We are currently carrying out a full Land Management Plan (LMP) revision to determine the future management proposals for the forest and land at Clunes and Loch Arkaig. This replaces the Forest Design Plan which has recently expired and will detail how we intend to manage these forests and land over the next ten years and our vision for future years. 

The land management plan (LMP), covers Clunes Forest and Loch Arkaig Forest which stretches between the west shore of Loch Lochy and the northern shore of Loch Arkaig in Lochaber. The plan occupies an area of 3002ha, of which 1184ha is forested with the remaining area dominated by upland heathland, blanket bog and montane heath habitat which includes some montane scrub. Native woodland designations occupy 57% the forested land in terms of plantation on ancient woodland sites (PAWS), ancient semi-natural woodland and Caledonian pinewood remnants.

There is a further 100ha of semi-natural or planted native woodland out with these designations.Steep ground dominates the east and southeast areas of the LMP. Much of Loch Arkaig is dominated by moderate south facing slopes which are favoured by the chequered skipper and pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies as found in the Allt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve.

These forests and land are popular for hill-walking as well as long distance walking and cycling. Hydro schemes are operational in Loch Arkaig Forest and exploratory operations are underway in Clunes Forest and neighbouring Glengarry Forest for a large pumped storage scheme. 

Take a look at the Clunes and Loch Arkaig Story Map for an overview of the plan.

Story Map

We would be pleased to hear from interested parties during the initial public stage as defined in the timeline below. If you have comments please send them to us using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

Community consultation event 

The drop-in public consultation takes place:

Tuesday 15 August 2023, 2pm - 6pm
Achnacarry Village Hall
Achnacarry Estate
Spean Bridge
Inverness-shire
PH34 4EJ

These consultation documents will remain on the FLS website for public feedback until Friday 29 September 2023.

Timescale

• 15 August - 29 September 2023 : Initial public consultation
• August - end of October 2023: Analysis and Concept
• October - end of December 2023: Prepare draft land management plan
• December 2023: Final draft public consultation
• January 2024: Send to Scottish Forestry for approval
• March 2024: Approval

Maps and plan

• Land Management Plan brief
• Map 1 – Location Map
• Map 2 – Bearings Map
• Map 3 – Key Features Map
• Map 4 – Wider context Map
• Map 5 – LMP context Map
• Map 6 – Issues Map
• Map 7 – Zones