Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District Lochalsh Woodlands Land Management Plan 2016 – 2026

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

6.0 Heritage management Contents 7.0 Infrastructure 8.0 Natural hazards Summary of Proposals

Vision and Aims Appendices: 1.0 The forest planning framework 1.0 Introduction: 2.0 Key policies and guidance 1.1 Strategic policy 3.0 LMP brief 1.2 Aims and objectives 4.0 Review of previous FDP 2.0 Background Information 5.0 Consultation record 2.1 The forest 6.0 Forestry and water 2.2 Open habitat 7.0 Landscape character assessment 2.3 Geology, soils & climate 8.0 Coille Mhor SSSI management plan 2.4 Landscape 9.0 Ard Hill SSSI management plan 2.5 Surrounding land use 10.0 Sean Chreag SAM plan 2.6 Community 11.0 Open habitat management prescriptions 2.7 Renewable energy 12.0 Summary of activities 3.0 Key features 13.0 Visualisations 3.1 Coille Mhor 14.0 PAWS table 3.2 PAWS 15.0 Designations summary 3.3 Priority species 16.0 Habitat regulations assessment 3.4 Water environment 17.0 Bibliography 3.5 Heritage features 18.0 Tolerance table 3.6 Access & recreation 3.7 Ard hill Supporting documents: Maps 3.8 Natural hazards 1: Location & viewpoints 4.0 Analysis & concept 2: Key features 5.0 Management proposals 3: Geology, soils & climate 5.1 Clearfelling & restructuring 4: Analysis & concept 5.2 Thinning & continuous cover systems 5: Management 5.3 Native woodland management 6: Future habitat & species 7: Water 5.4 Management of invasive non native species 8.1 & 8.2: Paws 5.5 Forest resilience & climate change 9: Landscape character assessment 5.6 Future habitat & species 10: CSM6 Management 5.7 Future management 11: CSM6 Establishment 5.8 Open habitat management 12: Thinning 5.9 Management for priority species 13: Deadwood ecological potential 5.10 Deadwood 14: Deer management plan 5.11 Deer management 15.1 & 15.2: Natural regeneration potential 5.12 Access & recreation management 16.1 & 16.2: Access & recreation

5.13 Community

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

Vision

Accessible and inviting forests integrated with the surrounding landscape. With restored Atlantic Lochalsh Woodlands Land Management Plan Aims; oakwood and birchwood linking Coille Mhor to Carn Greannach and the shores of through Strath Ascaig and a sustainable core of timber production focussed in South Strome and  Timber production: rationalise to an economically and environmentally sustainable level Balmacara that promotes environmental resilience and compliments the landscape.  Biodiversity: expand and enhance the native woodland habitat  Resilience: diversify the range of productive tree species and restructure even aged blocks Summary  Natural hazards: manage the forest to mitigate against landslides and rock fall adjacent to the A890 & west coast railway This Land Management Plan (LMP) is a full revision and merger of the South Strome and Balmacara  People: maintain and where possible enhance the visitor experience. Work with the community to Forest Design Plans. The forests of South Strome and Balmacara lie within Lochalsh peninsula in achieve multiple benefits from forest management & explore opportunities for community renewable Wester Ross and cover an area of 2,777 Ha, of which 49.8% is forest, 40.3% open & energy schemes other(agricultural land, built environment etc) and the remaining 9.9% felled awaiting re-  Landscape: manage the forest to compliment the scenic landscape establishment. The plan period will extend from 2016 to 2026. (See Map1 Location for the LMP Boundary) Appendix 3 – The LMP brief details how this plan will contribute towards the commitments of the We are proposing to undertake some 452 ha of clear felling within the plan period, focussed around IRS Forest District Strategic Plan. removing wind damaged stands, restoring native woodland and restructuring the forest. Proposals for the future management of the forests in this plan area are made in accordance with What’s important? all current industry best practice guidelines and have been prepared following full consultation with the relevant agencies, community representatives and external stakeholders. Operations arising  Native woodland, Collie Mhor Oakwood Special Area of Conservation & Site of Special Scientific from the approval of this plan will also comply with all current FCS guidance and any subsequent  Geological interest at Ard hill (SSSI) revisions published during the plan approval period.  Notable archaeological features present include the Kirkton Dun & Sean Chreag fort (Scheduled Ancient Monument)  Interest and extensive areas of Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites Carn Greannach birchwood in winter  Scenic landscape, visible from key tourist routes for example A87 to Skye  Steep and potentially unstable slopes above key public infrastructure routes  Loch Achaidh na h-Inich – This is the public water supply for Kyle is fed by burns running through

Balmacara  Public access, core path network with several routes through Balmacara and South Strome  Communities, management concordat with Fernaig Trust  Sustainable timber production

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

1.0 Introduction • Healthy: The control of invasive species. Adapting the National Forest Estate to climate change and build resilience to extreme weather events. 1.1 Strategic policy • Productive: Maintain timber production and investigate opportunities for run of river hydro schemes. Lochalsh Woodlands Land Management plan has been prepared in line with the UK Forestry • Treasured: Investigate opportunities for partnership working with communities Standard (2011), UKWAS guidelines (2012), the Scottish Forestry Strategy (2006) and The role of • Access: Help visitors to experience and enjoy the outdoor environment, encourage use of the ’s National Forest Estate and strategic directions (2013) here after referred to in this plan estate for health benefits and outdoor learning. as The National Strategic Directions. The IRS Forest District Strategic Plan has been used to give • Cared for: The restoration of native woodland sites from commercial conifer plantation. Manage local context to The National Strategic Directions and inform the plan brief. Forest Enterprise designated land to bring qualifying features into or maintain a favourable ecological condition. Scotland’s long term planning is aligned to Scottish Government Scotland Performs objectives and the Scottish Government Land Use Strategy. Appendix 1 – The forest planning framework in Scotland gives context to the purpose and The management of Forestry Commission Scotland’s national forest estate is guided by The Role of scope of this Land Management Plan. In compliance with UKFS this is a strategic and indicative plan National Forest Estate and strategic directions (2013), which identifies six aspirations that the intended to state the objectives of management and how sustainable forest management will be National Forest estate is: achieved by signposting the relevant guidance and best practice and by spatially identifying management aspirations. This plan also provides a means to communicate our proposals to the • Healthy: achieving good environmental and Silvicultural condition in a changing climate neighbouring communities and stakeholders and serves as an agreed statement of intent against which progress can be measured. • Productive, providing sustainable economic benefits from the land. Appendix 1 also illustrates the levels of operational plans that sit below, and are informed by this • Treasured, as a multi-purpose resource that sustains livelihoods, improves quality of life LMP. In compliance with UKFS the operational plans detail specific implementation including: and offers involvement and enjoyment. • Potential hazards to workers and forest users • Accessible, local woodlands and national treasures that are well promoted, welcoming and • Operational detail specific to machine use open for all. • Safeguards and mitigation measures to protect the immediate site and, by association, the wider forest • Cared for, working with nature, respecting landscapes, natural and cultural heritage. • Detail of post operations planning including the treatment of any waste materials identified. • Contingency planning • Good Value, exemplary, efficient and effective delivery of public benefits. Appendix 2 – Key policies and guidance details the external policy drivers for the proposals in Drawing on these key themes , Ross and Skye Forest District (IRSFD) prepared a three this plan. Current industry and FC guidance will be complied with during any operations associated year Strategic Plan in 2014. This plan establishes links with the National Strategic Directions with this plan, including any subsequent guidance revisions published during the plan’s ten year document and sets out the district vision, priorities and objectives under which IRSFD plans will be approval period. prepared. The IRSFD Strategic Plan ensures that land management activities complement and enhance the local economic, social and ecological individuality of each design plan area.

The national commitments and district specific actions were used to develop the basis of this LMP and further details of this linkage are provided in Appendix 4 – LMP Brief. Integral to the Lochalsh Woodlands LMP is the district aspiration to have the National Forest Estate;

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

Table 1 below outlines the aims and objectives for Lochalsh Woodlands LMP and how we will monitor progress against these targets.

Aim Objective Monitoring

Timber production: optimise potential Implementation of the LMP felling & restocking proposals,  Implementation of the felling and future habitat and species proposals will be of exiting stands and rationalise future designed in liaison with the FCS landscape architect reviewed annually through the delivery of the harvesting and restocking programme and formally at year five & ten. production to an economically and  Commercial restocking will be undertaken to OGB4 standard and will have environmentally sustainable level stocking density assessed at year one and five. Where required, undertake fertiliser application on second rotation  This will be delivered by the operations team; all crops will be monitored for signs crops, with productive potential, suffering nutritional deficiency. of nutrient deficiency up to canopy closure. Manage deer population at a level allowing successful  Deer counting will be undertaken to determine population numbers, assess establishment of restock crops. impact on establishing trees and open habitat; this information in turn will be used to inform cull targets.  Stocking density assessment will be used to monitor successful establishment Biodiversity: expand and enhance Bring designated Coille Mhor (in FES ownership) into a favourable  SNH site condition monitoring will be used to assess the ecological condition of native woodland and maintain open condition and continue the restoration of PAWS the designated site  PAWS sites will be monitored on a routine basis to inform subsequent remedial habitat in good condition. operations and assess success of restoration. Secure viability of suppressed native veteran trees through  Implementation of halo thinning will be monitored through the work plan process targeted and gradual halo thinning and Environment Team business planning. Explore opportunities for new woodland creation on suitable open  Implementation of new woodland creation will be monitored through the work habitat in Balmacara plan process and Environment team business planning. Control non-native tree colonisation and expansion of invasive  PAWS sites will be monitored on a routine basis to inform subsequent remedial species on restoration sites operations and assess success of restoration. Manage deer population at a level that does not hinder successful  Natural regeneration monitoring will be undertaken on a 4 to 5 year basis, establishment of natural regeneration following felling and this will identify browsing impact and success of establishment using natural regeneration. Implementation of the LMP felling & restocking proposals,  Implementation of the felling and future habitat and species proposals will be Resilience: diversify the range of designed in liaison with the FCS landscape architect. reviewed annually through the delivery of the harvesting and restocking productive tree species and restructure programme and formally at year five & ten. even aged blocks Expand the planted area of alternative conifer species in the next  An analysis of the sub compartment data will be used to establish species rotation distribution and compared against 2016 figures at year 5 and year 10 Improve the overall age structure of the forest to a more  An analysis of the sub compartment data will be used to overall age structure balanced distribution and compared against 2016 figures at year 5 and year 10

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

Aim Objective Monitoring

Natural hazards: manage the forest Begin conversion of steep, unstable slopes, Stromeferry to  Implementation of the felling and future habitat and species proposals will be to mitigate against landslides and rock Ardnarff, from productive conifer plantation to variable density, reviewed annually through the delivery of the harvesting and restocking mixed native woodland through clearfell and restocking. programme and formally at year five & ten. fall adjacent to the A890 & west coast Undertake remedial operations to reduce factors that may  Implementation of slope stability remedial works will be monitored through the railway contribute to landslide and rockfall events. work plan process and Operational team’s business planning.

Maintain a watching brief on stand and slope stability in forest  This will be an ongoing consideration and reactive to events that may unfold. adjacent to the A890 and rail line There is no formal monitoring required against this objective.

