District Strategic Plan Scottish Lowlands District 2014-2017 · In the parlance of ecosystem services, we are growing the supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural services

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District Strategic Plan

Scottish Lowlands District

2014-2017

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1. Foreword 4

2. About this plan 6

3. Connecting with Scottish Government national priorities 6

4. Connecting our plans with what we do on the ground 7

5. Values and Principles 8

6. Introducing Scottish Lowlands Forest District 10

7. District Vision 13

8. District Priorities and Actions 13

9. Consultation (or Engagement) with Stakeholders 42

10. Delivery and Monitoring Section 45

Appendix 1 47

Glossary 80

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1. Foreword

The main role of Forest Enterprise Scotland is to manage Scotland’s National Forest Estate. It is a privilege. We are excited about the potential to make more of this asset that occupies 9% of Scotland’s land area. We remain committed to our forest management and timber production roots. But we are also showing that with clear strategic thinking, good spatial planning and a broadening range of skills and 5

expertise, the Estate can offer much more besides. In the parlance of ecosystem services, we are growing the supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural services provided both from the Estate’s woodlands and its diverse open land area.

We are conscious that the Estate is a public asset. Ours is a stewardship role. We continue to explore how best to discharge this responsibility in 21st century Scotland, working with communities and partners to develop the Estate to deliver against current local and 10

national priorities, whilst also ensuring that we manage the Estate sustainably and improve it for the next generation. This document lays out the next chapter of the Estate’s story, that now spans nearly 100 years. Simon Hodge Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise Scotland 15

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Ro-ràdh

Is e prìomh dhleastanas Iomairt Choilltean na h-Alba a bhith an urra ri Oighreachd Coille Nàiseanta na h-Alba, agus tha seo na urram dhuinn. Tha sinn a’ faighinn brosnachadh mòr às na cothroman an lùib seo; stòras mòr chraobhan a tha a’ còmhdachadh còrr is 9% de 20

dh’Alba. Tha sinn gu mòr airson is gum bi sinn dìleas, dìcheallach a thaobh ar n-obrach a’ manaidseadh nan coilltean agus a’ pròiseasadh an fhiodha. Tha sinn a’ sealltainn, ge-tà, gun gabh mòran a dhèanamh a bharrachd air seo – tro shiostam-planaidh soilleir, ro-innleachdail - le leudachadh ga dhèanamh air sgilean is teòmachd na buidhne. Ann am briathran nan seirbheisean eag-shiostaim, tha sinn a’ toirt leasachadh air ar taic, goireasachadh, riaghladh agus ar seirbheisean cultarail; seirbheisean air an toirt seachad bhon dà chuid fearann coillteach na h-Oighreachd agus tron fharsaingeachd sgìrean de dh’fhearann fosgailte. 25

Tha sinn mothachail gu bheil an Oighreachd na so-mhaoin phoblach agus tha sinn gu mòr an sàs ann an obair ghlèidhidh. Nì sinn tuilleadh obrach a chum nan dòighean as èifeachdaiche air an dleastanas seo a choileanadh san 21mh linn; ag obair le coimhearsnachdan agus le compàirtean gus an Oighreachd a leasachadh a chum na prìomhachasan ionadail agus nàiseanta a thoirt gu buil. Nì sinn cinnteach, aig an aon àm, gum bi an Oighreachd air a ruith ann an dòigh sheasmhach agus gun tèid a leasachadh airson an ath-ghinealaich. Tha am foillseachadh seo a’ toirt cunntas air an ath-chaibideil ann am beatha na h-Oighreachd, beatha a tha a’ dol air ais an ìre mhath 100 30

bliadhna.

Sìm Hodge

Ceannard Iomairt Choilltean na h-Alba

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2. About this plan 35

This document describes the role and strategic directions for Scottish Lowlands District managing approximately a tenth of Scotland’s National Forest Estate (NFE). It replaces the Forest District Strategic Plan 2009-2013. Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES), which is an agency of Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), manages the Estate on behalf of Scottish Ministers. Information on FES, its governance, corporate goals, targets and performance measures can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk, 40

in the FES National Strategic Directions, the FCS Corporate Plan and Annual Reports.

3. Connecting with Scottish Government national priorities The NFE occupies 9% of Scotland and provides a real opportunity to deliver across a number of Scottish Government priorities. We align 45

management of the Estate to the Scottish Government’s Scotland Performs framework. The NFE presents the biggest opportunity for Scottish Government to implement the principles of the Land Use Strategy through working in partnership with nature and linking

people with the land. The Estate can help meet Climate Change commitments through the use of trees to sequester carbon, managing the Estate to help contribute to flood mitigation and by ensuring that the biodiversity of the Estate is secure and able to adapt to climate change. This will also ensure a continued contribution to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. The NFE contains approximately one third 50

of Scotland’s woodland resource and is instrumental in delivering the Scottish Forestry Strategy and FCS’s targets. For more information on delivery of Scottish Government priorities and linking our priorities to the ‘Scotland Performs’ framework please see our National Strategic Directions document; “The role of Scotland’s National Forest Estate and strategic directions 2013-16”. 55

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fesplans

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4. Connecting our plans with what we do on the ground We are currently reviewing our land management planning system – how we link national commitments and decision making to local action. We have a new National Strategic Directions document which states our clear strategic direction for the next three years laid out in a number of National Key Commitments. 60

The document you are now reading is part of the next level in this planning hierarchy and is one of 10 District Plans that translate the National Key Commitments into regional delivery.

These District Plans will drive our Land Management Plans, which will build on the success of Forest Design Plans and further integrate 65

varied land management priorities to maximise public benefit, and optimise ecosystem service provision. Ecosystem services include such varied objectives as conserving vulnerable species, to maintaining a supply of timber and biomass, and providing the largest area for recreational provision in Scotland. Land Management Plans will also drive the move to a ‘landscape scale’ Estate management regime. 70

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fesplans

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5. Values and Principles We list below the values and principles that we will apply when delivering our actions on the NFE. We aim to be exemplars of multi-purpose and multi-benefit sustainable land use.

Value Examples of how this is demonstrated

We think long term. We are a world leader in sustainable land management with our land management plans having a 50 to 100 year time horizon.

We deliver and demonstrate best practice.

We work to the UK Forestry Standard and Guidelines. We are independently audited against the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) and are committed to maintaining our certification under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). We will maintain our ISO14001 accreditation and continue to improve our business sustainability.

We will actively contribute towards the Forestry Safety Accord.

We embrace both a public service and a business ethos.

Most of what we do is funded through commercial revenue.

We are exemplars of multi-purpose and sustainable land use.

Each District delivers a range of benefits such as recreation opportujnities, biomass production, energy generation, carbon sequestration, habitat management, health, education and skills development.

We work in partnership, both locally and

nationally.

We work closely with other statutory and non statutory bodies such as Scottish Natural

Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). We work closely with industry bodies such as the Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor) and other land managers such as utility companies, farmers and highways agencies. We work closely with the public to ensure the enjoyment of this national resource.

We actively demonstrate our values of We are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to reflect the population of

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teamwork, professionalism, respect, communication, learning and creativity in everything we do.

Scotland. We will develop and support our people to fully employ their skills, experience, creativity and talent.

We are passionate about connecting people with nature, wild places and cultural heritage.

Open access on all our land – where safety allows – is the norm.

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6. Introducing Scottish Lowlands Forest District The NFE Locally

Total area of land managed in Scottish

Lowlands

25,500 ha

Made up of….

Woodland 16,400 ha (64%)

Made up of Coniferous

forest

14,800 ha

Broadleaved forest

2,300 ha (Includes 60 ha Ancient and Semi-natural Woodland)

Farmland (with starter farm unit) 1,220 ha (includes

two starter farm units of 310 ha)

Open space, watercourse, bog 6,850 ha (27%)

New (unplanted) acquisitions 1,030 ha

Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites cover 210 ha, Sites of Special Scientific Interest run to 422 ha and we manage 17

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Scheduled Ancient Monuments. 80

We aim to thin around 2,100 ha, 390 ha of natural reserve and minimum intervention area, and 1,750 ha managed under alternative to clearfell systems. Of the 14,000 ha of productive area, 38% was planted in the 1970s and 25% in the 1980s and 1990s. These are mainly first rotation forests, with trees planted on former open ground. Older stands pre-1960 account for 1,600 ha and do contain some veteran trees and 85

are now mostly second rotation. The average conifer productivity is Yield Class 12, with a small amount of YC 16 and over (250 ha), mostly Sitka spruce, counter balanced by 550 ha of poor productivity YC 6 and below.

Environment The predominant landform is level or rolling hills and the geology is either volcanic in origin or is overlain by glacial deposits, mostly 90

fine materials. This results in poorly drained soils and significant accumulation of peat, which strongly influences soil fertility. NFE forests lie between 50 and 500m in altitude and tree species selection has been influenced by climate (wetter in the west and drier in the east) and soil conditions. This has led to productive conifer plantations – mainly Sitka spruce with lodgepole pine – in the west and mainly on hill ground, with more diverse woodlands in the east and lower elevations. 95

As the District with the greatest extent of urbanisation and most of Scotland’s vacant and derelict land, challenges include managing the different and fragmented habitats and the pressure for development land. We have woods in numerous river catchments but larger forests are more dominant in the headwaters such as the River Carron. 100

The District’s key habitats are lowland raised bogs and lowland meadows, while the key species are great crested newts, black grouse, red squirrel, water vole, bean geese, juniper and nationally and regionally scarce lichens. We also have species more typically found in the Highlands like pine marten, red deer and osprey. The District has archaeological sites from Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and mediaeval periods, and the industrial revolution; giving us 105

almost 1300 archaeological sites recorded within the Forester GIS Heritage Module and 17 scheduled monuments. We are the only District with a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Antonine Wall (north-west frontier of the Roman Empire from about AD140 to 160). In the Kilpatrick Hills we manage sites of international importance for their geology and fossilised remains. Cultural 110

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With the District encompassing Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as the wider commuter belt, 60% of Scotland’s population – 3.6 million people – live in the area. We serve the broadest spectrum of communities as well as some of Scotland’s most deprived communities (the largest number of economically inactive people and 80% of all youth unemployment).and we do what we can to make the Estate accessible to this diverse population. Through programmes such as the ‘Woods in and Around Towns’ (WIAT) programme we aim to deliver to as many people as possible the benefits of woodlands and forests, including opportunities to improve health and wellbeing, 115

develop skills and education. We also lead on most of the major delivery of the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) – a national planning priority that recognises and reflects the importance and value of green space near to where people live and work. We are the primary lead on greening vacant and derelict land. Economy 120

Many of the contractors we employ live and work locally, which contributes directly to the economy of Central Scotland. We support 64 full-time equivalent posts directly, and an estimated 109 jobs in other areas of the business. Over 300 people take part in our skills programme each year. The valuable mineral and fuel wealth arising from the coal and gas measures that underlie the central part of the District mean that 125

there is considerable coal and mineral working in the District, together with windfarm development and woodfuel production, these interests provide significant employment and continue to expand. Forest recreation visits generate expenditure and help sustain local employment, directly or indirectly, through shops and service providers. In addition, farming is an expanding part of the business and we have 1,220 ha of agricultural land – mainly grazing leases – and two 130

starter farm units totalling 310 ha. Urban Woodlands also have an important role in placemaking, creating the backdrop for business in the central belt.

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7. District Vision 135

We will be recognised as a ‘District for people’ and as an acknowledged provider of well-managed green places in and around towns that contribute to revitalising communities and to placemaking efforts. The woodlands and forests that we manage will be recognised as places for recreation and learning, for improving health and wellbeing and places that support economic activity and employment.

8. District Priorities and Actions 140

The following sections follow the themes introduced in the national strategic directions document to ensure clear linkages through the planning framework. All Districts will apply an approach based on a strategic assessment of national and regional priorities with the overall aspiration of the Estate being:

Healthy – achieving good environmental and silvicultural condition in a changing climate

Productive – providing sustainable economic benefits from the land 145

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

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

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

Good value – exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of public benefits

The text for each theme in the following section is accompanied by a table, showing Scottish Lowlands Forest District actions in this plan 150

period, and a set of theme based maps.

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Healthy

Achieving good environmental and silvicultural condition in a changing climate

The climate and soils in the District will facilitate greater use of lower impact silvicultural systems, providing opportunities for a wider 155

choice of tree species (including productive broadleaves) as well as a wider choice of silvicultural practices. The Dstrict contains the main urban areas of Scotland, including new housing and other development areas. There is an opportunity to use the new planting programme to proactively contribute to flood alleviation works in vulnerable locations. 160

The suitable land and climatic conditions in the District have given us a role in carbon sequestration both through the creation of new woodland and as one of the four districts prioritised for lowland raised bog restoration. We have seen an increasing impact from pests and disease in the trees we manage and the District has a particular issue with Chalara fraxinea, and with Dothistroma Needle Blight (DNB) affecting our new planting and restock sites. 165

We will continue to follow the principles and good practice of urban deer management, which is important to reduce deer- related traffic accidents and animal welfare issues caused by illegal poaching.

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National Key Commitment (Healthy) Specific District Actions Crosscutting Themes

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We are committed to high quality silviculture and to increasingly using alternatives to clearfelling

Local climate and soils allow us to deliver a greater share of lower impact silvicultural systems, we will maximise the area under these regimes. (N)

We will increase where practical the diversity of species choices including productive broadleaves and minor conifer species.

We will improve our silvicultural practices, including the planting of productive broadleaves.

We are exploring how to best steward the carbon resources locked up in the Estate’s trees and soils

Continue the programme of prioritised lowland raised bog restoration. (N)

The District will continue its significant role in carbon sequestration through the creation of new woodlands. (N)

We will help the Estate to adapt to

climate change and become more resilient to pressure

As part of climate change adaption, we will be proactive

in flood alleviation works, especially through the new planting programme. (N)

We will ensure that national and research guidance, Ecological Site Classification (ESC) and Establishment Management Information System (EMIS) decision support tools will be used to inform our selection of new planting and restocking species.

In response to an increasing threat from pests and

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National Key Commitment (Healthy) Specific District Actions Crosscutting Themes

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diseases we will alter felling programmes and vary our choice of new planting and restocking species to more tolerant species.

We will continue to champion the need for urban deer management and demonstrate best practice in deer control. (N)

We are committed to dealing with invasive plants and animals that threaten

habitats and biodiversity

We will produce and implement a District plan to combat invasive species based on existing data and work

underway.

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Productive Providing sustainable economic benefits from the land

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Timber transport time and ‘costs to market’ are low in the central belt due to many timber using industries and good road networks. Because of a generally milder climate than other parts of Scotland, there are also fewer winter interruptions to supply. Many of the contractors we employ live and work locally and recycle their earnings in the economy of Central Scotland. We support 64 full-time equivalent posts directly, and an estimated 100 other jobs through contract work. 180

We have the largest number of economically inactive people in Scotland and 80% of all youth unemployment. To help address this, our skills programme accommodates over 300 people every year, with over 50% going on to jobs, training and further education. We have a large share of the national supply of biomass for energy generation, and with the largest population of all the Districts, 185

demand for woodfuel is increasing. We have been looking at small-scale supply options that both meet demand for sustainable wood material and that create economic activity. Being in close proximity to many small craft businesses and end consumers, we have a lead role in niche marketing and adding value. Farming is an increasing part of the business and we now have 1,220 ha of agricultural land (mainly grazing under lease) and two 190

starter farm units (310 ha) all generating economic activity. Significant economic activity also arises from the NFE in the central belt hosting renewable energy projects, particularly windfarms. We have Europe’s biggest on-shore windfarm at Whitelee, which together with two other windfarms, generate 379MW installed. It is estimated that a further 22 ongoing wind projects will generate a further 110MW. Combined, this would mean that the District could 195

account for 25% of the total anticipated installed capacity target for the NFE (2GW). The District’s mineral resource gives us a national lead in this area, which has been exploited by third parties with resultant economic activity. Thanks to climate and site suitability we can play a lead role in carbon sequestration through the creation of new woodlands. We have acquired 3,091 ha (Auchlochan, Windyhill, Lambhill, Cadgerford, Muirside, Pitcairn, S.Dundonald, Gavinburn, Auchineden Hill) (a 13.8% 200

increase in area) in the last 5 years, with a significant increase in productive broadleaf area. The proximity of a large urban population give us a lead role in developing recreation hubs and day visits to our forests generating economic benefits from visitor spending for local economies and business as well as the District.

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National Key Commitment (Productive) Specific District Actions Crosscutting Themes

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We aim to increase the contribution of the NFE to the economy of Scotland and its regions and recognise the potential of the Estate to assist transition to a low carbon economy

Over the next 10 years we aim to have a timber haulage road into every block we manage.

Through our procurement processes ensure we provide opportunities for local and small business.

We aim to provide at least three million

cubic metres of softwood timber every year on a sustainable basis

SLFD will maintain a harvesting output of 150,000m3.

We intend to manage at least a quarter of our expanding broadleaved woodlands to produce quality hardwoods and woodfuel

We have large areas of new broadleaved planting and will actively manage those highlighted for timber production.

We will continue with the SRF and Coppice trials at East Grange, Fife, in collaboration with Forest Research. (N)

We aim to identify areas of existing broadleaf woodland restocking / regeneration that can be brought into active management for timber production.

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We will market timber in ways that encourage value adding and additional jobs in manufacturing and processing, recognising the benefits of contributing to local economic activity, especially in the more fragile rural areas

We will increase the volume of wood going to niche markets and start a local firewood shop. (N)

We will use our work programmes to promote the development of the forestry

and land management sectors

We will continue the ‘back to work’ programme contracts and develop partnerships for rural skills to

get more people economically active.

We plan to increase agricultural use of the Estate where this is consistent with environmental objectives

We will continue to offer grazings on acquisition sites pre-planting, fence new areas for agriculture, and manage our two starter farms.

We aim to realise the Estate’s renewable energy potential whilst achieving a reasonable balance with other objectives

We will maximise the renewable energy potential of the NFE in the central belt while minimising impacts and maximising community benefit.

We will work with partners to find new ways to harness our natural and cultural heritage and develop the Estate’s potential for tourism

We will make sure key visitor destinations under our stewardship like the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site, Kelvin Valley, Campsie Glen and Kilpatrick Hills are managed to a high standard thus ensuring our contribution adds value to the vistor economy..

Building on the Year of Natural Scotland and working with partners and local communities we will develop and implement a wildlife viewing opportunity within

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the City of Glasgow. (N) We will continue joint working with Canals Scotland

where the Forth and Clyde Canal lies adjacent to property which we manage. We will provide tourism and day visit recreation developments where these generate economic activity and benefits for the local economy and communities.

We will support the Scottish

Government's woodland expansion policy

Scottish Lowlands has been, and will continue to be, a

key location for acquisition and woodland creation giving us a key role in delivering new planting targets. (N)

We will revisit new planting sites after year 5 to assess if there are further areas that can be planted.

We will continue to use local authority forest and woodland strategies to inform the location and suitability of new woodlands.

