Shee Water
Native woodland planting along the Shee Waters to bring back health to these salmon-bearing waters.
Project Update
Updated 28th February 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. We hope to have these on this project website shortly. Please read on below to learn more about the project background, aims, and to share your feedback.
Project Background
TreeStory are now working with the Tay Rivers Trust across three neighbouring estates in the Spittal of Glenshee area, to design this native riparian woodland planting scheme along the Shee Water and its tributaries. The aim of the Shee Waters project is to protect and enhance the habitat of the wild salmon who journey up the waters of the Shee to spawn in the gravel beds. The changing climate has led to increased water temperatures in these rivers, and there is growing concern that they may become too hot for the salmon. Native woodland planting will eventually provide shade cover for the water, which will reduce temperatures and also contribute to an uplift in biodiversity.
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.
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
- 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.
February – March 2026
Draft initial riparian woodland creation proposals for the project and share with the community and other stakeholders for input and questions.
Meet the team
Forestry Intern
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. The mix of species will likely include birch, Scots pine, ??
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. m
