CCFG visit to Achray Forest Aberfoyle managed by Forestry and Land Scotland

CCF opportunities and challenges for amenity, conservation and production

The Achray Face above Aberfoyle is an extremely popular area for forest recreation with walking and cycling trails, a visitor centre and Go-Ape attraction and has long been identified as potential for management under CCF. It is also one of the trial areas of the pan-European SUPERB project. However, the Region is now facing significant challenges to this plan in particular a high proportion of larch and windblow along with the high visitor numbers and access.

The forest also supports mature oak woodland which has been managed in the past and there is potential for future intervention both for timber and to encourage natural regeneration.

Away from the main recreation area circa 60ha have been as identified as potential for management under CCF. This area offers an opportunity to realise the benefits of CCF for softwood sawlog production in the future.

The visit will be a chance to enjoy the forest, explore these challenges and discuss options with the local forest team. After an introduction in the Lodge we will undertake two walking tours through Achray forest. The first is in the mature conifer and oak forest of the high recreation area above the Lodge and the second a quieter area of conifer forest at Braeval at the east of the forest.

The visit details

We will gather at the Lodge (9:30am for 10:00am) and have a half hour introduction to the area from the local team and Forest Research who are leading on the SUPERB project

Minibuses will be used for transport to and within the forest. They will leave from the Lodge at 10.30am

Two walks (2.4 miles and 1.2 miles) on forest roads and paths with some downhill and uphill sections. Expect to walk into some of the stands for the discussion. Lunch will be taken in the forest.