In his role as Planning Forester, Caerlaverock local, Ed Turner, is currently preparing a revision of the Land Management Plan (LMP) for the Lochar Mosses forest blocks (just over the hill from Glencaple). He has asked if we can publish his wee article on his behalf – to inform as well as consult with local interested organisations and individuals.
Ed works with Forestry and Land Scotland, and the LMP for the Lochar Mosses management area incorporates Racks Moss, Ironhirst Moss, Longbridge Muir, and Blountfield blocks. He welcomes your comments, questions and any issues this may raise.
Did you know:
- Healthy peatlands provide more than 25% of the UK’s drinking water, and also help to control flooding by soaking up heavy rainfalls and releasing the water more gradually.
- An estimated 80% of Britain’s peat bogs have been damaged or destroyed.
- Peat ecosystems are the most powerful carbon sinks on Earth.
In Ed’s words:
‘This is an exciting phase for the Lochar Mosses as we accelerate their return to lowland raised bog, an increasingly rare habitat on the Scottish Biodiversity Action Plan list. The importance of bogs to mitigate climate change has had a flurry of press coverage lately too:
theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/02/restore-peat-bogs-to-fight-climate-change
www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/27/scotlands-peat-bogs-reveal-their-secret-strength
“LMPs identify proposals for the area (for example, planting, felling, restocking, road building) and they address the overall management objectives for Climate Change, Biodiversity, Timber production, Communities, Access and Health and the Environment for the next 10-year period. The core of the design concept for the next LMP phase (2020 – 2029) for the Lochar Mosses will focus on harvesting of the current standing plantation conifer crop and returning the area to lowland raised bog through peatland restoration operations for the benefit of biodiversity and carbon storage.
All our work adheres to the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and our forests are evaluated for certification under the terms of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS). An important part of the LMP process is consultation with organisations and individuals who may have an interest in the area.
A design brief and concept map are available for your information at:
We welcome comment, and please feel free to raise any issues that should be considered in preparation of the plan, or provide relevant information that may assist us. All points raised will be fully considered prior to the completion of the final text and maps that are ultimately presented to Scottish Forestry (the regulator) for their approval”.
Ed welcomes you to contact with him directly with any comments, questions or feedback you have – details on the link above, and below:
Ed Turner
Forestry and Land Scotland
Ae Village
Parkgate
Dumfries
DG1 1QB
Email: ed.turner@forestryandland.gov.scot
Phone: 0131 370 5751
Not many of us still around who were involved in the ploughing, draining and planting as a student in the mid 1960s. Racks, ironhirst etc. Remember I was amazed to discover a well used path from around Bankend to Annan road.