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Treasured As a multi-purpose resource that sustains livelihoods, improves quality of life, and offers involvement and

enjoyment 210

We have the greatest potential to communicate to a wide and diverse audience about the NFE treasures. With 3.6 million people in the cities, towns and communities of the District, the 19 local authorities and most of the elected representatives have a primary role in helping us to develop people-centric approaches to engaging with the area’s population. 215

All our staff, particularly the Communities Recreation & Tourism team, have a vital, visible and empowered woodland presence and one of our priorities in working with communities is to encourage people to value their local green place. We aim to make our woodlands attractive and accessible visitor locations to a diverse range of people of all ages and all abilities and our outreach work actively encourages and facilitates communities to use the NFE. 220

We are the District with the most people which provides the best opportunities to work with communities. Many want to get involved in volunteering on the Estate or just make use of it. So we have a large, focused and dedicated communities team in place to support people and communities make the most of the green spaces around them, facilitate use and hope they are on a journey to become self-sustaining in their use of the Estate. 225

Our highly successful work-related forestry skills programme is helping to combat high unemployment rates, especially amongst young people.

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National Key Commitment (Treasured) Specific District Actions Crosscutting Themes

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We want to encourage local people to get involved with using and managing local Estate woodlands so we will actively engage with local communities and be open to work in partnership

We will continue with our lead role in delivering WIAT and placemaking to high standards within the CSGN, delivering green space aspirations including the restoration of derelict land and brownfield sites which are made available to us, with the necessary funding for their remediation. (N)

We will deploy our community ranger team to inform,

consult and engage with local people and groups to continue to add value and develop our contribution to community woodlands within the CSGN. We will do this in accordance with our consultation strategy. (N)

We are well placed to seek to get more people engaged with and using the Estate for local benefits – such as the community growing work we are developing. (N)

With up to 20 new renewable wind projects and relevant community interest we will work with renewable energy developers who are operating on the Estate to maximise opportunities from planning

gain and community funds to create funding opportunities for community environmental and social benefits and investment..

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We will continue to use the Estate as a

place for volunteering and gaining employment skills

We will develop and expand our volunteering effort,

increasing the number of volunteer days from 230 per year to 500. (N)

We will continue working with third sector organisations such as Barnardos and Living Solutions, managing our very successful programme of providing young people with employability skills, providing 100 employment skills placements in the

CSGN area per annum. (N) We will host, develop, and support annually 3

apprentices, 1 graduate, and a forestry student.

We are committed to creating more uniquely special places across the Estate and to delivering benefits to an increasingly diverse range of Scotland’s

people

Through Land Management Plans and careful implementation of our work programmes in visitor zones we will deliver improvements for peoples' asthetic appreciation and security, especially in the

most visited parts of the Estate in the CSGN. (N) We will prepare visitor experience plans that explore

how we may best interpret special places like the Kilpatrick Hills, Blairadam, and Carron Valley to add value to visitors appreciation and understanding of these locations and their management.

We will continue to deliver improvements for people

and the environment in the woodlands we manage

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within the WIAT programme and to seek to extend

and add value where possible within the resources made available to us. (N)

We will deliver the WIAT Central Scotland Engagement Programme, with continued outreach by community rangers. (N)

We will continue to acquire, lease and manage under agreements additional sites to bring the benefits of

green places next to priority communities. 1 member of ranger team to specialise in diversity. (N) The CSGN has a number of special places which we

will maintain and enhance through appropriate management. This includes the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site at Nethercroy and Twechar plus the legacy of the Commonwealth Games Community Woodlands.

We recognise the value of the Estate as a place for research and development of best practice

East Grange will continue to be managed as a reseach site for new planting and climate change.

We will continue to diversify species, planting mixtures and spacing on new planting sites in line with ESC and best silvicultural practice.

Continued development of operations in WIAT sites for a £1million mental health study and Larbert being

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used as a health/NHS case study; undertaking and sharing lessons learned where District or wider audiences can benefit. (N)

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Accessible Local woodlands and national treasures that are well promoted, welcoming and open for all

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We have a lead role encouraging greater use of the Estate, through developing accessible paths and track networks, making people feel welcome, and our staff providing a local presence and generating community engagement, especially near to where people live and work and delivery of the ’visitor zone‘ work. We are involved in outreach activity and host a range of events designed to highlight the relevance and the appeal of the Estate to a 240

diverse audience. The Distirct area includes the largest communities and most of Scotland’s health deprived wards, therefore we have the greatest potential to communicate the benefits of the Estate to the biggest and most relevant audiences and to lead in providing health improving programmes. Using the Estate as an outdoor classroom means we also have the potential to reach the 70% of Scotland’s school age children living in 245

the District. We are also ideally placed to engage with educational facilities across the area and develop the Estate as a place for education and life long learning. We proactively engage with disability groups and encourage their use of the Estate, by providing information (photo trails) and building more accessible trails. 250

We are capitalising on our 14 years of experience of prioritising Scotland’s most deprived communities, to lead on the Scottish Government’s ambition to establish a green network across the central belt of Scotland, now a National Planning Framework commitment. Our primary delivery programme, WIAT, demonstrates at a number of sites how we can deliver a range of social benefits – and value for money – in managing woodlands close to urban centres. This involves taking a leading role in partnership work with the 255

police and other relevant public bodies and – amongst other things – tackling anti-social and illegal behaviour, illegal use of motorcycles and fly-tipping. We have a primary role in the contribution we can make to urban greening by restoring derelict sites to usable green places.

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National Key Commitment (Accessible) Specific District Actions Crosscutting Themes

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We will continue to invest available resources into high quality facilities that encourage and help visitors experience and enjoy the outdoor environment

We will continue to engage with disability groups to encourage use of the Estate, continue our access works with least restrictive principles, develop our photo trails, build new all-ability paths and improve access points. We will use Fieldfare Trust survey 2010 to plan and implement ten accessible path projects. (N)

We will continue to review our recreation facility provision, monitoring quality and concentrating resources where they most benefit visitors and local communities.

We will develop recreation master plans for our key sites, including Carron Valley, Blairadam, Kilpatrick Hills, Devilla and Campsie Glen (N)

Our staff will continue to be responsive to visitor

needs, to learn and develop their customer focus and facility management skills and continue to improve our marketing including our on line information and promotional work. This will include working closely with VisitScotland and other local partners.

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We will continue to encourage use of the

Estate for health benefits and outdoor learning

Continue to work with the Forest Education Initiative,

and develop our rural skills work, working with teachers and leaders within educational groups that encourages more schools and young people to use green places (e.g. Newbattle College and woods) as a place for learning in their delivery of the National Curriculum. (N) We will continue to work with NHS Scotland Health

Boards on demonstration projects on the Estate that

develop and deliver a health programme that recognises the benefit that green spaces have on metal and physical health in line with Scottish Government health agenda objectives e.g. NHS Forth Valley at Larbert. (N)

We will continue to make the Estate available for the wide range of activities, events and sports that we currently host and, by making improvements to our

permission system, improve our service and reduce the risk of potential conflicts between different users.

De Develop a District communications strategy that details methods and opportunities for action to inform and educate the public about the wide range of benefits the NFE provide.

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Through our WIAT programme we aim to

provide more opportunities for more of Scotland’s people to enjoy high-quality countryside and find health, education, skills and community involvement benefits

We will create a new urban woodland park at

Cunnigar within the Clyde gateway regeneration area adjacent to the River Clyde and next to the Commonwealth Games Village and continue to seek opportunities for further greening within the City of Glasgow. (N)

We will seek to continue to improve the standard of visitor experience to all WIAT woods we manage

within the CSGN to allow them to meet the WIAT standard determined by Forestry Commission Scotland by 2020.

We will develop a staff resource to manage a programme of greening Vacant and Derelict Land – including sites on the NHS Estate – across Central Scotland. (N)

We will produce a Masterplan and Land management

Plan for the Kilpatrick Hills and see through its development as a recreation site for Glasgow.

Continue to engage with Scottish Government, Local Authorities and other partners to champion the Estate’s contribution to the CSGN which comprises an important element of delivery provided for within the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework

3.

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Cared for

Working with nature and respecting landscapes, natural and cultural heritage 265

The larger community base means we have a lead role engaging the public in natural, cultural, and historical values of the NFE, providing opportunities for better understanding and volunteering in the natural environment. The District’s focus is local action across most of the major habitat and species programmes. We are also one of four districts with 270

priority restoration planned for lowland raised bogs, Coalburn Moss being of national importance. We also look after a number of historic sites for a range of periods and are the only District with a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Antonine Wall (the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire from about AD140 to 160).

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275

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National Key Commitment (Cared for) Specific District Actions Crosscutting Themes

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Across Scotland, we are restoring around 85% of areas on ancient woodland sites to largely native species. The remaining areas will be enhanced through our management.

We will produce and deliver a plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) plan for the NFE in Scottish Lowlands, aiming to initiate the restoration of 187 ha (75%) of PAWS area by 2019 (88 ha through felling and 99 ha of restructuring).

We will be more proactive in engaging with communities on the natural, cultural and historic

values of the NFE, informing them of local things of note and encouraging involvement through volunteering.

We will link the Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland sites with the Natural Reserves to increase their resilience.

Across Scotland, we plan to increase broadleaved tree cover from the current 8% woodland cover to around 20%

We will increase our broadleaf cover from the current 3,857 ha (21% of woodland, 15% of our total landholding) to 27% over the next 5 years.

We will use the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland (NWSS) to inform our Land Management Plan work, which will result in expanding native woodland in the central belt.

Across Scotland, we are committed to maintaining the best open habitats in good ecological condition

Our open spaces will be surveyed and mapped by 2019.

We will ensure the continuity of our open habitats by

moving an increasing area into monitored and

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managed status. Management prescriptions will be identified as part of

the Local Management Plan, with a focus on the priority open habitats.

