Montreathmont Long Term Plan

Montreathmont Forest is located in East Angus, the forest was established in the 1920s and planting peaked in the 1960s. The forest covers 997 hectares (ha) and is notable for its high quality production of timber from Sitka spruce and Scots pine. There are high levels of natural regeneration from birch species as well as Sitka spruce. The block has good internal roads and has close proximity to markets making it ideal to serve as a productive woodland.

Owing to the high water table and shallow rooting depths windblow has been a recurring problem with significant damage being caused in Storm Arwen in 2021 resulting in a significant amount of clear felling and restocking in the forest in the last 5 years. The surrounding land use is predominantly agriculture with limited woodland cover. The forest is used on a regular basis by members of the public whose main uses are walking, exercising dogs and cycling. All access is currently informal with no designated parking or path facilities and this will be maintained 

The previous 10 year LMP expired in February 2026 and the review process for the new Long Term Plan (LTP) has started. We’re asking stakeholders - including statutory bodies, third sector groups, business, neighbours and individuals to share their thoughts on how the Montreathmont should be managed over the next 10 years.

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.

If you’d like to send us 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?

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

Using this feedback a draft plan will be created and a public drop in session to view draft plans will be arranged in due course to allow all stakeholder a chance to provide further comments. The date and location of this meeting will be publicised closer to the time with all stakeholders made aware.

• June - July 2026: initial scoping including public consultation (28 days)
• July -  August 2026: preparation of the draft plan
• August - September: final stakeholder scoping and public consultation on draft proposals, preparation of final plan and submission to Scottish Forestry for approval
• December 2026: approval and adoption of the new LTP expected.