Site Analysis - Project Planning and Management for Ecological Restoration - page 67

Carrifran is a small valley, and although it comprises a natural entity, in landscape
terms it cannot be isolated ecologically from adjacent areas. Constructive relation-
ships with landowners in the area have been made, in the hope that long-term chang-
es in land use may gradually create “buffer zones” matching with Carrifran where
management of plants and animals will be in harmony with the development of the
wildwood ecosystem.
The management plan was developed for Carrifran in advance of its purchase.
The plan was based on a thorough investigation of several resource elements found
in the Moffat vicinity, where Carrifran is located. Physical characteristics examined
and discussed included the climate, hydrology, geology, geomorphology, and soils.
Biological characteristics included current distribution and status of woodland, vascu-
lar plants, vegetation, bryophytes, fungi and lichens, mammals, birds, fish and other
vertebrates (amphibians and reptiles), and insects and other invertebrates. The main
factors influencing the establishment of woodland on the site are the soils, climate,
existing vegetation, and landscape. The planning group identified the constraints and
opportunities associated with geology, hydrology, soils, flora and fauna, landscape,
archeology, and recreation. These data are serving as an effective tool in the develop-
ment of projects and further actions in the Carrifran Wildwood.
The level of study and documentation clearly reflects the broad spectrum of pro-
fessional individuals volunteering for the site analysis. An archaeological study was
conducted by Historic Scotland documenting eleven features or groups of features
for the property. A major element of interest was added to Carrifran by the discovery
on the site of an Early Neolithic flatbow, made of yew and dated at 4040-3640 BC;
it had been broken and was presumably discarded by a hunter, after which it lay
preserved in the peat until it was found in 1990 by a hill walker. This is the oldest
bow ever found in Britain and is now exhibited in the Museum of Scotland in Ed-
inburgh.
Historical and current adjacent land use issues were identified and discussed; most
notable since World War II has been the establishment of conifer plantations. This
poses a potential threat to Carrifran because the conifer could become established by
natural means. Recreation and access issues were also addressed and helped form the
basis for the overall management plan.
Extensive research and data are included in the management plan related to the
woodland structure. Elevation gradients among the various species comprising the
woodland have been documented by others in various parts of the region. This formed
the basis of the restoration plantings distribution and the planting compartment con-
figuration. In addition to a detailed planting scheme, the plan also includes a grazing
management plan with criteria for phased removal. The plan progressively controls
sheep grazing on the site to prevent entry into newly planted areas.