People: enhance the visitor experience. Implementation of management and future habitat and species  Implementation of the felling and future habitat and species proposals will be Work with the local communities to proposals designed in consultation with Fernaig Trust and wider reviewed annually through the delivery of the harvesting and restocking achieve multiple benefits from forest community programme and formally at year five & ten. management & explore opportunities for Maintain the level of access to the forest for the public  Maintaining levels of access during forest operations will be monitored through community renewable energy schemes the district work plan process, site management and 75% site visits. Undertake visitor zone works such as brashing, pruning and  Implementation of visitor zone works will be monitored through the work plan thinning along recreation routes to improve the visitor experience process and Community and Recreation team’s business planning. Work with community groups to explore opportunities for  Progress on all renewable schemes will be monitored quarterly by the Forest community owned small scale renewables schemes from the 2014 Renewables programme board. residual offer and the National Forest Land Scheme.

Landscape: manage the forest to Implementation of the LMP felling & restocking proposals,  Implementation of the felling and future habitat and species proposals will be compliment the scenic landscape designed in liaison with the FCS landscape architect. reviewed annually through the delivery of the harvesting and restocking programme and formally at year five & ten.

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

2.0 Background Information

2.1 The forest

Age class as a % of total forest Both forests have a long history of woodland cover as shown by the 265 hectares of Plantation on

Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). The Forestry Commission purchased the first area of land at South 0.8 Strome in 1925 and consolidated the land holding with the acquisition of Glen Udalain and the 6.8 upper margins in 1967. Balmacara was brought into FES ownership during the period from 1962 10.0 until 1981. The land was planted using a traditional commercial conifer species such as Japanese 12.4 Young (0-5) larch, European larch, Norway spruce, Scots pine, western red cedar, western hemlock, Douglas fir, Established (6 - 15) but is predominantly composed of Sitka spruce and lodgepole pine. Large areas of native broadleaf Thicket & Pole (16 -30) woodland add much to the diversity of the woodlands, particularly in Balmacara. Mature (31 - 60)

Old (61+) Much of South Strome is second rotation forest following restructuring ongoing since the 1960’s. 70.0

Conversely much of Balmacara is first rotation and has a much less diverse age structure.

A review of the previous Forest Design Plan is contained in Appendix 4

The following charts illustrate the current growing stock in 2016.

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

The landscape character of both woodlands are termed as Coniferous Woodland Plantation in the 2.2 Open habitat SNH Landscape character assessment for Skye and Lochalsh (Stanton, 1999) and found between Costal Straths and Rock Undulating Plateau landscape types. The coniferous woodland is noted as Approximately 997 ha of the plan area (around 36%) is open habitat. The land was surveyed having a dominant impact on the landscape, obscuring much of the landform and being of distinctly following the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Habitats methodology in April 2009. The survey man made and uniform in structure. Restructuring to develop more visual diversity, compliment recorded several upland open ground habitats of European importance as listed within the UK BAP. natural landforms and remove harsh edges will be a force for change throughout the plan period. These open habitats are predominantly composed of upland heathland and blanket bog. A detailed analysis of the landscape features is provided in Appendix 7: Landscape Character 2.3 Geology, soils & climate and Map9: Landscape Character

Both forests are within the Moine Thrust zone and have fairly complex underlying geology. The soils 2.5 Surrounding land use of South Strome form part of the Lochinver Association and as detailed in Soil Survey Scotland (Macaulay Institute, 1982) the soils are derived from drifts “…formed from a variety of rocks, South Strome is bordered to the west by Fernaig Trust croft land and to the south and east by a broadly divided into gneisses and schists. The gneisses are of acid, intermediate and basic series of private estates Conchra, Attadale and Stromeferry. Balmacara forest is bordered by the composition and are resistant to weathering”. The resulting soils are a mixture of brown forest soils Balmacara estate, which is owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and and podzols in the Strome basin and steep slopes above Loch Carron, surface water gleys and peaty consists of a combination of croft land and native woodland. There are a number of private gleys on the concave slopes and a combination of weakly flushed and unflushed blanket bog in the commercial forests managed by Tillhill at Creagdarroch, Strathellen and Fernaig and several new upper margins. native woodland schemes on Conchra and estate. Sporting management of deer is a major land use on most private estates to the east of Strome. The underlying geology of Balmacara consists of parallel banding of Lewisian gneiss, sand stone, siltstone and mudstone. The soils form part of the Torridon Association. These soils are “developed on drifts derived from the sedimentary pre-Cambrian rocks of the Torridonian formation” (Macauly 2.6 Community Institute, 1982). The soils have been accurately mapped for this forest and are composed of brown earths and podzols generally on the south facing slopes, surface water and peaty gleys on the Several small hamlets and villages are found in close proximity to the woodlands; Achmore, flushed slopes and weakly flushed blanket bog on the upper slopes. Stromeferry, Braeintra, Reraig and Balmacara. The land holding crosses several community council boundaries; Stromeferry and Achmore, Lochalsh and Dornie and District Community Councils. The ESC (Ecological Site Classification) model which uses (Met Office data for the recording period 1961 – 1991) details the climate for this plan area ranging from Warm - Moist along the valley floor On the 1rst of September 2000, Forestry Commission and the Fernaig Community Trust signed an with and southern boundary of Balmacara to Cool – Wet (over the majority of the plan area). agreement, the South Strome Community Forest Concordat which spans for a 25 year period. The Exposure increases with altitude and the majority of the forested plan area benefits from a purpose of the agreement is to strengthen the collaboration and working relationship between moderate DAMS score <16. Forestry Commission Scotland, as agents representing the Scottish Executive, and the Fernaig Community Trust as representatives of the community, in a partnership to conserve, develop and A detailed description of the geology, soils and climate are provided in Map 3: Geology, soils & manage South Strome Forest for the greater benefit of the community and the general public. The climate. plan for South Strome was revised in collaboration with the Fernaig Community Trust.

IRSFD included the local neighbours and the community councils in the consultation process 2.4 Landscape a. All comments and requests from the public, neighbours and consultees are contained in Appendix 5 – Consultation record. The plan area sites within a highly scenic and often dramatic landscape, but there are no formal landscape designations within the FES land holding. A major consideration will be views from the A87 and A890.

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

2.7 Renewable energy in favourable condition. For the purpose of the plan the site has been simplified into three distinct areas as shown in the table below. There are no operational renewable energy schemes or projects in planning at the time of this LMP revision. However following the residual renewable energy offer which closed in March 2014 interest Table 3 – Coille Mhor description was registered for developing small scale renewable energy schemes. Name Structure Threats Table 2 – Renewable energy developments & proposals Carn Greannach Approximately 64.84Ha of mature birch Grazing of natural regeneration woodland. Predominantly downy birch, Colonisation of non native Name Approximate grid Description with elements of hazel and eared exotic species. reference willow. Pockets of Sitka spruce Balmacara burn NG8128 Expression of interest from National Trust For Scotland remaining following historic ring Allt cadha an Easa NG8832 Expression of interest from Fernaig Community Trust barking. Collie Mhor Mature Approximately 8.76Ha of mature Suppression of remnant native Potential implications on forest design and management, as a result of renewable energy woodland conifer woodland with English oak and trees by conifer plantation. developments, will be addressed through the respective developers planning application and where downy birch remnant set amongst required amendments to the Land Management plan. plantation larch and Sitka spruce. Sudden exposure causing crown die back, following Further information on the development of renewable energy schemes is provided via the link release. below; Poor structure and lack of http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/managing/work-on-scotlands-national-forest-estate/renewable- regeneration. energy Collie Mhor Approximately 19.4Ha of clearfell Colonisation of Sitka spruce Regeneration zone (2009) with mixed natural regeneration Deer browsing of downy birch, eared willow and Sitka Dense vegetation and weed 3.0 Key features spruce. Occasional oak sapling present competition.

3.2 PAWS All of the prominent features within the forest and the surrounding land are illustrated on

Map 2 Key features. A summary of the designated sites and their qualifying features can be Within the plan area there is a total of 260Ha of Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). In found in Appendix 15: Designations. addition to that found in and around the designated sites there are notable areas of PAWS at Creag

ant-Sroilleachan, along the southern shores of Loch Carron and the lower slopes of the Kirkton

3.1 Coille Mhor hillside.

In response to the SFS mandate, Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) has made commitments to Collie Mhor is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific restore over 85% of these, while continuing to protect veterans, enhance and expand ancient Interest (SSSI). The site is designated for the extensive area of Upland Oak woodland, the woodland remnants. See Map 8.1 & 8.2 and Appendix 14: PAWS Table for further information. oligotrophic Loch Achaidh na h-Inich and its associated dragonfly assemblage.

The designated site covers a total area of 270.39 hectares, of which FES manage 93 hectares, the remaining area is owned and managed by NTS. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) site condition monitoring, undertaken in June 2013, has identified the site as being in an unfavourable condition; this was due to high grazing pressure and a lack of oak regeneration. The dragon fly assemblage is

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

3.3 Priority species 3.5 Heritage features Forestry Commission Scotland has identified six priority species for conservation action; juniper, capercaillie, black grouse, red squirrel, pearl bordered fritillary and the chequered skipper. None of Important historic environment features are surveyed, recorded, mapped and monitored to ensure the priority species are currently known to be present in Lochalsh woodlands. and demonstrate Forestry Commission Scotland compliance with the UK Forestry Standard.

Forest Enterprise Scotland has now also created a list of “secondary species” which are specific to There are a total of eight unscheduled ancient monuments throughout the plan area largely relating each forest district and are prioritised for conservation action. Details of species present or thought to the areas agricultural past; shielings, township remains and stone dykes are found across to be present within Lochalsh Woodlands are shown below in table; Balmacara and South Strome. The most important feature is the Sean-Chreag remains of a galleried fort, found at grid reference NG818314, and protected as Scheduled Ancient Monument Table 4 – FES Secondary species for conservation (SAM). Species Presence Note Golden eagle None recorded within the International obligation – Aquila chrysaetos forest, but the plan area protected species 3.6 Access & recreation provide suitable habitat for WCA 1981 hunting. Balmacara is well used for outdoor recreation and has an extensive network of Water Vole Populations present along the UKBAP Priority species and Council designated core paths, following both forest roads and waymarked trails, which link Arvicola amphibius Glen Udalain burn. Scottish bio-diversity list into the neighbouring National Trust land and private forest. The former campsite south of species. known as the woodland park, has historically been well used by local Pine marten Present throughout coniferous International obligation – groups and schools and also has orienteering trail in place. Martes martes forest. protected species & Scottish The focal point for recreation in South Strome forest is based around Stromeferry Wood, biodiversity list species which has a network of trails, scenic viewpoints and impressive first rotation Western red cedars.

