Conservation At Work

Glencoe Lochan - Protecting and Enhancing its Future  

As part of their long term management plan for the site, Forestry Commission Scotland will be carrying out further upgrade work at Glencoe Lochan over the next few months.

Craig Millar, for the commission’s Lochaber team, said:“The woodland is a great amenity for the local community and for visitors to the area, and the planned upgrades will help deliver even more benefits. We’re planning to clear out invasive species  which includes removing the Rhododendron from the Lochan islands because it is currently acting as seed source, which only helps it spread.

“Combined with ongoing thinning and woodland improvement work over the next few years, this will allow light into the forest floor and encourage the establishment of a layer of diverse ground vegetation which has been ‘smothered’ by dense rhododendron and will also help to improve the existing trees."

Other work includes upgrading the path network around the Lochan. This will include working with the Fieldfare Trust, which works to improve access to the countryside for people with disabilities.

Craig added: “Once this is completed, there will be scope to plant new trees and introduce some non-invasive varieties of rhododendron, which will help enhance the visitor experience and help realise Lord Strathcona’s original vision for the Lochan."

The work is due to start in the next few weeks and be completed in March ahead of next year’s tourist season.
Access to the Lochan will still be possible as work progresses but visitors are urged to pay attention to information signage and follow any diversions.