Appendix 1 – External Consultation Record

Consultee Date of Date of Issues raised Forest District response (incl. amendments made to contact response plan as a result of consultee comments SNH - Area Officer 01.09.17 28.09.17 SNH notes the presence of designated sites within the proposed LMP area and offers advise as follows: The LMP proposals to extend native woodland considerably, 1. River Oykel Special Area of Conservation (SAC) establish a network of riparian native woodland and restore The SAC is protected for its Fresh Water Pearl Mussels (FWPM) and Atlantic salmon mires where feasible, will significantly enhance the interest. Best practice guidance, such as Forest & Water Guidelines and Protecting biodiversity of this LMP area (section 5.1 Aims & Objectives). freshwater pearl mussels from siltation during harvesting operations (FES Guidance Note 5) should be adhered to in order to reduce any possible impact of siltation on SAC. The ‘wild land’ character of the area will be enhanced by the SNH also recommends drain blocking (prior to felling operations) to protect SAC during restructuring of the forest and the establishment of native harvesting and into the fallow period. Managing trapped silt should be included within woodland and restoration of mires, in particular around the the planning phase as it is the main risk to FWPM. The minimum buffers between the northern and western areas of the plan, helping to frame watercourse and forest edge as per UKFS (Forest & Water Guidelines), should be views into the Assynt National Scenic Area. maximised wherever possible and planted with riparian trees. SNH recognises District’s commitment to improve the condition of this SAC (Pearls in Peril LIFE+ project); Adherence to guidance on water management during 2. Inverpolly, Loch Urigill and nearby Lochs Special Protection Area (SPA) operations and addressing historical drainage patterns with The SPA is protected for it’s black-throated divers. Best practise should be applied to pre operations mitigation will help to protect vulnerable avoid disturbance to breeding divers; designated water courses and water bodies. 3. Ben More Assynt Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Outcrops of mainly Caledonian igneous rock are present within the SSSI area within NFE The Planning and Environment team will continue to monitor boundaries. The visibility and accessibility of the key outcrops should be maintained; diver populations and advise on mitigation for all sensitive 4. Reay – Cassley Wild Land Area (WLA) species and notified features during the first two phases of A wild land assessment for Benmore Forest could help identify whether there are any the plan through the formal work plan process. specific areas of the forest that could be managed specifically to benefit this WLA; 5. Geological Conservation Review (GCR) Sites The proposal to manage Glen Einig as a Native Woodland Within the Benmore Forest there are two GCR sites, which don’t form part of SSSI – Natural Reserve will protect this site in perpetuity and Loch Borralan & Allt na Cailliche. Loch Borralan GCR, which supports igneous rocks has enhance both landscape and species abundance and the greatest potential to be affected by forestry management. These extremely rare diversity. rocks should be best left un-forested. SNH - Geologist 19.11.18 17.01.19 Although not well studied the three GCR sites are of international importance and the The forest design around the GCR sites will include between exposed outcrops of all three sites should be maintained as open. 20% and 40% open space targeted to maintain surface rock features as open. SEPA 01.09.17 11.10.17 SEPA welcomes the opportunity to provide advice and assist in preparation of West Sutherland LMP. Adherence to guidance on water management during The plan should include analysis of environmental risks and information on how they will operations and addressing historical drainage patterns with be addressed and, if necessary, mitigated. The plan should consider impact of proposed pre operations mitigation will help to protect vulnerable works on flood risk downstream – measures might need to be applied to prevent designated water courses and water bodies from siltation. increase in runoff or woody debris from entering watercourses. Impact of new roads on watercourses (at crossing points - new and/or upgraded bridges) and on and adjacent The plan details how forest restructuring will stop any to watercourses should be considered. unnecessary fertiliser or pesticide applications. Requirement of UKFS with regard to River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) should be met. Water bodies which the proposed LMP might affect were listed. The proposed road constructions will comply with SEPA The LMP should identify location of any inappropriately designed or redundant structures Engineering in the Water Environment: Good Practice Guide: which could be removed or improved. It should also confirm whether or not any River Crossings (2nd Edition 2010) and all road upgrade invasive non-native species are present within the LMP area – if there are, the plan operations will raise the level of compliance for upland should outline proposals for their control and/or removal. crossings including seeking to remove barriers to migratory The plan should provide clear information on timing and area of felling and restocking fish.

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operations, and consideration given to protecting the environment. There are sensitive habitats in the River Oykel catchment that are at risk from excessive siltation due to North Region will continue with monitoring and long term forestry operations. The proposed LMP should confirm adherence to UKFS and related research projects assessing the impact of forestry operations Guidelines, and comply with the requirements of the Water Environment (Controlled within the LMP area. Partnerships with SEPA and river Activities) (Scotland) Regulations (CAR). stakeholders will continue and where funding allows will be The plan should provide information on the minimum buffers to be included between the extended. forest edge and each water body or abstraction (as per UKFS requirements). Riparian planting within this buffer would be supported. The placement of large woody debris in watercourses for the Information on new supporting infrastructure which might be required to facilitate plan purpose of ameliorating bank erosion and improving riparian proposals should be included, preferably on a map of scale 1:2,500 (e.g. new or and aquatic habitats will comply with GBR25. upgraded tracks, lay-down areas, borrow pits, etc.). SEPA supports the peatland restoration proposals outlined in draft LMP brief – the plan LMP Appendix 2 – Forests and Water provides a more should outline any aims of restoration and the methods to be employed to achieve focussed commentary on the issues raised in SEPA’s them. consultation response. SEPA is broadly supportive of new woodland planting, but is concerned with potential impact of new planting on wetlands, with specific emphasis on groundwater dependant terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTEs), common in peatland areas. As native tree regeneration is supported by national policy, including Scottish Forestry Strategy, SEPA will take a different approach to protecting wetland on sites proposed for native woodland (both regeneration and planting) then in case of commercial planting. The plan should contain information on how springs, flushes and bogs are to be protected on areas proposed for new native woodland creation. If new commercial planting is proposed, all relevant surveys need to be carried out and the results shown on map, including proposed new planting, drainage overlain on vegetation maps. If any GWDTEs are present, they should be highlighted in the plan. Any new commercial planting and/or new infrastructure should avoid impacting on GWDTEs (100m & 250 m buffers apply). Proposals to make use of any waste wood on site should comply with SEPAs Guidance: Management of Forestry Waste. The applicant should justify how application of any forestry material (mulching, fell to recycle or use of brush) would facilitate or improve the restoration of the site as a whole. The amount of tree material that can be used on site must be fit for purpose and must not result in harm to the environment (e.g. nutrient enrichment). The concept (constraints) map should identify any private water supplies and drainage ditches which direct connect to the water environment. If they are present, the plan should contain commitment to address the relevant issues (e.g. buffers). SEPA expect all proposed forestry activities to adhere to best practice guidance (as per UKFS and Guidelines). Some proposals might new authorisation under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations (CAR). Highland Council 01.09.17 No Archaeologist response Highland Council 01.09.17 No Forestry response

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Department Highland Council 01.09.17 No Roads response Department Highland Council 01.09.17 No Access Officer response Highland Council 01.09.17 No Flood Team response Highland Council 19/12/18 01/02/19 No private supplies identified One private supply identified at Oykel Bridge Hotel and future Environmental habitat proposals adjusted accordingly. Health (PWS) Confor 01.09.17 04.09.17 Mr Farquhar advised on the list of timber processing companies that should be The companies mentioned by Mr Farquhar were contacted on Mr Jamie & contacted as part of the LMP consultation. the 06.09.17 – see consultation record below. Farquhar 05.09.17 Mountaineering 01.09.17 No Council for response Scotland Kyle of Sutherland 01.09.17 13.10.17 Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries (KoSF) welcomes the aims and objectives outlined in the North Region will continue with monitoring and long term Fisheries Board draft LMP brief, especially the District’s commitment to restore valuable peatland areas, research projects assessing the impact of forestry operations create network of riparian and native woodland, reduce flood risk in lower River Oykel within the LMP area. Partnerships with SEPA and river catchment, and to manage forest in a manner that positively contributes to water stakeholders will continue and where funding allows will be quality, with a special emphasis on populations of fresh water pearl mussels (FWPM) extended. and migratory fish. KoSFT is satisfied with the working relationship established with FCS, but remains concerned with water quality in River Oykel catchment. KoSFT asks Adherence to guidance on water management during that consideration should be given to water quality monitoring, as well as potential operations and addressing historical drainage patterns with collaborative projects aimed at assessing the status of fish and FWPM populations. pre-operations mitigation will help to protect vulnerable designated water courses and water bodies from siltation.

The plan details how forest restructuring will avoid any unnecessary fertiliser or pesticide applications.

The proposed road constructions will comply with SEPA Engineering in the Water Environment: Good Practice Guide: River Crossings (2nd Edition 2010) and all road upgrade operations will raise the level of compliance for upland crossings including seeking to remove barriers to migratory fish. North Region and Forest Research presented the current monitoring programme to the KoSFT AGM on 11/10/2018. SSEN 01.09.17 No Mr J Sharp has forwarded the scoping invitation to MS F Maxwell (SSEN) on 01.09.17, Opportunities will be taken through restructuring to improve Mr John Sharpe response but no response was received. the resilience of the overhead distribution network within the plan area, including the widening of wayleaves and restocking the adjacent ground with slow growing native

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broadleaf species. Historic 01.09.17 08.09.17 A letter from HES stressing the requirements of UKFS with regard to protection and North Region has full GIS record of archaeological features Environment & management of archaeological features present on National Forest Estate (NFE). present within NFE boundaries. In addition, all coupes are Scotland 11.09.17 Protective buffers of 20m around the monuments were stated as minimum requirement, surveyed prior to forest operations, to ensure any previously and giving regard to creation of wider openings and, if possible, maintaining visual links unrecorded archaeology present is given appropriate between features is recommended. The letter also contained a list of scheduled protection during the operations. monuments present within proposed West Sutherland LMP area, with suggestions on maintenance and management required. Contact details of local HES Case Officer were (Former) North Highland Forest District’s Monument supplied. Management Plan (MMP) prepared in 2015 by the FCS Archaeologist was supplied to HES for information. Contact HES’s Case Officer acknowledged receipt of District’s Monument Management Plan details of North’s Planning & Environment Manager were (MMP) and expressed her interest in commenting on draft management proposals once supplied, in case any additional information regarding the they’re ready for consultation. programme of monitoring and maintenance of scheduled ancient monuments was needed.

North’s Planning & Environment Manager has supplied the HES Case Officer with details of works planned for spring 2018 around 7 scheduled monuments located in Benmore. Ardgay & District 01.09.17 No Community (letter) response Council 21.11.18 (email) Assynt 01.09.17 22.11.18 CC may invite staff to present proposals in future No action required Community (letter) Council 21.11.18 (email) Creich Community 01.09.17 23.11.18 CC Requested maps of proposed coupes when available. (sent on 05/12/19) Maps were sent on 01/12/19 – No response received. Council (letter) 21.11.18 (email) Benmore Estate 01.09.17 24.01.20 Meeting with Mr and Mrs Vestey and Estate Keeper Mr Blackley to discuss harvesting Liaise with Estate during harvesting operations and work in Mr James Vestey proposals ad future restocking and roads. Broadly supportive of plans and appreciative partnership to resolve bridging issues. that coupe at east of loch turned to native woodland because it has a significant impact on the access road and Lodge view. Keen to keep felling near lodge area restricted to winter. Benmore Estate 01.09.17 11.10.17 As an owner of Loch Ailsh and properties lying on the north-east shore of the loch, Ms Claire Acheson & & Benmore Estate is keen to ensure that management activities carried out in the area are Detailed proposals were emailed to Ms Acheson on 12/11/18 (agent) 12.11.18 14.11.18 to mutual benefit of both FES and the Estate. Benmore Estate is the owner of the to demonstrate the proposed felling and future habitats for riparian zone along River Oykel, and as such supports the objective of reducing flood the LMP area to offer a further opportunity for consultation risk in lower River Oykel catchment outlined in draft LMP brief, but asks that FCS works and comment. The suggestion of a meeting on site was closely with both the Estate and the Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Trust. declined by the Estate at this time in relation to the plan The Estate is also enquiring whether the northern section of Benmore Forest could be however FES and the Estate hope to meet in the near future considered for disposal in favour of Benmore Estate. to discuss roading issues and ownership boundaries.

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Further response to more detailed proposals was received on 14/11/18 indicating that Further to receiving final comments and further discussions the Estate were content with proposals but that they would like FES to consider re- with the North team, it was decided to re-designate the designating the coupe to the immediate east of Loch Ailsh as native woodland rather coupe requested to native woodland. than productive. Caplich Estate 01.09.17 No Mr Alan Wyatt response West Sutherland 04.09.17 No LMP scoping & response invitation 10.11.18 published on FC 15.09.19 No further Published updated maps to the web page and emailed all stakeholders with a request to website response view and comment by 31/10/19.

