Glenlivet news. Mountain bike project. Jubilee Woodland. Forestry developments. Farm re-lets

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1 SUMMER 2012 Glenlivet news Mountain bike project Jubilee Woodland Forestry developments Carn Meilich Forest from Carn Daimh location of the new mountain bike trails Farm re-lets

2 WELCOME Keeping you informed Welcome to the Summer 2012 edition of the Glenlivet Estate newsletter. The Crown Estate works in partnership with a range of organisations, local people and businesses to help ensure the long term sustainable development of the estate. Over the last year we have worked in partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and Moray Council to initiate the Tomintoul and Glenlivet regeneration strategy, and will continue to support this as it moves forward. We are delighted to be implementing the mountain bike project, one of the first major development projects to regenerate the area. We also have a range of other projects in the pipeline and we hope you find the information in this newsletter helpful and interesting. If you would like to know more about estate management or any of the items mentioned, please look at the Glenlivet Estate website ( or call into the Estate Office and Information Centre in Tomintoul where staff will be pleased to help you. Vicky Hilton, Countryside Manager, Glenlivet Estate info@glenlivetestate.co.uk Crown Estate wheels out......mountain bike trails plan The Crown Estate has been working to develop opportunities to help boost the local economy by establishing a new centre for mountain biking in forests on the estate. Mountain biking is increasingly popular, with similar activities bringing significant economic benefits to remote rural areas. It is hoped that this project will further enhance the area as a destination for outdoor activities. A leading UK mountain bike trail designer has designed two forest routes, which will provide challenging cross-country riding while offering stunning views of Glenlivet s special scenery. These routes will be carefully integrated into the landscape, using the natural topography to create interest and features for riders to enjoy on the descent. Along with the trails, a small centre will be built near Glenconglass with space for a cafe, information area, toilets and car parking. This will provide an opportunity for a new business to operate a catering facility and potentially also a retail outlet, and will form a hub for the mountain bike development. Funding for the 500,000 project is being provided by The Crown Estate, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cairngorms National Park Authority and Moray Council. The plans for the new centre, car park and two mountain bike trails were approved by the Cairngorms National Park Authority in December 2011, subject to conditions. Following a tendering process a contract has been awarded to D&I Rutherford Ltd to finalise the design of the trails and construct them. It is expected that construction will commence in 2012, with the trails and centre being open to the public in SUMMER 2012 GLENLIVET NEWSLETTER

3 MOUNTAIN BIKES Glenlivet Mountain Bike Project Plan B - Trail Map The new trails will be a 10km (6.2 miles) moderate blue grade trail through the forest of Carn Meilich and 19km (12 miles) harder red grade trail through the Carn Daimh forest, including an impressive long descent from near the summit of Carn Daimh. SUMMER 2012 GLENLIVET NEWSLETTER 3

4 FORESTRY MANAGEMENT Glenlivet forest plan consultation Feedback from the local community on the draft plans for the future management of the award-winning commercial woodlands on the Glenlivet Estate is being considered, as part of the public consultation on management and enhancement of the forests over the next ten years. The Crown Estate is currently reviewing the amended plans with Forestry Commission Scotland. The revised long-term forest plan will outline how the woodlands will be managed to ensure they continue to contribute to the landscape and economy of Moray, while ensuring they meet multiple-use objectives and supply commercial timber well into the future. Andrew Wells, Head of Countryside Management at The Crown Estate said: The Glenlivet forests are well integrated into the landscape and make a significant contribution to the local area by providing employment, livestock shelter, habitats for wildlife and opportunities for recreation. There are currently several challenges, including the fact that many trees are reaching maturity and economic felling age, when they can become increasingly unstable and vulnerable in high winds. The new long-term plan will determine the next phase of felling and restructuring to ensure the forest can continue to provide economic, environmental and social benefits. Final consultation with statutory consultees will take place once the Forestry Commission has approved the scoping report, which outlines feedback from the public consultation. New Glenlivet forest manager Mike Libera has been appointed as The Crown Estate s Forest Manager for Scotland, and his responsibilities will now include management of the Glenlivet forests. Mike has been employed by The Crown Estate as Forest Manager for thirty years. He is based on the Applegirth Estate in south Scotland but will also be working from the Tomintoul office on a regular basis. He will be responsible for the effective implementation of forest management plans, ensuring that activity complies with the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS). Mike is also responsible for the harvesting and marketing of timber on the estate, along with the subsequent restocking programme. Working closely with The Crown Estate s ranger service, he will also manage relationships between forest operations and the numerous recreation and stewardship activities that take place on the estate. If you would like to find out more about The Crown Estate s forestry management activities, please contact Mike at the Glenlivet Estate Office and Information Centre in Tomintoul on or Mike.Libera@thecrownestate.co.uk Glenlivet Estate chosen to mark Queen s Diamond Jubilee To celebrate the Queen s Diamond Jubilee this year, The Crown Estate will be planting a 60 acre Diamond Wood at Glenlivet, in partnership with Alan and Tilly Smith at Inverchor. This is one of 60 Diamond Woodlands which are being planted across the country as part of the Jubilee Woods project, co-ordinated by the Woodland Trust, to commemorate the Jubilee. The new woodland (funded through the Scottish Rural Development Programme) will be entirely planted with native trees, which will increase the native woodland cover on the estate and enhance biodiversity. There will be an open public event in September, when anyone will be welcome to come along and join in to help plant some trees in this new woodland. 4 SUMMER 2012 GLENLIVET NEWSLETTER

5 FORESTRY MANAGEMENT Woodfuel workshop success The Crown Estate teamed up with Forestry Commission Scotland and the usewoodfuel initiative to hold a one-day workshop on the Glenlivet Estate in April, providing advice, discussion and practical demonstrations on managing small woodlands for timber and woodfuel production. More than 35 guests attended from a range of organisations and businesses, and gained valuable knowledge on the management of small scale woodlands, maximising the value of timber by reaching new markets, and selecting appropriate markets for wood products. The potential to reduce heating costs and carbon footprint with a secure and sustainable fuel supply was also explored. The Crown Estate s Forest Manager for Scotland, Mike Libera, said: The use of woodfuel to produce renewable heat is growing rapidly across Scotland, as people realise the financial and environmental benefits of this natural fuel source. The sustainable management of forests and the development of related businesses is crucial to the long-term future of rural communities across Scotland. Participants were also given an outdoor machinery demonstration in local woodlands. Schools forestry events at Glenlivet Estate The Glenlivet Estate ranger service works with schools throughout the year to deliver the Curriculum for Excellence through outdoor learning and recently this has included a varied programme of forestry educational events. To celebrate International Year of Forests, dozens of youngsters from across Moray visited Glenlivet in September to explore the Glenlivet forest where the highlights were seeing a working harvester machine and planting trees. Alongside estate staff and highly experienced foresters, youngsters investigated all the forestry processes including tree planting, felling, processing wood, timber products and sustainable management. Glenlivet Countryside Manager Vicky Hilton said: The forestry day gives children the chance to get involved in outdoor learning and understand the importance of forests and woodlands in the countryside, through taking part in several hands on activities. School and community involvement is encouraged on our woodland properties (over 10,000 hectares) and to facilitate this The Crown Estate has been working in partnership with the Forestry Commission and other organisations to produce an exciting new primary school teaching resource called Forests for the Future. The resource, now available to schools across UK, helps to raise understanding and awareness of the part that trees and forests can play in response to climate change. The teaching pack is available online at Glenlivet staff have been using activities from the pack with local schools to help them explore their surroundings and learn more about the essential role that forestry has locally and across the UK. SUMMER 2012 GLENLIVET NEWSLETTER 5

6 COUNTRYSIDE GENERAL NEWS PROJECTS Farm re-lets programme Glenconglass Farm on the Glenlivet Estate has been let on three new 10 year limited duration tenancies (LDT) following an internal reorganisation. The 302 hectare farm has been split into three sections and let to local farmers. Glenconglass East, covering 79 acres, was let to Mr Stuart Nairn whose father Alastair Nairn is the tenant of nearby Clashnoir & Ellick farms. Glenconglass West, including farm buildings (177 acres), was let to Mr Andrew Duffus whose father Peter is the tenant of Mains of Achriachan farm and Glenconglass South (45 acres) was let to Mr James Simmons who is the tenant of Ruthven farm. Achlichnie Farm, which covers 509 acres, has also been let on the open market to Mrs Pauline Mitchell, daughter of Charles Irvine of Fordmouth Farm, on a 10 year LDT. Alan Laidlaw, The Crown Estate s Head of New Business Development for the rural estate, said: The new entrants have the drive and innovation to help boost the long-term viability of farming on the Glenlivet Estate. We very much look forward to working in partnership with the tenants, as we do across our estate, for the benefit of their businesses and the wider community. New walking guidebook kicks off the summer walking season new guidebook to help walkers navigate their way across the Glenlivet Estate A has been launched for the 2012 summer walking season. With a wealth of heritage sites, a variety of wildlife, stunning scenery, peaceful surroundings and over 150 miles of waymarked trails, the Glenlivet Estate is highly regarded by seasoned hikers, tourists and local walking groups as a superb location to enjoy the outdoors. The new full colour guidebook features 20 walks around Glenlivet and Tomintoul. Each walk has a detailed description of wildlife and historical items of note along the way, and is illustrated with maps and photographs. The walks range from 1km strolls around villages to 12km hikes to hill top viewpoints and remoter areas of countryside. Many of the routes can easily be linked together to form longer walks. All walks start from villages or free car parks provided across the estate. The booklet is currently on sale from the Glenlivet Estate Office, Main Street, Tomintoul, or info@glenlivetestate.co.uk 6 SUMMER 2012 GLENLIVET NEWSLETTER

