Views sought on 20-year plan for Westfield Woodland

Anyone with an interest in how Westfield Woodland, near Alyth, is managed over the next 20 years is invited to take part in a consultation being run by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).

The plan includes details of how FLS intends to manage the site until 2030 and provides a direction of travel for the following 10 years.

Robin Almond, planning forester with the local FLS team, said;

“A drop-in session back in July last year helped us gather some views about what the local community would like to see happen and carbon sequestration, biodiversity and community usage were the three key themes.

“Our proposal to plant more of the site - just over half of which is currently open ground – will  certainly help meet those objectives as we grow high quality timber and improve the rest of the site with, for example, new areas of juniper, oak and birch woodland.”

Other proposals, such as planting shrubs and gorse control will help improve existing habitat, create new ones and, together with plans for a new forest road, will also help improve public access.

Working with SNH, a management plan for the Site of Special Scientific Interest in Alyth Den has been agreed that focuses on the removal of non-native trees, predominantly beech - from the den.

Robin added;

“This woodland is really popular with local groups – especially the bike path and orchard - but this management plan has the potential to give local people more opportunities for people to enjoy visiting and working on the site, especially in the community woodland area.

“I would strongly encourage people to take part and let us know what they think.” 

A draft of the full management plan along with some landscape illustrations can be seen online. The consultation will remain open until 15 April.

For more information contact the local team at enquiries.east@forestryandland.gov.scot or on 03000676380.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. forestryandland.gov.scot | www.twitter.com/ForestryLS
3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot