The Gledenholm land management unit is located on the north-east outskirts of Dumfries, in Dumfries and Galloway. Covering an area of approximately 147 ha the area comprises a mix of planted conifer woodland and native broadleaves. 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 (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 Corporate Plan, as well as the priorities, objectives and vision of 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. There are three unscheduled heritage features, these will remain as open areas.

Ancient Woodland: there is an area of the wood recorded as ‘Long-established of Plantation Origin’ which will form part of the broadleaf perimeter.

Long term vision

“Gledenholm is a quiet woodland, with a history of very productive timber, for this reason the main focus will be to grow a range of timber tree species.  The perimeter of the woodland will be planted with broadleaf trees, this will connect with the existing network of hedgerows and ancient woodland, bringing may benefits to wildlife.“

Management objectives (next ten years)

1. Work with natural regeneration to expand and establish a predominantly broadleaf native mixed woodland around the perimeter. 
2. Thin the woodland in appropriate and accessible areas to enhance the internal landscape, create a range of wildlife habitats, and to develop opportunities for hardwood timber products
3. Climate change resilience, we plan to make this forest more resilient to climate change events through increased thinning, diversifying species choice and improving the forest structure. 

 

Summary of planned operations (next ten years)

• Total plan area = 147 ha
• Felling = 2.05 ha
• Restocking = 33.31 ha
• Forest roads = no new roads planned

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

Over the next twenty years, Gledenholm will become more biodiverse, with the planting of four types of conifer trees. The watercourses and perimeter of the wood will be linked into a lovely broadleaf corridor perfect for walks. The forest floor under the conifer tree canopy will also become brighter as the wood is thinned.    

What other activity is likely to happen?

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

Plan documents and maps

• Gledenholm LMP Text
  
  
• Map 1 - Location
• Map 2 - Current Tree Species
• Map 3 - Concept
• Map 4 - Management
• Map 5 - Thinning
• Map 6 - Future Habitats And Species
• Map 7 - Timber Haulage
• Map 8 - Soils
• Map 9 - Historic Environment
• Map 10 - DAMS