RSPB – North 06.09.17 03.10.17 RSPB is generally supportive of the aims and objectives stated in draft LMP brief, but Highland would like to see an explicit commitment to maintain and enhance biodiversity. No The LMP proposals to extend native woodland considerably, Conservation detailed surveys were conducted in proposed LMP are since mid-2000s, but RSPB establish a network of riparian native woodland and restore Officer believes it’s unlikely that there have been any changes in the bird species present in the mires where feasible, will significantly enhance the area. biodiversity of this LMP area. RSPB supports the peatland restoration proposals, provided it leads to the expansion of existing open space, especially the withdrawal of the forest edge at both south-west and The ‘wild land’ character of the area will be enhanced by the north-west boundaries of the LMP area. Such change in land use would be beneficial for restructuring of the forest and the establishment of native golden plover, dunlin and other upland open ground specialists such as golden eagle, woodland and restoration of mires, in particular around the hen harrier, merlin and short-eared owl that are present in the local area. northern and western areas of the plan, helping to frame Loch Ailsh is part of Loch Urigill and nearby Lochs SPA, designated for breeding black views into the Assynt National Scenic Area. throated diver. Other smaller lochs within the LMP area are less attractive to divers, but potentially could provide foraging opportunities. There are records of breeding black Adherence to guidance on water management during throated divers on Loch Craggie (mid-2000s) and incidental records of red throated operations and addressing historical drainage patterns with divers breeding there. In order to maintain the suitability of Loch Ailsh and other lochs pre operations mitigation will help to protect vulnerable for breeding diver and ducks, it is important to keep their relatively open aspect – designated water courses and water bodies. ideally at least 50m between the loch bank and the forest edge. In addition, black throated divers and greenshank are highly susceptible to disturbance by human The Planning and Environment team will continue to monitor activities during their breeding season (mid-April to end of July), so no forestry diver populations and advise on mitigation for all sensitive operations should be carried out within 750m of Loch Ailsh and Loch Craggie during that species and notified features during the first two phases of period, unless appropriate surveys have been established that no divers are breeding on the plan through the formal Work Plan process. the loch. Black grouse are present in this area and would particularly benefit from new woodland The proposal to manage Glen Einig as a Native Woodland planting in close proximity to moorland area. They generally prefer open woodland and Natural Reserve will protect this site in perpetuity and understorey of vegetation, particularly newly planted / restocked areas before the enhance both landscape and species abundance and canopy closes over. Black grouse’s low flight paths mean that they are at risk of fatal diversity. collisions with fences – where fencing is required, RSPB would wish to see the use of fence markers to reduce that risk. As it matures, the woodland becomes less attractive Black grouse will continue to be monitored to help inform to black grouse. An increase in age diversity within the LMP area would benefit the operational timings and fencing operations. species. The woodland within LMP area supports a wide range of woodland bird species, both

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common (tits, finches, warblers) and those in decline across the UK (cuckoo, tree pipit, spotted flycatcher). Although present in dense conifer stands, those species would benefit from maintenance of more open native woodland, like the one in Glen Einig. Willow warbler, chiffchaff and blackcap are likely to particularly benefit from the creation of riparian woodland. The mature conifer stand within LMP area support populations of both Scottish and common crossbills (both species are protected). Scottish crossbill has a particular requirement for Scots pine – RSPB would therefore support the continued maintenance and planting of productive conifers, to provide continuity of habitat for these species. Although no surveys have been recently carried out, RSPB believes that it is highly likely that ospreys are nesting in mature trees within the LMP area (there are historical records of ospreys nesting in the vicinity of Loch Ailsh and Glen Einig). Consideration should be given to retention of some mature conifers in order to provide winter roost site for white tailed eagle and potential nest sites for osprey and white tailed eagle. The provision of artificial nest sites for these species could also be considered. Future forest operations should take into account the presence of nesting/roosting birds and comply with the relevant FCS guidance. RSPB is broadly supportive of renewable energy projects within the proposed LMP area, provided that they don’t threaten important and fragile habitats of protected species. Recent surveys suggest that the presence of wind turbines is associated with a significant reduction in the number of breeding golden plovers. In addition, access tracks for both wind and hydro power are a source of continuing disturbance to wildlife, as they not only used by workers, but increasingly are used by dog walkers. It is essential that any forest operations that are conducted on and adjacent to Ben More Assynt SSSI do not adversely impinge on the plant species and plant assemblages that are some of the qualifying features of the SSSI. Further meeting concerning revised proposals on 19/09/19 References to concept of ‘peatland edge woodland’ and Attended by Bea Ayling and Norrie Russell ‘successional woodland’ removed. Native woodland to be concentrated on shallower peats and mineral soils and peatland restoration area to be maximised. Sensitive raptor species discussed and FLS committed to further survey works prior to restocking. Gordon Timber 06.09.17 No response Balcas 06.09.17 No response James Jones 06.09.17 No response BSW Timber 06.09.17 No response Munro Harvesting 06.09.17 No response Norbord 06.09.17 No

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response Borralan Estate 06.09.17 No Mr Roddy Watt response

Oykel Bridge 06.09.17 No Hotel response North West 16.11.18 No Highland Geopark response Kyle of Sutherland 4.09.19 Meeting Email response received on 30/1/2020 – broad support for the proposals and noting No action required. Proposals supported. Development with that the forests can play an important role in economic development under the current Trust David proposals. Also noting the importance of riparian woodland and good ongoing deer Watson management.

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Water Management

All operations on Scotland’s national forests and land (NFL) will adhere to the UK Forestry The water bodies noted on the SEPA RBMP website and minor watercourses identified by North Standard (UKFS) (2017), section 6.7 - Forests and Water, and the Water Environment Region as significant are detailed in Map 2a – Key Features: Water. The specific measures (Controlled Activities)(Scotland) Regulations (CAR) and the General Binding Rules published by proposed to protect and/or improve the status of the water bodies noted in the table above are Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Operations will also be carried out in detailed throughout this plan. accordance with ‘Managing Forest Operations to Protect the Water Environment’ (FC, 2019). Water body ID Water body Name Current classification SEPA is implementing the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in Scotland which is a legal 20116 River Oykel – Moderate (no change since previous framework for the protection, improvement and sustainable use of all water bodies in the Dornoch Firth to classification); environment across Europe. All water bodies across Scotland have been assessed for ecological Loch Craggie and chemical status and catchment plans have been drawn up to ensure water bodies are 20117 River Oykel – Loch Good (no change since previous brought up to an acceptable level. North Region lies entirely within the Scotland river basin Craggie to Loch classification); district, and is covered by the second River Basin Management Plan (2015 – 2027). Ailsh 20118 River Oykel – Loch Good (no change since previous The two aims of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) are to improve water bodies to good Ailsh to source classification); ecological status/potential (by 2015, but later if this was not feasible) and to prevent any 20553 Ledmore River Good (no change since previous deterioration in ecological status/potential. These objectives apply to baseline and non-baseline classification); water bodies. Under the WFD, as well as reaching good ecological status/potential, designated protected areas must meet the standards for which they are designated and have the same 20129 Allt Eileag High (no change since previous objective of No Deterioration. Two of the biggest challenges identified in the second river basin classification); management plan are diffuse pollution and modifications to the physical conditions of water 20128 Allt Rhugaidh Mhore High (no change since previous bodies. classification); 20126 Garbh Allt Good (no change since previous Operations carried out on the NFL in North Region adhere to the best practice detailed in UKFS classification); section 6.7 - Forests and Water (FCS, 2017), the Water Environment (Controlled Activities)(Scotland) Regulations (CAR) and the General Binding Rules published by SEPA to 20121 River Einig Good (no change since previous support the required ecological protection and improvement. classification); 20127 Allt Rhugaidh Bheag Good (no change since previous North Region consider it vital that all operational planning and delivery does not lead to any classification); deterioration of the water bodies or water dependant habitats within the Land Management 100086 Loch Ailsh Good (no change since previous Plan area including tributaries and water bodies directly above or below the NFL. classification); Appropriate mire restoration and the ongoing establishment of riparian woodland to maintain buffer strips between productive conifer plantations and water bodies is a key aim of this plan. Details of the proposed riparian woodland that will provide a buffer on all identified The forest blocks covered by the West Sutherland LMP lie within River Oykel & River Kirkaig watercourses (average 30 metres from each bank) is shown spatially in Map 12a – Future catchments. None of these catchments suffer from acidification. There is one water body within Habitat Zones. the LMP area that is currently at moderate ecological status, and has the potential to be affected by forest operations. All other water bodies are at good and high ecological stats – please see the table across for details.

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specific mitigation for engineering works is not a matter for this Plan; however Forestry Civil The watercourses in this plan area have suffered from inappropriate forestry practices in the Engineering will adhere to all planning protocols that apply at the time of construction. past leading to pressure from plantation edges too close to watercourses, intensive cultivation and poorly implemented drainage. Given the distribution of commercial forestry within the As a minimum, no land shall be cultivated within 2 metres of any surface water or wetland or 5 above mentioned catchments, North Region acknowledge that appropriate controls on forest metres of any spring that supplies water for human consumption, to encourage settlement of operations are vital to improve the current position. silt as the drainage waters flow over the open ground and into watercourses. Surface water drains will not discharge directly into the water environment and, where It is recognised that invasive non-native species (INNS) can have impacts on the condition of applicable, North Region staff will seek to remediate existing drains of this type to avoid siltation areas protected under the Habitats Directive for species or habitats important at a European problems during and after forestry operations. scale and those nationally important for biodiversity. They are recognised as a significant risk nd to the water environment in the (2 ) River Basin Management Plan for the Scotland River Basin Where opportunities exist to deliver environmental improvement by the alteration or removal of District (2015 – 2027) and in the North Highland area management plan. inappropriately designed or redundant structures - for instance upgrading of a culvert to allow fish passage or removal of a redundant weir - this will be undertaken in consultation with the Given the possibility of contamination from management activities on upstream populations of relevant stakeholders and we will register the operation on the SEPA website. Opportunities for riparian INNS, any control efforts will always be undertaken with this in mind, and it is proposed morphological and ecological improvements may also be considered. For example measures that links will continue to be made with existing projects such as the biosecurity plans which are could include the re-meandering of artificially straightened watercourses. It is often the case being produced by the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts Scotland. Invasive plants (Rhododendron that opportunities for wetland and peatland habitat restoration are only revealed after felling, ponticum) have been recorded at Benmore Forest. There are no other records of INNS on the when landform is clear and hydrology can be accurately assessed. Therefore site-level proposals National Forest Estate within the plan area, however routine survey work will continue of this nature are agreed at work plan stage with the Open Habitat Ecologist and the North throughout the plan period and any occurrence dealt with, complying fully with best practice Region Environment team. guidance. Work programmes are currently being delivered to reduce rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) and will continue during the coming plan period. Similarly American Forestry has a significant role to play in mitigating the effects of climate change. Building mink (Neovison vison) will continue to be the focus of monitoring and necessary, rigorous resilience against extreme weather events underpins all our proposals but is particularly relevant control. in relation to protecting overhead power line networks, public road infrastructure and water Water crossings for proposed roads infrastructure will be planned and delivered in accordance courses. Many instances of historical, artificial cultivation and drainage across Scotland’s with the Engineering in the Water Environment Best Practice Guide (River Crossings) (2010) national forests and land are inappropriate for current future climate predictions and will be and within the structure of the Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR). It is acknowledged that addressed by the adoption of less intensive techniques into the future and complemented by the storage of oil will be carried out in accordance with the Water Environment (Oil Storage) the establishment of a network of protective native riparian woodland where appropriate. (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Arisings from felling and thinning operations (lop and top) are not considered as waste in terms As a minimum, The Water Environment (Diffuse Pollution) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 General Binding Rules will be followed. These rules cover the storage and application of fertiliser, of this plan. This material will be typically incorporated in the brash mat to aid machine traction cultivation of land, discharge of site water, construction of roads and use of pesticides. These and flotation thus protecting fragile soils. Additionally material will be retained on site to achieve are considered operational planning issues and as such mitigation and method are not detailed deadwood objectives; UKFS (2017) suggests (as an element of sustainable forest management) in the LMP document itself, but through an established and robust system of recorded work an average of 20m3 of deadwood per ha of forest/woodland. Consequently, on larger harvesting planning and pre-commencement planning. The associated documentation being available for sites, areas of fallen and/or standing deadwood might be designated as retained deadwood. viewing as required by stakeholders. Following site meetings during 2013 with SEPA staff and These areas are not classified as ‘felled to recycle’ (FTR) and their location is determined at the resultant agreement on consultation protocols, SEPA will nominate coupes which they feel are site planning stage and recorded in the work plan document. Other branch and stem wood ‘sensitive’ during the standstill review of the draft plan, prior to its submission to Scottish material may be left after harvesting where it contributes to the functional ecology of the Forestry. The work plans for these coupes will be annotated with a consultation request and during site planning, operations staff will contact SEPA staff and accommodate any specific woodland and serves an important role of nutrient recycling – thus increasing biodiversity and operational requirements agreed for that coupe. assisting future productive woodland establishment.

North Region Planning staff will contact SEPA prior to commencing engineering works in, or in West Sutherland LMP proposes maximising fibre recovery on peatland restoration sites. However the vicinity of, inland surface waters to determine the level of authorisation required. Site- where the sparse nature of particular crops (e.g. checked Sitka spruce and/or sparsely branched

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Lodgepole pine with foliage reduced by Dothistroma Needle Blight (DNB) infection) combines Scottish Water are predominantly responsible for flood risk management planning, but Scottish with the presence of sensitive organic soils and potentially long extraction routes, some fell to Forestry and Forestry and Land Scotland were recognised in 2012 as one of responsible recycle/mechanical mulching may be necessary. This material will serve a purpose in the re- authorities, with a potentially significant role in managing flooding. wetting phase by helping to impede drainage. The Highland and Argyll Local Flood Risk Management Plan has identified 40 areas where the Modern forestry practice may sometimes include leaving productive material on site as the most risk of flooding is greatest – these areas are referred to as the Potentially Vulnerable Areas effective means of environmental risk management. Local surveys have informed the choice of (PVA). There are no PVAs within West Sutherland LMP area, as identified by the above mentioned peatland restoration coupes where earlier afforestation was undertaken on soils with a Plan and on SEPA’s Flood Maps (http://map.sepa.org.uk/floodmap/map.htm). significantly high peat content (see Map 5 - Soils map). These soils would be highly susceptible to damage through extraction operations. Furthermore, the current standing crops are invariably There are however records of significant flooding caused by the River Oykel and the River Einig low yield class Lodgepole pine and Sitka spruce and have little utilisable brash and small down onto the Kyle of Sutherland’s SSSI wetland floodplain. Although a long recorded natural diameter timber to form protective brash matting for access and repetitive use by conventional phenomenon that creates many important niche habitats, recent decades have seen record flows harvesting and extraction machinery. and subsequent damage to property. Therefore North Region have considered the felling and restock proposals in the LMP - for coupes within the affected catchment - specifically with the Whilst we will maximise newly developed low ground pressure techniques to recover higher regard to the possible impact on hydrology. A report was commissioned from the National volumes of material, FTR/mulching will significantly reduce the risk of causing damage to the Resilience Manager with Forest Research also commenting on the final draft proposals. The soils during felling and extraction in some limited cases. In addition, FTR/mulching eliminates conclusion of the report was as follows: the need for new forest road construction for timber extraction - significantly reducing the potential impact on soils, hydrology and ecology of the site. Engineered forest roads require “In terms of considering the extent of change in land use, currently the catchment includes substantial ground work including drainage along the road, culverts and/or bridges to cross the 34,800 ha of land upstream of the pinch point at Langwell Estate, 6,500 ha of which is forestry watercourses and also additional drainage on the ground above a new road. Given that the amounting to 19% of the catchment. By 2029, there will be 5,100 ha of forestry on 34,800 ha existing LP and LP/SS crops on the restoration areas are planted on peat deposits significantly of land, equating to 15% of the land being forested. Therefore the proposal will reduce the exceeding 50 cm in depth, we believe that our proposal is likely to positively contribute towards forestry in the catchment by only 4% - upstream of Langwell. climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration targets. Forest Research indicate that removing canopy from more than 20% of a catchment can have Where specific operations produce waste material not detailed above, North Region staff will a measurable negative effect on flooding. The proposal at West Sutherland removes only 4% liaise directly with SEPA to establish the level of permission/licensing required on a site by site of the existing 19% forested land upstream of Langwell. So therefore the conclusion from this basis. desk based exploration is that any concern of causing a significant negative effect on flooding can be dismissed. In addition given that the trees being removed currently offer low levels of During the drafting of this LMP, FLS have liaised with Highland Council (case reference evapotranspiration (poorly grown, small LP trees infected by DNB and windblown) then this FS100091689) and Scottish Water to identify all private water supplies and to ensure - where further leads to the conclusion that the loss in evapotranspiration will not have a significant identified - the correct mitigation is proposed. negative effect. Furthermore, its particularly important to note that the land use change to peatland restoration will slow the flow of water through drain blocking etc. – and of course Flood risk create the well-known Carbon benefits.” The Highland Council, in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council, Scottish Water, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Cairngorms National Park All operations on the national forests and land will adhere to the UKFS (2017) section 6.7 - Authority and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority has published The Forests and Water, and the Water Environment (Controlled Activities)(Scotland) Regulations Highland and Argyll Local Flood Risk Management Plan 2016 – 2022. (CAR) and the General Binding Rules published by SEPA. Appropriate measures for each site will (http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/16173/the_draft_highland_7_argyll_local_flood_r be agreed at the work plan level and put in place to prevent increase of runoff and/or woody isk_management_plan_lpd01). The aim of the Plan is to identify actions required to implement debris from entering watercourses. the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, and to reduce the damage and distress caused by flooding over the first planning cycle (2016-2022) and beyond. SEPA, local authorities and

