Views sought on plans for Strathspey forests

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is inviting everyone with an interest in how its Strathspey forests are managed over the next 20 years to offer their views in an online consultation.

The new Land Management Plan, which covers a 92 km2 area including Glenmore and Inshriach, details how FLS intends to manage the site over the next ten years, and gives an indication of FLS’ plans for the ten years after that.

As well as managing for the benefit of biodiversity and conserving rare habitats, the plan also looks at how best to manage recreational use of the area, in conjunction with forestry operations to help diversify, restore and expand existing woodland.

This plan details how Forestry and Land Scotland will move towards the Cairngorms Connect 200 year vision for the area.

Ben Griffin planning forester for the FLS team in the area, said: "Strathspey is one of the largest and finest examples of Native Caledonian Pinewood that once covered a large proportion of Scotland, and the area is well-known for the conservation work and for the high levels of recreation use by local residents and visitors.

“Managing these various factors and balancing different interests is very challenging and while we have set out some principles and ideas, we’d like to hear views on our plans.

“Unfortunately, due to the situation with COVID-19 we will not be hosting a community drop-in event so as an alternative we’ve put all of the relevant documents on to our website.

“I’d encourage everyone with an interest to take a look and send their comments to us."

The consultation will run until the end of April.

For more information contact Ben Griffin at ben.griffin@forestryandland.gov.scot

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