Shee Water
Native woodland planting along the Shee Waters to bring back health to these salmon-bearing waters.
Project Update
Updated March 2026
Our team just finished two days of site surveying (or “ground truthing”), to ensure that we have selected the best possible places for native woodland planting within the project area. We dug soil pits and used peat probes to ensure any areas of deep peat are excluded from the planting areas. Excitingly, much of the areas we are planning on planting are composed of rich brown earth soils, ideal for native trees to thrive.
We also spent time getting a sense of view points within the project area as we will be creating landscape impact assessment visuals to share with the national park and wider community. Please read on below to learn more about the project background, aims, and to share your feedback.
Project Background
Led and coordinated by the Tay Rivers Trust, this project is being delivered in partnership with TreeStory, who are supporting the design and implementation of a native riparian woodland planting scheme across three estates in the Spittal of Glenshee area.
The aim of the Shee Waters project is to protect and enhance the spawning and nursery habitat of the wild salmon that migrate from these burns to the Atlantic Ocean and return to spawn in redds (‘nests’) excavated in gravel beds. The changing climate has led to increasing water temperatures in these rivers and streams, and there is concern that they may become too hot for the cold water loving salmon. Native woodland planting and associated lusher ground vegetation will shade the water and the ground surfaces, helping keep water cool (the river itself and runoff from adjoining land surfaces). The new woodland will support flowering plants, pollinators, other invertebrates, birds and small mammals, as well as fish.
A number of surveys have already been carried out including breeding birds, archaeology, ecology, peatland, and ground water dependent terrestrial ecosystems surveys. The scheme will be designed to reflect all of the important information the surveys have provided while balancing the pre-existing land uses and aims across the project area.
The key facts:
Project area: Spittal of Glenshee.
Who is involved? Tay Rivers Trust, TreeStory, Rheidorrach, Invercauld, and Dalmunzie Estates .
Why? To restore habitat for wild salmon and increase biodiversity.
Project Aims
The aim of this project is to undertake native woodland planting along riparian corridors guided by the following aims:
Sensitive to the pre-existing landscape uses
Enhance or maintain all special qualities and characteristics of the landscape
Aligns with the objectives of the Tay Rivers Trust and the partnering Estates
Benefits wild salmon
Ensure the right tree is planted in the right place through careful surveying methods
Map
The map opposite shows the indicative plan for native woodland planting across the project area.
You can view the pdf by clicking the button below.
Considerations
As part of the woodland creation scoping, 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.
- Breeding bird habitat (particularly, Curlew)
- Landscape viewpoints
- Archaeology and Heritage features
- Deep peat (>50m)
- Deer impact
- Private water supply
- Core Paths, Public Rights of Way and Public Access
Project timeline
January – February 2026
Consultation with the partnering estates – Rheidorrach, Invercauld, and Dalmunzie.
February 2026
Initial site surveys and ground-truthing walkovers.
March 2026 – April 2026
Draft initial riparian woodland creation proposals for the project and share with statutory stakeholders and then the wider community for input and comments.
Meet the team
Forestry Intern
Tay Rivers Trust’s vision for the Tay is a catchment that is among the best possible river habitats in the UK, where nature thrives and where people of all ages are inspired to understand, value and care for their river.
FAQ’s
How can I get involved?
At this stage, you can get involved by filling out the feedback form below, or getting in touch with one of us if you have any comments or questions about the proposed riparian woodland planting. You can also learn more about the Tay Rivers Trust by clicking here.
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 species are you going to propose planting?
Guided by our site surveying, we will propose the planting of native species which are best suited to the soils and locations on site.
What will happen to public access across the site?
We will carefully map out public access paths as part of the preparation of the riparian planting proposal. We will ensure that our design includes any gates if needed so that access can continue.
Why are you proposing putting up fences?
We are proposing fences as they would be needed to protect newly planted trees from herbivore browsing, particularly from deer. Fencelines will be designed in such a way that they are as unobtrusive as possible and all public access will be maintained.
