Forester

South Mull LMP

September 2017

West Argyll Forest District

Scale:Date:

±

0 2.5 5 7.5 101.25Kilometers

LegendForest roadsCLASSIFICATION

Class A

Class B

Class C

Restricted

Transfer Point

Unclassified

Unassigned

FC_Legal_Boundary

proposed roads

landslip_hazard_areas

Ancient Woodland Sites

Map 4.4 Opportunities & Constraints Map

1:32,284

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Scallastle New Native Woodland Creation (Outline proposal)Opportunity to create a native woodland habitat network linkbetween Scallastle and Garmony, with associated contributionto national woodland creation targets.The project is unlikely to generate a finanical return. It mayimpact on open habtat species and priority habitats. It maypresent establishment challenges (deer) and reduceopportunities for open hill stalking.

GeologyPotential to replant existing conifers within the Allt Molach SSSIwhere this does not impact on the designated features.Woodland retention can help reduce slope instability.South-west Ishriff and Torosay have landscape sensitivitiesand steep ground, so may constrain replanting choices.

Species choiceBrown earths predominate in lower parts giving greaterflexibility. Landscape and amenity considerations favourincreased diversity in areas visible to the public - much ofthe forest is visible form the A849, Garmony from ferryroutes and Fishnish from the A884.However, some areas of deep peat have given rise to poorgrowth. Tree diseases restrict choices - some provenancesof Lodgepole pine have grown poorly, been subject towindblow and suffered from Dothistroma in Garmony. Soilsdata is incomplete for Garmony. High historic deer numbershave impacted on species choice and regeneration success.

Ancient Woodland restorationRestoration is ongoing in Garmony and will link with other nativewoodland on adjoining properties.Regeneration has been poor to date in core areas, possiblydue to deer browsing. The new external deer fence may alterthis.

New forest roadsSeveral short road spurs/extensions are needed to provideaccess to timber for harvesting. One new road is needed toaccess the forest above Craignure and will provide access todisease-prone larch. It may also create new opportunities forrecreation access and improved access for deer control.There may be oncerns over landscape impact of the new roadand noise disturbance at Craignure.

Legal boundaries and fencesOpportunity to consider adjustments to boundaries and fenceswhere this might benefit the estate, including landscapeimprovements and new woodland creation. Opportunity to liaisewith neighbours regarding factors of mutual interest, includingfences, deer and water.Adjoining landowners may be unwilling to enter into landtransactions. FES priorities for land acquisition may lieelsewhere and costs may not be justifiable.

New pierOpportunity to consider landscape improvements/screening fromthe public road.Any planting on this heavily modified and restricted site will bechallenging.

Quarry expansionThe existing quarry is to be expanded to meet future roadingrequirements. Planned expansion will be screened basedon its design. Submission on an EIA determination enquiry isrequired as the quarry area will exceed one hectare.The existing quarry is visible to some degree from ferry routesand recreation sites.

Business developmentOpportunity to review existing facilities and consider potentialfor additional businesses in the area.Some business usage may conflict with recreation andlandscape objectives of the area. Sites can be difficultto manage.

ArchaeologyOpportunity to further protect historic crofting field patternsand underlying medieval rural settlement and agriculture;and identify and protect undiscovered features associatedwith these, through Work Plan processes and surveys.Crofting field pattern is the only example in the FD.Forest now entering third rotation, so archaeology may bedegraded. Crofting field pattern is unsympathetic to thelandscape.