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The West Sutherland LMP does not propose any operations that are likely to increase the existing ground level that may potentially lead to increase in downstream flood risk. In addition, one of the LMP’s main objectives is the creation of riparian woodland along watercourses to protect and enhance the aquatic environment (see Section 5.1 – Aims & Objectives). FLS are currently reviewing the approach to creating riparian woodland: considering planting native broadleaved species in higher densities along watercourses known to be at higher risk of flooding. This would allow for increased transpiration as well as slowing water flow, potentially reducing the risk of flooding to properties downstream. These native woodlands will also act as more natural and wind-resistant boundaries of management coupes within the productive area of the catchment as they grow and will add significantly to habitat diversity and connectivity.

The scope for retaining mature conifer crops beyond the LMP approval period (10 years) is limited by large areas of already-dead, dying and decaying trees (due to DNB infection and major windthrow events in 2005, 2015 and 2016). Whilst large areas of the Oykel catchment within the LMP have now been harvested on account of DNB infection. Some of these coupes have already been restocked and further areas will be restocked in the coming years, increasing the transpiration within the catchment.

The standard 5-year fallow period will be reduced where Hylobius (pine weevil) population levels allow. In order to improve the stability and longevity of the forest within the Oykel catchment, North Region proposes increased areas be planted with native broadleaved species, acting as protective buffers along the watercourses.

Monitoring Plan

FLS have been conducting water monitoring across the North Highlands for a number of years to determine the effects of forest operations and peatland restoration on water chemistry, hydrology, carbon loss and pollution. This is shortly to be boosted by further efforts to monitor water temperature in upland tributaries to monitor climate change impacts on sensitive aquatic habitats.

This LMP proposes significant land use change moving the West Sutherland national forests and land from predominantly extensive conifer forests of limited species to smaller discrete areas of productive woodland within a much more extensive matrix of restored peatland and native woodland. The scale is ambitious and, although current published research suggests these changes will have marked positive effects on the water environment, FLS feel it prudent to increase monitoring throughout this period of change.

Accordingly FLS are designing and implementing a long term study of the water environment in partnership with a number of local and national stakeholders and supervised by the Forest Research Environmental Hydrologist based at Northern Research Station. Results will be published in future LMP revisions and beyond.

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Appendix 3 – Key Policies and Publications

The key legislation, policies and practice guidance used in the preparation of this plan and to which FLS delivery will comply are listed below:

Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018

Planning (Scotland) Act 2019

Deer (Scotland) Act 1996

Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016

Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003

Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009

Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004

Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedules A1 and 1A)(Scotland) Order 2013

Forestry (Environmental Impact Assessment)(Scotland) Regulations 2017

Environmental Impact Assessment (Miscellaneous Amendments)(Scotland) Regulations 2017

Broadmeadow, M ed. (2002) Climate Change Impacts on UK Forests, Bulletin 125, Edinburgh: Forestry Commission

Forestry and Land Scotland (2018) The National Spatial Overview, Edinburgh: FLS Land Management

Forestry and Land Scotland (2018) Applying an Ecosystem Approach to Managing Scotland’s National Forest Estate, Inverness: FLS Land Management

Forestry Commission (2019) Managing Forest Operations to Protect the Water Environment, Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission (2017) The UK Forestry Standard (Fourth Edition), Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission (2017) Forests and Climate Change UKFS Guidelines (First Edition), Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission (2017) Forests and People UKFS Guidelines (Third Edition), Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission (2017) Forests and Soil UKFS Guidelines (Third Edition), Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission (2017) Forests & Water UKFS Guidelines (Sixth Edition), Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission (2017) Forests and Historic Environment UKFS Guidelines (Third Edition), Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission (2017) Forests and Landscape UKFS Guidelines (Fourth Edition), Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission (2017) Forests and Biodiversity UKFS Guidelines (Third Edition), Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission (2002) Life in the Deadwood; A Guide to Managing Deadwood in Forestry Commission Forests, Edinburgh: FE Environment & Communications

Forestry Commission Scotland (2016) Deadwood Management; Summary Guidance for FES Staff, Inverness: FCS Internal

Forestry Commission Scotland (2014) Deer Management on the National Forest Estate, Current Practice and Future Directions, Edinburgh: D&IS

Forestry Commission Scotland (2012) Achieving Diversity in Scotland’s Forest Landscape, Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission Scotland (2009) Control of Woodland Removal, Edinburgh: FC D&IS

Forestry Commission Scotland (2008) Scotland’s Woodlands and the Historic Environment, Edinburgh: D&IS

Forestry Commission Scotland (2007) Forest Reproductive Material: Regulations Controlling Seed Cuttings and Planting Stock for Forestry in Great Britain, Edinburgh: D&IS

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Kennedy F (2002) The Identification of Soils for Forest Management, Edinburgh: HMSO

Morrison J et al (2010) Understanding the GHG Implications of Forestry on Peat Soils in Scotland, Edinburgh: Forest Research

Paterson D.B. and Mason W.L. (1999) Cultivation of Soils for Forestry; Bulletin 119, Norwich: HMSO

Pyatt, D.G. (1982) Soil Classification, FC Research Information Note 68/82/SSN, Edinburgh: HMSO

Pyatt, G; Ray, D; Fletcher, J (2001) An Ecological Site Classification for Forestry in Great Britain; Bulletin 124, Edinburgh: FCS

Ritchie M and Wordsworth J (2010) Identifying the Historic Environment in Scotland’s Forests and Woodlands, Edinburgh: FCS

Rodwell J.S. and Paterson G.S. (1994) Creating New Native Woodlands; Bulletin 112, London: HMSO

Scottish Government (2009) The Scottish Soil Framework, Edinburgh: Scottish Government

Scottish Government (2019) Forestry and Lad Scotland Corporate Plan 2019 – 2022, Edinburgh: Scottish Government

Scottish Government (2019) Scottish Forestry Strategy, Edinburgh: Scottish Government

Scottish Government (2016) Getting the Best from Our Land: A Land Use Strategy for Scotland 2016 – 2021, Edinburgh: Scottish Government

Scottish Government (2013) 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity, Edinburgh: Scottish Government

Scottish Government (2020) The Environment Strategy for Scotland, Edinburgh: Scottish Government

Scottish Natural Heritage (2016) Scotland’s National Peatland Plan, Working for Our Future Edinburgh: SNH DIS

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (2013) Management of Forestry Waste, Edinburgh: SEPA

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (2010) Engineering in the Water Environment; Good Practice Guide – River Crossings 2nd Edition, Edinburgh: SEPA

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (2006) The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 – A Practical Guide, Edinburgh: SEPA

Stanton, C (1998) Caithness and Sutherland Landscape Character Assessment, Number 103, Edinburgh: Scottish Natural Heritage

Steven, H.M. and Carlisle, A. 1959 The Native Pinewoods of Scotland . Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh.

Taylor, C.M.A. (1991) Forest Fertilisation in Britain, Farnham: HMSO

The Higland Council (2016) Highland and Argyll Local Flood Risk Management Plan (2016 – 2022), Dingwall: The Highland Council

Thompson, R (2009) Management of PAWS on the National Forest Estate in Scotland, Edinburgh: FCS

Towers, W and Futty, D. W. (1989) Land Capability for Forestry in Northern Scotland, Aberdeen: FCS

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Appendix 4 Analysis of Previous Plans

A scoping meeting was held on 27th of April 2017 involving key Regional staff and a further consultation was held on 16th November 2018 for relevant staff, to analyse the aims of the previous plan and to agree objectives for the LMP brief. More detail of this meeting can be found below this table. The key objectives for each plan area are detailed in the table below with conclusions recorded on the implementation:

Forest/FDP Benmore FDP Einig, Caplich & Craggan FDP Did the Implementation meet the objective? Does the objective remain desirable or achievable? (030/516/261) (030/516/234) Objective Yes. Realign woodland cover One area adjacent to the public The area of native woodland at Einig has been Mire restoration and new planting of the remaining non-

by removing low yielding road has been identified as a established and a programme of peatland restoration priority open areas is a key aim of the new LMP to assist Climate change potential carbon sequestration has been implemented at Benmore since 2014. with Scottish Government targets for GHG sequestration plantation from flat deep candidate (by the establishment through woodland creation and peatland restoration. peat (>45cm) sites and of new native woodland). There remain open areas of non-priority habitat that target new woodland are available for new planting. Restructuring the forest will provide opportunities to sites on open non-priority maximise growth in productive coupes and therefore habitat types. provide maximum benefit in terms of climate mitigation in addition to improving forest resilience.

The establishment of riparian buffer zones is also proposed as a significant method of ameliorating high rainfall events. Aim to assist district Alterations to Craggan felling In part these objectives were met. Yes. production targets, coupes to coincide with road Timber especially in the provision building and achieve Pinewood The forests have contributed significant volumes of Timber production remains a key objective of the of woodfuel. restoration. low grade wood fibre to woodfuel markets. new LMP. Despite the reduction in conifer forest 2005 and 2014 felling coupes located in Caplich will be felled at However the structure, location and scale of felling area resulting from native woodland and open the same time without any road changed considerably over the previous plan period habitat restoration programmes, increased focus building, this area will then be as the scale of DNB and windblow became evident. on improved silviculture in the remaining coupes is converted to native woodland. intended to raise maintain production. This is a Areas of exotic conifers on the The species used for restocking has largely been realistic aspiration given the extremely low steep sided gully in Craggan will SS/LP as predicted. productivity of the previous rotation of conifers be chemically thinned due to planted on screes and mires. access difficulties. The coupe in the gully at Craggan adjacent to the

Species choice will be made in River Einig that was scheduled for killing by chemical Craggan based on broad-brush thinning was not completed and has been re-phased ESC remains an important tool for assessing site coupe species, which will be for early in the life of the next plan, however fibre will suitability. refined by using ESC at the be recovered from the coup using improved working coupe planning stage. methods. A self-thinning SS/LP nursing mixture will be used to achieve productive forest cover.

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Much of the Craggan block will The restock implemented at Craggan has largely been Yes. Business remain as productive forest and of SS/LP productive mixtures so in that respect the development the planting of suitable species plan’s objectives are being met in relation to The new LMP proposals can support objectives aimed at supporting timber markets, however these are largely maintaining and developing timber, tourism and game using site indicators will ensure well established customers. fishing businesses and help to develop resource in the that future rotations are as conservation contracting sector. productive as possible. However as detailed in the previous plan Caplich forest will not be retained as productive forest area, and will be restocked as native type woodland due to roading and steep terrain issues Forest Crofts: Explore the Consult widely on FDP’s – link No forest crofts were established during the previous Yes. Community possibilities of with neighbouring estates and plan period however grazing leases were issued every development establishing forest crofts community aspirations. year to maintain calcareous grassland habitats. The The new LMP proposes to increase the level of area at Ledmore Forest was disposed of during the consultation and it is proposed to increase partnership at open land and forest at The existing pinewood plan is period and is now in private ownership. A new native working with stakeholders during the next plan period. Ledmore. due for review and will look at woodland was created by this owner during the action points raised and re- period.

consult with adjacent landowners Consultation records show that the relevant where necessary. stakeholders were contacted for comment during the last revision.

Access and Provide parking areas off Informal recreation at present. No recreation facilities were developed during the Given the development of a number of successful tourist Health the A837 and provide One public right of way exists. period of the previous plan. initiatives that are now reaching global audiences including the North Coast 500, the Scottish National interpretation of local There are no plans to develop Trail, the Cape Wrath Trail and the Ullapool – Ardgay features formal recreation facilities at Coast to Coast trail the provision of recreation facilities present. The open access policy will be reviewed by the new CVS department over the will be encouraged and it is coming plan period. hoped that as the amenity value of the area increases through restructuring so the visitor numbers will also increase. There are currently forest walk facilities available close by at Achany, Ravens Rock and Rosehall

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Environmental Ensure felling and The forest blocks are relatively The Benmore objectives were met; peatland Yes. quality and restocking adequately even aged with few wind firm restoration programmes have started and restocking Landscape reflects the landscape edges. Landscape design is was carried out as per FDP shapes. Given the landscape designations around Benmore and limited due both to the even- the conservation designations throughout, enhancing type and size. aged nature of the current crop Craggan felling was accelerated by both windblow the landscape quality from coniferous plantation to

and the desire to restore the and DNB and a desire to protect the native scots pine native woodland and mires remains a key priority. Improve the overall upper native woodlands at the earliest at Einig so structural diversity will be achieved by river catchment quality opportunity. The plan has manipulating age classes in the coming rotation. The stewardship of Glen Einig through the next phase of by safeguarding blanket achieved a reasonable restoration is also key; ensuring that non-native bogs and by sighting compromise between these At Glen Einig the native woodlands restoration regeneration does not return in any quantity, creating productive woodland in important objectives. Age class completed its first phase as the final non-natives native riparian buffers along the north-western margins appropriate locations diversity will be maximised were removed. and perhaps carrying out some enrichment planting. through felling where possible but in areas of Craggan and Caplich where large scale felling of SLP crops is planned, diversity will be created by delayed restocking. Proposed alterations to the road line will require consideration for landscape impact.

