Friends of the Ochils Newsletter 15: September 1999

Native Woodlands Project Update

IN THE APRIL NEWSLETTER I described the rationale behind the FotO Native Woodlands Project and mentioned two studies we had commissioned to underpin the development of a coherent approach. This article describes that work.

Both studies covered the area lying between the Hillfoots road, the A9 and the Dunning-Muckhart road. Both excluded land above 400 metres in altitude (27% of the area) and existing conifer afforestation (11% of the area).

The vision

We envisage:

• a series of healthy, diverse and well-managed native gorge woodlands in all the Ochil glens, leading up the burnsides into the hills;
• larger areas of wooded ground on the lower slopes and on some parts of the southern scarp, rejuvenating and expanding the existing areas of native woodland;
• a diverse and striking landscape of high ground rising above richly wooded lower slopes and glens, valuable for wildlife and for people.

Ecological Site Classification

This report was commissioned from Forest Research, an agency of the Forestry Commission. Their analysis combines data on climate, soils and plant communities and uses it to predict the ecological opportunities for and constraints on native woodland. Much of the data obtained come from remote sensing, such as satellite images, and from existing geographic data, for example, research on windiness. Using a "geographic information system", the different types of data can be brought together to provide a broad view of the potential for different woodland types in different parts of the Ochils.

It is difficult to summarise the resulting maps, but in broad terms oak woodland is most appropriate for the lower ground (often coinciding with improved agricultural ground), merging into birch woodland in the glens and on the higher slopes. Some of the higher ground (but below 400m) would favour juniper scrub. Native Scots pine would be well suited to some of the nutrient-poor heather moorlands of the northern slopes and on Sheriffmuir.

The Ecological Site Classification does not identify where native woodland should go; only the broad types of woodland that might be suitable in different general locations. It does not provide the detail to identify the potential and constraints of specific sites.

Site-specific investigations

After a competitive tender, Heritage Woodlands was commissioned to undertake assessments of specific sites. This involved contacting landowners to establish the level of interest, working with them to identify specific sites, then surveying the sites and drawing up draft Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) applications. The WGS is described by Chris Perkins of Heritage Woodlands.

The final report of this phase is due as this Newsletter goes to press. The draft report identified several sites (which it would be inappropriate to name at this stage) where there was landowner interest. It also showed a potential shortfall in funding. A major component of the cost comes from having to fence long, narrow sites which are difficult of access.

It is important to be clear that the Native Woodlands Project aims to provide a framework for the promotion of native woodlands in the Ochils. FotO will not own the land, be responsible for its management nor be financially accountable. Our aim is to promote, encourage, advise and facilitate. We have to take opportunities as they arise, but within the context of a strategic vision as outlined above.

I will report further on the site-specific work in the next Newsletter.

Acknowledgement

The Native Woodland Project is part funded by Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage.

David S Gordon

Newsletter 15 Index