Benhar and Fauldhouse land management plan

The former forest design plans for West Benhar and Fauldhouse have been brought together into the Land Management Plan for Benhar and Fauldhouse Forests. The plan was formally approved in September 2018 and is scheduled for renewal by 2028. 

More recently the plan has been updated to reflect some significant developments:

• Rapid spread of a plant disease called Phytophthora ramorum and susceptibility of Larch species.
• Completion of windfarm construction in Benhar block.
• Improved techniques in restoring priority open habitats.

A summary of the current plan is provided here (PDF)

Timeline

• 2016 - site survey and site analysis
• January 2018 - creation of design concept for the woodland including social, silvicultural and conservation aims
• Summer 2018 - consultation with local community and other statutory stakeholders
• Summer 2018 - application for approval to Forestry Commission Scotland
• Autumn 2018 - plan formally approved
• November 2024 – five year mid-term amendment approved

• Approved land management plan and appendices (PDF) - main document containing the detailed proposals
• Woodland changes chart (PDF)

Maps

• Location (PDF 1MB) and context (PDF 2MB) maps
• Physical and climatic factors maps (PDF 4.25MB)  - maps illustrating current stocking, soils, climate and existing woodland
• Survey (PDF 3.9MB) and concept (PDF 3.7MB) maps - illustrating they key features, opportunities and constraints which led to initial concepts
• Forest management maps (PDF 3.2MB) - illustrating proposed felling and operational access
• Future species and habitats maps (PDF 3.6MB) - illustrating proposed species choices
• Updated forest management map CURRENT (PDF 3MB)
• Updated future species and habitats map CURRENT (PDF 2.8MB)