Strathyre Forests Larch Removal Plan

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The Strathyre Forests Larch Removal Plan (LRP) covers a total of 4225 ha of coniferous forest, broadleaved woodland and open hills located around the villages of Strathyre and Balquhidder in Stirlingshire.

The LRP area is divided into three forest blocks. They are the Kirkton block (~472 ha) above Balquhidder, the West Strathyre block (~2631 ha) on the west side of Loch Lubnaig, and the Strathyre East block (~1122 ha) on the east side of Strathyre. 

Forests in the Trossachs are now becoming increasingly affected by Phytophthora ramorum infections, resulting in numerous Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHNs) which necessitate widespread felling of infected trees, and uninfected trees within a stipulated buffer area. More information about this disease and the control measures required can be found on the Scottish Forestry website: Phytophthora ramorum in Scotland.

This LRP is a five-year plan developed to undertake a structured removal of larch trees from Kirkton, West Strathyre and Strathyre East in response to these increasing infections and to help minimise the spread of the disease. Our intention is to remove the majority larch tree species from these areas within this five-year timeframe, both in response to existing infections and to reduce the likelihood of future infections. 

A revised 10-year Land Management Plan will subsequently be produced to succeed this interim Larch Removal Plan, which will cover other aspects of forest management in greater detail.

Timeline

  • January to April 2024 - baseline surveys and indicative proposals developed.
  • April to December 2024 - development of draft proposals.
  • January to July 2025 - stakeholder engagement on draft proposals.
  • October 2025 - plan approved by Scottish Forestry.

Documents and maps

Get in touch

If you would like further information or have any questions about this plan, please contact:

Email: planning.central@forestryandland.gov.scot