Morvern Land Management Plan

Morvern forest extends across almost 5,900 ha at the north west end of the Morvern peninsula and comprises three blocks: Barr, Lochaline North and Lochaline South.

The forest was established pre-1940, as a largely commercial timber-producing forest. It was extensively restructured over several years, which had widened the range of age classes. However the harvesting programme has been impacted significantly by recent felling, which was required in response to multiple Statutory Plant Health Notices for Phytophthora ramorum on larch. 

Planted species are dominated by Sitka spruce but restructuring has expanded the area of diverse conifers and the proportion of native broadleaves has increased through natural regeneration, particularly in Barr forest, where native woodland expansion will consolidate and link areas of Semi Natural Woodland (SNW) and restored PAWS. There are various renewable energy developments across the forest.

Although the main focus is commercial timber production, the forest provides for informal recreation and supports a number of heritage sites, notably the cleared township at Inniemore (Loch Doire nan Mart) which is a scheduled monument and the wishing stone at Clach na Criche (the remains of an igneous dyke used as a boundary marker, wishing stone and resting place during funeral processions). Various protected species are found in the area, including otter, Pine marten, Black grouse, Golden eagle and Sea eagle and a variety of habitats, including wetland/bog habitat, stands of gorse with successional broadleaved woodland and traditional hay meadows at the mouth of the Savary River.

Consultation on the Draft LMP took place in September/October 2024. The full text and maps are now available to view below.

Timeline

  • December 2025: final submission to Scottish Forestry for consideration

Documents and maps

Get in touch

If you would like further information or have any questions about this plan, please contact: enquiries.west@forestryandland.gov.scot