Walk & Talk: Woodland Creation and Integrated Land Use at Coshogle, Buccleuch Estates

Members are invited to Coshogle, Buccleuch Estates, near Thornhill, for a Walk & Talk exploring a major woodland creation and integrated land use project on a former hill farm.

As one of Scotland's largest landowners, Buccleuch offers a unique opportunity to see how modern land management can successfully balance commercial forestry, farming, biodiversity, peatland restoration, carbon capture and sporting objectives.

The Coshogle project, which went on site in 2025 following several years of planning, covers approximately 500 hectares and includes:

• 200 hectares of open hill ground, including peatland restoration undertaken with the Crichton Carbon Centre.
• 150 hectares of commercial forestry, primarily Vegetative Propagated Sitka spruce and Norway spruce, established using continuous mounding techniques.
• 150 hectares of native broadleaf woodland, protected using the latest biodegradable Tubex shelters and vole guards.

During the visit, members will hear about the new Long-Term Forest Plan and Woodland Carbon Code application, while exploring how multiple land uses can be successfully integrated across a single site.

The project has been designed to deliver a range of environmental, commercial and sporting outcomes, including peatland restoration, habitat creation for upland waders and curlew, commercial timber production, deer management, sporting interests and sustainable farming. There will also be an opportunity to see Highland cattle grazing using innovative NoFence collar technology.

Members will additionally view productive oak planted in 2010, ash planted in 2012, and a nearby upland oak Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).