West Argyll District - forestryandland.gov.scot · West Argyll District lies in one of the most wooded areas of Scotland. The landscape is characterised by coastal features, sea and

District Strategic Plan

West Argyll District

Strategic Plan 2014-2017

West Argyll District |


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Contents 1. Foreword ..................................................................... 3

2. About this plan ............................................................. 5

3. Connecting with Scottish Government national priorities ..... 6

4. Connecting our plans with what we do on the ground ......... 7

5. Values and principles ..................................................... 8

6. Introducing West Argyll District ..................................... 10

7. District vision ............................................................. 14

8. District priorities and actions ........................................ 14

9. Consulting and engaging with stakeholders ..................... 38

10. Delivery & Monitoring................................................. 41

Glossary ........................................................................ 43

Contact ......................................................................... 44



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1. Foreword The main role of Forest Enterprise Scotland is to manage

Scotland’s National Forest Estate. It is, for us, a privilege and

we are excited about the potential to make more of an asset

that occupies 9% of Scotland’s total land area.

We remain committed to our forest management and timber

production roots but we are also showing that with clear

strategic thinking, good spatial planning and a broadening

range of skills and expertise, the Estate can offer much more

besides. To use the language of ecosystem services

(essentially, the benefits people obtain from ecosystems), we

are enhancing the ‘supporting, provisioning, regulating and

cultural services’ provided by the Estate’s woodlands and its

diverse open land area.

At the same time, we are conscious that the Estate is a public

asset. Ours is a stewardship role, and we are continuing to

explore how best to discharge this responsibility in 21st

century Scotland.

We are working with communities and partners to develop

the Estate in a way that delivers against current local and

national priorities, while also ensuring that we manage the

Estate sustainably and improve it for future generations. This

document lays out the next chapter of the Estate’s story; one

that now spans nearly 100 years.

Simon Hodge

Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise Scotland



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1. Ro-ràdh Is e prìomh dhleastanas Iomairt Choilltean na h-Alba a bhith an

urra ri Oighreachd Coille Nàiseanta na h-Alba, agus tha seo na

urram dhuinn. Tha sinn a’ faighinn brosnachadh mòr às na

cothroman an lùib seo; stòras mòr chraobhan a tha a’

còmhdachadh còrr is 9% de dh’Alba. Tha sinn gu mòr airson is

gum bi sinn dìleas, dìcheallach a thaobh ar n-obrach a’

manaidseadh nan coilltean agus a’ pròiseasadh an fhiodha. Tha

sinn a’ sealltainn, ge-tà, gun gabh mòran a dhèanamh a

bharrachd air seo – tro shiostam-planaidh soilleir, ro-

innleachdail - le leudachadh ga dhèanamh air sgilean is

teòmachd na buidhne. Ann am briathran nan seirbheisean eag-

shiostaim, tha sinn a’ toirt leasachadh air ar taic,

goireasachadh, riaghladh agus ar seirbheisean cultarail;

seirbheisean air an toirt seachad bhon dà chuid fearann

coillteach na h-Oighreachd agus tron fharsaingeachd sgìrean de

dh’fhearann fosgailte.

Tha sinn mothachail gu bheil an Oighreachd na so-mhaoin

phoblach agus tha sinn gu mòr an sàs ann an obair ghlèidhidh.

Nì sinn tuilleadh obrach a chum nan dòighean as èifeachdaiche

air an dleastanas seo a choileanadh san 21mh linn; ag obair le

coimhearsnachdan agus le compàirtean gus an Oighreachd a

leasachadh a chum na prìomhachasan ionadail agus nàiseanta

a thoirt gu buil. Nì sinn cinnteach, aig an aon àm, gum bi an

Oighreachd air a ruith ann an dòigh sheasmhach agus gun tèid

a leasachadh airson an ath-ghinealaich. Tha am foillseachadh

seo a’ toirt cunntas air an ath-chaibideil ann am beatha na h-

Oighreachd, beatha a tha a’ dol air ais an ìre mhath 100

bliadhna.

Sìm Hodge

Ceannard Iomairt Choilltean na h-Alba



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2. About this plan This document describes the role and strategic directions for

West Argyll District, an area representing approximately a tenth

of Scotland’s National Forest Estate (the Estate). It replaces the

Forest District Strategic Plan 2009-2013.

Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) is the agency of Forestry

Commission Scotland (FCS) that manages the Estate on behalf

of Scottish Ministers. Information on FES and its governance,

corporate goals, targets and performance measures can be found

at www.forestry.gov.uk in the FES National Strategic Directions,

the FCS Corporate Plan and Annual Reports.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/



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3. Connecting with Scottish

Government national priorities The National Forest Estate covers 9% of Scotland’s land area

and provides a real opportunity to deliver across a number of

Scottish Government priorities. We align the management of

the Estate to Scottish Government’s Scotland Performs

framework.

The Estate presents the biggest opportunity for Scottish

Government to implement the principles of the Land Use

Strategy by working in partnership with nature, and linking

people with the land. However, the Estate can also help meet

Climate Change commitments through the use of trees to

sequester carbon, by contributing to flood mitigation and by

ensuring that the biodiversity of the Estate is secure and able

to adapt to future climate change. This will also ensure a

continued contribution to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.

