Under The Forestry (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 we have requested that the Glenochar Forest Scheme undergoes the full EIA Scoping process with the regulator - Scottish Forestry.

Forests cover nearly one third of the world’s total land area and are vital in ensuring environmental functions such as climate regulation and soil conservation in addition to biodiversity. They provide habitats for a large array of plants and animals, many of which are rare or threatened. Biologically diverse forests also contribute to the sustainability of the wider landscape and provide a range of other ecosystem services.

A range of ecological surveys have been undertaken since 2022 to understand the existing biodiversity within the scheme area. These identified the following constraints and opportunities:

Notable bird species sighted:

• Barn owl

• Hen Harrier

• Peregrine

• Short Eared Owl

• Red Kite

• Curlew

• Lapwing

Mammals

• Evidence of Otter found within survey area

• Mountain hare

Insects

• Ringlet butterflies

• Small Heath butterflies

• Small Tortoiseshell butterflies

• Billberry bumblebees

Vegetation

• Calcareous grassland

• Dry dwarf shrub heath

• Wet dwarf shrub heath

• Blanket and other bog habitats

• Flush and spring habitats

• Ground water dependent terrestrial ecosystems

Over the past 150 years, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has increased significantly and now exceeds 400 parts per million. This is as a direct result of human activities, mainly through the use of fossil fuels and changing land use. There is mounting evidence that climate change could create impacts on our environment that may be substantial, abrupt and irreversible.

Climate is a key consideration in future forests. Carbon sequestration is a large role that our future forests have to play in helping to fight the climate crisis. By selecting fast-growing timber trees, we can lock up more carbon quicker. Another consideration is climate resilience. Forest Research have developed models that allow us to predict the site suitability of tree species based on future climate scenarios. The following tree species have been identified as suitable for this site:

Conifers

• Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)

• Norway spruce (Picea abies)

• Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

• Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)

• Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis)

• Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Broadleaves

• Downy birch (Betula pubescens)

• Silver birch (Betula pendula)

• Sessile oak (Quercus petraea)

• Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

• Willow (Salix caprea, Salix cinerea, Salix aurita)

• Common alder (Alnus glutinosa)

• Aspen (Populus tremula)

• Wild cherry (Prunus avium)

It is worth noting, that even though a tree has been identified as climatically suitable for the Site, local conditions such as frost pockets and exposure to wind mean that we have to be sensible in selecting where to plant each species.

Surviving elements of the historic environment take many forms, and include ancient woodlands, veteran trees, earthworks, ruined structures and buried archaeological features. Together these elements provide a rich source of information about past societies and how they used and managed the land – including forests and woodlands.

An assessment of the historic environment at Glenochar was undertaken in the summer of 2022. 105 sites related to the historic environment were identified across the assessment area. These included evidence of prehistoric activity up to more recent settlement and farming practices.

Five designated sites were present in the assessment area:

• Glengeith prehistoric settlement and Bastle House (SM4798)

• Air Cleuch prehistoric cairnfield (SM4641)

• Crookedstane prehistoric platform settlement (SM4646)

• Glenochar Bastle House and settlement (SM5385)

• Watermeetings prehistoric platform settlement (SM4644)

The non-designated sites included a range of both prehistoric and more modern features including prehistoric unenclosed platform settlements, cairnfields, burnt mounds and a possible homestead, Roman remains in the form of a possible route of a road, the significant Bastle settlements at Glengeith and Glenochar and other remains from after AD1500 including smaller settlements, stock enclosures and buchts.

The European Landscape Convention recognises that all landscapes are important, whether officially recognised through formal designations or not. It also highlights the importance of involving the public and other interested parties in the creation and implementation of landscape policies – including the design and management of forests, woodlands and trees. Forests and woodlands are important visual elements in the landscape that change over time. They have great potential to enhance and enrich the environment and make a significant contribution to landscape quality.

The following landscape features have been identified for consideration in this project:

• Special Landscape Area - Leadhills and Lowther Hills

• Southern Upland Way

Woodland creation projects are encouraged to take place away from prime agricultural land (defined as grades 1, 2, and 3.1 in Scotland). The quality of the land in a local context, and its environmental sensitivity, should be considered. Grazing land has significant potential for the creation of high quality and high value woodlands.  However, this should be achieved in ways that seek to avoid adverse impacts on local patterns of agriculture and that aim to complement and enhance the agricultural and environmental value of the remaining unplanted land.

The Glenochar Forest woodland creation project will take place on land having a Land Capability Classification for Agriculture of 5.3, 6.2, and 6.3

orests and woodlands provide wide-ranging and diverse benefits to people in the UK. In addition to supporting livelihoods and employment, either directly or indirectly, sustainably managed forests deliver a range of environmental and social goods and services. They can enhance biodiversity by providing wildlife habitats, mitigate the effects of climate change, and provide opportunities for access and recreation. Forests also have a role in our historical and contemporary culture and contribute to attractive landscapes.

People are a primary consideration in woodland creation projects. The following points are considered as a part of the woodland creation scheme:

• Access: including established rights of way and the right to roam

• Changes to views from residential properties

• Changes in local employment

• Private water supplies

• Timber transport

Soil is an important component of the forest ecosystem. It is a complex and variable medium comprising mineral particles, organic matter, water, air and living organisms. The characteristics of soil largely determine the nature of the flora and fauna that sustains the world’s terrestrial biodiversity and its productive potential. It is a vital resource that must be used in a sustainable way to ensure it can continue to perform its many functions.

Whilst the primary concern for woodland creation is deep peats (defined as having a peat layer deeper than 50cm in Scotland), consideration is also given to the soil type and its capability for growing trees. Soil depth and compaction is also accounted for during the design process.

Forests and woodlands have a close relationship with our water resources, and forest management and water quality are closely linked. Sustainable forest management is essential to ensure the supply of good-quality fresh water, provide protection from natural hazards such as flooding or soil erosion and to protect the needs of aquatic species.

Within woodland creation projects we consider riparian woodland as a key element within the project design.

The following water environment issues are identified for consideration by the scheme:

• Peden reservoir

• River Clyde and its tributaries