Description
Mar Lodge Estate owned by NTS is a 29,000 hectare nature reserve and historic hunting lodge 8 kilometres west of Braemar. Since 1995 NTS has been managing the native woodlands using low levels of intervention. Apart from a shield fence between the areas designated for hunting and the regeneration areas, old deer fencing has been removed over the rest of the estate. Regeneration is encouraged purely by the reduction in deer numbers as cultivation is prohibited. The progress of regeneration is regularly monitored with special emphasis on rare species of willow and aspen at high elevations. The estate has some existing commercial conifer blocks that are being managed to produce biomass to heat the estate buildings and to increase their usefulness for habitat and to help them fit into the landscape.
The event will be led by Shaila Rao the Conservation Manager with help from some of the deer stalking staff. We will be allowed to move across the area using 4×4 vehicles.
The day will begin at 10.00am (meet at 09:30) at the Stable Block and finish at approximately 3.30pm. Please bring a packed lunch, which will be eaten on site.
Hosted by: NTS Mar Lodge Estate. Shaila Rao, Conservation Manager and one other member of staff.
Objectives:
– To be able to discuss the management processes necessary to establish large scale native woodland and how to manage commercial planted woodlands that are a long way from markets.
– To understand the estate’s approach to establishing and regenerating native woodlands, and to see the results of different woodland management practices.
– To learn about the role of deer management in woodland regeneration, including how a meaningful reduction in deer numbers has been achieved.
– To explore the management of existing planted woodlands, including their role in producing biomass for use on the estate.
PPE or other equipment:
Attendees advised to be suitably dressed for the outdoors and to bring suitable footwear. You will mainly be on estate tracks but some low level walking on moderately steep and uneven ground is possible.
Health & Safety – Biosecurity Reminder
As part of our commitment to best practice in land and forest management, we ask all attendees to follow basic biosecurity and personal safety measures during the visit. Please be tick aware.
Refreshments:
Please bring drinks for a break and own lunch.
Location & Meeting point:
Stable Block, Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YJ
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Cancellation Policy:
If you are no longer able to attend this event, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing membership@rsfs.org.uk. Many of our events operate with waiting lists, and cancelling in advance allows us to offer your place to another attendee.