COMMISSION APPROVES WOODLAND PLAN FOR GLENFESHIE ESTATE

The Forestry Commission has given consent to plans to regenerate the native Caledonian forest remnant on Glenfeshie Estate, near Kincraig in the Cairngorms.

It has also approved assistance to the estate through its Woodland Grant Scheme for carrying out the necessary works.

The agreed proposals are the result of a long and wide-ranging consultation process with statutory organisations, the public, and other interested parties.

The plan proposes the expansion of the forest area by almost 1,000 hectares through natural regeneration. The main activity will be to reduce deer numbers to a level at which widespread natural regeneration can occur. A single fence enclosure of 38 hectares has also been approved in the south end of the glen to assist in regenerating an area of birchwoods.

Forestry Minister Rhona Brankin said,

"I am delighted that agreement has been reached on a way forward for regenerating the native woodlands at Glenfeshie Estate that is broadly acceptable to all parties.

"We are committed to working to secure the future of the natural environment in the Cairngorms, and have underlined that commitment by agreeing to provide financial assistance for the Glenfeshie project through the Forestry Commission's Woodland Grant Scheme.

"I would now urge all the parties concerned to work together to ensure that this agreement succeeds in ensuring a bright future for this unique and precious part of Scotland's landscape and environment."

As part of the grant proposal a working group will be established involving the estate, the Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Deer Commission. A Section 7 Agreement (under the 1996 Deer Act) has been finalised by the estate and the Deer Commission.

The Forestry Commission has already grant-aided the removal of much of the existing deer fencing in the main glen at Glenfeshie and the estate's plan confirms the removal of all deer fences within the glen by the year 2010. The Forestry Commission has also funded the first phase of restructuring the forestry plantations on Glenfeshie by the removal of non-native species.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Forestry Commission is the government department for forestry in Great Britain; in Scotland it acts as the Scottish Executive's forestry department.
The Woodland Grant Scheme provides grants to help woodland owners to plant, regenerate, manage or improve forests and woodlands for a wide range of purposes.
The grants approved for Glenfeshie are expected to cover about half the costs involved in the planned work.

Media contact: Colin Morton 0131 314 6249

Glenfeshie Estate contact: Derek Douglas, 01324 602550