Strategic
Scottish Lowlands Forest District Strategic Plan 2009-2013
Click here to begin Strategic plan 2009-2013
Contents
Introduction ...... 3 About Scottish Lowlands Forest District...... 6
Section one: strategic context...... 13 Context...... 14 Strategic priorities for Scottish Lowlands Forest District...... 18 Forest policy context...... 19
Section two: how Scottish Lowlands Forest District contributes to the delivery of the Scottish Forestry Strategy...... 20 Key theme one: climate change...... 22 Key theme two: timber...... 26 Key theme three: business development...... 31 Key theme four: community development...... 36 Key theme five: access and health...... 44 Key theme six: environmental quality...... 50 Key theme seven: biodiversity...... 55
Section three: delivery and monitoring...... 60
Appendices:...... 64 Appendix one: supporting maps...... 65 Appendix two: evaluation of achievements (1999-2006) under previous strategic plan.....71 Appendix three: glossary for forest policy context diagram...... 88 Appendix four: local thematic plans, management plans and guidance notes...... 90 Appendix five: portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate...... 94
Using the document This document is principally intended to be read as an online publication and there are several hyperlinks linking readers to the Forestry Commission Scotland website for relevant publications. Please use the Microsoft Word ‘edit: find’ facility to search for specific words.
2 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Strategic plan 2009-2013 - Introduction
Introduction
Woodlands can improve healthier lifestyles and bring a boost of urban development across Scotland
3 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Introduction
Scottish Lowlands Forest District
Introduction The Scottish Forestry Strategy was launched in October 2006 as the Scottish Government’s framework for taking forestry forward through the first half of this century and beyond. This strategic plan defines how Forestry Commission Scotland, through its operating arm, Forest Enterprise Scotland, will implement the Scottish Forestry Strategy on that part of the national forest estate in Scottish Lowlands Forest District. This is a five-year plan starting in 2009 and finishing in 2013.
This strategic plan will also provide direction for implementing a repositioning policy that will ensure that the nature and distribution of the national forest estate better reflects its role and purpose. This plan has been amended to reflect the feedback from a formal consultation process during 2008. The summarised consultation responses and the Forest Enterprise Scotland response are both available on the Forestry Commission Scotland website.
4 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Introduction
The strategic plan is divided into three sections:
Section one: strategic context Section three: delivery and monitoring This section explains how this strategic plan This section gives an overview of how Scottish relates to other Forestry Commission Scotland Lowlands Forest District will effectively and policies and strategies, taking a lead from the efficiently deliver the strategic plan. It includes Scottish Forestry Strategy and the strategic plan for sections on: the national forest estate. • the operating principles that underpin all Forest Enterprise Scotland policies, Section two: how Scottish Lowlands • operations and activities Forest District contributes to delivery of • delivery mechanisms, including the Scottish Forestry Strategy repositioning the national forest estate This section describes the context and specific • the monitoring and implementation process actions that will be undertaken on the national forest estate in the district under each of the seven themes of the Scottish Forestry Strategy: Impact on environment and equality The results of environment and equality and • climate change diversity impact assessments of the strategic • business development plan are available of the Forestry Commission • timber Scotland website. • community development • access and health Review • environmental quality A review will take place towards the end of the • biodiversity period of delivery of the plan. If significant changes are made to the Scottish Forestry Strategy we will, if necessary, prepare a new strategic plan. The baseline figures detailed in the monitoring section of the strategic plan for the national forest estate will be updated and reported on annually, with contributions from each forest district.
5 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Introduction
About Scottish Lowlands Forest District
The district area covers the main conurbations of Water Scotland from the south Fife coast and the Lothians Our smaller forest areas lie in numerous river in the east, through the central belt to Inverclyde catchments, and comprise only a small part of and Ayrshire in the west. The woodlands vary in the land use cover. The larger forests are more scale, form and composition from large productive dominant in the headwaters: Carron Valley covers conifer areas to smaller broadleaf woodland. the upper reaches of the River Carron, Whitelee Many are in more rural locations, but there are an forms the head of the River Irvine and some of the increasing number nearer to communities. It is the Avon and White Cart, which feed into the Clyde. public benefits that these woodlands can bring to people and communities that is the focus of The forests mainly contain only small portions our work. Maps of the district and the forest blocks of rivers and burns. There are lochs immediately are given in Appendix one. adjacent to forests in Auchineden, Crossrigg, Devilla and Blairadam, and Auchentorlie and Limerigg include shoreline and part of a loch. Natural environment Part of Camilty feeds into the Harperrig Reservoir. Carron and Kilmannan reservoirs are almost entirely surrounded by Forestry Commission land Climate and contain the full length of most of the feeder Rainfall ranges from 1700 mm in the west, to 800 streams. mm in the east. All the main forests are exposed to high winds, predominantly from the south-west, with some locally sheltered forests. The frequency of strong winds and gales is higher than in other parts of the United Kingdom. There is generally more cloud cover in the west with an average of over 1,400 hours of sunshine per year, but this varies west to east. Over the district, the mean annual air temperature is 9°C with an average daily maximum temperature at Glasgow in July of 19°C. The climate variation west to east, and local variation, allows for a variety of woodlands and trees types in the district.
6 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Introduction
About Scottish Lowlands Forest District
Geology and landform Landscape The majority of the forests lie between 200 m Scottish Natural Heritage’s landscape character and 300 m, but range from Devilla (50 – 90 m ) assessments are available for the whole district. to Campsie Glen (up to 500 m). The predominant The descriptions used in the assessments are landform is level or rolling hills. Whitelee is on a mostly upland in nature: foothills, plateaux and gently undulating plateau of basalt and millstone uplands. Callendar, Clackmannanshire and East grit. The Southern Uplands are steeper and have Dunbartonshire (Twechar) are classed as valley more relief, but are generally rounded in shape. fringe / broad-valley lowland. Upland outliers to the north are of volcanic origin Although some of the forests form part of a larger with gentler slopes on the northern flanks and matrix with private forestry, most are surrounded escarpments on the south, formed by ice action in by agricultural grazing land, often linked with other the last glacial period. woodlands via conifer shelterbelts or broadleaf Coal measures underlie the central part of the woodland. Forests are seen in both long and short district. The solid geology is usually overlain by distance views from main roads and settlements, glacial deposits, mostly fine materials resulting but as a result of the rolling landform it is mostly in poorly drained soils. This has led to a the small sections or forest edges that are visible. significant accumulation of peat on many of the uplands. These deposits have a strong influence on soil fertility.
Soils In most forests, the soil types vary in complex patterns. Upland peats and peaty gleys predominate with a small proportion of surface- water gleys, which are frequently poorly drained and may be indurated, as at Blairadam. The poorer peaty soils of Whitelee are low or deficient in major nutrients. Parts of Devilla and associated woods in west Fife and Clackmannanshire have sandy clay-loam soils, which are better drained.
7 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Introduction
About Scottish Lowlands Forest District
Biodiversity Biodiversity action plan species and habitats that The open space we manage is also important for occur in the forests and woodlands of the district biodiversity and amounts to at least 3100 ha or include: ancient semi-natural woodlands, lowland 14% of the area of the district. There are larger raised bogs, fens, lowland dry acid grassland, areas, such as the 518 ha at Whitelee cleared as lowland heathland, lowland meadows, purple part of the habitat management plan and 79 ha moorgrass and rush pasture; great crested newts, at Meikle Bin, in Carron forest. There are also 850 black grouse, red squirrel, and nationally and ha (4% of the district) in smaller areas over 10 ha, regionally scarce lichens. Emblematic Highland such as watercourses and bogs. Rides, roads and Scotland species, including wildcat, red deer, other linear features are increasingly recognised osprey, pine marten and golden eagle are found in as habitat networks important for biodiversity. the district. From the acquisitions process, there is currently Conservation management often involves 3,120 ha of open area awaiting planting proposals. partnership working with other agencies and We anticipate that around 1,150 ha will remain owners. Local authority-led local biodiversity unplanted because it is important open habitat. action plans are either prepared or in preparation in all forest areas (see Scottish Lowlands Guidance Note 11.1). The district has 10 sites of special scientific interest (see Appendix four), each with a management plan agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage. Plans are prepared for new sites within a year of notification or acquisition. There are 249 ha of ancient woodland sites, of which 207 ha are plantations on ancient woodland sites. Management prescriptions have been written for each of these (see Scottish Lowlands Guidance Note 9). The district has a number of historical land-uses, from derelict sites to spoil heaps and Roman forts, that provides for a rich biodiversity tapestry. We can make a significant contribution to biodiversity by restoring bog habitats with the removal of trees and by greening derelict sites.
8 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Introduction
About Scottish Lowlands Forest District
Cultural environment
Historical context Heritage The district encompasses a wide range of There are 15 scheduled monuments in the archaeological sites from Bronze Age through Iron district and a further three over which Forestry Age to the Roman and mediaeval periods and the Commission Scotland has rights of access. industrial revolution. The recent designation of the All have management plans agreed with Historic Antonine Wall (north-west frontier of the Roman Scotland. All designated monuments are listed in Empire from about AD140 to 160 ) as a UNESCO Scottish Lowlands Guidance Note 16, including World Heritage Site is of particular importance to sections of the Antonine Wall and other Roman the district. remains in the central part of the district, and the site of Wilsontown Ironworks near Forth in The recent social history of the central belt is South Lanarkshire. of past rises in primary industry, such as mining and consequent manufacturing, followed by There are many unscheduled monuments dramatic decline with subsequent development and sites of industrial archaeology and cultural of the service sector, but in different locations. interest. The importance of these to local This has led to a large disparity in wealth between communities is increasingly reflected in our communities, with some suffering high levels of management of the district. deprivation and social exclusion.
9 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Introduction
About Scottish Lowlands Forest District
Demographics Economy Three million people, or 60% of Scotland’s population, live within the district boundary. They Employment are concentrated in Glasgow and the lower Clyde Many of the contractors we employ live and work Valley and in Edinburgh, but with large towns in locally and it is thought that the value of work Ayrshire and along the Firth of Forth to Stirling. The paid out by the district is largely recycled in the main transport corridors between Edinburgh and economy of central Scotland. Glasgow and the Ayrshire coast are also heavily populated. Transport links through the region are We support 39 full-time equivalent posts directly, reasonable, but few forests are accessible by and an estimated 20 jobs in forest management, public transport. 19 in harvesting, 16 in haulage and six on roads contracts. A further 100, mostly rural, jobs and a These urban populations are the most diverse in proportion of the employment and investment of Scotland and include the highest number of people timber customers can be attributed to the district. from different ethnic and religious communities, and the highest number of people with a disability. Development of windfarms, coal and mineral The district also includes most of Scotland’s working in the district provides significant most deprived communities. There is both a legal employment opportunities and there are new and social imperative that we provide a service, proposals in preparation, including for electricity level of engagement, and forest welcome that generation from woodfuel. encompasses this diverse population. Other opportunities continue to develop through volunteering, training through back-to-work schemes, and the Modern Apprenticeship scheme.
10 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Introduction
About Scottish Lowlands Forest District
Tourism Forest resource Although we do not make a major contribution to tourism directly - we have no major recreation Extent and distribution infrastructure to draw or to allow overnight stays We manage 22600 ha, of which 15600 is - we are important for day visit tourism and our woodland and the remainder open space, hills, focus will be on local recreation, with woodlands moorland, meadows, agriculture and water. We as a place to be active. Forest recreation visits have increased our area by 3220 ha over the last generate expenditure and help sustain local few years through acquisition and we have plans employment, directly or indirectly, through shops to create 2000 ha of woodland on this area. The and service providers. majority of the woodland (14600 ha) is coniferous with 1200 ha of broadleaves, of which 42 ha is of Renewable energy ancient and semi-natural woodland. We aim to The district has the lead role in climate change thin around 2100 ha, and have 560 ha of natural programmes through new planting and renewable reserve, 490 ha of minimum intervention area, and energy projects, with the largest coppice and 1750 ha managed under alternative to clearfell short rotation forestry trial area on the national systems. Plantations on ancient woodland sites forest estate. We have been working with various cover 207 ha, sites of special scientific interest companies on windfarm developments since run to 250 ha and we manage 15 scheduled 2000 and now have two existing windfarms on ancient monuments. Areas designated in Forestry our landholding, including Europe’s largest wind Commission Scotland’s programme of ‘woods in farm at Whitelee forest, and further developments and around towns’ stand at 4800 ha. planned. There is also a role in the biomass sectors with current medium term contracts, and the challenge of contributing to the smaller scale woodfuel market development.
