Garadhban Land Management Plan (LMP) is FLS’ 10 year renewal LMP for Garadhban Forest, located just north of Drymen village. This LMP area covers ~ 441 ha of land within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. After 5 years the plan will be subject to review.

Garadhban is a historic plantation forest, having been first planted with the aim of producing timber. Recognising this history, the main objective of this LMP renewal is to maintain a significant proportion of the area as productive conifer. Rather than planting a single species of tree and felling all at the same time however, there is an opportunity to take smaller amounts of timber more frequently, whilst maintaining canopy cover across the forest area. Such a change in management principles could have significant benefits to both public users, and the environment. 

With the block being a key recreational asset for many nearby residents, as well as being a part of the West Highland Way, public use is a key factor for this plan and, therefore, this consultation comes at an early stage in the planning process. It is very important to us that all opinions are heard and considered, as well as being a key stage for discovering new information from those who know the forest the best.

The below plan and associated maps describes our management objectives and concepts for the next 10 years and considers management beyond.

Location

Timeline

Preliminary work on plan revision started in Spring 2024 with draft concept maps produced for initial scoping in May 2024.

We now have draft proposals ready for wider engagement and consultation with stakeholders. The consultation period provides the opportunity to raise issues that will have an impact on plan development. Stakeholders will have 28 days to respond as part of this consultation between 20 January and 20 February 2025.

Consultation will take the form of direct communication with stakeholders and on-site signage both directing to the information on this page. Additionally, there will be two in-person drop-in days. These will take place at Drymen Village Hall between 3pm and 7pm, and Balmaha Visitor Centre in Balmaha on 8 February 2025 between midday and 3pm. 

Following consultation our final plan will be published on our Active Land Management Plan page.

Our proposals and supporting documentation and maps can be found at the links below.

Documents and maps

• Map 1 - Location
• Map 3 - Analysis (Constraints)
• Map 4 - Analysis (Recreation)
• Map 5 - Concept