Castlemaddy Land Management Plan

Castlemaddy comprises of Carminnows, Dundeugh, Marscalloch and Polmaddy forest blocks, all located in South of Carsphairn village in southern Scotland. It is part of Scotland's national forests and land, owned by Scottish Ministers on behalf of the people of Scotland and managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS). 

The current land management plan identifies management objectives and sets out our operations over a 10 year period. The successful delivery of this plan will contribute to the objectives of FLS's Corporate Plan, as well as the priorities, objectives and vision of Scotland's Forestry Strategy. 

The plan was developed in accordance with the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and has been approved by Scottish Forestry. The UKFS is the benchmark for sustainable forestry practice and the Scottish Government is committed to its use. 

The land management plan and supporting maps are available to download below. 

Long term vision

Castlemaddy will continue to provide sustainable timber volumes, however over time it will transform into a more diversely structured woodland. The woodlands will continue to support and provide habitat for nationally important species such as Red Squirrel, while open and wooded habitats contribute to improvements in water quality, particularly within the Polmaddy Burn catchment. 

Ancient woodlands at Dundeugh will be restored with native tree species. Designated features such as the Merrick Kells and Polmaddy township are protected and enhanced by the neighbouring woodland. The diverse woodland, views of the surrounding landscape, and highlighted areas of interest along paths and forest roads provide an enjoyable experience for visitors to Castlemaddy. 

Management objectives

• Sustainable timber production
• Peatland restoration of priority soils within Carminnows block
• Continue phased restoration of (semi-) ancient woodlands / PAWS within Dundeugh block
• Manage the Merrick Kells SSSI / SAC as per the designated site management plan
• Manage Scheduled Monuments (SM) as per regional asset management plan

Summary of planned operations

• Felling = 467 ha
• Potential thinning = 682 ha
• Restocking = 305 ha
• Afforestation = 0 ha
• Deforestation = 34 ha
• Forest roads (new) = 1,1590 m
• Forest quarries (existing) = 2 ha

Designations and significant features

• Designated sites: Merrick Kells Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Dundeugh Castle Scheduled Monument (SM), Polmaddy Township SM, and ancient woodlands. 
• Other: Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere, Galloway Hills local landscape area, Western Southern Uplands and Stewartry environmentally sensitive areas, Drinking Water Protected Area, acid sensitive catchment, and deep peat soils. 

• Castlemaddy Land Management Plan text
• Map 1: Location
• Map 2: Management
• Map 3: Thinning
• Map 4: Habitats and species