Meikle Ley Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest DistrictMeikle Ley LMP / Antoine Le Pretre – FES / 2016 Re-meandering the burn could be an option for future forest works in order to improve

Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest District

Meikle Ley

Land Management Plan

Plan Reference No: LMP 51

Plan Approval Date:

Plan Expiry Date:

Meikle Ley

FOREST ENTERPRISE - Application for Forest Design Plan Approvals in Scotland

Forest Enterprise - Property

Forest District: Moray & Aberdeenshire FD

Woodland or property name: Meikle Ley

Nearest town, village or locality: Tillyfourie

OS Grid reference: NJ64391148

Areas for approval

Conifer Broadleaf

Clear felling 0 ha 0 ha

Selective felling 0 ha 0 ha

Restocking 0 ha 0 ha

New planting (complete appendix 4) 5.4 ha 18 ha

1. I apply for Forest Design Plan approval*/amendment approval* for the property

described above and in the enclosed Forest Design Plan.

2. * I apply for an opinion under the terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment

(Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 for afforestation* /deforestation*/ roads*/

quarries* as detailed in my application.

3. I confirm that the initial scoping of the plan was carried out with FC staff on 4. I confirm that the proposals contained in this plan comply with the UK Forestry

Standard. 5. I confirm that the scoping, carried out and documented in the Consultation Record

attached, incorporated those stakeholders which the FC agreed must be included. 6. I confirm that consultation and scoping has been carried out with all relevant stakeholders over the content of the of the design plan. Consideration of all of the issues raised by stakeholders has been included in the process of plan preparation and the outcome recorded on the attached consultation record. I confirm that we have informed all stakeholders about the extent to which we have been able to address their concerns and, where it has not been possible to fully address their concerns, we have reminded them of the opportunity to make further comment during the public consultation process. 7. I undertake to obtain any permissions necessary for the implementation of the

approved Plan.

Signed …………………………………… Signed…………………………………… Forest District Manager Conservator District Moray & Aberdeenshire Conservancy Grampian Date ……………………………… Date of Approval:…………………………… Date approval ends:……………………….

August 2015

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Meikle Ley LMP / Antoine Le Pretre – FES / 2016

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................. 3

1.1 Location ............................................................................... 3

1.2 Setting and Context................................................................ 3

1.3 Land Management Objectives .................................................. 4

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................... 5

2.1 History of the site................................................................... 5

2.2 Physical site factors ................................................................ 6

2.3 Biodiversity and environmental designations............................ 11

2.4 The existing land use ............................................................ 12

2.5 Landscape and land use ........................................................ 16

2.6 Social factors ....................................................................... 18

3. ANALYSIS AND CONCEPT .................................................. 20

3.1 Analysis and concept table .................................................... 20

4. LAND MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS ......................................... 22

4.1 Existing woodland ................................................................ 22

4.2 New woodland ..................................................................... 22

4.3 Open ground ....................................................................... 24

APPENDICES ....................................................... 25

APPENDIX 1 – THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL CONTEXT OF MEIKLE LEY. ..... 26

APPENDIX 2 – CONSULTATION RECORD ..................................... 31

APPENDIX 3 – PLANTATION SCHEME MEIKLE LEY ........................ 333

2


MAPS

Map 1: Meikle Ley, the Ordnance Survey (OS) maps published in 1874. 5

Map 2: Meikle Ley geology. Extracts from British Geological Survey, 50k

Geology map of the UK. ................................................................... 6

Map 3: Soils in Meikle Ley; map based on an interpretation .................. 7

of the John Hutton Institute soil maps. .............................................. 7

Map 4: Meikle Ley topography .......................................................... 8

Map 5: Accumulated total of the day-degrees above the growth threshold

temperature of 5º at Meikle Ley ........................................................ 9

Map 6: Detailed Aspect Method of Scoring at Meikle Ley .................... 10

Map 7: Moisture Deficit at Meikle Ley ............................................... 10

Map 8: Habitats in Meikle Ley ......................................................... 11

Map 9: Land capability for agriculture, James Hutton Institute 1:50,000.

.................................................................................................. 13

Map 10: Meikle Ley (in red) in the surrounding region. ...................... 15

Map 11: Meikle Ley topography. ..................................................... 16

Map 12: Aerial view of Meikle Ley ................................................... 17

Map 13: Non-scheduled monuments on the site. ............................... 19

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1. Introduction

1.1 Location

Meikle Ley is approximatively 29 ha of farm land acquired by Forestry

Commission Scotland (FCS) in 2011 in an open market sale. The site is

located in a rural area of Tillyfourie close to the A944 between Alford and

Westhill. The sites southern and western boundaries are with the existing

Forestry Commission managed forest of Corrennie. To the north and east is

open farmland.

1.2 Setting and Context

Meikle Ley is east facing and lies within a rolling land form of forestry and

farmland. Improved grazing is the predominant type of farming in the

immediate area.

In terms of the Moray & Aberdeenshire Forest District Strategic Plan, Meikle

Ley is located in an area identified with potential for:

Growing of productive broadleaves

Photo 1: View of Meikle Ley

4


Delivering management beneficial to red squirrels (however, the

area is not recognised as being a strong hold for red squirrels).

A more detailed analysis of the national and local context for how this site

might best support the integrated land management objectives of the

Scottish Government can be found in Appendix 1.

Moray & Aberdeenshire Forest District Strategic Plan (Public consultation) -

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

1.3 Land Management Objectives

The purpose and objectives for managing this land have been identified

following a review of:

the physical context and existing land use;

the land management objectives already established by statutory

bodies;

the physical capability of the land;

the locational objectives identified in the Moray & Aberdeenshire

Forest District Strategic Plan;

the views expressed by the public and statutory stakeholders

Analysis of the available information has led to the primary objectives for

this site which are:

1. To grow a quality timber crop, either conifer or broadleaf, where

appropriate;

2. To increase the area of woodland cover using broadleaves where

appropriate and to grow these productively if the site conditions allow.

We will implement a productive broadleaf strategy to ensure a steady

expansion of the broadleaf woodland on Estate where it is compatible

with sound sylviculture in accordance with the FCS strategic plan.

Additional secondary objectives for the future management of Meikle Ley

have been identified and prioritised:

1. Improve the biodiversity value of the habitats and network;

2. Integrate sensitively the new plantation in the landscape.

The information and analysis which follows explains the reasons why

these objectives have been identified and prioritised.


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2. Background information

2.1 History of the site

Prior to FCS’s acquisition of Meikle Ley in 2011, this area was mainly

permanent pasture and arable lands. When purchased Meikle Ley did not

included any property or outbuildings.

It is clear from the extracts of the Ordnance Survey (OS) maps published in

1874 the area has been long been associated with agriculture.

2 non-scheduled monuments have been identified in and along the site (see

2.6.3).

Stone dykes are located on the site. A 4 to 5 meters buffer zone will be left

between the dykes and the new plantings.

Map 1: Meikle Ley, the Ordnance Survey (OS) maps published in 1874.

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2.2 Physical site factors

2.2.1 Geology, Soils and topography

Geology - According to the British Geological Survey Geological Map of the UK the plan area is almost completely underlain by granite, syenite,

granophyre and allied rocks.

Map 2: Meikle Ley geology. Extracts from British Geological Survey, 50k Geology map of the

UK.

7


Soils – According to the soil survey maps of this land management plan area it is

almost completely underlain with brown earth. A smaller area of the site is also

covered with a typical surface water-gley.

Map 3: Soils in Meikle Ley; map based on an interpretation

of the John Hutton Institute soil maps.

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Topography – Meikle Ley has an altitudinal range of 200-330 m above sea

level. The site is all enclosed farmland on level to moderately sloping land.

Map 4: Meikle Ley topography

2.2.2 Water

Meikle is located in the catchment of the River Don. The River Don

catchment has several designations relating to the importance of its waters

which, coupled with a range of diffuse pollution effects, make restoring and

protecting it a high priority. The main pressures in the catchment include:

agriculture pollution, sewage treatment works discharges, septic tanks,

morphology and abstraction. The land management proposals in this plan

(See section 4) will be designed to contribute to the alleviation of the issues

raised.

A burn is crossing over the site. Planting native broadleaves along the burn

will help to improve water quality within a buffer covering a minimum of 20

meters on each sides of the watercourse. The buffer zone will help capturing

diffuse pollution.

Precautions will be taken in order to avoid diminishing and alternating the

burn and water quality and will be adapted to the methodology / machines

used to plant the trees.

A minimum of 50 meters will be left unplanted around neighbour’s water

supplies (one well is located on the site boundary).

-basin-management-planning/

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Re-meandering the burn could be an option for future forest works in order

to improve its ecology and dynamism.

However, no works will be undertaken before planting the site regarding

the scale of the job to be realised. Planting riparian woodland will already

help to improve the burn ecology

2.2.3 Climate

According to the Ecological Site Classification (ESC) protocol, the climate at

Meikle Ley is cool, between wet and moist and mainly sheltered.

Nevertheless, the very top of the slope at Meikle Ley is classified as highly

exposed. Four climatic factors are used to define the climate for any given

location. These are warmth, wetness, continentality and windiness.

Continentality has the least impact so is dropped from the overall climate

zone designation.

