Riverside Woodland Habitat Creation!
A long time in the making with more iterations than we can count but we are really excited about our new native riparian woodland scheme which is proposed to go on the Peter Rig along Black Grain which is a tributary of the River Tarras.
Black Grain has lots of magnificent ancient alders growing along it and so many ancient woodland indicator species growing along it such as Primrose and Wood Anemone. The area also has some of the Tarras Valley Black Grouse leks nearby which we hope will be really benefitted by the scheme in the future along with many other species as we help to encourage a more diverse mosaic of habitats and plenty of berry producing trees and shrubs growing for them to eat!
We have been working with the Woodland Trust on this scheme for the past few years with lots of engagement as it has developed to design and adapt the scheme including with residents, local drop-ins, speaking with our neighbours, statutory bodies such as Naturescot and Scottish Forestry and other organisations such as the RSPB.
Here’s a quick overview of the scheme:
- * Focus on a diverse mix of native trees across a 39 hectare riparian area such as Aspen, Rowan, Juniper, Downy Birch and Willow.
- * Connecting up fragmented woodland along the river corridor.
* 5 access gates along the stock fencing which include 2 field gates along the valley bottom and 3 self-closing gates spaced out across the rest of the scheme so there is improved access into the area as the woodland grows.
* Stock fencing rather than deer fencing to help reduce grazing pressure in the area but helping to avoid risk of bird strikes with taller fencing.
Much wider than the planting we will also be looking at an extensive rewetting scheme over the next few years to block up peatland drains to help create that mix of scrubby woodland, wet flushes and more standing water across the area which we hope will really boost habitat and food sources for wildlife.
We are hoping to submit our application to Scottish Forestry very soon and if we are successful, we’ll have boots on the ground this autumn- winter 26-27.
We will keep you updated!
