Craigvinean is an historic and iconic forest covering 1938 hectares adjacent to Dunkeld. The forest provides an important backdrop to views from the town and the A9 road which runs along its eastern border. The forest is a key part of the River Tay & Dunkeld National Scenic Area. The forest also includes the smaller block of Ladywell (131 ha) to the south of the River Braan and on the northern slopes of Birnam Hill.

Craigvinean is an important timber production forest and is noted for its part in developing Continuous Cover Forestry in Britain, and as such is a National Trial Site to demonstrate the large scale application of non-clearfell management.

The forest has a strong recreation element, and is well used by local walkers and mountain bikers. The forest also surrounds the Hermitage, an 18th Century pleasure-ground for the Dukes of Atholl set around the River Braan gorge. The Hermitage is managed by National Trust for Scotland and contains some of the tallest Douglas fir in Britain.

The forest is also an important area for red squirrels, and is within the catchment of the River Tay Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Timeline

This plan was approved in December 2021 and will run for a period of 10 years with review at the five year point.

Documents and maps

• Land management plan - full (PDF)
• Land Management Plan - Summary (PDF)
• Management Coupes maps (PDF)
• Restock Coupes maps (PDF)