Ariogan was acquired by Forestry and Land Scotland in 2023, and forms part of the southern boundary to the town of Oban. It is contiguous with both the existing FLS Cologin forest and a private forest to the north. Two smaller areas stretch across the main road into Oban, one of which abuts the private Glencruitten forest in the east. Ariogan totals 177ha and includes open hill tops, riparian corridors with some priority habitats and native broadleaves as well as an area of Long Established Plantation Origin (LEPO) Scots Pine along a ridge, forming the backdrop to the town.

There are two scheduled monuments within the plan area – two cairns – and there are various undesignated features across the site such as shielings, farmsteads and further cairns.

Forestry and Land Scotland propose to protect and enhance riparian corridors and priority habitats whilst exploring opportunities to create a mix of woodland types where appropriate.

Objectives

1. Woodland creation: establishing woodland and shrubby edge/open space habitats, encouraging silvicultural diversity to store carbon and water and improve biodiversity. Ensure sustainable herbivore population management to promote and support species diversity and ground vegetation as well as encouraging natural regeneration.
2. Support and enable partnership access and opportunities for communities.
3. Biodiversity and habitat protection: protect and enhance riparian habitats in line with UKFS; consider potential to improve habitat for pollinators and insects in proximity to urban areas.
4. Explore opportunities to reduce impacts of climate change incorporating water run-off and providing shade, cooling and shelter; contribute to partnership Flood Mitigation strategies
5. Remain sympathetic to the landscape setting of the land.

Timeline

• Spring 2024: surveys and site investigation works
• June 2024: initial public consultation
• 2024-2025: Development of management proposals
• Summer 2025: consultation on management proposals
• Winter 2025: submission of proposals to Scottish Forestry

Documents and maps

• Ariogan LMP Plan Brief
• Ariogan LMP consultation feedback
• Ariogan LMP Location and access map
• Ariogan LMP features map
• Ariogan LMP issues map