The Forestry and Land Scotland maintains over 100 miles of tracks in Dalbeattie Forest all open to the public. Occasionally, during harvesting operations, some sections may be closed off for safety reasons, in which case visitors will be directed elsewhere by warning notices.

The principal points of entry for pedestrians and horse riders is at the Townwood where there is free parking and at the Richorn car park which caters mainly for mountain bikers. In addition there are entrances at Spycraig, Craigmath, Tinkers Loaning, Barnbarroch, Colvend, Newbarns and Woodend. Motorised vehicles are not allowed on the trails except with the special permission of the landowner.

Certain walks are colour-coded to indicate their level of difficulty. For example, the all-abilities Birch trail is suitable for wheelchair users. At the other end of the scale, the Dumfries and Galloway core path through the forest involves a 7 kilometer hike between Dalbeattie and Colvend.

The Richorn car park is the starting point for the world famous 7Stanes mountain biking trails - these are also colour coded, varying from tracks to suit beginners, up to routes suitable only for experts. For example, the Red route is used by competitors in the annual Hard Rock Challenge biathlon race.

On the other hand, many trails are not signposted at all, so visitors should obtain an Ordnance Survey map to find their way around.

Visitors will encounter harmoniously-sited features along the walks designed to increase ones interest and enjoyment. These include lochside viewing, granite sculptures, a totem pole, benches and picnic tables.

The bulk of our forest is conifer plantation and will be managed accordingly. There are substantial patches of native woodland, set aside by Forestry and Land Scotland as areas of biodiversity: for example, the Smithland/Barean Loch corridor in the south and Woodhouse Meadow towards the north. These designated areas are carefully protected and are free from disturbance caused by commercial activity. In a recent survey by volunteers, over 400 species were observed in the course of a day, some of which are rare and endangered.

There exists, therefore, the opportunity for Partnership members to engage in a variety of conservation projects that are designed to enhance the existing flora and fauna. Projects undertaken over the last 5 years include native tree planting, coppicing, pond excavation, meadow seed sowing, constructing habitat piles and moth, bat and butterfly identification. The range of activity is limited only by the imagination and industry of our volunteers and there is ample scope for new  people with fresh ideas to become involved.

MANAGEMENT PLAN