Biodiversity Protect, expand and join Continuation of riparian Black grouse monitoring continued during the Yes up through habitat improvement work will further previous plan period and this helped inform networks; priority open improve the biodiversity value of operational workplans and FES responses to Given the range of notified features and the the forest. consultations on the establishment of native habitats and native conservation status of the species affected by this plan’s woodland on adjoining land holdings. woodland proposals, biodiversity (conservation) remains a high Black Grouse sightings on the recently felled sites in Einig Partnership working with KoSFT saw the priority for the coming period and beyond. River Oykel SAC: Assist suggest open ground establishment of new riparian plantings and riparian SNH and Local Fisheries management should consider woodland was also an element delivered by the EU As a public body FES are statutorily obliged to further interests to improve black grouse LIFE Pearls in Peril project. In addition Forest the conservation of biodiversity by the Scottish Salmon numbers by Research undertook monitoring of plan area Biodiversity Strategy and LMP proposals will reflect this. improving riparian watercourses to start a long term study into the effects of mire restoration and forestry techniques on habitats. water quality. Archaeology Safeguard scheduled and There is one unscheduled All scheduled monuments were inspected and Yes unscheduled monuments archaeology feature within maintained as per the (former) North Highland Forest All scheduled monuments will be maintained and and where possible Loubcroy forest block District Monument Management Plan, authored by the monitored in line with current and revised guidance as a FCS Archaeologist. include these in the plan priority.

future open habitat Loubcroy Forest was disposed of during the period network. and is now in private ownership.

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Internal Consultation Record

An internal scoping meeting was held on 27th of April 2017 at the North Highland Forest District’s office in Golspie, with following officers in attendance. Further scoping was undertaken in the intervening period due to staff and organisational changes, however the key issues were agreed not to have changed:

Tim Cockerill Forest District Manager Malcolm MacDougall Planning Manager Neil McInnes Environment Manager Hazel Maclean CRT Manager Steve Jack CRT Stewardship Forester Hugh Mackay Programme Manager Shona Sutherland GIS Technician Roddy MacLeod FM Area Forester Chris Williams Operations Forester Derick Macaskill Wildlife Ranger Manager Graham Johnstone Operations Forester Renate Jephcott Landscape Architect Stuart Waugh Civil Engineer Ellinor Dobie Mid-year Student (based at Highland & Islands Conservancy)

Agata Baranska Planning Forester

Issues highlighted during the scoping meeting were as follows:

 Environmental value of the forests within the plan area in regard to Freshwater Pearl Mussel (FWPM), Salmon, Otter, Diver, Osprey and Black grouse habitat; peatland waders are present, but to date were not monitored;

 Significant areas of deep peat –extensive vegetation and peat depth surveys will help to determine the extent of peatland restoration proposal;

 Native Caledonian Pinewood in Einig – the need to continue with removal of DNB infected Lodgepole pine crop from adjacent forest; presence on native broadleaf woodland (although not PAWS) in Benmore;

 Importance of water quality protection and aquatic environment enhancement for FWPM and fisheries – importance of water protection measures during the operations and the extent and timing of riparian woodland planting;

 Possible woodland expansion areas - mainly previously open land along watercourses and open hill in western end of Craggan block;

 Presence of archaeological remains within the Plan area;

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 Peatland restoration areas (to be identified following the surveys) and long term management approach to adjacent crop;

 Forest health issues - Dothistroma Needle Blight (DNB) and Hylobius; to date c. 800 ha of DNB infected crops were cleared with some un-harvestable areas left behind – we need to decide what to do with them. Problem with DNB inoculum and the patchy character of crops, making harvesting operations costly and difficult; Hylobius numbers are high (due to area of clearfelling), but should not now require fallow period longer than 5 years; potential threat to Larch from Phytophtora ramorum, present on the West Coast;

 Woodland creation schemes on adjacent neighbouring land;

 Flood risk in lower River Oykel and River Einig catchments - mitigation measures that could be adopted for forest management within the catchments and the need to consult with neighbours at the early stage of the LMP revision process;

 A full review of coupes – it is very likely that the extend of peatland restoration proposal, DNB infection and windblow will result in significant changes to management coupe boundaries and timing of operations;

 Coupes affected by windblow and DNB were discussed, and some were recommended for felling within 1st and 2nd phase of the Plan;

 Roading requirements were discussed, along with the necessary liaison with neighbours. Part of Benmore block (particularly north-eastern corner and area beyond Loch Ailsh are currently not accessible;

 Deer management – 3 deer species present within the Plan area, with Sika being the main one (90% of culled deer are Sika); the 2014 survey estimates the deer number within Einig & Benmore blocks at 6.5 per 100 ha, which is slightly above the target density of 5 deer per 100 ha; Benmore deer fences are in good repair, with only one section – between the public road and the north-western corner to be replaced; some sections of fence around Capplich need replacing as deer numbers in surrounding area are high;

 Currently there’s no interest in development of renewable energy schemes in LMP area;

 Prominence of the forest blocks in the landscape – the West Sutherland forests highly visible in the landscape, as they are located along A837 – popular route to the North (part of North 500), with increasing numbers of people visiting the area; there are number of lay-bys along A837 that have a potential to be developed into an easily accessible viewpoints – subject to availability of funding; the scale of the landscape allows for big coupes – small, isolated and sometimes geometric in shape coupes and groups of trees left after harvesting are more problematic and should be avoided;

 Recreational use of the forests within the Plan area - current facilities, proposed developments and maintenance needs were discussed; e.g. possibility of having an interpretation panel in Einig – Caledonian Pinewood and old drove road;

 Unauthorised access to the forests - possible reasons and mitigation measures were discussed.

 Alan Gale, FLS Resilience Manager, produced a report (November 2019) on the potential for the proposed felling in the LMP revision to have an effect on flooding in the local catchment. This is an important issue in light of the flood risk at the pinch point of Langwell Farm floodplain and given the SAC designation of the River Oykel. The report concluded that at only 4% of the catchment (by area) the felling proposals will have no detectable impact on flooding levels in the catchment.

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Scotland’s national forests and land currently accounts for 28,707 ha of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) and in response to the SFS mandate, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has made commitments to restore over 85% of these, while continuing to protect, enhance and expand other veterans and ancient woodland remnants.

Using the PAWS restoration management flow chart in ‘Choosing stand management methods for restoring planted ancient woodland sites - Practice Guide’ (R. Harmer & R. Thompson, 2013) will help determine which method of restoration management is best suited to the site-specific conditions of the PAWS following the identification of remnants during pre-operational surveys.

Wider benefits to biodiversity created by non-native species will also be balanced with the restoration potential to decide on future management approach. For example, Norway spruce Picea abies may be retained in small stands where red squirrels are present and larch species may be retained where woodland grouse are currently dependent on them.

The extent and location of ancient woodland areas where restoration is proposed are detailed in Map 2b – Key Features: Access, Environment & Heritage and the appraisal tables below. In summary there are 135.6 Ha of PAWS and 10.8 Ha of semi-natural woodland (SNW) across the LMP area.

The tables also detail the threats to successful restoration and management actions proposed. All restoration to be undertaken at these sites will comply with current guidelines and best practice. The ancient woodland holding is also detailed in a national geodatabase managed by the FLS Native Woodland Ecologist.

During the period of the Plan revision a detailed walkover survey was undertaken to determine the nature of each restoration site. Future planning meetings held with operational staff will also form the basis for explicit management prescriptions, for example the selection of appropriate species of trees and shrubs to be used during restocking or enrichment operations.

Einig is the site of one of Scotland’s most northerly Caledonian Forest Reserves and there is evidence that a significant amount of native woodland was felled and replaced with commercial crops that have since been harvested over a decade ago. The former woodland was predominately birch but areas of SP still remain. The Glen Einig Woodland area is mentioned in The Native Pinewoods of Scotland (Steven & Carlisle, 1959) as a remnant of the Caledonian pinewood and is included in the Caledonian Pinewood Inventory. Now that non-native tree species have been removed from Glen Einig it has been designated as an ancient woodland natural reserve (274.7 ha) and will be managed solely for the purpose of enhancing and conserving the native woodland. Invasive non-natives and non-native tree regeneration will be monitored and controlled? and there will be some limited introductions of native species to enrich species diversity.

The North Region PAWS monitoring programme, as directed by FLS PAWS policy, runs concurrently with LMP review periods. The table below summarises the results of the 2017 monitoring operation and proposes actions for continued management. The full results of the survey have been added to the FLS GIS Geodatabase:

Forest AW ID Area Ecological Potential and Aim Threat Threats Actions Proposed (ha) Level Caplich 4738 7.2 Medium Eco Potential. Secure Lack of seed Predominantly naturally regenerating birch, however distribution is sparse with areas source/regen completely lacking regen. Apart from birch and eared willow, there is a lack of desirable NC 3849 0126 (242) Full restoration to productive seed source and therefore could benefit from enrichment planting. Non-native SS and native woodland by gradual Non-natives. LP naturally regenerating on site. conversion. Actions: Removal of non-native regen. Review options for enrichment planting. Deer browsing has been assessed as low for this area, however natural regeneration will be monitored.

Caplich 4738 21.1 Medium Eco Potential. Secure Lack of seed Open clearfell site with abundant regenerating birch with patchy distribution. Occasional source/regen. oak, rowan and aspen saplings. Some herbivore damage by deer which will be NC 3632 0195 (242) Full restoration to productive Herbivory. monitored. Ground flora contains indicator species suggesting ancient woodland site. native woodland by gradual Actions: Monitor natural regeneration and herbivore impacts. Remove non-native conversion. species regeneration.

Einig 4716 57.4 High Eco Potential. Secure None. Restock site with planted native species (predominantly SP, BI). In wider landscape some scattered mature SP across the slopes of the River Einig valley. Seed source is NH 3653 9916 (218) Establishment of native woodland limited to birch, rowan and Scots pine. by minimum intervention. Actions: No management action this cycle, monitor natural regeneration and review potential options for enrichment planting.

1 | West Sutherland LMP | North Region Planning & Environment | 030/516/425 Einig 4716 12.8 High Eco Potential. Secure Herbivory, non- Mature plantation woodland of SP, EL, LP and regenerating SS. The site is heavily natives. grazed by deer, resulting in very limited field layer and impacts to ground flora NH 3540 9857 (218) Full restoration to productive composition (i.e. blaeberry preferentially heavily grazed). native woodland by minimum Management will take into account preservation of bryophytes flora which, due to high intervention. levels of humidity, may establish as epiphytes and on deadwood. Standing and fallen deadwood will therefore be encouraged in this area. Action: Review current deer management with Wildlife Management team with the aim of reducing grazing pressure on native regen and ground flora. Removal of non-native LP, EL and SS. Where opportunities arise, deadwood (standing and fallen) will be encouraged on site.

Einig 4719 37.1 High Eco Potential. Secure Localised Clearfell site with natural regeneration and restock of SP, BI. Various broadleaf species herbivory. present on site, including mature oak and (semi) mature aspen near the watercourse. NH 3722 9903 (221) Establishment of native woodland Bryophyte flora present near the gorges, with species indicating ancient woodland site. through minimum intervention. Action: Remove non-native regeneration. Deer browsing overall is low, however there is some concentrated browsing within pockets of woodland. Monitor impacts of deer to ensure sufficient regen of favourable tree species and ground flora.

Semi Natural Woodland Site Appraisal The North Region SNW monitoring programme is directed by the FLS SNW condition assessment and carried out every five years - concurrent with the LMP review cycle. The table below summarises the results of the 2017 condition assessment and will be used as a baseline for future surveys. Actions have been proposed to protect and enhance the condition of the SNW within the LMP area. The full results of the survey have been added to the FLS GIS Geodatabase:

Forest AW ID Area (Ha) Woodland Trend and Threats and Threat Level Actions Proposed Management Model Benmore 4711 9.1 Unknown Niches for further Birch ravine woodland with frequent rowan, and open ground areas. Gladed regen/Regeneration areas to be kept open by maintaining current browsing levels. Further niches NC 3531 0656 (5162) Full restoration to native composition for native regeneration limited, therefore options for potential expansion with woodland through (Threatened), Non-native species diversification at margins onto adjacent open ground to be explored. minimum intervention. regen (Threatened) Removal of non-native regen (sapling/pole-stage LP, SS).

Caplich 4804 1.7 Unknown Operational impacts Area includes riparian alder, old birchwood with veteran birch, rowan, aspen. (Threatened) Old woodland lichen found on site, further detailed survey recommended. NC 3608 0186 (51695) Full restoration to native woodland through Roadside broadleaves to receive extra attention prior to any track minimum intervention. maintenance to prevent damage to broadleaf trees and shrubbery.

Appendix 6.1 Notable Scottish Biodiversity Strategy habitats priorities supported by this LMP

Habitat Objective Actions

Blanket bog Protect and restore No tree planting on blanket bog. Undertake peatland restoration through removal of trees and site rewetting using approved, current techniques. Monitor restored sites and remove tree regeneration.

Upland flush, fen and swamp Protect Retain as open habitat and remove tree regeneration as necessary. Reduce trampling and browsing pressure through deer management.

Neutral grassland Protect and enhance Retain as open habitat and remove tree regeneration as necessary.

Acid grassland Protect and enhance Retain as open habitat and remove tree regeneration as necessary.

Upland heathland Protect and enhance Retain key areas as open habitat and remove tree regeneration as necessary. Reduce browsing pressure through deer management to enhance ground vegetation.

