The works relate to forestry operations within RSPB’s Dyke plantation and are shown on the associated maps. The work itself forms part of the 5 year ‘Flows to the Future’ project which is being run by the Peatland Partnership.

The primary drivers of this work relate to the blocks forming part of the RSPB Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve and to the need to:

— restore specific areas of open blanket bog and associated habitats from recent forestry on deep peat soils which will help government meet habitat restoration targets and deliver for Scotland’s National Peatland Plan,

— protect the massive carbon store in the peat soils below the trees,

— mitigate climate change and improve long term water quality,

— remove damaging forest ‘edge effects’ on birds and habitats of the adjacent EU designated Natura sites.

The key aspects that need to be addressed to achieve effective restoration conditions in forest to bog restoration are restored high constant water tables, the removal of any tree regeneration or regrowth, near flat surface with minimum of protruding brash or stumps, minimal disturbance of the peat surface, low nutrient levels remaining on site, low fire risk, low risk to grazing deer/sheep and natural bog plant species being favoured.

Following the tree harvesting, deep mulching and Stump mulching removal phase further restoration works including conifer seedling control, water table restoration and vegetation management will be carried out to achieve the rapid bog restoration required to help mitigate climate change drivers. Tendered approaches which create conditions that will make these follow up works easier and less costly will be favoured. Although there is general agreement that forest areas on deep peat such as these should be removed with significant long term benefits all round.