East Loch Ard Land Management Plan

Forestry and Land Scotland is currently reviewing and revising the East Loch Ard Land Management Plan (LMP). The revised plan will set out our objectives and management proposals for the next ten-year period (2026-2036).

The entire East Loch Ard Land Management Plan Area is 3555 hectares and consists of two forest blocks. The East Loch Ard block covers 3512.23 hectares and lies to the south of Aberfoyle and the B829 Aberfoyle to Inversnaid Road. The Shannochill block covers 43.25 hectares and lies approximately two kilometres southeast of Aberfoyle and is close to the A81 Glasgow to Callander Road. 

The long-term vision for the LMP area is to continue to build upon the work done under the previous plans to move towards a more diverse multipurpose woodland providing a wide range of benefits. 

The Land Management Plan objectives for East Loch Ard are to:

• continue to manage areas of the forest for high quality timber production
• continue to implement the Larch Strategy to reduce the rate of expansion of Phytophthora ramorum
• improve the water quality of the Duchray Water and its associated tributaries
• increase forest resilience to threats such as climate change, pests and disease
• enhance and expand areas of ecological importance
• maintain the visitor experience taking opportunities to improve it where possible

Consultation is an important part of the planning process, helping us develop well-informed and effective plans. Engagement with stakeholders, including local communities, ensures everyone has an opportunity to contribute to plan development. We welcome your views and encourage you to provide feedback to help shape our proposals for the area.

A 30-day consultation was carried out in May 2025, including a public drop-in event at Kinlochard Village Hall on 8 May 2025. This gave residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to review the proposals, discuss them with Forestry and Land Scotland staff, and provide feedback.

The plan is currently available on the Scottish Forestry Public Register until 4 October 2026.

Concept consultation

• Location map
• Concept and management zones map
• Concept and management zones map - accessible text
• Environment and conservation map
• Recreation map
• Heritage map
• Timber transport map