South Laggan – Land Management Plan Lochaber Forest District Land Management Plan South Laggan South Laggan – Land Management Plan Lochaber Forest District FOREST ENTERPRISE Application for Land Management Plan Approvals Forest Enterprise – Property Forest District: Lochaber FD Property name: South Laggan Nearest town, village or locality: South Laggan Village OS Grid reference: NN29449742 Local Authority: Highland Council Plan Area 1740 Ha Conifer Felling 170ha Broadleaved Felling 0 1. I apply for Forest Design Plan approval for the property described above and in the enclosed Forest Design Plan. 2. I apply for an opinion under the terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry Scotland) Regulations 1999 for Afforestation*/deforestation*/roads*/quarries* as detailed in my application. 3. I confirm that the initial scoping of the plan was carried out with FC staff on 11/07/2012 Updated scoping carried out during March 2015. Signed………………………………………. Signed…………………………………. 4. I confirm that the proposals contained in this plan comply with the UK Forestry Standard. Forest District Manager Conservator 5. I confirm that the scoping, carried out and documented in the Consultation Record attached, incorporated those stakeholders which the FC agreed must be included. Date…………………………………… Date……………………………………. 6. I confirm that consultation and scoping has been carried out with all relevant stakeholders over the content of the design plan. Consideration of all of the issues raised by stakeholders has Date of Approval…………………….. been included in the process of plan preparation and the outcome recorded on the attached consultation record. I confirm that we have informed all stakeholders about the extent to which we have been able to address their concerns. We have reminded them of the opportunity to Date Approval Ends……………………………………………………………………… make further comment during the public consultation process. 7. I undertake to obtain any permission necessary for the implementation of the approved plan. Plan Reference no. 030/519/151 South Laggan – Land Management Plan People As above Request For Determination Under The E.I.A. (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 Operation Felling/Restocking and Road Construction Other Information A large scale project aimed at landscape and Location South Laggan environmental improvement while maintaining a core of productive commercial conifers. Grid Reference NN29449742 Is The Location Of The Proposed Works Within A “Sensitive Area”, As Defined In The Regulations? If So, What Type Of Sensitive Area? No If Operation Is Afforestation, Deforestation or Forest Quarries, What Area Is Involved? N/A If Operation Is Forest Roads, Tracks, or Paths, Signed Signed What Is Specification And What Length And Quad track upgrade = 5km @ 2.5m width Width is Involved? Is The Proposed Operation Immediately Adjacent To An Area Of The Same Project Type Which Has Been Completed Since 06/09/1999? If So, Give Details. No Ben Lennon Proposed Timing 2015 – 2025 Forest District Manager Conservator Sate Any Perceived Impact On The Date Date Following Archaeology None. Archaeological sites identified and protected. Conservation Positive impact through the expansion of native Approval Date Approval Ends woodland, water vole habitat protection and expansion, Montane woodland establishment, deer management, LISS management and the restoration of Fen/Mire areas. Will all improve the habitat for iconic species such as Black grouse, Squirrels, Otters and various raptors. Landscape Improvement to forest edges so that the forest sits more naturally within the landscape. Water Positive impact due to the gradual slowdown of run off. Recreation/Access The Forest is open to all within the framework of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and we will continue to promote best practice in relation to access. The District will work closely with the Access Authorities to promote both the Great Glen Way and the National Cycle Network Route. Lochaber Forest District has agreed a 21 year lease with the South Laggan Railway Preservation Society for the abandoned railway platform and a section of the railway line. South Laggan – Land Management Plan Location Map South Laggan – Land Management Plan Factor Description Implications for Management Proposals Location The South Laggan LMP is situated on the east side of The South Laggan LMP area is visually prominent Management will take into account the visual the Great Glen, above Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. The from some sections of the A82 trunk road. It is also prominence of the area, with proper regard to coupe forest is situated approximately 37Km north of Fort highly visible from the Great Glen Way, National size and shape, species choice, and overall design, to William in