We will implement the restoration of the priority lowland raised bogs noted in the national strategy, including Nether Bracco and Carnwath Moss. (N)

Where suitable, appropriate agricultural grazing will

be implemented to maintain both bog and meadow habitats.

We will work in partnership with adjoining landowners to improve the habitat for bean geese on the Slamannan Plateau.

Across Scotland, we will identify particularly vulnerable species for which the National Forest Estate is important

and take specific conservation action

National programme of monitoring will continue for two black grouse populations to help understand the fluctuations in the populations.

We will produce and implement a black grouse habitat management plan in the Kilpatrick Hills.

District plans for great crested newt and water vole will be updated and implemented.

Favour red squirrel habitat at Devilla through choice of tree species and continued LISS management.

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We safeguard archaeological sites through our planning and management and recognise special places and features with local cultural meaning

Take a lead on promoting access to the Antonine Wall on the NFE. (N)

Plan appropriate agricultural grazing to manage the vegetation on archaeological features, thereby ensuring they are visible and undisturbed by invasive species.

We will ensure all designated and significant undesignated historic assets are recorded in our

design and work planning systems, update the Forester GIS Heritage Module with new discoveries

Archaeology, where appropriate, will be used to help engage with local communities, such as our work at Wilsontown Ironworks.

We will continue to commission archaeological survey where necessary

We will ensure that our significant designated historic

assets are managed according to Monument Management Plans agreed with Historic Scotland

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Good value Exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of public benefits 280

Coal, sand, aggregates, and gas measures underlie the central part of Scotland, meaning the District has a significant role in developing the mineral wealth of the Estate and realising its economic potential. We have significant wind development potential, with two existing windfarms and 379MW of installed capacity, along with other 285

developments we will have 25% of the NFE 2020 target of 2GW. This brings a varied income stream from rental income to payments from developers for other lease obligations such as habitat management, new roads, or restock payments. We have developed a role achieving income from FCS for priority programme delivery, close to £5m over 3 years and further opportunities for attracting external funding. 290

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National Key Commitment (Good value) Specific District Actions Crosscutting Themes

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We will seek a diverse range of income sources to underpin the cost of managing the Estate, and we will continually look for ways to achieve best value in delivery of public benefits

We will develop the potential to exploit the mineral wealth from the NFE in the central belt. (N)

We will ensure we attain income from the many renewable projects – and access to projects through the NFE.

We will develop a proactive programme to get external funding for our many projects and works.

We will make progressive reductions in the emissions from our Estate management activities

Continue to select fleet vehicles with lower emissions where these still meet the business need.

Continue the work of the District business sustainability team to further green the business.

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9. Consultation (or Engagement) with Stakeholders 295

FES attaches great importance to engaging customers and stakeholders in developing new plans, strategies or policy and their implementation. We aim to involve as wide a range of people at as early a stage as possible and make the engagement as thorough, effective, transparent and appropriate to the target audience. Key Commitments 300

A clear and agreed purpose shared with all parties Fairness, equality and inclusion Provide accurate and timely information Exercise skill in order to build relationships, to ensure practise of equalities principles, to share ownership of the agenda, and to

enable all viewpoints to be reflected 305

Improve the quality of engagement by learning from experience Participants are given the opportunity to build on their knowledge and skills Conform to statutory legislation

In summary, these principles aim to build on the skills and knowledge of all those involved and outline our commitment to continuously 310

improve and to foster a clear sense of purpose for achieving change.

District Engagement and Stakeholders Engagement by the District on plans and programmes conforms to the FES Engagement Strategy that, in turn, follows the Scottish Government Consultation Good Practice Guidance. 315

When consulting we endeavour to reach all those people and groups who would like to know what we are doing, but we recognise that not all people or organisations have the same capacity to engage. We currently engage well with legal and statutory consultees and we have been developing our ability to work at a more local and individual scale, broadening our understanding of the needs of communities of interest in order to better engage with them across the District. 320

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For example, while ethnic groupings account for 3% (108,000) of the population in Scottish Lowlands Forest District, this is also over 90% of Scotland’s entire ethnic population. This population tends to be focused in the main cities and towns, notably Glasgow and Edinburgh, and presents a rich diversity of languages, cultures and customs. 325

The largest visitor group to the Estate (60%) is the over-35s, who make up just over half of the areas demographic, yet the majority of Scotland’s school-aged people also live in the area. An estimated 1 million adults in Scotland have a disability and from the 2001 census 58% of these people live in the District. There is little empirical visitor data concerning sexual orientation but we work with groups like Stonewall to understand and respond to some of the issues.

330

We engage directly with women only groups because although there are slightly more females (52%) to males (48%) in the population of the central belt, women are under represented in our visitor profile. As a District, we also have the highest proportion of deprived communities and health deprived wards in Scotland. It is often the case that there is a significant concentration of people from ethnic backgrounds and with disabilities in these poorer communities. 335

Some of these stakeholder groups are hard to reach, but we do what we can through our outreach programme to engage with all of them and to encourage them to engage with us. To help us achieve this we work closely with the Central Scotland Diversity Officer and have a Central Scotland engagement strategy that explains how we engage with our diverse community base.

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Who we engage with

Types of activity National Regional Local Forest District Strategic Plans

FCS

Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees e.g. Timber Trade, SNH, SEPA, RSPB

Central Scotland Conservancy, South of Scotland Conservancy, Perth & Argyll Conservancy, Timber Trade, Local Authorities, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees

Neighbours, Businesses

Residents, Council Members, Community Councils

Land Management Plans

Central Scotland Conservancy, South of Scotland Conservancy, Perth & Argyll Conservancy, Timber Trade, Local Authorities, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees



Renewable Energy Projects – Wind and Hydro

FCS Conservancy Office, Local Authorities, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees

Neighbours, Community Councils and community groups

Development Plans Ministers, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees e.g. Timber Trade, SNH, SEPA, RSPB

FCS Conservancy Office, Local Authorities, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees



Work Plans Utility Companies, Access Officers, Local Authorities, Highways Agencies,

Neighbours, Businesses, Utility Companies

Repositioning programmes

Ministers, FCS, SGRPID FCS Conservancy Office, SGRPID, Local Authorities

Neighbours, Community Councils,

Recreation Events Local Authorities, Highways Agencies, Neighbours

Access Officers, Local Authorities, Highways Agencies, Neighbours

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10. Delivery and Monitoring Section Context 345

Delivery is based on the creation of a rolling annual business plan. This identifies and measures the physical and financial resources required to deliver the Scottish Lowlands Forest District component of the National Strategic Directions. The business plan is developed using data from detailed Work Plans prepared for all significant programmes approximately two years before work commences. These plans are driven by the Land Management Plans, and above those, the District Strategic Plans. 350

Following approval of the business plan the local managers organise the agreed programmes and report each quarter relative to timescales, resources and quality standards. This wide-ranging monitoring is integral to sustainable forest management and reflects formal performance monitoring such as the UK Forest Standard and informal monitoring of day-to-day detailed management activity. 355

Before looking to establish the way forward, a key component of the process of strategic planning is to firstly establish where we are now. This can be achieved by review of the performance against the indicators outlined in the previous Scottish Lowlands Forest District

Strategic Plan 2009-2013.

Monitoring for the 2009-2013 District Strategic Plan 360

The plan covering the period 2009-2013 reflected aspirational delivery grouped into the seven themes from the Scottish Forestry Strategy – Climate Change, Timber, Business Development, Community Development, Access & Health, Environmental Quality and Biodiversity. In each section of this plan each Forest District outlined what it would contribute to delivery of the seven themes against the relevant target. The progress relative to these targets is contained in Appendix 1. The appendix reports completion of the targets (new, yes, no or partial) and includes explanatory comment. 365

Monitoring for the 2014-2017 District Strategic Plan Each of the 10 Forest Districts in Scotland has identified how best to contribute to the delivery of the aspirations outlined in ‘The role of Scotland’s

National Forest Estate and strategic directions 2013-2016’. These aspitations are categorised under the headings Healthy, Productive, Treasured,

Accessible, Cared for and Good value. 370

The 2014-2017 District Strategic Plan for Scottish Lowlands will be routinely monitored to ensure that progress can be tracked against both national

and local aspirations and will focus on those specific District Priority Commitments outlined in the thematic tables containing the ‘District Actions’.

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Strategic Environmental Assessment Monitoring 375

The 10 Forest District Strategic Plans will be subject to assessment and consultation through the established Strategic Environmental Assessment procedures. The outcomes will be used to create a suite of indicators under each of the six national priorities. The reporting strategy will be owned at national level but will reflect local trends and district issues derived from the relevant FD priority commitments. The relevant indicators will be reviewed concurrently with the cycle of national and Forest District Strategic Plans reviews. 380

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Appendix 1 Delivery of 2009-2013 Scottish Lowlands Forest District Strategic Plan

Target from previous District Strategic Plan

Target achieved

Comments on progress and future work required

CLIMATE CHANGE Renewable energy Scot Low 1.01

Maximise the potential for windfarms and other renewable energy projects with regard to landscape, biodiversity, public access, community and economic values. We have

two active sites at Whitelee and Kingshill (Black Law), and are working with Partnership for Renewables (PfR) on 20 other sites.

Achieved The Whitelee and Black Law windfarm developments are built and contributing to the current 600Mw installed on the NFE. We have an additional 15 sites (from single to 25 turbines) at various stages of planning. We have gained new environmental understanding and knowledge through environmental assessment undertaken by developers and new community engagement connections and insights as a result of the windfarm planning work.

Scot Low 1.02

Facilitate the growth of the woodfuel market in Central Scotland through the provision of timber and sites to operate from. Apply value for money and FES business principles when supporting local entrepreneurs. We 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

Achieved We have made some progress identifying broadleaf thinning areas, selling more fire wood in lots to merchants and to private supply, largely led by economic conditions. Current demand has outstripped our ability to supply.

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Target achieved


within the District boundary. Scot Low 1.03

Provide timber for national long-term contracts for biomass supply including where suitable the provision of forest residues. Current programme is 25,000 cubic metres in locations like existing contracts at Whitelee.

Achieved Specific forest locations such as Whitelee, Heathland, Benhar and Fauldhouse are particularly suitable for the production of biomass, although other locations can supply this market to a lesser degree. Whitelee supplied

a 25k tonne annual woodfuel contract.

Scot Low 1.04

Work with Forest Research, Conservancies and others to share the knowledge we gain at our coppice and short rotation

forestry trials at East Grange, Fife.

Achieved We have set aside dedicated areas at East Grange and Auchlochan, for Forest Research to study the performance of a range of short and long rotation trees, and have hosted a number of learning days there.

Scot Low 1.05

Implement the requirements of our business sustainability programme and attainment of ISO 14001 in the offices we occupy.

Achieved FES attained ISO14001 and we were one of the lead Districts in the audit process.

Adapting to climate change Scot Low 1.05 Implement any changes to species selection informed by national research, guidance and tools. Climate change mitigation will continue to be carried out using ESC and EMIS decision making tools, when new

planting and restocking.

Achieved We are using decision making tools and pioneering a range of less ‘mainstream’ species, in order to increase diversity, develop timber markets, maximise timber yields and to provide more resilience to climate change and to pests and diseases. Species being used are – Japanese Cedar, Western Red Cedar, Serbian Spruce, Silver Fir, Norway Maple, Sweet Chestnut, Beech, Aspen, Lime.

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Target achieved


Scot Low 1.06

Create appropriate habitat networks on any new acquisitions, currently planning for Westfield, Kilpatrick Hills, Howwood, Muirkirk, Merchanthall and Lambhill.

Delivered on Campsie Glen, Auchlochan, Windyhill, East Grange, Knockmountain, Cochno Hill, Cadgerford and Muirside.

Achieved New forest and open habitat networks continue to be created on all new acquisitions, forming large scale open ground and woodland habitat corridors, providing linkage and connectivity.

Scot Low 1.08

Take part in tree health and other pathogen surveys and report any tree health issues

discovered.

Achieved Tree health has become a serious concern and a major workstream, with several nationally significant tree diseases present in the District – Phytophthora ramorum affecting larch and rhododendron, Chalara fraxinea affecting ash, DNB affecting pines and birch canker affecting silver birch. A range of surveys, analysis, planning and operations are ongoing and involving a significant body of work.

Flood and Catchment management Scot Low 1.09

Competent and effective compliance with Forestry Commission Forests and Water Guidelines during all operations.

Achieved The Forests and Water Guidelines are adhered to in the course of planning and delivery of operations. There are several areas of particular sensitivity, such as public water supplies at Carron Valley and the Kilpatrick Hills and fisheries interests at Auchlochan, Campsie Glen and Blairadam.

Scot Low 1.10

Forest designs will include good riparian management and any requirements of river

basin management plans.

Achieved Forest Design Plans are taking into account riparian zone management. Opportunities are being taken with new acquisitions and forest plan renewals to enhance this element of forest management.

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Target achieved


Scot Low 1.11

Contribute, through the existing and any new acquisitions, to flood management projects. There are currently no proposals but we should seek to be involved in one

project.

Not achieved

Furthered discussions with SEPA and Renfrew Council at Johnston and more potential in Clyde gateway regeneration area, but no actual sites.

Carbon Sequestration Scot Low 1.12

Continue to explore and evaluate opportunities for new woodland that can

contribute to carbon sequestration and other strategic objectives, especially WIAT. There are currently 1200 ha underway in the next three years with the potential to continue at this level.

Achieved We continue to seek out suitable sites using the acquisitions strategy analysis carried out over the past 18 months, which identified distinct zones

within the District according to their land suitability, climatic suitability, land ownership patterns and a range of other factors.

Scot Low 1.13

Use the new planting ‘heat map’ to ensure

public benefits from new woodlands are maximised and targeted, particularly around Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Achieved GIS datasets are used to map the range of public needs for new woodlands in

and around the major centres of population.

TIMBER

Timber supply

Scot Low 2.01

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Target achieved


Production levels will match forecasts. This will be done by improving data, road and estates planning, and through realistic forest design plan proposals.

Achieved The forecast was 100,000m3, and rose to 150,000m3 as better U18 and survey data and road building allowed. The sustainable annual timber cut is 150,000m. The Production Forecast is consistently within 5% of the actual volume outturn and production survey data.

Scot Low 2.02

Participate in the nationally led niche marketing project which is looking specifically at the hardwood resource and minor conifer species. Woodlands such as Blairadam and Dean have been identified as suitable for the development of niche marketing.

Partial The process of identifying niche markets is carried out annually using GIS datasets and local knowledge, but little progress has been achieved in increasing niche market sales.

Scot Low 2.03

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 metres) of the District annual timber production (100,000 cubic metres). Standing

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.

Achieved We now have a 1/3 DP contract production capacity (50,000m3) and the remainder is standing sales. We have large long-term contracts including a share of a new 25,000 tone woodfuel supply to Tullis Russell.

Scot Low 2.04

Revise all local guidance notes for planning, programmes and operations by March 2010.

Achieved All reviewed.

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Target achieved


Scot Low 2.05

Produce and publish production forecasts quinquennially and supply marketing plans annually. Ensure five year timber forecast is supplied.

Achieved Done nationally.

Timber Quality

Scot Low 2.06

Make sure that productive conifer areas meet the minimum standard of 2,500 stems/ha at year five.

Partial An area of gradual and continuing improvement for the last 5 years. More resources, training and effort focusing on this.

Scot Low 2.07

Maximise the use of improved and site suited growing stock in all our planting programmes.

Achieved Lots of locally collected and grown seed used on our sites, good programme of identifying seed sources.

Scot Low 2.08

Revise the District thinning plan by March

2010 and thereafter review annually. Current thinning volume is 7,000 cubic metres per annum and the aim would be to increase this to 10,000 cubic metres within 5 years.

Achieved Reviewed and some programme increase. Main additional work is on WIAT and small scale thinnings, with new team established to deal with this.

Timber Transport

Scot Low

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Target achieved


2.09

Plan for and build adequate infrastructure to

allow access to timber volume, including

other forest owners and neighbours as

appropriate.

Partial Good programme but major roading in Kilpatrick Hills still to resolve. A significant period of change over the past five years regarding civil engineering function has slowed progress on some roading achievement.

Scot Low

2.10

Work with others to develop a timber

transport group in the central belt,

particularly in the city regions and North

Lanarkshire, and through our operations team

taking part in existing timber transport

groups.

Not achieved

No appetite for this locally.

Scot Low

2.11

Utilise the benefits of low ground pressure

vehicles where practical and actively support

trials that further reduce environmental

impacts and costs. Current potential at two

sites in the Kilpatrick Hills.

Not achieved

Not been required.

Hardwood Timber

Scot Low

2.12

In conjunction with specialists like the

Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers,

quantify and market more of the hardwood

standing timber in the District. Currently

Partial Programme developed and first lot of thinnings undertaken and sold. Some very minor hardwood sales. An area for development.

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Target achieved


there is 1,200 ha of broadleaved woodland of

which only around 30 ha has potential for

timber production, with a standing volume of

around 1,500 cubic metres.

Scot Low

2.13

Include productive broadleaves in our new

planting, contributing to national exemplar

plots where possible, such as at East Grange,

Knockmountain, Campsie Glen and

Auchlochan.

Achieved Included productive broadleaves at many of our new planting sites.

Timber Construction

Scot Low

2.14

Make use of innovative designs and certified timber in new buildings.

Achieved Two new houses at Carron Valley maximised the use of timber (much from Scotland) in a building that met high insulation values, low embedded CO2, and which were built to social housing standards, providing value for money.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Skills Scot Low

3.01

Maintain a well-trained workforce and a continuous improvement approach to the health and safety of staff, visitors and contractors.

Achieved Comprehensive training and development programme in the District with many new staff every year and a high turn over of staff going on to promoted posts and new opportunities.

Scot Low

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Target achieved


3.02

Seek additional staff to enable a proactive approach to work with young people on rural skills for work, for example, the proposed partnership with Cumbernauld College.

Achieved First two years developing a programme, getting Board support, and new staff in place. Year three to now has seen recruitment of dedicated staff and running new programmes worth around £1.5m over the last 3 years of the plan.

Scot Low 3.03

Continue to work with and support the work of social enterprises and volunteer groups, especially where there is a focus on skills development. Examples include projects with the Wise Group and Living Solutions.

Achieved New programme running as above plus additional community rangers on the team working with more social enterprises than at any other time.

Scot Low 3.04

Develop the resources to take an active role in the Modern Apprenticeship scheme; to provide opportunities for 14-16 year olds to learn about forestry and to provide high quality work placements for students.

Achieved We have run a workplace experience scheme for young people in school, have 3 apprentices as part of the FCS scheme and have just started the project supporting a rural skills programme.

Scot Low 3.05

Produce and implement with Central Scotland Conservancy a joint education strategy supporting the work of the Forest Education Initiative in supporting forestry skills development and careers guidance in schools.

Partial Despite a lack of time to translate the draft strategy into a full programme, we undertook many of the actions in the draft and focused resources on training teachers and leaders forest school skills.

Tourism

Scot Low

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Target achieved


3.06

Be open to new recreation-based business ideas, dealing with them on a commercial basis.

NA No approaches to deal with.

Scot Low 3.07

Design forests and use low impact management

to improve the landscape value of our woodlands in areas such as Fife, Campsie Glen and the Kilpatrick Hills, and improve the local quality of experience in areas such as Blairadam and Newbattle Woods.

Achieved LISS have been adopted across most of our woodland where this is possible.

Scot Low 3.08

Work with partners such as local authorities to make the most of our woodlands and facilities to benefit the local tourism offer, for example, by including our recreation sites in tourism leaflets.

Partial Few oportunities to take this any further in a meaningful way, although we have contributed to Local Authority tourism leaflets, etc.

Scot Low 3.09

Make sure the information we present through

leaflets, interpretation, web site, and other marketing is relevant and up to date. Train staff in communication, marketing, web site design and interpretative planning. Make sure it meets the needs of the diverse population in the District.

Achieved Lots of good quality interpretation and leaflet projects. Web site up to date but subject to a major national review over last three years. Staff have been trained in media work and a media company helps with better media presence, quality, and design.

Income Diversification

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Target achieved


Scot Low 3.10

Work with the mineral sector to develop well-planned proposals for mineral workings. Ensure developments are contained in structure plans and local plans and follow best

practice. Existing sites include Thornton and Sootrie Woods, Glasgow Moss, Woodmuir, and Goat Quarry, Cullaloe.

Achieved No new sites developed. Extensive work on the extension of the sand working at Devilla, Glasgow Moss. Scottish Coal working concluded, issues with them going into receivership successfully concluded at Thornton Wood.

Scot Low 3.11

Work with businesses such as James Callander & Son Ltd at Devilla to seek commercial solutions

to forestry business locations.

Not Achieved

No new initiative to work with.

Scot Low 3.12

Explore the potential for, and if proven, look to establish green business parks in partnership with local authorities.

Not Achieved

Idea has not gained traction in the last five years.

Scot Low 3.13

Seek the best and most reliable returns from developments to support our objectives locally and nationally, supported by expert help and well trained staff.

Not Achieved

No action on this.

Contribution to Rural Development

Scot Low

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Target achieved


3.14 Seek to purchase goods and services from local sources and contractors where they represent best value and meet our purchasing needs.

Achieved Procurement practices and framework contracts developed to support local business as far as possible.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Woodlands in and around towns

Scot Low 4.01

Through the repositioning programme, add community woodlands to the NFE (by planting woods or bringing them under management),

targeting population centres and areas of higher economic or environmental deprivation, such as Drumchapel and Callendar Wood.

Achieved New sites added through acquisition such as Auchenshuggle, Boden Boo, Bluebell Woods, Howwood, Eastfield, Rawyards, Wester Moffat.

District has taken on leases for sites at Easterhouse, Drumchapel and Larbert.

Scot Low 4.02

Engage with local communities to make sure our woodlands meet their needs by

encouraging local people to be involved in their woodlands, continuing work at Cardenden and Blairadam.

Achieved Each beat produces a quarterly community engagement plan and, for priority sites, a site specific communication plan is produced.

Community Recreation and Tourism team work closely with Planning Team to develop stakeholder analysis and consultation approach for Land Management Plans.

Scot Low 4.03

Take an active role in the strategic WIAT II priority urban woodland development projects especially those linked to housing

Achieved Significant investment over the last five years with over 16km of new paths and around 25km of path upgrades.

Improvements to visitor zones making them a better place for the public to

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Target achieved


and/or other developments in the city regions.

visit has made use of a wide range of delivery mechanisms including our own woodland wardens, external skills groups, volunteers and contractors.

Scot Low 4.04

Support the development of a CSGN. Achieved We are a key delivery partner within CSGN taking leads in Employment Skills and in greening Vacant and Derelict Land.

Scot Low 4.05

Make sure that forest thresholds are well maintained and signposted. Facilities to be kept to the quality standard expected on the national forest estate through regular maintenance, and approved design and build standards.

Achieved More work to do in this area, but significant progress now being made with the recruitment of landscape architect.

Key entrances have been improved at Rawyards, Boden Boo, Callander Wood.

Community Engagement

Scot Low 4.06

Increase the number of Community

Rangers, staff and resources the District uses

to engage with communities and deliver

outreach activity, especially health and

diversity-related themes, expanding on

the work we do in places such as Glasgow,

Fauldhouse and Kelty.

Achieved We now have seven Community Rangers and another member of staff dedicated to District-wide community engagement.

We have worked with specialist communication consultants to improve engagement with communities.

Scot Low

4.07

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Target achieved


Continue to be more inclusive in all we do,

make contact with groups who are under

represented in the use of local woodlands,

ensuring our staff are adequately trained to

do so.

Achieved Key partner in delivering Central Scotland Engagement Plan. Work with a variety of diversity groups, working closely with Central Scotland Conservancy.

Scot Low 4.08

Continue to run and expand where possible

forest-fire awareness events with the local

fire and rescue services targeting schools.

Achieved Reduced work in this area in recent years as has not generally been a major issue. This is helped through a wider community engagement programme which has worked with schools.

Scot Low 4.09

Involve local communities and

stakeholders in the strategic and forest

design planning process.

Achieved Major focus for both CRT and Planning teams, working closely together to be more proactive in community engagement.

Web technology will help with this work in the future.

Scot Low 4.10

Be a good neighbour and a responsible land manager.

Achieved Core to all the work we do. Beat Forester and Community Rangers have a key role in this respect, acting as points of contacts for neighbours to listen to and understand their concerns and informing them of our plans.

Scot Low 4.11

Ensure our work is prioritised and targeted

where need is high and provision is poor.

Make use of appropriate GIS tools such as

Achieved SIFT has been used as has a scoring mechanism in the CRT strategy that looks at the principles of prioritising delivery in areas of least provision and greatest need.

DRAFT


Target achieved


social outcomes through Investment in

forestry tool, SIFT.

Scot Low

4.12

Support community groups to value their

local trees, woods and green places as an

everyday resource: new projects at

Auchlochan, Benarty, and Windyhill

building on existing work in Forth and

Fauldhouse.

Achieved Regular work with communities to encourage them to use woodlands, with minimal input needed from staff. This will continue to be a key priority in the coming five years.

Scot Low

4.13

Comply with the requirements of the

diversity legislation and use census data and

mapping to understand more about the

distribution and diverse nature of the

communities in the District.

Achieved Work completed by Forest Research developing a monitoring strategy for WIAT sites.

Stakeholder analysis is being completed as part of Land Management Plans to identify diversity groups relevant to woodland.

Scot Low

4.14

Ensure staff undertake diversity training.

Seek to employ a more diverse work. Engage

with, and where appropriate, encourage a

more diverse use of our woodland resource.

Achieved District developing a specific diversity action plan to work alongside the beat specific community engagement plans

DRAFT


Target achieved


Education

Scot Low 4.15

With the Central Scotland Conservancy

team develop and implement an

education strategy that delivers the

‘woods for learning’ strategy.

Achieved Continued close working with Central Scotland Conservancy on education, but more work needed to finalise Woods for Learning strategy.

Scot Low 4.16

Lead a targeted number of Forest

School/Kindergarten sessions with our own

trained staff. Ensure we increasingly focus on

supporting and facilitating others to deliver

these 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.

Achieved Variety of forest school and kindergarten work, but focus is now on Continuous Professional Development to encourage teachers and nursery staff to lead children into their local woodlands.

Ranger staff engaging with local schools to understand any limitations to use of woodlands for learning.

Scot Low 4.17

Continue to encourage local schools to include visits to nearest woodlands.

Achieved Key role for Community Ranger team.

Scot Low 4.18

We will work with local schools on national

curriculum-related programmes relevant to

the Scottish Forestry Strategy and those that

use local woods. Current initiatives include

school grounds and outdoor learning,

Achieved Good schools programme being run in the District, support for continuous professional development time with local teachers and facilitating others to undertake education on the NFE.

DRAFT


Target achieved


enterprise education, ecoschools, active schools,

and schools of ambition.

Scot Low 4.19

Work with Newbattle Abbey College on

the delivery of the concordat and develop

further woodland and education-related

partnership activity.

Achieved Concordat in year five of ten. Really good progress in improving woodland for community and college. Work with Rural Skills is continuing to develop.

Partnerships

Scot Low 4.20

Work with communities within 1km

of our woodlands to empower them

to derive meaningful sustainable

benefits such as access and health,

education and community

development.

Achieved Key focus from community engagement teams, especially for recent acquisitions.

Scot Low 4.21

Work with the Central Scotland Forest

Trust to identify new ways to work more

closely on delivering the Scottish Forestry

Strategy in the central belt of Scotland.

Achieved Worked closely with Central Scotland Forest Trust (CSFT) to look at access projects such as Bothwell Park and review of vacant and derelict land.

Work with Forest District is now clearly identified in funding award letter to CSFT.

Scot Low 4.22

Be involved in projects that seek to restore Achieved Croy has been successfully restored. Phase 1 of Greenoak Hill is complete and funding is identified for future

DRAFT


Target achieved


derelict and underused sites to green end-

uses, seeking one large demonstration site in

an area such as Greenoak Hill or Nethercroy,

and develop more staff expertise in land

restoration.

phases. Bothwell Park is successfully completed. Cuningar Loop is nearly in Full Business Case. Work on future vacant and derelict land programme has started with

Glasgow Clyde Valley and CSFT covering the following local authorities: North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, Clacks, East Dunbartonshire.

District in discussion on Bishopton Royal Ordnance Factory Site. District has skilled staff to take work forward.

