Public has its say on the management of Scotland's first national park

Published on Tuesday 17 May 2005 01:36

MANAGEMENT of Scotland’s first national park was thrown open to consultation yesterday, with an emphasis placed on conserving rare habitats and wildlife.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority unveiled its national-park plan, with a pledge to improve the management of all its conservation and cultural heritage sites.

It is aimed at protecting rare species such as the capercaillie, black grouse, eagles, ospreys, short-eared owls and wood warblers.

It also outlined plans to expand woodland in the area, with the intention of creating the largest area of native, broad-leafed woodland habitat south of the Highlands.

Over the next 20 years, an 8,500-hectare area - twice the size of Dundee - will be planted with native species such as oak, hazel, rowan, willow, juniper, aspen and Scots pine at higher altitudes.

Lewis Macdonald, the deputy minister for the environment, said at the launch: "The draft plan marks a new chapter for the area and presents a chance for all those with an interest to have a say in how it is managed.

"As Scotland’s first national park, the authority has the opportunity to devise local solutions for the unique set of circumstances affecting our most scenic areas."

James Fraser, the area director of VisitScotland, said: "Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is one of Scotland’s top destinations. I welcome the plan to improve the quality of the visitor experience while protecting the unique nature of this special place."

Consultation on the plan will run until September.