The climate data for Meikle Ley from interrogating the ESC is:

Map 5: Accumulated total of the day-degrees above the growth threshold

temperature of 5º at Meikle Ley

AT5 is the accumulated total of the day-degrees above the growth

threshold temperature of 5º, which provides a convenient measure of

summer warmth. The results for AT5 place Meikle Ley in the cool zone.

AT5 DAMS MD

Range 908 - 1075 9 - 16 67 - 102

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Map 6: Detailed Aspect Method of Scoring at Meikle Ley

DAMS is the Detailed Aspect Method of Scoring. This represents the

amount of physically damaging wind that forest stands experience in the

year. The range of DAMS is from 3 to 36 and windiness is the most likely

limiting factor to tree growth at higher elevations in Britain. The results

place Meikle Ley between being sheltered to highly exposed site.

Map 7: Moisture Deficit at Meikle Ley

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MD is the Moisture Deficit for the area. Moisture deficit reflects the balance

between potential evaporation and rainfall and therefore emphasises the

dryness of the growing season (rather than the wetness of the winter or

whole year). These results place Meikle Ley on the boundary between the

“wet” and “moist” zones.

These results will be used to help assist in the choice of tree species in the

land management proposals for the site (see section 4). Each tree species

has tolerances for these and other factors and they can be used to identify

species suitable for the site conditions.

Further information on these criteria and the application of ESC can be

found in Forestry Commission Bulletin 124 - An Ecological Site Classification

for Forestry in Great Britain.

2.3 Biodiversity and environmental designations

After consultation with SNH and RSPB no particular biodiversity issues were

highlighted for this site.

A habitat survey has been undertaken for the site and does not report any

protected or priority habitat types (see Map 7 below).

Map 8: Habitats in Meikle Ley

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Of the UKBAP species potentially present around the site, the Red Squirrel is

one of the six key species identified in the FCS Biodiversity Action Plan.

Therefore good forest design and operational practice will be undertaken to

benefit red squirrels according to FCS Guidance Note 33: Forest operations

and red squirrels. However, the LMP area is not located within the strong

hold for red squirrel.

2.4 The existing land use

There has been a requirement for a better understanding of the inherent

capabilities of land in Scotland for a range of different uses, especially

agriculture. In the mid 1960s, the Macaulay Institute developed a Land Use

Capability (LUC) system which was based upon a series of guidelines that

allowed soil maps and other landscape and climatic information to be

interpreted into land classification maps. In the early 1980s the LUC system

was further developed and became the Macaulay Land Capability for

Agriculture (LCA) classification. This is now the official agricultural system

widely used in Scotland by agriculturalists, planners, estate agents and

others as a basis for land valuation.

The LCA classification is used to rank land on the basis of its potential

productivity and cropping flexibility. This is determined by the extent to

which the physical characteristics of the land (soil, climate and relief)

impose long term restrictions on its use.

Land capable of supporting Arable Agriculture (Class 1 to Class 3.1),

often referred to as prime agricultural land, is capable of being used to

produce a wide range of crops. The climate is favourable, slopes are no

greater than 7degrees and the soils are at least 45cm deep and are

imperfectly drained at worst. This land is highly flexible for other uses as

well, such as biofuel crops and woodland, although current management

may make other options, such as heathland restoration, difficult in the short

term.

Land capable of supporting Mixed Agriculture (Class 3.2 to Class 4.2), is

capable of being used to grow a moderate range of crops including cereals

(primarily barley), forage crops and grass. Grass becomes predominant in

the rotation in class 4.2, whilst other more demanding crops such as

potatoes can be grown in class 3.2. The climate is less favourable than on

prime land, slopes up to 15 degrees are included and many soils exhibit

drainage limitations.

Land capable of supporting Improved Grassland (Class 5.1 to Class 5.3),

has the potential for use as improved grassland. A range of different

limitation types, either operating singly or in combination, can restrict the

land capability to this class. These limitations include climate, slope

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wetness, and often a heterogeneous pattern of conditions that render even

occasional cultivation unsuitable. Land which has had this potential for

improvement exploited is much more productive than land which remains in

its unimproved state.

Land capable of supporting only Rough Grazing (Class 6.1 to Class 7), has

very severe limitations that prevent sward improvement by mechanical

means. This land is either steep, very poorly drained, has very acid or

shallow soils and occurs in wet cool or cold climate zones. In many

circumstances, these limitations operate together. The existing vegetation is

assessed for its grazing quality (Class 6.1 is of high grazing value for

example but class 7 is of very limited agriculture value). Nonetheless, this

ground often has a high value, for example in terms of storing carbon in its

organic soils and supporting rare species and habitats.

Land classification

The land’s classification according to the James Hutton Institute’s (JHI)

1:50,000 land capability map is shown in the table and figure below.

Map 9: Land capability for agriculture, James Hutton Institute 1:50,000.

Meikle Ley

Land classification Area (Ha) %

3.2 6.1 20.6

4.2 22.5 75.9

5.2 1.1 3.5

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Meikle Ley is mainly covered by soils with a 4.2 land capability (75.9

%). Regarding the LCA classification, these kind of soils are not very

suitable for crops but better suited to grazing.

When the proportion of the different land capabilities at Meikle Ley are

compared to the parish of Cluny across whose boundaries the site is located

and close to, it is clear that the capability of the land is below average for

the surrounding areas.

Figure above: Proportion of land capability (according to JHI) in Meikle Ley and

Cluny.

Impact of potential loss of agricultural land to the economy

Any loss of agricultural land due to tree planting, and therefore agricultural

production, could have an impact on the local economy, both directly and

indirectly. To quantify this impact it is necessary to establish the proportion

of the local production that would be lost following the removal of any area

planted with woodland.

Comparison with the parish containing Meikle Ley (Cluny) and those

surrounding the one of Cluny, the main local centre for the sale of livestock,

is shown below. The data was supplied by the Scottish Government Rural

Payments & Inspections Division to allow the comparisons to be

undertaken.

15


Map 10: Meikle Ley (in red) in the surrounding region.

Arable Crops1

Utilised

agricultural land2

Total agricultural

land

Holdings Hectares Holdings Hectares Holdings Hectares

Monymusk 19 1,388 26 1,830 26 2,333

Tough 17 1,121 36 2,259 36 2,346

Cluny 27 2,005 40 2,832 41 3,304

Midmar 37 1,519 66 2,387 66 2,920

Kincardine

O’Neil 64 2,622 96 4,157 100 5,546

(1) Includes crops, fallow land and grass under five years old

(2) Includes arable land, grass over five years old and rough grazing

When compared to the figures for the various agricultural production

categories outlined in the table above, the 30 ha of potential agriculture

land at Meikle Ley is equivalent to 0.18%.

Having assessed these results it is clear that there would be no significant

impact on the critical mass of the local agricultural industry. In summary

there would still be sufficient capacity locally to sustain the ongoing success

of agriculture in the area and additionally the downstream dependent

industries in the area.

16


Furthermore, tree planting will be very beneficial for the local economy

producing quality timbers and firewood. This will also help the government

objectives to be reached, increasing woodland areas and more specifically

broadleaf resource over the country.

2.5 Landscape and land use

2.5.1 Landscape character and value

Map 11: Meikle Ley topography.

According to the south and central Aberdeenshire landscape character

assessment (LCA) carried out by SNH, Meikle Ley lies within an area

categorised as moorland plateaux. It is essentially a transition landscape

between the high mountains of the Cairngorms and the low farms of the

north east Coastlands and shares many characteristic with both. The

character area comprises a series of moorland spurs that extent from the

central massive of the Cairngorms into the farmland landscape of Garioch

and Formatine. These spurs form an interrelated system of highland ridges

and peaks which include various promontories such as Bennachie. Meikle

Ley is agricultural landscape livestock farming within small enclosed fields.

This site has no woodland cover but is adjacent to forest of Corrennie which

is also part of the national forest estate.

Meikle Ley is located within a large scale landscape with a simple vegetation

pattern and mainly a rural population. It is a landscape where visual

diversity is somewhat limited. Some forms of landscape change would offer

opportunities for enhancement, particularly adding broadleaf woodlands.

17


It is considered that woodland creation on Meikle Ley would improve the

overall landscape by increasing the diversity of tree species and age

structure and thus diversifying both landscape texture and colour. However,

Meikle Ley is not very visible from the road and the surrounding area. When

planting trees, the only visible part of the plantation will be located at the

bottom of the slope. Therefore, the new plantation, fenceline and buffer

zones along powerlines will not have a significant impact in the landscape.

However, at a local scale due consideration will be given to the lines of site

and shading of neighbouring properties. The creation of the woodland will

fill in the existing open gap within the surrounding woodland and even

improve the landscape.

2.5.2 Neighbouring land use

The aerial photograph below shows how Meikle Ley is almost completely

surrounded by forests or fields.

Map 12: Aerial view of Meikle Ley

18


2.6 Social factors

2.6.1 Recreation

No paths or tracks cross over Meikle Ley.

The main focus for recreation in this area of Moray and Aberdeenshire

forest district is at Bennachie, Corrennie and Pitfichie forest. These areas

have a number of waymarked walks and mountain bike trails.