11 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Introduction
About Scottish Lowlands Forest District
Types of forest and tree species Productive forestry age Soil and climatic conditions constrain healthy Of the 14000 ha productive area, 38% was planted and economic tree growth, which means that in the 1970s and 25% in the 1980s and 1990s. species choice is limited. Most forests are almost These are mainly first rotation forests, with trees completely conifers, with some exceptions such as planted on former open hills. Older stands pre- Twechar and Croyhill. Current species composition 1960 account for 1600 ha and do contain some is 43% (9800 ha) Sitka spruce. The 700 ha of Scots veteran trees. It is only in the last decade that pine in Devilla is the only large, contiguous area of restructuring has begun to break up the uniform conifer that is not Sitka spruce. age class in much of the district. In older areas such as Carron, Blairadam and Lennoxtown these are About 20% of the broadleaves is birch and now mostly second rotation. the majority of the remainder is mixed native broadleaves. Beech and sycamore are a landscape Average conifer productivity is relatively low (Yield feature and component of the woodlands in Class 12) but there are 250 ha of high yielding only a few locations. Few broadleaf woodlands, conifers (YC16 and over, mostly Sitka spruce) Blairadam for example, have the potential for counterbalanced by 550 ha of poor productivity timber production. The new woodland we are (YC 6 and below). However this latter figure planting, with early examples at East Grange and includes areas of young checked growth that are Knockmountain, will improve on the broadleaf improving as tree canopy gradually closes. productive potential. There are areas of significant fire damaged woodlands, such as Benhar and Arns.
12 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Strategic plan 2009-2013 - Section one
Section one: strategic context
Scottish forestry is helping to make a sustainable contribution to Scotland’s economy. Over 40,000 jobs are supported by the forestry sector in Scotland and the industry generates around £760 million each year.
13 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section one
Section one: strategic context
Context
The context in which this plan will be delivered has been set by the success in delivering the previous strategic plan. That plan, published in 1999 and updated in 2003, included a wide range of local targets set against the national priorities identified in the previous version of the Scottish Forestry Strategy (published in 2000). These are summarised in Appendix two.
In summary, the district has seen a radical change From the last plan, we have seen particular since the last plan was written, with an expansion success in delivering the community and access of its mainland area in the central belt through and health themes, and in delivering on our acquisition and management agreements, and with environmental aspirations. There is still much to a boundary change seeing Arran and Kyle pass to do in both these areas. There have been challenges the management of Galloway Forest District. There in maximising the value of the wood resource and has been a doubling of staff numbers in this time creating a diverse forest resource for the future. and a dramatic change in the prominence and Although aims were met, there were planning resources for key programmes that the district is challenges that had to be overcome to deliver the leading on, such as the woods in and around towns basic programmes, and this is an area we will be and the climate change programmes. improving on in the years ahead.
14 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section one
Strategic context - Scottish Lowlands Forest District
District vision That Scottish Lowlands Forest District will be an acknowledged provider of well managed green places in and around towns that contribute to revitalising communities placemaking efforts, and offering tress woodlands and forests for recreation and learning, health and wellbeing, contemplation and hope, all making us a ‘district for people’.
District priorities We will manage our woodlands sustainably and involve communities in our long-term planning to make sure that we are contributing to sustainable development and improved quality of life for those communities. We need to follow standards, best practice guidelines, and legislation such as the Health and Safety Act. Our performance is externally audited against the Forest Stewardship Council-approved UK Woodland Assurance Standard, which provides third party confirmation that Forestry Commission Scotland forests are well-managed. We are firmly committed to retaining the high standards required by the UK Woodland Assurance Standard. We also recognise the need to invest in our staff and follow our national operating principles.
15 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section one
Strategic context - Scottish Lowlands Forest District
In the context of the Forest Enterprise National The district has a number of important historical Framework priority areas the district leads on features, and we have an opportunity to make some national, regional and locally important more of them with an initial focus on industrial forestry issues. heritage and the Antonine Wall World Heritage site. The environment and biodiversity are an Safeguarding national forestry treasures important part of our land management and not just the woodlands. We have 10 sites of special We will manage our woodlands sustainably and scientific interest and manage them under involve communities in our long-term planning to approved plans. We manage a number of open make sure that we are contributing to sustainable habitats and other priority habits of local and development and improved quality of life for national importance. We also have important water those communities. We need to follow standards, catchment areas and associated water bodies. best practice guidelines, and legislation such as We have an important role in central Scotland the Health and Safety Act. We also recognise the biodiversity and conservation projects, with a need to invest in our staff and follow our national number of key species, including black grouse, red operating principles. squirrel, great crested newts, and priority habitats such as native woodland.
16 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section one
About Scottish Lowlands Forest District
Delivering forestry for people and rural These programmes require staff resources and development benefits where people live a challenge we need to address is increasing and work the number of people we can contribute to The district has its focus on maximising the public this programme. We also have the greatest benefits the woodlands we manage can offer to opportunity to contribute to urban regeneration the three million people and their communities in and brownfield restoration. We have the the central belt of Scotland. We are the lead district greatest potential to demonstrate the benefits of in delivering the Forestry Commission Scotland woodlands within community growth areas. We woodlands in and around towns programme also have a role in place setting, improving local (WIAT). The assessment criteria target woods environments by continual improvements and within 1 km of settlements of over 2000 people, in maintenance of our woodlands. the district this amounts to nearly 5,000 ha (21%) of the district area. We will continue this through Managing landscape scale core areas better management of existing woodlands, a for threatened species and habitats greater level of community engagement and out We lead in delivering the whole of the national reach activity and by acquiring more woodlands or forest estate contribution to the National Planning developing management agreements with others. Framework green network initiative. We are one of We have the greatest opportunities and challenges four key districts in habitat restoration of lowland in engaging with a more diverse range of people raised bogs with Coalburn Moss designated a and in particular making woodlands more special area of conservation as a particularly fine accessible to people with a rage of abilities. example of lowland raised bog The district has to rise to the challenge of delivering on the health, learning and volunteering policies as well. With the most diverse population within our Retaining sufficient timber production potential boundary, diversity issues are a challenge we need to facilitate market stability and development to tackle in the years ahead. We are, and need to Our performance is externally audited against develop further, a major provider of doorstep and the Forest Stewardship Council-approved UK day visit recreation facilities for the communities of Woodland Assurance Standard, which provides central Scotland. On the ground, we also need to third party confirmation that Forestry Commission demonstrate good and sustainable management of Scotland forests are well-managed. We are firmly woodlands. For people this involves creating clear committed to retaining the high standards required entrances, a network of trails to use, and making by the UK Woodland the woodland feel welcoming by clearing rubbish Assurance Standard. and tackling anti-social behaviour.
17 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section one
Strategic priorities for Scottish Lowlands Forest District
Using acquisition/ disposal, partnerships and Sustaining sufficient regional presence to other arrangements to generate greater scale exercise policy development, exemplar and and pace of change leadership roles We are the lead district in the expansion element We are important to many timber customers as of the national forest estate repositioning our central location is near to many end users and programme growing by 15% in the last few years. transport time and costs are low. The district has We are creating new woodlands on these sites one a challenge of raising awareness and developing of our contributions to climate change programme. solutions to timber transport urban areas. We are We have a significant contribution through hosting developing a lead role in demonstrating coppice renewable energy projects particularly windfarms. and short rotation forestry practice and in the One of our emerging roles will be in skills supply of wood for the wood fuel markets. development programmes as we have the largest We also have a lead role in the business potential of people, often long term unemployed, development theme especially income from the that could benefit from work related training. estate through realising mineral and renewable energy opportunities. Partnership working will be essential to our success. We regularly work in partnership with local authorities, communities, other agencies, and the not for profit sector in delivering the strategy. A key partner and one we need to work increasingly closely with is the Central Scotland Forest Trust which has a similar agenda to us. Our boundary includes 19 of the 32 Scottish local authorities. We have good relationships with some authorities, but need to work more effectively with others and this will be increasingly important.
18 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section one
Forest policy context
The national strategic plan describes the strategic and operational context; monitoring framework and implementation proposals that guide the district plan. The components of the delivery of the district strategic plan are indicated in the forest policy context diagram below. A glossary describing elements of the forest policy context diagram is contained in Appendix three.
Scottish Forestry Strategy UK Forestry Standard 2006 – 2015
Forest Enterprise Scotland POLICIES Forestry Commission framework document guidelines and policies 2008 – 2013
Strategic plan for the UK Woodland national forest estate Assurance Standard 2009 - 2013
Scottish Lowlands Forest Indicative forestry strategies District Strategic Plan Forestry frameworks 2009 – 2013 Regional Forestry Forum
Forest plans Thematic plans 10 year plans in e.g. biodiversity, thinning 20 – 30 year frameworks Review
Work plans Monitoring Site specific plans for projects planned up to 2 years in advance of implementation Work programme
PLANNING Business plan Action Rolling 3 year plan
19 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Strategic plan 2009-2013 - Section two
Section two: how Scottish Lowlands Forest District contributes to the delivery of the Scottish Forestry Strategy
Scotland’s forests and woodlands are helping support many rural communities and businesses.
20 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Section two: how Scottish Lowlands Forest District contributes to the delivery of the Scottish Forestry Strategy
Context
The issues identified below are arranged under the seven key themes of the Scottish Forestry Strategy, with analysis and evaluation of their local context. The strategy identifies three outcomes, 12 headline objectives and 69 detailed objectives. Only the most relevant objective and main local issues are included to reflect the strategic nature of this plan.
In identifying issues, we seek to identify key things the international trade in timber as a limiting we can influence. This requires an analysis of our factor because this may not be immediately operating environment, with consideration of obvious. In contrast, we do not mention the details problems and limiting factors. If it is appropriate, of silvicultural improvement when identifying this analysis will sometimes be summarised in the thinning as an issue as we feel these will be plan. For example, in considering our operating assumed intuitively e.g. thinning improves crops. environment for timber, we include mention of
21 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme one: climate change
Renewable energy Windfarms are the most immediate and significant of the renewable energy projects. There is a need to balance landscape issues, biodiversity constraints and deforestation to accommodate infrastructure with the benefits of renewable energy, income for the estate, and positive environmental projects funded by developers. Projects go through the full planning process to make sure that all issues are considered.
Interest in the use of biomass for energy generation We are already supplying wood to the biomass is increasing. Supply options include, forest market. We have been looking at small-scale biomass (residues and roundwood), short rotation supply options for businesses such as local forestry (single stemmed) and short rotation firewood and those supplying smaller volumes to coppice (e.g. willow coppice). domestic wood fuel boilers. There is a role for us in planning more sustainable energy use in our own business through the Greenerways project and the use of renewable energy in any refurbishment or new buildings.
22 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme one: climate change
Adapting to climate change Carbon sequestration There will be an increasing number of pests and We have recently acquired significant areas of diseases affecting the trees we grow. Current land to plant new multi benefit woodlands as part threats include red-band needle blight in pine, of carbon sequestration. Planting has started at which could impact on replanting and low impact Knockmountain (194 ha) and East Grange (194 ha), silvicultural systems with a pine component such and will continue at Cochno Hill, Campsie Glen as Blairadam and Devilla. We are focussing less and Auchlochan, near Lesmahagow. Our plans on single species selection, where Sitka spruce to restore areas of bog will also contribute to the and Scots pine were often the default, and are carbon balance. now promoting the site specific use of suitable trees according to soils, elevation, site objectives and potential climate change scenarios. We are developing a role through new planting of creating forest habitat networks to aid species movements associated with climate change.
Flood and catchment management The district contains the main areas of urban Scotland, and many new housing and other developments. This presents an opportunity to become more involved in flood alleviation works. While we are not currently involved in any projects, the opportunities for new planting and management of woodland will grow. Our current management involves compliance with Forestry Commission forests and water guidelines, and our forest design plans will incorporate any requirements of the new river basin management plans. We will adhere to the objectives of the Forestry Commission Scotland draft climate change action plan and the policy on the control of woodland removal.