Inland rock Protect Remove encroaching tree regeneration from rock exposures.

Upland calcareous grassland Protect and enhance Retain as open habitat and remove tree regeneration as necessary.

Oligotrophic or Dystrophic Protect and enhance Retain as open by removing tree regeneration. Restore areas of surrounding blanket bog to improve site hydrology. lochs

Wet woodland Protect and enhance Remove non-native tree species. Expand habitat by planting appropriate native tree species in appropriate places along riparian corridors and encourage natural regeneration through deer management.

Upland birchwood Protect and enhance Monitor, remove non-native tree species, encourage natural regeneration through deer management and, where appropriate, restore by planting native tree species relevant to the qualified habitat.

PAWS Protect and restore Monitor, remove non-native tree species, encourage natural regeneration through deer management and restore by planting native tree species where appropriate.

Other native woodland Protect and enhance Monitor, remove non-native tree species, encourage natural regeneration through deer management and, where appropriate, restore by planting native tree species relevant to the qualified native woodland habitat.

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Appendix 6.2 Notable EPS, Scottish Biodiversity Strategy species priorities and actions supported by the LMP Species Objective Actions Freshwater pearl mussel Survey and protect Integrate protection of the water environment during forestry operations. Increase broadleaf riparian woodland and block any legacy forest drains that channel directly into watercourses to improve water quality. Maintain and expand areas of ‘Pearls in Peril’ broadleaf riparian tree planting. Golden eagle Protect Nest out-with FLS landholding. Liaise with local raptor study group to track location of nest and manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of nesting birds. White tailed eagle Survey and protect Possible winter roosts. Liaise with local raptor study group to track location of nest and manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of nesting birds. Black-throated diver Survey and protect Manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of nesting birds. Maintain artificial nests situated on lochs within the LMP and monitor use and breeding success. Osprey Survey and protect Manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of nesting birds. Monitor existing natural nest and record breeding success. Red-throated diver Survey and protect Integrate protection of breeding sites as part of forestry operations. Maintain artificial nests situated on lochs within the LMP and monitor use and breeding success. Greenshank Survey and protect Manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of nesting birds. Expand and improve quality of potential breeding habitat through peatland restoration. Sparrow hawk Survey and protect Manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of nesting birds. Black grouse Survey and protect Manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of leks and nesting birds. Hen harrier Survey and protect Conduct surveys to inform forest management. Manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of nesting birds. Bat species Survey and protect Continue to carry out monitoring to detect bat presence. Retain veteran trees and deadwood to preserve bat features and manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of breeding sites. Water vole Survey and protect As a result of coupe check surveys or other recordings during site visits, integrate protection of wetland habitat as part of forestry operations. Areas with water vole burrows will not be planted. Pine marten Survey and protect Manage forestry operations to avoid disturbance of breeding sites. Provide nesting boxes for martens to enhance breeding success.

2 | | West Sutherland LMP | North Region Planning & Environment | 030/516/425 HABITATS REGULATIONS APPRAISAL PROFORMA

This proforma should be used to record SNH’s Habitats Regulations Appraisal when SNH is a competent authority. It should also be used to record SNH’s appraisal of a plan or project when SNH is providing advice to a competent authority.

The proforma is available in an electronic form on the SNH Dashboard. The Dashboard version is particularly suited to dealing with more straightforward Natura casework.

APPRAISAL IN RELATION TO REGULATION 48 OF THE CONSERVATION (NATURAL HABITATS, &C.) REGULATIONS 1994 AS AMENDED1 (HABITATS REGULATIONS APPRAISAL)

Casework Management System Ref.

NATURA SITE DETAILS

Name of Natura site(s) potentially affected: 8363 River Oykel SAC 8516 Inverpolly, Loch Urigill and nearby lochs SPA

Name of component SSSI if relevant: 1264 Oykel Gorge SSSI 1710 Loch Awe and Loch Ailsh SSSI

Natura qualifying interest(s) & whether priority/non-priority:

Annex II species that is a primary reason for selecting site 8363:

1029 Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera

Annex II species present as a qualifying species, but not a primary reason for site selection of 8363:

1106 Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar

Annex II species that is a primary reason for selecting site 8516:

Black-throated diver Gavia artica

1 Or, where relevant, under regulation 61 of The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 as amended, or regulation 25 of The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 as amended. 1 s:\north region planning\forest planning\lmp bookshelf\west sutherland 030-516-425\draft\2018 west sutherland full revision\lmp text\appendix 7 - hra natura appraisal west sutherland.doc

Conservation objectives for qualifying interests:

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species - Freshwater pearl mussel and Atlantic salmon - or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and

To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

Population of the species, including range of genetic types for salmon, as a viable component of the site Distribution of the species within site Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species No significant disturbance of the species Distribution and viability of freshwater pearl mussel host species Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting freshwater pearl mussel host species

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species - Black-throated diver - or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and

To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

Population of the species as a viable component of the site Distribution of the species within site Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species No significant disturbance of the species

The overarching objectives for the land management plan are to work towards the achievement of the Natura objectives.

STAGE 1: WHAT IS THE PLAN OR PROJECT?

Proposal title:

West Sutherland Land Management Plan

Within the lifespan of this plan (2019 – 2029) the planned activities are:

• Felling • Civil engineering • Restocking • Fertiliser and pesticide application • Riparian planting and native woodland creation • Deer management • Peatland restoration

Name of consultee: Forestry and Land Scotland; Suzanne Dolby Name of competent authority: Scottish Forestry

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Details of proposal (inc. location, timing, methods):

The West Sutherland Land Management Plan area, 2019-2029.

Riparian native woodland will be created and/or maintained along tributaries flowing into the SAC and large areas of conifer crop will be removed from peatland sites through which several of these connecting tributaries flow. Peatland restoration will take place where crop quality and peat condition indicate large expanses of restorable blanket bog. In areas unsuitable for peatland restoration, native woodland will be established with productive conifer restocking in areas of suitable soils. Deer management will take place to reduce browsing pressure on establishing native riparian woodland and restocked woodland sites. Forest road extension using the ‘floating’ method will be carried out to provide access to these work areas. All mitigation being undertaken as part of forest operaitons is recognised as Best Practice Guidance and complies fully with UK Forestry Standards.

STAGE 2: IS THE PLAN OR PROJECT DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH OR NECESSARY TO SITE MANAGEMENT FOR NATURE CONSERVATION?

Yes. This plan will contribute to the improvement of the Natura sites through the creation of broadleaf riparian woodland, peatland restoration and deer management. Please see ‘stage 4’ for further details.

3 s:\north region planning\forest planning\lmp bookshelf\west sutherland 030-516-425\draft\2018 west sutherland full revision\lmp text\appendix 7 - hra natura appraisal west sutherland.doc STAGE 3: IS THE PLAN OR PROJECT (EITHER ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PLANS OR PROJECTS) LIKELY TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE SITE? Each qualifying interest should be considered in relation to their conservation objectives. The following points should be considered: i) Briefly indicate which qualifying interest could be affected by the proposal and how; if none, provide a brief justification for this decision, and then proceed to v), otherwise continue: ii) refer to other plans/projects with similar effects/other relevant evidence; iii) consider the nature, scale, location, longevity, and reversibility of effects; iv) consider whether the proposal contributes to cumulative or incremental impacts in combination with other plans or projects completed, underway or proposed; v) Where the impacts of a proposal are the same for different qualifying interests these can be considered together however a clear conclusion should be given for each interest vi) give Yes/No conclusion for each interest. - If yes, or in cases of doubt, continue to stage 4. - If potential significant effects can easily be avoided, record modifications required below. - If no for all features, a consent or non-objection response can be given and recorded below (although if there are other features of national interest only, the effect on these should be considered separately). There is no need to then proceed to stage 4.

Harvesting operations, ground preparation for restocking and the application of fertiliser and pesticide to restock sites can cause direct and diffuse pollution. This is likely to negatively impact water quality and, therefore, threaten the qualify features of both the River Oykel SAC & Inverpolly, Loch Urigill & Nearby Lochs SPA, which require good water quality for breeding and foraging/feeding.

During harvesting, the extent of standard felling operations will be assessed and areas where the ground condition and/or lack of brash are likely to result in causing damage to the organic soils will be harvested using low ground pressure techniques. Any remaining trees on peatland restoration sites will be mulched to minimise the negative impact of forest operations. Ground conditions will be assessed prior to ground preparation for restocking, to ensure that appropriate techniques are used.

All the forest operations will adhere to the UKFS best practice requirements. Water protection measures will be rigorously enforced and UKFS Forest and Water Guidelines and Operations in Freshwater Pearl Mussel Catchment Guidance will be followed. This mitigation is built into planning and work practices for ongoing forest work and includes the provision of buffer zones adjacent to watercourses/waterbodies where fertiliser and pesticide application, and machine access (including mechanical ground preparation such as mounding) is prohibited.

The clearfell harvesting to remove plantation conifers will allow for the creation of riparian native woodland along river tributaries within the River Oykel and the River Kirkaig catchments. This will protect and enhance water quality and act as a natural buffer to protect watercourses and waterbodies (which support the qualifying features) from neighbouring forestry operations. Large areas of blanket bog currently occupied by conifer crop will be restored to peatland once clearfelling has taken place, which will further improve local hydrology, water quality and aquatic conditions by reinstating natural hydrological conditions within mires. The watercourses and waterbodies which support and/or affect the qualifying features will be buffered - as a result of riparian woodland creation and peatland restoration - against any preparation for, and management of, conifer restock (i.e. mounding and fertilising).

Additionally, the removal of conifer plantation on the shores of Loch Ailsh will allow for the expansion of open habitat around the loch and a reduction suitable habitat for terrestrial/avian predators of bird eggs and chicks (benefitting Black-throated diver, the qualifying feature of Inverpolly, Loch Urigill & Nearby Lochs SPA). . FC Guidance note 32: Forest operations and birds in Scottish forests will be fully complied with, which will ensure that forestry operations will not disturb divers during their summer breeding period. In addition, Forests & Water Guidelines will also result in good water conditions being maintained throughout the forestry works period, so that divers can easily find their freshwater prey during their long breeding season (Mar- Aug/Sept).

Forestry and Land Scotland will also contribute as required to wildlife crime initiatives to reduce the threat of poaching. Finally all survey works will be undertaken using licensed and experienced ecologists. 4 s:\north region planning\forest planning\lmp bookshelf\west sutherland 030-516-425\draft\2018 west sutherland full revision\lmp text\appendix 7 - hra natura appraisal west sutherland.doc

Deer management will be undertaken to FLS best practice standards to protect tree crops and maintain the quality and structure of open habitats. This will help to maintain the benefits that both riparian woodland creation and peatland restoration can provide to the Natura sites.

All civil engineering projects and temporary water crossings that enable forestry operations to take place will meet SEPA best practice standards (e.g. CAR General Binding Rules & PPG) so that diffuse pollution is controlled. Water crossings will not represent a barrier to salmonids and will comply with SEPA upland river crossing standards.

Mitigation or modifications required to avoid a likely significant effect & reasons for these:

Mitigation: Monitoring. Reason: To observe and report on habitat change.

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STAGE 4: UNDERTAKE AN APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SITE IN VIEW OF ITS CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES

(It is the responsibility of the competent authority to carry out the appropriate assessment. The competent authority must consult SNH for the purposes of carrying out the appropriate assessment. SNH can provide advice on what issues should be considered in the appropriate assessment, what information is required to carry out the assessment, in some circumstances carry out an appraisal to inform an appropriate assessment and/or provide comments on an assessment carried out. Where we are providing advice to a competent authority our appraisal of the proposal should be recorded here.)

The following points should be considered: i) Describe for each qualifying interest the potential impacts of the proposal detailing which aspects or effects of the proposal could impact upon them and their conservation objectives. ii) Evaluate the potential impacts, e.g. whether short/long term, reversible or irreversible, and in relation to the proportion/importance of the interest affected, and the overall effect on the site’s conservation objectives. This should be in sufficient detail to ensure all impacts have been considered and sufficiently appraised. Record if additional survey information or specialist advice has been obtained. iii) Each conservation objective should be considered and a decision reached as to whether the proposal will affect achievement of this objective i.e. whether the conservation objective will still be met if the proposal is consented to.

STAGE 5: CAN IT BE ASCERTAINED THAT THE PROPOSAL WILL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE SITE? In the light of the appraisal, ascertain whether the proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of the site for the qualifying interests. Conclusions should be reached beyond reasonable scientific doubt. If more than one SAC and/or SPA is involved, give separate conclusions. If mitigation or modifications are required, detail these below.

Mitigation or modifications required to ensure adverse effects are avoided, & reasons for these.

Mitigation: Reason:

ADVICE SOUGHT Include here details of or clear reference to, advice sought from PAD staff, Natura team, Ops staff, Area colleagues etc. If no advice sought, give brief reasons/justification.

CONCLUSION/ADVICE IN RELATION TO PLAN OR PROJECT

When SNH is the competent authority In view of the appraisal above outline below whether the plan or project can be consented/approved/undertaken.

When SNH is advising the competent authority In view of the appraisal above outline below the corresponding Natura model response position that will be used when advising the competent authority. Also include the response type from the Development Management and the Natural Heritage guidance as appropriate (see Development

6 s:\north region planning\forest planning\lmp bookshelf\west sutherland 030-516-425\draft\2018 west sutherland full revision\lmp text\appendix 7 - hra natura appraisal west sutherland.doc Management and the Natural Heritage, Annex 2, Table 1 and guidance in Annex 3 of the Natura Casework Guidance)

Natura model response position: Enter the response from the appropriate model response type

Development management response type: Enter the response type from the Development Management and the Natural Heritage guidance as appropriate

Appraised by Date Checked by It is recommended that the proforma is checked by an appropriate member of staff e.g. the relevant Operations Manager, particularly when cases are complex or contentious, or where the appraiser is relatively inexperienced. Date

7 s:\north region planning\forest planning\lmp bookshelf\west sutherland 030-516-425\draft\2018 west sutherland full revision\lmp text\appendix 7 - hra natura appraisal west sutherland.doc Appendix 8 – Heritage Features Record

The forests within the West Sutherland LMP are rich in both scheduled and unscheduled archaeological features. In general, the majority of the unscheduled monuments relate to previous settlement and agricultural land use e.g. farmsteads and sheep fanks.

