APPENDIX 1

Deer Management Plan for

CAMISKY Location: Lochaber Forest District

Owner(s): Managed on behalf of the Scottish Ministers by Forestry Commission Scotland

Draft Deer Management Plan Written By: John Jackson Deer Species: Red, Roe and Sika

Area of deer management unit : 978 ha Deer management Group: Camisky is not in a deer Management Group area. (a) Past/current deer management .

Main land use is productive forest with areas of native woodland and several ancient woodland sites. Deer are managed to attempt to achieve a balance with their habitat. This requires a low density population of 5/100ha or less. Perimeter deer fences are important to separate the woodland agricultural farming activities.

(b) Previous Cull Records Year

Red Roe Sika

13/14 5 2 2

14/15 9 6 0

15/16 0 7 1

16/17 4 0 0

APPENDIX 1

Cull Records: Comment /Additional Information Culls are taken both in and out of season. Male deer of all species are shot throughout the year, while females are not shot from 1st April to 30th September. (c) Adjacent Land Use Comment Existing Woodland Yes Mixture of Woodland / Arable Land Yes Unimproved Pasture /Open Hill Public Access / Recreation Facilities All FCS woodlands are open to public access at all times. Deer Vehicle Collisions (DVCs) SNH records Public Safety issues Other

B. Description of the Resources (Deer and Habitat) 1. Deer (a) Information relating to demographics of the deer population

Deer Resource: Comment /Additional Information The method currently being used to measure crop damage in Lochaber Forest District is via visual assessment and recorded in OGB4 stocking density assessment forms. Nearest Neighbour assessments are also conducted annually on all P1 restocks. As one of our key objectives in deer management is the prevention of damage. Damage assessment is therefore given a high priority in terms of determining appropriate cull levels. (b) Information relating to any significant woodland deer population Woodland Deer Density Indicators

Evidence

4-8/100 Ha Low Density

8-15/100Ha Medium Density

15+/100Ha High Density

APPENDIX 1

Tracks

Difficult to find deer slot marks or defined paths.

Defined paths slot marks easy to find in areas of soft ground.

Many well defined tracks and paths often black with constant use.

(Tick)

Dung

Difficult to find with just the odd isolated pellet group.

Pellet groups relatively easy to find, particularly on woodland edges and good feeding areas.

Pellet groups very easy to find. Highly concentrated on favoured feed areas.

(Tick)

Browsing of Vegetation

Natural regeneration of broad-leaved trees taking place with no or little damage to current years incremental growth.

Broad-leaved saplings present but showing significant damage.

No seedlings growing above dominant vegetation height. Often well defined browse lines on established shrubs and plants.

(Tick) (c) Information Relating to Known Deer Densities (counts etc) Latest estimate is medium density. 2. Habitat (a) Information Relating to Habitat and Condition Habitat Type Area (Ha)

Vulnerable to deer pressure

Comment

SSSI / SAC / SPA / NSA n/a

Open Hill Ground n/a

Internal Open Ground Yes

Native Woodland Yes

Broadleaves Yes

Commercial Conifers Yes Other: (b)Evidence of historical / existing damage

(i) Impacts to woodlands, agricultural interests and habitats Annual nearest neighbour assessments on all P1 restocking. FCS target is for less than 10% leader browsing. First restock planted 2017. (ii) Impacts on natural heritage interests SSSI NSA SPA

Part 2

APPENDIX 1

Deer Management Plan (a) Management Plan Objectives

The main objective of deer management within the FCS Woodlands is to regulate deer populations at a level that is compatible with their environment and our other management objectives. This means that we aim to will be to prevent unacceptable damage to commercial tree crops and in key areas to maintain or enhance biodiversity. This will be done in a professional and humane way, ensuring the physical well being of the remaining deer populations within the forest boundaries. Venison income will be optimised and opportunities to create revenue from permit stalking and leasing will be taken, but without compromising the over-riding issue of damage prevention. This strategy should be read in conjunction with FC Operational Guidance Booklet 5. All species are capable of causing significant damage to productive forests and woodlands as well as reducing species diversity in the ground flora, resulting in the prevention of natural regeneration by native tree species. This is increasingly recognised as a major barrier to maintaining and increasing biodiversity in British woodlands. At very high densities deer are prone to increased levels of parasitism and disease (rare in UK conditions), poor breeding success and early mortality. In impoverished upland habitats they can also suffer from starvation. (b) Method(s) used to assess if objectives are being met

Objective or

issue Method of

assessment Monitoring period

and frequency Who is

responsible Use of

information Deer numbers/ Density

EDU Clearance Dung Counts

5 yearly FCS Set cull levels

SSSI / SAC etc Impacts

Site Condition Monitoring

SNH Set cull levels

Grazing Toolbox FCS

Cull figures

Dung Counts, NN assessments, Site Condition Monitoring, Local Knowledge and Experience

Constant and ongoing

FCS Set cull levels

Browsing, Bark Stripping, Fraying

NN Assessments Annual Set cull levels

Annual Recruitment

Cull data Annual FCS Set cull levels

Monitoring: Comment /Additional Information The monitoring on the National Forest Estate is via visual assessment and recorded in OGB4 stocking density assessment forms. Nearest Neighbour assessments are also conducted annually on all P1 restocks. As one of our key objectives in deer management is the prevention of damage. Damage assessment is therefore given a high priority in terms of determining appropriate cull levels.

APPENDIX 1

(c) Record Keeping. (As Per Wild Deer Best Practice Guide).

All deer shot are recorded in the Wildlife Management System. Data captured include: Species, sex, age class, weight, location (grid ref and DMU), in/out of season, night shot, embryos, lactation, etc.

(d) Engagement with neighbours, DMG and Local Community

Comment /Additional Information Liaison with neighbours is essential to the cost-effective implementation of Forestry Commission deer management objectives. Lochaber Forest District is an active participant in local deer management groups. Such groups provide a forum for explaining and gaining acceptance of Forestry Commission policy and for agreeing forms of mutually beneficial co-operation with regard to deer management matters. An open, honest approach will be taken with attempts made to promote a good understanding of the professional approach to deer management in our forests.

Appendix II: Tolerance Table

Adjustment to

felling coupe boundaries

Timing of

restocking

Change to species Wind throw or environmental

response

Adjustment to road lines

FC Approval

not normally required (record and

notify FC)

<10% of coupe size

Up to 5 planting seasons after

felling (allowing fallow periods for Hylobius).

Change within species group E.g. Scots pine to birch,

Non-native conifers e.g Sitka spruce to Douglas fir,

Non-native to native species

(allowing for changes to facilitate Ancient Woodland policy).

Low sensitivity area The affected area where wind throw,

disease or other environmental factors represents more than 60% of the crop, the area including standing trees within

the affected area may be felled.

Low Sensitivity Area Creation of turning points/ loading bays.

Deviation of less than 50m either side of the predicted centre line of the road/ track in low sensitivity areas.

High Sensitivity Area

Deviation less than 25m in either direction from the predicted centre of track

Approval by exchange of

letters and map

10-15% of coupe size

5 years +

Change of coupe objective likely to be consistent with current policy (e.g. from productive to open, open

to native species).

Low sensitivity area As above to include up to 3ha of

healthy crop beyond the affected

area to a wind firm or reasonable edge.

The affected area where wind throw or disease is less than 60% of the crop.

High Sensitivity Areas

The affected area where wind throw or disease is more than 60% of the crop.

Low Sensitivity Area Deviation of 50 - 100m metres either side of the predicted centre of road in areas of low

sensitivity.

High Sensitivity Area Deviation of 25-50m in either direction from the predicted centre line of road or track

Approval by

formal plan amendment

>15% of coupe

size

Major change of objective likely to be contrary to policy,

E.g. native to non-native species, open to non-native,

Low sensitivity area Greater than 3Ha of healthy crop

required to reach a wind firm or reasonable edge beyond the affected area.

High sensitivity area

The affected area where wind throw or disease is less than 60% of the crop.

Felling of standing trees or healthy crop beyond the affected

area.

Deviations exceeding the above.

Camisky Forest : Appendix III Programme of Work 2018 -2028

Coupe Period Felling Objective Restocking Objective Notes Felling 32847 1 P80

SS

Restructuring. Forest Design

MB Sympathetic forest design and in keeping with wider landscape

32850 1 P78 LP/SS

Restructuring. PAWS Restoration

Native BL in PAWS Designation SP/BI

PAWS restoration area and Buffer

32851 1 P78 LP

Timber production. Restructuring.

SS,LP,SP Fast growing Conifer production Forest resilience through wider rides Species Diversification

32852 1 P79/80 LP/SS

Timber Production. Restructuring.

SS,LP,SP Fast Growing Conifer production Forest resilience through wider rides Species Diversification

32854 1 P77 LP

PAWS Restoration Targets Restructuring

SP,BI PAWS restoration area and Buffer

32855 2 P78 LP/JL

PAWS Restoration Targets Restructuring

SP,BI PAWS restoration area potential for productive broadleaves establishment

32856 2 P78 LP/HL BI/OK

Timber production. Restructuring

SS,SP Fast Growing Conifer production. Forest resilience through wider rides Species Diversification

32857 2 P78 LP

Restructuring. PAWS Restoration Targets

MB PAWS restoration area potential for productive broadleaves establishment

32858 2 P78- SS/LP/JL P81 –JL/SS/LP

Timber production. Restructuring.

