Views sought on plans for Pitlochry forests
Forestry and Land Scotland is inviting everyone with an interest in how two of its forests near Pitlochry are managed over the next 20 years to offer their views in an online consultation.
Fonab Forest (807 ha) lies to the south west of the town and straddles the ridge plateau between Strathtay and Strathtummel. It was originally planted around 65 years ago predominantly with Scots pine and spruce.
Grandtully Forest (632 ha) to the south of the town was planted 40 years ago, predominantly with Sitka spruce above the semi-natural birch woodland that was retained on the lower slopes.
Nick Gough, FLS Planning Forester, said;
“Both forests are key sites for timber production, are important sites from an ecological perspective and are also the locations of a number of significant heritage sites - a Neolithic stone circle and an iron age hill fort that has great views across the local area.
“We’re looking to restructure both forests to counter the effects of windblow and to improve riparian habitats for protected species, such as salmon and Lamprey, which spawn in the rivers downstream of the forests, and Northern damselfly habitat around wetlands on the high forest plateau.
“Managing these various factors and balancing different interests is very challenging and while we have set out some principles and ideas, we’d like to hear views on our plans.
“Unfortunately, due to the situation with COVID-19 we will not be hosting a community drop-in event so as an alternative we’ve put all of the relevant documents on to our website.
“I’d encourage everyone with an interest to take a look and send their comments to us."
For more information contact Nick Gough.
The consultation will run until the end of April.
Notes to editors
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Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers 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.
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Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot