Please find below some information regarding a new woodland creation proposal for land in Kilmichael Glassery. Please email any comments to be my 29th July – secretary@dunaddcc.org
Dear Stakeholder
We are in the process of designing a new woodland creation proposal for land in Kilmichael Glassary, 7.5km north of Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute. The initial design concept is to add to the extensive existing woodlands by planting a diverse range of productive broadleaves, accented by pockets of native broadleaves.
This work is being performed by Highfield Forestry Limited on behalf of the landowner.
As part of our due diligence for this proposal, we are required to contact all stakeholders and give them an opportunity to comment on the proposals. All responses to this consultation are recorded in a consultation log that forms part of the application and will only be shared with Scottish Forestry. Personal information will not be included in this log unless you have given us permission to do so in any correspondence we receive.
Highfield Forestry Limited will only store your information in connection with this proposal, it will not be used for any other purpose nor shared with any other parties without your prior consent.
Location and Background
The project will seek to establish approximately 7.4 ha of new woodland in the grounds of Kirnan Estate, on the southeast facing aspect of Cnoc Fiaclach.
Current Land-use and Soils
The land is semi-improved and has been used for grazing of livestock, some of which has been fallow for several years and has reverted to meadow. The soils are classified as brown soils and range from well drained, to impeded drainage.
Main Objectives
The intention is to add to the existing Ancient Semi-Natural Woodlands and productive woodlands, improving ecological variety, and diversifying timber crops.
Desktop and walkover surveys have been used to create the initial design concept identifying suitable species, important wildlife habitats or other sensitives within the area. The outcome of these surveys has been used to create a woodland that does not significantly impact the existing environment and enhances the hillside landscape and amenity value.
Low impact mounding techniques will be used to cultivate the soil which minimises any potential for soil run-off. This gives the tree the best opportunity to successfully establish under optimal conditions by improving drainage and soil temperature.
It is proposed to protect the trees from browsing using new sections of deer fencing and vole guards. This will have a minimal visual impact compared with using protective tree tubes and will reduce the likelihood of unnecessary plastic entering the environment. Public access requirements will be maintained at all times.
Planting will be done by hand and may require chemical weeding through the establishment phase. This will be spot applied to reduce risk of runoff.
All work will be done according to best practice guidance laid out in the UK Forestry Standard.
Conservation
There are no known designated protected areas. A search of the National Biodiversity Network atlas showed that small pearl-bordered fritillary, marsh fritillary and small heath butterflies, all of which are BAP species, are within 5km of the site. Further information on these species will be required to assess their presence and the planting design will be modified accordingly to the findings.
All these species will be protected in accordance with good practice as set out in the UK Forestry Standard. Appropriate action will be taken if sensitive areas are identified.
Archaeology
There are no scheduled monuments, unscheduled monuments, or Canmore points within or related to the site. If any archaeological discoveries are made during operations, the relevant authority will be contacted. Kirnan House itself is a designated as a Canmore feature, however, is well outside of the operational area.
Summary
As a stakeholder you are invited to review the details given in the letter and the enclosed Concept Map. At this stage no final decisions have been made about the plan, so we welcome any opinions, suggestions, or additional information about features of interest we have not yet identified. The concept map will be adjusted and modified with input from this consultation.