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 final 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 took place on 27 June 2024 from 2pm - 6pm at Achnacarry Village Hall.

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
• June 2024: Final draft public consultation
• July 2024: Send to Scottish Forestry for approval
• October 2024: Approval

Maps and plan

• Clunes And Loch Arkaig LMP Proposals
• Visualisation Documents

 Maps

• Map 1 Location Map
• Map 2A Approved Fell Coupes Loch Arkaig
• Map 2B Approved Fell Coupes Clunes and Loch Arkaig East
• Map 3 Haulage
• Map 4A Management Coupes Loch Arkaig
• Map 4B Management Coupes Clunes and Loch Arkaig East
• Map 5A Thinning Loch Arkaig Map
• Map 5B Thinning Clunes and Loch Arkaig East
• Map 6A Approved Restocking and Afforestation Loch Arkaig
• Map 6B Approved Restocking & Afforestation Clunes and Loch Arkaig East
• Map 7A Future Restock Loch Arkaig
• Map 7B Future Restock Clunes and Loch Arkaig East
• Map 8 Current Permissions
• Map 9A Analysis Loch Arkaig
• Map 9B Analysis Clunes and Loch Arkaig East
• Map 10 Concept General
• Map 11A Climate Change Adaptation Concept Loch Arkaig
• Map 11B Climate Change Adaptation Concept Clunes and Loch Arkaig East
• Map 12 Opportunities and Constraints
• Map 13 Heritage and Conservation
• Map 14 Habitats
• Map 15 Landscape Designations
• Map 16 Woodland Designations
• Map 17 Climate Model Map
• Map 18 Current Species

Appendices

• 1 Appendix I Land Management Plan Brief
• 2 Appendix II Analysis Of Previous Plan
• 3 Appendix III Background Information
• 4 Appendix IV Consultation Record
• 5 Appendix V Deer Management Plan
• 6 Appendix VI Provenance Guidance Chart
• 7 Appendix VII Abbreviations Used In The Plan
• 8 Appendix VIII Ainmean Aite - Gaelic place names
• 9 Appendix IX Woodland Types
• 10 Appendix X ASNW Management Plan
• 11 Appendix XI Natural Reserve Plan
• 12 Appendix XII Caledonian Pinewood Plan
• 13 Appendix XIII PAWS
• 14 Appendix XIV Allt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve
• 15 Appendix XV Clunes Mountain Woodland Project
• 16 Appendix XVI Climate Change Adaptation Considerations
• 17 Appendix XVII Unexpired FPAs And PNs

EIA

• EIA Documents Afforestation
• EIA Documents Tracks