the district of Lochaber. The forest is Cycle Network route, boats on Loch Lochy, Loch Oich ensure that the woodland sits comfortably within the accessed from the A82 at the village of South Laggan. and the Caledonian Canal and also from the peaks of general landscape. Meall na Dearcag and Ben Tee. Tenure The land within the South Laggan LMP was acquired in Forest operations must be managed and planned in a During all Forest Operations public safety will be 1921 with a further acquisition in 1930 of the manner that will protect the PROW’s Core Paths or paramount and where necessary sensible temporary Corriegour Woods. other official access agreements within the national diversion routes will be created. forest estate. There are no sporting rights associated with this area. The Forestry Commission will work in harmony with SNH and other stakeholder to ensure that all Statutory Designations: - South Laggan Wetland designated areas will be protected and where possible Fen/Mire SSSI. enhanced. Public Rights of Way (PROW) and Access. Deer numbers will be regulated and populations will be kept at a level that is compatible with their Lochaber Forest District has now agreed a 21 year environment and our other management objectives. lease of the disused Railway Station platform and a section of the railway line with the South Laggan Railway Preservation Society. History of the Forest Afforestation began in the 1920’s soon after the first The area covered by the South Laggan LMP was Lochaber FD will continue to establish native acquisition. The principal species choice was Sitka originally established for the purpose of growing woodlands not only on sites identified as PAWS but spruce but Norway Spruce, Larch and Lodgepole pine commercial conifers. Over the last few years there will continue along the steep face above the A82 and were also planted. Felling of the original crop have been some significant changes in policy which South Laggan village, through the phased felling of commenced in the 1970’s and has lasted through to will have a major impact on this area. clearfell coupes and subsequent natural regeneration the present day, though some areas were left due to of native species from local seed sources. If their inaccessibility and have now grown to a double While there is approximately150.0 Ha designated as regeneration is not evident after 5 years, enrichment rotation. PAWS which will be restored to native woodland. It is planting may take place. anticipated that a much greater area will be There are still remnants of native woodland scattered converted to native woodlands. Maintain a core of productive commercial conifers in throughout the LMP area. A band of mature Beech the area known as Glen Buck where soil, aspect and trees line the route of the old railway line and mature The very steep slopes above Loch Oich, South climate dictate, consider the establishment of Scots pine can be found in the area of forest opposite Laggan Village and Loch Lochy will gradually be ‘premier’ conifers such as DF, WRC, EL, NS. Laggan Locks. restocked with native woodlands. Design the felling coupes, restocking areas, and There are now 150.0 Ha within the LMP designate as A core area of commercial conifers will be retained in external boundaries so that the LMP area fits more Previous Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). the Glen Buck area of the LMP. comfortably into the surrounding landscape. The woodland has sections of the abandoned route of The establishment of the adjacent South Laggan Through a system of phased clear felling coupes the the Fort William to Fort Augustus railway branch line Fen/Mire SSSI will impact on the management of areas designated as PAWS will gradually be restored running through it. This was acquired together with forest operations. to native woodland through a process of natural three cottages and the station platform in 1956 from regeneration from local seed sources. British Rail. In consultation with SNH, manage the area in a There are sections of Wades Military Road in the manner that protects and where possible northern end of the forest. Ruins of livestock pens can complements the adjacent SSSI. be found in parts of the forest, left over from previous agricultural land use in this area. Forest operations must be planned to protect all known and yet to be discovered archaeological sites. South Laggan – Land Management Plan Much of the South Laggan LMP area has been Identify and establish an area of montane woodland identified as the site of the Battle of Blar na Leine, an above the more commercially productive area of the important inter-clan battle fought on the 15th July 1544 woodland. See Map Appendix 16 The South Laggan Fen/Mire SSSI is adjacent to the LMP and will impact on the management and forest operations within