Lochalsh Woodlands Long Term Plan
Lochalsh Woodlands Long Term Plan Consultation navigation
We are currently carrying out a full revision of this Long Term Plan (LTP) to determine future management proposals for our forests and land on the Lochalsh peninsula.
The revised LTP will replace the current, expired plan – originally approved in July 2016 – and will detail how we intend to manage these landholdings over the next ten years (2026 - 2036) and our vision for the land over the next twenty five years and beyond.
Plan objectives
Our goal is to ensure these forests and open ground are managed in as practical and effective a manner as possible for broad social, economic and environmental benefit.
The Plan covers an area of approximately 2,768 hectares (see map link below) and seeks to address issues around the following themes:
Rationalise extent and location of forests managed for timber with a view to maintaining economic viability and environmental sustainability.
Expand, connect and enhance native woodland habitat.
Diversify range of productive tree species and restructure forest composition to increase tree age (and so structural) diversity.
Manage forests to minimise potential risk of landslides/rock fall to public transport corridors.
Maintain, and where possible, enhance visitor experience. Work within established community concordat to achieve multiple benefits from forest management.
Manage the forest to complement the scenic landscape.
Have your say
This consultation page will be used to share updates as the LTP revision progresses: i.e. uploading additional maps/documents and outlining developing objectives and prescriptions in line with the timeline (below).
We try to use a variety of different methods of engagement to canvass wider public opinion – online discussion, postal correspondence and in person meetings where possible to suit the range of individuals and organisations wishing to contribute and discuss particular issues. The revision process culminates in a new draft 10-year LTP being submitted to Scottish Forestry for consideration – with all stakeholders so far engaged being notified of this action to allow them a further opportunity to feedback/express opinion during the plan’s formal consideration and approval stages.
We would therefore be pleased to hear from any interested parties during this plan drafting stage. Feedback and comments can be sent to us using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Local consultation events
Two public consultation events will be organised and held locally in September (dates still to be determined) – reflecting the two distinct community council areas covered by this Plan area - to allow discussion and feedback on evolving objectives and management proposals. These will be notified to local stakeholders by email as well as advertised on this webpage and posters deployed in advance at key trailheads and car parks.
Timeline
- Spring 2026: Review of previous plan and Internal Scoping for new Plan revision.
- June – September: Consideration and evolution of new Long Term Plan (LTP);
- Mid-August: External scoping including notification of local and statutory stakeholders.
- Mid-September: Public consultation (local face-to-face events: Achmore & Balmacara);
- October: Finalisation of new draft LTP. Submission to Scottish Forestry including notification of stakeholders;
- November - December: Scottish Forestry consideration of draft LTP for approval - includes a 30-day period with the draft Plan on an online Public Register for any further comments/feedback.
- January 2027: Assuming successful approval, the new LTP is likely to come into effect by this time.
Get in touch
If you would like further information or have any questions about this plan, please contact:
Planning Forester - Chris Marsh