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2 minutes

Angus Glens watercourses to benefit from extensive woodland creation

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is planting 20,000 native trees along rivers and streams in Glen Doll and Glen Prosen.

Species include downy birch, aspen, rowan, willows, hazel, bird cherry and common alder.

When mature, the trees will help to shade the river, and fallen leaves will provide nutrients to support freshwater species like salmon and brown trout. Tree roots should also stabilise riverbanks when flow rates are high.

The project has been funded with a grant from NatureScot’s Nature Restoration Fund and as part of the River South Esk Catchment Partnerships “A Nature Rich and Climate Resilient Catchment”, involving other local landowners in a joint effort to support restoration across the catchment.

FLS Planning Forester Sophie Cade said:

“The riparian tree planting is an important stage in our overall aims for FLS managed land in Glen Prosen and the wider Angus glens. It will support and complement our overall programme of work for river restoration, to expand native woodland and create wetlands. This will lead to a more balanced and resilient ecosystem which will increase biodiversity.

“We hope the native broadleaf species that have been chosen and planted will be part of a seed source to provide the basis for further habitat recovery through natural processes. The ambition is for riparian woodland to be part of a mosaic of wooded habitats that also includes denser valley side woodland, open wooded habitat – including wood pasture, and montane woodland.”

FLS staff are using the tree planting as an opportunity to involve local school children with the work as part of outdoor learning experiences.

Last year, almost 14km of fencing to exclude deer and rabbits from sections of the riverbank was put up to protect the young trees.

The fencing has been designed and sited to reduce the visual impact on the landscape which lies within the Cairngorms National Park. Diagonal slats have been added to the fences to prevent bird strikes, and gates and stiles have been included to maintain access routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Notes to editors

  1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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  3. Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot