dumfries & borders - district strategic plan - draft.pdf

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District Strategic Plan

Dumfries & Borders Forest District

2014-2017

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1. Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

2. About this plan .................................................................................................................................................. 6

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 Dumfries & Borders Forest District .............................................................................. 10

7. District Vision ................................................................................................................................................. 14

8. District Priorities and Actions ................................................................................................................. 14

9. Consultation (or Engagement) with Stakeholders .......................................................................... 46

10. Delivery and Monitoring Section ....................................................................................................... 50

Appendix 1 ................................................................................................................................................................ 52

Glossary...................................................................................................................................................................... 84

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1. Foreword The main role of Forest Enterprise Scotland is to manage Scotland’s National Forest Estate. It is a privilege. We are excited about the potential to make more of this asset that occupies 9% of Scotland’s 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. In the parlance of ecosystem services, we are growing the supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural services 5 provided both from the Estate’s woodlands and its diverse open land area.

We are conscious that the Estate is a public asset. Ours is a stewardship role. We continue to explore how best to discharge this responsibility in 21st century Scotland, working with communities and partners to develop the Estate to deliver against current local and national priorities, whilst also ensuring that we manage the Estate sustainably and improve it for the next generation. This document lays out the next chapter of the Estate’s story that now spans nearly 100 years. 10

Simon Hodge

Chief Executive of Forest Enterprise Scotland

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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 15 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 20 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 25 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 Dumfries & Borders Forest District in managing approximately a tenth of Scotland’s National Forest Estate (NFE) over the next three years. It replaces the Forest District Strategic Plan 2009-2013.

Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES), which is an agency of Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), manages the Estate on behalf of Scottish Ministers. Information on FES, its governance, corporate goals, targets and performance measures can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk, in the 35 NFE National Strategic Directions, the FCS Corporate Plan and Annual Reports.

3. Connecting with Scottish Government national priorities Covering 9% of Scotland, the NFE provides a real opportunity to deliver across a number of Scottish Government priorities. We align management of the Estate to the Scottish Government’s Scotland Performs framework. The NFE presents the biggest opportunity for Scottish 40 Government to implement the principles of the Land Use Strategy through working in partnership with nature and linking people with the land. The Estate can help meet Climate Change commitments through the use of trees to sequester carbon, managing the Estate to help contribute to flood mitigation and ensuring that the biodiversity of the Estate is secure and able to adapt to climate change. This will also ensure a continued contribution to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. The NFE contains approximately one third of Scotland’s woodland resource and is instrumental in delivering the Scottish Forestry Strategy and FCS’s targets. 45

For more information on delivery of Scottish Government priorities and linking our priorities to the ‘Scotland Performs’ framework please see our National Strategic Directions document; “The role of Scotland’s National Forest Estate and strategic directions 2013-16”.

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

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

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4. Connecting our plans with what we do on the ground 50

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 which states our clear strategic direction for the next three years laid out in 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 10 District Plans that translate the National Key Commitments into regional delivery. 55

These District Plans will 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 ecosystem service provision. Ecosystem services include such varied objectives as conserving vulnerable species, to maintaining a supply of timber and biomass, and providing the largest area for recreational provision in Scotland. Land Management Plans will also drive the move to a ‘landscape scale’ estate management regime.

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

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5. Values and Principles We list below the values and principles that we will apply when delivering our actions on the NFE. We aim to be exemplars of multi-purpose and multi-benefit sustainable land use.

Value Examples of how this is demonstrated

We think long term. We are a world leader in sustainable land management with our land management plans having a 50 to 100 year time horizon.

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 towards the Forestry Safety Accord.

We embrace both a public service and a business ethos.

Most of what we do is funded through commercial revenue.

We are exemplars of multi-purpose and sustainable land use.

Each District delivers a range of benefits such as recreation opportunities, biomass production, energy generation, carbon sequestration, habitat management, health, education and skills development.

We work in partnership, both 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 such as the Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor) and other land managers such as utility companies, farmers

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and highways agencies

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

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.

Open access on all our land - where safety allows – is the norm.

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6. Introducing Dumfries & Borders Forest District 65

The NFE Locally

Total area of land managed in Dumfries & Borders

57.5k ha

Made up of….

Woodland 46,500 ha (81%)

Made up of Coniferous forest 43,735 ha

Broadleaved forest 2,765 ha

Farmland (with two starter farm units)

1,600 ha

Open space, watercourse, bog 9,400 ha (16%)

Of the broadleaved woodland noted above, 704 ha is ancient and semi-natural woodland. Plantations on ancient woodland sites cover 404 ha, sites of special scientific interest run to 1,187 ha and the District manages 56 scheduled ancient monuments. The District also manages woodlands that lie in the East Stewartry and the Nith Estuary National Scenic Areas (NSA).

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Over the period of this plan we aim to thin around 1,500 ha per year, with 500 ha of natural reserve and minimum intervention area and 4,246 ha managed under alternative to clearfell systems (ATC).

With two of the first FCS forests being established at Glentress and Ae in 1920 – 90 years of forest management has resulted in a mixed age 70 structure within the District. The increased felling of first rotation crops over the past 30 years has enabled managers to restructure much of the Estate with 36% now being less than 20 years of age, 39% between 21 and 40 years old and 25% older than 40 years including some veteran trees. Growth rates are generally good, ranging from Yield Class 6 to 24 with an average across the conifer forests of 14.

Environment

The dominant solid geology of the area is sedimentary Silurian mudstones and shale’s, with granite intrusions underlying the hills in the west 75 and small igneous intrusions elsewhere, providing useful seams of harder road stone material. Glaciation formed the Southern Upland massif and glacial deposits overlaid the lower valleys and coastal plain prior to the formation of lowland raised bogs.

All of these factors have resulted in the dominant soil types being peaty soils, peaty gleys and brown earths, and detailed soil maps for over 90% of the District support management decisions, such as species choice, ground preparation technique, and fallow period.

The climate in the west, influenced off the Gulf Stream, is a mild and wet maritime climate, while that in the east is generally a bit drier and 80 colder in the winter. However, the east is less windy, which means that we have more latitude in choosing management options such as thinning, practising alternative silvicultural methods and extending rotations.

The District’s landscape types range from coastal forests on raised bogs and steep sided granite hills to upland forests on the rolling hills and deeply incised valleys of the Southern Uplands as well as the Tweed forests of the upland river valley. Native woodlands are poorly represented as a result of a long history of woodland clearing and sheep grazing. Only 1% of the District is designated as either areas of semi-85 natural woodland or plantations on ancient woodland sites.

There is also a significant range of natural habitats, including woodlands, estuarine raised bogs, peat mosses and upland heaths, some of which are designated as sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) or special areas of conservation (SAC). A significant proportion of the Solway Mosses, one of the most important raised mire complexes in Western Europe covering over 1,000 ha, lies in the NFE.

More than half the District lies in the catchments of rivers flowing into the upper Solway Firth tidal flats. The majority of the forests to the east 90 lie in the Tweed catchment and the remaining areas to the north-west drain into the Clyde.

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Many of these rivers are important fishing and breeding grounds for salmon and sea trout, and are significant in the local economy. A number of the towns, particularly those built around water-powered mills, are prone to flooding, and the quantity as well as the quality of the water is becoming an increasingly important issue.

Large-scale conifer forests give rise to a developing conifer ecosystem and biodiversity interest, which together with the associated semi-95 natural habitats support a diverse range of species. Important forest species in the District include red squirrel, otter, bat species, osprey, goshawk, black grouse, nightjar, great crested newt and juniper, along with a number of nationally and internationally protected butterfly species included in the FCS biodiversity strategy.

Cultural

The District is a predominantly rural area, with small to medium market towns. Dumfries, with a population of about 30,000, is the regional 100 management centre and Hawick, with a population of about 16,000, is the largest settlement in the Scottish Borders. The Tweed valley in particular is very accessible to Edinburgh.

The urban population views the forests mainly as a recreational resource but there is a substantial, widely scattered rural population that also sees them as part of the rural economy. Although the population size in the countryside has hardly changed over the years, the population age structure has changed; as more people retire to the area while more young people leave to find work in the cities, the population is gradually 105 ageing – and there is a projected reduction in the working population over the next 10 years.

There are pockets of deprivation in many of the towns and villages of the District, including parts of Dumfries but only the area around Upper Nithsdale has a very low social deprivation classification, a reflection of its recent industrial past. There is a shortage of affordable homes in the countryside and new-build housing has tended to be ‘up-market’.

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The great spruce forests of the Southern Uplands and English border area lie at the heart of the District. Situated close to the mills in the south of Scotland and north of England -– with more than 25 processors located within a 50km radius of the District hub – these forests have a high strategic timber value,

It is increasingly recognized that forests have a key role to play in tourism development and delivery. Forest recreation visits generate expenditure and help sustain local employment, directly or indirectly, through shops and service providers. FCS’s £8.5 million investment in 115 the Glentress Peel – 300,000+ visitors annually – has created a recreation flagship and the 7stanes mountain bike centres, five of which are managed by FCS within the District, help support local businesses and the economy of South Scotland to the tune of £11 million annually.

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Many of the contractors that are employed within the forest live and work locally and it is thought that the value of work paid out by the District is largely recycled in the economy of southern Scotland. We support 71 full-time equivalent posts directly within the District team with a number of other FCS staff working in other divisions also being based in the District. In addition we provide support for over 2000 jobs 120 in other areas of the local forest industry – from timber transport to sawmill processing – as well as “softer” service industries including recreation and tourism.

As well as contributing to the Scottish Government’s renewable targets, windfarm developments on the NFE can provide significant employment during construction and ongoing maintenance jobs in the operational phase. Farming is a growing part of the business and we have 1660 ha of agricultural land, mainly grazing leases and two starter farm units totalling 229 ha with associated buildings providing 125 opportunities for new entrants into agriculture.

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7. District Vision As custodians of the NFE within Dumfries and Borders we will be recognised for proactive professional land management to provide a wide range of public benefits. These include being a major timber grower, a renewable energy facilitator, a world-class recreation provider and a 130 protector of the natural place. We will also be recognised for our contribution towards developing a safe, healthy and wealthy environment for the benefit of the communities we serve.

8. District Priorities and Actions The following sections follow the themes introduced in the National Strategic Directions document to ensure clear linkages through the planning framework. All Districts will apply an approach based on a strategic assessment of national and regional priorities with the overall 135 aspiration of the Estate being:

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 140

Cared for – working with nature and respecting landscapes, natural and cultural heritage

Good value – exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of public benefits

The text for each theme in the following section is accompanied by a table, showing District actions in this plan period, and a set of theme-based maps.

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Healthy

Achieving good environmental and silvicultural condition in a changing climate

Dumfries & Borders has a wide range of climate and soils providing opportunities for future increased species diversification, particularly in the coastal and eastern areas. Within these forests we also have an increased opportunity for establishment of quality productive broadleaves and improved silvicultural practices. 150

Flood and catchment management have become increasingly important factors in forest planning, along with contingency planning for major events. Forest management practices can have a significant negative as well as positive impact on catchment management. We will continue to take opportunities to address past poor practice as the forests are restructured and promote best practice through the redesign. We will continue to support SEPA and Tweed Forum in developing and implementing the Solway-Tweed river basin management plan and in achieving the objectives of the Nith, Annan and Tweed area catchment management plans. 155

Acquisitions obtained in our targeted repositioning programme continue to provide us with a role in carbon sequestration through the creation of new woodland. This is, in addition to the benefits associated with the Solway Mosses lowland raised mire restoration.

We have seen an increasing impact from pests and disease in the trees we manage and the District has a potential issue if Phytophthora ramorum moves in from Galloway. This will result in significant impacts on our management of the Estate but we will pro-actively address this risk with prompt, positive action when disease is confirmed. 160

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Crosscutting Themes National Key Commitments (Healthy) Specific District Actions

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We are committed to high quality silviculture and increasingly using alternatives to clearfelling

We will continue to diversify planted woodlands through restructuring and the use of an appropriate range of silvicultural systems. Most of this work will be concentrated in the Solway coastal and Tweed Valley areas taking advantage of the more suitable site conditions.

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Through our land management planning we will identify areas of woodland where low impact silviculture will most benefit biodiversity, landscape and the forest environment, and will implement alternative systems to clearfell over appropriate timescales, e.g. Heathhall, Dalbeattie, Mabie and the Glentress and Cardrona national network site.

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We are exploring how to best steward the carbon resources locked up in the Estate’s trees and soils

We will continue to work with SNH and other partners to develop and implement a realistic management plan for the restoration of the remaining areas of the raised mires of the Solway Mosses (700 ha). Seek funding for the implementation. (N)

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Crosscutting Themes National Key Commitments (Healthy) Specific District Actions H

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We will adapt our management within Dumfries & Borders as information develops on carbon sequestration with particular emphasis on matching the most productive tree species to the best sites using the ESC tool.

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We will help the Estate to adapt to climate change and become more resilient to pressure

We will continue to be at the forefront of developing disease response management, using sound silvicultural practice to reduce the opportunities for pathogens to affect our productivity. Annual crop condition surveys will be used to assess the progression east from Galloway of Phytophthora in our crops and our harvesting programmes will continue to target removal of the infected areas. (N)

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We will continue to diversify the age structure and species composition of the forests in Dumfries & Borders Forest District, using appropriate silvicultural methods.

We will facilitate research opportunities to help inform and guide future policies in relation to climate change matters, e.g. via long-term research plots at Nether Horsburgh (Tweed Valley) and Falgunzeon.

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Crosscutting Themes National Key Commitments (Healthy) Specific District Actions H

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We are committed to dealing with invasive plants and animals that threaten habitats and biodiversity

We will continue to monitor and manage grey squirrel presence and invasion within the District, taking proactive action as required via our team of control officers. (N)

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We will monitor our woodlands for the presence of invasive plants and other animals and take appropriate action to reduce these within the resources available.

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Productive

Providing sustainable economic benefits from the land

The District sits within Scotland’s “golden triangle” for timber production and processing. Over 25 timber using industries are located within 50km of the hub and are served by a good network of trunk roads that keep transport time and costs low, as well as making a significant contribution to carbon emission reduction. A relatively mild climate also means fewer winter interruptions to timber supply. 170

Quality timber production is a key objective and the District accounts for 16% of FCS timber production and income annually but just over 1,600 ha of agricultural land (mainly grazed under leases) and two starter farm units (total 270 ha) also generate economic activity.

Well placed to contribute towards meeting renewable energy targets, we are currently involved with a number of renewable energy schemes, including Harestanes and Clyde windfarms and other ongoing wind projects. These provide a significant percentage of the 2GW installed capacity target for the NFE and there is potential for further windfarm development on suitable sites within the District. We also supply 175 biomass to a number of generators - E.ON at Lockerbie – 44MW, Iggusund biofuel – 134MW and Caledonian Targe – 44MW.

Climate and site suitability allow us to play a lead role in carbon sequestration through the creation of new woodlands. The area of land we manage has increased by 1,645 ha (2.8%) in the last 5 years and we planted 243 ha of new woodland during 2013. Other areas under planning include a proposed, significant increase in productive broadleaf woodland.

The area is promoted as a ‘natural place’ and a ‘gateway to Scotland’ and tourism – a mainstay of the local economy – continues to sustain 180 increasing turnover and employment. The landscape and recreation opportunities are a major factor in people’s choice to visit. Forestry has a significant role in tourism development and delivery through the provision of recreation facilities, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and the design and management of forests in the landscape.

Walking continues to be the main pursuit for many forest visitors but the success of 7stanes, which brings £11 million to the local economy annually, has made the area one of Scotland's top mountain biking destinations. This and other adventure or active sports are identified as one 185 of the key development areas for the District.

FCS’s recent £8.4 million investment in the Glentress Peel established a recreational flagship illustrating our commitment in supporting the rural economy. We intend to build on this capital exploring future in forest development opportunities with partners via the current FCS Master Planning process within the Tweed Valley.

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Crosscutting Themes National Key Commitments (Productive) Specific District Actions

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We aim to increase the contribution of the NFE to the economy of Scotland and its regions and recognise the potential of the Estate to assist transition to a low carbon economy

As a proactive member of the D&G and Scottish Borders STTF groups we will continue to explore and engage appropriate new solutions within D&BFD as well as continuing to manage and resource the existing flagship projects, e.g. Eskdalemuir bypass and the Annandale Link. (N) We will build on the Glentress Master Planning (2013) initiative identifying; promoting and supporting, where appropriate, its recommended strategic outcomes and actions including incorporating greening principles to any infrastructure developments. (N)

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We aim to provide at least three million cubic metres of softwood timber every year on a sustainable basis

We will produce a forecast of timber production for Dumfries & Borders FD and match those predictions (currently 465km3/yr) to subsequent marketing plans. (N) We will undertake a review of our thinning plans and programmes during 2014 in order to ensure that all suitable areas are thinned. (N)

We intend to manage at least a quarter of our We will take opportunities on new planting acquisitions

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Crosscutting Themes National Key Commitments (Productive) Specific District Actions H

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X expanding broadleaved woodlands to produce quality hardwoods and woodfuel

(e.g. Nether Horsburgh, Blountfield, Falgunzeon, Aucheninnes) and on existing restocking sites to expand and establish productive broadleaf species across the Forest District. This will be done where it is silviculturally, environmentally and economically appropriate and using the ESC and site assessment to guide the decision making.

We will work with our partners and our neighbours to develop a sustainable approach to deer management across S(S) taking due regard of the management requirements of these sites, including taking an active part in local deer management group delivery of joint objectives.

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We will market timber- in ways that encourage value adding and additional jobs in manufacturing and processing, recognising the benefits of contributing to local economic activity, especially in the more fragile rural areas

We will proactively seek opportunities to build on our relationships with local timber and woodfuel businesses with our longer-term contracts continuing to underpin development and investment locally. We will continue to be responsive to approaches from community groups (e.g. Eskdalemuir, Craik, Tweed Green) considering alternative markets and provide appropriate marketing opportunities (e.g. local small scale tendering) in line with our procurement

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standards. We will review the outcomes of the formal review of the Dumfries Logshop (2013) and act on its recommendations in order to widen the niche marketing opportunities within Dumfries & Borders Forest District.

We will also provide opportunities for local people to purchase firewood when it is available.

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We will use our work programmes to promote the development of the forestry and land management sectors

We will develop the NFE in Dumfries & Borders into a sustainable resource that can contribute to the viability of the local economy through timber and non-timber productivity. We will use our new acquisitions to support our delivery of sustainable land management (agriculture and forestry), developing exemplar sites in partnership with our starter farm tenants at Carserigg and Falgunzeon. (N) We will continue to integrate renewable energy into the NFE’s delivery, where appropriate, providing exemplars of sound land management practice, e.g. Harestanes windfarm. (N)

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We plan to increase agricultural use of the Estate where this is consistent with environmental objectives

We currently (July 2013) have two starter farms within the District and we continue to assess new acquisition opportunities in relation to adding to these in balance with the national objectives. (N) We will continue to review our open space land holding in discussions with our agricultural advisors identifying and implementing additional opportunities for active agricultural management where this is appropriate land use. (N)

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We aim to realise the Estate’s renewable energy potential whilst achieving a reasonable balance with other objectives

Dumfries & Borders FD already makes a significant contribution to Scottish Government renewable targets via operational sites (Harestanes and Clyde windfarms) and we will continue to proactively engage with developers on the suite of sites under option. We will balance the environmental and cultural characteristics of each site with the development of renewable energy facilities, while maximising timber production from the current and future crops on these sites. (N) We will continue to respond positively to requests for the potential development of hydro schemes involving the NFE (e.g. Doach, Gamescleugh)

As the market “matures” we will continue to assess the

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options for brash removal on a site by site basis, where this is environmentally and economically acceptable, and to implement appropriate marketing strategies.

We will continue to supply biomass users – including EoN, Iggesund and Caledonian Targe - with suitable low grade material in line with our policy and supply availability to support this developing market. (N)

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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 manage FCS’s flagship recreation facility at Glentress as a premier destination for forest recreation and tourism in order to maximise the benefits from the investment for the Scottish Borders visitor economy through working closely with our tenants, GT Restaurants, GoApe and Alpine bikes. We will seek to build on the VisitScotland 4 Star accreditation and Gold standard in the Green Business Tourism scheme to drive our desire to ensure that visitors expectations are met or exceeded. (N) Building on the strategic planning framework for the Tweed Valley Forest Park and the Glentress Master Plan (2013) we will prepare an implementation plan for further development at Glentress to include a marketing prospectus for private sector investment opportunities

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which identify; promote and support where appropriate the recommended strategic outcomes and actions set out in the masterplan. (N) We will formally review our recreation facilities at Mabie in order to explore and develop opportunities to modernise the recreation offer and seek potential development opportunities which will contribute to the local visitor economy and provide other local community benefits. Building on the Year of Natural Scotland we will maintain and reinforce our wildlife viewing opportunities including the partnerships with the Tweed Valley Ospreys and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Caerlaverock viewing centre. (N) We will continue to support the 7stanes facilities via the funding of the management and maintenance of key infrastructure, trails and activities and events undertaken to ensure that the product remains a recognised world class, sustainable and quality MTB product and thus to help sustain or increase where possible the £11 million it currently generates per

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annum for the visitor economy in south Scotland. (N)

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We will support the Scottish Government's woodland expansion policy

We will continue to play a significant role in the delivery of woodland expansion targets through our existing acquisitions land bank (e.g. Nether Horsburgh, Aucheninnes, West Bold and Blountfield), and will continue to explore further opportunities to reposition the Estate within D&B. (N) Where opportunities arise we will work with local communities to expand the NFE in balance with the needs of local agricultural producers, (e g Falgunzeon and Carserigg starter farms). (N)

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Treasured

As a multi-purpose resource that sustains livelihoods, improves quality of life, and offers involvement and enjoyment

Communities associated with the NFE in the District have different aspirations and resources. They share a common desire to be informed of what is happening in the forest and our engagement with them occurs on a number of levels. 195

Many communities are also keen to influence long-term management decisions by taking part in local forest planning consultation and we proactively engage with them, exchanging views and hearing the thoughts and aspirations of others both formally (via our Land Management Plans) and informally.

A number of sites in the District have a high cultural, landscape, conservation or recreational value, e.g. Glentress, Mabie and the Tweed Valley Forest Park. These “treasured” sites will be managed in a way that preserves and enhances their special qualities. 200

We have an inclusive approach to the management of – and delivery from – the Estate, notable examples of this approach include Cairnhead Community Forest Trust (Moniaive), Dalbeattie Forest Community Partnership and the Heathhall partnership, where the communities take a key role in the development and delivery of joint objectives.

Our work is also shaped by our two Forest Panels, which allow other local interests (such as SNH, RSPB, local authorities, SEPA, Historic Scotland and local communities) to share ideas and aspirations relating to the NFE. We also consult with others – such as equestrians and 205 mountain bikers, in order to accommodate their views. This is an area in which we recognise we can do better, although it can be difficult to engage with a representative group. Glentress Master Planning is helping us improve our understanding in this respect.

All our staff, but particularly the Communities Recreation and Tourism team have a vital, visible and empowered woodland presence. Our outreach work actively encourages and facilitates communities to use their local woods.

There have been a few enquiries under the National Forest Land Scheme (NFLS) for community ownership or lease. Of these, Closeburn 210 (Clauchrie) and AIMUp (Innerleithen) are the most advanced. The latter group has linked with a neighbouring private land holding and is exploring a potential community led development of a £5.5 million MTB uplift facility involving FCS land.

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We want to encourage local people to get involved with using and managing local Estate woodlands so we will actively engage with local communities and be open to work in partnership

We will work with partners to develop a programme with the aim of the forests we manage being recognised as a key asset for the people, easy to find and accessible, having outstanding views and becoming a venue for events particularly at Glentress and Mabie. We will work with Forest Renewables to support local community’s participation in community renewable schemes in accordance with the provisions of the NFLS including Innerleithen, Eskdalemuir and Ettrick & Yarrow. We will continue to support local community development under the provisions of the NFLS building on the current initiatives led by AIMUp (Innerleithen) and Closeburn (Clauchrie). (N) We will consult communities about our plans in accordance with our consultation guidance, continue to review and improve communications and seek opportunities to collaborate with local communities building on existing partnerships, e.g. Cairnhead, Dalbeattie, Heathhall and Borders Forest Trust.

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We will continue to use the Estate as a place for volunteering and gaining employment skills

We will continue to provide places for apprentices (3) and one mid year forestry student at Ae, We will explore additional partnerships with educational and other bodies to expand our portfolio of community initiative opportunities for skills development, – e.g. Glasgow University Crichton campus, Barony College and Borders College. We will continue our programme of providing volunteering opportunities through working with third parties and also in partnership to support our joint objectives at Glentress with Kailzie Gardens with the Tweed Valley Osprey project and also with The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust at Caerlaverock.

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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 develop clear visions and plans for those places recognised as being uniquely special including The Tweed Valley Forest Park and Mabie and how their special qualities can be enhanced. (N) We will continue our programme of visitor zone work, initially focusing on the Tweed Valley Forest Park and Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) to enhance the visitor experience. (N)

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Use management plans agreed with SNH, Historic Scotland and others to manage special designated places to maintain their features in favourable or unfavourable recovering condition classes.

Visitor experience plans explore how we may best interpret special places to add value to visitors appreciation and understanding of these locations and their management. We will prepare and implement plans at key sites

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We recognise the value of the Estate as a place for research and development of best practice

We will continue to make the local woodlands available to the National Forest Research (TDB) and L&D centres at Ae, sharing the values and principles of land management best practice. (N)

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Accessible

Local woodlands and national treasures that are well promoted, welcoming and open for all

With numerous recreation trails – and two of the busiest forest recreation centres in Scotland at Glentress and Mabie – we continue to develop recreation opportunities for a wide variety of users. Whether it’s for walking, equestrian use, cycling, orienteering, dog sledding or motor rallying, we aim to provide quality opportunities for people to experience and enjoy the forest environment safely. This includes catering for 220 users of all abilities through our design of recreational routes, including easy access paths and specific 7stanes MTB trails for the less able.

An expanding forest road network (over 1,168km) provides access to further parts of the Estate and the world-class routes of the 7stanes MTB initiative have also opened up many areas of the five sites we manage to “explorers” and enthusiasts.

We continue to develop initiatives in support of NHS Scotland programmes within the area and are also actively engaged with landscape design and environment planning for the new Dumfries hospital. Conservancy colleagues are facilitating similar work in relation to the 225 Borders General hospital in recognition of the health benefits of woodlands to patient recovery.

Our Estate is also a great outdoor classroom. We have developed 7 forest classrooms over recent years and local teachers now use them to facilitate delivery of the national curriculum. The Forest Education Initiative (FEI) continues to play a key roll in our delivery and we are working with Borders Forest Trust to encourage local communities to make use of our Estate through FEI and the use of “Forest classrooms”.

FCS’s national training centre at Ae has an important place in forest industry learning and development and takes advantage of the 230 surrounding forests to aid the delivery of technical and management training to forestry and environmental land managers.

The Woodlands In and Around Towns (WIAT) sites at Dalbeattie, Peebles and Heathhall are a magnet to people of all ages and abilities, and provide easier access for community members to enjoy the very local green space. We also work closely with the police and other relevant public bodies to help tackle anti-social and illegal behaviour such as the unauthorised use of motorcycles and fly-tipping.

We encourage greater use of the Estate through developing accessible paths and track networks and making people feel welcome. Our staff 235 provide a local presence and generate community engagement especially near to where people live and work and through delivery of the “visitor zone” concept.

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Crosscutting Themes National Key Commitments (Accessible) Specific District Actions H

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We will continue to invest available resources into high quality facilities that encourage and help visitors experience and enjoy the outdoor environment

We will continue to manage, refresh and develop the 7stanes trails and infrastructure, maintaining its world-class status and the economic benefits for local businesses. (N) We will continue to play an active part in the delivery and promotion of the work of the Access Forums in both Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders to support safe and responsible access on the Estate.

Our staff will continue to be responsive to visitor needs, to learn and develop their customer focus and facility management skills and continue to improve our marketing including our online information and promotional work. This will include working closely with the 7stanes CiC. (N)

We will seek to make improvements with advice from partners including the Fieldfare Trust in accessible facilities which meet the needs of a diverse spectum of visitors. We will promote our improved all ability access opportunities at key sites e.g. Mabie and Glentress Peel

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We will continue to encourage use of the Estate for health benefits and outdoor learning

We will continue to make the Estate available for the wide range of events and activities that we currently host spanning competitive sports and leisure activities to learning opportunities. We will continue to make improvements to our permission system, improve our service and reduce the risk of potential conflicts between different users. We will continue to work with NHS Borders and NHS Dumfries and Galloway on demonstration projects on the Estate developing and delivering Scottish Government health agenda objectives e.g. Mabie Forest calorie trail. We will continue to work with the Forest Education Initiative including teachers and leaders within educational groups (e.g. local schools, Newton Rigg, Borders College, Barony College and the University of West Scotland) in their delivery of the National Curriculum.. We will support NHS D&G in developing proposals for the new Dumfries hospital that maximises the health benefits of woodlands within their environment. (N)

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Through 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 work with local communities and other partners to further improve facilities and access to the WIAT woods of Heathhall, the Tweed Valley and Dalbeattie.

Mabie provides an important local access and recreation resource for Dumfries. We will review the provision of facilities and services through a Masterplanning process.

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Cared for 240

Working with nature and respecting landscapes, natural and cultural heritage

The District’s focus is on local action across most of the major habitat and species programmes, through engaging with the public and explaining the natural, cultural, and historical values of the NFE and providing opportunities for better understanding and volunteering in the natural environment.

One example of this is our involvement in the planned priority restoration of lowland raised bogs, building on the work of the LIFE III project 245 (2000/02) involving the Solway Mosses – arguably the most important raised mire in Western Europe. We manage ongoing work associated with the initial phase of this restoration on 314 ha of the NFE and are exploring the potential of similar work on a further 700 ha+ with SNH, SEPA, D&G Council, local communities and adjacent land owners.

The District contains many significant historic environment assets, from the spectacular Iron Age forts of the White Esk Valley and Tweed Valley to the 16th century Tower Houses of Cardrona and Nether Horsburgh. 250

Well over 600 heritage features, including 51 scheduled and 6 listed features are mapped and recorded in the Forester GIS Heritage Module, the majority of them relating to medieval or later agricultural and rural settlements. Vast networks of drystane dykes from this period are treated as archaeological features for operational purposes. Earlier features include standing stones, hut circles, burial sites, large defensive works, hill forts, a Roman road and a Border tower.

Heritage interest in the District encompasses the trees and woodlands themselves, including ancient, legendary or historic trees and woods, 255 such as the Glenkinnon Oak. Designed landscapes are also an important consideration in the Scottish Borders.

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Crosscutting Themes National Key Commitments (Cared for) Specific District Actions

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We are restoring around 85% of areas on ancient woodland sites to largely native species. The remaining areas will be enhanced through our management

The restoration and “security” of ancient woodland sites continues to be a priority for Dumfries & Borders, though we do seek to reduce the rate and negative impacts of dramatic change on woodlands in transition from conifers to largely native broadleaves – Glenkinnon, Mabie Long Wood, Doach.

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We aim to increase broadleaved tree cover from the current 8% of woodland cover to around 20%

We seek to introduce a higher proportion of productive broadleaves in our restocking with a view to future timber production as well as the environmental benefits. Our priority will focus on new planting of our acquisition portfolio (e.g. Nether Horsburgh, Blountfield, Aucheninnes) and suitable restock sites. It’s recognised that the aspirational national target will be challenging for us, given the soils and climate we have to work with, but we have set ourselves the challenge to double the current 6% cover to 12% within this next rotation. (N)

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We are committed to maintaining the best open and native woodland habitats in good ecological condition

We will continue to progress our lowland raised bog restoration programme for the benefit of biodiversity, carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services. This will include monitoring of the impact of drain

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blocking across the Solway Mosses and other bogs which have been damaged by moorland gripes. (N) We will expand our use of conservation grazing as a management tool to benefit the condition of important open habitats. Including the lowland raised bogs at Solway Mosses and the Purple Moor-grass and Rush Pasture at Yair (a Coronation Meadow).

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We will identify particularly vulnerable species for which the NFE is important and take specific conservation action

We will continue to undertake work to manage red squirrel priority areas building on the local guidance plans (e.g. Ae, Castle O’er) developed in discussion with partners, and to monitor and defend against grey squirrel incursion. We will continue to identify and increase the numbers of juniper on our woodland fringe areas (e.g. Upper Nithsdale, Tweed Valley) through conservation works and planting stock of local genetic origin.

We will continue to manage the pearl bordered fritillary site at Mabie in partnership with Butterfly Conservation to protect and monitor the population.

We will continue to monitor and carry out habitat management of black grouse leks within the District

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including key sites such as at Nether Horsburgh.

We 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 historic assets.

We will continue to work with stakeholders to develop, share and promote best-practice historic environment conservation management.

We will continue to update the Forester GIS Heritage Module with new discoveries and will commission archaeological survey where necessary.

We will ensure that our significant designated historic assets are managed according to Monument Management Plans agreed with Historic Scotland.

We will promote the archaeological measured surveys of our Tweed Valley hill forts at the Edinburgh, Lothians and the Borders Archaeology Conference.

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Good value 260

Exemplary, effective and efficient delivery of public benefits

We strive to deliver value for money in all of our activities. Securing additional resources, including in-kind support and hard cash income to facilitate our delivery, have become a “normal” activity for the team. Thinking outside the box and bringing more innovation to our activities has been a key to this. Many of our initiatives and projects, most notably 7stanes, have been, and continue to be, an output of this culture.

We have a significant lead role within FCS for wind development potential with two existing windfarms and 162MW of installed capacity – 8% 265 of the NFE 2020 target of 2GW. This brings a varied income stream from rental to developer obligations under the leases as well as additional recreation and management benefits in the case of Harestanes.

In addition to hundreds of “informal” events, the public use of the forest was supported by over 300 formal event permissions in 2012/13 many of which generate income for FCS as well as the official event organisers and are indicative of the valuable resource we manage.

Our active management of the Estate includes balancing wildlife populations with impacts on our other objectives. Protection of vulnerable 270 crops via management of deer populations also provides income from venison sales. This action is also supported by significant investment in our larder facilities, in recent years ensuring relevant food hygiene quality assurance standards are maintained.

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Crosscutting Themes National Key Commitments (Good value) Specific District Actions

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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 be open to and actively seek appropriate development opportunities that will diversify our income base. (N)

We will develop business relationships with recreation and tourism related businesses following fair and open tenders for areas such retail, catering, adventure activities and accommodation on the Estate.

We will continue to charge for car parking at appropriate sites such as Glentress Peel and Mabie. The charges will be levied in a way that is considered commensurate with short and longer stays with the proceeds recycled into the upkeep of facilities and services.

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We will make progressive reductions in the emissions from our Estate management activities

We will reduce our carbon emission in administrative travel by 5% over this three year plan period. (N) We will continue to recycle as much as possible of the waste generated from our operational bases and monitor progress against national targets.

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9. Consultation (or Engagement) with Stakeholders 275

FES attaches great importance to engaging customers and stakeholders in developing new plans, strategies or policies and their implementation. We aim to involve as wide a range of people at as early a stage as possible and making the engagement as thorough, effective, transparent and appropriate to the target audience.

Key Commitments

A clear and agreed purpose shared with all parties 280 Fairness, equality and inclusion Provide accurate and timely information Exercise skill in order to build relationships, to ensure practise of equalities principles, to share ownership of the agenda, and to enable

all viewpoints to be reflected Improve the quality of engagement by learning from experience 285 Participants are given the opportunity to build on their knowledge and skills Conform to statutory legislation

In summary, these principles aim to build on the skills and knowledge of all those involved and outline our commitment to continuously improve and to foster a clear sense of purpose for achieving change. 290

Engagement by the District on plans and programmes conforms to the FES Engagement Strategy that, in turn, follows the Scottish Government Consultation Good Practice Guidance.

District Engagement and Stakeholders

Dumfries & Borders Forest District has a high percentage of older and retired people, which is likely to increase over the next decade. Ethnic minorities form a small percentage of the overall population and are mainly centred in the larger towns and villages. 295

The District covers a very rural landscape with several larger communities, Dumfries and Hawick (pop 30,000 and 16,000 respectively) being the main centres of population. The spread out nature of the NFE makes communication and consultation challenging for the team but we try hard to pro-actively engage communities on matters that can impact on all sectors as part of our activities.

In social terms, only the area around Upper Nithsdale has a very low social deprivation classification, a reflection of its recent industrial past. There are pockets of deprivation in many of the towns and villages of the District, including parts of Dumfries. 300

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We have several initiatives that actively engage communities in the management of the Estate (e.g. Heathhall, Cairnhead Community Forest Trust etc). In addition, partnerships help engage a number of formal groups and individuals in helping inform our activities on the Estate as well as in some cases becoming engaged in delivery.

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Who we engage with 305

Types of activity National Regional Local

Forest District Strategic Plans

FCS

Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees, e.g. Timber Trade, SNH, SEPA, RSPB

FCS Conservancy, Timber Trade, Local Authorities, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees

Neighbours, Businesses

Residents, Council Members, Community Councils

Land Management Plans FCS Conservancy, Timber Trade, Local Authorities, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees

FCS Conservancy, Neighbouring forestry owners or companies, Businesses, Regional Council, RSPB, SEPA, SNH, RPID, Historic Scotland, VisitScotland, interest groups or organisations, Residents, Council Members, Community Councils, Forest panel

Renewable Energy Projects – Wind and Hydro

FCS Conservancy Office, Local Authorities, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees

Neighbours, Community Councils and community groups

Development Plans Ministers, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees, e.g. Timber Trade, SNH, SEPA, RSPB

FCS Conservancy Office, Local Authorities, Statutory and Non Statutory Consultees

Neighbours, Businesses

Residents, Council Members, Community Councils

Work Plans Utility Companies

Interdepartmental consultation within the District.

Local Authority roads and access officers

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Repositioning programmes Ministers, FCS, SGRPID FCS, SGRPID, Local Authorities Neighbours, Community Councils

Recreation Events Access Officers, Local Authorities, Highways Agencies, Neighbours

Access Officers, Local Authorities, Highways Agencies, Neighbours, Communities

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10. Delivery and Monitoring Section Context

Delivery is based on the creation of a rolling annual business plan. This identifies and measures the physical and financial resources required 310 to deliver the Dumfries & Borders Forest District component of the National Strategic Directions.

The business plan is developed using data from detailed Work Plans prepared for all significant programmes approximately two years before work commences. These plans are driven by the Land Management Plans, and above those, the District Strategic Plans.

Following approval of the business plan the local managers organise the agreed programmes and report each quarter relative to timescales, resources and quality standards. This wide-ranging monitoring is integral to sustainable forest management and reflects formal performance 315 monitoring such as the UK Forest Standard and informal monitoring of day-to-day detailed management activity.

Before looking to establish the way forward, a key component of the process of strategic planning is to firstly establish where we are now. This can be achieved by review of the performance against the indicators outlined in the previous Dumfries & Borders Forest District Strategic Plan 2009-2013.

Monitoring for the 2009-2013 District Strategic Plan 320

The plan covering the period 2009-2013 reflected aspirational delivery grouped into the seven themes from the Scottish Forestry Strategy – Climate Change, Timber, Business Development, Community Development, Access & Health, Environmental Quality and Biodiversity. In each section of this plan each Forest District outlined what it would contribute to delivery of the seven themes against the relevant target. The progress relative to these targets is contained in Appendix 1. The appendix reports completion of the targets (new, yes, no or partial) and includes explanatory comment. 325

Monitoring for the 2014-2017 District Strategic Plan

Each of the 10 Forest Districts in Scotland has identified how best to contribute to the delivery of the aspirations outlined in “The role of Scotland’s NFE and strategic directions 2013-2016”. These aspitations are categorised under the headings Healthy, Productive, Treasured, Accessible, Cared for and Good value.

The 2014-2017 District Strategic Plan for Dumfries & Borders Forest District will be monitored to ensure that progress can be tracked against 330 both national and local aspirations outlined in “The role of Scotland’s NFE and strategic directions 2013-2016. These aspirations are categorised under the headings Healthy, Productive, Treasured, Accessible, Cared for and Good value.

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Strategic Environmental Assessment Monitoring

The 10 Forest District Strategic Plans will be subject to assessment and consultation through the established Strategic Environmental Assessment procedures. The outcomes will be used to create a suite of indicators under each of the six national priorities. The reporting 335 strategy will be owned at national level but will reflect local trends and District issues derived from the relevant FD priority commitments. The relevant indicators will be reviewed concurrently with the cycle of national and Forest District Strategic Plans reviews.

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Appendix 1 340

Delivery of 2009-2013 Dumfries & Borders Forest District Strategic Plan

Target from previous District Strategic Plan

Target achieved

Comments on progress and future work required

Strategic Plan Actions

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Maximise the potential for windfarms on the NFE to help deliver government targets for renewable energy and carbon reduction while balancing community and environmental interest.

Yes SSE – Little Clyde windfarm operational from early 2013. (13 turbines on NFE)

SPR – Harestanes windfarm construction started July 2012. Due to go operational in spring 2014. (68 turbines on NFE)

Harestanes extension (access only) is being progressed by SPR.

PfR – submitted Cloich windfarm for planning approval in October 2013 but held up by SNH objections. Wauchope west and 4 further Border sites at option.

SPR – Lot 1 Euchanhead being taken to option stage following feasibility assessment.

SPR – Wetherhill windfarm extension progressing through consultation in late 2013.

SPEN – progressing planning of South West Scotland (SWS) interconnector via NFE in Upper Nithsdale.

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Target achieved


Help facilitate the woodfuel/biomass market growth and emerging woodfuel enterprises through making volume available on the open market which could be of interest to woodfuel purchasers.

Yes Planning – actions to support:

Exploring an option for woodfuel crops as an alternative on some poorer sites in Wauchope FDP.

Nether Horsburgh to have productive native woods as an option.

Assessment of percentage deadwood now included in mensuration.

Site assessment for stump or brash removal included in Work Plans.

Operations actions to support:

Trial sites for recovery of old windblow and stump cores underway.

Support for large biomass sites including E.ON at Lockerbie and Iggesund at Workington.

Continue to respond to enquiries for local small scale firewood sales where resources allow.

Yes Local firewood sales. This is offered periodically throughout the year to interested parties on a first come first served basis. The sales are at a variety of scales from lorry loads down to 1 tonne.

Scavenging permits are also available at a very small scale but there will be very limited opportunities for those during the year.

Install a woodfuel heating system in the Glentress Peel development along with specific energy saving practices. Use this and other features of the Peel to raise public awareness of sustainable design and practice.

Yes Baseline data established for 11/12. Standard energy monitoring as per FD BS procedures. Investigations into the high electricity charges for the Orientation building are ongoing

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Target achieved


Advocate sustainable building and heating systems in any new office developments for Dumfries and Galashiels by Scotland’s Environmental and Rural Services (SERS) and in NFLS affordable housing projects.

Yes SERS new office developments did not proceed due to better alternatives via co-location within existing buildings.

Glentress Peel completed in 2012 is an exemplar of sustainable design and energy use.

12 affordable houses were built by Loreburn Housing Association in Ae Village following negotiations under the NFLS. Community members were fully engaged in the process. Bio-mass heating was a condition of the FCS land negotiations.

Encourage small-scale hydro electricity and wind power development on the NFE, with due regard to community, planning and environmental concerns.

Yes Community applications for sites in the:

Tweed valley

Craik

Langburnshiel

Moffat forests

These are being progressed via the NFLS.

ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Use the Forest Research ecological site classification system to make sure that resilient species are planted on suitable sites to provide insurance for the future. This will be followed through in forest plans and

Partial Assisted in the trialling of the soils module and spatial Ecological Site Classification (ESC). Made a number of recommendations on the business rules and presentation at the District Foresters meeting. Very useful tool and using it to develop the Kinharvie FDP revision, and other

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Target achieved


detailed site plans, supported by local guidance on species selection and native trees and shrubs.

FDPs.

Guidance received from FESHO re using 2050H (High emissions) scenario for climate change predictions associated with planning projections.

Use other decision-support systems, such as ForestGALES, to inform the development of robust forest design plans in the event of increase in major wind and rain events.

Partial The Hylobius Decision Support System has been reviewed and meeting scheduled with Roger Moore to explore issues with it before deciding on next steps.

Forest Gales guidance being used after updated version received from FR.

Ecological Site Classification (ESC) – see above.

Identify opportunities in existing forests and potential acquisitions for developing and expanding robust forest and open ground habitat networks.

Yes Several new acquisitions have taken place with the FD that will support these objectives. These are progressing through various stages:

Carserigg Forest Design Plan (633 ha) completed 2012 with planting completed in 2013. This acquisition includes one of our starter farm opportunities (200 ha) which has been tenanted since April 2013.

Falgunzeon Forest Design Plan (171 ha) approved. Planting due to commence autumn 2013. Another starter farm opportunity has been developed here again tenanted since April 2013.

Blountfield Forest Design Plan (100 ha) completed but not yet approved.

Nether Horsburgh Forest Design Plan (519 ha) in preparation for submission in March 2014.

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Target achieved


Aucheninnes (83 ha) – awaiting design input.

West Bold (136 ha) – awaiting design input.

Open habitat networks forms a key consideration in existing FDP reviews in discussion with conservator.

Adopt the practices identified in the evolving FCS business sustainability initiative in all buildings, visitor facilities, operations and travel, such as reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions and waste.

Yes See action plan for Greenerways.

Baseline data now established – use the data to identify opportunities for improvement with focus on energy.

Continuing improvement in CO2 emissions

Glentress Peel buildings reflect sustainable low energy design principles.

Develop and maintain local contingency plans for major incidents based on the national plans. Support local authority major emergencies planning.

Yes Major updates of the Forest District fire plan and associated duty forester folder have been undertaken.

Business Continuity plan completed and “tested” by real incident at Selkirk office.

FLOOD AND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT

Work with SEPA and river basin management plan partners to identify demonstration sites to show best practice in catchment management through forest design.

Yes/ partial Working with the environment team on a number of projects including:

Work in Cloich on log dams to slow water flow planned as part of the Eddleston water project. PfR also involved in riparian woodland compensatory planting in the Eddleston water (Cloich).

Forest Climate project with FR – end of project seminar for local staff at Selkirk held in Dec 2012).

Black Esk plans being taken forward to raise the reservoir dam to

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Target achieved


provide a sustainable water supply – work completed 2013.

Nether Horsburgh may offer flood plain woodland development opportunities and burn realignment.

Work with SEPA, Tweed Forum and others to implement the relevant aspects of the river basin management plan and the area catchment management plans, including actions that will help to reduce the impact of flooding.

Partial Link with above and 6.2. WFD status of water bodies on FCS land is checked and included in FDP revisions. Identify priorities for action where not reaching good status.

Identify areas where flood risk and slope stability may be issues. Taking advice from others, incorporate appropriate action into forest design plans and adapt harvesting and restocking operations accordingly.

Yes FES National assessment continuing on slope stability – first data sets now received. SEPA assessment of flood risk http://map.sepa.org.uk/nfra/map.htm

Working with Scottish Borders Council on sensitive sites in the Tweed Valley to consider relevant long-term management actions, e.g. Dirtpot corner/Nutwood.

CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Create new woodland where this can make a significant contribution to carbon sequestration, forest habitat network development, flood risk mitigation and/or community benefits.

Yes Several new acquisitions have taken place with the FD that will support these objectives. These are progressing through various stages:

Carserigg FDP (Forest Design Plan) – (633 ha) completed 2012 with planting completed in 2013. This acquisition includes one of our starter farm opportunities (164 ha) which has been tenanted since April 2013.

Falgunzeon FDP (171 ha) approved. Planting due to commence autumn 2013. Another starter farm opportunity (65 ha)has been

http://map.sepa.org.uk/nfra/map.htm

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developed here again tenanted since April 2013.

Blountfield FDP (100 ha) completed but not yet approved.

Nether Horsburgh FDP (519 ha) in preparation for submission in March 2014.

Aucheninnes (83 ha) – awaiting design input.

West Bold (136 ha) – awaiting design input.

Consider climate change implications in any decision to remove woodland and look at options to mitigate the loss e.g. by offset planting, in support of national policy.

Yes Worked with PfR to achieve no net loss of woodland cover as a result of the windfarm – by shrub planting in turbine bases and compensatory planting on the Eddleston water.

Also for Scottish Water as a result of the work at Black Esk reservoir. Agreed 5.4 ha of compensatory planting for areas flooded.


Target achieved


TIMBER

Maximise potential in areas identified for productive timber species through best practice and the use of improved stock, wherever possible.

Yes/

Partial

Planning begun to use the spatial Ecological Site Classification tool to support local decision making and species choice in revised Forest Design Plans and in Work Plans. This has included work on suitable species for the area and min YC. As far as possible making species adjustments based on ground truthing.

Improved stock is only available for Sitka spruce.

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Produce a forecast of timber production (2011), based on achieving a sustainable level of production . . .

Yes Felling dates for Production Forecasts and programmes synchronised. Significant differences in coupes between PF and annual felling programmes (U18’s) being investigated and are programmed to be checked on the ground.

. . . supplemented by annual marketing plans matching those predictions (currently at CF 400km3 Thin 65km3).

Yes/

Partial

Marketing plan published to the trade annually which demonstrates the volumes that will be sold on the open market and by product.

The District continues to maximise the amount of thinning in the Estate for wider benefits where site and crop conditions allow. Identify opportunities for further long term contracts to deliver the thinning programme.

Match crop types to the different long-term contracts as far as possible.

Maintain our compliance with the UK Woodland Assurance Standard and certification under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), as a requirement for our customers seeking chain of custody certification for their products,

Yes UKWAS surveillance (2013) covered 4 days of intensive audit. Initial report from the auditors indicated 2 Corrective Action Requests.

Distribution of species and selection of correct provenance will follow sound silvicultural practice to provide a quality growing stock at the correct density.

Partial ESC has been used to improve species selection and changes made to existing plans following field visits to better match the species to the site.

OGB4 results are still below target for yr 5 for too many coupes and

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positive action is being taken to rectify this situation.

Planting stock acquisition takes into account correct provenance when this is available and more focus is placed on the broadleaves particularly on native woodland sites.

Review the thinning programme based on a presumption to thin all suitable areas. This is expected to increase the volume of timber derived from thinning.

Yes Built on training course in 11/12 with more confidence in the planning team.

We started a review of thinning in the east to reassess the thinning coupes, identify the actual thinnable areas and develop the 5 year programme.

Programme sorted for 13/14 planning forester now adding thinnable areas and "vision" to FDP revisions.

Proactively manage natural regeneration areas to meet the objectives for the site.

Yes Large areas of dense Natural Regeneration in general are being retained now and not re-spaced with a view of them becoming woodfuel crops. Where the NR is small scale within a crop it is generally re-spaced early. Considering managing thinning to promote regeneration into the future.

It is clear that we need some method of tracking those in the Sub Compartment Database. If the areas are very small then re-spacing is carried out and they are managed in line with the rest of the crop.

Continue partnership working with the local timber transport groups to develop industry solutions that provide efficient transport and social and environmental benefits, e.g. development of alternative in forest haulage

Yes Annandale £1.5 million Strategic Timber Transport Fund initiative completed in spring 2013. The new 7km haul route will take more than a 1.1 million tonnes of timber off the minor public road over the next 25 years. This equates to 40,000 loaded timber lorries. The project complements the earlier Eskdalemuir STTF project within D&G.

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routes.

The FD team continue to work proactively with the STTF partners in managing timber haulage impacts on communities and our public road infrastructure.

Use low ground pressure vehicles to reduce the impact of haulage on the environment and the associated cost on the infrastructure, where appropriate.

Yes We have continued to use LGPV’s in Upper Nithsdale utilising leased 3rd party transfer facilities given the fragility of the FCS road network.

This will be extended into more areas where there is significant in-forest haulage.

Use in other locations is monitored and addressed on a case by case basis.

Adhere to agreed route maps for timber transport and the code of practice for road haulage of round timber.

Yes Agreed Routes Map status on all contract maps and in Work Plans. Particular attention needed during winter months.

We monitor haulage on unapproved routes and take action as appropriate in discussion with Strategic Timber Transport Forum partners.

HARDWOOD TIMBER

Review the current broadleaved resource and assess opportunities for further expansion by June 2010.

Partial Initial report by Richard Thompson, awaiting response from Inverness before progressing. Once received will review FDP’s to assess where changes may be required. Ongoing efforts to improve the success of broadleave establishment both for biodiversity and for production.

Identify areas suitable for growing productive quality broadleaves and establish a local trial area to inform future targets and suitable species.

Yes Current focus is on new acquisitions areas with priority currently considering:

Nether Horsburgh – FR provenance trial area established linked to international climate change initiative.

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Falgunzeon – sycamore seed stand with FR.

Aucheninnes – extensive productive broadleaf potential.

Restocking opportunities remain limited but continue to be assessed.

TIMBER IN CONSTRUCTION

Identify opportunities to demonstrate the use of timber in construction, maximising the use of local timber, e.g. Glentress Peel, office developments by Scotland’s Environmental and Rural Services at Dumfries and Galashiels, road bridges.

Yes 12 affordable houses were built by Loreburn Housing Association in Ae Village following negotiations under the NFLS. Community members were fully engaged in the process. Bio-mass heating was a condition of the FCS land negotiations.

In addition, timber has been a key theme in construction of affordable housing in Lincluden in Dumfries.

Glentress Peel is an FCS flagship for the use of home grown timber in construction using DF from Glentress Forest in its architecturally innovative designed buildings.

Office developments have been shelved due to better alternative options.

Specify sustainability measures in all building tenders.

Yes Record of procurement for projects at:

Glentress Peel

Ae office extension

Selkirk co-location

Hawick deer larder

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Prepare a workforce development plan to identify skill shortages, training needs, learning and development opportunities so staff skills match developing policies and demands.

Yes Each member of staff has an agreed Personal Development Plan which is reviewed twice a year.

Training needs analysis is a formal process feeding directly to the appropriate delivery of requirements – this is also updated every 6 months.

A flexible ongoing “live” process is adopted to ensure teams have skills required for their role.

Promote continuous improvements to the safety culture in the sector, by exhibiting best practice on the NFE.

Yes

A formal annual safety day for all FD staff held each year. Focus on safety culture and public access and safety.

This has been further reinforced during 2012/13 with the reforming of the FD Safety Committee with representation from geographic and disciplinary areas within the team.

The formation at National level of the Safety Committee supports the 365 day messages helping embed Health & Safety culture back into daily working practices. Two members of the local team sit on this National Committee.

Support training for staff in Health and Safety management.

Prompt analysis of accidents and incidents and lessons learnt are shared within the team.

Assist FCS in providing opportunities for school pupils, of all abilities, between 14-16 years to learn more about forestry and gain a greater understanding of potential

Yes FD worked with FCS Education policy Advisor with two events at Glentress for Moray House School of Education. We raised awareness of forestry in teaching and learning opportunities to be incorporated into

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employment opportunities through a programme of work placements and the work of the Forest Education Initiative in supporting forestry skills development and careers guidance in schools.

future work projects in schools.

We continue to support forestry skills development through engagement with schools, in particular through input into SQA Rural Skills courses – e.g. Wallace Hall Academy. Participation in school career events and facilitation of work experience opportunities also helps to promote forestry employment opportunities.

Continue to support d FCS Learning and Development Services and the Barony College through facilitating on-site training and learning experience and through advice on course development.

Yes Ongoing support facilitating L&D training events at Ae including team members getting directly involved in some.

2013 saw further examples of support with L&D trainer engaging in some work shadowing of staff over a two month period to get updated in “normal” FD issues and challenges which he then translated back into the lecture room.

We continue our support to Barony College particularly via our machine operator site provision with 18 students graduating each year.

Secure funding to sustain a Modern Apprentice programme.

Yes 3 apprentice places plus a mid year student also based at Ae. 2 apprentices secured a permanent post with FCS.

The next cohort is programmed for 2014. These posts are supported centrally and now have dedicated L&D team support during the apprenticeship period.

Continue to work in partnership with Barony College, Scottish Enterprise and others to provide opportunities for upskilling of contractors through forest-based practical training courses and through targeted seminars.

Yes Forest Machine Operator Certification Scheme training supported through the provision of sites and the payment of a commercial rate for the volume worked.

FCS also provides sites to enable chainsaw training.

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TOURISM

Continue to consider the landscape value of woodlands to tourism during revision of forest plans including opportunities for managing areas under low impact silvicultural systems.

Yes/

partial

Ongoing – see FDP programme for the plans to be completed 12/13 and 13/14.

Low Impact Silvicultural Systems management plan development – Cardrona, Craigielands, Glentress Core.

Flagging up opportunities in Work Plans for improvements to visitor zones and impacts of landscape within these opportunities.

Work with partners to realise the economic potential of 7stanes and mountain-biking as a largely forest-based activity and help to develop the potential for other world-class sporting facilities in forests.

Yes FCS continues to manage the MTB trails and the infrastructure associated with 7stanes at a cost in excess of £250,000 per year.

The 7stanes Community Interest Company manages the marketing and development of the 7stanes product. Recent independent report recognised the value of 7stanes to the economy of S(S) is now £11 million per year.

Where appropriate, facilitate development on the NFE of adventure and wildlife tourism products by local businesses, which offer a quality of experience that attracts a greater number and wider range of visitors and encourages longer stays.

Yes New wildlife viewing facilities at Glentress Peel are now open throughout the year reaching outside the osprey project season. Additional interpretation and camera viewing has been part of this offer.

Partnership with WWT Caerlaverock has extended their offer by providing CCTV pictures from an osprey nest site on the NFE in D&G directly to the centre.

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Actively seek resources, e.g. from external funding and income generation, to continually improve the information, service and facilities on offer.

Partial Implementation of the national car park strategy has been a focus in this area in 2013 with the FCS flagship site at Glentress Peel piloting increased charges supporting income generation.

The Harestanes partnership fund also supports our recreational delivery.

Actively encourage the use of the forest for competitive sporting and other types of events.

Yes Working with FCS national agreements for various sporting activities, e.g. Scottish Cycling agreement and MSA.

Continue to monitor visitor numbers and take part in national surveys to maintain our understanding of tourism demand and requirements.

Yes Vehicle counters are in the entrance to our main visitor facilities. All Forest 2 national visitor survey is ongoing in 2013/14.

INCOME DIVERSIFICATION

Identify and test opportunities for income diversification, which is vital to protect programme development in other areas, in particular by increasing the percentage of revenue generated by non-timber sales. This will be accompanied by engagement with stakeholders to make sure that proposals are well thought through and that long-term relationships are not damaged.

Yes Initiatives include:

Windfarm developments on the NFE – Harestanes & Clyde to date with others in various stages of planning.

Recreation and event facilitation – 6 car rallies per year, numerous MTB events etc.

Tenancies and leases including Café & Bike shops at three 7stanes sites, GoApe, several outdoor centres etc

Car parking policy changes 2013.

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Assess forests with low scores from the portfolio analysis for opportunities to improve their non-market and/or economic performance. If this is not possible, they will be considered for sale to realise money for recycling to other key work areas, including new acquisitions.

Yes Revision of the Portfolio Analysis with new criteria undertaken as part of national exercise.

Both Nether Linkens and Rascarrell have contributed to our repositioning disposals portfolio in the last 2 years.

Remain open to new business ideas on the NFE that are compatible with our objectives and standards and capable of generating income.

Yes Three sites (Glentress, Mabie and Ae) now provide café and cycle shop facilities.

Cycle uplift services are provided via contracts at Innerleithen and Ae.

GoApe at Glentress provides an extended adventure sport opportunity for all ages.

The Glentress Master Planning exercise is exploring further opportunities for business development within the Tweed Valley.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Seek to continually raise the profile of forestry with local decision-makers and work in partnership with others to increase the benefits to the local economy derived from the forests.

Yes Actions include formal and informal briefings with:

MSP’s/MP’s

local authority Council Members and officials (e.g. Scottish Borders Director of Planning, D&G NHS)

statutory bodies including SNH/SEPA

NGO’s

Local policy groups.

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Partnership working including 7stanes Community Interest Company, Barony College, University of West Scotland, local Forestry Industry groups, Business groups etc.

Remain open to new business ideas based on the use of forest services and products that match our wider social and environmental standards and consider positively proposals that will assist growth or development of local businesses.

Yes Working with the three business networks via the 7stanes Community Interest Company supporting the £11 million per year generated by 7stanes to the local economy

Three sites (Glentress, Mabie and Ae) now provide café and cycle shop facilities. Privately operated café facilities were opened in 2012 adjacent to the Dalbeattie trailhead.

Cycle uplift services are provided via contracts at Innerleithen and Ae.

GoApe at Glentress provides an extended adventure sport opportunity for all ages.

The Glentress Master Planning exercise is exploring further opportunities for business development within the Tweed Valley.

Continue to develop electronic trading with timber customers and pilot extending this to harvesting contractors.

Yes Howie, Jones, Wilsons, Tilhill, Euroforest are all on electronic trading with FCS and more customers moving towards this.

FCS are self billing all of our haulage and harvesting contractors currently and this will be extended to take account of FM and CE activities in the near future.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

WOODS IN AND AROUND TOWNS

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Identify proposals for acquisition of land/woodlands in close proximity to towns.

Yes Many of our recent repositioning acquisitions have been adjacent to, or near to, existing FCS property supporting potential community development and benefit:

Carserigg – Nether Horsburgh – Castle Horsburgh – West Bold – Blountfield - Aucheninnes.

We continue to assess and attempt to acquire land that will add value to our objectives in this respect – not all are successful.

Work with local authorities to develop and promote access to forests without needing a car, e.g. by safe multi-user routes or by public transport.

Yes Recent examples include:

FCS worked with Scottish Borders Council in 2013 with the new Multi use Path, on the old Waverly rail line. This provides safe access between Peebles and Innerleithen with links off to promote forest access.

FCS are currently engaging also with D&GC for a similar linking route from Dumfries town to Mabie forest.

Link completed to Heathhall Forest from the Dumfries town cycle network

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Maintain a programme of forest panel meetings and local consultation on forest design plans as they are revised . . .

Yes Meeting held for Nether Horsburgh.

. . . Continue to develop links with local communities to seek to make sure that management of the NFE reflects both local and national objectives.

Yes Forest Design Plan public consultations, engagement with stakeholders, and public events allows us to raise awareness of national FC/SG objectives whilst gathering feedback on local issues and aspirations – e.g. Heathhall and Nether Horsburgh FDPs.

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Identify ways of increasing contact with all communities adjacent to forests to provide regular information on local forest operations and other activities.

Yes Making the most of local press, notice boards, community councils and relationships with local stakeholders we continue to inform communities of forest operations.

More use of online media has allowed us to reach audiences quickly, with frequent updates of our long-term forest plans – e.g. Blountfield FDP.

Engage with, and support communities currently, or wishing to become, active in the management of their local forest e.g. the “Woods In and Around Town” woodlands.

Yes Most forests in the District have some level of interest from the local community, ranging from formal groups helping with forest management (e.g. Dalbeattie Forest Community Partnership, South West Community Woodlands, Borders Forest Trust), to involvement in occasional volunteering opportunities (e.g. Heathhall, Glentress), with some communities happy to have a more hands-off interest and be kept informed of major changes.

Following District amalgamation we have monitored levels of community interest to allow resources to be used effectively. Groups such as the Cairnhead Community Forest Trust have waned, whereas forests such as Heathhall and Newcastleton have shown a resurgence in community interest.

Maintain and increase the opportunities to engage with communities of interest in the forest, e.g. mountain biking, equestrian, access, special needs.

Yes Forest District Manager continues to represent FES on the D&G Access Forum with the Communities Manager covering Scottish Borders.

FDM also sits as Board member on the 7stanes Community Interest Company (CiC).

COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP

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Receive positively all community approaches on purchase and process applications that fit the criteria published in the NFLS as quickly as possible.

Yes The Clauchrie forest community group received consent to purchase the forest under the NFLS, however, following abortive funding attempts they reapplied to lease the area and are currently progressing this option.

Several community hydro schemes are in the initial stages of development.

The Innerleithen MTB uplift initiative, led by the community group AIMUp, has consent under the NFLS to lease 500 ha of the NFE. They are currently working through planning and funding options. The project is expected to be operational in 2015.

Inform community councils of forests for any sale in their area as soon as possible to give them adequate time to consider their position.

Yes This is a standard action in the disposal procedures led by our Estates team in supporting FCS objectives.

A number of communities have taken advantage of the option to consider buying or leasing part of the NFE as a result (see above).

LEARNING

Work with the Forest Education Initiative and the education sector to make greater use of woodlands for outdoor learning, focusing in particular on facilitating use rather than always leading groups directly.

Yes We have been a key player in the work of the D&G FEI cluster group, establishing close links with D&G council’s Education Services staff to deliver CPD events for teachers.

Work with schools in close proximity to forests that are interested in an ongoing connection with their local forest, e.g. through forest schools.

Yes We continue to support schools close to the NFE setting up woodland learning sites, providing safe accessible venues ideal for regular visits – e.g. Heathhall Primary, Peebles High School.

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Review volunteer programme and identify ways to increase the level, range and scope of volunteering activity in the forest.

Yes Volunteering opportunities in 2013 were mountain bike trail maintenance sessions and osprey project volunteer weekend shifts to promote wildlife in the area.

The FD has also supported a variety of community volunteering opportunities, especially in WIAT woods at Heathhall and Dalbeattie, often in partnership with local businesses and groups – e.g. Gates Transmission, Princes Trust and Dalbeattie Forest Community Partnership.

Continue to host and facilitate visits by a variety of groups including local, national and international policy makers and specialists.

Yes There have been a number of such visits to the NFE, including:

Numerous overseas learning journeys to Glentress Peel including from Denmark, France, Germany, Holland and Norway;

Moray House School of Education at Glentress;

Kenyan teachers at Ae;

FEI 20th Anniversary event at Mabie.

Forest Panel visit to Kinharvie.

Prepare a District learning strategy. Partial All forest education activity in the District supports national FCS objectives outlined in the ‘Woods for Learning’ strategy. A local strategy document is still being considered.

PARTNERSHIPS

Continue to work with existing partnerships, e.g. Cairnhead community forest trust and Newcastleton Business Forum.

Yes Our work with both groups continues with the:

CCFT regrouping and reviewing their ambitions following a period of

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heavy involvement with the Striding Arches project and

The Newcastleton BF now members of the 7stanes CiC Board taking forward a bridge building project linking the community with the forest. Due for completion in spring 2014.

Dalbeattie Forest Community Partnership, active with environmental work groups and supporting Dalbeattie Hard Rock Challenge (started in 2003 and attracting over 300 participants).

Actively consider partnership approaches by stakeholders or businesses to develop local capacity or grow the local economy.

Yes Proactive support to the 7stanes Community Interest Company

We have contributed to developing the ‘Wild Seasons’ nature-based tourism project in Dumfries and Galloway.

Engagement with the local community during the acquisition and planning of Corserig provided opportunities to discuss potential benefits for the local economy.

A management agreement with Dumfries and Galloway Council allowed us to transfer on-going costs, securing a future for the recreation facilities at Earshaigs.

Lease of Peel bothy to Muirhouse Youth Development Group.

ACCESS and HEALTH

RECREATION

Review and revise the District recreation and tourism strategy. Prepare formal site plans for all the recreation facilities including a review of how they address our diversity and

Yes District recreation strategy to be revised. Visitor Experience Plans for the key sites are in place and are currently being reviewed. Master plan process in Glentress is ongoing in 2013 also.

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equality aims.

Seek further investment to maintain and enhance current facilities and to increase their use by local people.

Yes All income from car parking, business tenants, event permissions help contribute to the continual refreshment of our recreation facilities to maintain our District as a recreation destination of choice.

Consistently implement best practice in sustainable design and management and in safety on all our recreation sites.

Yes In all our facility refreshments we strive to ensure best practice is achieved, e.g. CDM , FISA guides, HSE, Paths for All.

Update our key interpretative facilities and implement the Tweed Valley Forest Park interpretation strategy.

Yes Interpretation strategy phased roll out. Completed sign consistency in all Tweed Valley Forest Park forests, upgraded Glentress signage with Glentress Peel facility.

Target management activity where there is greatest need and best value for money including fulfilling our diversity and equality aims.

Yes Delivering this through our main recreation sites at Glentress, Mabie and Ae followed by Innerleithen, Cardrona, Dalbeattie and Newcastleton. We have reduced the recreation offer in Craik and will continue to look for further targeted gains.

Consider investment in new facilities where it delivers significant local benefit or fulfils our diversity and equality aims. Funding needs also to address future maintenance commitments.

Yes Investment in Glentress Peel facilities in 2012 enables FCS to be better able to deliver benefits to locals and visitors. EA approved for the facilities.

Complete the construction of Glentress Peel and develop its role as a flagship facility and orientation point for the Tweed Valley.

Yes Glentress Peel was completed in 2012 and is recognised as the FCS flagship recreational facility providing outdoor opportunities for a wide audience of interests.

The use of home grown timber in construction utilising DF from Glentress Forest in its architecturally innovative designed buildings adds further value in support of wider FCS objectives, e.g. wood for

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good.

Commit to ensuring the maintenance of the trails and infrastructure of 7stanes and to work with partners and businesses to develop the product for the wider audience.

Yes FCS continues to manage the MTB trails and the infrastructure associated with 7stanes at a cost in excess of £250,000 per year.

The 7stanes Community Interest Company manages the marketing and development of the 7stanes product. Recent independent report recognised the value of 7stanes to the economy of S(S) is now £11 million per year.

MAKING ACCESS EASIER

Work with local access officers and the access forum to identify appropriate routes on the NFE that will form part of the core path network.

Yes This action has been completed in both Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway with Core Path plan now having been adopted.

We continue to discuss how the NFE can add value to this process without compromising our objectives via joint funding and/or additionality, e.g. the Peebles and Mabie cycle routes

In consultation with specific user group representation review the provision for appropriately scaled and located all-abilities facilities and seek resources to implement recommendations.

Yes FCS engaged with Fieldfare Trust staff in audits of main sites in 2012/13 and easy access improvements have been delivered in Mabie, Glentress and Cardrona in 2013.

In partnership with D&G Council and Sustrans the threshold of Heathhall had dropped kerbs installed to improve all- abilities access.

Review the information available on the recreation facilities and on general access to the forests and make recommendations for amendment by June 2010.

Partial Review of our public facing recreation web site ongoing in 2013 to refresh for 2014.

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Continue to make the thresholds of all suitable forests more welcoming through signing, easier access and management of entrances.

Partial Management of stands around thresholds needs to be incorporated into thinning plans or LISS plans. Extend to visitor zones.

Work with the police to continue to tackle the issue of unauthorised motor vehicle access to forests and other anti-social behaviour.

Yes Police are engaged with regularly. Most recently over a Rave incident at Cloich Forest with Police able to track down those involved and successfully made them tidy all the debris up. Incident numbers for reported motor access noted.

Managing public access on operational sites is a core issue to ensure that we meet the requirements of the outdoor access code and protect our forest users from potential harm arising from our operations.

Yes Proactive internal liaison on diversions and management of access.

Temporary closures and positive action in high recreation use areas to protect the public.

Education and information provision to the public about the risks and hazards associated with operational activity.

HEALTH

Promote and facilitate greater use of the NFE for physical activity through working with health professional and FCS health co-ordinators to undertake measures such as support for walk leaders.

Yes Strong working relationships with local health professionals has raised the profile of the NFE for physical and mental health benefits – e.g. inclusion of health statistics on threshold interpretation at Mabie and Dalbeattie; delivery of forest events contributing to ‘child healthy weight’ intervention programmes; and support to ‘walking for health’ groups.

Improve and target information provision and promotion of healthy activities, with an emphasis on people who currently do not make use of the forests.

Yes Activity at WIAT sites has been particularly successful, such as increased volunteering opportunities at Heathhall, and involvement in the ‘Healthy Dalbeattie’ partnership with the NHS.

Our involvement in various NHS groups e.g. Borders Obesity management is leading to the use of the forest for greater healthy

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activity.

Raise awareness and provide information for staff on health and lifestyle issues through a nominated District champion.

Partial Information provided by national office and others which is disseminated to staff who are encouraged to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

SOIL, WATER AND AIR QUALITY

Work with SEPA, Tweed Forum and the fisheries boards to plan and implement local actions in the river basin management plans and area catchment management plans to contribute to the achievement of good ecological and chemical status for the region’s water bodies by 2015, and in the protection of the Tweed special area of conservation.

Yes Condition of waterbodies in Water Framework Directive checked and incorporated into FDPs.

Operations team have a pro-active approach to managing operations where there are sensitive water catchments. Regular liaison meetings with SEPA and the operations team and joint training events took place during 2013.

Effectively implement FCS forests and water, and soils guidelines and the controlled activities regulations.

Yes Work Plans now identify watercourses at a mapping scale of 1:50,000 and status of waterbody.

Consult key stakeholders, particularly SEPA to identify site and downstream issues on sensitive sites to inform the development of detailed operational site plans.

Yes Ongoing as part of FDP and Work Plans.

Support the delivery of actions identified in the climate change action plan to identify slope instability issues in sensitive locations

Partial FES national assessment continuing on slope stability with field assessment being undertaken on some sites in the FD. First reports

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and develop local site management strategies. have been received.

LANDSCAPES

Continue to include landscape characteristics and sensitivity as a major consideration in long-term forest planning. Resolve issues and make balanced decisions on the rate and scale of change taking into account other issues such as economics and biodiversity value.

Yes Ongoing – see this year’s FDP programme.

Continue to develop and implement plans for the use of low impact silvicultural systems where crops, sites and circumstances permit, concentrating on areas sensitive to landscape change and high recreation use.

Yes Ongoing – see FDP programme for the plans to be completed 12/13. LISS mgt plan development – Cardrona, Craigielands. Emphasis on thinning in areas for LISS – Priesthill – underway, Cardrona – marked.

CULTURAL

Continue to work with local archaeologists and Historic Scotland to protect the ancient monuments in our care and to make sure that cultural heritage issues are adequately addressed in forest design plans and site plans.

Yes Input from professional archaeologists on new acquisitions to inform FDP’s and work plans.

Detailed digital terrain models carried out by Rubicon Heritage at a number of Hill Fort sites throughout the District

Record known unscheduled monuments in the FCS geographic information system and agree management plans for schedules monuments with Historic Scotland.

Yes Known sites recorded on GIS Heritage layer. Plans reviewed on a 5/10 year basis linked to Heritage Ecologist and Historic Scotland.

The Forester GIS Heritage Module now defines known site extents – an essential part of the constraints layer within any plan or map.

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Train field staff to identify potential cultural sites.

Yes Include survey team.

Work with Historic Scotland and others to identify key locations suitable for interpretation, e.g. Dumfries and Galloway Archaeosites, including sites with local folklore associations.

Yes Digital Terrain Poster produced of earthworks for L&B Archaeology conference and Archaeologists AGM in Glasgow.

SPECIES DIVERSITY

SPECIES AND HABITATS

Review progress in restoring plantations on ancient woodland sites by June 2010 and set out targets for the next phase of restoration.

Yes Ongoing target progressing. Restoration sites in a 5 year plan with all sites designated for restoration on GIS layer.

Continue to develop the area of native woodland and assess the potential for its expansion within the District.

Yes Native woodland developed through FDP’s and Work Plans linked to habitat networks.

Survey all open ground habitats in the District as each forest design plan is revised to identify priority habitats and opportunities for expansion and for moorland fringe development in balance with our other objectives.

Partial Planning to provide list of FDP to be prepared to target open habitat ecologist surveys.

Priority habitats identified on FDP and local Work Plans for expansion / retention.

Continue to take account of the need to protect and enhance the prospects for our

Yes Species identified in FDP’s and Work Plans and managed in line with best practice. Management plans in place for specific priority species,

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priority species in future forest structure and management practices.

pearl bordered fritillary, black grouse and LBAP plans.

LANDSCAPES AND ECOSYSTEMS

Diversify planted woodlands through restructuring and the use of an appropriate range of silvicultural systems including an increase in natural reserves, long-term retentions and the volume of deadwood in the forest area.

Partial Seminar on natural reserves scheduled for April – review areas following this.

A number of areas have been identified and designated as LTR’s, Dead wood and Natural Reserves in GIS layer.

Collaborate with neighbouring landowners, South Scotland Conservancy and Scottish Natural Heritage to create functioning landscape-scale habitat networks.

Yes Ongoing through FDP external consultations, e.g. Lowland Raised Bog, black grouse habitat, riparian zones.

Work with local deer management groups to manage deer population over their range, recognising the interests of all parties.

Yes We have actively been involved with the 3 deer management groups that are functioning within the Forest District boundaries. These are South West Scotland, Eskdalemuir and Borders. Our involvement includes:

Hosting/attending meeting and site visits. Being open and transparent in our deer activities and future

plans. Informing group members of our objectives and how we intend

to achieve these, i.e. cull achieved, future cull targets, methods used e.g. night shooting, out of season, direct staff, contractor use, Deer Management Permissions.

Sharing results of deer impact and population assessments. Acting as temporary committee members when required, e.g.

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secretary. All the above has resulted is us building up a better relationship with our neighbours.

DESIGNATED SITES

Work with SNH and other partners to develop and implement a management plan for the restoration of the remaining areas of the raised mires of the Solway Mosses. Seek funding for the implementation.

Yes Management Plan implemented and managed creating a rapid initial restoration of key bog species. UKWAS impressed.

Plans for wider restoration project ongoing with all partners – SNH now leading, given the wider land management needs. Further consultation with communities has been undertaken in 2012/13.

Following 5 year trial on 15 ha plot. Grazing lease agreed to control rank vegetation regrowth on 150 ha, 2013. Additional area’s to be offered in 2014 following consultation.

University of West Scotland also continues to be involved via student work. SNH graduate placement will take the project forward during 2014 including assessing funding options.

Use management plans agreed with SNH to achieve 95% of features on the parts of the designated sites in our control being in favourable or unfavourable recovering condition classes by 2012.

Yes Ongoing through FDP’s and delivery mechanism via Work Plans.

Continue to take account of the potential impact of management proposals on neighbouring designated of NATURA sites in forest plans and operational plans with the

Yes Consideration given, where appropriate through external consultation during FDP reviews and operations.

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aim of protecting and, where appropriate, enhancing their status.

INCREASING AWARENESS AND IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE, INTEGRATION AND CO-ORDINATION FOR BETTER DECISION MAKING

Promote the profile and awareness of biodiversity requirements during stakeholder engagements, school visits and forest plan consultations. Encourage communities and volunteers to be actively involved in biodiversity projects.

Yes Biodiversity profiled during external consultations for new acquisitions and FDP reviews.

Engagement of volunteers primarily through community and environment teams.

Engagement of local schools linked to forest classroom outdoor learning, talks, biodiversity project work and osprey project.

Build on the existing osprey viewing projects to further develop wildlife watching and interpretation on the NFE.

Yes Additional live camera links and recorded footages used to promote local wildlife. Walks and talks given to various outside organisations and communities.

Wildwatch video links installed at the Glentress Peel as part of our education programme.

Prepare a District biodiversity plan, based on the national template.

Partial Local species and habitat plans are being combined with our management plans for area’s such as Lochar Mosses and Kielderhead SSSI which involve our neighbours and other stakeholders to form our District biodiversity plan in 2014.

Continue to update and develop the District knowledge on the biodiversity present in the forest, its status and requirements. Maintain the geographic information system records

Yes Sites and sightings recorded on GIS conservation layer used to inform FDP’s and Work Plans.

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layer.

GEODIVERSITY

Work with SNH and other partners, e.g. GeoD, to identify important geodiversity sites on the NFE and maintain and enhance them through the forest plan process.

Yes Links with SNH GeoD officer identifying relevant sites on the NFE.

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Glossary ASNW Ancient Semi-Natural Woodlands

ATC Alternatives to Clearfell 345

CCF Continuous Cover Forestry

ConFor Confederation of Forest Industries

DSP District Strategic Plans

EQIA Equality Impact Assessment

FCS Forestry Commission Scotland 350

FES Forest Enterprise Scotland

FSC Forest Stewardship Council

GIS Geographic Information Systems

KPI Key Performance Indicator

LISS Low Impact Silvicultural Systems 355

NSA National Scenic Areas

NSD National Strategic Directions

NFE National Forest Estate

OCUK Outdoor Capital of the United Kingdom

PAWS Planted Ancient Woodland Sites 360

PEFC Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

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RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

SAC Special Areas of Conservation

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SEPA Scottish Environmental Protection Agency 365

SGRPID Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate

SNH Scottish National Heritage

SOI Sunart Oakwoods Initiative

SSSI Special Sites of Scientific Interest

STTF Strategic Timber Transport Fund 370

UKFPA United Kingdom Forest products Association

WIAT Woods in and Around Towns

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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 an agency of Forestry Commission Scotland charged with managing the National Forest Estate. 375 Contact Forest Enterprise Scotland Head Office 1 Highlander Way Inverness IV2 7GB 380 Tel: 01463 232 811 Fax: 01463 243 846 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland 385 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 390 231 Corstorphine Road Edinburgh EH12 7AT Tel: 0131 314 6575 E-mail: [email protected] 395

dumfries & borders - district strategic plan - draft.pdf

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