Project Background
Glenfalloch, in Gaelic glean-falaich or “hidden glen,” is nestled within the dramatic landscapes to the north of Loch Lomond, within Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. While moorland and rugged upland make up the majority of the estate’s 10,000 hectares, the glen itself holds some 600 hectares of diverse native woodland, including rainforest habitat, and the most southern remnant of the ancient Caledonian pine woodland.
Glenfalloch has now 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 Glenfalloch, herbivore impact, deer management, the presence of invasive species, and public access and use of the site, particularly along the West Highland Way.
We are eager to hear your input, questions, and thoughts about the management of Glenfalloch’s woodland so please fill out the feedback form which is linked below, or get in touch directly with us –
Beth Scott – Project Lead | beth.scott@treestory.org.uk
Elanor Teel – Community Engagement Lead | elanor.teel@treestory.org.uk
Project Aims
It is our aim that the long-term forest plan for Glenfalloch will help guide efforts to:
Protect the sensitive and valuable woodland ecosystems of the glen
Improve the condition of Glenfalloch’s designated woodland sites
Diversify the species and age range of the woodlands
Connect people with this spectacular landscape
Provide a diverse and thriving woodland for future generations
Map
The map opposite shows the various objectives of the LTFP across Glenfalloch.
You can view the pdf by clicking the button below.
Objectives
The main objectives of the LFTP are to enhance the ecological condition of Glenfalloch’s woodlands. While there is a small area of larch that requires felling, and selective thinning may be used as a management tool to diversify the age structure of some wood areas, timber production is not a priority. The key management objectives are listed below:
- Protect and enhance areas of existing ancient and native woodland throughout the glen, encouraging natural regeneration and diversifying the woodland structure.
- Assess and remove Rhododendron ponticum and other invasive species
- Maintain the existing recreation provisions and enhance the interpretation material along popular routes. The West Highland Way runs through the centre of the Estate and is extremely popular with walkers. The mountainous terrain is also frequented by hill walkers.
- Continue the ongoing deer management that is required to support woodland expansion through natural regeneration and planting, and to enhance the condition of existing woodlands.
- Introduce a herd of native cattle to graze across the Estate and use no-fence collars to create a natural grazing regime that will enhance open habitats, improve woodland structure and encourage the natural regeneration of trees.
- Work in partnership at a landscape scale to preserve, protect and expand Scotland’s rainforest habitat as part of the Loch Lomond Rainforest Project.
- Enhance the condition of the designated sites across Glenfalloch, including Glen Falloch Woods SSSI & Loch Lomond Woods SAC, Geel and Dubh Lochs SSSI, Pollochro Woods SSSI & Loch Lomond Woods SAC, Glen Falloch Pinewood SSSI, and Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA.
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 – Glenfalloch 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 Glenfalloch’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 – Glenfalloch sits within Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, an area renowned for its spectacular landscapes that receives millions of visitors each year. The preservation and enhancement of the landscape qualities that make Glenfalloch so special will be a key factor in the LTFP
Project timeline
May – July 2026
Initial scoping and consultation period.
May – November 2026
Site survey work, drafting LTFP and ongoing consultation.
November – December 2026
Submit draft LTFP to Scottish Forestry for final public consultation and approval.
Meet the team
Connected Projects
Glenfalloch Woodland Creation
Glenfalloch is also undertaking an ambitious woodland creation project. More information on this project can be found here.