23 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme one: climate change
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Renewable energy
Maximise the potential for windfarms and other renewable energy projects with regard to Scot Low landscape, biodiversity, public access, community and economic values. We have three 1.01 active sites with two pending at Whitelee and Murdostoun, and working with partnership for renewables (PfR) on 20 other sites.
Facilitate the growth of the wood fuel market in Central Scotland through the provision of timber and sites to operate from. Apply value for money and Forest Scot Low Enterprise Scotland business principles when supporting local entrepreneurs. We 1.02 currently have one small business at Knockmountain and two existing firewood businesses with the potential to develop more in the next five years. There are currently over 100 small firewood businesses within the district boundary.
Provide timber for national long-term contracts for biomass supply including where Scot Low suitable the provision of forest residues. Current programme is 25000 cubic metres in 1.03 locations like existing contracts at Whitelee and trial brash bailing in Heathland Forest.
Scot Low Work with Forest Research, Conservancies and others to share the knowledge we 1.04 gain at our coppice and short rotation forestry trials at East Grange Farm, Fife.
Scot Low Implement the requirements of our business sustainability programme 1.05 and attainment of ISO 14001 in the offices we occupy.
24 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme one: climate change
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Adapting to climate change
Implement any changes to species selection informed by national research, guidance and Scot Low tools. Climate change mitigation will continue to be carried out using ESC and EMIS decision 1.05 making tools, when new planting and restocking.
Scot Low Create appropriate habitat networks on any new acquisitions, currently 1.06 planning for Campsie Glen, Auchlochan, Windyhill and Lambhill.
Scot Low Take part in tree health and other pathogen surveys and 1.08 report any tree health issues discovered.
Flood and catchment management
Scot Low Competent and effective compliance with Forestry Commission forests and water guidelines 1.09 during all operations.
Scot Low Forest designs will include good riparian management and any 1.10 requirements of river basin management plans.
Scot Low Contribute, through the existing and any new acquisitions, to flood management projects. 1.11 There are currently no proposals but we should seek to be involved in one project.
Carbon sequestration
Continue to explore and evaluate opportunities for new woodland that can contribute to Scot Low carbon sequestration and other strategic objectives, especially woods in and around towns. 1.12 There are currently 1200 ha underway in the next three years with the potential to continue at this level.
Scot Low Use the new planting ‘heat map’ to ensure public benefits from new woodlands 1.13 are maximised and targeted, particularly around Edinburgh and Glasgow.
25 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme two: timber
Timber supply Central Scotland is well endowed with home-grown timber using industries and a good network of trunk roads. These industries rely on a sustainable supply of the correct quantity and quality of timber to support modernisation and expansion.
Our forecast is to supply 100,000 cubic metres of timber each year to 2011. This is a substantial and important part of the business, supporting many local jobs and providing one of our main sources of revenue. All this volume is sold standing to the private sector, with no direct production. About 7000 cubic metres will be from thinnings, the remainder from clearfelling. There is potential for an increasing supply, but this is constrained by access issues. As these issues are resolved, the sustainable volume we can supply to the market should rise. High quality forest planning, which balances a broad range of environmental and social issues as well as landscape impacts in establishing a productive supply of timber.
26 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme two: timber
Timber quality Timber transport Our forest planning and its implementation will be The public road infrastructure around some critical both in timber supplies through production forests is not suited to timber transport because forecasting and felling, and in appropriate species of limiting road geometry or features and where selection and densities to provide continuity and routes pass through residential areas. These quality of production. roads may require significant investment by local authorities to reach a suitable standard. Solutions Quality varies across the district with climate, soils, can be found in partnerships with neighbouring and species choice. There are a number of poor landowners and local authorities through local crops, such as Lodgepole pine on bogs, where we timber transport initiatives, often supported by will not replant and where restoration to other funding from the Scottish Timber Transport Fund. habitats is the preferred option. The development We can agree preferred timber transport routes, of markets, such as biomass, for lower quality target investment and road building for alternative timber may aid this restoration process. We access routes to avoid specific problems. have planned and continue to improve on correct selection of species for the site and the Many forests also have poor or no internal network right ground preparation. Stocking densities are of roads or difficult public road access. Some, essential in ensuring a quality crop. We make use such as the forests in the Kilpatrick Hills, require of improved stock in our planting programmes and roading across private land. Complex legal and different silvicultural (tree management) operations land agency requirements, as well as significant to improve quality. Our thinning plan is integral to civil engineering projects, often accompany these this and should continue to develop. roading issues.
27 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme two: timber
Hardwood timber Timber in construction A number of hardwood areas have had little We source sustainable timber in our purchasing from management in recent years. We have worked fencing to office furniture. We have been exploring recently with the Association of Scottish Hardwood the potential for new buildings for office and staff growers to market hardwood thinnings. The new accommodation and where these are progressed we plantations give an opportunity to grow quality will make innovative use of certified timber. hardwoods and on a shorter rotation. We also have a trial area of willow coppice at East Grange.
28 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme two: timber
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Timber supply
Scot Low Production levels will match forecasts. This will be done by improving data, road 2.01 and estates planning, and through realistic forest design plan proposals.
Participate in the nationally led niche marketing project which is looking specifically Scot Low at the hardwood resource and minor conifer species. Woodlands such as Blairadam 2.02 and Dean have been identified as suitable for the development of niche marketing.
Continue to market timber at a range of scales from long-term, large-scale to one- off standing sales. Long-term contracts currently account for 50% (50,000 cubic Scot Low metres) of the district annual timber production (100,000 cubic metres). Standing 2.03 sales account for 47% of annual production and local negotiations at 3%. Thinning accounts for 7% of annual production and forms the basis of a long-term contract.
Scot Low Revise all local guidance notes for planning, programmes and operations by March 2010. 2.04
Scot Low Produce and publish production forecasts quinquennially and supply 2.05 marketing plans annually. Ensure five year timber forecast is supplied.
Timber quality
Scot Low Make sure that productive conifer areas meet the minimum 2.06 standard of 2500 stems/ha at year five.
Scot Low Maximise the use of improved and site suited growing stock in all our planting programmes. 2.07
Revise the district thinning plan by March 2010 and thereafter review Scot Low annually. Current thinning volume is 7000cubic metres per annum and the 2.08 aim would be to increase this to 10,000 cubic metres within 5 years.
29 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme two: timber
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Timber transport
Scot Low Plan for and build adequate infrastructure to allow access to timber volume, 2.09 including other forest owners and neighbours as appropriate.
Work with others to develop a timber transport group in the central belt, Scot Low particularly in the city regions and north Lanarkshire, and through our 2.10 operations team take part in existing timber transport groups.
Utilise the benefits of low ground pressure vehicles where practical Scot Low and actively support trials that further reduce environmental impacts 2.11 and costs. Current potential at two sites in the Kilpatricks.
Hardwood timber
Quantify and market in conjunction with specialists like the Association of Scottish Scot Low Hardwood Sawmillers more of the hardwood standing timber in the district. Currently 2.12 there is 1,200 hectares of broadleaved woodland of which only around 30 hectares has potential for timber production, with a standing volume of around 1,500 cubic metres.
Scot Low Include productive broadleaves in our new planting, contributing to national exemplar plots 2.13 where possible, such as at East Grange, Knockmountain, Campsie Glen and Auchlochan.
Timber construction
Scot Low Make use of innovative designs and certified timber in new buildings. 2.14
30 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme three: business development
Skills We have run a number of volunteer projects, such as those at Drumchapel and have worked with partners, including social enterprises to pass on forestry-related skills. These are areas we can develop further, facilitating more activity. We train our staff and work with contractors on their development needs, and we have provided sites for third parties to undertake training. There is the potential in this urban setting to do much more, through Modern Apprenticeships and education-based rural skills courses. Working safely is an important part of all skills development and we maintain our good record through regular training and safety meetings, and a systematic approach to risk assessment.
Tourism Although we do not make a major contribution environment, soils, water, waste and travel. Carron to tourism directly - we have no major recreation Valley forest is regarded as an important part of infrastructure to draw or to allow overnight stays the tourism offer in North Lanarkshire and Stirling. - we are important for day visit tourism and our There designation of the sections of the Antonine focus will be on local recreation, with woodlands Wall we manage in Twechar and Nethercroy as a place to be active. We have some bigger sites as a UNESCO World Heritage Site also offers that area suited to a day trip and we will develop potential. The Kelty Heritage Trust raised funds these in partnership. The woodlands we manage to develop a network of trails in the Blairadam have an important role in the general tourism offer Forest, which are now part of the wider tourism in the area and we have worked with partners, offer at Kelty. Communities in Ayrshire and Fife often local authorities, to contribute to local are also ambitious to use the forests to attract improvement projects and shared publicity. Our visitors through improved facilities and core path woodlands provide an important landscape setting networks. We have sought to make more of the and we design them with care. In all tourism and commercial tourism business opportunities on recreation developments we will be mindful of the national forest estate and there is potential for and mitigate the impacts these can have on the further development.
31 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme three: business development
Income diversification Contribution to rural development The district is unusual in that it covers land with The district is mainly urban, but we do have a significant mineral and development resources, number of accessible rural towns and villages. We particularly coal but also sand and aggregates. already have an emphasis on buying goods and Minerals are an important employer often in services locally to support the local economies the more deprived areas. We are working with we work in. developers and local authorities through our multiple benefit objectives and the planning system to make the most of these opportunities, while minimising their impacts. Restoration of sites is an integral part of this process. There is one active opencast coal site in the district, a quarry supplying nationally significant silica sand, and reserves of important hard rock, such as high quality whinstone. There are also opportunities to generate income, and sometimes environmental gain, by permitting use of small areas of forest for smaller scale development needed locally, such as mine-water treatment ponds and telephone apparatus. Income is also generated from renewable energy (see above).
32 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section three
Key theme three: business development
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Skills
Scot Low Maintain a well-trained workforce and a continuous improvement approach to the health and 3.01 safety of staff, visitors and contractors.
Scot Low Seek additional staff to enable a proactive approach to work with young people on rural skills 3.02 for work, for example the proposed partnership with Cumbernauld College.
Continue to work with and support the work of social enterprises and volunteer groups, Scot Low especially where there is a focus on skills development. Examples include projects with the 3.03 Wise Group and Living Solutions.
Develop the resources to take an active role in the Modern Apprenticeship scheme; to provide Scot Low opportunities for 14-16 year olds to learn about forestry and to provide high quality work 3.04 placements for students.
Produce and implement with Central Scotland Conservancy a joint education strategy Scot Low supporting the work of the Forest Education Initiative in supporting forestry skills 3.05 development and careers guidance in schools.
33 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section three
Key theme three: business development
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Tourism
Scot Low Be open to new recreation-based business ideas, dealing with them on a commercial basis. 3.06
Design forests and use low impact management to improve the landscape value of our Scot Low woodlands in areas such as Campsie Glen and the Kilpatrick Hills, and improving the local 3.07 quality of experience in areas such as Blairadam and Newbattle woods.
Work with partners such as local authorities to make the most of our woodlands and facilities Scot Low to benefit the local tourism offer for example by including our recreation sites in tourism 3.08 leaflets.
Make sure the information we present through leaflets, interpretation, web site, and other Scot Low marketing is relevant and up to date. Train staff in communication, marketing, web site design 3.09 and interpretative planning. Make sure it meets the needs of the diverse population in the district.
34 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section three
Key theme three: business development
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Income diversification
Work with the mineral sector to develop well-planned proposals for mineral workings. Ensure Scot Low developments are contained in structure plans and local plans and follow best practice. 3.10 Existing sites include Thornton and Sootrie woods, Glasgow Moss, Woodmuir, and Goat Quarry, Cullaloe.
Scot Low Work with businesses such as James Callander & Son Ltd at Devilla to seek commercial 3.11 solutions to forestry business locations.
Scot Low Explore the potential for, and if proven, look to establish green business parks in partnership 3.12 with local authorities.
Scot Low Seek the best and most reliable returns from developments to support our objectives locally 3.13 and nationally, supported by expert help and well trained staff.
Contribution to rural development
Scot Low Seek to purchase goods and services from local sources and contractors where they represent 3.14 best value and meet our purchasing needs.
35 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme four: community development
Woods in and Around Towns Well-managed, accessible open green-space and trees are a recognised component of sustainable communities. We now have 30 woodlands totalling 4,800 ha in the existing national forest estate in the district that are part of the Forestry Commission woods in and around towns programme. These woodlands have a great deal to offer their local communities, from quality green space and local landscape to chances to see wildlife, and places to be active or to relax and unwind. Our role is to improve on what we have and bring these benefits to more communities through buying and managing existing woodlands or creating and managing new woodlands. The key elements in woodland successfully contributing to local community development
is for us to make sure they are well managed with expanding the quality and range of outdoor access accessible with paths and tracks, to make people feel opportunities locally. We will contribute to the welcome, and to use our rangers to provide a local Scottish Government’s ambition to establish a green presence and generate community engagement. network across the central belt of Scotland. We have a primary role in the contribution we can In the ten years to January 2009, we have acquired make to urban greening by restoring derelict sites. 628 ha of land for community woodlands and we are Since 1999, we have managed the restoration of leasing or managing another 250 ha, all part of the over 200 ha of former opencast and deep mining Forestry Commission woods in and around towns in the district. We are now planning the restoration programme. We have developed and implemented / management of the 22 ha Nethercroy acquisition a number of management agreements, for example listed in the Scottish Vacant & Derelict Land Register. at Bishops Estate, Easterhouse (100 ha), Drumchapel, We have been working on urban woodland after-use Glasgow (47 ha) and Colinton Dell, Edinburgh plans with the owners of the Greenoakhill landfill site under the programme. We have worked with the at Mount Vernon, Glasgow. People in all communities Central Scotland Forest Trust to take over long-term should have access to attractive greenspace. management of some of their woodlands, acquiring Derelict land can become valued community some 130 ha from the Trust to allow them to focus woodland, which is often a very cost-effective way of on new projects.
36 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme four: community development
Community engagement Many urban communities see nearby woodland Woodlands Group, Fauldhouse Development as an alien environment, a place for anti-social Trust and Carron Valley Development Group. activity and a threat to safety. Local people may Community engagement with these groups has not have been involved in their creation or recent resulted in substantial partnership projects totalling management. Changing this attitude requires over £500,000. Kelty Heritage Trails Group and community engagement to help us to understand Drumchapel Woodlands Group both won the Tim the barriers to use and create a sense of ownership. Stead Trophy for best community woodland for We have increased our ranger force significantly and their work. We also work in partnership with local now have six community / forest rangers and eight authorities and the Central Scotland Forest Trust to wardens to achieve a good geographical spread of develop and use community links. people skilled at working with communities. This has Currently, no communities are interested in buying resulted in considerable success in achieving active parts of the estate under the National Forest Land community partnerships with groups such as the scheme; but we will work with those who do show Kelty Heritage Trails Group at Blairadam, Cardenden an interest in the future. Group, Limerigg Community Association, Callendar Woods Group, Forth Access Group, Drumchapel
37 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme four: community development
Education Partnerships Improved learning opportunities from outdoor We recognise the huge potential of voluntary education have been understood for many years, effort that organised groups represent and we relating to learning styles. We have pioneered the use can help them to succeed. Our beat rangers of Forest School throughout a whole school year for develop contacts with groups and organisations, primary school classes at Fauldhouse, West Lothian. ranging from ‘friends’ interested in their local woods There are clear benefits shown by much more to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and effective community engagement and, in particular, ‘back to work’ volunteers. by the respect shown by people for their local Facilitating social businesses needs to be an area woodlands through reduced abuse and fire-raising. of improved focus for the district, such as the work The Fauldhouse centre of excellence has developed we have done with Living Solutions in the Fife skills in pupils, Forestry Commission Scotland staff, intermediate labour market. Contacts range from teachers, parents and school support staff, and sets ‘communities of interest’ to woodland users, local an example for the wider education sector. The communities and established groups. We have potential demand will always outstrip resources encouraged and facilitated some groups to evolve available in Forestry Commission Scotland and our from an informal gathering to an organisation aim is to assist with start-ups, empowering others to with a constitution and even to a charity. These take over the lead and, where appropriate, provide communities are often more dynamic and interested a location for activities. Currently, Forest Schools in their woodland making a greater contribution are active at Newbattle, Selm Muir, Murdostoun, to local lives. For an established group such as Fauldhouse, and Drumchapel. the charity, Clanranald for Scotland Trust, which is building a replica mediaeval fort and visitor experience at Carron Valley, we have been a partner providing a location for their activities. There are 19 local authorities and many third sector organisations in the district, which presents many opportunities for partnership working. The challenge is to prioritise and focus our limited resources, and to work with partners to reduce tensions in the scale and pace of development.
38 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme four: community development
Languages The population of the district includes the largest Our rangers are working with many different number of minority ethnic communities in communities and a wide range of age groups, and it Scotland, with a range of different values, cultures, has become increasingly important to develop staff and languages. skills and the service we offer to better reflect the diverse communities we work with.
39 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme four: community development
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Woodlands in and around towns
Through the repositioning programme, add community woodlands to the national forest Scot Low estate (by planting woods or bringing them under management), targeting population 4.01 centres and areas of higher economic or environmental deprivation, such as Drumchapel and Callendar wood
Engage with local communities to make sure our woodlands meet their needs by Scot Low encouraging local people to be involved in their woodlands, continuing work at Cardenden 4.02 and Blairadam.
Scot Low Take an active role in the strategic WIAT II priority urban woodland development projects 4.03 especially those linked to housing and/or other developments in the city regions.
Scot Low Support the development of a Central Scotland Green network. 4.04
Make sure that forest thresholds are well maintained and signposted. Facilities to be kept to Scot Low the quality standard expected on the national forest estate through regular maintenance, and 4.05 approved design and build standards.
40 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme four: community development
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Community engagement
Increase the number of community rangers, staff and resources the district uses to engage Scot Low with communities and deliver outreach activity especially health and diversity related 4.06 themes, expanding on the work we do in places such as Glasgow, Fauldhouse and Kelty.
Scot Low Continue to be more inclusive in all we do, make contact with groups who are under 4.07 represented in the use of local woodlands, ensuring our staff are adequately trained to do so.
Scot Low Continue to run and expand where possible forest-fire awareness events with the local fire 4.08 and rescue services targeting schools.
Scot Low Involve local communities and stakeholders in the strategic and forest design planning 4.09 process.
Scot Low Be a good neighbour and a responsible land manager. 4.10
Ensure our work is prioritised and targeted where need is high and provision is poor. Make Scot Low use of appropriate GIS tools such as social outcomes through Investment in forestry tool, 4.11 SIFT.
Support community groups to value their local trees woods and green places are as an Scot Low everyday resource, new projects at Auchlochan, Benarty, and Windyhill building on existing 4.12 work in Forth and Fauldhouse.
Comply with the requirements of the diversity legislation and use census data and mapping Scot Low to understand more about the distribution and diverse nature of the communities in the 4.13 district.
Scot Low Ensure staff undertake diversity training. Seek to employ a more diverse work. Engage with 4.14 and where appropriate encourage a more diverse use of our woodland resource.
41 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme four: community development
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Education
Scot Low With the Central Scotland Conservancy team develop and implement with an education 4.15 strategy that delivers the ‘woods for learning’ strategy.
Lead a targeted number of Forest School/Kindergarten sessions with our own trained Scot Low staff. Ensure we increasingly focus on supporting and facilitating others to deliver these 4.16 sessions. Activity is currently based in a number of locations, such as Newbattle, Selm Muir, Murdostoun, with a prioritised activity for the future driven by the strategy.
Scot Low Continue to encourage local schools to include visits to nearest woodlands 4.17
We will work with local schools on national curriculum-related programmes relevant to the Scot Low Scottish Forestry Strategy and those that use local woods. Current initiatives include school 4.18 grounds and outdoor learning, enterprise education, ecoschools, active schools, and schools of ambition.
Scot Low Work with Newbattle Abbey College on the delivery of the concordat and develop further 4.19 woodland and education related partnership activity.
42 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme four: community development
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Partnerships
Work with communities within 1km of our woodlands to empower them to derive Scot Low meaningful sustainable benefits such as access and health, education and community 4.20 development.
Scot Low Work with the Central Scotland Forest Trust to identify new ways to work more closely on 4.21 delivering the Scottish Forestry Strategy in the central belt of Scotland.
Be involved in projects that seek to restore derelict and underused sites to green-end uses, Scot Low seeking one large demonstration site in an area such as Greenoak Hill or Nethercroy, and 4.22 develop more staff expertise in land restoration.
Scot Low Work with and contribute to the regional forestry forum(s), community planning 4.23 partnerships, and other statutory community bodies.
Scot Low Keep our emphasis on locally-based staff, dedicated to community engagement and 4.24 implementing local community-based projects.
Scot Low Seek to increase the active number of partnerships in the district, looking for exemplar 4.25 projects and being clear about our role and our resource limitations.
Scot Low Work in partnership with other agencies and bodies to lever in additional resources, to 4.26 achieve shared aims, such as Carron Valley, Whitelee, and Newbattle Abbey.
Contribute ranger time and facilitate others in expanding opportunities for voluntary work as Scot Low a route to local community involvement in woodlands, such as at Drumchapple, Kelty, and 4.27 Callendar Wood.
Develop our partnership working with local authorities in the district, with links to Scot Low appropriate departments, single outcome agreements, expanding on the type of work we are 4.28 doing with Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Stirling and North Lanarkshire councils.
43 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme four: community development
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Languages
Scot Low Deliver targeted piloting work producing our external communications in different 4.29 languages, such as leaflets or web pages
44 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme five: access and health
Recreation There is now a right of responsible access to all land under the access legislation and a process developing a core path network to facilitate this access. We have a number of core paths proposed to, from and across the forests we manage, which have a number of rights of way in them. There is a need to make sure that access rights are exercised responsibly, and we have been supporting Scottish Natural Heritage and local authorities in getting this message across.
There is antisocial use of the woodlands we We target our resources on woods in and around manage, and we target resources on removal towns, creating more accessible community of fly tipping, education on forest fires, and woodlands where the need is greatest and discouraging the illegal use of motorcycles. provision is poorest. The priority is to change We are exploring the potential with partners negative attitudes to the woodlands by working including the police, local authorities, and users with the community to encourage people to to find sites to lease for off-road motorcycle use. value their local woodland as an important The importance of a welcoming environment is resource for everyday life. The more that ordinary obvious, but there are still places where people people use woodlands, the more other people would feel uncomfortable because of real or see the benefits and join them, making them feel perceived personal risk. We are helping to safer and more relaxing places to be. Rangers make the woodlands more inviting by dealing have a vital role in helping to start the process, quickly with antisocial use and through basic sometimes merely by being seen, but also by management such as strimming, draining, thinning, actively encouraging groups to use the woods. clearing views and cutting back undergrowth.
45 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme five: access and health
We have invested heavily in actively managing Making access easier woodlands by creating a widespread team of We recognise the benefits of working in rangers and our unique woodland wardens partnership with organised groups that can access who are a visible and empowered woodland additional resources of people and funds above presence. They have focussed their time on the limits of the district budget. This allows us working with people living in walking distance to pursue a larger number of developments and of woods to encourage everyday use be sure that they represent value for money by The district also has a small number of formal having local support. Working together to deliver recreation facilities, usually for a wider local or shared priorities can help all partners develop regional area, with car parks, picnic sites and their capabilities. The district has a wide range of mountain bike facilities. These have grown recently historic and culturally valued sites representing and there are opportunities for more provision in periods from the pre-historic to late industrial areas such as Carron Valley, Whitelee, Fauldhouse, archaeology. There are also undesignated Limerigg, Forth, Cardenden, Newbattle, Callendar remains that are often valued by local people as Woods, and the Devilla and Blairadam forests, a reminder of their cultural heritage, particularly and the new acquisitions such as Campsie in the traditional mining areas. We have been Glen and the area of the Antonine Wall. improving access to these sites and working with local communities to make other improvements, such as the Wilsontown project, near Forth.
