Newcastleton Land Management Plan 2020 - 2030

Newcastleton

Land Management Plan 2020 - 2030

Property Details

Property Name: Grid Reference (main forest entrance): Local Authority:
Newcastleton

NY 5037 8728

Nearest town or

locality: Scottish Borders
Newcastleton

Applicant’s Details

Title:

Mr

Forename:

John

Surname: Position: Contact Number: Email:
Ogilvie Planning Forester 0131 370 5276 [email protected]

Address:

Forestry and Land Scotland, Selkirk Office, Weavers Court, Forest Mill,

Selkirk

Postcode:

TD7 5NY

Owner’s Details (if different from Applicant)

Name: Address:

1. I apply for Land Management Plan approval for the property described above and in the enclosed Land Management Plan.

2. I apply for an opinion under the terms of the Forestry (Environmental Impact Assessment)
(Scotland) Regulations 2017 for afforestation / deforestation / roads / quarries as detailed in my application.

3. I confirm that the scoping, carried out and documented in the Consultation Record attached, incorporated those stakeholders which the FC agreed must be included. Where it has not been possible to resolve specific issues associated with the plan to the satisfaction of the consultees, this is highlighted in the Consultation Record.

4. I confirm that the proposals contained in this plan comply with the UK Forestry Standard. 5. I undertake to obtain any permissions necessary for the implementation of the approved Plan.

Signed,

Regional Manager FLS Region Date
Conservator SF Conservancy

Date of Approval

South

Date Approval Ends

2 | Newcastleton LMP | John Ogilvie | February 2020

Contents

1.0 Objectives and Summary
1.1 Plan overview and objectives 1.2 Summary of planned operations

2.0 Analysis and Concept 3.0 Management Proposals - regulatory requirements
3.1 Designations 3.2 Clear felling 3.3 Thinning 3.4 Other tree felling in exceptional circumstances 3.5 Restocking 3.6 Species diversity and age structure 3.7 Road operations and quarries 3.8 EIA screening requirements for forestry projects 3.9 Tolerance table

4.0 Management Proposals – guidance and context

Appendix I Appendix II Appendix III Appendix IV Appendix V
Description of woodlands EIA screening opinion request form (if required) Consultation record Tolerance table Historic Environment records

Map 1 Map 2 Map 3 Map 4 Map 5 Map 6 Map 7 Map 8 Map 9 Map 10 Map 11 Map 12
Location Analysis and Concept Management Thinning Future Habitats and Species Road Operations and Timber Haulage Current Woodland Composition Soils DAMS Water Supplies Heritage Access and Recreation

1.0 Objectives and Summary

1.1 Plan overview and objectives

Plan name

Newcastleton

Newcastleton 2736
Forest blocks included Size of plan area (ha) Location

See Location map (Map 1)

Long Term Vision To complete restructuring of the forest to achieve a healthy and resilient forest that contributes to long term economic, social and environmental benefits.

Management Objectives
1. To develop resilience to climate change and optimise carbon capture. 2. To optimise productive potential of the land, for construction quality timber and other products for local and national markets.
3. Increase the structural diversity of the forest. 4. Manage the landscape associated with visitor zones to maintain a welcoming and accessible forest environment.
5. Continue to develop permanent woodland and other habitats for a variety of species, including red squirrel and raptors.
6. Protect the historical and archaeological heritage of the forest.

Critical Success Factors



Achieve clearfell and thinning programme to contribute to the Region’s sustainable timber production targets;



Carry out timely thinning and CCF interventions;



Successfully restock challenging sites with poor, nutrient deficient soils; Successfully establish native broadleaves in riparian zones;

Protect broadleaves and ‘soft’ conifers from deer browsing damage;

1.2 Summary of planned operations

Table 1

Summary of Operations over the Plan Period

Clear felling Thinning Restocking Afforestation Deforestation Forest roads Forestry quarries
431.6 ha 291.6 ha 570.0 ha
0 ha 0 ha
200 m
0 ha

The forest is managed to the UK Woodland Assurance Standard – the standard

endorsed in the UK by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Programme for the

Endorsement of Forest Certification. Forestry and Land Scotland is independently audited to ensure that we are delivering sustainable forest management.

2.0 Analysis and Concept

The planning process was informed by collecting information about the woodland, which is presented in Appendix I. During the development of this plan we have consulted with the local community and other key stakeholders, and a Consultation Record is presented in

Appendix III.

The plan’s objectives were analysed against the constraints and opportunities identified

during scoping and consultation. Preferred options were then chosen for delivering the objectives, and these proposals are summarised on the Analysis and Concept map (Map 2).

3.0 Management Proposals - regulatory requirements

3.1 Designations

The plan area forms part of, includes, or is covered by the following designations and significant features.

