Correen Hills Long Term Plan

Correen Hills forest is situated approximately 6 km north of Alford in Aberdeenshire and covers around 1,500 hectares. The forest occupies a prominent upland ridge extending east to west across the Correen Hills, including the Whitehaugh and Knockespock blocks. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with farmland and scattered rural properties bordering much of the forest area.

The previous 10 year Land Management Plan (LMP) expires in March 2027 and we have started the review process. This first consultation invites your views. 

We are asking stakeholders, including statutory bodies, third sector groups, businesses, neighbours and individuals, to share their thoughts on how the Correen Hills LTP should be managed over the next 10 years. 

If you'd like to send us your feedback but are not sure where to start, you could think about the following questions:

  • what is your connection to this place? 
  • why is this place important to you?
  • is there a significant feature or issue we should know about? 
  • do you have a private water supply which is located within or nearby the forest? 

Renaming Land Management Plans as Long Term Plans

Land Management Plans are in the process of becoming known as Long Term Plans, a change needed as a result of changes taking place in legislation.

The Land Reform Act introduces an alternative use for the term Land Management Plan which relates specifically to the forthcoming obligations set out under this banner. These terms are used interchangeably on our website, but both currently reference our plans developed in line with the UK Forestry Standard.

Location

Plan objectives

This plan is at an early draft stage, but a few key objectives have been identified. You can find more detail in the stakeholder consultation document, linked at the bottom of the page.

  • Maintain timber production as the primary focus of management while supporting long-term forest resilience through sustainable harvesting and restocking.
  • Protect and enhance watercourses, riparian habitats and open ground, strengthening habitat networks and expanding native woodland where appropriate.
  • Manage and enhance areas of Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS), including opportunities for restoration where practical.
  • Retain and protect areas of steep gullies and watercourses that are difficult to manage commercially, providing valuable habitat and structural diversity.
  • Support priority species and habitats through habitat enhancement and effective deer management.
  • Maintain public access, including The Gordon Way, while planning operations to minimise disruption wherever possible.
  • Improve the forest's contribution to the landscape through carefully designed felling and restocking patterns.
  • Continue to utilise and maintain the forest's road network and operational infrastructure, including a strategically important quarry.

Have your say

The timeline for the plan review is shown below. The consultation periods highlighted will mainly take place online. We'll contact stakeholders and neighbours directly and place signs at forest entrances with detail about how to get involved.

Drop-in sessions

We will be running a drop in session at Clatt Village Hall on 7 October, 5pm to 7pm. 

Timeline

  • August 2026: initial scoping, including public consultation (28 days)
  • September to November 2026: preparation of the draft plan
  • December 2026: final stakeholder scoping and public consultation on draft proposals, preparation of the final plan and submission to Scottish Forestry for approval
  • spring 2027: approval and adoption of new LTP expected

Documents and maps

Documents

Maps

Get in touch

If you would like further information or have any questions about this plan, please contact:

Email: enquiries.east@forestryandland.gov.scot