3.7 Ard Hill SSSI 3.4 Water environment Ard Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) sits between the communities of Reraig and The plan area has four watercourses included within the the West Highland River Basin Kirkton, near to . A large proportion of the SSSI is on the National Forest Management Plan; Allt Loch Innis nan Seangan, Allt Cadha, Allt Dhuirinish and Allt Gleann Udalain. Estate and managed by Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) approximately 17.7Ha. There are no pressures within the any of the waterbodies resulting from forestry management. Downstream pressures are related to water abstraction and flow regulation. Ard Hill SSSI was designated for its geological interest; as very good example of the southern Moine Thrust and in particular of the Balmacara (Nappe) Thrust, which displays older rocks There are ten freshwater lochs located above the treeline within Balmacara and South Strome, being on the top of younger rocks as a result of a low angle fault. supporting good populations of brown trout, invertebrates and aquatic plants. Loch Achaidh na h- Inich is owned by Scottish Water, but is fed from burns flowing from the forest. The loch is public The site was monitored in November 2014 and considered to be in a favourable condition. water supply for Lochalsh and maintaining water quality is of significant importance. Information on proposed management can be found in Appendix 9: Ard Hill SSSI Management plan More information on the main watercourses is provided on Map 7: Water and details of forestry operations and compliance with the UK Forestry Standard (2011), the Water Environment (Controlled Activities)(Scotland) Regulations and the SEPA guidance: Management of forestry waste is provided in Appendix 6 : Forestry & water.

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Lochalsh Woodlands LMP 2016 - 2026

3.8 Natural Hazards

A geotechnical assessment was undertaken by Coffey in June, 2015. The survey was focussed on the steep slopes along the southern shores of Loch Carron, from Ardnarff to the west of Cnocan Donn. The survey identified risk to public infrastructure (A890, railway) from a series of hazards;

 Rock fall: associated with natural crags and cut rock faces  Debris dams / flows: associated with natural watercourses, drainage and culverts  Landslip: associated with cut slopes and ineffective forest drainage

The Coffey report identified several remedial measures to reduce the level of risk and these will be incorporated into future management. Network rail gave installed a series of catch fences along the railway corridor to prevent debris falling on the line and Highway Authority have put in place netting along the cut rock faces above the A890 to prevent washout blocking the road.

4.0 Analysis and Concept

The analysis and concept map is a culmination of the analysis of the key features within the plan area, identified on the Key Features map (Map 2) and displayed spatially on the Analysis and Concept map (Map 3). The analysis has been considered with a focus on delivering IRS Forest District commitments towards the six key themes of Scotland’s National Forest Estate and strategic directions 2013 – 2016 and fulfilling the Plan Brief.

Ongoing restoration of Coille Mhor oakwood shown opposite

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5.0 Management Proposals The bar chart below illustrates the total volume produced within in each phase up to 2035. This only

reflects current growing stock and proposed felling illustrated in this plan. All of the operational management proposals are illustrated on Map 5: Management. The CSM6 maps Map 10 & 11 provide a simplified spatial reference to all felling and establishment within the ten year period and reference Appendix 12: Summary of activities. Volume (m3)

See Appendix 13 for visualisations showing future felling and restocking from selected viewpoints. 120000 99683 100000 The pie chart below illustrates the management regimes applied through the delivery of this LMP as a 84239 82368 77737 percentage of the whole area. 80000

60000 Volume (m3)

40000

20000

0

2016-20202021-20252026-20302031-2035

Restocking in general will be subject to 3- 5 year fallow period post felling, to allow a natural reduction in Pine weevil populations and minimise requirement for insecticide treatment. Hot planting (planting the season following felling) will be undertaken on steep slopes to re-establish tree cover as soon as possible.

To ensure a more diverse future forest structure, stands adjacent to felled areas will be retained until the restocking of the first coupe has reached a minimum height of 2m, except where there is a justified reason for doing otherwise (health and safety, disease, windblow). In such circumstances, restocking may be delayed, on sites with no slope stability risk, to achieve the required age diversity.

5.2 Thinning and continuous cover systems 5.1 Clearfelling & Restructuring As referred to above in section 5.1 clearfell and non-thin regime is the dominant silvicultural system As a result of the past stand management, species composition, difficult terrain and levels of wind applied. The plan revision identified limited scope for first thinning (approximately 12.8Ha), 11.1Ha of exposure clearfelling will be the primary silvicultural system applied in Lochalsh Woodlands. The main low intensity thinning of stands prescribed for long term retention and Continuous Cover Forestry drivers for the felling over the period of the plan are; to clear and rationalise windblow, to diversify (CCF) management to restore the suppressed oak remnants at Coille Mhor. Map 12 Thinning details the present age structure of the forest and begin the transition to native protection forest on steep all of the proposed areas of thinning and theoretical thinning zone for future rotations. All proposed slopes above the A890. areas of thinning will undergo a further site assessment to determine their suitability and implementation will be subject to the prevailing economic conditions. Table 5 -Proposed volume and area felled over the first two phases Phase 1 (2016-2020) 221.7 Ha 99683m3 Detailed thinning prescriptions will be provided at the work plan stage. Phase 2 (2021-2025) 230.4 Ha 84239m3

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5.3 Native woodland management species is being achieved and a programme of non-native natural regeneration removal implemented to control conifer recolonisation. This section details management proposals for the designated Coille Mhor site and the network of PAWS throughout the plan area. The agreed SSSI Management Plan for Coille Mhor can be found in 5.4 Management of invasive non native species Appendix 8: Coille Mhor SSSI Management plan, the table below provides a brief summary.

