Bin and Deveron Land Management Plan

Bin and Deveron Woods are located in western Aberdeenshire, centred around the Deveron River valley (central grid reference: NJ 5018 4382). The plan area consists of a loose cluster of twelve woodland blocks, with South Balnoon located further east away from the river corridor. Together, the woods cover a total area of approximately 2,270 hectares.

The woodlands sit within a predominantly agricultural landscape and are generally surrounded by farmland and rough grazing. Most of the blocks are small to medium in size and are reasonably visible within the local landscape. The wider area is rural in character with a low population density.

The previous 10-year LMP expired in September 2025. We’ve started the review process, and this first consultation invites your views. We’re asking stakeholders – including statutory bodies, third sector groups, businesses, neighbours and individuals – to share their thoughts on how the Bin and Deveron LMP area should be managed over the next 10 years.

If you’d like to send us your feedback but aren’t sure where to start, you could think about the following questions:

• What’s your connection to this place?
• Why is this place important to you?
• Is there a significant feature or issue we should know about?

This plan is at an early draft stage, but a few key objectives have been identified. You can find more detail in the stakeholder consultation document, linked at the bottom of the page.

• Timber production will remain the key focus in this area. Most of the forest area is currently managed via clearfell systems but opportunities to expand the areas managed under Low Impact Silvicultural Systems will be explored as part of the plan renewal. These systems also produce a reliable source of timber via well timed thinnings and group fellings.
• The Bin forest is a well-used recreational hub for the local community. We’ll continue to provide access to all forests within the plan area, as set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
• There are two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within the plan area, one of which is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). There is also another SSSI which, although not within the plan area, runs along the boundary of one of the outlier blocks. We’ll continue to manage and protect these sites using the latest guidance and in agreement with NatureScot.
• Many blocks within the LMP area form the catchment for significant watercourses, such as the river Deveron, which eventually flow north to the Aberdeenshire coast. These rivers are important for wildlife and as sources of drinking water. We’ll focus on improving riverbank habitats and keeping them connected.
• There are private water supplies in the forest and nearby farmland. We’ll need to record them and make sure their catchments are well protected.
• Forests within this LMP area form important features in the local landscape, particularly for people travelling along the A96 and Aberdeen to Inverness rail line. Ensuring felling and restocking operations are designed to maintain the current landscape value will be an important consideration in some areas.

The timeline for the plan review is shown below. The consultation periods highlighted will mainly take place online. We’ll contact stakeholders and neighbours directly and place signs at forest entrances with details about how to get involved.

There will be a public drop-in session to view the draft plans and provide feedback between 4pm and 8pm on 4 March 2026 at Square Deal, 22 The Square, Huntly, AB54 8BR.

• January - February 2026: Initial scoping, including public consultation (28 days)
• February 2026: Preparation of the draft plan
• February - March 2026: Final stakeholder scoping and public consultation on draft proposals, preparation of the final plan and submission to Scottish Forestry for approval.
• Summer 2026: Approval and adoption of new LMP expected

• Consultation document
• Map 1 - location
• Map 2 - concept | accessible text