Kirroughtree Land Management Plan

Kirroughtree, the gateway to the beautiful Galloway Forest Park, is renowned for its visitor centre, walking trails, wildlife and, as one of the world class 7Stanes mountain bike (MtB) venues, its superb variety of MtB trails.  A highly diverse site, Kirroughtree sits on the periphery of Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway. It has a long history of tree cover and is home to numerous ancient woodlands such as Bower Wood and Knockman Wood, both treasured by local walkers for their wildlife, archaeological sites, and stunning views across the Wigtown estuary. The main management objectives of the LMP focus on restoring these ancient woodlands, providing a quality experience for visitors, and sustainable timber production.

The timeline graphic shows the timescale for the plan's progress from initial analysis up until its approval from Scottish Forestry.

NatureScot has produced a national map-based  Landscape Character Assessment for Scotland . Landscape Character Types (LCT) descriptions provide a list of key characteristics, and typically include sections on physical, cultural and aesthetic elements of landscape.

Situated in the Galloway Hills, the local area is characterised by foothills with forest, upland fringe, and wooded riparian valleys.

Click on each arrow to reveal the viewpoint image. Double click on each photo to enlarge it.

Forest views flank the popular A712 Queens Way route, however, Kirroughtree is chiefly visible from the town of Newton Stewart and surrounding public roads.

Whatever the season, there is always something to see and do at Kirroughtree. As the gateway to the beautiful Galloway Forest Park, Kirroughtree is popular with local communities and visitors to the region. It is renowned for its visitor facilities, woodland trails, and as one of the world class 7Stanes mountain bike venues.  Visitors can relax at the visitor centre with a delicious treat from the cafe or by perusing the centre's shop. There is a play park for the kids to burn off some energy, fishing permits available for purchase, and bike hire available from the bike shop. With the hugely popular Stay the Night scheme, visitors can also enjoy stargazing while comfortably parked up in the Kirroughtree car park. A range of trails and forest roads offer plenty of opportunity to explore the woodland on foot. Trails take in the wildlife watch area, the Bruntis lochs, historic tin mines, and scenic views across Galloway. For trail information click  here .

The Core Path network crosses through the woodlands, and the National Cycle Route 7 also winds through the site, linking Kirroughtree with other FLS woodlands and visitor centres. For further information on core paths in the area click  here . For information on the National Cycle Route 7 click  here . The 7stanes are world-class mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland. Their award-winning trails offer some of the best mountain biking in the country and attract riders from across the UK and beyond. Kirroughtree offers a superb variety of green, blue and red graded trails, an extreme downhill section for serious experts, and a skills development area. For more information on 7Stanes click  here .

Kirroughtree is the gateway to Galloway Forest Park, designated by the International Dark-Sky Association as the UK's first Dark Sky Park. With controls on light pollution, Kirroughtree has exceptionally dark night skies, making it a brilliant place to enjoy stargazing. For more information on the Galloway International Dark Sky Park click  here . For further information on the International Dark Sky Association click  here .

Scotland's first Biosphere! A Biosphere is a special designation awarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organisations (UNESCO). It means that Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere has been recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature.

The UNESCO Biosphere designation recognises the fantastic array of landscapes, wildlife, culture, heritage and learning opportunities that south west Scotland offers for communities, businesses and visitors to experience and celebrate in a sustainable way. The Biosphere designation brings no new rules or regulations but rather encourages us to work together to create a better future. Find out more about the Biosphere   here  .

Kirroughtree is home to many of the key UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) species. Its mature woodlands and derelict mine workings support an extensive bat population, with most of Scotland's species thought to be present. Both broadleaf and conifer trees host red squirrel and pine marten, in addition to many raptor, including tawny and barn owl. In the future, populations of black grouse from neighbouring land may colonise Kirroughtree as the woodlands are restructured.

There is a long history of woodland cover at Kirroughtree, much of which has survived albeit in fragmented form. Ancient woodlands across the site include Bargaly Woods, Bower Wood, Daltamie Wood, Doon Wood, and Stranord Wood. FLS aims to conserve and gradually restore these ancient woodlands, increasing overall percentages of native tree cover and removing invasive species. Knockman Wood A rare local example of lowland wood pasture, Knockman Wood was acquired by the Forestry Commission in 1982 and areas of the site were subsequently planted with conifer species. The woodland is popular with the local community and a significant area of it has been recently managed by the Cree Valley Community Woodland Trust. While current knowledge of the woodland is limited, its structure is certainly derived from various phases of historic management likely influenced by regional economic and social drivers. It is thought previous management has ranged from a deer park to high forest oakwood and livestock grazing. While efforts to remove non-native species from the site and protect native tree species will continue, FLS intend on undertaking a historic land use survey to improve our knowledge of Knockman Wood and to guide future management of this special site.

From industrial mining to enclosures and settlements associated with post-medieval agriculture, Kirroughtree is rich in cultural heritage. Of particular significance are the Scheduled Monuments: the prehistoric ritual and burial cairns at  Boreland  and  Creebridge , and the recently designated lead mines, lade and cottages at  Blackcraig .

Since 2008 the UK has been fighting a natural tree disease called Phytophthora ramorum. Spreading from Cornwall and dispersed on the wind, this disease primarily affects Larch and Rhododendron upon which it can also reproduce to spread infection. Previous infection of Larch has been identified and removed within Kirroughtree, with a small number of trees vulnerable to infection remaining. You can find out more about our continued efforts to manage Phytophthora ramorum  here .

Kirroughtree can be broadly defined by five distinct concepts that are shown on the map (click to enlarge).

• Visitor welcome zones.
• Ancient woodlands.
• Scheduled Monument areas.
• Sustainable timber production.
• Landscape character and key external views.

The key management objectives of the LMP will focus on:

• Providing quality experience for visitors.
• Restoring ancient woodlands.
• Diversifying tree species and the woodland structure.
• Conserving Scheduled Monuments.
• Maintaining the general character and external views of these woodlands.