The Highland Historic Environment Record has been consulted during the preparation of this plan. Following FES Historic Environment Planning Guidance, this Land Management Plan describes and considers the historic environment relevant to the plan area.

The Archaeology Record Table for this plan is below and includes details of all relevant scheduled monuments and their most recent monitoring. Important historic environment features are surveyed, recorded, mapped and monitored to ensure and demonstrate Forestry Commission Scotland compliance with the UK Forestry Standard and UKWAS. The monitoring is undertaken at five year intervals synchronised with the LMP review and revision cycle.

Further information on the management of the historic environment in the former North Highland FD is available in the Forest District Monument Management Plan. A copy can be provided on request.

In general, all significant archaeological sites are protected and managed following Forestry & Archaeology Guidelines (FC 2017), the FLS policy document Scotland’s Woodlands and the Historic Environment (FCS 2008) and the supporting FLS Historic Environment Planning Guidelines (available from the FLS Archaeologist).

Management coupes, access roads and fence lines are surveyed by Forest District staff prior to any work being undertaken in order to ensure that upstanding historic environment features can be marked and avoided. At restocking, work prescriptions remove relevant historic environment features from ground disturbing operations and replanting. Opportunities to enhance the setting of important sites are considered on a case-by-case basis (such as the views Monument 4025 Strathseasgaich Burnt Mound, showing Loch Ailsh bog restoration site immediately beyond the to and from a designated site). trees. This coupe will be felled during the plan period and a permanent buffer established. Photo A Russell Any recent archaeological surveys that have been undertaken on behalf of FLS have been incorporated into our spatial GIS database - and any new archaeological surveys required (in unimproved upland areas for example, or areas within which the archaeological record is unusually rich) will be undertaken to the standards laid out in FLS Historic Environment Planning Guidelines. This will ensure that undiscovered historic environment features are mapped and recorded prior to forestry establishment and management operations - and will ensure the continued comprehensive protection of the known archaeological resource.

There are 10 scheduled monuments within the West Sutherland LMP area.

It is common when planning forest operations to discover new sites of archaeological interest. All sites are subject to rigorous pre-operations planning and inspection and staff will refer to the guidance of Ritchie and Wordsworth (2010) when completing pre-operations surveys.

Advice will be sought from the FCS archaeologist on the significance of new sites and Highland Council and Historic Environment Scotland consulted as appropriate.

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Designation SAM Number Feature location/description Grid reference Monitoring Record

Scheduled Monument 4025 Strathseasgaich, burnt mound NC 3027 1019 Last Inspected 25/7/17 – regen removed from SM shortly after.

Scheduled Monument 4044 Strathseasgaich, chambered cairn NC 3003 1028 Last Inspected 25/7/17 – regen removed from SM shortly after.

Scheduled Monument 4054 Aultivullin, cairn NC 2907 9423 Last Inspected 25/7/17 – crop felled and removed from buffer.

Scheduled Monument 4042 Cnoc Chaornaidh, cairn NC 3014 9129 Last Inspected 25/7/17 – crop brashed in buffer and regen removed shortly thereafter.

Scheduled Monument 4045 Cnoc Chaornaidh, chambered cairn NC 2990 8417 Last Inspected 27/7/17 – no action taken but 5% bracken coverage noted.

Scheduled Monument 4023 Cnoc Chaornaidh, chambered cairn NC 3018 8188 Last inspected 27/7/17 – no action taken and no remedial work noted.

Scheduled Monument 4022 Cnoc Chaornaidh, chambered cairn NC 3033 7942 Last Inspected 27/7/17 – fence erected at buffer perimeter to prevent ATV access to comms mast. Bracken cover noted

Scheduled Monument 4564 Cnoc Chaornaidh, chambered cairn, cairn and long mound NC 3157 8855 Last Inspected 1/8/17 – two sites, one of which is clear and the other surrounded by crop.

Scheduled Monument 4046 Allt Eieag, chambered cairn NC 3135 7938 Last Inspected 1/8/17 – regen removed thereafter and crop in buffer zone brashed.

Scheduled Monument 4043 Loch Ailsh, chambered cairn NC 3115 9801 Last Inspected 25/7/17 – no threats recorded and no action taken at this stage.

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cathair Bhan, natural feature NC 3279 1264

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cathair Bhan, site NC 3260 1250 Unscheduled monuments are not monitored on a regular cycle. Their presence will be indicated in workplan Unscheduled Monument N/A Strathseasgaich, corn drying kiln NC 3064 1057 constraints maps prior to operations and at that point the Environment team will confirm the extent of the site and Unscheduled Monument N/A Strathseasgaich, rig and furrow NC 3064 1057 advise delivery staff on any mitigation required. Unscheduled Monument N/A Strathseasgaich, township NC 3064 1057

Unscheduled Monument N/A Loch Ailsh, mound NC 3115 1015

Unscheduled Monument N/A Loch Ailsh, find spot (of unidentified object) NC 3100 1000 Unscheduled Monument N/A Loch A Mheallain, enclosure NC 2930 1050

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Unscheduled Monument N/A Aultivullin, sheep fold and township NC 2855 0995

Unscheduled Monument N/A Aultivulin, enclosure NC 2838 0993

Unscheduled Monument N/A Lon Dubh, enclosure NC 2800 0985

Unscheduled Monument N/A Allt an Lon Duibh, enclosure NC 2800 0980

Unscheduled Monument N/A Lon Dubh, enclosure NC 2775 0975

Unscheduled Monument N/A Preas a’ Chrannaidh, field system NC 2900 0935

Unscheduled Monument N/A Preas a’ Chrannaidh, mound NC 2893 0935 Unscheduled monuments are not monitored on a regular cycle. Their presence will be indicated in workplan Unscheduled Monument N/A Preas a’ Chrannaidh, enclosure NC 2940 0900 constraints maps prior to operations and at that point the Environment team will confirm the extent of the site and Unscheduled Monument N/A Stratheskie, dam NC 2980 0883 advise delivery staff on any mitigation required.

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, mound NC 2980 0800

Unscheduled Monument N/A Alltan Nam Breac, cairn NC 2970 0955

Unscheduled Monument N/A Alltan Nan Breac, enclosure NC 2970 0980

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, mound NC 3069 0927

Unscheduled Monument N/A Alltan Nam Breac, enclosure NC 3010 0900

Unscheduled Monument N/A Stratheskie, croft house NC 2990 0830

Unscheduled Monument N/A Stratheskie, dam NC 2994 0839

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, chambered cairn NC 2990 0841

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, rig and furrow NC 3010 0832

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, chambered cairn NC 3017 0818

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, enclosure and dyke NC 3019 0818

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, chambered cairn NC 3029 0815

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, dyke NC 3031 0791

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, mound NC 3120 0780

Unscheduled Monument N/A Glen Oykel, enclosure NC 3200 0770

Unscheduled Monument N/A Glen Oykel, ring-ditch (possible) NC 3170 0790

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Unscheduled Monument N/A Glen Oykel, linear cropmark (wall) NC 3150 0830

Unscheduled Monument N/A Glen Oykel, chambered cairn NC 3151 0909

Unscheduled Monument N/A Glen Oykel, chambered cairn NC 3140 0909

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, enclosure NC 3120 0910

Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Chaornaidh, enclosure NC 3110 0920

Unscheduled Monument N/A Allt an Sleagh, farmstead and enclosure NC 3190 0920 Unscheduled monuments are not monitored on a regular cycle. Their presence will be indicated in workplan Unscheduled Monument N/A Cnoc Na Glas Choile, enclosure, pen, rig and furrow NC 2950 0750 constraints maps prior to operations and at that point the Environment team will confirm the extent of the site and Unscheduled Monument N/A Allt an Lon Duibh, enclosure NC 2860 0830 advise delivery staff on any mitigation required.

Unscheduled Monument N/A Aultivuillin, enclosure NC 2838 0839

Unscheduled Monument N/A Knock Craggie, enclosure NC 3290 0530

Unscheduled Monument N/A Craggie cottage, house NC 3340 0501

Unscheduled Monument N/A Craggie, farmstead NC 3370 0495

Unscheduled Monument N/A Linne A Ghiubhais, enclosure NC 3800 0000

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The moorland slopes and hills landscape character forms a transition between the low lying sweeping moorland and the higher mountains of Assynt. Sloping open moorland gradually rises to form broad hills of massive proportions in the landscape and usually appear wider than their height. The sloping landform creates plateaux, shelves and basins - these areas tend to be poorly drained and sometimes contain patches of peat, lochs or dubh lochans. A surface of bare rock is sometimes exposed and visible on hill tops and glen sides. The extent of visibility tends to be varied; however the overall impression is of openness and offers the possibility of unrestricted movement. Settlements and farms are usually concentrated along the straths - at the edge of this landscape character, as at Oykel Bridge. The interior remains largely uninhabited, typically inaccessible to vehicles and grazed by deer. Fragments of broadleaf woodland survive at inaccessible locations, like remote straths and rocky crags. Conifer plantations, planted in the majority of cases from the fifties onwards, tend to be located close to access routes; upon the slopes to utilise free drainage, although some lower lying bogs are also afforested. Both broadleaf and conifer woodlands are restricted by deer grazing pressure, and as a consequence natural regeneration is not abundant. The rugged hills of Assynt photographed during the aerial survey of Benmore Forest: R Macfarlane FLS The sweeping moorland landscape (western and north-western boundaries and low-lying Appendix 9: Landscape Appraisal (along A837) parts of Benmore) is largely uninhabited and creates the sense of remoteness, with an overall impression of wide open space. Landscape Character & Value The accompanying landscape appraisal maps (Maps 17a and b) identify the landscape character (see Map 2b for landscape designations and Maps 17a & b - Landscape Character Assessment) areas and highlight how it should best influence forest design. A landscape appraisal has been undertaken by Planning staff and the FLS Landscape Architect to assess the likely impact of future management and identify current challenges and The area is characterised by: opportunities to enhance the landscape. The FLS Landscape Architect visited the LMP area  Smooth, open, broad hills with convex slopes; with Planning staff on 4th October 2017 and 19th November 2018.  Unrestricted visual movement over the gradual undulation;  Expansive scale; The Assynt–Coigach National Scenic Area lies immediately to the north and west of the plan  Widespread peat bogs and lochs on gentler slope and in hollows. area, acknowledgment of the value on a national scale of this wild and rugged landscape. The existing conifer plantations, with simple shapes and species composition, are in the process The plan area is also sandwiched between two Wild Land Areas (WLAs): Reay–Cassley WLA lies of being restructured to integrate better with the surrounding moorland. The vast scale of the to the north of the plan area and the Rhidorroch–Beinn Dearg–Ben Wyvis WLA is directly to the landscape lends itself to larger felling coupes. These plantations contrast with the moorlands in south. Both WLAs are characterised by vast, uninhabited interiors and contain many Munro and colour, shape, texture, spatial enclosure and geometry. Particularly noticeable are their straight Corbett tops - popular with walkers and climbers. Both WLA descriptions refer to a sense of edges and contrasting darker colour. Isolated remnants and tree clumps appear particularly out ‘sanctuary’ and the landscape’s awe-inspiring scale. of place.

The landscape character of the forested areas covered by the West Sutherland LMP comprises afforested upland on side slopes above Glen Oykel and below Benmore. It is identified in the A key objective of this plan is to improve the landscape integration between the forests with SNH Caithness and Sutherland Landscape Character Assessment (Stanton, 1998) as being moorland across this plan area respond to the wider landscape character and adapt to fit with planted on areas in transition between moorland slopes and hills and the sweeping moorland the immediate locality. and irregular massif which skirts the Benmore mountain range. To the east, the forest is on the hillsides above the glens and strath of the rivers Oykel and Einig.

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The surrounding landscape scale should inform forest size, coupes and species distribution. Secondary receptors are the promoted Cape Wrath trail which passes through Glen Eilig, Oykel Extensive clearfells can be more sympathetically accommodated on flatter, smooth and open Bridge and along the riverside of Glen Oykel, passing Loch Ailish before heading north towards hills. Restocking, where appropriate, can be simple in design, focusing diversity around the Benmore. Benmore Lodge, Oykel Bridge Hotel and other inhabited buildings in the area also riparian areas and access routes. Peatland restoration (by clearfelling and timber and residue form receptors. Distant elevated views from the summit of Benmore are also important from extraction) can also be accommodated on an appreciable scale to integrate with the surrounding which the setting of the forest is the wider landscape is particularly pertinent. open moor. Small retentions, slithers of woodland or deadwood reserves in open areas where they may be particularly noticeable, should be avoided. Wild Land Impact Assessment- West Sutherland Land Management Plan

Forest shape should respond to landform - adopting simple curves with some interlock to unify West Sutherland LMP covers an area of forest and open land to the south of Ben More Assynt, areas with their surroundings, avoiding geometric shapes and straight lines parallel with or on either side of the A837 between Oykel Bridge and Aultivullin. This area is sandwiched between perpendicular to contours. Lowering the altitude of the tree line and density of planting around the Wild Land Areas (WLAs) of Rhiddoroch- Beinn Dearg – Ben Wyvis in the south and Reay- open hill tops so they do not appear cramped. Cassley to the north, undesignated due to the road corridor and coniferous forest blocks.

Future forest margins, coupes and wind firm boundaries should be established early on in this The area is visible from the public road, access tracks through the forest and paths including rotation by creating rides and edges which fit with the landform shape and local scale. the Cape Wrath trail. It is also visible from high ground, in particular the summits of Ben More Assynt, and Breabag to the north and the lower Cromalt Hills to the south.

