Tree regeneration - Forsinard Flows Reserve

Descriptions

Young non-native trees originating from plantation seed sources pose a long-term threat to the surrounding peatland restoration via the perpetuation of the regeneration cycle. As a result, it is necessary to remove the small and medium sized trees that are of a low to high density using Chainsaw/Clearing saw and Hand tools as described below. All tree regeneration for non-native conifers to be cleared in areas indicated on attached maps. Contractors to use clearing saws to clear regen, with material too small to be cut being removed with suitable hand tools. For regen where the diameter of the tree stem is greater than 120mm a chainsaw and appropriate techniques should be used. Regen is to be cut at the base below the lowest branch whorl (this might be buried in the surface layer) leaving no branches with green foliage on the stump and that all stem regrowth will have been removed. Where regen has a stem greater than 120mm the stump should be cut as low as is practically possible to the ground surface. Cleared material will be left on site. Non-target tree species should be left intact.