SS,LP Fast growing Conifer production Forest resilience through wider rides

OPEN All Coupes 1&2 Habitat , Forest Resilience Establishment of wider rides to aid

crop stability

Retain open ground and link isolated habitats

Resilience Camisky Forest

1&2 Increasing variety through species choice

Road construction Road 1 Rolling programme Essential continuation of rolling

road building programme to aid harvesting

Crucial to future harvesting activity and drives restructure programme

Monitoring Camisky Forest

Continued checks to identify forest pathogens

Roadside Minor road

Visual inspection of trees adjacent to roadside, annual

Wayleaves Camisky 1 & 2 Wayleaves Awareness of importance of lines

on Camisky boundary .

Deer Control Camisky 1&2 Manage populations to allow

broadleaved and soft conifer to establish and develop sawlog potential

Culling to reduce population levels is the main method proposed but some external fencing upgrade may be required

Appendix IV : Productive Forestry: Species Selection

Soil Group

Soil Types Soil nutrient

Likely vegetation Species Prescription for Commercial Restocking

1

Brown Earths

Soils with typically good aeration and drainage throughout the profile and well- incorporated organic matter. These soils range from very rich to poor and usually

allow deep rooting.

Includes broad leaved grasses, (e.g. Yorkshire fog, Bent), bracken, bramble, foxgloves, violets and a diverse range

of herbs.

Douglas Fir on Poor (must be without heather) to Rich fertility with Moist to Dry soil moisture. Generally in sheltered areas with sufficient rainfall Sitka or Norway Spruce on Poor to Medium fertility with Wet to Fresh soil moisture. Scots Pine in Podzolised areas on Poor to Medium fertility with Moist to Dry soil moisture. European Larch* on Medium to Rich fertility with moist to Moderately Dry soil moisture. Japanese/Hybrid Larch* on Poor to Medium fertility with Very Moist to Fresh moisture.

Sycamore on Medium to Rich fertility with Moist to Fresh soil moisture.

Where improved climatic conditions allow:

Sessile Oak on Medium to Rich fertility with Moist to Slightly Dry soil moisture. Pedunculate Oak (Local seed source if possible) on Medium to Rich with Very Moist to Fresh soil moisture. Silver Birch on Poor to Medium with Very Moist to Fresh soil moisture.

Ash* on Rich fertility with moist to Fresh soil moisture and less acidic sites. Mix in groups with; Sycamore, Oak or Beech

3

Podzols

Develop on unfertile acid soils with high

rainfall where nutrients are flushed into the lower horizons of the soil profile. Very poor fertility. Induration or an impenetrable pan will prevent good drainage, resulting in a

need to break this impediment with suitable cultivation that will allow freer

draining and greater rooting depth.

Vegetation common to these soils are

ericaceous plants, grasses including Wavy

hair, Matt and Purple moor grass. Light

bracken and feather mosses may also be

present.

Scots Pine with Moist to Dry soil moisture. Desirable mixture

Sitka Spruce with Wet to Moist soil moisture. Mix with; Lodgepole Pine in wetter areas or Japanese/Hybrid Larch*

Japanese/Hybrid Larch* with Very Moist to Fresh soil moisture

Where improved climatic conditions allow:

Sessile Oak (not on 3m) with Moist to Fresh soil moisture.

4

Ironpans

Develop on free draining acid soils with high rainfall. The transfer of aluminium and iron

in solution down through the soil profile develops an ironpan that is impervious to

water and root penetration. Breaking of the ironpan is desirable, so as to allow drainage of the site and a potential increase in soil rooting volume and nutrient availability.

Cultivation that includes amelioration of the ironpan will be considered.

Vegetation and fertility similar to podzols above

Scots Pine with Moist to Dry soil moisture. Japanese/Hybrid Larch* with Very Moist to Fresh soil moisture. Lodgepole Pine in elevated areas with Wet to Fresh soil moisture Sitka or Norway Spruce (4 & 4b) with Wet to Fresh soil moisture. Sycamore (4b only) with Moist to Fresh soil moisture. Consider intimate mixture with Japanese/Hybrid Larch*

5

Groundwater Gleys

Occurring where a shallow water table

causes waterlogging and therefore subject to compaction and poorly

oxygenated. The soil is permeable but is affected by a fluctuating ground-water table. Moderate nutrient availability.

Dominant vegetation is commonly Tufted hair grass, Willows and herbs.

These areas are generally presumed to be open or riparian zones.. Where rooting depth is adequate: Sitka or Norway Spruce on Medium to Rich fertility with Very Wet to Moist soil moisture. Intimate mix of Downy Birch and Common Alder on Poor fertility with Very Wet to Moist soil moisture

6

Peaty Gleys Very Poor to Rich nutritional availability High winter water table can be expected

and good drainage will be required to achieve best results.

Purple moor grass, Calluna and Cross-leaved heath, with sphagnum prevalent in

the North and West.