46 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme five: access and health
Health Scottish Government health strategies recognise the value of woodlands in improving mental and physical health, and the district has most of Scotland’s muscle health-deprived wards in its boundaries. Open space, a green environment and ‘natural’ sounds offer a restorative environment for both physical and mental wellbeing. Even limited physical activity can dramatically improve health. We will work increasingly closely with Central Scotland Conservancy health advisor, who is promoting links with the National Health Service. We have provided sites and ranger activities to encourage more active lifestyles, but there is more to do and working with health professionals is key to any success. Well-managed community woodlands can help to address the poor health and lack of empowerment in communities that results from the deprivation that follows post-industrial decline. We have been involved in leading health walks, active volunteering and encouraging people to be more active. There is increasing recognition of the mental and physical benefits to the individual of environmental volunteering. There are also the physical improvements to the site and the wider community benefits that come from this work. Woodlands are an ideal place for volunteering and our rangers have been active in leading a number of projects for individuals, groups with a leader and companies engaged in corporate social responsibility projects. Our aim is to support them to become self-sustaining.
47 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme five: access and health
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Recreation
Scot Low Make sure that the existing recreation infrastructure is managed in accordance with our 5.01 internal guidance and is safe and welcoming.
Continue to improve access to our WIAT woodlands, building paths, and way marking where Scot Low appropriate, with an emphasis on where community need indicated by socially deprived 5.02 communities and existing greenspace provision is poorest.
Scot Low Work with local communities to help improve access to, and where appropriate 5.03 interpretation of, local cultural and historic sites, like the work at Wilsontown.
Antisocial use of our forests and woodlands, such as motorcycles in and fly Scot Low tipping are an issue we will deal quickly with and work in partnership with, 5.04 such as joint clear ups with West Lothian Council at Fauldhouse.
Scot Low Work with the Carron Valley Partnership and local community to progress work in 5.05 the Carron Valley under a partnership agreement with a development plan.
Work with others in developing access projects where our woodlands will be Scot Low only a part of the whole infrastructure, particularly active commuting and non- 5.06 motorised travel, such as the five lochs walk or partnership at Mossband.
Consider approaches from different user groups, and when resources Scot Low allow, work with them on access improvement projects, such as horse 5.07 riders at Whitelee and Carron Valley, and anglers at Crossrigg.
48 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme five: access and health
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Making access easier
Scot Low Continue to make our woodlands more accessible to a wider range of people with different 5.08 abilities, making sure our staff are trained to do so.
Make sure that we comply with the access legislation and access rights, supporting local Scot Low authorities in core path work and with Scottish Natural Heritage education relating to 5.09 responsible access.
Scot Low Protect public rights of way through our management and forest planning. 5.10
Scot Low Make sure that our staff are working to best practise guidelines. 5.11
49 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme five: access and health
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Making access easier
Implement locally the ‘woods for health’ strategy with the Conservancy Scot Low health advisor, developing a programme of work aiming to bring 5.12 more staff time, resources, and training to the activity.
Scot Low Work with health professionals and specialists wishing to 5.13 promote healthy living through woodland activities.
Scot Low Explore the potential to work with a local health board on the benefits 5.14 of woodlands and greenspace around a hospital site.
Scot Low Encourage more volunteering activity through our rangers as a catalyst 5.15 to getting other groups regularly using our woodlands.
Continue promoting health walks with local GP surgeries and health Scot Low centres, and encouraging other people who lead groups to use woodlands 5.16 and green spaces, such as the Feet First project in Edinburgh.
Scot Low Seek to become involved with health professionals on woodland and greenspace 5.17 projects as restorative environments for improved mental health.
50 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme six: environmental quality
Soil, water and air quality Landscape We comply with Forestry Commission forests and The district covers a wide geographical area water guidelines in managing the soil and water and landscape context for our forests. We environment during the most potentially damaging are designing and restructuring our first operations. We will also comply with the Water rotation ‘plantation’ forests to improve their Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) appearance, environment and local value. The Regulations 2005 (Water Framework Directive) in forest planning process involves collecting our design plans and relevant operations, seeking physical data and all relevant community licences where required. Our staff are trained, sites issues through research and consultation to well planned and supervised, and contingency produce the best informed plan possible. plans for pollution incidents are in place. The Landscape guidance is taken from published certification through the UK Woodland Assurance Scottish Natural Heritage landscape character Scheme independently verifies our activities. assessments and our records, and local staff Minerals and land restoration works are carried feed information on biodiversity, history, out through the appropriate regulatory regime access and areas with any special potential (normally planning consent). These involve the into the plans. Once approved, plans can Scottish Environmental Protection Agency in be refined during operational planning. all appropriate cases. Our mineral agents carry out compliance checks and we also require independent specialist monitoring in specific cases. Soils are a vital for their filtering and transforming functions, and for carbon storage. We have been undertaking a programme of lowland raised bog restoration, and avoiding new planting on areas where peat depth is greater than 40cm. We also seek to minimise soil impacts during mineral and other intrusive operations.
51 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme six: environmental quality
Cultural heritage There are four formally recognised designed old buildings are now noted as important links landscapes in the district. We have accumulated with the people who lived and worked in the information on much of their history and design to area. Our efforts at Wilsontown demonstrate help in our management. Smaller discoveries are the importance and our commitment to the still being made while working in the woodlands management of industrial archaeology, and and our list of known historic design features is this work will continue. Modern communities expanding. Features from the agricultural and often have very strong ties to this cultural history industrial history of the forests are smaller, but and want to preserve these features for their ‘rigg and furr’, sheepfolds, mining relics and descendants, including spoil heaps and bings.
52 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme six: environmental quality
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Soil, water and air quality
Implement and promote industry best practice defined in Forestry Scot Low Commission forests and water guidelines and related legislation (e.g. controlled 6.01 activities regulations) to safeguard the water environment in forest areas and all land that we manage, such as Auchineden and Crossrigg.
Deliver our requirements in the river basin management plans through Scot Low forest design and subsequent felling and replanting plans, developing 6.02 restructured riparian zones, important at Carron Valley and Whitelee.
Scot Low Comply with Forestry Commission soil guidelines during forest operations. 6.03
Scot Low Make sure that development activities on the estate, particularly coal and mineral extraction, 6.04 apply best practice in the removal, storage and restoration of the sites’ soils.
Landscape
Scot Low Produce and implement forest design plans that reflect the local character 6.05 of woodlands in their landscape, environmental and historic setting.
Use our work plan/coupe record systems and low impact silvicultural systems Scot Low for detailed or more sensitive management of the local landscape near features 6.06 such as roadsides as Camilty and Forth, recreation facilities such as Devilla, Whitelee, and Blairadam, and near people’s homes such as Auchlochan.
53 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme six: environmental quality
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Cultural heritage
Scot Low Make sure that we have approved plans and manage our existing scheduled monuments, 6.07 involving Historic Scotland as appropriate.
Scot Low Make sure that unscheduled monuments are captured in Geographic Information Systems 6.08 (GIS) and their protection is addressed in our planning systems.
Report and seek expert advice on any new historic sites discovered, especially important Scot Low at newly acquired sites such as Auchlochan Campsie Glen and Windyhill, where we will 6.09 commission expert input in to the forest planning process.
Make sure that all forest plans include the historic environment, commissioning surveys for Scot Low new planting areas, and particularly that the forest plan for Blairadam Forest recognises its 6.10 designed landscape.
Scot Low Develop, deliver and manage a project that recognises the importance of the 18th century 6.11 Wilsontown Ironworks and other suitable industrial heritage sites in the district.
Work with Historic Scotland, partners and the local community to promote interpretation Scot Low and countryside access connected with the Antonine Wall and industrial heritage at 6.12 Nethercroy and Twechar.
54 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme seven: biodiversity
Species and habitats We manage habitats and species of local importance through local biodiversity action plans to local sites of importance for nature conservation. We already contribute to the following priority programmes:
• Forestry Commission Scotland priority species action plans (black grouse, red squirrel) • other species action plans (great crested newt, song thrush, hen harrier) • priority habitats (upland oakwoods, lowland mixed broadleaves, wet woodlands and lowland raised bogs)
Surveys for great-crested newts have identified We have surveyed all our ancient woodland sites high numbers in Lennox and Nethercroy, and (ancient semi-natural woodlands and plantations enhancements are included in plans. We have on ancient woodland sites) and have management been planting upland marginal woodland, limiting prescriptions for them. We have also surveyed all or marking fencing and undertaking open space our lowland raised bogs so that we can categorise management for black grouse. We have several and prioritise them for targeted restoration. There areas of grazing and meadow areas to improve are more opportunities to improve the biodiversity local biodiversity. We survey for European value of our forests and associated open ground. protected species such as otters and bats as part Our forest plans and on site delivery of our routine management of operations. recognises the importance of a mosaic of habitats within the forests, transitional zones between these and having contiguous habitat networks minimising fragmentation.
55 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme seven: biodiversity
We cannot fulfil potential without good Designated biodiversity sites information and collaboration, for example The district has a surprising array of nationally and with the local biodiversity action plan process. regionally important species and habitats within It will be essential to develop our planning for and linking our forests. The most important sites species and habitat improvements to get costed are designated sites of special scientific interest and programmes to target resources more effectively. special areas of conservation, and we manage these We have done survey work and it is important to under plans approved by Scottish Natural Heritage. better understand what we have through more We have plans for these sites and take them in to systematic survey. We have a limited staff resource account in our forest planning processes. on conservation and increasing this will enable a more proactive approach to conservation The district recognises the importance to issues, particularly understanding better our Geodiversity, and will protect designated and resource through survey and engaging in more Geological Conservation Review listed sites. partnerships working. Increasing awareness and improving knowledge Ecosystems Raising public awareness of the rich biodiversity We apply the highest standards consistently to that sits on their doorstep has been a task protect the environment and safeguard healthy undertaken by our rangers in their work with deer populations, with damage assessments schools, production of interpretation materials and carried out annually on young plantations to assess through environmental volunteering projects. progress. We also keep records that allow us to This is an area we will continue to develop. model the scale and balance of deer populations. Most of our deer control is through leases to qualified stalkers, monitored by our wildlife rangers, promoting deer management skills. Deer control in urban areas provides an increasing and difficult challenge due to public disquiet and concerns over safety. As urban woodland expands and links into greater networks, the deer population will have increasing environmental effects, as well as human impacts such as road safety. We have worked with the Deer Commission Scotland and local landowners to implement collaborative urban deer management north of Glasgow.
56 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme seven: biodiversity
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Species and habitats
Safeguard native woodland remnants, develop and begin the restoration programme Scot Low based on survey of our plantations on ancient woodlands sites and expanding our 7.01 areas of native woodland, especially adjacent to ancient semi-natural woodland.
Scot Low Use low impact silvicultural systems in native woods and other 7.02 suitable woodland areas, such as Devilla forest.
Scot Low Target use of native tree species in new woodlands, according to underlying national 7.03 vegetation classification, continuing the development of forest habitat networks.
Scot Low Develop a programme to tackle invasive plant species on sensitive and priority sites, such 7.04 as Tulliallan, Pendreich, and East grange, working in partnership where appropriate.
Scot Low Increasing the structural and tree species diversity of forests during restructuring, important 7.05 in large conifer areas of the Kilpatrick Hills, Whitelee, Heathland and Carron Valley.
Develop and implement specific projects, based on survey data and Scot Low national programmes, to support populations of red squirrel in places such 7.06 as Devilla and black grouse in places such as the Kilpatrick Hills.
Develop and implement plans to safeguard regionally important populations, Scot Low initially of great-crested newt and other amphibians and the relevant 7.07 mosaic of habitats, particularly at Nethercroy and Lennox.
Scot Low Make sure that species of national, regional or local importance 7.08 are considered during forest planning and operations.
Programme work to achieve favourable conservation status in all our existing Scot Low sites of special scientific interest and Natura sites, and to achieve 80% in 7.09 the favourable or unfavourable (or unfavourable - recovering) category by 2010, and 95% by 2012. Programme new sites as they are acquired.
57 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme seven: biodiversity
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Species and habitats
Develop a funded programme to restore selected lowland raised bogs according to national Scot Low and regional priorities, in areas such as Nether Bracco, Dim Moss, Blacklaw Moss and 7.10 Murdostoun.
Scot Low Maintain our three recently established lowland meadows, such as Forth and Callendar, 7.11 and seek opportunities to expand and manage this habitat where appropriate.
Scot Low Seek to optimise the contribution of wetlands in our management of existing and new 7.12 woodlands.
Work with local biodiversity action plan groups to identify opportunities for habitat Scot Low enhancement at the forest and site level during forest planning, and implement where 7.13 feasible.
Scot Low Revise all local guidance notes on biodiversity, heritage and the environment. 7.14
Seek to increase the staff resource in the district to establish a more proactive approach Scot Low to conservation planning, delivery and targeted survey, and engage with more people and 7.15 groups who can help deliver our objectives.
