Loch Katrine Land Management Plan
Scroll down through each section or click on the headings at the top of the window to jump to a section. Navigate around the interactive maps to take an in depth look at the area.
Introduction
Owned by Scottish Water, Loch Katrine is situated within 9,597ha of land leased to Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) for a period of 150 years. The Loch Katrine catchment is located at the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park (LLTNP), 14km due west of Callander village and 17km north west of Aberfoyle.
We are currently preparing a Land Management Plan (LMP) covering Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet. LMPs describe how FLS intends to manage the landscape over a period of 10 years, and also set out our longer term objectives. When we develop an LMP, we gather views from a range of different stakeholders, most particularly from local communities. This helps us to develop the plan while balancing competing objectives.
Catchment overview
Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet together form a strategic water supply for the Central Belt of Scotland. The area covered by the Katrine Land Management Plan (LMP) roughly matches the area of the two water catchments. The area has a history linked to Rob Roy, and has long been recognised as having outstanding scenery, famously captured in the poetry of Sir Walter Scott’s ‘Lady of the Lake’
It is host to Ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW) and peatland habitats, alongside iconic bird species as well as other flora and fauna. The catchment is much used by walkers and cyclists for recreation with an Art and Literature Trail located along the north shore. Tourism has always been a draw for the area and the Sir Walter Scott Steamship provides tours across the loch.
The main management objectives in this plan focus on protecting water quality within the catchment, expanding native woodland, peatland restoration, invasive species removal and restoring Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS).
Wider context (national park)
Loch Katrine is located within the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park which was formed in 2002. The LLTNP Authority serves to protect and enhance the landscape within the National Park and has a role as the planning authority.
As Scotland’s first National Park, it is host to the ‘Great Trossachs Forest’ in which woodland creation was undertaken as a partnership: by Forestry Commission Scotland (now Forestry and Land Scotland) within Loch Katrine, by the Woodland Trust in Glen Finglas and by the RSPB in Inversnaid. The area now forms part of the National Nature Reserve (NNR).
More information on the Great Trossachs Forest National Nature Reserve can be found on the National Park's website.
Woodland creation potential
The National Park's 'Trees and Woodland Strategy' (2019-2039) guides woodland enhancement and creation, driven by a number of strategic objectives that help meet local and national targets to deliver social and economic benefits, and protect and enhance the landscape.
Climate change and biodiversity loss are big challenges facing us all and have been brought into clearer perspective following Glasgow's Conference of the Parties (COP) 26. They are a key focus within this LMP.
Loch Katrine presents an opportunity to expand and connect existing temperate rainforest, as well as restoring peatland areas to a normal hydrological function of open habitat and wetland areas. This will improve water quality and create sustainable water yields in the future. It will also contribute to government carbon targets, reduce biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change.
You can read the full LLTNP Trees and Woodland Strategy on the National Park's website.
National Scenic Area
Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet are both partly located within National Scenic Areas (NSA) - the Trossachs NSA and Loch Lomond NSA respectively. These areas are recognised as world-renowned for their rural beauty. NSAs are defined in legislation as being:
of outstanding scenic value in a national context
They are designated by NatureScot and are protected by national and local planning policy. You can learn more about NSAs on the NatureScot website.
The Special Landscape Qualities of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park describes the scenic characteristics of these areas.
Site of Special Scientific Interest
The Ben A'an & Brenachoile Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are recognised as having an upland oak woodland, which forms part of the Atlantic temperate rainforest, which extends further to the west into Loch Lomond. This temperate rainforest supports a large and diverse assemblage of lichens, ferns and rare bryophytes.
SSSI are designated by NatureScot and identify sites where plants, animals, rocks and rockforms are of particular interest in reflecting natural heritage.
Special Area of Conservation
The Trossachs Woods also form part of a Special Area For Conservation (SAC) which is an International (Natura) designation, notified for the Western Acidic Oak Woodland. Learn more about SAC designations on the NatureScot website.
