting of 11.2Ha (4% of the forest), aided by managed cattle grazing.

The red deer population is actively managed via Forestry Commission’s internal cull programme, with temporary internal fencing of newly planted ‘soft’ species where required.

Archaeology - There are scheduled archaeological remains at Daingean Township, previously hidden in the forest, which include houses and livestock pens, all remnants from the Clearances and previous agricultural land use of this area. Other archaeology remains exist within the forest block including cairns ,ditches, banks and the remains of at least one house /farmstead , possibly a small group, exposed by past harvesting activity.

Wildlife - Considerations will include an emphasis on promoting Red Squirrel habitat through a diverse tree species matrix and sympathetic planning during harvesting operations to protect wildlife populations. Black grouse are not present in Ardochy however a lek has been identified out with the area covered by this LMP and it is unlikely future forest management will affect this .

Conserving and improving natural heritage - Significant tracts of Ardochy forest are covered by the 1999 Glen Garry Upland Oakwood Management Plan which prescribes a sequence of treatments covering Bryophyte and Lichen surveys, monitoring of invertebrates, deer population and a base line fauna and flora survey. A Butterfly Action Plan area, grade A has been designated within the forest otherwise there are no other designations of special interest or status within the Ardochy forest.

Economic Factors

Wood production - Conifer plantations date from 1940s through to 1960s and the majority of the forest Conifers; general yield classes range from high (16) at the foot of the slope to low (4) on the exposed upper edge and wetter areas. Scots Pine is recorded as early as 1890, and under planted ancient individuals exists throughout the forest. Restocking occurred in 2012, with clear felling of a significant portion of the forest currently scheduled for 2014-2019.

Economic timber recovery is expected, using the A83 road to haul to Inverness or Fort William timber processing businesses. This public route not restricted for HGV haulage.

Sitka spruce will remain the primary conifer species as it is suitable for the site and the timber objectives to ensure the future supply of softwood timber to support local industry. Secondary species to increase the diversity of the forest cover will be selected as appropriate for local site conditions. The protection of existing broadleaf woodland and consideration for their re-establishment when opportunities arise will remain a significant factor within the design plan.

There will be a continuation of the phased felling sequence in providing for optimum felling ages also to fell as close to optimum economic felling age possible as well as providing age class structure diversity.

The forest area contains multiple water supplies to Loch Garry, the most westerly used by Marine Harvest to supply their fishery, the most easterly the subject of a hydro-scheme proposal. Other supplies are taken from the forest for neighbouring houses.

Constraints - There are two OHPL routes through the forest and private water supplies which serve the private dwellings at Ardochy Lodge.

Location Map: Ardochy Land Management Plan

Achieving National Priorities Locally

District Priorities and Actions

The following sections follow the themes introduced in the National Strategic Directions document to ensure clear linkages through the planning framework. Lochaber Forest District will apply an approach based on a strategic assessment of national and regional priorities with the overall aspiration of the estate being:

1. Healthy, achieving good environmental and silvicultural condition in a changing climate

2. Productive, providing sustainable economic benefits from the land 3. Treasured, as a multi-purpose resource that sustains livelihoods, improves quality of life, and offers involvement and enjoyment

4. Accessible, local woodlands and national treasures that are well promoted, welcoming and open for all

5. Cared for, working with nature and respecting landscapes, natural and cultural heritage

6. Good value, exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of public benefits.

Theme Issues Identified for Ardochy Land Management Plan Healthy  Over recent years much effort has been put into the regeneration of native woodlands. Within the Ardochy LMP area there is approximately 86ha which are identified as Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). The district will gradually restore these sites to native woodland.

 In November 2014 Ardochy was served with a Statutory Plant Health Notice for Chalara Fraxinea (SPHN).The FC will continue to monitor the woodlands for possible pathogens such as Phytophthora ramorum, Hylobius spp. and Chalara fraxinea. We will diversify species composition as a defence against increasing threats from pathogens of the forest.

 We will strive to manage deer in order to fulfil our land management aspirations within the Ardochy LMP area. As part of this continued management we will work with Deer Management Groups and adjacent landowners to maintain good relations and ensure that views and objectives are taken into account.

 The forest management of Ardochy will contribute towards achieving the objectives of The River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) by:- 1. Addressing any local water body deteriorations within the plan area. 2. By designing new proposals so that they will not result in deterioration in any water body status 3. By ensuring that forest activities are managed in such a way as to ensure they do not cause pollution.

To this effect all operations will comply with the Forests & Water Guidelines section of UKFS.

 The FC will monitor the woodlands for possible pathogens such as Phytophthora ramorum, Hylobius spp. and Chalara fraxinea. We will diversify species composition as a defence against increasing threats from pathogens of the forest.

Productive  While there will be a substantial but gradual increase in the area within the Ardochy LMP designated for native woodland, it is anticipated that a strong productive core of commercial conifers will be retained. There is also potential scope for productive broadleaf establishment throughout the LMP area with identified natural regeneration of Birch and naturalised areas of Scots Pine already established. A number of overhead power lines cross the forest restricting establishment options and creating unplanted areas of potentially productive ground. There is a potential scope for productive broadleaf establishment within these compartments.

 The local economy in Lochaber is heavily dependent on tourism and Lochaber Forest District will continue to provide and maintain existing facilities for visitors to enjoy the outdoor environment, however the forest itself is not a major destination for tourists.

 The majority of visitors pass through Ardochy on the A87 corridor or visit the cleared township of Daingean ,with the wider landscape here being and offering spectacular views into Glengarry and the surrounding mountains. The corridor of the A87 dissecting the LMP area is an important tourist route and we recognise the need to maintain a sympathetic balance and structural integrity to our woodland here and elsewhere within the LMP area while continuing to offer access .

 Thanks to the high rainfall and terrain, the area has a number of sites that may be suitable for hydro- electric generation. There are three notable water courses at Allt a ‘ Beithe on the Western march of the Forest Estate , Allt a Bhior NH22370277 and at Allt Daingean on the Eastern march of the forest estate

Treasured  We will continue to consider and support the Daingean township project and consider any future projects in the wider Ardochy LMP area and participate in community partnerships.

 The landscapes around Loch Garry are of national importance and with a key access corridor the A87 passing through the Ardochy forest we will continue to enhance the appearance of woodland within the LMP area, ensuring that the forests and woodlands compliment the hills and glens.

 We mark the importance of archaeological remains such as the Daingean Township which is within the Ardochy LMP area and we will continue to manage work sites to protect any known and as yet undiscovered heritage features.

 The landscaping of the powerline corridors offers opportunities to work in conjunction with SSE to provide line resilience.

Accessible  The forest is open to all within the framework of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and we will continue to promote best practice in relation to access.  Forest operations must be managed and planned in a manner that will protect access agreements within the Ardochy LMP area.

Cared for  As part of our restoration and restructuring of the Planted Ancient Woodlands (PAWS) we have initiated the regeneration of native woodland species in Ardochy.

 Where the conditions dictate (soil, elevation & aspect) that it is suitable we will plant native tree species on sites with the intention of producing timber, as well as increasing the area of native woodland. To complement the expansion of such woodlands we will develop & conserve open areas of upland grassland not suitable for producing viable timber.

 Managing the grazing impact of deer will allow us to restore and improve the biodiversity of the LMP area.

 A number of designated sites border and include parts of the LMP area. Significant tracts of Ardochy forest are covered by the 1999 Glen Garry Upland Oakwood Management Plan and include PAWS, SSSI and SPA designations. Lochaber FD will work with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to maintain and where possible enhance the integrity of these designated sites.

Good Value To underpin the cost of managing the ArdochyLMP area we will raise income in several ways.

 A sustainable yield of timber will be sold to a range of local and national customers on a regular basis.

 Where possible we will work with developers and community interests to generate renewable energy from small scale hydro- electric schemes.

 Venison produced from deer management activities is sold to national game dealers for both the domestic and export market.

Objectives of Management Ardochy LMP Area

 Retain a strong core of commercial conifers that will better fit into the overall landscape

 There will be an emphasis to re-establish native woodland on areas identified as Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) and also further expansion of native species along riparian zones to a more naturalistic structure on a wider scale.

 A gradual increase in the establishment productive broadleaf area within the LMP area to allow the area to link and reflect the values of the SSSI/SAC/SPA & NSA within the surrounding landscape.

 The enhancement of the external landscape values and the main A87 tourist route corridor

 The continuing consolidation and rationalisation of the recreational potential of the area, capitalising on the multi purpose aspects of productivity and environmental benefit

 Consult and work with local communities and stakeholders.

Stakeholders & Consultation

There are a number of key groups and organizations that will be able to contribute to the project through support and advocacy:-

Highland Council Forestry Commission Scotland National Trust for Scotland Scottish & Southern Electricity Scottish Natural Heritage Marine Harvest Invergarry Community Council Neighbours and Stakeholders Local Deer Management Group SEPA Lochaber Fishery Board Historic Environment Scotland CONFOR

Other Stakeholders & consultation:

• Achadh Lucharidh Farm – Mr John Sloggie • Ardochy and Rona Estates • Coire Ardachaidh Forest– Scottish Woodlands • Ardochy Estate - Mr Paul Gilles ? • Ardochy Lodge • Scottish and Southern Electric • Glengarry Community Council • Scottish Natural Heritage • SEPA • Highland Council • BSW Kilmallie – Mr Mick Bottomley • Marine Harvest – Loch Garry Depot

Forestry Commission Contact

Daibhidh Iain MacDhonnchaidh Sgire Coille Loch Abar Torr Lundaidh An Gearasdan PH33 6SW

David John Robertson Lochaber Forest District Torlundy Fort William PH33 6SW

Tele 07768526390

E mail : [email protected]