Scot Low 4.23

Work with and contribute to the

regional forestry forum(s),

community planning

partnerships, and other statutory

community bodies.

Achieved District contributes to CSGN, liaises with Central Scotland Forest Trust, Glasgow Clyde Valley Green Network and Lothian and Fife Green Network Partnership.

Scot Low 4.24

Keep our emphasis on locally-based

staff, dedicated to community

engagement and implementing local

community-based projects.

Achieved Recent funding investments have led to work done for communities and slightly less focus on with communities. This is expected to change back to work with communities over the coming plan.

Scot Low 4.25

Seek to increase the active number of

partnerships in the District, looking for

exemplar projects and being clear

about our role and our resource

limitations.

Achieved Little in the way of new partnerships, but this is not seen as a negative.

DRAFT


Target achieved


Scot Low 4.26

Work in partnership with other

agencies and bodies to lever in

additional resources, to achieve shared

aims, such as Carron Valley, Whitelee, and

Newbattle Abbey.

Achieved Carron Valley partnership issues have resolved over the life of the plan and Carron Valley is being praised for the work by FCS.

A draft lease has been developed by FCS for Whitelee but this is still to be formalised.

Concordat at Newbattle working well.

Scot Low 4.27

Contribute ranger time and facilitate others

in expanding opportunities for voluntary

work as a route to local community

involvement in woodlands, such as at

Drumchapple, Kelty, and Callendar Wood.

Achieved Some voluntary work, especially through the skills programme, using others such as British Trust for Conservation Volunteers to deliver volunteering. Greater focus has, however, been on Wider Employment Skills.

Scot Low 4.28

Develop our partnership working with local

authorities in the District, with links to

appropriate departments, single outcome

agreements, and expanding on the type of

work we are doing with Glasgow,

Renfrewshire, Stirling and North Lanarkshire

councils.

Achieved Great deal of progress across most local authorities, e.g. Bothwell Park, Stirling Council woods, Renfrewshire work at Bluebell woods and Bowden Boo.

Languages

Scot Low 4.29

Deliver targeted piloting work producing Not All FCS publications have the option of being translated, but there has been little demand for this provision.

DRAFT


Target achieved


our external communications in different languages, such as leaflets or web pages

Achieved

ACCESS & HEALTH

Recreation

Scot Low 5.01

Make sure that the existing recreation

infrastructure is managed in accordance

with our internal guidance and is safe and

welcoming.

Achieved We continue to record inspection and maintenance work to national standards.

Scot Low 5.02

Continue to improve access to our WIAT

woodlands, building paths and way-marking

where appropriate, with an emphasis on

where community need (indicated by socially

deprived communities and existing

greenspace provision) is poorest.

Achieved Over recent years big investment in new and improved paths in most of our key WIAT sites.

Scot Low 5.03

Work with local communities to

help improve access to, and

where appropriate,

interpretation of local cultural

and historic sites, like the work at

Wilsontown.

Achieved Major interpretation project completed at Wilsontown. Working with partners on a national and local level regarding the Antonine

Wall.

DRAFT


Target achieved


Scot Low 5.04

Antisocial use of our forests and woodlands,

such as motorcycles in and fly tipping are

an issue we will deal with quickly and in

partnership with other agencies, such as

joint clear ups with West Lothian Council

at Fauldhouse.

Achieved Pilot started with Central Scotland Police looking at options for closer work, requires further work with Police Scotland.

Some really good work on a local level where FCS staff have worked in partnership with local police to tackle motorcycle and other antisocial issues.

Scot Low 5.05

Work with the Carron Valley Partnership

and local community to progress work in

the Carron Valley under a partnership

agreement and development plan.

Achieved Carron Valley Partnership has come to the end, due to general satisfaction with the direction of management at the site. Work with Clan Ranald has increased as the fort comes closer to working condition. Need for more considered approach.

Visitor Experience Plan has been produced and consulted for Carron Valley.

Scot Low 5.06

Work with others in developing access

projects where our woodlands will be only

a part of the whole infrastructure,

particularly active commuting and non-

motorised travel, such as the five lochs walk

or partnership at Mossband.

Achieved Continued work with Seven Loch partnership at Easterhouse.

Scot Low 5.07

Consider approaches from different user

groups, and when resources allow, work

with them on access improvement

Achieved Recent activity at Lennox Forest with potential mountain bike lease area.

DRAFT


Target achieved


projects, such as horse riders at Whitelee

and Carron Valley, and anglers at

Crossrigg.

Making Access Easier

Scot Low 5.08

Continue to make our woodlands more

accessible to a wider range of people with

different abilities, making sure our staff are

trained to do so.

Achieved District has had a variety of audits by Fieldfare Trust and has improved paths based on resulting recommendations.

Scot Low 5.09

Make sure that we comply with the

access legislation and access rights,

supporting local authorities in core

path work and with Scottish Natural

Heritage education relating to

responsible access.

Achieved Ongoing work as part of interpretation and access management.

Scot Low 5.10

Protect public rights of way through our management and forest planning.

Achieved Recreation Manager in GIS is an important tool within the Work Plan system to ensure core paths and public rights of way are correctly diverted and preserved.

Scot Low 5.11

Make sure that our staff are working to best practice guidelines.

Achieved Staff training continually evolved: check at PMS, needs analysis completed twice yearly, and training required delivered and recorded.

DRAFT


Target achieved


Scot Low 5.12

Implement locally the ‘woods for health’ strategy with the Conservancy health advisor, developing a programme of work aiming to bring more staff time, resources, and training to the activity.

Achieved Really good work in this area, particularly with Branching Out a mental health focused programme.

Scot Low 5.13

Work with health professionals and specialists wishing to promote healthy living through woodland activities.

Achieved District has developed a major health project at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.

District is supporting Edinburgh University in a £1m Health Study into the benefits of urban woodland management.

Scot Low 5.14 Explore the potential to work with a local

health board on the benefits of woodlands

and greenspace around a hospital site.

Achieved Survey work has been completed by CSFT looking at NHS sites. The Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert project has been hugely

successful with joint ranger promoting the woodland to staff, patients and local community.

Scot Low 5.15 Encourage more volunteering activity by

using our rangers as a catalyst to get other

groups regularly using our woodlands.

Partial Started pilot volunteer warden project at Boden Boo Forest.

Scot Low 5.16

Continue promoting health walks with local

GP surgeries and health centres, and

encouraging other people who lead groups

to use woodlands and green spaces, such as

Partial More work to be done in this area.

DRAFT


Target achieved


the Feet First project in Edinburgh.

Scot Low 5.17

Seek to become involved with health professionals on woodland and greenspace projects as restorative environments for

improved mental health.

Achieved Branching Out programme has been hugely successful.

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Soil, Water and Air Quality

Scot Low 6.01

Implement and promote industry best practice defined in Forestry Commission forests and water guidelines and related legislation (e.g. controlled activities regulations) to safeguard the water environment in forest areas and all land that we manage, such as Auchineden and Crossrigg.

Achieved UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) raised few issues over the many operational sites over the last five years and those that have arisen have been dealt with promptly and successfully.

Scot Low 6.02

Deliver our requirements in the river basin

management plans through Forest Design

and subsequent felling and replanting

plans, developing restructured riparian

zones, important at Carron Valley and

Whitelee.

Achieved Included in Forest Design Plans

Scot Low 6.03

DRAFT


Target achieved


Comply with Forestry Commission soil guidelines during forest operations.

Achieved UKWAS audit raised few issues raised over the many operational sites over the last 5 years and those that have arisen have been dealt with promptly and successfully.

Scot Low 6.04

Make sure that development activities on the

Estate, particularly coal and mineral

extraction, apply best practice in the

removal, storage and restoration of the sites’

soils.

Achieved Work at Thornton Wood and Glasgow Moss ensuring soils are stored as required.

Landscape

Scot Low 6.05 Produce and implement Forest Design

Plans that reflect the local character of

woodlands in their landscape,

environmental and historic setting.

Achieved Embedded in all new FDPs.

Scot Low 6.06

Use our work plan/coupe record systems

and low impact silvicultural systems for

detailed or more sensitive management of

the local landscape near features such as

roadsides as Camilty and Forth, recreation

facilities such as Devilla, Whitelee, and

Blairadam, and near people’s homes such as

Partial Started the roadside work and embedding visitor zone in FDPs, still a work in progress.

DRAFT


Target achieved


Auchlochan.

Cultural Heritage

Scot Low 6.07 Make sure that we have approved plans

and manage our existing scheduled

monuments, involving Historic Scotland

as appropriate.

Achieved All Scheduled Monuments have management plans. All Scheduled Monuments have annual inspections and follow up

maintenance programmes.

Scot Low 6.08 Make sure that unscheduled monuments are captured in Geographic Information Systems

(GIS) and their protection is addressed in our planning systems.

Achieved The Environment team have been trained to use and update the heritage features layer.

All information from new archaeological and heritage surveys has been input into the heritage layer.

Scot Low 6.09

Report and seek expert advice on any new

historic sites discovered, especially

important at newly acquired sites such as

Auchlochan, Campsie Glen and Windyhill,

where we will commission expert input

in to the forest planning process.

Achieved An archaeological dig was completed at Keir fort in Devilla. Historic Woodland surveys at Lord Ancrum’s, Balgownie and Callendar

Woods. Our pioneering work in regard to historic woodland survey at Balgownie

Wood was recently published as a case study in the FCS guidance note ‘Historic Environment Conservation Management’

Three hill forts were recorded using archaeological topographic surveys.

Scot Low 6.10

Make sure that all Forest Plans include the

historic environment, commissioning

surveys for new planting areas, and

Achieved 13 archaeological and historical surveys and assessments were carried out; including Blairadam, Campsie Glen, and Windyhill.