Sitka Spruce on Poor to Medium fertility with Wet to Fresh moisture. Intimate mix with Lodgepole Pine in wetter and poorer areas or with Japanese/Hybrid Larch* in more Pozolised areas. Consider adding blocks of Downy Birch

Downy Birch on Poor to Medium fertility with Very Moist to Fresh soil moisture

7

Surface Water Gleys

Differing from groundwater gleys in that

waterlogging is caused not by a high water

table, but by lateral surface-water movement

through the soil profile developing a

seasonally fluctuating water table. Resulting

anaerobic conditions will restrict rooting.

Poor to moderate nutritional availability can

be expected.

Drainage will be required along with micro

site cultivation such as mounding.

Tussock grass and Creeping Buttercup.

Sitka or Norway Spruce on Medium fertility with Wet to Fresh soil moisture with Lodgepole Pine in wetter poorer areas

Where improved climatic conditions allow:

Pedunculate Oak on 7b Medium to Rich fertility with Moist to Fresh soil moisture.

8 Flushed Basin

Bogs A shallower peat type, nutrient rich and containing some mineral grains. Peat is

black in colour. Rushes are prevalent.

Deep peat (>0.5m) will only be planted with productive conifers where the hydrology has been irreversibly compromised AND where growth rates are expected to exceed YC8 (This is the growth rate where the C benefits of tree establishment outweigh the C loss through soils disturbance.

Where the hydrology is irreversibly compromised but low growth rates are anticipated the establishment of bog edge woodland is proposed.

Where areas of deeper peat are encountered in intimate mosaic with more favourable soils Sitka Spruce (QSS) will be favoured in a mixture with Lodgepole Pine of Alaskan disease resistant provenance or hybrid larch*. On these more nutritionally challenged sites a proportion (up to 20%) of soil improving species such as birch may be considered.

9 Molinia Bogs Often existing on hillsides where flushing is more pronounced. Moderate nutrition available.

10

Unflushed Flat or

Raised Bogs

Reliant on precipitation for moisture and

nutrients. Mineral grains are absent and the

peat is reddish-brown and tends to be deeper

Sphagnum Moss dominated bogs, formed as peat levels rose to form a dome,

11

Unflushed Blanket Bogs

Bogs including the hill peats located on upland plateaux and

hillsides deeply dissected by burns.

Calluna, cotton-grass, deer grass

14

Eroded Bogs

Very poor nutritional status Can be dominated by either deep and

frequent eroded areas (haggs) or frequent pools of standing water

(flows). Very deep peat.

Bog asphodel, deer grass, bog cotton etc.

15

Littoral Soils

Formed on coastal sands and shingles The

category is split into shingle (15s), dunes (15d) and then sands with varying water

table depths (15e,w,g,i). These sands can be distinguished by various levels of

mottling.

Coastal grasses and heathland plants

predominate.

Scots Pine either pure or in intimate, group or blocky mixture with Birch. Moratorium on Corsican pine due to DNB.

Downy/Silver Birch depending on climate

NB – These prescriptions must be adopted within the local context set out in the main body of this Forest Design Plan. Climate, (along with soils) must be included as the determining factor in final species selection.

- Species choice will be dictated by local conditions and agreed after site visits by management staff.

- No commercial forestry type likely to be suitable on sites wetter than SMR “Very Moist” and vegetation indicating SNR <4.5

- Origin for SS is QSS. However where conditions are sub-alpine then ASS is preferred

- Mixed stands mean that each species occupies at least 20% of the canopy. Blocky areas should aim to cover the area that 3-4 mature trees would cover. Mixtures may need management to favour one or more species. Intimate mixtures of broadleaves with Sitka

Spruce or Scots Pine will normally result in the conifer’s dominating overtime so planting in blocks is often the better option.

- * Due to current plant health restrictions there will be no planting of Larch species, Ash or Lodge pole pine (with the exemption of Alskan provenance Lodge pole pine)

References:

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

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

Savill, P.S. (1991) The Silviculture of Trees used in British Forestry, Oxfordshire: CAB International

Mason, B (2006) Managing Mixed Stands of Conifers and Broadleaves in Upland Forests of Britain, Information Note, Edinburgh: FCS

Wilson, S (2011) Using alternative conifer species for productive forestry in Scotland, Glasgow: Bell & Bain Ltd

Appendix V – Future species prescriptions

Prescription Species Establishment Density Management Objective

Productive Conifer

Conifer species matched to site type Sitka spruce , Scots Pine

Planting. Supplemented by natural regeneration / beat up.

High Density 2500 per ha

Timber production.

Productive Commercial Broadleaves

Birch , Scots Pine , Sessile Oak

Planting. Supplemented by natural generation.

High Density 3000-5000 per ha

Timber Production. Restoration to PAWS targets. Forest resilience and bio-diversity.