Table 6 – Coille Mhor management Rhododendron ponticum is present in low levels (see map below) around the woodland park at Name Objective Management Balmacara and around Stromeferry. Japanese knotweed is present at low levels around Ard hill. Carn Greannach Maintain & expand Manage as a natural reserve and allow forest Control programmes will be implemented to remove both invasive species from Lochalsh upland birchwood. structure to develop under natural processes. Control Woodlands plan area by 2026. Rhododendron control will take the form of cutting, burning of deer population at a sustainable level through culling, foliage and chemical herbicide treatment of cut stumps and regrowth. Japanese knotweed will be allowing forest cover to expand onto the open hillside. treated with chemical herbicide. Remove any remaining non-native conifer through fell to recycle and monitor. Collie Mhor South Restoration of upland Manage under Continuous Cover Forest “seed tree East: Mature oakwood. system”. Fell to recycle remaining Sitka spruce woodland plantation (Phase 1) and halo thin Japanese larch (phase 1) around oak remnants to preserve bryophyte communities, but remove suppression of oak canopies. Retain veteran oaks and native broadleaves indefinitely as a seed source for restoration to upland oakwood. Collect seed during good mast years to provide local planting stock. Collie Mhor South Restoration of upland Manage to restore native upland oakwood habitat. East: oakwood. Control deer population at a sustainable level through Regeneration zone culling to allow successful establishment of native tree regeneration. Survey natural regeneration on a 3 -4 year cycle to inform management. Undertake small scale enrichment planting where regeneration is prohibited by a lack of seed source or dense ground vegetation. Control non-native tree regeneration through fell to recycle operations.

PAWS sites are surveyed on an approximate five year cycle by FES. Appendix 14 PAWS Table shows the current status of the PAWS sites in Lochalsh Woodlands LMP and proposed management interventions within the plan period.

PAWS management interventions will be focussed around protecting native woodland remnants of high ecological value: halo thinning will be undertaken to remove crown suppression. Felled sites under restoration will be monitored to ensure adequate natural regeneration of native

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5.5 Forest resilience and climate change The core zones of timber production (Productive conifer & Productive conifer nurse mixture) will be concentrated in South Strome and to the west of Sgurr Mor in Balmacara. Productive zones will be limited to accessible terrain that can be worked conventionally and where there is no Over the last decade we have seen a dramatic rise in pests and diseases affecting UK forestry. In line ecological imperative for native woodland restoration. with current FC guidance the following restrictions will apply to our management;

Table 7 – Tree diseases & restrictions on management Native woodland has been designed to restore and link the fragmented PAWS sites, effectively buffering the core native woodland habitat of Collie Mhor and Carn Greannach. Upland oakwood Disease Action and birchwood will be expanded along the steep slopes above Loch Carron and Reraig and Chalara fraxinea No planting of ash species. Natural regeneration will be accepted where it occurs. managed as “protection forest”. Riparian woodland will be extended along the main waterbodies and used to link future native woodland habitats. Post establishment native woodland will be Dothistroma needle blight Infected stands (shown on the key features) will be targeted for early felling. Only largely managed under minimal intervention to maximise the non timber benefits of woodland Alaskan provenance lodge pole pine will be planted in a nurse mixture with Sitka cover. However, where dense natural regeneration can be achieved on accessible terrain the spruce. forest will be managed for woodfuel production.

Phytophthora ramorum Not currently present in plan area. Annual surveys undertaken by FC. No planting Table 8 -Native woodland prescriptions of larch species in plan area. Felling plans may require amendment to control any future outbreak. Native NVC Type Description woodland type ESC analysis of future climate scenario predicts under both low and high emission scenarios Upland W4/W17 Downy birch with eared and grey willow and shows a wetter climate and decreasing moisture deficit (from 101.4mm to -0.8mm). This will not birchwood common alder on damp – wet soils. Downy pose a restriction on the growth potential of the key timber species Sitka spruce or native birch with a mosaic of hazel and rowan on woodland. freely draining soils where exposure is too great for Sessile oak dominance. In order to promote resilience against pests and diseases we aim to diversify our species Upland W11/W17 Sessile oak in mosaic with downy birch, hazel, composition at restocking; this will be undertaken where sheltered climatic and favourable soil oakwood rowan, holly and aspen. Located on freely conditions allow. Alternative species suited to the oceanic include; draining acid soils in areas of low to moderate exposure. Western red cedar, western hemlock, Norway spruce & Pacific silver fir  Upland oak W11/W17 Mosaic of sessile oak, downy birch, hazel and

/ash /W9 rowan on freely draining acid soils and ash, 5.6 Future habitat and species wych elm, hazel and rowan on the richer damp

- wet soils. The future habitat and species proposals are visualised spatially on Map 6: Future habitat & Upland W4/W18 Mosaic of downy birch on damp acidic soils and species birchwood Scots pine on the freely drained acidic knolls.

/pinewood The emphasis of the plan is to achieve a sustainable balance between native woodland and the Riparian W4/W7 Mosaic of native species matched to the site associated regulatory and cultural ecosystem services (landscape quality, water and soil woodland type, predominantly composed of common protection etc), the conservation of bio-diversity and cost effective timber production to provide alder, downy birch, eared willow and bird future income. cherry. On the drier soil types sessile oak,

Scots pine, aspen and gean will be utilised.

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Planting will be intimately mixed with up to 60% open space to create dappled shade  Productive crops will be established at high density of 2500 – 3000 stems per hectare. effect on watercourses.  Productive restocking has been designed to minimise the risk posed by nitrogen Native W4/W18/ New woodland creation delivered through deficiency caused through “heather check” by use of nurse mixtures. treeline W19 natural regeneration and small scale planting.  Due to the nutrient deficient underlying lithology and parent material it is likely that a expansion Intimate mixture of downy birch, dwarf birch, minimum of one hand application of phosphate will be required post planting in the eared willow, juniper and Scots pine. Up to “productive conifer nurse mixture zone” to promote good establishment and growth. 60% open space.  Stands will be monitored for nutrient deficiency until canopy closure is achieved.  A minimum of 15% open space will be incorporated into the restock design.  Where there is a suitable seed source and favourable ground conditions natural  More invasive shade tolerant species such as the Pacific silver fir and western hemlock regeneration will be the preferred method used to establish native woodland. See map: will not be utilised in Balmacara due to the importance of the native woodland habitat. 15.1 & 15.2 Natural regeneration potential.  Planting of native woodland will be undertaken at a low density of 1200 / 1600 stems per hectare in a mosaic with open space.  Where required individual tree shelters will be used to protect restocking of highly 5.7 Future management palatable species from browsing. Full implementation of the future habitat and species proposals by approximately 2064 would see Table 9 -Productive forestry Prescriptions; the commercial conifer plantation reduced to 26% of the whole plan area. Native woodland coverage increased to 44% and approximately 30% maintained as open habitat. A complete Prescri Aim Species Notes breakdown is provided in the pie chart below. ption Produc Construction Combination of pure Focussed on soils of tive grade Sitka spruce in zones of better fertility (surface conifer softwood higher exposure (DAMS water gleys, brown timber 14>) and Sitka spruce earths, flushed shallow production mixtures (blocky & line) peats) and with lower with Norway spruce, levels of exposure. Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock and Pacific silver fir in sheltered topography. Produc Construction Intimate 50:50 mixture Focussed on poorer tive grade of Sitka spruce and acidic soils (peaty gley, conifer softwood lodge pole pine (Alaskan podzols, weakly nurse timber provenance). flushed / unflushed mixtur production & peat, rankers, iron e woodfuel Small scale blocks of pans) in zones of high Scots pine on acidic exposure where knolls to add diversity. common heather colonisation is likely

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5.8 Open habitat management UKBAP Priority Objective Actions supported by LMP species (The list is The mosaic of open habitat, predominantly blanket bog and upland heath will be managed with not exhaustive) the following aim; relevant to this LMP

area. To ensure that there is a representative network of open habitats of European and national importance, such as blanket bog, dry and wet heaths as functional ecosystems within the area of the Pine marten Species present in LMP area. Integrate protection during woodland plan and where possible to enhance their ecological value through our stewardship. Survey, Monitor for species. management. Protect dens from forestry Protect operations Detailed proposals are provided in Appendix 11: Open habitat prescriptions Otter (also EPS) Species present in LMP area. Manage riparian margins to provide wetland

Survey, Monitor for species. vegetation as sheltered habitats.

Protect 5.9 Management for priority species Bats (also Species present in LMP area. Undertake survey to determine presence of

EPS)(Soprano Survey, Monitor for species. these species in this LMP area and to inform Management for priority conservation species (FCS Scottish Forestry Strategy - Special Focus Species and/or SNH – Species Action Framework) relevant to the plan area is illustrated below. pipistrelle & Brown Protect protection of breeding/roost sites. Protection long-eared bat & other and management of ancient trees. Protection bats) and management of old bridges. Table 10: Annex I, EPS, BAP Species & Habitats Supported by this LMP Other UKBAP species Objective Actions supported by LMP FCS Scottish Forestry Objective Actions supported by LMP relevant to this LMP Strategy - Special area (the list is not Focus Species and/or exhaustive) SNH – Species Action Peregrine (also Annex I Record. Species & habitat Undertake survey to determine distribution in Framework relevant species) protection. order to inform conservation management. to this LMP area Protect species and breeding/roosts sites. Red squirrel Not present within LMP. Liaise with external partners such as Scottish Manage operations to avoid disturbance of Consider licenced Natural Heritage (SNH) and Trees For Life the species and destruction of reintroduction of species on (TFL) for the potential reintroduction of red breeding/roosts sites. suitable woodland sites. squirrel in some of FES forests within LMP. Golden eagle (also Record. Undertake further survey to determine Juniper Not recorded within LMP. Provide opportunities for juniper to be Annex I species) distribution in order to inform conservation Consider establishment of established within the LMP area on suitable management. species on suitable site site types by planting juniper bushes. Other protected Objective Actions supported by LMP types. species Water vole (also UKBAP Species present in LMP area. Areas where water vole is present will not be Sparrow hawk Survey, Monitor for species. Integrate protection during woodland Priority Species) Species and habitat planted. Manage riparian margins to provide Protect management. protection and wetland vegetation as sheltered habitats. Merlin (also Annex I Record and protect. Undertake survey. Leave open areas with enhancement. Determine species) standing dead wood as potential perches). distribution in order to Sand martin Record. Species & habitat Protect species and breeding sites. Manage inform conservation protection operations to avoid disturbance of the species management. during the breeding season and destruction White-tailed- eagle Record and survey. Undertake survey to determine distribution in of breeding sites. Protect from damage to the (also Annex I species) order to inform conservation management. habitats and breeding holes.

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Badger Species present in LMP area. Manage forestry and other operations to

Species & habitat protection avoid disturbance of the species and The deer population across the LMP area comprises red (Cervus elaphus) and roe (Capreolus destruction of breeding /setts sites. Protect capreolus), red deer being the predominant species. The LMP area is within a peninsula deer fence setts. running to the east of South Strome from Loch Long to Loch Carron. At the last time of monitoring (2009) the deer population was estimated at 8 per 100 hectares some 60% over the target of 5 per Aspen Species present in LMP area. Undertake further survey to identify location 100 hectares. In order for the plan to be successfully implemented the population within the peninsula Record & habitat & undertake some planting of aspen within deer fence will need to be reduced. enhancement appropriate areas.