Visibility The peatland restoration areas proposed are located across areas of the deepest peat (see Map 9 Management Coupes) and primarily in the areas around Cnoc na Glas Choille and Loch Ailsh.  The dramatic landform of Assynt and Glen Oykel, provides views that can be Distant or As the Wildland boundaries skirt the commercial forest blocks all operations will take place else Close and Intimate. outwith the Wild Land Areas, their impact may only be on perceptual responses.  The main receptors are the A837, a public road used increasingly by tourists, which passes through the length of the forest. All parts of the forest visible from the public Proposals may influence the qualities of the Wild Land as the restoration of peatland will shift road make up the ‘passive visitor zone’. the margin of the coniferous plantation away from the Wild Land area.  Views from westbound traffic are dominated by the dramatic skyline of Suilven further west and the Benmore massif to the north. The forest should be designed to integrate There will be an increase in native broadleaf trees in irregular groups along watercourses which with these landforms. Permanent screening with vegetation and/or shallow bunds aims to integrate the forest with its surrounds, helping it blend with the open peatland surrounds should be utilised in these areas to visual screen artificial features such as quarries. more effectively and develop a more natural looking edge to the afforested area.  The forest at the head of Strath Oykel (above Oykel Bridge) can be seen from the public road for an extended period when travelling up the strath. The hillside and forests above Sensitivity to & Assessment of Impact upon Wild Land Qualities Glen Oykel are particularly visible in the middle distance when between Lubcroy Lodge and Craggie. The shape of felled coupes to date has been ‘geometric’ due to an absence Due to the openness and vast scale of the landscape the qualities are very sensitive to change. of appropriately aligned windfirm forest edges and are particularly visible on this section The areas under assessment are in the near distance, visible from the public road and points of of road. Over the early part of the next forest rotation more appropriate windfirm edges access into the WLAs. However, as the LMP area is located on the edge of the WLA, where should be established to ensure this unsympathetic pattern is not replicated into the special qualities may be ordinarily be compromised, the working forest landscape may be more future. able to accommodate change. The following table gives the baseline qualities as they pertain to  Travelling eastbound, the views are less dramatic: the forest and surrounding moorland the surrounding area as they contribute to the WLA and the probable effect of specific LMP in the fore- and middle ground being more of a focus than long distance landforms. The proposals on these qualities. setting of the lochs is particularly important as is the view of Cnoc a’ Bhaid Daraich.

A series of viewpoints along the public road have been identified. Visualisations of proposals are available from each (see Maps 17a & b for Viewpoint locations and Appendix 10 for Visualisations).

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Baseline Sensitivity of study area Effect Extensive area of elevated peatland slopes south of Ben More High: Medium positive: Assynt. Existence of coniferous forestry is inconsistent with the simplicity of Reduction of the forest area and restoration of the peatland will reduce the degree to which it Simple peatland slopes with strong sense of openness and exposure the open, exposed peatland. erodes this quality along the edge of the WLA. (appears arresting) but rugged at a local level, due to mix of lochans, Coniferous forest areas contrast with the simple peatland slopes. Restored area will revert to simple open moorland and ground character/vegetation will again bogs, peat hags, burns and rock outcrops. The existing forest cover blankets over the pattern of elements that be more naturalised. Seemingly random pattern of elements contribute to the characterise the area. From a distance, once machinery is away from the site, perceived naturalness may increase. naturalness, openness and high exposure heightens sense of risk. This effect will be slower when viewed at closer proximity. Simplicity of land cover and landform within the peatlands mean it High: Medium positive: is difficult to perceive scale and distance- appearing more extensive Presence of coniferous forestry is inconsistent with the open The peatland restoration will occur around the edges of the forest on areas of deepest peat. It than warranted by actual size. simplicity of the peatlands. It provides an artificial sense of Scale - will reduce the extent of the coniferous areas, increasing the size of the open areas. reducing the perceived limitless of wild land. Any unrestored tracks or fences will continue to impact on this quality. The forest area extends south of Ben More, interrupting rather than Overall there should be a reduction of the cumulative effects on the wildland through integrating with Rhiddoroch- Beinn Dearg – Ben Wyvis WLA. minimising the scale of the forest and land take to a more limited area within the glens and The forest’s size, form and colour encroach on wild land qualities around the public road with more natural forest boundaries and increased broadleaves. most noticeably when extending onto elevated ground above the glen floors and contrasting with the open moorland backdrop. Human elements clearly visible to south of Ben More, including High: Medium positive: coniferous plantations, are visible over long distances due to The colour and shapes of the coniferous forest is distinct from the Any unrestored tracks and fences on the open ground will continue to be visible. openness and simplicity of the peatland. They are noticeable open moorland of the wild land area. Despite being some distance With improvements made to the shape of remaining forest and increased broadleaf planting within the elevated views from adjacent mountains and ridges. from Benmore, they are clearly visible. along watercourses will contribute to improved sense of naturalness. Extensive conifer plantations and settlements form an arc around High: High positive: the north, east and south, creating a more defined edge. The forests of this plan are sandwiched between the two WLAs Peatland restoration of large areas of the most elevated forest will reduce the extent of which extend to the forest boundaries. coniferous forest. New broadleaf tree planting in groups along watercourses will break up straight forest edges once mature. Short term tree tubes will limit this benefit. Impact on sense of remoteness and “sanctuary” is limited where Medium: Medium positive: human elements appear contained within the glen floors,but Areas of forests are concentrated around the lower land on either Restoration of peatland will be across landscape scale parts of the forest on the side slopes imposing when they extend up side slopes and onto surrounding side of the public road. It extends out of the forest floor on the and more remote parts of it. hills, even more prominent when of contrasting colour. Appearing surrounding hills where it is more prominent. Removal of forest from prominent hilltops will increase the sympathetic existence of the to encroach directly upon the experience of the WLAs. forest with open ground form and features when viewed from within the WLAs. Variable landform at local level including native woodland, Medium: Medium positive: contribute to the sense of naturalness. Forest cover blankets variable landform at a local level, impacting Due to removal of coniferous forest variable landform will be revealed with immediate effect. on the perception of naturalness around the periphery of the WLA. As bog habitat is restored the perceived naturalness of this area will increase. Native woodland established as part of the works along the water courses will also contribute positively to an increase in naturalness.

Overall Summary: The LMP proposals will have a medium positive effect on each of the relevant special qualities of the Wild Land areas which surround the forest as the very visible and contrasting character of the coniferous forest will be exchanged for re-establishing open peatlands. The extent of improvement is limited to medium due to the continued existence of managed coniferous forest, even though the scale of the forest is reduced and significant improvements made in relation to landscape character.

West Sutherland LMP | North Region Planning & Environment | 030/516/425 Appendix 10 – Landscape Visualisations – West Sutherland LMP See Maps 17a & 17b for Viewpoint Locations and Orientation

Appendix 11 – Recreation and Tourism

West Sutherland LMP

Appendix 11- recreation, access and tourism

There are no formal recreation facilities within the West Sutherland LMP area, and currently no plans to develop any. The area receives relatively low visitor numbers compared to other areas of the Highlands, though it should be noted that we do not formally record visitor numbers in this area . Anecdotal evidence suggests visitors are mostly local walkers and hill walking enthusiasts.

The North Highlands has received an increase in visitors due to the popularity of the North Coast 500 driving route. The public roads through the forest are becoming more popular as a scenic route for tourists and campervans.

The Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust are active in the area, promoting access and tourism.

Facility type Facility name Facility description Consideration needed Formal FLS. Recreation None Facilities (e.g. waymarked trails, car parks, play areas, etc.) Cores Paths Oykel Bridge Path A circular core path route, designated by the Highland Council. To keep the core path open we may need to remove a small Described online as a strenuous and largely unsurfaced trail. number of trees that block or endanger the path. Starts at Oykel Bridge. Events (Regular or repeated None events)

Known Informal Uses and Caravans and campers FLS currently discourages car-based camping and overnight We will continue to report any fly tipping or damage via our Interests parking up in laybys parking on the land we manage AIRs system and follow national policy with regard to overnight parking. Cape Wrath Trail AKA Two long distance hiking routes that use the same route on To keep the route open we may need to remove a small Scottish National Trail FLS land go through Benmore Forest along the River Oykel. number of trees that block or endanger the trail. Information available about the trail online indicates it is relatively low use. Promoted online as “Britain’s toughest hike” and recommended for only very experienced walkers. Loch Craggie A local anglers forum lists Loch Craggie as a good site to fish. Be aware, members of public may park off public road and walk to loch. Loch Ailsh A loch within Benmore forest popular for trout and salmon Be aware, members of public may park off public road and fishing. During the summer it is used by anglers staying at Ben walk to loch. More Lodge and accessing on foot or staying locally and driving in. River Oykel A river flowing through Benmore forest popular for salmon Be aware, members of public may park off public road and fishing. During the summer it is used by anglers staying at Ben walk along river. More Lodge and accessing on foot or staying locally and driving in. Ben More Assynt and Conival Two of the Munro tops are just north of Benmore Forest. They Be aware, members of public may park off public road and are listed on several hill walking websites. Whilst the online walk up hill. advice is to start the hike at the village of Inchnadamph (north

west side of summit) they are accessible from the forest and some hillwalkers do come through Benmore forest. Knock Craggie A hill within Benmore forest that is listed on hillwalking Be aware, members of public may park off public road and websites. Information available online indicates that it is not walk up hill. widely used. Ullapool to Ardgay coast to A mountain bike route promoted online as “Scotland’s shortest Be aware, mountain bikers may be accessing the forest from coast coast to coast” which passes to the south of Einig forest. points other than the public road.

Appendix 12 – Designated Sites Plan – West Sutherland LMP

Designated sites covered by this document:  Ben More Assynt SSSI  River Oykel SAC  Oykel Gorge SSSI  Inverpolly, Loch Urigill and nearby lochs SPA  Loch Awe and Loch Ailsh SSSI  Loch Borralan Intrusion GCR  Allt na Cailliche GCR

Dates of Plan:  Start date: June 2020  End date: May 2030

The Land Management Plan is approved for 10 years; however this Designated Site Planning document will be reviewed at Year 5 in line with the mid-term review to ensure it is still fit for purpose.

Management Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this plan is to fully account for any management and mitigation required for designated land on and around the national forest and land (NF&L) based on the area covered by the West Sutherland Land Management Plan.

This plan aims to act as a basis for targeted management for the notified features and to recognise other operations which might affect them through general use and management.

Section 1. Designated Sites Covered by this Land Management Plan

Designated site name PA site code Site type Total area of Area within this % within % on NF&L designated site (ha) plan (ha) this plan

Ben More Assynt SSSI 191 SSSI 8835.9 25 0.3 0.3

River Oykel SAC 8363 SAC 921.5 16.2 2 2

Oykel Gorge SSSI 1264 SSSI 6.9 6.9 100 0

Inverpolly, Loch Urigill and nearby lochs SPA 8516 SPA 1937 109 5.6 5.6

Loch Awe and Loch Ailsh SSSI 1710 SSSI 146 109 75 75

Loch Borralan Intrusion GCR 1220 GCR 62 22 36 36

Allt na Cailliche GCR 1018 GCR 295 158 54 54

Table 1. Summary of designations relating to West Sutherland LMP.

Map 2b – Key Features: Access, Environment & Heritage highlights the location of the above designated sites in relation to the LMP boundary and NF&L management area.

For further detail on the designations listed in Table 1, refer to SNH documentation at the online SiteLink website and – for internal FLS use – the North Region electronic filing system.

The remainder of this plan refers in detail only to the elements of the above designated sites on NF&L that have the potential to be directly affected by FLS management.

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Section 2: Designated Features and Condition on/adjacent to the NFL

Only features that exist on NFL within this LMP - or have the potential to be directly affected by FLS management operations - are listed in the table below:

Site type Site code Feature description SCM Condition (date assessed) Condition on NF&L Management Classification

(if relevant)

SSSI 191 Moine, Caledonian igneous, , caves (geology) Favourable maintained (2002) N/A No outstanding remedies Karst (geology) Favourable maintained (2007) Quaternary of Scotland (sediments within caves) Partially destroyed (2012) Pleistocene vertebrata (animal bones) Favourable maintained (2002) Upland assemblage (upland habitats) Favourable recovered (2007) Oligotrophic river/stream (low nutrient river) Favourable maintained (2003) Mesotrophic loch (loch with moderate level of Favourable maintained (2016) nutrients) Favourable declining (2014) Vascular plant assemblage

SAC 8363 Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) Unfavourable - No change (2015) Partially recovering (2017) No outstanding remedies Forest and Water guidance and The Water Environment (Diffuse Pollution) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) Favourable - Recovered (2011) Favourable (2015) (Scotland) Regulations 2008 General Binding Rules will be adhered to.

SSSI 1264 Structural and metamorphic geology: Moine Favourable - Maintained (2010) N/A No outstanding remedies

SPA 8516 Black-throated diver (Gavia arctica) Favourable - Maintained (2008) N/A No outstanding remedies

SSSI 1710 Black-throated diver (Gavia arctica) Favourable SSSI No outstanding remedies

GCR 1220 Caledonian igneous Current Current No outstanding remedies

GCR 1018 Moine Current Current No outstanding remedies

Table 2: Designated Features & Condition on/adjacent to NF&L within this LMP

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Geology

 The Ben More Assynt SSSI lies to the north west of the LMP area for the most part but does extend down into the forest around Ben More Lodge. The site has been notified for its nationally important geology, upland plant communities and freshwater habitats. Rocks from the 10km Loch Ailsh Intrusion are exposed in upper Glen Oykel and these are cut by a grorudite dyke. There is an excellent outcrop of jumbled blocks of Cambrian limestone below Carn a’ Mhiodair in Glen Oykel. These rocks represent the explosive activity of a volcanic vent. Together, these outcrops of igneous rock show how both thrusting and intrusions were involved in building the Caledonian mountains and allow interpretation of the order in which the various thrusts and intrusions occurred.

 The underlying geology of the area underpins some stark contrasts in terms of the nutrient status across the LMP area. This ranges from very poor acidic habitat to nutrient rich areas underlain with limestone.

 The Loch Borralan Intrusion, in the SW corner of the Assynt region is of international importance for petrological reasons, and of great regional significance for structural reasons. It is the only plutonic complex composed largely of silica-undersaturated (i.e. feldspathoid-bearing) igneous rocks in the British Isles, and many of its members are exceptionally alkaline. It provides Britain's only example of truly ultra-potassic magmatism. The most potassic members, with as much as 15 wt% K2O, are among the most K2O-rich rocks encountered on Earth. The site includes the only British example of carbonatite.

 The Loch Ailsh Intrusion lies at the eastern margin of the Assynt culmination, immediately below the Moine Thrust, which brings metasedimentary rocks of the Moine Supergroup over its eastern edge. It is largely composed of syenite, an unusual rock type, both in a worldwide and a British context and the Loch Ailsh syenites have an unusually high ratio of sodium to potassium.