Landscape Character Types
The overall landscape character of Katrine fall into three distinct Landscape Character Types (LCTs). Each LCT extends across a broader area: Highland Summits, which describes the upper slopes, while the Straths and Glens with Lochs describe the lower shore areas, with the Rolling Forested Plateau describing the Trossachs Woods located to the east of Loch Katrine.
NatureScot has produced a national map-based Landscape Character Assessment for Scotland . LCT descriptions provide a list of key characteristics, and typically include sections on physical, cultural and aesthetic elements of landscape.
Native and Ancient Woodland Sites
Click on each pin to reveal an image of the location. Double click on each photo to enlarge it.
Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) can be found within the Loch Katrine catchment. As part of Forestry and Land Scotland's national policy, these sites are categorised into areas to be ‘restored’, ‘enhanced’ or ‘maintained’, using Forest Research guidance. ‘Restore’ usually equates to the removal of all conifers and invasive non-native shrubs (primarily Rhododendron ponticum) and regeneration of native woodland. ‘Enhance’ and ‘maintain’ is usually achieved by group felling and thinning in a way which safeguards native trees and ground flora.
It is our intention to ‘restore’ 84ha of PAWS sites within the Loch Katrine project area, of which the remainder will form part of the policy woodland around the Trossachs Pier area, to be converted over a longer period.
Within the PAWS sites, components of larch species along with Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) are mixed with the conifer stands requiring removal. However, a tree disease called Phytophthora ramorum is infecting trees throughout the country. Larch species are most at risk from this infection, which will ultimately kill the trees. If trees are identified as being infected with the disease, a statutory plant health notice (SPHN) is issued by Scottish Forestry for a mandatory removal to prevent its spread. The disease also alternates its life cycle with Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), which is why the removal of this non-native species is critical, as it is for biodiversity.
Recreation
Loch Katrine attracts many visitors to the adjacent hills - including Ben A'an and Ben Venue, both of which have car parks. The area boasts a plethora of signposted walking routes including the Art and Literature Trail .
The Sir Walter Scott Steamship travels across the loch from the Trossachs Pier in the east towards the Stronachlachar Pier in the north. There are car parks at both piers.
The ferry from Tarbet reaches the Inversnaid Hotel on the east shore of Loch Lomond, located west of Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet. Visitors from this route travel down the Loch Arklet shore to Stronachlacher, viewing Loch Katrine from the north.
Then and now
Roderick Dhu in 1878 and present day.
East end of Loch Katrine in 1878 and present day.
Stronachlachar in 1932 and present day.
Glen Gyle in 1939 and present day.
Aberfoyle Road and Meall Mor in 1932 and present day.
Viewpoints
Click on each arrow to reveal the viewpoint image. Double click on each photo to enlarge it.
- Ben A'an - Panoramic views can be seen from the top of Ben A'an.
- Ben Venue - Commanding views of the catchment can also be seen from the top of Ben Venue.
- Loch Katrine - Visitors to the Sir Walter Scott Pier can travel over the loch by the steamship and seek views of the surrounding landscape and hills.
- Loch Arklet - Looking west to the Arrochar Alps.
- Stronachlachar Pier - Views east down the loch to the Trossachs and Ben A'an.
Scottish Water
Loch Katrine is one of the most important drinking water sources in the whole of Scotland. The Katrine Aqueducts, which are owned and operated by Scottish Water, are among the country’s most important pieces of infrastructure.
Opened by Queen Victoria in 1859, the first aqueduct (and the second one which was completed in 1901), take water from Loch Katrine to water treatment works which supply 1.3 million people in the Greater Glasgow area and beyond. They are 34 and 23 miles long respectively and take the form, along much of their routes, of tunnels through mountains and hills and bridges over valleys.
Hailed as one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering of their day, they use gravity to transport the water now as they did when they were built to provide Glasgow with its first proper water supply scheme and transform the health of its citizens. The second aqueduct was constructed to accommodate the rapid expansion of the city in the late 19 th century.