During the period of the plan the following deer management will be undertaken;

 Deer culling to reduce the resident population to levels that allow natural regeneration of native woodlands and successful establishment of restock coupes. 5.10 Deadwood  Maintenance of the existing peninsula deer fence to limit population movement into Lochalsh Woodlands

 Removal of redundant internal fencing. A third of forest-dwelling species rely on dead or dying trees, logs, and branches for their survival  Population monitoring and deer impact assessment. (WWF, 2004). It is therefore of upmost importance for the conservation of bio-diversity that there is  Continued liaison with the Lochalsh Deer Management Group ample provision of deadwood habitat through our management. It is also acknowledged that enhancing deadwood provision is one the most cost effective ways to increase species richness on the A copy of the document produced by Forest Enterprise Scotland; Deer Management on the National National Forest Estate (Kortland, 2014) Forest Estate, Current Practice and Future Directions can be accessed via the link below.

The management of deadwood within the Land Management Plan area will be undertaken using the deer-management-on-scotlands-national-forest-estate principles contained in the document Deadwood Management, Summary Guidance for FES (Kortland,

2014). Following a desk based analysis deadwood ecological potential (DEP) classes have been assigned to the Land Management Plan area as shown on Map 13: Deadwood Ecological Potential. 5.12 Access & recreation management The deadwood prescription for harvesting operations will be tailored to each site based on the areas DEP classification tjrough the work plan process. This provides a flexible and more valuable way to The principal aim is to maintain the current level of access provision, in accordance with the Scottish meet the UKWAS target of 20m3 per hectare over the total plan area. Outdoor Access Code, within the plan area. This will be achieved by ongoing maintenance of existing forest roads and the dedicated path networks (Balmacara & Stromeferry Wood). The Carn Greannach Natural Reserve is holding large volumes deadwood and will contribute significantly to meeting UKWAS targets for the whole plan area. Small scale thinning, brashing and pruning will be undertaken to enhance the visitor experience in key locations such as the woodland park and Stromeferry Wood.

5.11 Deer management Disruption to the access provision will be minimised by following best practice during forest operations and use of planned diversions and ongoing liaison with Highland Council Access Officers.

The Lochalsh Woodlands Deer Management plan is outlined on Map 14: Deer management plan Map 16.1 & 16.2: Access & recreation has further information on proposed operations.

Wild deer on the National Forest Estate (NFE) are managed in accordance with the Scottish Government’s strategy “Scotland’s Wild Deer a National Approach” and under the auspices of the Code 5.13 Community of Practice on Deer Management. th th Forestry Commission Scotland’s (FCS’s) policy recognises that deer are capable of causing significant During the development of this plan two public drop in sessions were held on the 10 and 11 of damage to forests and woodlands, mainly through browsing and bark stripping and can also adversely February and ongoing dialogue maintained with the Fernaig Community Trust. affect biodiversity through over-grazing of ground flora and the suppression of natural woodland regeneration. They are, however a natural component of woodland ecosystems, they can provide To further strengthen links with the local community we have created the new role of Community recreational sporting opportunities and venison as a high quality food. The presence of deer can also Liaison Officer for each geographical beat within the district and will continue to support this function enhance the experience of visitors to the forest. throughout the implementation of the plan. The Community Liaison Officer will act as a consistent

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point of contact between the community and IRS Forest District and will enable us to more effectively Table 11 – Infrastructure deal with any such requests or queries that may arise. IRS Forest District will attend Community Council meetings, as and when necessary, and use this as forum to give advanced notice of forest Phase 1 (2016-2020) operations that may impact the community. We will continue to work with interested community Balmacara entrance 560m forest road groups on the development of small scale renewable energy schemes on the National Forest Estate and make a small proportion of timber from standing sales available for sale as firewood within the Bhealaich spur 235m forest road local area. Phase 2 (2021-2025) Glean nan Dorch 925m forest road Achnahinich 970m forest road 5.14 Heritage management Glen Udalain 4000m forest road upgrade

The site of most significance within the plan area the Sean-Chreag fort is currently in a stable condition and management will continue to ensure the site is not obscured by bracken or regeneration 5.16 Natural hazards of trees. The detailed Scheduled Ancient Monument Management Plan is contained in Appendix 10: SAM Management plan The felling proposals along the key area of concern for slope instability (Stromeferry – Ardnarff) have been designed to as far as possible remove stands before terminal height is reached; to maintain a In general, all significant archaeological sites are protected and managed following Forestry & protective barrier of tree cover between the forest road and A890 until the upper slopes have been Archaeology Guidelines (FC 2011), the FCS policy document Scotland’s Woodlands and the Historic Environment (FCS 2008) and the supporting FES Historic Environment Planning Guidelines (available stabilised and to remove the over mature stands from the west side of Allt Phadruig gorge. from the FCS Archaeologist). Management coupe and future access roads are surveyed by Forest District staff prior to any work being undertaken in order to ensure that historic environment features The stand east of Allt Phadruig sits directly above the A890 and is composed of mature (P31 -73) are protected. conifer plantation. The stand is completely isolated and will require extensive infrastructure

construction to enable skyline harvesting and extraction: as part of this LMP the stand has been 5.15 Infrastructure earmarked as Long Term Retention until additional funding can be resourced or stand stability becomes compromised. The creation of the new forest roads (outlined below) is integral to successful delivery of the plan in Balmacara. South Strome has a good provision of existing access and will only require upgrading, A watching brief will be maintained on all slopes with stability concerns and a programme of culvert maintenance and creation of small scale facilities. monitoring and replacement (where the current pipe is unsuitable) will be undertaken.

All forest roads will be constructed to meet the specification detailed in the ‘Timber Transport Forum design and use of the structural pavement of unsealed roads'(TTF Guidance) and to the UKFS standard.

All civil engineering works will comply with the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011. The requirement for registration or SEPA authorisation will be undertaken at the detailed site planning stage.

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment regulations an EIA determination request covering the proposed forest road construction in phase 1 is appended to this LMP. During the midterm review a separate EIA determination will be submitted to cover proposed projects in phase 2.

During the plan period the following proposed forest roads will be constructed;

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