Barnluasgan re-opens the doors to wildlife heaven

Friday, 03 May 2019

Anyone looking for something different this weekend (Friday 3 May) should come along to Barnluasgan and visit the nearby beaver lodge!

With the Barnluasgan car park and trails re-opening after extensive upgrade work carried out by Forestry and Land Scotland staff (FLS), there has never been a better time to find evidence or catch a glimpse of these amazing animals.

FLS Visitor Services Ranger, Joanne Maclean, said;

“The Knapdale beavers have been thriving since being reintroduced into nearby Loch Coille Bharr in 2009.

“They’ve not been slow to move upstream into Loch Barnluasgan, where Bjornar and Millie have been since 2017 – almost as if they knew that we’d be upgrading and improving the woodland, the surrounding trails and the visitor carpark.

“As part of a bigger, long-term management plan to restore native broadleaf woodland, we’ve removed non-native trees which will help to stabilise steep slopes.

“It’s all to manage and protect habitats and species – and our local beaver family seems to be impressed with our efforts!”

Active from Spring to late Autumn, mornings and evenings are the best times to come along and catch a glimpse of resident beavers, Bjornar and Millie, and their four kits.

Start your journey in the Wildlife Information Centre before exploring around Loch Barnluasgan.

Heading west from Cairnbaan on the B841, turn left onto the B8025 at Bellanoch. After about a mile, turn left towards Achnamara and you’ll find Barnluasgan just after the junction on the left.

Forestry and Land Scot is currently reviewing the Land Management Plan for Knapdale which includes Barnluasgan. Find out more or attend a future public consultation and keep an eye out locally for posters and flyers.

Notes to editors

  1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) was established as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government on 1 April 2019, following completion of the devolution of forestry as a result of the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018. It replaces Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  2. The purpose of FLS is to manage forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; and delivers benefits for people and nature. FLS may manage other forested and non-forested land by arrangement, as set out in the Act.
  3. The primary focus of FLS, in delivering its purpose, is to support Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
  4. www.forestryandland.gov.scot | www.twitter.com/ForestryLS
  5. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot