Fleet Basin Land Management Plan

Fleet basin is the southernmost section of the vast, contiguous area of Forestry and Land Scotland's conifer plantation that extends north into Ayrshire. Lying approximately 10 km west of Laurieston village and 15 km east of Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway. 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

The Fleet basin will continue to provide significant sustainable timber volumes as part of the regional programme, however, over time it will transform into a more diversely structured conifer-focussed woodland with a greater variety of land uses. The plan will support and provide habitat for both nationally important species like red squirrel and black grouse, and will also contribute towards carbon sequestration and improvements in water quality. 

Management objectives

1. Continued contribution towards sustainable production of quality timber from a variety of species
2. Manage open ground and other habitats for priority species
3. Manage and improve water quality within Fleet Basin water catchment, particularly the Little Water of Fleet and the Big Water of Fleet, and help mitigate potential downstream flooding risks
4. Restore peatland and contribute to the Scottish Government Climate Change Plan
5. Maintain and enhance internal designated sites and heritage features

Summary of planned operations

• Felling = 615 ha
• Potential thinning = 395 ha
• Restocking = 541 ha
• Afforestation = 0 ha
• Deforestation = 73 ha
• Forest roads (new) = 5,690 m
• Forest quarries (existing) = 2 ha

Designations and significant features

• Designated sites: Cairnsmore of Fleet Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Lea Larks SSSI, Laughenghie and Airie Hills SSSI, and Fleet Valley National Scenic Area (NSA)
• Other: Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere, Western Southern Uplands environmentally sensitive area, acid sensitive catchments, and deep peat soils

• Fleet Basin Land Management Plan (PDF)
• Map 1: Location
• Map 2: Management
• Map 3: Thinning
• Map 4: Habitats and species