7 GENERAL NEWS Glenlivet is home to a wide array of wildlife, some of which are closely monitored due to their importance on a UK scale. Black grouse, while a fairly regular sighting at Glenlivet, are a threatened species on a national scale. The Cairngorms National Park and the north central Highlands are the stronghold areas for black grouse and there are a number of lek sites (display grounds) monitored throughout these regions. Numbers of black grouse are thought to have declined in the UK due to loss of habitat, overgrazing, changes in forestry management and increased mortality (due to predation). Their breeding display is also sensitive to disturbance. Farm and woodland management activities on the Glenlivet Estate help provide suitable habitat, benefiting the local black grouse population. Here at Glenlivet there are eight known lek sites which are monitored and the number of birds seen is reported to the Speyside Black Grouse Study Group. Locally, the populations have remained fairly stable over the last few years, despite the severe winter weather. Any sightings of black grouse or any other wildlife seen on the estate can be reported to the Glenlivet Estate ranger service at info@glenlivetestate.co.uk Camping & Caravanning Following many years of discussions about much needed camping and caravanning provision in Tomintoul, plans are being progressed. The site behind The Crown Estate business units (the old mart) on Conglass Lane is currently being considered for a caravan site. Discussions with a business partner interested in running this are well under way and it is hoped that, if the partner is able to secure funds, a caravan site could be up and running by summer The feasibility of using a second location, just beyond the adventure playground/water tank, for bunk house style log cabins and camping is also being investigated. This site was previously identified in the local plan and is now highlighted in the Tomintoul masterplan for camping, and could prove an attractive location. Countryside Ranger joins team Long established (over 20 years) on the estate, the Glenlivet Estate ranger service welcomes Reuben Brown who has joined as Countryside Ranger for a six month period to support the existing team. The Glenlivet Estate ranger service plays an essential role in welcoming people to the estate and Cairngorms National Park, supporting people in enjoying the outdoors, increasing awareness and understanding of the natural and cultural heritage; and supporting the sustainable management and use of the outdoors. Reuben, who has previous experience as a ranger with the Peak District National Park and the National Trust for Scotland, will be helping deliver these aims through activities such as school visits, guided walks and wildlife monitoring. SUMMER 2012 GLENLIVET NEWSLETTER 7

8 Auchindoun Castle Tomintoul The Crown Estate Glenlivet Estate Office Main Street Tomintoul AB37 9EX Tel: Edinburgh The Crown Estate 6 Bell s Brae Edinburgh EH4 3BJ Tel : Scotland@thecrownestate.co.uk London The Crown Estate 16 New Burlington Place London W1S 2HX Tel: SGS-COC Auchindoun Castle History 1470s The Crown Estate and Historic Scotland have worked together to improve access to Auchindoun Castle, near Dufftown. Thanks to the co-operation of our farm tenants, a fenced-in access route crossing agricultural land has been provided to the Castle which, when work is completed, will start from a new car park nearer the Castle. When the project is completed this will provide much improved access, car parking and new interpretation for visitors to access and enjoy at this ancient monument. Auchindoun Castle was built, probably by master mason Thomas Cochrane Sir James Ogilvy of Deskford grants the Mains of Auchindoun with its castle, fortalice and Castle Hill to his nephew Alexander Ogilvy The castle was sold to Sir Adam Gordon A party of Gordons from Auchindoun Castle attack and burn Corgaff Castle, along with its occupants It was sold back to the Ogilvys Auchindoun was granted to the Marquis of Huntly The castle lies derelict, William Duff of Braco is granted permission to remove stones for his new house at Balvenie. Today the Castle is maintained by Historic Scotland, and is open at all times for visitors to explore. It is surrounded by agricultural land which is part of the Glenlivet Estate. If you would like to receive this newsletter or future editions in electronic format instead of paper, please info@glenlivetestate.co.uk design and print : mms almac ltd /23 06/12