Barcaldine Forest lies 11 miles north-east of Oban. The forest was planted in phases over the last 140 years, with a mix of early estate plantings and later commercial conifers. Commercial conifers have generally grown well, with much of the forest now in its second rotation. Sutherland’s Grove is a tourist destination within the forest and is the focus for a network of footpaths and bike trails.

The primary objectives for the plan area are; commercial conifer timber production, PAWS restoration, landscape reappraisal in association with restructuring, review of management prescriptions, and taking into account guidance on forest resilience and diversification in response to climate change. Certification under the UK Woodland Assurance Scheme is another important objective to which the plan will contribute.

Timeline

• Autumn 2016: Initial stakeholder consultation
• Public Consultation Drop-in, Benderloch Victory Hall, Tuesday 25th April, 2-7pm.
• Autumn 2017: Further stakeholder consultation and finalisation of draft plan.
• Spring 2018: Submission of plan to Perth & Argyll Conservancy for approval
• Autumn 2018: Plan approved on 2 October 2018

Documents and maps

• Barcaldine Land Management Plan (PDF)
• Land management plan summary (PDF 451KB)
• Location map (PDF 1014KB)
• Concept map (PDF 1.1MB)
• Management map (PDF 1.5MB)
• Future species and habitats map (PDF 1.1MB)
• Water features map (PDF 4MB)
• Landscape character analysis map (JPG 3MB)
• Heritage map (PDF 4MB)
• Designations map (PDF 4MB)