Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is inviting local residents and other interested parties to provide feedback on its long-term management plans for Carron Valley Forest.

The new Land Management Plan will replace the current one, which expires next year, and covers a 30 square kilometre area surrounding Carron Valley reservoir, located 12km south-west of Stirling. The forest is primarily used for softwood timber production, but is also valued for recreation and provides habitat for species such as red squirrel, osprey, and pine marten.

Sandy Davidson, Planning Forester for FLS, said: "Our management plans are reviewed every ten years to ensure that the work we do will continue to effectively meet our long-term objectives. All of the elements that are important in Carron Valley will continue to feature in our plans but we are also looking at how best to improve the forest to make it more resilient. For example, this will include building on work we are currently undertaking in response to the arrival of the disease Phytophthora ramorum into the forest."


FLS is seeking public input on its proposals until 10th June. A drop-in session will be held at Carron Valley Main Car Park (FK6 5JH) on Saturday 31 May, from 10:00 to 13:00. Parking will be free for the duration of the event. Directions to the forest are available on the FLS website.

"As with all FLS land management plans, we look to get feedback on our proposals before finalising any plans, and would like to invite local people and regular visitors to let us know their views," said Davidson. "You can either come along to a drop-in session and speak to us to find out more or, if you can't make it on the day, take part online."

Those unable to participate online can also obtain more information by writing to the FLS team at Five Sisters House, Five Sisters Business Park, West Calder, EH55 8PN.