More light shed on BrewDog's plans for the Lost Forest by Aviemore
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More details have emerged of brewery giant BrewDog's plans for Kinrara Estate following the launch of a consultation on their forestry plans.
The new native woodland creation proposal is currently being developed for what the company has dubbed 'The Lost Forest' south of Aviemore.
Stakeholder are now being asked to consider the project and raise any issues which they see as being key to the design and management of the new woodland.
A summary of the project and key proposals has been published along with supporting maps and illustrations.
Respondents are also being asked to raise any other points of interest that we may have overlooked at this stage such as recreational interests, rights of access, known wildlife sensitivities or archaeological interests.
Forestry agents Fochabers-based Scottish Woodlands Ltd said: "This is an early stage consultation and along with our detailed survey work this is intended to help inform the design process."
All responses will be copied to Scottish Forestry as the statutory body responsible for assessment of the proposal.
The consultation papers reveal that the proposed planting area is around 1000 hectares.
The report states: "This proposal aims to sequester carbon and to improve the ecological value of the property over a period of years through creation of a series of new woodlands.
"It is likely this work will be divided into a first and second phase of operations. Assessment of this proposal is ongoing and a final design will be
based on a full analysis of site constraints, sensitives, and feedback from consultations."
The key proposals include:
* Creation of several areas of new woodland throughout the estate, designed as a mosaic of woodland types complimenting those natural forests found locally.
* Ensuring the newly planted areas are protected with deer fencing until they become successfully established.
* Integrated areas of open habitat conserved as grassland and moorland for sensitive species and for landscape benefits.
* Unimpeded public access in line with the Outdoor Access Code.
* New woodland designed to complement the local landscape.
A peat depth survey has been carried out and afforestation will not be carried out on areas of peat greater than 50 centimetres in depth.
The report states a broad mixture of woodland types are being assessed 'to ensure the right tree ends up in the right place' and that there is an opportunity to expand existing areas of ancient semi-natural woodland.
It adds: "Protected species and sensitive habitats are present within the proposal area requiring careful planning to ensure vulnerable ecosystems are maintained and enhanced through woodland creation.
"Wildcats, red squirrels, water voles and otters are just some of the protected and sensitive mammals that are thought to be present.
"This proposal also sits within territories of capercaillie, black grouse, and a number of moorland waders.
"It is the hope that through a combination of woodland creation and peatland restoration being carried out separately, habitats can be improved for these populations."
The agents also state continued responsible public access will be welcomed on site particularly along The Burma Road which is a public right of way.
More details can be found here
Famous craft ale brewery acquires Kinrara Estate
