Cushnie Long Term Plan

Forestry and Land Scotland is preparing a new Long Term Plan (LTP) for Cushnie Forest, located approximately 8 km south-west of Alford in Aberdeenshire. The plan will guide forest management over the coming decades and set out how the forest will continue to deliver timber production alongside environmental, landscape and access benefits. Information on the forest, proposed management objectives and the developing concept for the plan can be found in the consultation documents.

 

The draft vision is for Cushnie to continue as a productive, resilient and sustainable commercial forest that delivers economic, environmental and social benefits. Timber production will remain the primary objective, supported by sustainable harvesting, restructuring and restocking programmes, while opportunities will be taken to enhance biodiversity, habitat networks, riparian corridors and public access.

 

We are asking stakeholders, including statutory bodies, third sector groups, businesses, neighbours and individuals, to share their thoughts on how the Cushnie LTP should be managed over the next 10 years. 

 

If you'd like to send us your feedback but are not sure where to start, you could think about the following questions:

 

  • what is your connection to this place? 
  • why is this place important to you?
  • is there a significant feature or issue we should know about? 
  • do you have a private water supply which is located within or nearby the forest? 

Renaming Land Management Plans as Long Term Plans

Land Management Plans are in the process of becoming known as Long Term Plans, a change needed as a result of changes taking place in legislation.

The Land Reform Act introduces an alternative use for the term Land Management Plan which relates specifically to the forthcoming obligations set out under this banner. These terms are used interchangeably on our website, but both currently reference our plans developed in line with the UK Forestry Standard.

Location

Key proposals

The Long Term Plan is expected to:

 

  • Continue sustainable timber production through harvesting and restocking of productive woodland.
  • Address legacy windblow and improve forest resilience through restructuring and species diversification.
  • Review existing lower impact silvicultural systems and identify management approaches better suited to site conditions.
  • Protect and enhance burns, riparian habitats and private water supplies.
  • Increase native and broadleaved woodland in suitable locations, particularly around watercourses and habitat corridors.
  • Retain and enhance important open habitats including upland heath.
  • Assess opportunities for managing deep peat areas, including peatland restoration or wet woodland creation where appropriate.
  • Protect heritage features and areas of long established woodland.
  • Maintain responsible public access in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and recognise existing rights of way and equestrian routes.
  • Consider targeted improvements to forest infrastructure where these support sustainable forest management and timber recovery.

Have your say

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 detail about how to get involved.

Timeline

  • September/October 2026: initial scoping, including public consultation (28 days)
  • October/November 2026: preparation of the draft plan
  • December 2026/January 2027: final stakeholder scoping and public consultation on draft proposals, preparation of the final plan. 
  • February 2027: submission to Scottish Forestry for approval
  • Spring 2027: approval and adoption of new LTP expected

Documents and maps

Documents

Maps

Get in touch

If you would like further information or have any questions about this plan, please contact:

Email: enquiries.east@forestryandland.gov.scot