The Sutherland Forest Project comprises one of the most diverse afforestation projects undertaken in the UK.  The project spans 220 Hectares across two zones: one on the upper hillsides and the other along the lower hill nearer to sea level.  Eighty percent of the project entails permanent, native broadleaves.  Fourteen percent comprises commercial conifers managed for continuous cover.  Six percent entails commercial broadleaves managed for continuous cover.

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Tree and shrub species planted as part of the scheme include: Scots pine, Norway Spruce, silver birch, sycamore, wild cherry, downy birch, goat willow, rowan, alder, sessile oak, bird cherry, aspen, holly, hazel, elder, back thorn and eared willow.  Of these, aspen and bird cherry are rare species being re-established.

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During the establishment of the project, tree planting educational experiences were coordinated for young people through the Silver Rock Foundation.  The site is accessible to the public which benefits locals and tourists on the NC500 route.

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The new woodland provides excellent connectivity between existing woodlands and forms part of the primary/secondary native woodland habitat network. Bird surveys ensured breeding birds were not significantly impacted and it is hoped that black grouse will colonise the site. Very large areas of ground have been left open, which will maintain habitat for wading birds. Large scale native woodland, using locally collected seed, will create new habitats and enhance forage for raptor prey species. Recently re-introduced red squirrels nearby will benefit from the planting, as will species such as badgers, pine martens and potentially Scottish wildcats.

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The nearby Loch Lunndaidh is a drinking water source for Golspie and there are expected to be benefits to water quality and flow in the longer term as the trees and associated vegetation help to filter water running off the hill, attenuate flows and prevent heavy rainfall from washing away soil.  There is a local campaign in the village of Golspie to combat flooding and the project will help in that regard.

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The estate attracts large numbers of visitors each year.  The woodland has been carefully designed to fit well with the landscape and to maintain existing public access arrangements. The enclosure goes well behind Ben Bhraggie to avoid an intrusive fence-line near the Sutherland Monument, and gates have been kept to a minimum to avoid impacting on mountain biking. Footpaths and archaeological features have been given large open ground buffers. A foundation that helps young people in the local Golspie community assisted with some tree planting.​

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The projects provides economic benefits in terms of the forestry sector employment, tree nurseries and fencing subcontractors.  Tourism will be uplifted through enhanced biodiversity and natural aesthetics. A very small proportion, around 14% of the woodland, is commercially planted with a mix of conifers (Scots pine and Norway spruce) and broadleaves (birch, sycamore, cherry and oak) for localised timber use over the next 25-150 years.  These zones will be managed for continual replacement and removals will be phased.

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In relation to the Landscape Conservation attributes of the project:​

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1. There is a very large Special Area of Conservation for the Moray Firth which includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation at Dornoch Firth

2. There is a Special Area of Conservation at Mound Alderwoods which includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest

3. Loch Fleet is a National Nature Reserve with a Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest

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The area on which the project is located is with in a Special Landscape Area, an area designated for Dark Skies and is on the NC500 tourism route.