Another forestry application has been lodged for upland Kirkcudbrightshire.
Tilhill Forestry is seeking to plant 50 hectares on The Glen Farm near Gatehouse.
The land currently comprises rough grazings and marsh around the headwaters of the Skyre Burn.
The bid follows close on the heels of similar woodland projects around Dalry and the Glenkens.
Gatehouse Community Council has been informed of the application by Tilhill forest manager Peter Roe.
In his email, Mr Roe said the proposed woodland would back onto existing commercial forestry and would “tie the landscape together”.
He said: “Woodland creation like that of Glen Farm helps to achieve the Scottish Government target of 18,000 hectares a year by 2024/25.
“Each tree planted sequesters carbon in a sustainable and efficient way which moves Scotland closer to net zero carbon which is aimed to be achieved by 2045.
“There is also great value in the concept of replacement which states that by using a timber resource instead of a plastic or metal one then there are significant carbon savings from the alternative not being manufactured.”
The woodland would comprise mostly Sitka spruce – around 65 per cent of the total.
Scots pine (7.3 hectares), mixed native broadleaves (5.01 hectares) and open ground (five hectares) make up the remainder.
Mr Roe said all archaeological features identified and mapped would be retained and preserved by buffer areas with wetlands
and “botanically rich or ecologically important areas” removed from the planting design.
The proposed planting partly covers Pibble Hill and Meikle Bennan above the
B796 Gatehouse to Creetown road. It also takes in the watershed between the Skyre and Moneypool burns – meaning significant drainage works would be required.
Mr Roe added: “Future timber transport is a key concern in many rural locations without strong road infrastructure.
“We are in the process of discussing the design of this woodland creation scheme with Scottish Forestry.
“There will be a formal period to make comment.
“However, in this formative stage you are welcome to comment on the proposal by contacting me by the February 6 2022.”
Gatehouse Community Council members discussed the proposal at its meeting on Tuesday night.
Chairman David Richmond said: “Consideration should be given to altering the percentage of the trees in that they use more native species, they are not going to reduce the amenity of the land for outdoor enthusiasts and they will take notice of our concerns over impact on water courses.”