2.6.2 Community

The surrounding area is largely made up of scattered homes and farms

rather than specific villages. The larger population centre of Alford is

located a few miles to the west.

The community council for this area is the one of Cluny. Views from this

community council and other members of the local community have been

sought during the preparation of the plan. Letters were written to

neighbours, both contiguous and in the local vicinity and statutory

consultees.

Our consultation record can be seen in appendix 2. The issues raised

during the information gathering process will be taken into account and

used to establish the objectives for the site in drawing up the land

management proposals (see section 4).

2.6.3 Heritage

According to Historic Scotland’s records there are no historic environment

assets of national importance within the site. However there are 2 non-

scheduled monuments in and along the site (see map 13 below). These

monuments have been identified as being a farm stead and an associated

building with a garden enclosure between the buildings. These upstanding

remain will be left as a single area of open ground, with a minimum

unplanted buffer of 8 meters around the group of visible remains.

A certain number of stone dykes are also present in the site. The new

planting located at 5 meters from the stone dykes.

19


Map 13: Non-scheduled monuments on the site.

20


3. Analysis and Concept

3.1 Analysis and concept table

The information gathered in the previous section (2.0 - Background

information) has been analysed for its relevance to the plan. This has

informed the design concept plan which is based on the land management

objectives (section 1.3).

The results of this process are presented in the table below. This has been

set out against the national themes of the FES strategic directions

document and the issues highlighted in the Moray & Aberdeenshire

strategic plan.

Theme-

priority

Key

Commitments

District specific

Action

Analysis Proposed

Action

Healthy

(Medium)

We will help the

Estate adapt to

climate change

and become more

resilient to

pressure.

The District will

continually make

good use of

Ecological Site

Classification (Esc)

to closely fit species

to sites, and take

into account the

anticipated effects of

climate change.

The climate of the

site is predicted to

change in the

future.

Use ESC and its’

built in predicted

future climate

models to help

guide the

selection of

species suitable

for planting.

We intend to

manage at least a

quarter of our

expanding

broadleaf

woodlands to

produce quality

hardwoods and

woodfuel.

We will increase our

productive broadleaf

resource by planting

a further 700ha by

2019.

Where economically

viable, we will

actively manage our

broadleaf resource

to secure

silvicultural

improvement and

commercial return.

This plan area has

been identified as

having potential to

establishing

productive

broadleaves, to

growing hardwood

quality timber and

producing

woodfuel.

Plant

broadleaves and

manage them to

secure

silviculture

improvement

and commercial

return.

21


Productive

We will support

the Scottish

Government’s

woodland

expansion policy.

Through appropriate

acquisitions, we will

help deliver Scottish

Government

woodland expansion

targets in

accordance with the

Woodland Expansion

Advisory Group

report.

Meikle Ley can

contribute to the

Scottish

Government’s

woodland

expansion target

of 10,000 ha per

year.

Identify areas

where land can

be removed from

agriculture with

minimal impact

and plant with

trees that will

expand the

woodland cover

in the area.

Cared For

We are committed

to maintaining the

best open habitats

in good ecological

condition.

The District will

continue to review

all open ground

management on a

regular basis to

ensure it is

appropriate.

Meikle Ley

presents some

interesting open

habitat situated

for example

around

watercourses.

Identify the best

open areas for

their biodiversity

and

environmental

value; maintain

or enhance their

ecological

condition.

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4. Land Management Proposals

See future habitats and species map

4.1 Existing woodland

A survey of the existing vegetation types at Meikle Ley has been completed.

No existing woodland was identified on the site.

However, Forestry Commission’s Corrennie forest block is located adjacent

to the site. These woodlands have been visited in order to identify species

growing in the area and also to identify potential species to plant at Meikle

Ley. Species growing well around the site include; beech, birch, rowan

scots pine, larch, and sitka spruce.

4.2 New woodland

In Total, 7 different species will be planted across the site (18 ha of

broadleaves). The dominant species will be Sycamore covering 9.7 ha of the

site, followed by Alder covering 3.9 ha and scots pine covering 3.1 ha (see

Table and Figures below).

Sp Area

Sycamore 9.73

Open 5.44

Alder 3.93

Scots pine 3.12

Aspen 2.43

S. spruce 2.27

Willow 1.13

Birch 0.78

Table and Figure above: Proportion of species and open spaces on the site.

The ground preparation for the new planting will be either done by

mounding, scarifying or with a machine planter. The ground preparation

techniques will have to be chosen in order to comply with the UK Forestry

Standard Guidelines and to reach the objectives of the plan.

No fertilisers will be used for this area as the soil resource is sufficient to

provide enough nutrients for the selected species.

23


Herbicides might be used in order to limit weed competition particularly

during the first 2 years after plantation. This will be done in compliance with

the UK forestry standards guidelines.

No fertilisers and herbicides will be used within the watercourse buffer zone.

4.2.1 Riparian woodland

Groups of 25 trees will be planted in cluster along the watercourse in order

to create dappled shade within a minimum of 20 meters buffer zone. The

spacing between each tree will be between 1.5 to 2 meters and be detailed

at a work plan stage just like the density. No chemicals such as herbicides

will be used within the buffer zone area along the watercourse.

Riparian woodland can be used to stabilise river and stream banks and help

prevent pollution from reaching watercourses, as well as improve water

quality and fresh water habitats. Riparian woodland can also contribute to

flood plain management.

The species will need to be flood tolerant so will be a mix of alder and

willow. Open or partially wooded conditions along the watercourses are

important. Half the length of the watercourse will be left open to sunlight

with the remainder in dappled shade. To achieve this 50% of the total area

will be planted with trees.

4.2.2 Broadleaved woodland

With the quality of the soils being classified as poor/medium and wet to

moist this allows us to select a range of species that includes sycamore,

aspen, birch, alder and willow to produce timber and / or firewood. The

areas composed of sycamore, aspen and pure alder will aim to produce a

high quality timber.

With productivity being a key objective of this plan leads to the choice of

Sycamore as the main. The planting pattern used will aim to produce

quality Timber for the sycamore and alder areas. The gross planting density

will be located between 3 000 to 5 000 trees / ha. The net planting density

will be lower as a rack system will be implemented at the plantation stage.

This system will aim to facilitate the future management of the forest

including forks removal, pruning, tending, thinning and felling. It will also

facilitate deer culling as the racks can be used as shooting corridors. The

rack system will also encourage the public to visit the forest as it will be

able to walk through the woodland. The extraction racks will be used for

several rotations if not “forever” and will therefore decrease the impact of

the machines on soil compaction as well as the impact of the racks in the

landscape as they will be overhang by tree crowns within few years

(appendix 3).

24


The areas of new broadleaf planting will all be protected from damage from

deer, hares and rabbits by fencing the site, including the open ground

except part of the conifer woodland (see below 4.2.3). Deer, hare and

rabbit proof gates will be installed in the fence at the appropriate access

points (See future species map). The fence will be put up at least 4 meters

back from the existing dykes on the site as the deer can use the dykes to

jump over the fence. It will be 2 meters back from any existing fences

shared with the neighbourhood. Watergates will be set up where deer fence

crosses over the watercourse. The new planting will also be 2 meters back

from the deer fence. The fence will be 1.6 to 1.8 meters height. If needed,

more deer / rabbit control will be undertaken by our wildlife management

team or contractors.

4.2.3 Conifer woodland

The existing Scots pine crop running along the south of the boundary of the

site is growing very well and already produces a good timber quality. The

soils are a bit drier and lighter in the south and west of the site and are

therefore suitable to grow a good quality Scots pine crop. Therefore, conifer

woodland composed of Scots pine will be planted in the South of Meikle Ley.

20% Birch will be planted along with Scots pine in an intimate mixture in

order to increase diversity and environment quality. The Gross planting

density will be close to 3000 trees / ha.

Sitka spruce will be planted on the north slope of the site. Existing crops of

Sitka are already showing very good growth rate along this slope. Also, this

area will not be fenced as the deer would be able to jump over a fence if put

up in the middle of the slope. Therefore, Sitka spruce is also the most

resilient species to deer damage without fencing.

4.3 Open ground

The priorities for open ground are to retain those areas with a high habitat

value and keep open areas around neighbouring properties to prevent a loss

of their views and creating excessive shading. Open area will also be located

around the powerlines (as a 6.5 meters buffer zone on each side) and the

non-scheduled monuments. No particular management will be undertaken

within the open ground areas unless there is a danger with vegetation

growing under powerlines for example or if future natural processes do not

comply with the LMP’s objectives.

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Appendices

APPENDIX 1 – THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL CONTEXT OF MEIKLE LEY. ..... 26

APPENDIX 2 – CONSULTATION RECORD ..................................... 31

APPENDIX 3 – PLANTATION SCHEME MEIKLE LEY .......................... 33

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Appendix 1 – The national and local context of

Meikle Ley.

National context

Meikle Ley was purchased to support the objectives of the Scottish

Government as set out in “The role of Scotland’s National Forest

Estate and strategic directions 2013-2016”. This document describes

the role of and strategic directions for Scotland’s National Forest Estate

(NFE).