Table 2

Designations and significant features

Feature type

Yes / Note

No

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

No

National Nature Reserve (NNR) Special Protection Area (SPA) Special Area of Conservation (SAC) World Heritage Site (WHS) Scheduled Monument (SM) National Scenic Area (NSA) National Park (NP) Deep peat soil (>50 cm thickness) Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Biosphere reserve
No No No No Yes No No No No No No Yes
Langknowe Long Cairn
Local Landscape Area

Ancient woodland

Hillhouse Wood LEPO (not shown

on ancient woodland layer)
Acid sensitive catchment Drinking Water Protected Area (Surface)
No No

3.2 Clear felling

Sites proposed for clear felling in the plan period are identified as Phase 1 and Phase 2 coupes on the Management map (Map 3).

Table 3

Clearfell Summary by Phase and Coupe Number

Phase Coupe
Number
Fell Year
Gross Area (ha)
Volume (m3
OBS)

11111111
70002 2021/22 70007 2020/21 70020 2021/22 70052 2020/21 70062 2020/21 70068 2021/22 70090 2021/22 70091 2021/22
25.4 32.9 11.2 46.3 33.4 17.8 24.2 11.7
15219 11741
5740 9814
13808
5944
12705
3740

500

70095

2021/22
(LISS)

1

1.5

70100
2021/22
(LISS)

70048 2026/27
1400 1694
12
2.7 6.6

22222
70055 2027/28 70060 2026/27 70065 2025/26 70072 2027/28 70085 2029/30 70095
2026/27
(LISS)

70104 2029/30
27.0 70.4 27.6 39.9 37.3
8030
26514
7706
17997 11440
500
2

2
1.5

14.2

3752

Total 431.6

158244
Table 4

Clearfell by Species

Net Area (ha) by Main Species >20% (or MC, MB)
Fell Year DF EL HL JL LP NS SP SS MC MB
23.1
Coupe

Coupe Total
23.7 31.9 10.5 40.2 28.9 11.9 23.2 10.1

Number
70002 70007 70020 70052 70062 70068 70090 70091 70095 (LISS)
2021/22 2020/21 2020/21 0.4 2020/21 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 2021/22

0.1

0.5

7.9

23.9

4.5

5.5

40.2 28.9 11.9 23.2

9.4

0.5

0.2

2021/22

2021/22
1.5

1.5 2.7

70100 (LISS)
2.7

0.4

70048

70055 70060 70065 70072 70085 70095 (LISS)
2026/27 2027/28 2026/27 2025/26 2027/28 2029/30

0.3 0.1

1.6

26.2 62.1 20.5 39.6 30.8

2.4
26.2 63.3 20.7 39.6 30.8

1.2 0.2

2026/27 2029/30
1.5

1.5

70104

12.4

12.4

Plan Area Total 0.4 0.1

3.8 9.8 6.0 0.1 361.3

381.5

Table 5

Scale of Proposed Felling Areas

Total Woodland Area

2736
%ha

Felling Phase 1 %

Phase 2

Phase 3

%

Phase 4

%

Long Term

Retention
%

Net

184.6

6.7 196.9

7.2 63.0

2.3 232

8.5 141.3

5.2

Area (ha)

3.3 Thinning

Potential sites for thinning in the plan period are identified on the Thinning map (Map 4). Thinning will normally be carried out at, or below, the level of marginal thinning intensity (i.e. removing no more than 70% of the maximum MAI, or YC, per year). Higher intensities (no more than 140 % of maximum MAI, or YC, per year) may be applied where thinning has been delayed, larger tree sizes are being sought or as part of a LISS prescription. In all cases work plans will define the detailed thinning prescription before work is carried out and operations will be monitored by checking pre and post thinning basal areas for the key crop components. The thin years and net areas listed in the table are provisional and may be adjusted once prethinning assessment has been carried out.

Table 6

Thinning by Species

Net Area (ha) by Main Species >20% (or MC, MB)
Thinning
Thin

Coupe

CP DF EL HL JL LP NS

SP

SS

MC MB Total

Year
Number

2029/ 30 2022/ 23 2023/ 24 2021/ 22 2024/ 25 2024/ 25 2027/ 28
70010 70011 70013 70034 70042 70049 70079
26.9 57.8 22.2 12.1 17.9 7.6

26.9 57.8 22.2 12.1 22.8 25.6 15.1

4.9
18.0

5.0

10.1

2023/ 24 2021/ 22 2021/ 22 2021/ 22 2021/ 22 2023/ 24
70081 70083

8.1

4.0

12.1 20.6 6.8

4.2

16.6

6.8
70095 (LISS) 70100 (LISS) 70101 (LISS) 70102 (LISS)
4.0 1.0 1.5

4.0 1.0

1.4

0.7

3.6

2021/ 22

70104

58.4

58.4

Plan Area Total

17

33.7 10.1 231

291.6

3.4 Other tree felling in exceptional circumstances

FLS will normally seek to map and identify all planned tree felling in advance through the LMP process.

However, there are some circumstances requiring small scale tree felling where this may not be possible and where it may be impractical to apply for a separate felling permission due to the risks or impacts of delaying the felling.