 The Allt na Cailliche flows into the SE corner of Loch Ailsh and can be reached easily using forestry roads. The first exposures, just above the gravel fan, are of mylonitized, almost flinty Moine rocks. Upstream from this point pink ‘nordmarkite' can be seen, forming a waterfall. In the gorge above, exposures in the stream bed are of foliated and sheared ‘nordmarkite' with conspicuous pink feldspars. The rock is quite mafic. The Geological Survey mapped three sills near the Moine Thrust in the Allt na Cailliche, and also at several points near the thrust plane between there and the A837.

 The Oykel Gorge SSSI is located at Oykel Bridge. The site is important as one of the finest examples in Great Britain of prominent parallel grooves and ridges on the rock surface, known as ‘mullions’. The mullions are the result of the compression and the folding of rock which is made up of layers of different compositions which have different strengths. The excellence and accessibility of the rock exposure makes this a key site for the study of the formation of mullions. The mullions at Oykel Gorge have been widely featured in geological texts, making the site one of international as well as national importance.

Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) River Oykel is one of only a few rivers in Scotland that support large, visible populations of freshwater pearl mussels. Once widely distributed, populations across Europe have declined sharply and Scotland is now considered to be the main European species stronghold. In recent years the Scottish population has also declined and ceased to breed in many sites. Freshwater pearl mussels can grow to up to 15 cm and live for over 100 years. The adults live attached to or buried in the substrate and filter small particles of food from the flowing water. They become mature at about 10-12 years of age and each female can produce between one and four million larvae, that are released in synchrony over one or two days in the summer. Mussel larvae released to the water must attach themselves to the gills of young salmon or trout in order to develop. Only a small percentage of the larvae will succeed and survive to drop off their fish host and start their sedentary adult life on the riverbed. Their survival is therefore dependent on availability of juvenile salmon and/or trout. The freshwater pearl mussels are also critically dependent on high water quality and suitable river substrates. River Oykel has considerable amount of both adult and juvenile mussels, indicating that the population has the potential to remain viable in the long term. The River Oykel catchment includes extensive tracts of blanket bog, forest of plantation origin (with considerable effort made in recent years to remove non-native conifers from the banks of the river and its tributaries and to create riparian woodland comprising native broadleaved trees), and relatively small areas of improved agricultural ground (mainly grazing). Along its course, the riverbed is highly varied with a variety of pools, riffles and rapids, which give a mixture of substrates - from boulders to smaller gravels.

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) Atlantic salmon are a qualifying feature of the River Oykel SAC. They were recorded as being in a ‘Favourable Recovered’ condition in the most recent Site Conditioning Monitoring (2015). The River Oykel is a natural system (i.e. none of the water is impounded or abstracted) and it is one of the most productive salmon fisheries in the highlands. The salmon spawn between November and early January, the eggs hatch in February and the fry emerge in spring and migrate downstream. The fish usually spend between two and three years in the freshwater system (but can remain there for upto six years) before migrating to sea. Atlantic salmon are threatened by pollution, exploitation, degradation of spawning and nursery habitat, introduction of non-native fish stocks, physical barriers to migration and increased marine mortality. Scottish rivers, such as the Oykel, are therefore an important stronghold for the species.

Black-throated diver (Gavia arctica) Loch Awe and Loch Ailsh SSSI and the Inverpolly, Loch Urigill and Nearby Lochs SPA are partly designated for Black-throated diver (BTD) populations. The oligotrophic lochs form part of the species’ core breeding range in the UK (which is restricted to western and northern Scotland) and support 6% of the UK’s BTD population. All breeding and feeding activities usually take place on the breeding lochs or immediate satellite lochans. Productivity of the UK population is low with few pairs regularly producing fledged young. Breeding success is influenced by water quality, disturbance, and fluctuating water levels. Artificial nesting rafts situated on breeding lochs help to mitigate against water level fluctuation and/or disturbance. The overall productivity of the Scottish Black-throated diver population is thought to have increased by up to 44% due to the provision of these rafts.

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Section 3: Pressures on Designated Features and Proposed Actions

Site Feature Pressures Proposed action Timescale Location map highlighting work type description & other key limiting factors

SSSI Oligotrophic Forestry Forest restructuring proposals take into account the well-documented effect that plantation-type forestry has Throughout LMP Proposed works are illustrated in river/stream operations on the water table. ‘Forest-to-bog’ restoration will improve site hydrology by blocking/removing plantation period: 2020-2030 Management Coupes and Future drains and plough furrows to increase site water retention and reduce the potential for ‘run-off’ of nutrients Habitats Maps (Maps 9 and 12). and materials into watercourses. To relieve the negative effect on water table on adjoining designated sites, FLS is committed to forest restructuring under approved LMP, moving forest edge back by agreed distances, to be determined on a site a site basis.

Plant pest and Crops will continue to be surveyed for Dothistroma needle blight in NF&L. Throughout LMP Not mapped diseases period: 2020-2030

SAC Freshwater Forestry All operations will be conducted within best practice UKFS and UKWAS standards and FLS will comply with Throughout LMP Proposed works are illustrated in pearl mussel operations ‘Operations in FWPM Catchments’ guidance. period: 2020-2030 Management Coupes and Future Habitats Maps (Maps 9 and 12). and Fragments of riparian woodland will be planted with the aim of improving the condition of the neighbouring SAC site and to limit the impact of future forest operations on the aquatic environment. Atlantic salmon Diffuse All operations will be conducted within best practice UKFS and UKWAS standards and we will comply with Throughout LMP Proposed works are illustrated in pollution ‘Operations in FWPM Catchments’ guidance. period: 2020-2030 Management Coupes and Future and when required. Habitats Maps (Maps 9 and 12).

SPA Black- Forestry All coupes proposed for felling will be surveyed prior to any operations taking place. All operations will adhere Throughout LMP Proposed works are illustrated in throated diver operations to FC Guidance Note 32 – Forest Operations and birds in Scottish forests. period: 2020-2030 Management Coupes and Future Habitats Maps (Maps 9 and 12).

Game/Fisheries Deer management will be undertaken to FLS best practice standards to protect tree crops and maintain the Throughout LMP Not mapped management quality and structure of open habitats. This will help deliver the benefits that both riparian woodland creation period: 2020-2030 and peatland restoration will bring to the water environment that provides Black-throated diver breeding habitat and feeding places.

GCR Moine rocks Forestry Conifer crop will be removed from the GCR and the area will remain largely open with some riparian broadleaf Throughout LMP Proposed works are illustrated in outcrop operations planting on the north bank of the Allt na Cailiiche (for the benefit of the water environment). All operations period: 2020-2030 Management Coupes and Future will be conducted to best practice UKFS and UKWAS standards. Habitats Maps (Maps 9 and 12).

GCR Caledonian Forestry Conifer crop will be removed from the GCR with the exception of a small coupe in the southern reaches Throughout LMP Proposed works are illustrated in Igneous Operations adjacent to the forest road - to be felled outside of Plan duration. All open areas will remain open. period: 2020-2030 Management Coupes and Future Habitats Maps (Maps 9 and 12). ‘Forest to bog’ restoration will take place on most of the remaining area, with some native broadleaf planting south-east of Loch Borralan. All operations to be conducted within best practice UKFS and UKWAS standards with the aim to keep the area open, exposed and accessible.

Table 3: Pressures on Designated Features and proposed actions

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Section 4: Operations within LMP area that could impact on designated features on the NF&L

Operation type Detailed description of operation and method Mitigation measures to be applied Timing Map reference & other relevant comments

Clearfell of two coupes Standard mechanical and, where appropriate, low ground pressure machinery All work will be risk assessed by the FLS North Region Throughout Map 9 - Management coupes bordering Loch Ailsh felling of trees by harvester and transport to roadside by forwarder for Environment team through the Work Plan and business LMP period: onwards transport by lorry. planning processes. 2020-2030 Map 12a – Future Habitat Zones Map 11a – Proposed coupes The extent of standard felling operations will be assessed and areas where Water protection measures will be rigorously enforced the ground condition and/or lack of brash are likely to result in causing and UKFS Forest and Water Guidelines will be followed. damage to the organic soils will be harvested using low ground pressure FC Guidance Note 32: Forest Operations and Birds in techniques. Any remaining trees on peatland restoration sites will be mulched Scottish forests will be adhered to. to minimise the negative impact of forest operations.

Native broadleaf restocking will take place east and west of the loch. Peatland restoration will be carried out in the remaining parts of the clearfell coupes. Operations will be carried out as per management prescriptions.

Clearfell of one coupe on Ben Standard mechanical felling of trees by harvester and transport to roadside All work will be risk assessed by the FLS North Region Throughout Map 9 - Management coupes More Assynt SSSI and Allt na by forwarder for onwards transport by lorry. Environment team through the Work Plan and business LMP period: Map 12a – Future Habitat Zones Cailiiche GCR planning processes. 2020-2030 The extent of standard felling operations will be assessed and areas where the ground condition and/or lack of brash are likely to result in causing Water protection measures will be rigorously enforced Map 11a – Proposed coupes damage to the organic soils will be harvested using low ground pressure and UKFS Forest and Water Guidelines will be followed. techniques. Any remaining trees on peatland restoration sites will be mulched FC Guidance Note 32: Forest Operations and Birds in to minimise the negative impact of forest operations. Scottish forests will be adhered to.

A broadleaf riparian corridor will be created along the watercourses as per LMP management prescriptions.

Clearfell of two coupes on Standard mechanical felling of trees by harvester and transport to roadside All work will be risk assessed by the FLS North Region Throughout Map 9 - Management coupes Loch Borralan Intrusion GCR by forwarder for onwards transport by lorry. Environment team through the Work Plan and business LMP period: planning processes. 2020-2030 Map 12a – Future Habitat Zones The extent of standard felling operations will be assessed and areas where the ground condition and/or lack of brash are likely to result in causing Water protection measures will be rigorously enforced Map 11a – Proposed coupes damage to the organic soils will be harvested using low ground pressure and UKFS Forest and Water Guidelines will be followed. techniques. Any remaining trees on peatland restoration sites will be mulched FC Guidance Note 32: Forest Operations and Birds in to minimise the negative impact of forest operations. Scottish forests will be adhered to.

The removal of conifer crop will allow SNH better access for further survey of the GCR to assess boundary.

Most of the area will remain open with some native woodland and riparian broadleaf planting to the south east of Loch Borralan. A small area of conifer restock will border the public road as per LMP management prescriptions.

Table 4: Operations within the LMP that could impact on features on the NF&L.

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Section 5: Operations within the LMP area (or aspects of the NF&L within the LMP) that could impact on adjacent Designated Sites

Operation type Detailed description of issue or operation Proposed action and/or mitigation Timing Map reference & other relevant comments

Clearfell of coupes adjacent to Reay – Standard mechanical felling of trees by harvester and All work will be risk assessed by the FLS North Region Throughout LMP Map 9 - Management coupes Cassley Wild Land Area transport to roadside by forwarder for onwards Environment team through the Work Plan and business period: 2020-2030 transport by lorry. planning processes. Map 12a – Future habitat zones Map 11a – Proposed coupes The extent of standard felling operations will be Water protection measures will be rigorously enforced assessed and areas where the ground condition and/or and UKFS Forest and Water Guidelines will be followed. lack of brash are likely to result in causing damage to FC Guidance Note 32: Forest Operations and Birds in the organic soils will be harvested using low ground Scottish forests will be adhered to. pressure techniques. Any remaining trees on peatland restoration sites will be mulched to minimise the negative impact of forest operations.

Following conifer crop removal, peatland restoration will take place between restock sites and the boundary of the Wild Land Area to create an open buffer between the forest and Wild Land.

Native broadleaf trees will be established along the Allt Rugaidh Mhor to create a riparian woodland as per management prescriptions.

Clearfell of coupes adjacent to Standard mechanical felling of trees by harvester and All work will be risk assessed by the FLS North Region Throughout LMP Map 9 - Management Coupes Rhiddoroch – Beinn Dearg – Ben Wyvis transport to roadside by forwarder for onwards Environment team through the Work Plan and business period: 2020-2030 Wildland Area transport by lorry. planning processes. Map 12a – Future habitat zones Map 11a – Proposed coupes The extent of standard felling operations will be Water protection measures will be rigorously enforced assessed and areas where the ground condition and/or and UKFS Forest and Water Guidelines will be followed. lack of brash are likely to result in causing damage to FC Guidance Note 32: Forest Operations and Birds in the organic soils will be harvested using low ground Scottish forests will be adhered to. pressure techniques. Any remaining trees on peatland restoration sites will be mulched to minimise the negative impact of forest operations.

Following conifer crop removal, peatland restoration will take place between restock sites and the boundary of the Wild Land Area to create an open buffer between the forest and Wild Land.

Native broadleaf trees will be established along the Allt Rugaidh Mhor to create a riparian woodland as per management prescriptions.

Table 5: Operations that could impact on Designated Sites adjacent to the NF&L.

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Section 6: Appropriate Assessment/s undertaken on work contained within the LMP

Habitat Regulation Assessments for this Land Management Plan are attached (Appendix 7). FLS will continue to consult with the FLS Species Ecologist, FLS Open Habitat Ecologist and SNH on any proposed changes to the LMP as per the Tolerance Table (section 2.2) and further Appropriate Assessment will be undertaken if required.

Section 7: Approvals, agreements & signatures

I confirm that the above management plan - which covers the sections of Designated Sites shown in Table 1 of this Designated Site Planning Document in the Land Management Plan for West Sutherland - contains the necessary detail, content and mitigation measures to comply with the statutory requirements contained within the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and in particular in relation to Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 14 (e), which covers consents via an agreed management plan (i.e. “SNH’s consent under section 13 is not required in relation to carrying out an operation of the type described in subsection (1) of that section – …….(e) in accordance with any plan relating to the management of land which has been prepared by the public body and approved in writing by SNH.

SNH Signature ………………………………………………….. Date …………………………..

SNH Name ………………………………………………………. Job Title ……………………………………………....

Address …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Email ……………………………………………………………………..……………………………. Contact telephone number …………………………………………………………………..

FLS has a corporate requirement under UKWAS (2nd edition) to manage all designated sites in accordance with plans approved by the statutory authority. I therefore sign below to approve the contents of this plan in relation to the Designated Sites listed in Table 1 of this Designated Site Planning Document that fall within its boundary on the NF&L.

FLS Signature ……………………………………………………. Date …………………….

FLS Name …………………………………………………………. Job Title ……………………………………………....

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