Low Input Mixed Woodland

Native species matched to NVC site type Scots Pine ,Sessile Oak ,Rowan , Silver Birch ,Downy Birch

Planting. Supplemented by natural regeneration

Low density Up to 15% open space

Bio-diversity.

Productive Pinewoods

Scots Pine Planting. Supplemented by natural regeneration.

Variable density as part of intimate mix.

Timber Production. Restoration to PAWS. Bio-diversity.

Riparian Woodland

Native woodland matched to NVC site type. Primarily Alder, Birch species, Willow species

Planting Natural regeneration

Low density 600-1200 per ha up to 50% open space

Bio –diversity, soil and water management. Managed under minimal intervention

Bog Woodland Downy birch, grey willow and eared willow /Scots pine. Dwarf birch and prostrate juniper

Predominantly natural regeneration although may be some enrichment planting.

Low density. Between 20% and 50% woodland cover. Typically slow growing with presence of dead wood.

Managed under minimum intervention Removal of actively growing non-native species where these have potential to produce seed, crack peat or lower the water table

LISS Low impact silvicultural systems

Native species matched to NVC site type Scots Pine ,Sessile Oak ,Silver Birch ,Downy Birch ,Wild Cherry

Established. Supplemented by natural regeneration and enrichment planting.

Low density Up to 15% open space

Bio-diversity.

| Camisky LMP | D J Robertson | 14.03.2017

Planning

Appendix VI: Land Management Plans Consultation Record

Statutory Consultee Date

contacted Date

re

sponse

received

Issue raised Forest District Response

Wider public consultation was undertaken through advertising in Lochaber Life.

01.05.2016 31.05.2016

No responses received

No issues raised

Internal consultation was undertaken through scoping meetings

05.04.2016 30.04.2016

06.07.2016

Deer management is currently undertaken through a permission

Damage levels will be monitored and the management reviewed if necessary.

07.04.2016 Dalvennvie currently has medium informal use from the public. If the access issues can be resolved Dalvennvie has potential to become a key recreational facility.

Dalvennvie is offered for sale as part of the repositioning programme.

Internal operations and environment meeting

22.04.2016 22.04.2016 Issues relating to windblow, roading , structure and future species prescriptions were raised. Next phase of road construction approved for forest year 16/17

Outcomes incorporated into the LMP.

Internal site visit with Environment colleagues.

24.05.2016 24.05.2016 Management and expansion of existing Oakwood and PAWS. Native seed stand in the oak

Report generated on the semi natural woodlands of Camisky forest.

| Camisky LMP | D J Robertson | 14.03.2017

FCS Environment 24.05.2016 24.05.2016 Raised bog at Dalvennvie further reinstatement planned under Peatland Action Fund

Dalvennvie is offered for sale as part of the repositioning programme.

Torlundy CC 07.02.2016 On going This was a specific notification relating to the proposed sale of the smaller woodlands of Camisky. The community is considering acquisition under the Community Asset Transfer Scheme.

Camisky 2015 Version 1.0 221015

Land Management Plan Brief Lochaber Forest District (LFD)

LMP Unit: CAMISKY Date: 31/3/16

Planning Team:

Lead Christina Tracey Henry Dobson (environment) John Jackson (deer mgt)

Iain Stewart (harvesting) Jeff Hancox (roads)

Jim MacIntosh (restocking) Sam Wilson/Sarah Hood (GIS support)

Description

The Camisky Land Management Plan (LMP) area lies in the Great Glen between the river

Lochy and the A82 to the north east of Fort William. It comprises 4 separate woodlands

totalling 1036ha previously called the Great Glen Cattle Ranch forest. Camisky = 756ha Dalvenvie = 154ha

Tomacharich = 39ha

Hill Farm Wood = 31ha Dail Riabhaich = 56ha The land was purchased in 1975 from the Great Glen Cattle Ranch. 2 small areas sold in 2001 to

the then North of Scotland Water authority for infrastructure improvements.

The forest is predominantly conifer plantation woodland. Felling of the first rotation crop has begun along with the associated restocking. Wind damage for the remaining crop is significant and some of the LP stands are suffering from extensive Dothostroma needle blight attack.

The forest area also contains Coille a’Cham Uisge, an oak and birch woodland on an ancient woodland site. There are areas of deep peat and bog woodland within the forest, particularly in

the smaller woodland areas.

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Climatically the forest is in one of the more favourable locations of Lochaber FD with DAMS scores

below 16. More the half the forest area has an accumulated temperature above 1200 degree days and very little less than 1000. Moisture deficit is not an issue! The level of windblow in the

forest does not reflect the DAMS scores and further investigation with research will be carried out.

Aspect of the main forest is predominantly NW facing moderate slopes. The 3 outlying woods along with Camisky riverside are all on flat valley or floodplain terrain.