Lastly and significantly, the Estate contains approximately

a third of Scotland’s total woodland resource and is key to

delivering the Scottish Forestry Strategy and Forestry

Commission Scotland’s targets.

For more information on the delivery of Scottish Government

priorities and the linking of our priorities to the Scotland

Performs framework, see our National Strategic Directions

document, The role of Scotland’s National Forest Estate and

strategic directions 2013-16.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fesplans

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fesplans



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4. Connecting our plans with

what we do on the ground We are currently reviewing our land management planning

system – how we link national commitments and decision-

making to local action. We have a new National Strategic

Directions document, The role of Scotland’s National Forest

Estate and strategic directions 2013-16, which states our clear

strategic direction for the next three years through a number of

National Key Commitments.

The document you are now reading is part of the next level in

this planning hierarchy, and is one of ten District Plans that

translate the National Key Commitments into regional delivery.

These District Plans will in turn drive our Land Management

Plans, which will build on the success of Forest Design Plans

and further integrate varied land management priorities to

maximise public benefit and optimise the provision of

ecosystem services. Ecosystem services include such varied

objectives as conserving vulnerable species, maintaining a

supply of timber and biomass, and providing the largest area

for recreation in Scotland. Land Management Plans will also

drive the move to a ‘landscape scale’ estate management

regime.



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5. Values and principles We aim to be exemplars of multi-purpose and multi-benefit, sustainable land use.

Here are the values we apply when delivering our actions on the National Forest Estate:

Value Examples of how this is demonstrated

We think long term Our Land Management Plans have a 50- to 100-year time horizon – we are

a world leader in sustainable land management.

We deliver and demonstrate best

practice

We work to the UK Forestry Standard and Guidelines.

We are independently audited against the UK Woodland Assurance Standard

(UKWAS), and are committed to maintaining our certification under the Forest

Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest

Certification (PEFC).

We will maintain our ISO14001 accreditation and continue to improve our

business sustainability.

We will actively contribute to the Forestry Safety Accord.

We embrace both a public service and

a business ethos

The majority of what we do is funded by commercial revenue.

We are exemplars of multi-purpose

and sustainable land use

We deliver a range of benefits in every landscape unit, such as recreation, biomass

production, energy generation, carbon sequestration, habitat management, health,

education and skills development.



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Value Examples of how this is demonstrated

We work in partnership, locally and

nationally

We work closely with other statutory and non-statutory bodies, such as Scottish

Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

We work closely with industry bodies, including the Confederation of Forest

Industries (ConFor), and other land managers, such as utilities companies,

farmers and highways agencies.

We work closely with the public to ensure their enjoyment of this national resource.

We work closely with local communities to enable their involvement in using

and managing local Estate woodlands to derive social, environmental and

economic benefit.

We actively demonstrate our values of

teamwork, professionalism, respect,

communication, learning and creativity

in everything we do

We are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to reflect the population

of Scotland.

We will develop and support our people to fully employ their skills, experience,

creativity and talent.

We are passionate about connecting

people with nature, wild places and

cultural heritage

We will continue to allow open access to all our land where safety allows.



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6. Introducing West

Argyll District

The National Forest Estate We manage 91,800 ha of land in West Argyll District. A total of

62,800 ha is woodland, 27,100 ha is made up of open space,

watercourses and bog, and 1,900 ha is farmland.

Plantations on ancient woodland sites cover 5,600 ha, Sites of

Special Scientific Interest run to 2,125 ha and we manage 51

scheduled ancient monuments.

Of the 56,800 ha productive conifer area, 34% was planted in

the 1970s and a further 30% in the 1980s and 1990s. These

are mainly young, first-rotation forests with trees planted on

former open hills. Older, pre-1960 conifer stands account for

2,900 ha and are now mostly in second rotation, although they

do still contain some veteran trees.

Average conifer productivity is Yield Class 12.4, with 30,500 ha

YC 16 and over (mostly Sitka spruce), and 11,500 ha of poor

productivity (YC 6 and below). We aim to thin around 9,000 ha,

have 6,300 ha of natural reserve and minimum intervention

area, and around 5,000 ha managed under alternative to

clearfell systems.



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West Argyll District1

Total area of land

managed: 91,800 ha

Woodland: 62,800 ha (68%)

Coniferous forest: 56,800 ha

Open space, watercourses and bog:

27,100 ha (30%)

Broadleaf forest2: 6,000 ha

NOTES

1. Table not to scale

2. Includes 1,700 ha of ancient and semi-natural woodland

Farmland: 1,900 ha (2%)



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Environment West Argyll District lies in one of the most wooded areas of

Scotland. The landscape is characterised by coastal features,

sea and inland lochs, and extensive moderate hills. The

National Forest Estate forests grow between sea-level and

550m in altitude. The climate is wetter and colder in the north,

and dryer and warmer in the south.

The solid geology is usually overlain by glacial deposits (mostly

fine material), resulting in poorly drained soils and significant

accumulations of peat that strongly influence soil fertility.

Climate and soil conditions restrict tree species selection but

have led to productive Sitka spruce plantations, with more

diverse woodlands at lower elevations.

We have woods in numerous river catchments, although many

are typically short ‘west coast’ catchments that feed directly

into the sea. We will work with SEPA to protect and enhance

the water environment, particularly in the Island of Mull

Coastal catchment and the River Awe catchment (where we

will also work with the Loch Awe Improvement Association).

The District’s key habitats are Atlantic oakwoods and

hazelwoods, native Caledonian pinewoods and blanket bogs.

The key species are black grouse, red squirrel, juniper,

chequered skipper and pearl-bordered fritillary, along with

nationally scarce lichens and bryophytes. The District is

home to the Scottish Beaver Trial and this, together with

strong populations of iconic species (eg, osprey, pine marten,

white-tailed eagle and golden eagle), means we have an

important role to play in the delivery of wildlife tourism.

Mid Argyll is noted as one of the premier archaeological

locations in mainland Scotland, with a range of sites from the

Neolithic Age to the industrial revolution. The District, with

more than 2,000 heritage features, is steward to a number of

key prehistoric rock art sites, has many important Bronze Age

sites and Iron Age duns, as well as a series of woodland sites

associated with the iron smelting industry of the 18th century.

Cultural The population of the District (about 50,000) is low and is

mainly centred in the region’s towns and villages; Tobermory,

Oban, Inveraray, Lochgilphead, Tarbert and Campbeltown.

These place names, and those of many of our forests, point

to Gaelic (and to a lesser extent Norse) cultural roots – the

District is centred in the ancient kingdom of Dalriada.

The area contains a high proportion of second homes, and

many people travel on a regular basis from Scotland’s Central

Belt for relaxation and quiet enjoyment. The surrounding seas

and islands are well connected by the Crinan Canal, which



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adjoins the national forest estate, and this area is recognised

as being among Europe’s finest sailing waters. The north of the

District (and also Mull) has significant tourist accommodation

for long- and short-stay visitors. Unemployment and social

deprivation are below national average but small pockets exist,

which the District may have some opportunities to relieve.

The District has a history of working with community groups,

including releasing land under the National Forest Land Scheme

(NFLS). This is expected to continue and, hopefully, diversify

into renewable energy, which will provide useful income to

remote communities.

Economy A very high proportion of the contractors we employ live and

work locally, and it is thought that the value of work paid out

by the District is largely recycled into the economy of Argyll.

We support 95 full-time equivalent posts directly, and estimate

there are more than 100 contractors involved in delivery of our

work programmes.

We played an important role in the development of the

Forestry Apprentice Scheme and currently have three

apprentices. While unemployment is relatively low within

Argyll, the local importance of forest operations in an area of

low population means its contribution to regional employment

figures is high.

Development of windfarms and small scale hydro projects,

along with the substantial construction programme of forest

roads, provide significant employment. Forest recreation and

wildlife tourism visits generate income and help sustain local

employment, directly or indirectly, through accommodation,

shops and service providers.

Farming is important in the District as we have 1,900 ha of

agricultural land. This is mainly under grazing licence, but

there is also one tenant farm and other farmland under

tenancy agreements.



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7. District vision West Argyll District will be a key land manager in Argyll. We

will produce quality timber for the market, provide sustainable

employment in the public and private rural sectors, and create

opportunities for renewable energy projects. We will also

provide well-managed native woodlands for wildlife, and places

of enjoyment for visitors and local communities.

8. District priorities

and actions Our overall aspiration is a National Forest Estate that is:

Healthy ...achieving good environmental and silvicultural

condition in a changing climate

Productive ...providing sustainable economic benefits from

the land

Treasured ...as a multi-purpose resource that sustains

livelihoods, improves quality of life, and offers involvement

and enjoyment

Accessible ...local woodlands and national treasures that

are well promoted, welcoming and open for all

Cared for ...working with nature and respecting

landscapes, natural and cultural heritage

Good value ...exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of

public benefits

The following sections follow these themes (first introduced

in the National Strategic Directions document) to ensure clear

linkages throughout the planning framework.

All Districts will apply an approach based on a strategic

assessment of national and regional priorities.



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Healthy

...achieving good environmental and silvicultural condition in a changing climate

The moist, oceanic climate of Argyll has led to the maintenance

of organic peat soils, which are now seen as important ‘carbon-

banks’. These soils and the ‘Atlantic’ climate limit the choice of

tree species that will grow successfully. However, they are well

suited to growing Sitka spruce, our main productive species.

Climate predictions indicate that it will remain a well-adapted

mainstay of our forests in this part of Scotland.

The moist and organic soils, along with the windy climate of

Scotland’s west coast, provide challenging conditions for

growing trees. Recent powerful gales have damaged not only

our forests but also the general local infrastructure, with

blocked roads and power outages. The prediction of a wetter,

more changeable future climate with increased extreme events

is forcing us to re-think how we deliver thinning and how we

use alternative silvicultural systems within our woodlands.

In recent years, three damaging forest diseases have emerged,

which all threaten Argyll’s woodlands. Chalara ash dieback,

while not yet established in Argyll, is a significant threat to our

native woodlands, of which ash can be a very important

component. Phytophthora ramorum is already established and

is starting to kill areas of larch and leading to unplanned

sanitation felling to help limit its further spread. Pine is only a

major component of our forests in some parts of Argyll, so the

risks from Dothistroma needle blight are localised. However,

infection will require careful attention in lodgepole pine

adjacent to our important native pinewood remnants.

The integrity of the native flora and fauna of our woodlands is

threatened by invasive non-native species. Rhododendron

ponticum has by far the widest distribution and a national

programme to ensure its removal from Scotland’s National

Forest Estate is well underway locally. There are other more

localised threats to the native flora and fauna from other

garden escapes well suited to the Argyll climate, such as

Gunnera, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant

hogweed.

West Argyll Forest District |

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National Key Commitment (Healthy) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We are committed to high quality

silviculture and, increasingly, to using

alternatives to clearfelling

Opportunities for low impact silvicultural systems will

increase in the next rotation as more forest becomes

accessible by road. We will review where alternatives to

clearfelling can be practised (taking into account the

climate change predictions of increased rainfall and

more storm events) and include this in our Land

Management Plans as they are developed. Low impact

silvicultural will be concentrated in native woodland areas.

We are exploring how to best steward

the carbon resources locked up in the

Estate’s trees and soils

West Argyll has a larger area of deep peat than other

Districts, so this is an important area of work. We will

seek to conserve carbon in soils in the large areas of

deep peat through restoration projects in Kintyre, Mull

and Eredine/Brenchoille.

We will help the Estate adapt to

climate change and become more

resilient to pressure

In common with all other Districts, we must continue to

consider the effects of climate change when matching

the right species to the right site. We will use the latest

evidence to underpin our management choices in a time

of uncertainty. Current evidence suggests that West

Argyll will remain a core spruce-growing region, but we

will also seek to increase locally suitable native species

and other suitable conifers to increase forest diversity.



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National Key Commitment (Healthy) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We will help the Estate adapt to

climate change and become more

resilient to pressure (continued)

We will implement mitigation strategies for current tree

disease threats, such as Phytophthora disease of larch

(tackling existing and new outbreaks), Dothistroma

needle blight of pine, (reducing the area of lodgepole

pine around the Glen Orchy native pinewood remnants),

and Chalara disease of ash (if it becomes established

in Argyll).

We will deliver our Deer Management Plans for each

of the Deer Management Units in West Argyll District in

collaboration with neighbours and key stakeholders.

We are committed to dealing with

invasive plants and animals that

threaten habitats and biodiversity

We have treated 25% of the rhododendron in West

Argyll and have moved 2,250 ha into the follow-up

phase, tackling particular concentrations in Appin,

Carradale and Lochgilphead, and on Mull.

We will start to map the distribution of Japanese

knotweed and Gunnera in the District and tackle their

removal in key locations.



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Productive

...providing sustainable economic benefits from the land

The large forest areas established throughout West Argyll

District in the late 20th century are now approaching maturity.

As a result, they are entering a stage of sustainable production.

This stage brings opportunities and employment – as well as

several challenges. For example, many of the forests have few

roads or poor access, which makes it difficult to get the timber

to the established markets that are mainly located outside the

District. The public road network is also limited and in places

unsuitable for large volumes of timber traffic. These challenges

are being addressed by the construction of new forest roads,

and by working in partnership with Argyll & Bute Council,

neighbouring forest owners and the Argyll Timber Transport

Group to provide practical solutions.

Argyll has many sea lochs and islands, so it is not surprising

that marine timber transport options have been developed to

reduce timber traffic on public roads. Around 40% of all timber

in the District is now moved by boat.

The Argyll climate is well suited to renewable energy

production, and seven mini hydro schemes and three windfarms

have been built on the National Forest Estate. Two other

windfarms are being constructed and seven more hydro projects

are awaiting planning approval. More projects are also being

explored, and they will be subject to full consultation and

consideration through the local authority planning process,

and through dialogue with key stakeholders.

Oban and Mull are important regional tourism destinations, and

many visitors come to enjoy the spectacular coastal and hill

landscapes. These areas are ‘big’ in wildlife tourism, and our

forests are home to some of the most iconic species to be

found in the area. In partnership, we have been closely

involved in the development and growth of Mull Eagle Watch

and the Scottish Beaver Trial in Mid Argyll. The latter is hosted

in Knapdale Forest and has provided impetus to the Heart of

Argyll Tourism Alliance, which builds on the important cultural

heritage that is also found in the District.


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National Key Commitment (Productive) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We aim to increase the contribution of

the National Forest Estate to the

economy of Scotland and its regions,

and recognise the potential of the

Estate to assist transition to a low

carbon economy

With partners, we will seek timber transport solutions to

bring inaccessible timber in Glen Lochy, Glen Orchy,

Kintyre and Mull to market, including the completion of

the timber transport pier on Mull.

We aim to provide at least three

million cubic metres of softwood

timber per year on a sustainable basis

West Argyll District will bring 500,000 cubic metres of

timber to market each financial year. We will adjust this

as necessary in line with the development of plant health

issues and windblow events.

We intend to manage at least a

quarter of our expanding broadleaf

woodlands to produce quality

hardwoods and woodfuel

We will increase the area of broadleaf trees for the

production of quality hardwoods (70 ha) and woodfuel

(70 ha) during 2014-2017. Species will be planted that

are suited to the site. Where appropriate, this will

contribute to the further development of native

woodland networks.



