Loch Arkaig researchers seeking views of public
Two consultations shaping the future of Loch Arkaig Pine Forest are running during the month of February.
Woodland Trust Scotland bought Loch Arkaig Pine Forest in partnership with local group Arkaig Community Forest at the end of 2016.
The long-term aim is to restore the forest ecologically while also bringing economic benefits to the surrounding community.
Woodland Trust has now drawn up a detailed draft management plan and is seeking views by March 4.
Those interested can request a draft copy by contacting: EmailScotland@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Meanwhile, researchers want to hear from anyone who lives, works, walks, runs, cycles, swims, paddles, or fishes at Loch Arkaig; and anyone who owns a local business that is relevant to forestry, fisheries, biodiversity conservation, or tourism in the Loch Arkaig area.
Woodland Trust Scotland is working with researchers from University of Highlands and Islands based in Perth and Inverness to help identify the wider impacts of this restoration project.
They have launched surveys to help gather information about social and economic factors that may be affected by the on-going work at the forest.
The purpose is to understand how the community in and around Loch Arkaig is influenced by Loch Arkaig Pine Forest and the way it is managed.
The results will serve as a baseline to help monitor changes in the years and decades ahead.
Separate surveys are tailored for individual community members, and for businesses.
These will take around 15 minutes to complete with the deadline for taking part on February 28.
Community members can participate at https://uhi. onlinesurveys.ac. uk/locharkaig-pine-forestcommunity-survey
Businesses can participate at https://uhi.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/loch-arkaig-pine-forestbusiness-survey
If anyone has any questions about the surveys please contact Rosalind Bryce (rosalind. bryce.perth@uhi.ac. uk).
If anyone has questions about the Loch Arkaig Pine Forest restoration, please contact Jessica Maxwell (JessicaMaxwell@woodlandtrust.org.uk).