The soils of around 75% of the forest are classed as very poor nutritionally and 20% of the area classed as very wet and a further 30% as wet. Further investigation of the potential of these poor

soils to carry another rotation of productive conifers will be undertaken.

This is a revision of a plan approved in 2006.

Location map

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Social Factors:

Dalvenvie is designated as a WIAT woodland although no formal access provision has been made. Access to the forest is on an informal basis from the track at Carrs Corner and off the minor public

road at Tomacharich. The track and the riparian corridor are favoured routes.

Access is also taken through the Camisky riverside coupe by the River Lochy angling association

Despite its location in the Great Glen Camisky is not a prominent feature of the landscape when

viewed from the A82 and only a small length of the northern edge is visible from the Commandos’ memorial. The forest does, however, form the foreground to the views of the Ben Nevis and

Aonoch Mor massif from the B8004 to the north and at various points on the Caledonian canal path.

Holiday cabins neighbour the woodland at Tomacharich and there are a number of private houses

adjacent to the forest boundary. The forest lies within the Inverlochy and Torlundy Community Council area.

Environmental Factors:

Coille a’Cham Uisge, c42ha oak and birch woodland with a further 35ha of plantation on an

ancient woodland site (PAWS) in the main forest area. Dalvenvie also has 14.5ha of mixed conifer and birch on an ancient woodland site.

Open bog areas occur in all the woodlands with work currently being undertaken to restore the

natural bog habitat within Dalvenvie under the Peatland Action Fund. There is scope for further bog restoration and the creation of bog woodland. Other open ground is associated with management rides and roads.

There are a couple of small lochans within the forest with reasonable riparian buffer areas.

Further work is needed to make sure the riparian areas for the Rivers Lochy and Lundy are robust.

Rhododendron is present in Dalvenvie and work has started to eradicate this from the woodland as part of the wider FCS policy to control invasive plant species.

Black grouse leks within 2km of the SE forest boundary on Great Glen Cattle Ranch and on the NE boundary on Brackletter.

Deer populations are currently not a major issue in Camisky but this may change as more restocking with palatable species takes place. Deer fencing of the oak wood in the past

allowed a pulse of natural regeneration to establish. The northern end of the forest falls with the Parallel Roads of Lochaber SSSI and contains

some of the glacial features of this Earth Science site.

Economic Factors: 90% of the forest is planted with conifer with Sitka spruce and lodgepole pine make up

the bulk of the woodland species 35% and 42% respectively generally in pure stands with some mixture in the south.

Age structure of the woodland is limited with 86% planted in 5 years between 1977 and 1981. The other main forest component is P74 plantation above the river, planted just before the FC took ownership. There has only been a limited amount of felling to date

Camisky 2015 Version 1.0 221015

within Camisky with only 1 of the original 7 planned coupes felled due to a lack of road

infrastructure. Increasing levels of windthrow throughout the forest will be a limitation on the options

for future felling. C18% of the main forest area is recorded as windblow. This is likely to result in the felling of the main crop areas more rapidly than would have been desirable to achieve good restructuring or a full economic rotation.

A further 2.5 km of roading is programmed over 16/17 and 17/18 which will allow access

to the full length of the main Camisky forest. None of the small woodlands have access for timber haulage at present.

Public road access is constrained by the minor public road which is classified as a consultation route for the haulage of timber. All the timber of the main forest will be

brought through the wood to the northern access to minimise the use of this road. Any timber from the smaller woods will also need to access the A82 at Brackletter not Torlundy.

River Lochy is the most productive fishing river in Lochaber with Spring and Autumn

runs of salmon. River Lundy is one of its main spawning tributaries.

Dalvenvie, Hill Farm and Tomacharich are all potential candidates for rationalisation sales by FCS.

The pylon line carrying electricity to the Western Isles and the Fort William smelter runs along the NE edge of the forest. The water treatment plant and distribution tank and

pipes lie adjacent to or within the forest area but the water itself is drawn from the River Lochy.

See Appendix 1 for details of how the forest can contribute to the Strategic Directions for the National Forest Estate

Objectives:

Retain a strong core of commercial conifers suitable for the site to support the local

forest and timber industry. Ensure that resilience to climate change, in particular increasing storm events and pest and disease attack is tested through the planning

process.

Maintain and expand the native oak and birch woodland of Coille a’Cham Uisge.

Identify opportunities to manage some of the broadleaf woodland for wood production. Use native woodland expansion to enhance the riparian zones for fishery protection.

Review the deep peat areas of the forest to optimise the potential of both the soil and

the trees to lock carbon following the FCS guidance on peatland management.

Recognising the wider landscape context of the forest design the future coupes to fit

with the landscape as seen from key viewpoints.

Consult and work with local communities and stakeholders.