Felling permission is therefore sought for the LMP approval period to cover the following circumstances:

Individual trees, rows of trees or small groups of trees that are impacting on important infrastructure (as defined below*), either because they are now encroaching on or have been destabilised or made unsafe by wind, physical damage, or impeded drainage.

*Infrastructure includes forest roads, footpaths, access (vehicle, cycle, horse walking) routes, buildings, utilities and services, and drains.

The maximum volume of felling in exceptional circumstances over the plan area covered by this approval is 40 cubic metres per calendar year.

A record of the volume felled in this way will be maintained and will be considered during the five year Land Management Plan review.

[N.B. Trees may be felled without permission if they: are of less than 10 cm diameter at breast height (1.3 m); pose immediate danger to persons or property; are completely dead; or are part of Authorised Planning Permission works or wayleave agreements].

3.5 Restocking

Proposed restocking is shown on the Future Habitats and Species map (Map 5). Table 7

Restocking

Phase Coupe Gross Proposed Species Method Minimum

Note

Number Area Restock

*

stocking

Density
(s/ha)

(ha)

Year

1

70070 21.2

2019/20

SS/LP

R

2500

Felled awaiting

restock. Previous coupe no. 70069. Felled awaiting restock. Previous coupe no. 70074.

70076 13.1

2019/20

SS

NS MB
RRR
2500 2500 1600

11
70006 70009
36.0 2020/21 41.6 2020/21

SS/LP

R

2500

Felled awaiting

restock. Felled awaiting restock.
SS/LP SP/BI MB
RRRR
2500 2500 1600

2500

1

1
70059 70103

18.5 2020/21

SS/AR

Felled awaiting

restock. Alder instead of Lodgepole pine as nurse species Felled awaiting restock.

8.0

2021/22

SS

DF/NS
RR
2500 2500

Phytophthora ramorum SPHN

larch felled Dec 2018.
1

11
70002 70007 70020
25.4 2023/24 32.9 2022/23 11.2 2022/23
SS/LP MB SS/LP MB
RRRRR
2500 1600 2500 1600

1600

MB

11
70052 70062
46.3 2022/23 33.4 2022/23
SS/LP MB SS NS SP/NS MB SS SP NS MB
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
2500 1600 2500 2500 2500 1600 2500 2500 2500 1600 2500 2500 1600 2500 2500 2500 1600
11

70068

17.8 2023/24

70090 70091
24.2 2023/24 11.7 2023/24

SS

Rare opportunity

in Newcastleton to restock with DF Main objective is biodiversity
DF/SS MC/MB SP/NS MB
111
70095 (LISS) 70100 (LISS)
1.5 2.7
2023/24 2022/23
MC MB

MB

R/NR 1600

Restock following

felling of mature larch in Hillhouse Wood LISS coupe
22
70048 70055

6.6

2028/29

MB

SS/LP MB
R/NR 1600

27.0 2029/30

R

2500

1600 2500 2500 2500 1600 2500 1600 2500 1600 2500 1600 2500 1600 2500 2500 2500

2

70060

70.4 2028/29

SS

R

RRRRRRRRRRRRRR
SS/LP SP/NS MB SS MB SS MB SS/LP MB MC
22222
70065 70072 70085
27.6 2026/27 39.9 2028/29 37.3 2031/32
70095 (LISS) 70104

1.5

2028/29

MB NS SS SP/BI
14.2 2031/32

Total

570.0
* replant (R) / natural regeneration (NR) / plant alternative area (ALT) / no restocking (None)

3.6 Species diversity and age structure

The following tables show how the proposed management of the forest will help to maintain or establish a diverse species composition and age-class structure, as recommended in the UK Forestry Standard. Table 8

Plan area by Species

Species

Current

Area (ha)

Year 10

Area (ha)

Year 20

Area (ha)

%

Sitka spruce Other
1613
374
59 14
1550
432
57 16
1470
506
54 18 conifers Native broadleaves Other broadleaves Open ground

Total

154
2

6

187

2

7

207

2
8
<1 22
<1 21
<1

20

591

2736

563

2736

550

2736

Chart 1 Table 9

Plan area by Age

Age class (years)
Current

Area (ha)

Year 10

Area (ha)

Year 20

Area (ha)

%

0 – 10

507

278 999 236 125
19 10 37
9
396 413 821 421 121
14 15 30 15
4
334 405 690 638 127
12 15 25 23
5
11 – 20 21 – 40 41 – 60

60+

5

Open ground/felled

591

22

563

21

543

20

Total

2736

Chart 2

3.7 Road Operations and Quarries

Planned new roads, road upgrades, and timber haulage routes are shown on the Road Operations and Timber Haulage map (Map 6).

Table 10

Forest Road Upgrades, New Roads

Phase

Name / Number

Length

(m)

Year

Operation

Upgrade (re-surface)

3000 2020/21

1

1
N301f - N301k
2020/21 Upgrade* &
N302c N312c N316a – N316c N324
1000 2021/22 1400 2020/21 4400 2020/21
350 2024/25
111
Upgrade (re-surface) Upgrade (re-surface)* Upgrade (re-build)*