Dollar Glen | Woodland Management Plan
A plan for the management of Dollar Glen’s woodland on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland.
Project Update
March – April 2026
We have been working on gathering all of the background information needed to inform our woodland management plan for this beautiful gorge woodland. We are taking into account herbivore impacts, tree species, public access usage, the site’s status as part of a SSSI, and other information. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has also been providing valuable input including the overarching aims of the woodland management in this place. You can read about the NTS’s Plan for Nature by clicking here.
Project Background
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) are the landowners of the beautiful Dollar Glen woodland which is just outside of Dollar at the foot of the Ochil Hills. The NTS instructed us (TreeStory) to carry out a woodland management plan for the Glen, and our proposed management plan is outlined provided below.
A Woodland Management Plan (WMP) provides the vision for the woodlands for the next 10 years. It sets out management objectives guided by the overarching objectives of the NTS. The Dollar Glen woodland is well-loved by people from the local community and beyond for its beautiful walks with wonderful views. We are eager to hear your input, questions, and thoughts so please fill out the feedback form which is linked below, or get in touch directly with us – elanor.teel@treestory.org.uk
Project Aims
It is our aim that the woodland management plan for Dollar Glen is designed in a way that is:
Appropriate and sympathetic to a woodland with lots of visitors.
In line with the objectives of the National Trust for Scotland
Protects, Connects and Expands the biodiversity of the Glen
Provides a diverse and thriving woodland for future generations
Balances the public access needs of visitors with the protection of a sensitive ecosystem
Map
The map opposite shows the various objectives of the woodland management plan across Dollar Glen.
You can view the pdf by clicking the button below.
Objectives
- Tree safety inspection with particular focus on ash and elm. Selective thinning of non-native species where the presence is harmful.
- Control of bracken and enrichment underplanting with native species in areas of open canopy.
- Planting of native woodland species on up to 3.2ha of open hill ground. Bracken control essential.
- Develop plan for control of invasive non-native species (Rhododendron ponticum and skunk cabbage), in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland
- Maintain and repair extensive network of footpaths, signage, and infrastructure including bridges and benches.
- Selective felling to maintain open vistas at key viewpoints of castle and wider landscape.
- Work with neighbours to develop a deer management plan for the wider landscape. Limited opportunities for deer management within the glen itself due to high recreational use and the narrow gorge topography.
- Monitor and support young planted trees.
Considerations
As part of the woodland management planning process, we make sure to keep a record of considerations or issues that are raised which we will consider and mitigate. Below is a list of considerations that are on our radar, but we welcome any more comments you may have.
- Predominantly mature overstory – opportunity to increase structural and age diversity of the woodland through careful selective thinning
- Deer browsing – an opportunity to manage deer in collaboration with neighbours
- Lack of understory – an opportunity to open up the canopy through sympathetic selective thinning and remove non-native tree species where appropriate
- Enhance understory – increase diversity of ground flora by reducing browsing pressure and planting missing species such as rock rose.
- Dense bracken cover in open areas – an opportunity to control bracken through non-chemical approaches
- Ash dieback – an opportunity to support the survival of viable saplings and substitute species where appropriate
- Footpaths and other infrastructure – we will ensure public access to this important spot is maintained and encouraged
- Open ground in North West – an opportunity to strengthen community ties with school groups and encourage growing trees from seed collected here
- Invasive species – we will ensure the management plan includes an updated management plan for invasive species
Project timeline
February – March 2026
Meetings with the National Trust for Scotland, drafting management plan, undertaking site surveys.
April – June 2026
Present draft woodland management plan to the community and other stakeholders for feedback and input.
Host a woodland management drop-in event for the community.
July 2026
Submit woodland management plan to Scottish Forestry for review.
Meet the team
Forestry Intern
FAQ’s
How can I get involved?
If you would like to volunteer with the NTS at Dollar Glen, you can get in contact with the site ranger, Laura – llivingstone@nts.org.uk
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 will happen to the existing public access within Dollar Glen?
Dollar Glen is a very popular hiking and walking spot, both for the nearby village of Dollar and for visitors from around Scotland. Access to the Glen will be a key priority in the woodland management plan we draft.