The NFE is one of the biggest opportunities for the Scottish Government to

directly implement the principals laid out in its Land Use Strategy. The

Land Use Strategy aims to deliver multiple benefits from Scotland’s

countryside. Meikle Ley, as part of the NFE, provides an opportunity to

implement the Scottish Government’s climate change commitments by

harnessing the ability of trees to sequester carbon. It can provide additional

environmental services including contributing to flood mitigation and

ensuring the NFE, and its biodiversity, is robust and able to adapt to future

climate change.

Within this context the role of the NFE can be described in terms of the

services it has the potential to provide:

• Supporting services such as primary production, nutrient dispersal and

cycling;

• Provisioning services such as timber, food (farmed and wild), water,

minerals, energy (hydropower, wind energy and biomass fuels);

• Regulating services such as carbon sequestration and climate regulation,

flood management, purification of water and air, detoxification of

contaminated sites and biological reservoirs for crop pollination and pest

and disease control;

• Cultural services around recreational experiences, cultural, intellectual

and spiritual inspiration and scientific advancement.

he role of Scotland’s National Forest Estate and strategic directions 2013-2016


Getting the best from our land – A land use strategy for Scotland -

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Countryside/Landusestrategy


http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Countryside/Landusestrategy

27


The Rationale for Woodland Expansion lays out the Scottish

Government’s thinking on how woodland expansion can best increase the

delivery of public benefits from Scotland’s land. The document identifies a

number of woodland creation priorities for Scotland:

Helping to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon sequestration,

timber and fuel production.

Restoring lost habitats and adapting to climate change. Forest habitat

networks and new native woodlands.

Helping to manage ecosystem services. Sustainable flood

management and protection of soil and water resources.

Underpinning a sustainable forest products industry. Consistent and

reliable timber supply for timber processing and wood fuel

investments.

Supporting rural development. Supporting local businesses and farm

diversification.

Providing community benefits. Provision of welcoming and well-

managed woodlands in and around communities and where health

and community need is greatest.

Enhancing urban areas and improving landscapes. Improving

derelict, underused and neglected land, improving degraded or

unsightly environments and diversifying farmed landscapes.

The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 places a specific duty on

all public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity and to have

regard to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. That strategy, published in

2004, aims to achieve by 2030 a landscape where, amongst other things:

"Organisms can move, feed, reproduce and disperse effectively, and are

better able to adapt to changing circumstances of land use and climate

change".

Habitat networks are one of the main ways identified to achieve this.

Habitat networks are patches of habitat that are physically or functionally

connected, so that dependent species are able to move and/or disperse

between patches to create interlinked populations. The development of

networks should increase the resilience of species populations to threats,

which is especially important for species which are slow colonisers and/or

those living in small fragmented populations.

-

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-7FWEQ5

Scottish Biodiversity Strategy -

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/05/19366/37239

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-7FWEQ5

28


Networks should help wildlife adapt to climate change, both by encouraging

more robust populations that can survive change in situ, and by making it

easier for species to colonise new areas if current sites become unsuitable.

The predicted pace of climate change means that networks will need to be

developed and functioning over the next few decades to relieve the growing

pressures on our wildlife.

As there are no specific national policies for agriculture in Scotland it is

difficult to link the management of the agricultural elements at Meikle Ley

to an overarching national strategy. However the background to the

industry is that livestock numbers have been dropping since 2005. This is

as a direct result of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). With CAP

currently under review it is not possible to know what impact this could

have on the future for the agricultural industry in Scotland.

Local context

The strategic directions document for the NFE was published in 2013 and

lays out in broad terms the story of, nature of, and vision for the

NFE. District strategic plan is the next level down in the planning

framework. These set out at the district level how different parts of the

local NFE will contribute to the national picture. The new Strategic Plan

for Moray & Aberdeenshire District has recently completed public

consultation.

The Strategic Plan for Moray & Aberdeenshire will drive our Land

Management Plans (LMP) and integrate 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.

-



29


SNH, in partnership with local authorities and other agencies have carried

out a National Programme of Landscape Character Assessment. This

programme aims to improve knowledge and understanding of the

contribution that landscape makes to the natural heritage of Scotland. It

considers the likely pressures and opportunities for change in the

landscape, assesses the sensitivity of the landscape to change and includes

guidelines indicating how landscape character may be conserved, enhanced

or restructured as appropriate.

Aberdeenshire Council has a Forest and Woodland Strategy

The key aim of the strategy is:

To ensure the sustainable management of the woodlands and forests of

Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City, creating a balanced landscape where

woodlands and forests, add to people’s quality of life and wellbeing,

contribute to the local economy, provide opportunities for recreation and

tourism and protect and enhance biodiversity and the environment.

This means:

encouraging multi-benefit forestry in new planting and through re-

structuring

balancing forestry against other land uses

protecting sensitive areas; and

identifying priority areas for expansion of a variety of forest and

woodland types

-

http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/natural/trees/forest_strategy05.pdf

http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/natural/trees/forest_strategy05.pdf

30


The section on creating new woods and forests states that:

Identifying priority areas where woodland expansion might be targeted is a

key role of this Strategy. Looking at the whole forest resource in the North

East, it should be possible to achieve benefits to landscape, habitat and

recreation whilst producing commercial timber. Whilst expecting a range of

proposals for new planting to come forward, specific types of new planting

are encouraged by this Strategy to work towards the aims identified.

Although woodland is an important feature of the North East, the total area

of woodland (14%) is low compared with many of our European neighbours

where woodland cover is often greater than 30%.

Moray Council has recently withdrawn its forestry strategy due to its age

and it has no plans to replace it in the short term.

Feedback from stakeholders and the local community has been sought

via written correspondence.

Letters were written to all known neighbours, both contiguous and in the

local vicinity, all known local interest groups and statutory consultees.

The results of the feedback received are presented in appendix 2.

Appendix 2 – Consultation record

Statutory Consultee Date contacted Date

response received

Issue raised Forest District Response

SNH 18 August 2015 By e-mail

18 August 2015 By e-mail

Thank you for your consultation. There being no protected areas nearby likely to be affected, we shall be making no response on this occasion.

No response required

RSPB 18 August 2015 By e-mail

17 September 2015 by e-mail

Thank you for consulting RSPB Scotland on the Meikle Lay Land Management Plan. We do not hold bird records for this particular area although as it is currently agricultural land there is the possibility that there may be farmland waders, such as lapwing, oystercatcher or curlew. Farmland passerines such as yellowhammer and linnets are also likely to be present.

However, if the area does not hold significant number of these species then the introduction of native broadleaves that are subsequently managed could potentially provide benefits for a range of woodland bird species. I would be interested in seeing the draft plan for this area, when completed.

The woodland proposed for the site includes both open space and native broadleaves.

SEPA 18 August 2015 By e-mail

This consultation is below the threshold where we would provide bespoke advice. Please therefore refer to Advice for the Forestry Commission Scotland and forest managers on how and when to consult SEPA including standing advice for small scale felling and planting applications and forest plans. General advice on forestry in relation to our interests can be found on the Forestry page of our website.


Cluny, Midmar, Monymusk Community Council

18 August 2015 By e-mail

Thanks for your communication, I have circulated it to the community councillors for their information, if there are any comments I will let you know.


NFU 18 August 2015

By e-mail

No reply to date

SGRPID 18 August 2015 By post

No reply to date

http://www.sepa.org.uk/media/143234/lups-gu26-advice-for-forestry-commission-scotland-and-forest-managers-on-how-and-when-to-consult-sepa.pdf





http://www.sepa.org.uk/environment/land/forestry/

32


STFA 18 August 2015 By post

No reply to date

SSE 18 August 2015 By post

24 August 2015 Thank you for the opportunity to comment on any issues we may have affecting Meikle Ley. I have forwarded your correspondence to the concerned person who will review and provide comment in due course.


CONFOR 18 August 2015 By e-mail

August 2015 The land appears to lie in well with other neighbouring FCS property, in an area well suited to producing productive conifer crops. As such Confor trusts that the maximum possible area will be devoted to productive conifers, principally Sitka spruce.

We will consider all the possibilities for the management of Meikle Ley regarding our national and local strategic plan, the consultation feedbacks and the ecological conditions of the site.

Historic Scotland February 2016 February 2016 As you note, a single SMR entry records the remains (visible on aerial photographs) of a farmstead (Greenfolds) and associated building (Glenhead) with a garden enclosure between the buildings, all as depicted on the OS 1st and 2nd edition maps. (The SMR polygon has now been amended to encompass all of these features). These upstanding remains should be left as a single area of open ground, with a minimum unplanted buffer of 8m around the group of visible remains.

A buffer zone will be left between the monuments and the new plantation.

Neighbour 18 August 2015 By post

Visited on 8 October 2015

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the plans that the Forestry Commission have for this area of land. I have a water supply along the management area. This neighbour was visited and the objectives of the plan have been explained to him. He was happy with the project but also preferred to keep the fields open.

We will consider all the possibilities for the management of Meikle Ley regarding our strategic plan, the consultation feedbacks and the ecological conditions of the site. Open space will be left around existing houses in order to keep the views from there.

.

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Appendix 3 – Plantation scheme Meikle Ley for sycamore and alder areas

Documents

Meikle Ley Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest DistrictMeikle Ley LMP / Antoine Le Pretre – FES / 2016 Re-meandering the burn could be an option for future forest works in order to improve