58 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section two
Key theme seven: biodiversity
Key issue What Scottish Lowlands forest district will do
Ecosystems
Continue deer management working with relevant organisations and neighbours, and Scot Low make sure that sufficient resources are allocated to protect woodlands and habitats through 7.16 exemplar best practice management.
Scot Low Support schemes to increase the number of skilled stalkers available in the forest industry, 7.17 primarily through encouraging provision of well-managed and designed shooting lets.
Work with the interested stakeholders on demonstrating the need, benefits, and best Scot Low practice management of deer in urban and peri-urban areas, such as our work in East 7.18 Dunbartonshire.
Designated sites
Scot Low Implement agreed management of designated sites with Scottish Natural Heritage. 7.19
Scot Low Take account of the impacts of our proposals on adjacent designated sites (sites 7.20 of special scientific interest and Natura sites) through forest planning.
Increasing awareness and improving knowledge
Scot Low Assist in increasing the understanding and enjoyment of woodland biodiversity through the 7.21 ranger programmes of work.
59 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Strategic plan 2009-2013 - Section three
Section three: delivery and monitoring
Climate change is the biggest threat facing the planet and Scottish forestry is playing its part in helping tackle climate change. Trees have a significant role in reducing the affects of climate change as they naturally lock up carbon.
60 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section three
Section three: delivery and monitoring
Context
We will produce an implementation plan for new and developing areas of work that will be complemented by the development of our three-year business plan (this can be shorter depending on government spending review cycles).
We will add a spatial dimension by embedding Work is delivered in accordance with a series strategic objectives in the programme of design of guidance notes listed in Appendix four, and plan renewal. The business plan will also identify all delivery adheres to the operating principles resources required to deliver work programmes detailed in the strategic plan for the national identified in the strategic plan, forest design plans, forest estate. other local plans and programmes. Detailed work plans are prepared for all significant elements of the programme. In sensitive sites, this often requires further consultation with relevant stakeholders and the community. These are normally prepared 12 months before actual work commences, with reviews nearer to implementation for any changing issues on site.
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Section three: delivery and monitoring
There is also a need to develop the staff resource Monitoring forms an integral part of sustainable to deliver this plan. We already have a system of forest management and is regarded as an essential forward job plans that are regularly evaluated tool for improving practice. It is in-built into almost with staff and each of these will include elements every aspect of management from financial to of delivery of this plan. We also support staff operational, to environmental, to health and safety, skills, training and personal development, which to recreational, to landscape, through: is similarly agreed and monitored. There is also a need for a more strategic development of the total • national policies e.g. UK Forestry Standard, staff resource to make sure that we have enough Forestry Commission People Strategy people to deliver on an expanding programme • memoranda and instructions e.g. monitoring of work in the district. This will be implemented of stocking densities according to Forest through the development of a workforce Management Memorandum 4 development plan. • operational guidance booklets with Following approval of the business plan, the recommended and mandatory elements work programmes and allocated resources are for best practice and monitoring compliance confirmed with the local staff that organise the work and monitor delivery against agreed Two types of monitoring are carried out in the timescales, costs and quality standards. The district - formal and informal. monitoring of business plans is undertaken monthly with quarterly reporting. The standard Formal monitoring is concerned with areas where of financial reporting is monitored annually by we have legal, moral or policy obligations to independent external and internal audits. Guidance fulfil and often also audited by external parties. for monitoring and evaluating are details in the Important areas covered under this heading include: ‘Money Matters booklets. • monitoring of overall standards (e.g. compliance with forest plans, UK Woodland Assurance Standard, etc.) • conservation monitoring • archaeological monitoring • health and safety monitoring • business plan monitoring
62 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Section three
Section three: delivery and monitoring
We also have to monitor and report on our The results from this informal monitoring have contribution against the indicators identified a variety of both long and short-term uses, and in the Forest Enterprise Scotland strategic plan are a useful tool in improving our management for the national forest estate. These will then be skills. The analysis and the recommendations amalgamated across all ten forest districts to are fed back, where appropriate, into our determine collective progress in delivering planning process, influencing future management against the Scottish Forestry Strategy and programmes and budget planning. published annually. The repositioning of the national forest estate Informal monitoring is concerned primarily with will continue, with woods of greatest public the day-to-day management of the district work benefit retained as part of the estate. Information programme and is carried out primarily in-house. about the repositioning policy is contained in Informal monitoring include activities such as: the strategic plan for the national forest estate. Details of the scoring for woods in the district are • contract progress contained in Appendix five. • site visits • personal budget monitoring • work programme monitoring • time management. • staff performance and appraisal • monitoring of estate lease and agreements
63 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Strategic plan 2009-2013 - Appendices
Appendices
The use of wood as a fuel will help reduce harmful greenhouse emissions and we are working hard to promote woodfuel developments.
64 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendix one: supporting maps
65 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendix one: supporting maps
66 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendix one: supporting maps
67 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendix one: supporting maps
68 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendix one: supporting maps
69 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendix one: supporting maps
70 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendices
Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 1: To maximise the value of the wood resource
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Manage existing Yes The district was established on 1 No. Now the way woodlands. April 1999 with this as one of three that the district is main objectives. All woods now developing is clearer, under active management. this should be subsumed into other Plans for deer management; priorities. fire prevention and protection; forest design plan preparation; recreation, conservation and heritage (RCH) issues cover all areas. Project costings prepared and submitted for 2005/06 business plan. Clearance of fly-tipping regular and ongoing. Development of Arran Strategy to improve viability of harvesting and options for future management. Professional deer management, fire prevention and protection, report tree ill-health.
Promote efficiency/ Partial Pencloe link road proposal. Yes, as opportunities sustainability with private arise. Balance private and public forestry neighbours. interests.
71 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendices
Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 1: To maximise the value of the wood resource
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Develop improved timber Partial Thinning plan completed 2003, Yes quality through thinning reviewed annually, programme completed to target figures. Plans included in each forest design plan review. Clarity of purpose for forest stands in each forest design plan and site plan. Full-density planting only in stands for commercial production. Assess all sites for thinning and develop plans for them. Produce an updated Yes Produced annually. Significant Yes periodic forecast of timber rise from 145,000 in 2004/05 to production and deliver a 230,000 in 2006/07 business plan. harvesting programme to Potential effects of windfarm achieve that. construction agreed as additional 70,000/year in 2007/08. 10-year programme set out and funds obtained to provide survey data.
72 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendices
Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 2: To create a diverse forest resource for the future
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Approved forest design Partial No issues have remained Yes. This may plans after full consultation. outstanding at approval. be incorporated into UK Forestry Preparation methods used as Standard. Mainland examples of best practice. consultation not All work carried out under using environment approved plans. panel due to diversity Public open days at Carron, of consultees. Lennox, Devilla. Production of forest design plans now on CD for ease of distributing to maximum number of people. Two environment panels, promote community involvement, published plans for restoration sites, ecological impact assessment if required, new roads criteria and construction period.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 2: To create a diverse forest resource for the future
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? 6 Make sure that Yes Met requirements of UK Yes, Devilla now management meets UK Woodland Assurance Standard proposed for all Forestry Standard. auditors in 2000 and 2003. as alternative to clearfell, Forest design plan coverage at 93% implementation of at 31 March 2006, but meeting deadwood policy target of 100% by April 2008 will needs work. May be challenging. need more recording Continuous cover forestry, natural of categories (e.g. reserves, long-term retention, natural reserve) and species proportions all met in review of actuals plans to date (first three figures at against forecasts of district not individual forest plan production. level). No reported incidents of contravention of Health and Safety legislation or guidelines. Ongoing staff training and personal development. Forest plan coverage, continuous cover forestry options – Devilla 170 ha, natural reserves (woodland where biodiversity is a prime objective), long-term retention, Spp proportions, environmental monitoring, fallow period, follow industry guidelines, H&S and training, tree safety.
74 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendices
Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 2: To create a diverse forest resource for the future
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Management of designated Partial 100% coverage of sites of special Yes, but also include sites. scientific interest and scheduled intentions for non- ancient monuments with plans designated sites, approved by Scottish Natural such as unscheduled Heritage / Historic Scotland. ancient monuments. Ongoing management work at Twechar and Carron. Plans prepared for all plantations on ancient woodland sites, 3.5 ha restoration begun to 31/3/06, plus 38 ha of expansion from ancient semi-natural woodland. Developed coupe record system to maximise opportunities when other operations are underway. Pre-felling surveys on Arran for archaeological features. Agreed plans with Scottish Natural Heritage / Historic Scotland, ancient semi-natural woodland / plantations on ancient woodland sites.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 3: To make a positive contribution to the environment
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Restore opencast and Yes Woodmuir/West Mosshat Yes, but not just on other mineral sites on completed, Byelawhill ongoing. estate. Use expertise national forest estate. Co-operation and learning led to help others, or to contributing to Forest Training lease land. Services courses. No pollution incidents. Develop expertise/learning with others, use independent site monitoring, use of filter cake. Investigate vacant and Yes Portfolio completed and results No, implementation derelict land resource. used in business plan preparations phase is now and negotiations to acquire/ ongoing, so part of manage - Nether Croy, Bishopton, restoration, above. Braehead. Working on alternative funding options by partnerships, e.g. Woodmuir. Information shared to provide best value for others outwith Forestry Commission Scotland. Improvements faster/cheaper/ more secure than private sector (market failure), portfolio by April 2004, promote with Central Scotland Forest Trust, partnerships and alternatives for funding to increase outputs.
76 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendices
Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 3: To make a positive contribution to the environment
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Arran Strategy Yes Arran Strategy agreed with all No. Implementation statutory consultees November is part of UK 2003 and implementation on new Forestry Standard Operations sites. / forest design plans. Continued EU funding for county road efficiencies may improvements (phases 1, 2 and 3 be added under now complete) and interpretation ‘Maintain an efficient for in-forest cycle routes. and effective Partnership with Royal Society for organisation.’ the Protection of Birds / Scottish Reconsider if biofuels Natural Heritage / Forestry plant goes ahead. Commission Scotland on Arran hen harriers. New leaflet. In line with Scottish Natural Heritage natural heritage zones.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 3: To make a positive contribution to the environment
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Further local biodiversity Yes Active participation in LBAP Yes. More guidance action plan (LBAP) / groups. All new forest plans needed on quantity, habitat action plan / include LBAP priorities. Business location and funding species action plan plan submissions prepared if to be considered in process 2005. Open ground surveys the overall Scottish commissioned spring 2006. Newt context. surveys, Nether Croy; black grouse and lowland raised bog surveys and habitat improvements. Ancient woodland site at Callendar Wood back into active management. Wildflower meadows created at Forth, Callendar and Blairadam. Incorporate in all new/resubmitted forest design plans. Survey and report on habitats, black grouse and red squirrel plans, lowland and upland heath, blanket and lowland raised bog plans by 2004.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 3: To make a positive contribution to the environment
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Sustainable management Partial Co-operation with windfarm Yes, but such a large developers, Whitelee, Kyle, subject could be Kingshill, Heathland, Murdostoun, considered as a series Arran etc. of targets. Possible biomass plant on Arran. Implementation of Forestry Commission Scotland policy on use of biodegradable lubricants, waste management, chemical reduction. Fire awareness campaign (14 schools over five days, input at Forest School and other talks). Quick removal of burnt-out cars, litter-picking, cooperation with police etc. Moss surveys pre- and post- harvesting to monitor recovery. Biodegradable lubricants, chemical reduction strategy, fly- tipping and cars removal, waste management plan, pollution plan, deadwood strategy, Windpower generation, particularly using short rotation forestry.
79 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendices
Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 3: To make a positive contribution to the environment
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Acquisitions for carbon Partial Knockmountain, Cochno Loch, Yes, only just started. sequestration targets. East Grange successful, others under consideration.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 4: To create opportunities for more people to enjoy trees, woods and forests
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Create new woodlands Yes Drumbow, Crossrigg, West Mosshat Yes. See also carbon (access priority). (Horberry) all include significant, sequestration. quality access tracks. Plans agreed before planting. All in Central Scotland Forest Trust (CSFT) area. Use landscape character assessments criteria to benefit local and strategic objectives, target CSFT area.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 4: To create opportunities for more people to enjoy trees, woods and forests
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Recreation facilities. Partial >16 km path created in Blairadam, Yes. Major issue with Forth, Patna, Easterhouse, Limerigg, resources and finding Callendar Wood, Nether Croy, Garbad, alternative ways Sannox and Glenrickard. of funding, given Mowing and weeding to maintain Forestry Commission existing routes. Scotland limits. Ranger living at Carron greatly appreciated by local community. Purpose-built mountain bike trails and Clanranald Fort with toilet block at Carron. Partnership set up to manage continuing developments. Volunteer groups at Heathland, Easterhouse, Kelty, Callendar Wood, Carron. Horse trails at Patna and Lennox, Forth reedbed and all-ability trail, Fauldhouse boardwalk and fishing platform. Improvements due to harvesting/ replanting make visits more attractive and add to infrastructure. River Ayr walk source-to-sea (unique), through Stair. Managing issues with motor bikes and all-terrain vehicles. Glenashdale viewing platform. Proposal for concert venue in Devilla. Plans for resources submitted in 2006/07 business plan. Safety, resources, social exclusion, health, specialist
82 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Appendices
Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 4: To create opportunities for more people to enjoy trees, woods and forests
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Educational opportunities. Yes District taken lead in Forestry Yes Commission Scotland development (Data for two years, of Forest School, running 2,870 recorded from April 2004). pupil-days in two years and contributing to developmental guidelines for Forestry Commission Scotland staff. Total of 4,280 children attended other events, including fire prevention talks in Ayrshire and careers seminars. Easterhouse enhancements. Wilsontown Ironworks bid. Visits to schools and woodlands, familiarisation, caring for, Forest School. Events. Yes Total of 4,730 visitors to local Yes events, around 130,000 visitors to (Data for two years, regional events, such as Treefest. recorded from April 2004). Local consultation events Yes Carron, Lennox, Devilla, Yes, as appropriate. and taking copies of Heathland. forest design plans to Plans now produced on CDs neighbours etc. making multiple copying easier.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 5: To help communities benefit from woods and forests
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Partnership working Yes Purchase of Central Scotland Yes. Covers many (developments fund Forest Trust woodlands, March parts of our activities, continuation of District 2005. Scottish Forestry Alliance at so maybe should be activity?) Crossrigg and Drumbow. part of thinking in all projects, not just a Business plan approved on separate activity. basis of income generated from windfarms, coal etc. Co-operation to access other funds to fulfil others’ needs on national forest estate, e.g. Blairadam, Cardenden, Limerigg, Callendar Wood, Carron, Patna, Stair and Rankinston. Alternative ways of funding to reduce call on Forestry Commission Scotland resources – facilitating? Hen harriers on Arran. Best Woods award for Blairadam. Fauldhouse schools award for Forest School project. Mineral and other developments include improvements, access resources to create/maintain facilities, Central Scotland Forest Trust/district concordat 2003, restoration back to forest.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 5: To help communities benefit from woods and forests
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Communication/ Yes Contact details on name boards, Yes, always more to information reliable staff, professional do. behaviour. Ranger ‘stickers’ and web address on vehicles. New signs board at Carron; signs at Croy; mountain bike leaflet; Blairadam, Fauldhouse, Central Scotland, Forth leaflets. Web pages on district and Central Scotland Conservancy sites. Future work notification, signs etc, contact numbers on boards, local tendering opportunities, police/ fire liaison. Cultural heritage Partial Acquired expertise to identify sites, Yes consulted relevant communities and professionals. Incorporated in forest plans and coupe records. Whitelee Oral History Project. Interpretation ongoing for Arran scheduled ancient monuments. Working with communities and local societies to improve access to sites and safeguard monuments, e.g. Kyle memorial stone and Covenanters brass plaque. Identify, protect, interpret.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Scottish Forestry Strategy Priority for Action 5: To help communities benefit from woods and forests
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? New Deal opportunities Yes Callendar Wood and Blairadam Yes, as opportunity improvements (26 participants at arises. Blairadam went on to full-time employment.
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Appendix two: Evaluation of achievements (1999 – 2006) under previous Strategic Plan Maintain an efficient and effective organisation
Target description and Target Comments Should this target be planned achievement date achieved updated and carried (yes/no/ forward to new partial)? district strategic plan? Rationalise national Partial Rationalise estate with extra Yes forest estate to maximise ground from Central Scotland delivery options Forest Trust and other purchases. Excambion Polkemmet/Braehead. Devilla/Tulliallan. purchase of Keir Farmhouse. Work on repositioning criteria. Manage change effectively Partial District communication group Yes established to acknowledge increased difficulties of a larger number of staff. Improving IT access for Yes Computer facilities installed Yes outstationed staff. in Arran, Carron, Clydebank, Newbattle and Kelty. GIS capability in some. 26 Staff contributing to Yes Examples include reclamation of Yes development of Forestry derelict land and implementation Commission Scotland of Educational Strategy for training courses and Scotland. national guidelines.
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Appendix three: Glossary for forest policy context diagram:
• Business plan: A three year rolling plan which outlines the financial requirements for delivering the work programme in the district. The first year contains a compilation of the costs associated with the relevant work plans. These are then prioritised against the agreed financial targets, which are set at national level and reflect the settlement from the Scottish Government’s spending review. • Forestry Commission policies, guidelines, etc: These are the various internal Forestry Commission policies and guidance on practices across a wide range of activities e.g. operational practice, Health & Safety issues, estate management, etc. • Forest District Strategic Plan: This plan describes how national, regional and corporate strategies will be applied at a local level. The plan identifies Forest Enterprise Scotland policies and priorities in the district and the rationale behind them. • Forest Enterprise Scotland framework document: The plan sets out how Forest Enterprise Scotland will develop and manage the national forest estate in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner to meet government forestry policies, especially the Scottish Forestry Strategy. • Forest plans: These plans relate to individual forests and groups of woodlands. They describe the woodland, place them in context with the surrounding area, and identify issues that are relevant to the woodland or forest. From these objectives are set, long-term felling and re-stocking plans prepared, and opportunities to improve the woodland for nature conservation and recreation are considered. These individual forest plans are subject to formal consultation processes and have to be agreed with the Forestry Commission’s Conservator. The Conservator is independent of Forest Enterprise Scotland and oversees the promotion and regulation of forestry, in both the private as well as public sector, on behalf of the Forestry Commissioners. • Forestry and woodland frameworks: Local forestry frameworks cover more localised areas than indicative forestry strategies and look in more detail at the opportunities for forest expansion. • Indicative forestry strategies: Indicative forestry strategies are prepared by local authorities and identify areas preferred for forestry expansion and areas sensitive to further expansion in respect to a range of issues such as the landscape, natural and cultural heritage, communities and water quality. • Monitoring: This includes a wide range of informal and formal monitoring described more fully in Section three and in the strategic plan for the national forest estate. • Regional Forestry Forum: Advises Forestry Commission Scotland on the regional implementation of the Scottish Forestry Strategy and provides a regional perspective on the strategy’s future development.
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Appendix three: Glossary for forest policy context diagram:
• Scottish Forestry Strategy: This is the Scottish Government’s framework for taking forestry forward in Scotland. It sets out a vision that “By the second half of this century, people are benefiting widely from Scotland’s trees, woodlands and forests, actively engaging with and looking after them for the use and enjoyment of generations to come. The forestry resource has become a central part of our culture, economy and environment.” • Strategic plan for the national forest estate: Defines how Forestry Commission Scotland through its operating arm, Forest Enterprise Scotland, will implement the Scottish Forestry Strategy on the national forest estate. The national strategic plan describes the strategic and operational context; monitoring framework and implementation proposals that guide the district strategic plan. The policies and best practice referred to in the strategic plan for the national forest estate will also be delivered as part of the implementation of the forest district strategic plans. It also provides direction for implementing a repositioning policy that will ensure the nature and distribution of the national forest estate better reflects its role and purpose. • Thematic plans: These include statutory plans e.g. management plans for sites of special scientific interest agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage and scheduled ancient monument management plans agreed with Historic Scotland. There are also local plans for detailing how certain aspects of local management will be delivered and prioritised (see Appendix four). • UK Forestry Standard: This outlines the UK Government’s approach to sustainable forestry in the UK with reference to the European and global protocols for sustainable development. • UK Woodland Assurance Standard: UK Woodland Assurance Standard is a certification standard that reflects the UK Forestry Standard, the guidelines adopted by European Forestry Ministers at Helsinki in 1993, and the Forest Stewardship Council Standard for Great Britain. It provides consumers with independently vetted assurance of quality in respect of the environmental and social implications of forest management. • Work plans: These include operational site plans that are prepared in advance of all major forest operations, i.e. felling, thinning, road construction and re-planting. Work plans draw on forest plans and identify site constraints, risk assessment, opportunities, and areas requiring special protection, etc. • Work programme: This is the work carried out in each financial year, which is mainly derived from the list of work plans that have been approved in the business plan. It will also include unforeseen or emergency work that arises in the year.
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Appendix four: List of local thematic plans, management plans and guidance notes
Thematic plans Date Revision planned* Comments produced Business Continuity Plan 2008 2013 Conservation Plan 2004 now New plan to be produced in 2009 Deer Management Strategy 2005 2010 Emergency and Fire Plan 2009 annual Pollution Control and Waste 2006 2012 Being revised Management Plan Recreation Strategy New plan to be created in 2009 Safety Policy Statement 2009 annual Sales Plan 2009 annual Thinning Plan 2004 2009 New plan 2009 Tree Safety Management 2008 2013 Workforce Plan - - New plan – will be produced in 2009
Management plans Date Revision planned* Comments produced Business plan 2009 annual Forest plans various 10 years Scheduled ancient monument plans various 5 years In table below Sites of special scientific interest various 5 years In table below management plans
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Appendix four: List of local thematic plans, management plans and guidance notes Local guidance notes
SL 1 Forest Design Plan Production SL 19 Recreation Strategy System SL 2 Policy on Whole Tree Harvesting SL 20 First Aid and Emergency Procedures SL 3 Policy on Windblow SL 21 System for Issuing Official Permissions SL 4 Policy on Thinning SL 23 Provision of Natural Reserves SL 5 Policy on Use of Chemicals SL 24 Fly-tipping, Hazardous waste and Abandoned Cars SL 6 Thinnings Plan SL 25 Monitoring of Tree Health SL 7 Policy on Christmas Trees SL 26 Pollution Contingency Plan SL 8 Local Guidance on Deadwood SL 27 Education Strategy Provision SL 9 Native and Ancient Woodland Plan SL 28 Fire and Emergency Contact Plan SL 10 Consultation Strategy SL 29 Child Protection Policy SL 11.1 Local Biodiversity Action Plans SL 30 Tree Safety Management System SL 11.2 Biodiversity Management of Non SL 31 Contingency Plan Woodland Sites SL 11.3 Moss Picking Policy SL 32 Driving at Work SL 12 New Forest Roads and Roads SL 33 Working with Schools Maintenance SL 13 species Choice & Open Space SL 34 Rights of Access and FC Bylaws Rationale SL 14 Management of Developments SL 35 Strategic Timber Security Risk Assessment SL 15 Deer Management Strategy SL 36 Smoke Free Policy Statement SL 16 The Management of Scheduled and SL 37 Implementation of NCSA Unscheduled Ancient Monuments SL 17 Black Grouse Local Management SL 38 Acid Sensitive Areas Plan SL 18 Red Squirrel Local Management Plan SL 39 Buildings Fire and Emergency Plan
All guidance notes will be reviewed with revision or deletion expected By March 2010
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Appendix four: List of local thematic plans, management plans and guidance notes Scheduled ancient monuments (SAMs) and sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs)
Reference Monument name ENV 13/1/2980 Camilty Harperigg Cairn ENV 13/1/1165 Camilty Hill Enclosure ENV 13/1/1933 Camilty - Roman Fortlet ENV 13/1/1138 Camp Wood Roman Fort ENV 13/1/3903 Couthally Castle ENV 13/1/2654 Wilsontown Ironworks ENV 13/1/90008** Antonine Wall - Bar Hill Roman Fort & Military Way ENV 13/1/7074* Antonine Wall - Strone to Girnal Hill ENV 13/1/7528* Antonine Wall - Girnal Hill to B802 ENV 13/1/7054* Antonine Wall - Twechar To Bar Hill ENV 13/1/7639 Antonine Wall - B802 to N of Cuilmuir View, Croy ENV 13/1/90011 Antonine Wall - Camp, fortlet, fort and settlement, Croy Hill ENV 13/1/2911 Kilpatricks - Gallangad Burn - Long Cairn ENV 13/1/8549 Devilla - Bogside - Castle Hill enclosure ENV 13/1/4278 Carron - Sir John de Graham’s Castle ENV 13/1/2719 Carron - Waterhead - two Standing Stones ENV 13/1/11227 Woodmuir Farm Coke Ovens and Reservoir ENV 13/1/8550 Blairadam - Roscobie Hut Circles
* Access rights over land only. Not FCS managed land ** Under HS guardianship
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Appendix four: List of local thematic plans, management plans and guidance notes Sites of special scientific interest
Location Name Status Area Auchentorlie Glenarbuck n/a <1ha Auchentorlie Hawcraig and Glenarbuck n/a 1ha Auchentorlie Lang Craigs n/a <1ha Camilty Cobbinshaw Moss (also cSAC) UF/r 1ha Carron Endrick Water n/a 4ha East Grange Lockshaw Mosses n/a 38ha Gimmerscroft Lady Bell's Moss n/a 2ha Knockmountain Dargavel Burn n/a 10ha West Benhar Hassockrigg Mosses, North Shotts UF/d 4ha Moss Auchlochan Coalburn Moss F/m 190 Total 251 ha
F/m = Favourable, maintained UF/r = Unfavourable, recovering UF/d = Unfavourable, declining N/a = not assessed or assessment not yet available * = some features not assessed
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Appendix five: Portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate
Introduction The portfolio analysis of the national forest estate is concerned with the current condition of individual forest plan units or forest blocks, not our aspirations for them or what we believe their untapped potential might be. Although the scoring system is recognised as being imperfect, it represents a reasonable approximation of the relative strategic importance across our land portfolio. It is very important that district staff are as objective as possible when applying the economic and non-market scoring set out below. The system was developed following piloting work at four forest districts (Cowal & Trossachs, Galloway, Moray and Tay) on the application of the scoring system. It was then tested across all districts in Scotland and refined or amended in response to feedback. It was further refined following a series of meetings between clusters of neighbouring districts and Forest Enterprise Scotland Management Board members. This work also provided a national overview that the array of scores made sense both within and between districts. The final version of the scoring system is set out below. The absolute score achieved by a forest plan unit is not particularly important; it is the positioning of units relative to each other that is of value in understanding where management time and resources should be best directed for maximum positive effect. Note: We set out to ensure the ratings allow managers to make objective, repeatable assessments based on existing data sets. Inevitably, a few grey areas remain and we flag up that habitat network and landscape ratings will require further definition in due course.
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Appendix five: Portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate
Economic scoring Score Harvesting surplus (clearfell and thinning) >£5/tonne profit 10 – based on 2006 market conditions <£5/tonne profit 6 (Note: 10-year horizon for harvesting activity, if harvesting Break even 3 is expected in that period then use best estimate of expected <£5/tonne loss 1 profit or loss/tonne. A block with no potential for commercial harvesting should score 0.) >£5/tonne loss 0 Establishment and maintenance costs Lower than the forest district 4 average (Note: Establishment and maintenance to include all expenditure up to year 10 needed to establish crops. Remember to include Forest district average 2 whole forest design plan issues such as boundary fencing Higher than the forest district 0 maintenance costs.) average
Capital road cost Fully roaded 10 (new and upgrade over next 10 years) < 2 km to build 7 (A block with no potential for commercial harvesting and, 2 km to < 5 km to build 5 therefore, no plans for capital road investment should score 0.) 5 km to < 10 km to build 2 10 km and over to build 0 Other income generation >£250k pa 10 (Notes - other income to include estates development, recreation, £101-250k pa 6 etc. Development opportunities that have a signed option £51-100k pa 3 agreement can be included in the current economic analysis.) £11-50k pa 2 £1-10k pa 1 <£1k pa 0
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Appendix five: Portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate
Non-market benefits scoring
Score Conservation designations SAC/SSSI >100 ha 10 (Note: The presence of the designation is not sufficient to merit a UK HAP > 50% 6 high score. The forest design plan must be positively contributing UK HAP 20-50% 4 to the enhancement of the site condition relative to the notified conservation interest. Area in hectares relates to area in Forest SAC/SSSI 20-100 ha 3 Enterprise Scotland management.) SAC/SSSI <20 ha or HAP <20% 1 No designations or HAPs 0 SAP species > 5 species 10 (As highlighted in Forestry Commission Scotland biodiversity 4 - 5 species 8 strategy – red squirrel, capercaillie, black grouse, pearl-bordered 3 species 6 fritillary butterfly, chequered skipper butterfly, juniper, Scottish wood ant, Wilson’s pouchwort, twinflower, small cow wheat.) 2 species 3 1 species 1 None 0 Native tree species 51-100% 10 (Note: Native species – this refers to tree species cover of the 21-50% 6 forested portion of the forest design plan unit. Anticipates drive 11-20% 4 for greater reliance on native species from Scottish Forestry Strategy and Environment Peer Review Group.) 6-10% 2 1-5% 1 <1% 0
Legend HAP = habitat action plan, NSA = national scenic area; SAC = special area of conservation; SAM = scheduled ancient monument; SAP = species action plan, SFS = Scottish Forestry Strategy, SSSI = site of special scientific interest; WIAT = woodlands in and around towns initiative
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Appendix five: Portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate
Non-market benefits scoring (continued)
Score Woodlands in and around towns (WIAT) Large population (>5000)/ 10 well developed facilities (Note – only woodlands falling into the Forestry Commission Scotland WIAT criteria can score any points.) Large population (>5000)/ 8 minimal facilities
Small population (2000- 4 5000)/well developed facilities Small population (2000- 2 5000)/minimal facilities N/A 0 Community engagement Signed agreement 5 (including schools) User group/active 3 participation
Consultation/information 1 No engagement 0 Recreation >250k visits pa 10 (Note – visitor numbers must be verifiable from counters and/or 101-250k visits pa 8 intercept surveys or be based on sound local knowledge.) 51-100k visits pa 5 11-50k visits pa 3 1-10k visits pa 2 <1k visits pa 1 No visits 0
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Appendix five: Portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate
Non-market benefits scoring (continued)
Score Habitat network Significant component 5 (>25%) of an existing core (*Core habitat area defined as regionally significant (>10,000 ha), habitat area* relatively contiguous, contains at least 20% native species in woodland element and/or at least 80% native species in open Component (10-25%) of an 3 land element.) existing corehabitat area Contributor to functional 2 connectivity of (or from) the core habitat area or important local habitat network Little or no existing 0 contribution to habitat networks
Landscape National Park – helps create 10 sense of place
National scenic area (NSA) 8 – helps create sense of place Positive backdrop to 5 significant town (>10,000) National Park – positive 3 contributor NSA/Designed landscapes – 2 positive contributor Positive backdrop to town 1 (>2000)/ major tourism route No positive impact in the 0 landscape
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Appendix five: Portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate
Non-market benefits scoring (continued)
Score Thinnable 51-100% 5 (Note: Thinnable area – the area of forest which has been 21-50% 3 thinned or is programmed for thinning in the next 10 years. This 5-20% 2 essentially reflects the amount of flexibility available to apply low impact systems and as a consequence deliver <5% 0 non-market benefits.)
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Appendix five: Portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate
Forest block H+M Est & Roads Oth Total Cons BAP Native WIAT Community Recreation FHN NP/NSA Thin Total Maint income economic designation species tree species NMB score score Devilla Balgownie 10 2 10 10 32 1 1 10 10 3 3 2 1 5 36
Blairadam 10 4 7 10 31 1 1 1 10 5 3 2 1 3 27
Gartmorn 3 4 10 0 17 6 1 10 8 3 3 0 0 5 36
Callendar Wood 3 0 10 0 13 6 0 6 10 3 8 0 1 5 39
Pendreich 6 4 10 0 20 6 1 5 8 0 3 0 1 3 27
Twechar Nether Croy 10 0 7 0 17 6 0 4 8 5 3 0 1 2 29
Selmmuir 6 2 10 1 19 1 1 10 10 0 2 0 0 3 27
Cardenden 6 0 10 0 16 1 1 1 10 5 3 0 1 5 27
Fauldhouse 10 0 7 1 18 1 1 2 10 5 3 0 1 0 23
Carron Valley 10 0 10 1 21 1 3 2 0 5 3 2 0 2 18
Whitelee 10 4 0 10 24 3 1 0 0 5 2 2 0 0 13
Murdostoun/ Mossband 3 4 7 3 17 6 0 2 8 0 2 2 0 0 20
Dean 3 2 7 0 12 6 0 2 8 1 3 0 0 5 25
Carnock 6 2 10 0 18 1 1 10 0 0 1 0 0 5 18
Auchentorlie 10 0 2 0 12 6 1 1 8 0 2 2 1 2 23
Kingshill/ Spoutscross 10 4 10 3 27 0 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 3 8
Lennox 10 0 5 0 15 1 1 1 10 1 3 0 1 0 18
Limerigg 6 0 7 0 13 1 0 1 10 5 3 2 0 3 25
Benarty 3 0 10 0 13 0 1 1 8 1 3 0 1 3 18
Forest Mill 3 0 10 0 13 0 1 10 0 0 1 0 0 5 17
Woodmuir 10 4 10 1 25 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 4
Gartarry 3 0 10 0 13 0 0 10 0 0 1 0 0 5 16
Benhar 6 0 5 0 11 3 0 2 8 0 2 2 0 0 17
Cullaloe 6 2 10 0 18 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 5 10
Camilty 10 4 5 0 19 1 0 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 8
Garshellach 10 0 7 0 17 1 1 4 0 0 1 0 0 3 10
Knockupple 6 4 7 0 17 6 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 10
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Appendix five: Portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate
Forest block H+M Est & Roads Oth Total Cons BAP Native WIAT Community Recreation FHN NP/NSA Thin Total Maint income economic designation species tree species NMB score score Blacklaw Moss 6 4 7 0 17 3 0 4 0 0 1 2 0 0 10
Stallashaw 6 4 7 0 17 6 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 9
Merkins 6 2 5 0 13 6 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 12
Brackenhirst 0 2 10 0 12 0 0 1 8 0 1 0 0 3 13
Carnwath Mosses 6 4 5 0 15 6 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 9
Heathland Forth 10 0 0 1 11 1 0 1 4 5 2 0 0 0 13
Arns Fannyside 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 4 8 0 1 2 0 0 21
Camp Wood 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 10 8 1 2 0 0 0 21
Dunsyston Gimmerscroft 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 4 10 0 2 0 0 2 19
Auchineden 10 0 2 0 12 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 2 8
Nether Bracco 0 2 7 0 9 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 7
Easter Muirhead 0 0 7 0 7 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7
Gateside 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 1 8 0 1 0 0 3 14
Southrigg 0 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 6
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Appendix five: Portfolio analysis scoring on the national forest estate Scottish Lowlands
Scottish Low lands FD - Portfolio Analysis by forest block
80
Benhar Blairadam Devilla 70 Cullaloe Woodmuir Garshellach Carron Valley Selmuir 60 Camilty Camp wood Pendreich Merkins Brackenhirst Fauldhouse
50 Knockupple Kingshill Callendar Stallashaw Blacklaw Carnwath Whitelee 40 Gartmorn Auchineden Twechar/Croy Lennox 30 Gateside Benarty N Bracco Forestmill Cardenden
Economic benefits Economic Gartarry Auchentorlie 20 E Muirhead Carnock Arns Dean Murdostoun Dunsyston Limerigg 10 Southrigg Heathland/Forth 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Non-market benefits
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102 | Strategic plan 2009 - 2013 Strategic
Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the forestry directorate of the Scottish Government and is responsible to Scottish Ministers Contact Scottish Lowlands Forest District Braidwood House Braidwood Carluke ML8 5NE Tel: 01555 660 190 Fax: 01555 660 191 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
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The Diversity Team Forestry Commission Silvan House 231 Corstorphine Road Edinburgh EH12 7AT
Tel: 0131 314 6575 E-mail: [email protected]
Published by - Forestry Commission Scotland - December 2009 © Crown Copyright 2009
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