Kinveachy SSSI
The Kinveachy SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) is centred round the upper River Dulnain and lies within the Monadhliath Deer Management Group area.
Kinveachy became a DCS Site for Assessment in 2002. The estate owners and Government agencies recognised at an early stage that a survey of Natura Caledonian pinewood at the site was likely to conclude that deer were having an adverse impact on natural heritage interests. The estate owners, the Reidhaven Trust, subsequently prepared a Deer Management Plan to enhance the condition of the Natura interests at the site. Financial support for the enhancement of habitats was offered by SNH (Management Agreement) and FCS (Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme).
A Control Agreement has been drawn up between DCS and the Reidhaven Trust to prevent damage by deer to Natura pinewoods. The implementation of the Deer Management Plan by the Reidhaven Trust is expected to prevent deer from causing damage at Kinveachy. A key component of the Agreement is linked to the measurement of tree seedling growth at the site through a baseline survey undertaken in 2005. A Control Agreement Steering Group will oversee a reduction in the numbers of deer present, and will provide information on habitat monitoring and the exchange of information with a wider audience including the local community council.
Kinveachy Tree Increment Coring Survey report [8MB]
Kinveachy Woodland Profile Survey [3MB]
Caenlochan Operational Diary. Click now for weekly updates on deer culling operations
