Project Background

TreeStory Ltd are working on behalf of the Ramsay family to produce a Long-Term Forest Plan, following Scottish Forestry published guidance. A Long-Term Forest Plan is a 20-year strategic management plan, which aims to deliver long term benefits through sustainable forest management.  

Bamff Estate has been owned by the Ramsay family since 1232.  Throughout the last near 800 years, management of the Estate has taken many a turn, resulting in a wonderfully diverse and unique array of habitats. Management of the woodlands has shaped much of the Estate, with each new generation of the family making their mark, whether this be with the planting of large amounts of beech, introduction of mysterious North American conifers, and ins the latter half of the last century, a turn to more commercial ventures. 

In the modern day, the Estate is known for the Bamff Wildland Project, with a vision of creating a mosaic of self-regenerating habitats and wildlife in the designated project area. The objectives of this Forest Plan will contribute to this vision.

This project website summarises the aims and objectives of the Long-Term Forest Plan (referred to as Forest Plan).  At this stage, we are inviting all stakeholders and interested parties to inform us of any opportunities or constraints which could have the potential to influence our planning process. You can provide your feedback via the embedded form or directly reach out to – paige.brown@treestory.org.uk

Project Aims

It is our aim that the long-term forest plan for Bamff will help guide efforts to:

Provide a diverse and thriving woodland for future generations

Manage the woodlands as dynamic, multi-purpose forested landscapes

Transition from even-aged plantation structures towards resilient complex stands

Enhance biological diversity and resilience

Support a sustainable timber income for the estate and contribute to Bamff Wildland Project

Objectives

 

Native Woodland Transition: Through low-intensity management approaches, gradually convert non-native conifer stands within the Wildland Project area into diverse, resilient native woodlands capable of sustaining long-term biodiversity value, with minimal future interventions.
Sustainable Timber Production: Under a Continuous Cover Forestry approach, manage the development of structurally complex, species diverse stands that contribute to overall ecological value throughout the Estate and provide long term, sustainable income through regeneratively managed timber production.
Support Rewilding Objectives: Carry out small-scale interventions within the Bamff Wildland Project area, encouraging natural processes to continue the journey of habitat restoration.
Secure and Monitor Growth and Diversity: Manage the woodlands to increase their overall diversity and resilience, encouraging natural regeneration where possible, or planning for restocking or underplanting to ensure developed understoreys.
Connection Between People and Trees: All management proposals will protect recreational use within the Estate, along the Cateran Trail and where trails provide connection to neighbouring ground.

Project timeline

September – October 2026

Consultation with the community, local council and other stakeholders. Feedback received will be built into plan proposals, and an updated report distributed to consultees.

October – December 2026

Forest Plan submitted to and reviewed by Scottish Forestry.

Spring 2027

Approved Forest Plan returned to Estate. Proposals will commence, subject to ecological site surveys and proximity to breeding season restrictions.

Meet the team

FAQ’s

Who is TreeStory?

TreeStory is a regenerative forestry consultancy. We offer holistic and sustainable forestry solutions that combine our technical expertise with our passion for the natural environment. We believe that well-managed trees, woodlands and forests make the world a better place. You can learn more about us here.

What is Bamff Wildland Project?

The Bamff Widland Project aims to support the Estate’s recovery to a biodiverse, resilient and thriving ecosystem. The project has introduced the Eurasian beaver, among other species. You can learn more about the project by clicking here.

What is Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF)?

Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) is how TreeStory are transforming Bamff’s woodlands without clearfelling. Rather than harvesting whole stands at once, we selectively and sensitively remove a measured volume of trees, keeping the canopy intact so new trees can establish naturally beneath it, or carry out some enrichment planting to introduce target species. Over time this builds a forest of mixed ages and species – more resilient, richer in wildlife, and still capable of providing a sustainable timber income if this is an objective.

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