Craig Farm and Barnshalloch Wood, Balmaclellan. Courtesy of Mas Smyth and Richard Cunningham. RV in felled plantation: gate at NX 679 754; park at NX672 748 (DG7 3QS) from 12.00 bring packed lunch. Wood pasture and forest regeneration, woodland grazing with Galloway cattle, wild apple ecology (we should see some lovely apple blossom) and genetics, rewilding.  Discuss UKFS/restocking targets. Booking essential, numbers limited.

AM - The Garrique – look at establishment re-stock using different ground prep techniques – trench mounding vs hinge and straight planting. Diverse conifers on restock site. Alternative/re-usable deer fencing. Possible conversion of The Old Wood (P1919) to CCF.

PM – Ballochleam woodland creation site. P2016. Look at different rates of establishment on hinge mounding, mounding and chemical screefing. Host: Barry Harper (Scottish Woodlands).

Elderslie Estates and Houston Farms, Houston, Renfrewshire, PA6 7HY. 400 hectares of woodland on 1,600 ha of land. Hosted by  Mark Crichton Maitland (owner) assisted by Bryan Elliott  (Eucalyptus Renewables) and Tim Mack (Head Forester). Eucalyptus trials with impressive results. Visit 3 stands at varying ages (P2015, 2016 & 2019). Looking at thinning already. Policy woodlands restructuring - Elderslie Estate was joint winner of the 2018 Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards for Multi-purpose Woodlands.

Ledmore and Migdale Woods (host: Woodland Trust – Ross Watson). Native woodland restoration. Mixed NR: Birch/SP/ Quercis P. woodlands overlooking the Dornoch Firth. RV at Car Park OS: NH 669 907.

Annual Study Tour hosted by NE Region and based in Tomintoul. Main sponsor: James Jones & Sons Limited.

Sun 12

• Meet up, introduction and drinks reception.

Mon 13

• Morning: visit Glenlivet (Crown Estate) – commercial forestry restructuring and how it fits with whole estate management
• Afternoon: visit Inchrory Estate (traditional highland estate). Look at role of woodlands in management of estate / river management options to improve salmon fishing.
• Evening: optional whisky tasting in Tomintoul followed by RSFS Annual Dinner in the Clockhouse Restaurant– guest speaker: David Leslie (Director of James Jones & Sons Limited)

Tues 14

• Morning: visit award winning MacAllan distillery, then go to Gordon Castle to discuss managing fruit trees in the walled garden.
• Afternoon: visit tree nursery at Christie’s of Fochabers
• Evening: some traditional entertainment before a meal in the Richmond Arms.

Wed 15

• Seafield Estates – look at commercial management of woodland in a low rainfall area on low coastal ground around the Spey.

Annual RSFS clay pigeon competition at Forrest Estate Experiences, St John’s Town of Dalry, DG7 3XS