The Forest Plan for Blairadam Forest fully recognises the importance of its

DRAFT


Target achieved


particularly that the Forest Plan for

Blairadam Forest recognises its designed

landscape.

designed landscape and the forest shall be managed in accordance with FCS’s practice guide “Conserving and managing trees and woodlands in Scotland’s designed landscapes”.

Scot Low 6.11

Develop, deliver and manage a project that recognises the importance of the 18th century Wilsontown Ironworks and other suitable industrial heritage sites in the District.

Achieved Wilsontown is cleared of trees and has an up-to-date management plan. Interpretation and visitor facilities have been installed at the site, these

include iconic entrance gates.

Scot Low 6.12

Work with Historic Scotland, partners and

the local community to promote

interpretation and countryside access

connected with the Antonine Wall and

industrial heritage at Nethercroy and

Twechar.

Achieved Ongoing with the Antonine Wall access and interpretation group.

BIODIVERSITY

Species and Habitat

Scot Low 7.01

Safeguard native woodland remnants, develop

and begin the restoration programme based

on survey of our plantations on ancient

woodlands sites and expanding our areas of

native woodland, especially adjacent to

Achieved

All PAWS sites surveyed. Actions for PAWS sites identified.

DRAFT


Target achieved


ancient semi-natural woodland.

Scot Low 7.02

Use low impact silvicultural systems in native

woods and other suitable woodland areas,

such as Devilla forest.

Achieved

Good examples at Devilla and Balgownie.

Scot Low 7.03 Target use of native tree species in new

woodlands, according to underlying national

vegetation classification, continuing the

development of forest habitat networks.

Achieved

All new planting where required uses native stock.

Scot Low 7.04 Develop a programme to tackle invasive plant

species on sensitive and priority sites, such as

Tulliallan, Pendreich, and East Grange, working

in partnership where appropriate.

Achieved

Invasive species control planned and tracked through a geodatabase and tactical planner.

Follow-up rhododendron control occurs annually. Tulliallan and Pendreich are among the areas managed.

Japanese knotweed control started in 2013 using the stem injection technique.

Himalayan balsam has been successfully eradicted at Newbattle by hand pulling.

Scot Low 7.05 Increasing the structural and tree species

diversity of forests during restructuring,

important in large conifer areas of the

Kilpatrick Hills, Whitelee, Heathland and

Achieved

Whitelee restocking protocol developed and being delivered with significant change towards native broadleaves. Much of Carron Valley now restructured, though affected by catastrophic windblow event in 2011. New master planning underway for Kilpatrick Hills and first road agreement there allows access to Auchentorlie for the first time since planting.

DRAFT


Target achieved


Carron Valley.

Scot Low 7.06

Develop and implement specific projects,

based on survey data and national

programmes, to support populations of red

squirrel in places such as Devilla and black

grouse in places such as the Kilpatrick Hills.

Partial District did not get any priority areas but we revised our red squirrel guidance and incorporated measure in suitable forest blocks like Devilla. New red squirrel walk developed with community to highlight the species to local people.

Scot Low 7.07

Develop and implement plans to safeguard regionally important populations, initially of great-crested newt and other amphibians and the relevant mosaic of habitats, particularly at Nethercroy and Lennox.

Achieved

District ‘Great-Crested Newt’ plan. Creation of broadleaved woodland and ponds specifically for great-crested

newt at Lennox. Cattle grazing introduced at Croy to maintain the meadow and fen habitats

and ponds.

Scot Low 7.08

Make sure that species of national, regional or

local importance are considered during forest

planning and operations.

Achieved

Any survey results or sightings inform the scoping of design plans and Work Plans. An example is the surveyed increase in water voles in the district leading to protection of their habitat in restocking work plans and in windfarm infrastructure planning.

Operations are avoided during the nesting season for osprey nest sites.

Scot Low 7.09

Programme work to achieve favourable

conservation status in all our existing sites of

special scientific interest and Natura sites, and

to achieve 80% in the favourable or

unfavourable (or unfavourable - recovering)

Achieved

By 2012 the District’s SSSI sites were in favourable condition and had management plans. Inspections are carried out annually and follow up maintenance programmes are in place.

Management options for part of the Slamannan Plateau (acquired in 2013) are being developed with SNH and neighbouring landowners.

DRAFT


Target achieved


category by

2010, and 95% by 2012. Programme new sites as they are acquired.

Scot Low 7.10

Develop a funded programme to restore

selected lowland raised bogs according to

national and regional priorities, in areas such

as Nether Bracco, Dim Moss, Blacklaw Moss and

Murdostoun.

Achieve

d

Bog restoration has occurred at Coalburn Moss, Lochshaw Moss, Dun Moss, Easter Drumclair and Blacklaw Moss, with follow up maintenance when appropriate.

Bog restoration plans are created using the Open Habitat Advisors

prioritisation spreadsheets and the Lowland Raised Bog Strategy.

Scot Low 7.11

Maintain our three recently established

lowland meadows, such as Forth and Callendar,

and seek opportunities to expand and manage

this habitat where appropriate.

Achieve

d

Four meadows are cut annually: Callendar, Forth, Clentry and Rawyards. Croy open habitat grazed to maintain meadow habitat.

Scot Low 7.12 Seek to optimise the contribution of wetlands

in our management of existing and new

woodlands.

Partial Many sites surveyed and started a programme of action, e.g. Coalburn Moss.

Scot Low 7.13

Work with local biodiversity action plan

groups to identify opportunities for habitat

enhancement at the forest and site level during

Not achieve

This process has not been driven by LBAP groups.

DRAFT


Target achieved


forest planning, and implement where

feasible.

Scot Low 7.14

Revise all local guidance notes on biodiversity, heritage and the environment.

Achieved

Local guidance notes created for: o deadwood networks and deadwood guidance for operations o black grouse o water vole o great-crested newts o forest operations and water o forest operations and archaeology o forest operations and wildlife.

District biodiversity action plan in place.

Scot Low 7.15

Seek to increase the staff resource in the District

to establish a more proactive approach to

conservation planning, delivery and targeted

survey, and engage with more people and

groups who can help deliver our objectives.

Achieved

New Environment Forester post in place. Volunteers engaged through Universities and through volunteer

organisations.

Ecosystems

Scot Low 7.16

Continue deer management, working with

relevant organisations and neighbours, and

make sure that sufficient resources are

Achieved

Working with partners and neighbours we have made great progress on increasing cull targets and reducing deer browsing impacts on planted trees and habitats,

DRAFT


Target achieved


allocated to protect woodlands and habitats

through exemplar best practice management.

Scot Low 7.17

Support schemes to increase the number of

skilled stalkers available in the forest

industry, primarily through encouraging

provision of well-managed and designed

shooting lets.

Achieved

Good progress on new deer permissions and getting new opportunities for stalking.

Scot Low 7.18

Work with the interested stakeholders on

demonstrating the need, benefits, and best

practice management of deer in urban and

peri-urban areas, such as our work in East

Dunbartonshire.

Achieved

Great success in championing urban deer management. Presentations at conferences and Ministerial engagement on the subject.

Designated Sites

Scot Low 7.19

Implement agreed management of designated sites with Scottish Natural Heritage.

Achieved

All work on designated sites covered by a management plan and work agreed and actioned.

Scot Low 7.20

Take account of the impacts of our proposals on

adjacent designated sites (sites of special

Achieved

Incorporated in FDPs.

DRAFT


Target achieved


scientific interest and Natura sites) through

forest planning.

Increasing Awareness and Improving Knowledge

Scot Low 7.21

Assist in increasing the understanding and

enjoyment of woodland biodiversity through

the ranger programmes of work.

Achieved

Number of annual events that raise the awareness of biodiversity in the public and with schools.

385

DRAFT

Glossary

ASNW Ancient Semi-Natural Woodlands

ATC Alternatives to Clearfell

CCF Continuous Cover Forestry 390

ConFor Confederation of Forest Industries

DSP District Strategic Plans

EQIA Equality Impact Assessment

FCS Forestry Commission Scotland

FES Forest Enterprise Scotland 395

FSC Forest Stewardship Council

GIS Geographic Information Systems

KPI Key Performance Indicator

LISS Low Impact Silvicultural Systems

NSA National Scenic Areas 400

NSD National Strategic Directions

NFE National Forest Estate

OCUK Outdoor Capital of the United Kingdom

PAWS Planted Ancient Woodland Sites

PEFC Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification 405

RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

SAC Special Areas of Conservation

DRAFT

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SEPA Scottish Environmental Protection Agency

SGRPID Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate 410

SNH Scottish National Heritage

SOI Sunart Oakwoods Initiative

SSSI Special Sites of Scientific Interest

STTF Strategic Timber Transport Fund

UKFPA United Kingdom Forest products Association 415

WIAT Woods in and Around Towns

DRAFT

Forestry Commission Scotland serves as part of the Scottish Government's Environment and Forestry Directorate and is

responsible to Scottish Ministers. Forest Enterprise Scotland is an agency of Forestry Commission Scotland charged with

managing the National Forest Estate.

420

Contact

Forest Enterprise Scotland Head Office

1 Highlander Way

Inverness 425

IV2 7GB

Tel: 01463 232 811

Fax: 01463 243 846

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland 430

If you need this publication in an alternative format, for example, in large print or in

another language, please contact: 435

The Diversity Team

Forestry Commission Scotland

Silvan House

231 Corstorphine Road 440

Edinburgh EH12 7AT

Tel: 0131 314 6575

E-mail: [email protected]

Documents

District Strategic Plan Scottish Lowlands District 2014-2017 · In the parlance of ecosystem services, we are growing the supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural services