Glencoe | Long-Term Forest Plan
A plan for the management and restoration of Glencoe’s woodlands.
Project Background
Glencoe, in Gaelic Gleann Comhann or “valley of the River Coe,” is an iconic landscape of mythic proportions, located 16 miles south of Fort William. While most of the landscape consists of open and steep hill slopes, there is XX of woodland dotted around the valleys.
The National Trust for Scotland have instructed us (TreeStory) to create a long-term forest plan (LTFP) for the woodland, setting out the woodland management objectives for the next 20 years. The LTFP will capture long-term, strategic management objectives and translate them into detailed site operations through a process of site assessment, consultation and design.
We have started gathering all the background information needed to inform our LTFP for this beautiful, varied woodland. Key elements we are considering include the numerous designated sites across Glencoe, herbivore impact, deer management, the presence of invasive species, and public access and use of the site, as it is a highly popular recreational area.
We are eager to hear your input, questions, and thoughts about the management of Glencoe’s woodland so please fill out the feedback form which is linked below, or get in touch directly with us –
Olivia Murray – Project Lead | olivia.murray@treestory.org.uk
Elanor Teel – Community Engagement Lead | elanor.teel@treestory.org.uk
Project Aims
Following the lead of the National Trust for Scotland, it is our aim that the long-term forest plan for Glencoe will help guide efforts to:
Encourage natural regeneration and structural diversity of native woodlands and undertake enrichment planted where needed
Restore Alder habitat to add resilience to flood plains
Encourage conservation grazing in order to break dense grasses and trample bracken
Connect people with this spectacular landscape
Provide diverse and thriving woodlands for future generations
Map
The map opposite shows the various objectives of the LTFP across Glencoe.
You can view the pdf by clicking the button below.
Considerations
As part of the long-term forest plan process, we make sure to keep a record of considerations or issues that are raised, which we will consider and mitigate. Below is a list of considerations that are on our radar, but we welcome any more comments you may have.
- Deer browsing – site survey work complete for the LTFP will help inform the deer management plan for the estate
- Access – public access to this important landscape will be maintained and encouraged
- Invasive species – the LTFP will include management suggestions for invasive species
- Protected species – Glencoe is home to a vast variety of wildlife and plant life. We will take a holistic and balanced approach to woodland management, ensuring that management suggestions are appropriate for the wider ecosystem while enhancing the woodlands.
- Designated sites – we will ensure that the management objects of the LTFP tie in with those of Glencoe’s designated sites to protect and enhance their important features.
- Landscape-scale partnerships – we will connect with neighbouring landowners and organisations to ensure that we are, where possible, enhancing the conservation efforts being made by our neighbours.
- Landscape – Glencoe is a designated National Nature Reserve, an area renowned for its spectacular landscapes that receives millions of visitors each year. The preservation and enhancement of the landscape qualities that make Glencoe so special will be a key factor in the LTFP
Timeline
September-November 2026
Site survey work. Initial scoping and consultation period.
December-January 2027
Drafting LTFP and ongoing consultation.
February 2027
Submit draft LTFP to Scottish Forestry for final public consultation and approval.
Meet the team
FAQ’s
How can I get involved?
If you want to get involved, you can reach out to the team from the National Trust for Scotland at
Who is TreeStory?
TreeStory is a regenerative forestry consultancy. We offer holistic and sustainable forestry solutions that combine our technical expertise with our passion for the natural environment. We believe that well-managed trees, woodlands and forests make the world a better place. You can learn more about us here.
