Mark Hill and Tornat land management plan consultation

The Mark Hill and Tornat land management unit is located approximately 6 km south of Dalbeattie, in Dumfries and Galloway. Covering an area of approximately 153 ha the area comprises conifer woodland with areas of native broadleaves.

Mark Hill is a popular recreational woodland on the Solway coast, adjacent to the village of Kippford. Tornat sits on the opposite side of the Urr estuary. 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 (2025 to 2035) identifies management objectives and sets out our operations for the next ten years. The plan has been approved by Scottish Forestry. The successful delivery of this plan will contribute to the objectives of Forestry and Land Scotland's Forestry Strategy. The plan has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and its supporting guidelines. The UKFS is the benchmark for sustainable forestry practice, and the Scottish Government is committed to its use. 

Significant Environmental Features in the plan area

Designated sites: There are no designated sites in the plan area.

Ancient woodland: Parts of Tornat are historical ancient woodland of semi-natural origin. These areas are also recognised as plantation on ancient woodland sites (PAWS). The rest of Tornat is long established woodland of plantation origin (LEPO). There is no ancient woodland recorded within Mark Hill.

There is an important heronry within Tornat which is also home to red squirrels.

Long term vision

Mark Hill is a truly diverse forest, producing quality timber products from a range of conifer species, alongside native woodland that forms habitat corridors both through and beyond the forest. Visitors can access the forest easily and enjoy the experience of passing through changing scenery and different woodland types, which also makes a positive contribution to the special qualities of the East Stewartry Coast National Scenic Area (NSA). 

Tornat has successfully regenerated with the desired native tree species and has developed a rich flora that supports a wealth of biodiversity. It is a quiet destination for visitors looking for peace and relaxation.

Management objectives (next ten years)

1. Provide a welcoming and relaxing environment for the local community and visitors to enjoy, working with neighbours to enhance connectivity.
2. Strengthen native woodland links in the wider landscape, working with neighbours to maximise the benefits, and continue to monitor native woodland establishment in Tornat (particularly in the PAWS area), providing timely management interventions if required.
3. Plant 'alternative' conifer tree species such as Douglas fir and Norway spruce on suitable sites for quality timber products and tree species diversity.
4. Clear windblown trees, with careful consideration for any implications on wider forest stability and sensitive wildlife.

Summary of planned operations (next ten years)

• Total plan area: 153 ha
• Felling: 38 ha
• Restocking: 50.5 ha (includes previously felled areas)
• Forest roads: No new roads are planned

How likely is the forest to change over the next 20 years? 

In Mark Hill there will be a focus on removing windblow alongside a small clear-fells and thinning of the productive conifers. There will be a significant reduction in Sitka spruce with a commensurate increase in alternative conifer species and native broadleaves. An area of older conifers will be retained and managed through thinning and underplanting with a mix of conifer and broadleaf species. Broadleaf areas will all be managed for biodiversity. 

In Tornat there will be a small clearfell to remove windblown Sitka spruce which will be restocked with broadleaves. Sitka spruce will be retained for the heronry. Elsewhere the forest will be managed for biodiversity through small-scale thinning to encourage native broadleaf species to self-seed and continue the repopulation and expansion of the ancient woodland areas. 

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

• Mark Hill and Tornat LMP (PDF)
  
  
• Map 1 - Location
• Map 2 - Current Tree Species
• Map 3 - Concept  
• Map 3 - Accessible Text
• Map 4 - Management
• Map 5 - Thinning
• Map 6 - Future Habitats and Species
• Map 7 - Timber Haulage
• Map 8 - Soils
• Map 9 - Historic Environment