The Strathdon Land Management Plan (LMP) area is located to the west of Huntly and is situated within the Cairngorms National Park.

The LMP area is approximately 1986 hectares in size and is split into two blocks. The previous plan looked at addressing the issue of the LMP area’s fairly even aged structure, which was a result of the trees predominantly being planted in the 1950s and 60s. The new plan intends to maintain this direction of travel and work towards the continuation of age structure diversity within the LMP area. Areas of Long-established woodlands of plantation origin are also present within the LMP area.  

The presence of Dothistroma Needle Blight (DNB) has heavily influenced past fellings in the LMP area and this plant health issue will continue to be monitored going into the next plan period.  

The LMP area provides important habitat for numerous species, with the main block (locally known as the Bunzeach) being identified as a red squirrel stronghold. On the southern boundary of the Bunzeach, a very small section of the Morven and Mullachdubh Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is present on our ground. In addition to this, the LMP area is adjacent to the Green Hill of Strathdon SSSI and Special Area of Conservation (SAC); and Morven and Mullachdubh SAC.  

The LMP area has also been impacted by windblow and we are seeking an additional felling permission request (Map 4) to enable us to carry out required felling operations during the current LMP’s expiry period, whilst we are awaiting the approval of the new LMP.

Proposed Timeline:

• The present Land Management Plan expires in May 2024.
• Scoping of stakeholder interests concluded in December 2023 – January 2024.
• Draft proposals are due for public consultation in the summer of 2024.
• Draft Plan ratified and submitted to Scottish Forestry by the autumn of 2024.
• Final Statutory consultation period in the autumn – winter period of 2024.

Documents and Maps:

• Map 1: Location
• Map 2: Key Features and Issues (1/2)
• Map 3: Key Features and Issues (2/2)
• Map 4: Windblow Felling Permissions 2023

 

Get in touch

If you would like further information or have any questions, please contact:

Email: enquiries.east@forestryandland.gov.scot