Nominee Summary
A mixed upland estate in Dumfries & Galloway with 350 acres of mixed commercial forestry, 325 acres of species rich grassland (93 plant species recorded) grazed by Highland Cattle, plus 100 acres of approved new woodland creation schemes. In addition, there are 100 acres of Aspen forest, part of the innovative Swedish Match research project. The estate is part of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve designated by NatureScot. Surveys carried out by the Heather Trust, RSPB and others recorded species including curlew, sand martin, hen harrier, lapwing, kestrel, peregrine, merlin, black grouse, wild goat, otter and water vole.
What was the motivation behind the work which was undertaken?
The creation of the hybrid Aspen forest was the result of a desire to investigate how best to create forestry that is commercially productive, resistant to disease and offers significant environmental benefits. Much of the UK’s commercial forestry is considered poor quality habitat, although good for carbon capture. By contrast Aspen is very biodiverse-rich, deciduous and grows tall. A vast number of species are either directly dependent on Aspen or are dependent on Aspen for a part of their lifecycle. Aspen leaves break down easily in the environment and improve soil quality. Being basic, they help counteract conifer soil acidification. If washed into rivers they also improve water quality. In terms of carbon capture, the Hybrid Aspen has the same biological properties as European Aspen, but grows 2-4 as fast. After 28 years the trees are about 25 metres /80’ tall. The fast rate of growth enables greater carbon capture, as more carbon is locked up during the growth phase than by mature trees (in common with all tree species). Aspen allows light to penetrate to the ground, and forms a rich ground vegetation, no matter the height of the trees, important for wildlife and enabling greater integration between forestry and grazing on the estate. Cattle have been allowed to graze the under-storey of Aspen as well as the Conifer forest rides and open space, considered positive for biodiversity where ground vegetation over-dominant, and improves ride access. Cattle dung fertilises the soil and intermittent trampling prevents over-compaction of soil.
Overcoming Challenges
The estate has been managed over the past 30 years with a commitment to enhancing the environment. Three lochans and other wetland have been created to encourage insect life considered crucial to allow waders and other birds to flourish. Sheep have been removed and replaced by circa 30 in hand Highland cattle to enhance large scale species-rich grassland. No fertilisers or pesticides are in use. In conjunction with Swedish Match’s Hybrid Aspen project leader, part of their research forest was felled and the root systems translocated from Sweden to Scotland. Once replanted, the root systems regenerated and there is now a 100-acre hybrid Aspen forest at Glenquicken. The Swedish Match research was based on a forester’s report they commissioned in 1910, later developed into a search for the best male Aspen trees in North America, and the best female trees in Europe (European Aspen). These two species were cross pollinated in laboratory conditions to create the Hybrid Aspen. This species produces high-quality timber, fast-growing, and canker resistant trees in Sweden, and offers a higher quality habitat for animals and plants compared with Sitka forestry. Aspen is an ecologically important component of the Northern Coniferous forest and will help to naturalise Sitka Spruce forestry as well as provide significant landscape benefit. Sitka Spruce alone can be seen as a monoculture, with limited benefit for invertebrates, birds and mammals.
Including the community
Long-term vision to provide eco-tourism opportunities and rural enterprises which would provide job opportunities for local people and a wide range of community benefits, in conjunction with conservation of the environment. Lapsed planning consent for a spiritual retreat / wellness centre / outdoor education centre at Craigneuk Farmstead. Envisaged with three staff and a variety of uses. Potential to offer a variety of courses, experiences, educational sessions such as a retreat for writers or yoga / birdwatching / stargazing / botany / ecology / peatland restoration – experiences, short courses or residential courses. The archaeology of Glenquicken could be studied in greater detail and offer potential for low-impact tourism. Three stone circles have been identified, as well as a battlefield site dating from the 1200s and remains of a Roman road. Five sites have been identified where a forest bothy could be created, together with new water areas. The approved micro hydro scheme (3kw) includes two water storage lochans with islands fed by perennial drains. The principle is to open pipe /run turbine when needed to heat hot water store in house in winter, reducing lochans’ water height which exposes wetland (similar to tide going out), benefiting waders and wildfowl, while leaving water to safeguard fish - scope for summer fishing and winter wildfowling. Some, or all, of these aspects could be developed in partnership with the local community.