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Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We will market timber in ways that

encourage value adding and create

additional jobs in manufacturing and

processing, while recognising the

benefits of contributing to local

economic activity, especially in more

fragile rural areas

West Argyll District will hold a ‘log-shop’ event annually

for the local sale of specialist timbers to support small-

scale wood processing.

We will endeavour to assist small-scale timber business

start-ups with short-term wood supplies.

We will use our work programmes to

promote the development of the

forestry and land management sectors

We will support a national monitoring programme on the

contribution of the National Forest Estate to jobs and the

economy of Scotland and its regions.

We will construct 75km of new forest roads to improve

access to manage the National Forest Estate in West

Argyll.

We will operate and manage the Fishnish Timber Pier to

ensure it provides benefit to all woodland owners in north

and east Mull.

We plan to increase agricultural use

of the Estate where this is consistent

with environmental objectives

We will review our agricultural holding, and create new

Short Limited Duration Tenancies, Limited Duration

Tenancies and a starter farm as opportunities arise.



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Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We aim to realise the Estate’s

renewable energy potential, while

achieving a reasonable balance with

other objectives

We will work with energy businesses to increase

renewable energy generation in the District in line with

the Scottish Government’s 2 Gigawatt target for 2020

and the wind energy guidance in the Argyll & Bute

Landscape Wind Energy Capacity study (or successor

documents).

West Argyll District will bring timber to the competitive

market that is suitable for biofuel projects.

We will work with partners to find

new ways to harness our natural and

cultural heritage and develop the

Estate’s potential for tourism

We will continue to facilitate the high-quality wildlife

viewing facilities of Mull Eagle Watch and the Scottish

Beaver Trial (pending a decision on the future of beavers

in Scotland).

We will work in partnership with Kilmartin House

Museum to promote the tourism potential of the Estate

in Mid Argyll.

We will undertake a feasibility study for the Aros Park

recreation hub on Mull to identify commercial

development opportunities that may increase the site’s

contribution to the local visitor economy.



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Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We will work with partners to find

new ways to harness our natural and

cultural heritage and develop the

Estate’s potential for tourism

(continued)

We will work with our local partners in the Argyll Forest

Tourism Initiative and VisitScotland, as well as local

destination organisations, to develop the forest tourism

potential of Argyll.

We will support the Scottish

Government's woodland expansion

policy

We will establish at least 80 ha of new woodland in West

Argyll District.



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Treasured

...as a multi-purpose resource that sustains livelihoods, improves quality

of life, and offers involvement and enjoyment

Some of Argyll’s forests have been managed for multi-purpose

benefits for decades. They provide employment, natural

resources, recreation and tourism opportunities, while remaining

important places for natural and cultural heritage. Barcaldine,

Fearnoch and Knapdale are excellent examples of forests that

deliver a wide range of public benefits.

West Argyll District was the first in Scotland to introduce

modern apprentices, and we have now trained more than 20

individuals – almost all of whom are making valuable

contributions to the forest industry, many of them locally in

Argyll. The range of experience and expertise to be found in

Argyll means it will remain an excellent training location for

new recruits to forestry.

There is a range of forestry projects in Argyll where we have

worked with communities to help deliver their aspirations. In

some places, this has been achieved through the National

Forest Land Scheme (eg, the community purchase of woodland

by the North West Mull Community Woodland Company, and

the development of the community hydro project at Garmony

by the Mull and Iona Community Trust). Elsewhere, we have

worked in partnership (eg, Kilmartin House Museum, the

Dalriada project in Mid Argyll, Mull Eagle Watch and the

Scottish Beaver Trial).


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National Key Commitment (Treasured) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We want to encourage local people

to get involved in using and managing

local Estate woodlands, so we will

actively engage with local

communities and be open to work

in partnership

As part of the National Forest Land Scheme, we will

promote opportunities for communities to acquire a stake

in renewable energy developments on land we manage.

We will continue to work in partnership with the Mull

and Iona Community Trust to support the Community

Ranger on Mull, ensure a range of community benefits

are delivered, and ensure that channels of communication

are in place and kept open.

We will implement our good practice guidance on

consultation to ensure we effectively engage and

maintain two-way communication with our stakeholders.

We will continue to use the Estate as

a place for volunteering and gaining

employment skills

We will provide opportunities for at least six

apprenticeships and two internships during 2014-2017.

We are committed to creating more

uniquely special places across the

Estate and to delivering benefits to an

increasingly diverse range of

Scotland’s people

We will define and invest in the management of visitor

zones, initially in our most visited forests (Knapdale and

Achnabreac, Fearnoch, Barcaldine and Aros Park), to

make them more attractive and welcoming.



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National Key Commitment (Treasured) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We are committed to creating more

uniquely special places across the

Estate and to delivering benefits to an

increasingly diverse range of

Scotland’s people (continued)

Through our land management plans and designated site

plans, we will seek to maintain or improve the cultural

values, biodiversity and scenic qualities of our special

places (including, Knapdale, Barcaldine and Fearnoch).

Visitor experience plans explore how we may best

interpret special places and add value to visitors’

appreciation and understanding of these locations and

their management. We will prepare and implement plans

at Knapdale, Barcaldine and Fearnoch.

We recognise the value of the Estate

as a place for research and

development of best practice

We will work with Forest Research and other specialists

to demonstrate best practice and provide long-term

monitoring sites. For example, in relation to ecosystem

management, climate change adaptation and energy

forestry.



29

Accessible

...local woodlands and national treasures that are well promoted,

welcoming and open for all

Although West Argyll District is remote from Scotland’s main

urban centres, it remains a popular holiday location. The north

of the District is particularly popular, and around Oban and on

Mull there is a wide range of holiday accommodation – from

caravans and holiday homes to superior hotels.

Many visitors come to enjoy the scenery, so our range of short

walks with spectacular views, such as those at Beinn Lora,

have proved most popular. Several longer routes also exist but

they are not widely used. Notable exceptions are the West

Highland Way, the Kintyre Way and Glen Etive. Much of the

active sport in Argyll is based on the coast but some provision

has been made in the forests, with mountain-bike routes near

Lochgilphead and Campbeltown. The increasing popularity of

water sports is reflected in the number of visitors to Glen

Orchy, where parking problems are now beginning to develop.

Regular television coverage has resulted in the West Argyll

District becoming an important focus for wildlife viewing in

Scotland. The Mull Eagle Watch partnership, which offers

excellent viewing of nesting white-tailed eagles, has achieved

a VisitScotland 5-star rating. In recent years, the Scottish

Beaver Trial has proved popular with visitors to Mid Argyll.

As there are relatively few large urban centres in Argyll,

involvement in the Woods in and Around Towns (WIAT)

initiative is limited to sites where there are forests close to

Campbeltown and Lochgilphead. However, Aros Park at

Tobermory also provides a welcome recreational opportunity

for those living on, or visiting, Mull.


30



31

National Key Commitment (Accessible) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We will continue to invest available

resources into high quality facilities

that encourage and help visitors

experience and enjoy the outdoor

environment

We will work with bodies such as the Fieldfare Trust, and

invest in increasing the accessibility of key locations to a

wider cross-section of society through thoughtful design

and appropriate on-site provision (such as toilets and

high-quality interpretation).

We will strive to maintain access to core paths and rights

of way during forestry operations. We will continue to

work closely with Argyll & Bute Council access officers

(and the Local Access Forum) to find practical solutions

to maintaining public access, or providing alternative

routes where health and safety concerns prohibit this.

We will make use of our visitor survey data to refocus

our investment in recreation facilities on projects that

improve the quality of sites in Argyll with higher footfall.

Our staff will continue to be responsive to visitor needs,

will learn and develop their customer focus and facility

management skills, and will continue to improve our

marketing (including on-line/promotional work). This will

include working closely with VisitScotland and local

partners.



32

National Key Commitment (Accessible) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We will continue to invest available

resources into high quality facilities

that encourage and help visitors

experience and enjoy the outdoor

environment (continued)

We will renew our visitor-facing website to improve the

quality and relevance of the information we provide and,

in turn, help visitors find the best locations for them.

We will continue to encourage use of

the Estate for health benefits and

outdoor learning

We will continue to provide opportunities for those

involved in education and health initiatives, such as

Forest School and Rural Skills. This will include

agreements with partner bodies.

We will continue to make the Estate available for the

wide range of activities, events and sports we currently

host. By making improvements to our permission

system, we will also improve our service and reduce the

risk of potential conflicts between different users.

Through our Woods in and Around

Towns (WIAT) programme, we aim to

provide more opportunities for more

of Scotland’s people to enjoy high-

quality countryside, and find health,

education, skills and community

involvement benefits

We will improve forest road access at Beinn Ghuilean

(Campbeltown) to allow improved management of this

WIAT woodland.



33

Cared for

...working with nature and respecting landscapes, natural and cultural heritage

The forests of West Argyll District are special places for wildlife.

They contain some of the largest remnants of Atlantic oakwoods

found in the country, as well as three small but important

native pinewoods. The oakwoods, which have been described

as ‘temperate rainforests’, are famed for their specialist,

moisture-loving range of mosses, liverworts and lichens.

Intermixed with the oakwood areas are other native woodland

types, and Argyll is now being justly recognised for its

important areas of hazel woodland.

During the last two decades, the significance of these native

woodlands has been more fully recognised and a restoration

programme is well underway. Linkages between existing

remnants are starting to be established and the previous

conifer plantings are progressively being removed from ancient

woodland sites. Where there are suitable site conditions, there

is an opportunity to expand the area of broadleaf cover, and to

increase the scope of their value by managing some areas for

future timber production.

Five of the six FCS Biodiversity Action Plan species are found

in West Argyll – one of only two Districts that are the home to

the rare chequered skipper (a woodland butterfly). There are

established populations of red squirrels, and six forests have

been selected as stronghold areas to strengthen, through careful

management, the long-term prospects of this threatened

species.

The ongoing Dalriada partnership project in Mid Argyll gives

us an opportunity to showcase the internationally and

nationally important cultural heritage of this region – as well

as highlighting the natural environment of the area. As a

follow-on, further work to improve access to some of the more

important sites (such as at the impressive Iron Age dun of

Castle Dounie) has been combined with improved maintenance

regimes. Together, they have provided opportunities for a wider

enjoyment of these cultural treasures.


34



35

National Key Commitment (Cared for) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We are restoring around 85% of areas

on ancient woodland sites to largely

native species – remaining areas will

be enhanced through our management

We will continue to enhance ancient woodland remnants

and restore plantations on ancient woodland sites to

native woodlands, removing mature conifers from 100

ha during 2014-2017.

We aim to increase broadleaf tree

cover from the current 8% of

woodland cover to around 20%

Our new Land Management Plans will use data from the

Native Woodland Survey of Scotland to identify where

expansion of broadleaf woodland will improve the

habitat network and buffer ancient woodland fragments.

We will establish 140 ha of broadleaf woodland within

the core Atlantic oakwood areas of the District.

We will identify important hazelwoods in the District and

initiate a programme of work to support them.

We are committed to maintaining the

best open habitats in good ecological

condition

We will continue open habitat surveys in West Argyll

District to ensure completion by 2019.

We will implement the Strategic Guide for Conservation

Management of Open Priority Habitats on the National

Forest Estate in line with national timetables.

We will ensure that all our Land Management Plans take

into consideration the requirements of the Water

Framework Directive.



36

National Key Commitment (Cared for) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We will identify particularly

vulnerable species for which the

National Forest Estate is important

and take specific conservation action

We will contribute to national monitoring programmes

for chequered skipper, pearl-bordered fritillary, red

squirrel and key habitats.

We will continue to support lek counts of black grouse in

Argyll, incorporating their needs into key Forest Plans.

We will incorporate the recommendations of the Red

Squirrel Stronghold Management Plans into the Forest

Plans for Kilmichael, Eredine, Brenchoille, Inverliever,

Inverinan and Loch Avich forests.

We will safeguard archaeological

sites through our planning and

management, and recognise special

places and features with local cultural

meaning

We will continue to undertake conservation management,

condition monitoring and archaeological recording at

significant historical assets in West Argyll District.

We will promote and encourage intellectual and physical

access to townships such as Kilmory Oib and Arichonan,

to Iron Age duns such as Castle Dounie and Druim an

Dhuin, and at the early Christian site of Rubha na Fidhle

Chapel of Loch Awe.

We will continue to work with stakeholders to develop,

share and promote best-practice historic environment

conservation management.



37

Good value

...exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of public benefits

We will continue to look for ways to deliver our objectives in

a cost-effective and efficient manner, and work collaboratively

with neighbouring forest managers (eg, through the

development of timber haul routes to protect the fragile public

road network). We will also reduce our waste, improve our

energy efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint on travel.

National Key Commitment (Good value) District Specific Action Crosscutting Themes

Healthy

Pro

ductive

Tre

asure

d

Accessib

le

Care

d f

or

Good v

alu

e

We will seek a diverse range of income

sources to underpin the cost of

managing the Estate, and we will

continually look for ways to achieve

best value in delivery of public

benefits

We will increase the amount of income from sources

other than timber, including renewables, minerals and

other land-management activities.

We will make progressive reductions

in the emissions from our Estate

management activities

We will contribute to a national reduction in our carbon

emission from administrative travel by 5% over this plan

period.



38

9. Consulting and engaging

with stakeholders When it comes to developing and implementing new plans,

strategies or policies, Forest Enterprise Scotland attaches

great importance to consulting and engaging with customers

and stakeholders. We aim to achieve that involvement at an

early stage, and use the information and consultation process

as a way of broadening the range of those who are engaged.

Our aim is to ensure that the engagement is thorough,

effective, transparent and appropriate to the target audience.

Key commitments Share a clear and agreed purpose with all parties

Ensure that fairness, equality and inclusion underpins all

aspects of engagement, and is reflected both in engagement

policies and the way that everyone participates

Provide accurate and timely information

Exercise skill to build relationships, ensure practise of

equalities principles, share ownership of the agenda, and

enable all viewpoints to be reflected

Improve the quality of engagement by learning from

experience

Give participants the opportunity to build on their

knowledge and skills

Conform to statutory legislation

These commitments highlight the importance of equality and

of recognising the diversity of people and organisations. They

offer a clear sense of purpose for achieving change; one that

builds on the skills and knowledge of all those involved, and

puts emphasis on continuous improvement. Engagement by

the District on plans and programmes conforms to the FES

Engagement Strategy, which in turn follows the Scottish

Government Consultation Good Practice Guidance. The table

on the next page details our engagement strategy.

District engagement and stakeholders West Argyll District has a dispersed population that is typical

of rural Scotland and has a very low proportion of ethnic

communities. The majority of non-British residents in the

District are people from eastern Europe who have arrived in

the area only recently. Demographically, the area has a

relatively high proportion of elderly people, and a smaller

proportion of school age. The small pockets of socially deprived

populations are in the Dunbeg and Campbeltown areas. Most of

the District is at least a two-hour drive from Scotland’s main

urban centres of Scotland (ie, remote rural) but the area is

popular for second homes. Consequently, our engagement will

concentrate on West Argyll’s permanent residents and those

who have holiday homes in the area.



39

Who we engage with

Types of activity National Regional Local

District Strategic

Plans

Forestry Commission Scotland,

Statutory and non-statutory

consultees (eg, timber trade,

SNH, SEPA, RSPB)

FCS Conservancy, timber trade,

Perth & Argyll Regional Forestry

Forum, Argyll & Bute Council,

statutory and non-statutory

consultees

Neighbours, businesses,

residents, Council members,

Community Councils

Land Management

Plans (including

Forest Design Plans)


Argyll & Bute Council, statutory

and non-statutory consultees



Community Councils

Renewable energy

projects – wind and

hydro




Neighbours, Community Councils

and community groups

Development Plans Ministers, statutory and non-

statutory consultees (eg,

timber trade, SNH, SEPA, RSPB)






Community Councils

Work plans Utility companies, Argyll & Bute

Council Access Officer, Argyll &

Bute Council, highways

agencies, statutory consultees

(for designated sites)

Neighbours, local businesses,

utility companies, partners (for

partnership project sites)



40

Types of activity National Regional Local

Repositioning

programmes

Ministers, FCS, SGRPID FCS, SGRPID, Argyll & Bute

Council

Neighbours, Community

Councils

Recreation events Argyll & Bute Council Access

Officer, Argyll & Bute Council,

highways agencies, neighbours

Argyll & Bute Council Access

Officer, highways agencies

neighbours, specialist interest

bodies/groups

Protected Site

Management Plans

FES National Advisers Statutory and non-statutory

consultees (eg, SNH, HS)

Specialist interest

bodies/groups



41

10. Delivery & Monitoring

Context A rolling annual business plan identifies and measures the

physical and financial resources required to deliver the West

Argyll District component of the National Strategic Directions.

The business plan is developed using data from detailed work

plans, which are prepared for all significant programmes

approximately two years before work commences. Work plans

are driven by Land Management Plans and, ultimately, by the

District Strategic Plan.

Following approval of the business plan, local managers

organise the agreed programmes and report quarterly against

timescales, resources and quality standards. This monitoring is

integral to sustainable forest management and is wide ranging;

reflecting formal performance monitoring, such as the UK

Forest Standard, and informal monitoring, which deals with

day-to-day detailed management activity.

Before finally agreeing on the way forward, a key component of

any strategic planning is to establish the current position. This

is achieved by reviewing past performance against the indicators

outlined in the previous West Argyll Forest District Strategic

Plan 2009-2013.

Monitoring for the 2009-2013 District Strategic Plan The 2009-2013 plan contained seven themes from the Scottish

Forestry Strategy: Climate Change, Timber, Business

Development, Community Development, Access & Health,

Environmental Quality and Biodiversity. In the plan, we

outlined how we would contribute to the targets for each of the

seven themes. Progress is shown separately in Appendix 1,

which reports completion of the targets (new, yes, no or

partial) and includes appropriate comments on achievements

(or mitigation where the target has not been fully met).



42

Monitoring for the 2014-2017 District Strategic Plan The 2014-2017 District Strategic Plan will be routinely

monitored to ensure that progress can be tracked against

national and local aspirations. Monitoring will focus on specific

District Priority Commitments, which are outlined in the

thematic tables containing ‘District Actions’ and have been

determined by each District’s ability to deliver against the six

aspirations of the National Strategic Directions document.

These aspirations or ‘national priorities’ are: Healthy,

Productive, Treasured, Accessible, Cared for, and Good value.

Strategic Environmental Assessment Monitoring All ten District Strategic Plans will be subject to assessment

and consultation through established Strategic Environmental

Assessment procedures. The outcomes will be used to create a

suite of indicators under the six national priorities. The

reporting strategy will be owned at national level but will reflect

local trends and District issues derived from the relevant

District Priority Commitments. The relevant indicators will be

reviewed at the same time as the National Strategic Directions

and the District Strategic Plans.



43

Glossary ASNW Ancient Semi-Natural Woodlands

ConFor Confederation of Forest Industries

DSP District Strategic Plans

EQIA Equality Impact Assessment

FCS Forestry Commission Scotland

FES Forest Enterprise Scotland

FSC Forest Stewardship Council

GIS Geographic Information Systems

KPI Key Performance Indicator

NSA National Scenic Areas

NSD National Strategic Directions

PAWS Planted Ancient Woodland Sites

PEFC Programme for the Endorsement of Forest

Certification

RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

SAC Special Areas of Conservation

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency

SGRPID Scottish Government Rural Payments and

Inspections Directorate

SNH Scottish Natural Heritage

SOI Sunart Oakwoods Initiative

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

STTF Strategic Timber Transport Fund

UKFPA United Kingdom Forest Products Association

WIAT Woods in and Around Towns

Forestry Commission Scotland serves as part of the Scottish

Government's Environment and Forestry Directorate and is

responsible to Scottish Ministers. Forest Enterprise Scotland is

the agency of Forestry Commission Scotland charged with

managing the National Forest Estate.



44

Contact Forestry Commission Scotland

West Argyll District

Whitegates

Lochgilphead

PA31 8RS

Tel: 01546 602518

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

If you need this publication in an alternative format (for example,

in large print or in another language), please contact:

The Diversity Team

Forestry Commission Scotland

Silvan House

231 Corstorphine Road

Edinburgh

EH12 7AT

Tel: 0131 314 6575

E-mail: [email protected]

West Argyll District - forestryandland.gov.scot · West Argyll District lies in one of the most wooded areas of Scotland. The landscape is characterised by coastal features, sea and

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