Angus Glens Long Term Plan

What you said...

Some concerns were raised about the risk of wildfire increasing with change in land management due to increased fuel load and visitor access.

What we're doing...

Developing a fire plan that sets out how we'll reduce the risk of wildfire starting and spreading, and what our response will be if a fire does happen. Local residents, neighbouring landowners and emergency services will be consulted on this in late 2024.

To get a better understanding of Glen Prosen, and to inform our future land management, we have undertaken environmental and ecological surveys which are summarised in the Glen Prosen survey summary document above. The summary explains the purpose of each survey, the methods used, the results and findings, and how they will be useful for our planning and land management. 

What you said...

There is a strong desire to see a positive impact for the local glens' community from the change in land management, more activity, and more people living and working in the glens.

What we're doing...

We're coming up to finalising leases on a number of the buildings in Glen Prosen that will see them being used.

What you said...

Concerns were raised that our policy not to undertake predator control will impact some protected species.

What we're doing...

As a more natural ecosystem is restored there will be a significant period of adjustment and change. We're using an evidence-based approach to identify and protect important species and monitor changes as the site and the project develops.

What you said...

There needs to be a balance between the amount of fencing and the deer cull.

What we're doing...

We're revising our fencing plans to reduce fencing where possible and mitigate potential impacts on wildlife. The deer cull is ongoing and will remain an important part of our land management in order to establish woodland and restore open habitats.

What you said...

Need to maintain open access in Glen Prosen through deer fenced enclosures. Maintain and re-open trails in Glen Doll that have been blocked by windblow.

What we're doing...

In line with our fencing plans, we're including access gates throughout and consulting with the tourism/recreation community on plans to develop access in Glen Prosen so visitors can experience and be informed about the project.

Operations to clear windblow in Glen Doll commence in October 2024 and we're exploring opportunities to create more low-level inclusive access. 

What you said...

The change in land use and woodland creation could contribute towards downstream flood mitigation.

What we're doing...

We're liaising with SEPA to better understand the potential positive impacts for downstream flood points, such as Brechin. We're planning our land management to slow the flow of water and hold more water in the upper catchment by blocking drains and restoring peatland and upland fen/bog habitats.

What you said...

Locking up carbon – in the climate crisis this project is an opportunity to store carbon through woodland creation and peatland restoration.

What we're doing...

We'll be creating around 1800ha of native mixed broadleaf woodland with Scots Pine and montane scrub, as well as restoring around 200ha of peatland to help sequester carbon. Improving biodiversity and creating a functioning ecosystem with a mosaic of habitats should also help to make the landscape more resilient to future climate change.

What you said...

How will the project be financed and where will the funding come from? 

What we're doing...

We intend to seek ‘green finance’, which is private investment in nature-based solutions (such as carbon storage and sequestration, flood risk reduction, enhanced well-being, and biodiversity recovery). This is an emerging area for which policy and standards are still being developed and Angus Glens can contribute to piloting such approaches.

We'll also see revenue generated from the on-site hydro scheme, venison sales, lease of estate buildings and land, and via partnership opportunities.

What you said...

There is a strong need to keep local communities involved and communication open, not only about future plans but also current activities.

What we're doing...

We're keeping in touch with community and stakeholder contacts via a quarterly email newsletter, attending and providing updates to the Kirriemuir Landward East Community Council, as well as meeting with local residents in Glen Prosen, posting updates on the Glen Prosen village notice board and updating our web pages for all to see.

We will be organising a final round of consultation on the land management plan for early 2025.

What you said...

Show more detail on the woodland creation and forestry plans, i.e. which tree species will go where.

What we're doing...

We're analysing the ecological and environmental survey data, alongside feedback from stakeholders and the public consultation to produce finer detailed plans which will be published in early 2025.

These will explain exactly which species we will be planting, how much planting there will be in different parts of the site, how much woodland we are expecting to regenerate naturally and also what we are doing with regard to other habitats such as peatland and river restoration.