The Atholl Estates woodlands cover some 5700 hectares of land along the east banks of the RiversTay, Tummel and Garry. In forestry circles they are well known as being some of the first commercial plantings carried out in this country, dating back to the early 18th century. The Dukes of Atholl established increasingly large areas of European larch and Norway spruce over what was a very open and tree-less landscape around Dunkeld and Blair Atholl. The fourth Duke was so famed for his efforts that he was known as ‘the Planting Duke’. The timber was planted to supply the ship-building trade with a replacement for the oak which had been over-exploited throughout the British Isles, although by the time much of it was ready for felling, iron and steel had replaced wood in the ship trade.

In 1885, the Japanese larch was introduced to Dunkeld and subsequent hybrids between it and the European larch were noted by the foresters of the time. In 1904, the first hybrid larch seedlings were planted near Dunkeld and this ‘Dunkeld larch’, with the best combination of the parents’ qualities, became widely planted on the Atholl lands and elsewhere through Britain. The fine quality of these trees can be seen by all who travel north from Perth up the A9 or on the railway and form an important contribution to the landscape qualities of the National Scenic Area centred around Dunkeld.

Today, the ‘Dunkeld’ larch is still an important part of the Atholl woodlands. These beautiful woods have many paths and trails through them and are much enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. In particular, the policy woods of Blair Castle are a draw to many people, Diana’s Grove being particularly famous for its outstanding large conifers. Atholl Estates Ranger Service is available to help guide those using these forests for recreation, be they walkers, cyclists, orienteers or horse riders.

From a production perspective, our mixed woods produce high quality timber for the housing market, as well as material for fencing and pallets. The early thinnings from the plantations go to make chipboard or else are used as firewood to heat Blair Castle, an example of the Estate’s attempts to use sustainable energy sources in its’ operations.

Within the last ten years a new wave of planting has taken place as Atholl Estates have re-established native woodland on some of the high hill sites originally planted by the ‘Planting’ Duke. These are mainly pinewoods and will form an important contribution to the wildlife habitat of this part of Perthshire.

Another part of our work involves attempts to integrate the woodlands with other land uses, notably deer management and farming. We are looking at ways of maintaining the partially wooded landscapes that are a key feature of Highland Perthshire. Working with the different Government agencies, we are trying to find ways of merging the support systems which are run for the different sectors so that they most effectively support the people, wildlife and landscapes of this beautiful part of Scotland.

Mixing sound silvicultural and commercial management of the woodlands with good environmental management are the continuing objectives of the Atholl Estates and these varied woodlands should continue to be enjoyed by future generations as much as they have been over the last 250 years.