Ownership of the estate has passed through various bodies and came into public ownership in the early 20th Century. More recent owners were West of Scotland Water (WOSW) prior to Scottish Water's ownership, following the amalgamation of three water authorities in 2002.
The aqueduct scheme is as efficient and environmentally friendly now as it was when it was built because it still takes water by gravity – without the need for pumping using electricity – from Loch Katrine. The sustainability of the aqueduct scheme is underlined by key figures which show that:
- It currently supplies about 110 million gallons of water per day.
- it was laid at a gradient of 10 inches per mile, meaning that it drops by one metre for every 6334 metres horizontally or by just 6.6 metres from the north end at Loch Katrine to the south at Milngavie and so is almost flat.
- If Scottish Water were not able to use gravity on the aqueduct and had to pump water using electricity it would require about 64.8 million kWh per year, which would be enough to power 18,200 houses for a year and would cost £6.3m annually.
Like all important pieces of infrastructure, the aqueduct needs careful management and in 2020 underwent the biggest programme of refurbishment in its history with more to come in the years ahead. The £20 million project to improve and refurbish parts of the two aqueducts will help improve the security of the water supply for generations to come. The investment was the latest phase of the biggest upgrade to the megastructure since the first aqueduct was built.
Plans being developed by FLS will see Scottish Water’s land and catchment areas around Loch Katrine increasingly soak up emissions from human activity which cannot otherwise be eliminated. We are working together to maximise the biodiversity benefits in an area about the size of the city of Dundee - to lock up greenhouse gases and ensure visitors and local communities can continue to enjoy the natural environment in the area. Using the environment to act as a natural sink for greenhouse gases on such a scale will play a vital role in achieving our Beyond Net Zero ambition.
Peatland
Peatland is a valuable habitat, functioning as a distinctive hydrological unit. It stores large amounts of carbon within the soil, built up over hundreds, if not thousands of years. Healthy unmodified peatland will continue to capture more carbon than it releases. It is also important in regulating water flows into riparian and/or catchments such as Loch Katrine.
'Peat Hags' are exposures of peat, which can arise through natural processes as well as from heavy erosion and grazing pressures. Re-vegetating of the exposures can happen naturally, but they can degrade further by intensive grazing and high deer numbers. A re-profiling of the exposures will help to re-establish the vegetation and avoid the release of carbon into the atmosphere. See main image, for before and after images of restoration.
Previous land activities drained the peatland through extensive ditching, so as to improve conditions for the growth of grass and provide a food source for grazing livestock. To restore these wetlands, FLS will embark on a carefully planned programme, based on experience from a number of restoration projects in the north of Scotland. The restoration will involve two main aspects, which look to re-wet areas through drain blocking and a re-profiling of exposed peat.
See main map, for indicative locations of planned restoration.
Landslides
On 7th August 2019 a sudden downpour of rain created conditions for a once in a lifetime event in the shape of a series of landsides or 'debris flows'. Landslides are a normal geological process, a part of weathering which has been played through time to form our current landscape. Normally such events occur during 'peak flow' periods which can be a 1 in a 100 year event. However, with the prospect of a changing climate, the occurrence of such events may present themselves with a higher frequency.
Much of the high ground around Loch Katrine is exposed with only a limited vegetative cover as a result of historical intensive grazing and high deer numbers. Increased tree cover will help to reduce or mitigate against the intensity and volume of rain reaching watercourses by increasing interception and protecting any exposed soil and also by providing a rooting structure.
Woodland creation - the next 10 years
This Land Management plan (LMP) sets out Forestry and Land Scotland’s objectives for delivery within a 10 year period, as well as to set out a vision for the long term future of the catchment. Future woodland creation will be encouraged by the development of natural processes, mimicking a natural succession. Many mature trees have been lost over time, either through felling, fire or intensive browsing pressure preventing a regeneration of new trees.
Currently, only small isolated fragments of mature woodland remain at a higher elevation, found within steep sided gullies and crags; just out of reach from browsing animals. The remaining ancient woodland survives at a lower elevation towards the loch side. Although natural regeneration is creeping up the hill from seed source, without mature trees located at a higher elevation, the seed source is impacted by browsing pressures. To futureproof the development of natural regeneration at a higher elevation, the creation of ‘seed islands’, will be undertaken. These will be situated on slopes as well as focused within riparian burns, to help stabilise exposed soils and banks.
The use of pioneer tree species (hardy species first to colonise areas of damaged or degraded land) such as willow, downy birch, aspen, rowan and shrubs such as blackthorn and hawthorn will aid the development of the soils and influence the micro-environment. This will create suitable conditions for key tree species, such as oak, in the ‘temperate rainforest’ to develop. Montane woodland will also be explored at higher elevations along with species such as dwarf birch, willow and juniper.
Looking forward...
Move the slider to see an impression of Glen Gyle Arklet in the near future and in 100 years.
Habitat creation will happen over a long period of time. At higher elevations the growing season is much shorter, with colder temperatures and exposure to the elements. Trees and shrubs grow much slower here, and will tend to be stunted and twisted, unlike the trees found along the loch shore. This type of habitat will encourage other native species to prosper, both plant and animal. Iconic birds of prey such as the golden eagle along with ground nesting birds and other mammalian species will form both prey and predator in this ecosystem web.
Working with partners
Phase 1: woodland creation
In 2005, FLS embarked on a woodland creation project which formed 1,250ha of native woodland. This project was part of the Scottish Forestry Alliance (SFA) of which there were many contributors including the Woodland Trust, RSPB, Heritage Lottery Fund and BP. This woodland creation was focused mainly in the lower to mid level elevations within the catchment. The map, right, shows the first phase of woodland creation.
Phase 2: woodland creation and peatland restoration
The second phase of the project, which involves woodland creation and peatland restoration, will be funded by Scottish Water. The woodland creation will be located mainly in the middle to upper elevations within the catchment. Woodland creation will involve direct planting, but a large part will be formed through natural regeneration with a focus on the control of browsing animals.
What will this future woodland look like? It will form a mosaic structure, appearing as fragmented woodland. Trees will mainly be located in moraine deposits (deposits left by a moving glacier), or slopes which hold mineral soils. In between the fragmented woodland there will be natural flushes and wetter locations, which will form peat. In this future upland habitat, both woodland and open habitat will function as part of the larger hydrological unit of the catchment, which will help to both store and regulate volume and quality of water flowing into the loch. This will help to reduce peak flows during the winter period, helping to mitigate against the effects of erosion within the riparian burns, to reduce sedimentation in the loch which can effect water quality.
Challenges
Herbivore browsing: Native woodland creation with a high proportion of natural regeneration will be vulnerable to pressures from deer and other grazing animals. This will provide a challenge to successful long-term tree establishment.
Public access: High footfall along the multitude of trails mean that managing harvesting and subsequent operations will require careful planning, consultation and co-operation. Rhododendron: This non-native invasive species is widespread throughout the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Although a great deal of time and money has been spent on rhododendron control over recent decades, clearfell sites remain vulnerable. If continued action is not undertaken, new planting or naturally regenerating trees would struggle to become established.
Landslips: A changing climate may present more frequent and sudden down pours of rain which could present a risk of further landslides. Woodland creation in the upper elevations, along with the restoring of peatland areas will aim to mitigate against high volumes of water in concentrated periods or during peak flows. Tree cover helps to stabilise riparian corridors and reduce the impacts of rainfall during these events, thereby minimising the effect of erosion.
Using technology to meet challenges
The sheer scale of Loch Katrine presents a challenge in itself as well as the inaccessibility of certain areas. Deploying the use of cutting edge technology such as drones, will allow FLS to look at those areas which currently cannot be reached by foot, or are too hazardous - such as with landslides. Drone technology is being trialed at some of our other FLS woodland creation sites for tree seeding and wildlife management. Loch Katrine will be instrumental in developing the use of this pioneering technology, both in the forest and for wider scale land management.