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Stakeholders & consultation:

There are a number of key groups and organizations that will be able to contribute to the

project through support and advocacy:- Forestry Commission Scotland Highland Council

Inverlochy and Torlundy Community Council Scottish Natural Heritage Local Deer Management Group SEPA

Historic Environment Scotland CONFOR River Lochy Fishing Association Scottish & Southern Electricity Scottish Water

Neighbours and Stakeholders

Forestry Commission Contact

Christina Tracey District Forester planning Lochaber Forest District

Torlundy Fort William

PH33 6SW Tel 07767 251 380

E mail : christina.tracey@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Appendix 1 Achieving national priorities locally

The management of the Forestry Commission Scotland’s national forest estate is guided by the FES National Strategic Directions (2013-16). These directions form the basis of the Lochaber FD Strategic Plan (2014-17):-

1. Healthy, achieving good environmental and silvicultural condition in a changing

climate 2. Productive, providing sustainable economic benefits from the land

3. Treasured, as a multi-purpose resource that sustains livelihoods, improves quality of life, and offers involvement and enjoyment

4. Accessible, local woodlands and national treasures that are well promoted, welcoming and open for all

5. Cared for, working with nature and respecting landscapes, natural and cultural heritage

6. Good value, exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of public benefits.

The individual forest areas of Lochaber differ in the contribution they make to achieve the different national directions. The following highlights the contribution that Camisky and the

other Great Glen Cattle Ranch forests can make to deliver these national priorities.

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Key Directions

Relevant issues identified for LMP

Healthy Achieving the right balance between bog restoration and woodland for locking up carbon will be an important

consideration in the development of the plan.

The forest has suffered from wind blow and disease pressures in its first rotation and building in resilience to climate change is another key driver in the design considerations. Storm events

are likely to intensify over the next rotation and the threat from pests and diseases affecting tree growth and mortality are

already impacting on the current crops. E.g. Dothostroma needle blight in pine and Phytophthora ramorum in larch.

Species well suited to the current site conditions while still meeting the plan objectives will be selected. Coupe boundaries

designed to avoid increasing the risk of wind damage e.g. by selecting low points on the ridge.

Thinning of the current stands of trees is not possible due to their age and vulnerability to further wind damage but it should

be possible in the next rotation provided that the first thinning is undertaken at the right time.

Productive Camisky is well situated close to the main A82 route north – south and to the sawmill at Fort William. The terrain is suitable for harvester/forwarder and is low lying giving straightforward

operational working conditions. The current felling plan for the next 10 years is an average of c8k m3 per year.

The principle challenge in the first rotation crops is to optimise

the return with stands already compromised by wind damage

and disease. The lack of road access has meant that felling proposed in the previous plan has not been carried out. This

delay together with the wind damage already occurring will limit the degree to which the forest can be restructured this

rotation. A felling from NE to SW is more likely to be required rather than a patchwork of coupes and may necessitate bringing forward felling areas.

Although climatically suitable for a wide range of tree species,

the main challenge for the future forest here is the poorer quality of the soils and the amount of deeper peats. Consideration of mixtures such as SS/LP and the use of

fertiliser for establishment will need to be considered alongside species choice. The good access and straightforward working

conditions will allow lower yield class crops still to be economic.

With the improved road access there may be scope for thinning

some of the birch regeneration and remove fire wood material. The area of broadleaf woodland will be expanded as part of the

restoration of PAWS area to native species. The opportunity to

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establish some of this woodland with a view to obtaining timber in the future will be considered. The stands will generally only be of fuel wood grade but with careful management some

better stems will emerge. Regeneration will be through natural regeneration and planting, the latter in particular to increase

the species diversity.

Deer management will become increasingly important as the

amount of vulnerable woodland increases with restocking and regeneration.

There are currently no renewable energy development

proposals being considered for Camisky and its potential is low

with current technology.

The importance of the River Lochy for salmon fishing is recognised and the design of the woodland adjacent to the river will take this into account.

Camisky itself is only used to a limited extent for recreation but

it does form part of the view from a number of key points including the Commando memorial, the A82 tourist route and

the upper station at Nevis Range. It is most significant in the view of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor from the B8004 Banavie to Gairlochy road. The impact of the design of the felling and

restocking will be taken into account from these views.

Treasured Coille a‘Cham Uisge with its mature trees is one of the larger

oak woodlands in the area and its local value recognised. The plan will seek to protect and expand this woodland area.

Dalvenvie is the closest wood to Fort William of the forests in

this plan and has potential for created community involvement.

It is one of the 3 woods that are under consideration for sale by FCS at present.

Tomacharich woodland has an interesting mix of oak and birch

on the drier knolls with pine on the bog as well as riparian and

bog woodland. It forms the backdrop to the cabin site which needs to be taken into account in planning the management of

the current crop and the future development of the woodland.

