Craigieburn Forest sits on the lower slopes of the Moffat Hills, just to the north-east of Moffat, in Dumfries and Galloway. Covering 791 ha, the plan area is a Sitka spruce dominated conifer forest with an important ancient woodland site along the eastern boundary, currently under restoration to native broadleaves. The area also includes several important watercourses that form the basis of a native broadleaf/open habitat network within the forest.

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 (LMP) (2024 to 2034) 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: the slopes along the eastern edge of the forest are all either ancient woodland of semi-natural origin, under PAWS management, or other ancient woodland (please see Roy map)

The forest is important for red squirrels and for a number of Schedule 1 raptor species. There are also black grouse lekking sites close to the plan area. 

Long term vision

Craigieburn will be a resilient, healthy and productive forest, providing a sustainable contribution to South Region's softwood timber production and income. PAWS areas will be fully restored and together with other ancient woodland areas will provide a broad corridor along the eastern side of the forest, rich in biodiversity. This will be connected to the riparian habitat network which is also rich in biodiversity, protecting watercourses and associated wildlife. The forest will be an attractive setting for local people and visitors to enjoy informal recreation. 

Management objectives (next 10 years)

1. Ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality timber, supplying local timber markets, securing timber income, and providing secure employment in the forestry industry
2. Plan and design a resilient and healthy forest, mitigating the risks posed by climate change, and a growing number of pests and diseases
3. Improve the biodiversity value of the forest, caring for priority habitats and species, and enhancing the overall value through expansion of riparian broadleaf areas and developing a better balance and connectivity between forest and open habitat. Continue PAWS restoration of the ancient woodland on the east side of the forest
4. Maintain good water quality throughout the forest, protecting private water supplies
5. Provide a resource for community and wider public access and continue to develop an attractive forest landscape as a backdrop to Moffat and the surrounding area

Summary of planned operations (next 10 years)

• Total plan area: 791 ha
• Felling: 128 ha
• Restocking: 145 ha (includes previously felled areas)
• Forest roads: 350 m road upgrade but no new roads planned
• Quarries: 0.9 ha quarry expansion

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

Much of the remaining original Forestry Commission conifer planting will be felled and restocked, notably in the northern hill ground and next to the Craigie Burn. There will be a subsequent reduction in Sitka Spruce and an increase in area of native broadleaves and open habitat. Remaining older conifers will be retained, including an expanded area of natural reserve in the northeast of the forest. Native broadleaf woodland is expected to expands in the PAWS area through natural regeneration. 

The full land management plan for Craigieburn (2024 to 2034) and supporting maps are available to download below. 

Maps and documents

• Craigieburn land management plan
• Map 1: Location
• Map 2: Key features
• Map 3: Analysis and concept
• Map 4: Management
• Map 5: Thinning
• Map 6: Future habitats and species
• Map 7: Roads
• Map 8: Current woodland composition
• Map 9: Soils
• Map 10: DAMS
• Map 11: Visitor zones and access
• Map 12: Heritage