Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is seeking input on the development of the land management plan for the 9600 hectare site it manages at Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet.

FLS manages the land under lease from Scottish Water and as well as considering how best to adapt to habitat and landscape changes over the past ten years, the review also outlines long term aspirations for the area.

These include the removal of conifer stands, felling larch to slow the spread of tree disease Phythophthora ramorum, as well as peatland restoration and new woodland creation being carried out in partnership with Scottish Water as part of its climate mitigation programme.

FLS Planning Forester, James Hand, said: "Forestry is a long-term business and making sure that sites we manage continue to deliver a wide range of environmental and social benefits takes some long-term planning.


"This review of the Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet plan looks at what we might want to do over the next ten years - and also considers ideas for the ten years beyond that.

"The consultation give us and our partners at Scottish Water an opportunity to explain the opportunities and issues, hear some ideas, and get some constructive feedback from members of the public."

People can look over the plans and comment online but FLS and Scottish Water are also holding two drop-in sessions where representatives will be happy to discuss the management plan proposals and note comments and views. The events will be staged at -

• Kinlochard Village Hall on Saturday 7 May (12 pm to 4 pm)

• The Lodge House, The Lodge Visitor Centre near Aberfoyle on Wednesday 11 May (2 pm to 7 pm).

Mark Williams, Sustainability and Climate Change Manager at Scottish Water, said: "Biodiversity and our natural environment are key elements to locking up carbon we cannot remove completely from water production, waste water treatment and from maintaining a nationwide network of above and below ground assets.

"Loch Katrine remains a vital part of our water supply network. By working with Forestry and Land Scotland to manage woodland regeneration and planting, we can ensure we can continue to serve 1.3m people daily with fresh, clean water - and do so in the knowledge that the Victorian infrastructure which delivers it and the surrounding environment and catchment are contributing to our net zero emissions journey."