The lochan near Brackletter is already an open area of water

and wetland and could be further enhanced once the current crop is harvested

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Accessible Dalvenvie is designated as a WIAT woodland due to its

proximity to Fort William but the access is limited by a lack of suitable parking areas. The focus for recreation and access by

FCS has been Cow Hill above the town. Dalvenvie is nevertheless well used locally for walking along the track.

Access to the River Lochy is taken along the edge of the forest at Camisky – the river banks themselves are not part of the

national forest estate.

Cared for Past work in Coillie a’Cham Uisge has removed conifer from

part of the woodland and encourage birch regeneration to take place. There is further work to be done to manage the regeneration and to encourage a wider variety of site native

trees. The plan will also look to expand the area to native woodland and fully restore all the PAWS areas. Opportunities

to link the other broadleaf remnants will also be looked at. Restoration of some of the bog area planted with conifers has

already begun. Other areas will be reviewed during the development of the plan to see if they have potential for full

restoration or for the development of bog woodland. Not all areas will be suitable and provided these will grow a productive crop will continue to be managed for timber and fully

restocked.

Expansion of the riparian zones will be a feature of the plans recognising the importance of the River Lochy and its

tributaries for salmon.

Black grouse are one of the priority species for FCS and design

of the forest edge in the proximity to the leks will seek to improve the woodland edge habitat for this species.

Good Value The production of timber will be the principle source of income generation from Camisky with the addition of some venison

sales.

APPENDIX VIII

Coille Cam Uisgidh

Sgìre Loch Abar

Àinmean-àite a’ Ghàidhlig anns a’ Choille Camus Sgiath / Glossary of Gaelic placenames in Camisky Forest

Cam Uisgidh NN13877891 - Winding or crooked water

Caochan na Dalach NN13877890 – The eddy or wash of the meadow , may be a reference to illicit distilling

Allt na Criche NN14307913 - The boundary burn.

Tom an t-Sluic NN14387931 - The hillock of the hollow

Coile a Cham Uisge NN15738077 – Wood of the winding or crooked water

Dail Riabhaich NN15338106 – The brindled meadow

Allt an t-Saighdeir NN16178157 – Burn of the soldier

Allt an Oir NN16808207 – The edge or periphery burn

Allt Ruadh NN17468240 – The brown or rusty red coloured burn

Creag Sgiathach NN17568241- The winged shaped rock or cliff

Allt a Chlamhain NN18198237 – Burn of the Hawk

Meall Dubh NN18488180 – The black mound or rounded hill

Allt a’ Mhill Dhuibh NN19178214 – The gloomy (shaded) Mill burn

Tom nan Cubairean NN18558119 – The hillock of the cooper

Tom nam Peathraichean NN17618107- The hillock of the twin sisters (may be a reference to “peither” meaning serpents )

APPENDIX IX

Semi-natural woodlands, Camisky

The semi-natural woodlands in Camisky were surveyed in July 2017 using the FES Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland Condition Assessment (2015) guidance.

The Native Woodland Survey for Scotland mapped 88.7Ha of Camisky as being of 100% semi-naturalness. 40.2Ha of this area is classified as ancient-semi-natural woodland.

78.2Ha of the total semi-natural woodland exists as a cohesive area on the slopes above and to the east of the single track public road that bisects the Camisky block. The woodland is of high ecological value and contains a range of woodland types, predominantly upland oak, upland birch and wet woodland. Stands of hazel interspersed in the oak woodland are of particular ecological value.

The remaining semi-natural woodland exists primarily as isolated fragments to the North of the main semi-natural woodland. While not classified as ancient-semi-natural woodlands, the largest of these fragments is associated with an incised watercourse and supports features normally indicative of ancient semi-natural woodland.

The July 2017 survey concluded that the most appropriate management model for the majority of the semi-natural woodland in Camisky is minimum intervention due to the ecological importance, existing diversity of stand structure and lack of access for management. There are opportunities for more intensive management of native woodland through restoring the more degraded planted ancient woodland sites (PAWS), which has good access from the new forest road.

Three management actions are flagged from the July 2017 survey:

1. Herbivore impacts; recorded as high to very high in all polygons surveyed. Most of the block is not deer fenced. While the continuity of woodland is not threatened in the medium term, ground flora associated with ancient semi-natural woodland and structural diversity are threatened.

2. Landscape connectivity; the main semi-natural woodland is isolated. This is addressed in the 2017 LMP revision in which the fragments to the North are to be linked through to the main woodland through the regeneration of native trees on previously felled conifer plantation ground. However, the current herbivore impact precludes establishment of native trees.

3. Deadwood; large diameter oak and birch timber has been removed from site over a number of years without permission from the District. This includes felling mature oak trees and removing dead limbs from standing trees in addition to removal of fallen deadwood. This attribute will continue to fail until removal of deadwood ceases.