Updates

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be Completed for Woodland Creation Proposals in 2025

Due to the sensitivity and complexity of certain aspects of the area, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required to assess the impact, including beneficial, on some key sensitive areas such as The River Dee Special Area of Conservation. The EIA process is mandated by the Forestry (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 and includes targeted consultation with statutory bodies, including Scottish Forestry, NatureScot, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to identify and assess potential significant impacts. We anticipate completing the EIA in the spring 2025, at which time we will provide a further update on our progress including the publication of the EIA report.

Throughout this process, we have navigated complex ecological, environmental, and social considerations, and community input has been essential in helping us address these challenges thoughtfully. We continue to encourage those interested to get in touch with questions and comments using the ‘Get in Touch’ form on our Updates page, or to email consultation@glendyemoor.com

EIA Maps

The links below relate to a series of maps detailing the proposals as they sit in 2024 prior to carrying out the statutory Environmental Impact Assessment. These will be superseded by an EIA Report expected in early 2025.

View EIA Screening Request Map
View New Infrastructure Maps North, South and West
View Constraints Map Habitat and Water
View Constraints Map Landscape, Cultural Heritage & Recreation
View Constraints Map Soil Sensitivity
View EIA Screening Species Design Overview Map

Landscape Review

The landscapes at Glen Dye Moor are part of what make this site special. The review included below looks at the woodland design and how it relates to the landforms and character of the place.

Recreational Addendum

There are many recreational assets at Glen Dye Moor such as Clachnaben. Ensuring we understand these interests allows us to plan operations in a way that does not detract from their use. View our assessment of recreation interests and mitigations below.

Water Environment

Proposals to increase native woodland cover around watercourses will result in over 66 kilometres of shaded streams whereas currently there are only around 6km. This will greatly improve conditions for salmon and other aquatic species of animals and insects.

Issues Log (condensed) 2024

Following additional consultation with Scottish Forestry and other stakeholders, the key issues on site are identified here along with a list of mitigations proposed to ensure appropriate protection of sensitive features.

Issues Log
Mitigations List

Concept Map

Ecology Summary & Map

An overview of findings can be found here resulting from extensive survey work looking at the current flora and fauna at Glen Dye Moor.

Archaeology Report and Maps (public version)

Results from archaeological surveys can be found here. These outline the rich history of this place. Cultural heritage sites with are potentially sensitive have been removed from the map to avoid risk of disturbance.

Landmark natural capital project passes peatland restoration milestone

Press release on scottishbusinessnews.net | 19/03/2024

PAR Equity (‘Par’), the Scottish-based forestry investment fund manager, Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc, and Scottish Woodlands Ltd, today announced that the first phase of peatland restoration has been completed in an ambitious natural capital scheme in the north-east of Scotland.

Planning Work Continues

August 2023 included the launch of an updated Concept Map and a public drop-in session at Stachan Hall to let the community know how things are coming along.

There will be ongoing discussions with Scottish Forestry, NatureScot, Aberdeenshire Council, SEPA, and other key stakeholders to finalise the woodland design at Glen Dye Moor.

We are also pleased to announce the first phase of peatland restoration is now approved and will begin in September 2023.