Laide and Aultbea
Community Woodland
Scoping Report November 2013
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Invitees
3 Key issues
Appendix 1 Concept Map– summarising objectives and proposals for forest plan preparation
Appendix 2 - Invitation letter and correspondence
1 Introduction
Property Name - Laide and Aultbea Community Woodland
RDC Proposal Number- 4039179
BRN - 164283
MLC – 749/0116
Forest Plan Area – 86.6 ha
This scoping report has been compiled by Andrew Jackman, National Trust for Scotland Woodland Manager and a Director of Laide and Aultbea Community Woodland. This report will assist with the preparation of the Long Term Forest Plan.
Interested stakeholders were invited by letter with the attached concept map to comment on the proposals.
2 Invitees Donald Macleod Forestry Commission Scotland Highland Conservancy Fodderty Way Dingwall IV15 9XB
Nicola Tallach Scottish Natural Heritage Anancaun, Kinlochewe IV22 2PA
Andrea Dilley Scottish Environmental Dingwall Office Protection Agency Graesser House Fodderty Way DingwallBusinessPark Dingwall IV15 9XB
Alison MacKennan RSPB Conservation Officer Sutherlands Broadford Isle of Skye IV49 9AB
Robert Patton Highland Council Glenurquhart Road Inverness IV3 5NX
D J Allan Aultbea Estate Factor Carn Ban Swordale Bonar Bridge IV24 3AP
William Maclennan Grazings Clerk Badfearn Badfearn Aultbea Ross-shire
Don MacKenzie Grazings Clerk Sands of Sand Udrigle Laide By Garve Ross-shire
Alastair MacRae Grazings Clerk Laide Laide By Garve Ross-shire
Aultbea Community Council Aultbea Community Aultbea Community Council Council Aultbea Ross-shire
3 Key issues
The letters sent out along with the responses received are included in Appendix 2.
There were two replies from the list above and from those there were no key issues identified.
Appendix 1 - Concept Map
Appendix 2 - Invitation letter and correspondence Laide and Aultbea Community Woodland
Aultbea Community Council Aultbea Ross-shire 6th October 2013
Dear
Laide and Aultbea Community Woodland Long Term Forest Plan
Laide and Aultbea Community Woodland (LACW) are in the process of preparing a Long-term Forest Plan for the woodlands. You have been selected as a potentially interested stakeholder and we would like to provide you with an opportunity to provide your views on the key objectives for developing this plan.
The current extent of the woodlands at LACW cover a total area of 86ha as can be seen on the attached map. Our aim is to continue to improve the landscape value and protect the habitats and species of the woodland whilst encouraging responsible use of the woodlands by visitors. The high nature conservation value will continue to be researched & monitored to encourage its protection. The production of a Forest Plan is seen as an important tool in managing these diverse functions in a strategic and comprehensive way.
The enclosed map outlines the key concepts being considered at this stage. If you have any comments on these proposals, or have any other information that may assist in the preparation of the Forest Plan, please write or email to me by 4th November 2013 .
Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you require any further points of clarification.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Jackman
Rowan Lodge
Aultbea
Ross-shire
IV22 2HU
Tel: 01445 731233
Email: [email protected]
www.laidewood.org.uk A Company Limited By Guarantee without shareholders registered in Scotland No SC249676 Scottish Charity registered number SC034434
Our ref: PCS/129439 Your ref: None
Mr Andrew Jackman If telephoning ask for: Laide and Aultbea Community Woodland Andrea Dilley
Rowan Lodge
Aultbea IV22 2HU 29 October 2013
By email only to: [email protected]
Dear Mr Jackman
Long Term Forest Plan – Scoping consultation Between Aultbea and Laide on the A835 Thank you for your consultation letter dated 6 October 2013 which SEPA received on the 9 October 2013. To assist with streamlining the application process, we now focus our site-specific advice in forestry development where we can add best value in terms of enabling good development and protecting and improving Scotland's environment. Guidance on How and when to consult SEPA is available on our website at www.sepa.org.uk/planning/forestry.aspx . We now only provide bespoke advice on forestry plans covering >200 ha or below this if it has been identified that a water body within or adjacent to the site is downgraded as a result of a forestry pressure. In this particular case we see that the woodlands extend to 86ha. We have checked the most recent water body classification information and can advise that there are no water bodies within/adjacent to this site which are downgraded as a result of forestry pressures. Forest plans should ensure compliance with appropriate regulations such as the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations, as amended , and follow the good practice advice provided in The UK Forestry Standard . In particular, minimum buffer zones should be put into place between operations and water bodies identified as having protected freshwater pearl mussels. Other good practice standing advice is available on our Planning and Forestry web page. If you have any queries relating to this letter, please contact me by telephone on 01349 860302 or e-mail [email protected].
Yours sincerely
Andrea Dilley Planning Officer Planning Service
Community Woodland
You replied on 16/10/2013 13:31. David Allan [[email protected]] Sent: 09 October 2013 11:42 To: MAndrew Jackman
Dear Mr Jackman
Thank you for your letter and woodland plan. Your proposals all seem sensible. I have walked a short way through the wood and will make a point of going right round some day to understand your plans better. Perhaps we could walk round together.
David Allan