Glenfalloch Habitat Restoration
Native woodland restoration on a landscape scale in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Project Update
Updated July 2026
We have finalised and shared with Scottish Forestry the documents for the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) determination. These documents have been informed by numerous ecological surveys, community engagement, stakeholder input, and of course hours and hours out on site getting to know the land.
The project is now available to view on the public register. Click here to view and add a comment.
Project Background
Glenfalloch Estate, located on the northern tip of Loch Lomond below Crianlarich have appointed TreeStory to design and implement a native woodland creation project on the estate. The estate is keen to usher in a new era of native woodlands, protecting and expanding the pre-existing Caledonian pinewoods, and increasing habitat connectivity across the landscape.
We would be delighted to have your input and insights to help shape the plans as they emerge. You can fill out the feedback form below or get in touch with us directly.
Beth Scott – Project Lead | beth.scott@treestory.org.uk
Elanor Teel – Community Engagement Lead | elanor.teel@treestory.org.uk
Project Aims
The aim of this project is to undertake this landscape-scale restoration project in a manner which:
Restores functioning of ecosystems and habitats
Protects and expands the ancient Caledonian pinewood
Centres relationship-building with the local community
Provides a diverse and thriving woodland for future generations
Is sensitive to the cultural heritage of this place
Operational Proposals
Innovative no fence approach that will rely on effective long-term deer management
Phased over three years from 2026
Sensitive cultivation methods to produce variable tree spacing that mimics natural patterns of regeneration / organic fertiliser / no chemical herbicides / biodegradable (or no) vole guards
Wide Range of native species adapted to the conditions, some home grown in the Estate’s own nursery, and using natural regeneration where seed sources exist
The vision is for continuous habitat progressions of native pine, birch and oak woodlands on the lower ground and along watercourses, transitioning to widely-spaced mountain birch woodland at higher altitudes, giving way to mountain willow scrub and open high-altitude habitats
Considerations
As part of the woodland creation scoping process, we keep a record of any considerations or issues raised so that we can address and mitigate them. Below is a list of the key considerations currently on our radar, and we welcome any additional comments you may have.
- Ancient pinewoods
- Breeding bird habitat
- Landscape impact
- Archaeology and Heritage features
- Deep peat (>50cm)
- Sensitive habitats
- Deer impact
- Private water supply
- Core Paths, Public Rights of Way and Public Access
- Community input and engagement
- Community benefits from the project
Glenfalloch Tree Nursery
How it started: The Glenfalloch Estate nursery was set up in 2023 to support local woodland restoration and provide a reliable source of high-quality, locally grown native trees for the area, with the help of an NRF grant run by the Countryside Trust.
What the nursery grows: We’ve produced around 60,000 young trees so far, with the first season’s crop ready to be planted this year (about 12,000) and the ambition of reaching 100,000 in the coming years. We’re focusing on species such as Scots pine, birch, alder, oak, hazel, hawthorn, wild apple, and juniper all grown from seed collected on the estate and more importantly from seed sources closest to the project planting sites.
Community connection: Volunteers have been involved from the start, helping with seed collection, propagation, and care. We have also run short training courses on tree identification and propagation to build local skills and engagement. We felt it was important that people living nearby, those who will see the woodland develop, were involved from the very beginning to form a connection with the landscape.
Purpose and impact: The trees raised here will supply ‘Phase One’ restoration sites as part of the project, ensuring genetic suitability and reducing the need to source stock from further afield. It was important to the Estate to achieve ‘landscape changing’ numbers to supply the surrounding areas. This helps strengthen local ecosystems and contributes to long-term woodland resilience. The rationale is that the trees, being locally grown and acclimatised, will experience less planting shock and have the best possible start in life.
Project timeline
July 2026
The project proposals are currently on Scottish Forestry’s public register.
August 2026
Aim to have received approval from Scottish Forestry
October 2026
Intend to commence operational works.
Meet the team
FAQ’s
How can I get involved?
We would love for you to get involved and help shape this project. There will be lots of different opportunities to get involved across the coming months and throughout the duration of the project. We will be planning some in-person community events and will share details on this website once they have been confirmed. In the meantime, please reach out to us via the feedback form below or directly.
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.
What species are you going to plant?
We intend to plant a diverse range of native species such as oak, birch, and aspen, but the final species mix will be determined by ecological surveys that give us information about the soil and habitats.
