Spey Mouth Long Term Plan

 The forests which combine to for the Spey Mouth Long Term Plan (LTP) area are located near Fochabers in Moray, centred around the lower River Spey corridor. The plan area consists of a number of woodland blocks on both sides of the river and surrounding area. Together, the forests cover a total area of approximately 4,000 hectares.

The woodlands sit within a predominantly rural landscape and are generally surrounded by farmland, forestry and open ground. The blocks vary in size and are typically seen as part of the wider landscape, although some areas are visible from local roads and viewpoints. The wider area has a strong tourism and recreation focus, with relatively low population density.

The previous 10 year Land Management Plan (LMP) expires in August 2026 and we have started the review process. This first consultation invites your views. 

We are asking stakeholders, including statutory bodies, third sector groups, businesses, neighbours and individuals, to share their thoughts on how the Spey Mouth 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? 

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. Much of the forest is currently managed using Low Impact Silvicultural Systems (LISS), and this approach will continue where appropriate. Clearfelling will also be used where required to support sustainable timber production and improve forest structure
• Spey Mouth is a well-used recreational resource for the local community and visitors. We’ll continue to provide access to all forests within the plan area, as set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
• the forest lies alongside the River Spey, which is designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). We’ll continue to manage and protect these areas using the latest guidance and in agreement with NatureScot
• many parts of the LTP area form the catchment for the River Spey and its tributaries. These watercourses are important for wildlife and as sources of drinking water. We’ll focus on protecting water quality and improving riparian habitats
• there are private water supplies within the forest and surrounding area. We’ll identify and record these and ensure their catchments are well protected
• forests within the plan area form important features in the local landscape, particularly along the Spey corridor and at key viewpoints. Ensuring that felling and restocking operations are designed to maintain and improve landscape character 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 detail about how to get involved. 

There will be a public drop-in session to view the draft plans and provide feedback in November 2026, exact date and venue to be confirmed. 

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