We are currently carrying out a Land Management Plan (LMP) revision to help us determine future management proposals for Scootmore.

An LMP details how we intend to manage our land over the coming 10 years, indicates our vision for the next decades and ensures compliance with industry legislations and guidance.

The new plan will set out future management objectives and will give approval for felling, thinning and restocking operations. Through the new plan we want to continue to ensure the social, economic and ecological benefits the forest block provides.

The current stage of the plan is the scoping stage in which we welcome stakeholders to get in touch with any issues or constraints they are aware of that might impact the development of the new plan.

Scootmore is a well-established and productive forest prominently sited in the valley of the River Spey southwest of Charlestown of Aberlour. (See Map 1 - Location). The forest covers a total area of 458ha. The forest is predominantly coniferous, dominated by plantation origin Sitka Spruce and Scots Pine.

The forest is located between 150m and 300m above sea level and is very visible from the A95(T). It lies within the wider setting of Ballindalloch Castle, a popular visitor attraction and overlooks the River Spey. The woodland extends over two domed hill summits split by the valley of the Allt a’ Ghealliadh Burn, which feeds into the River Spey. Both these rivers have been designated as a SAC and the River Spey is as a valued salmon fishing river. The lower Spey valley also forms part of a Special Landscape Area(SPA), designated by Moray Council.  

The woodland also supports a number of nationally important species, including red squirrel, wild cat and black grouse, and is a core capercaillie area, although there is no evidence of capercaillie at present.

The revised plan will address issues around water quality and forest stability. It will furthermore aim to maximise the area of continuous cover forestry through continued thinning. Areas of under-thinned forest will however need to be clear-felled and the restock of these areas will pursue further age class and species diversification of the block to ensure a resilient forest in light of the changing climate.

Timeline

• October 2024: scoping
• November/December 2024: draft plan completion
• December 2024: consultation
• January 2025: internal review
• January 2025: submission to Scottish Forestry for approval

Documents and maps

• Map 1: location and viewpoints
• Map 2: key features
• Map 3: management coupes
• Map 4: future habitats and species
• Map 5: issues and objectives