Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park lies on the doorstep of 50% of Scotland’s population and attracts over four million visitors every year.
Special landscapes
Its special landscapes include lochs, coastlines, forests and striking contrasts where the lowlands and highlands meet, with significant areas in the north still retaining a wilder feel. These have been created and shaped by both natural and human forces over millennia, and are continuously evolving as the climate and the use of the land changes. The area also has a rich historic environment which is valued by residents and visitors alike.
Loch Lomond
Safeguarding qualities
This rich mix of natural and man-made features combine to define the scenic diversity of the National Park. There is a continuing need to both safeguard and enhance the scenic and experiential qualities of the National Park, which lie at the very heart of the identity, attractiveness and economic life-blood of this special place.
It is important that we ensure that key areas of the National Park where people get to experience the inspiring vistas found here are recognised and enhanced. This means that key transport routes, such as trunk roads and the West Highland railway line, along with the settlements in the Park, continue to provide good lines of sight to the stunning views of the iconic landscapes found here.
Valuing nature
The beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage offer visitors, many from urban areas, the opportunity to experience and learn about nature, tranquillity and history first hand. These physical and emotional connections are vital in fostering a sense of understanding, respect and ultimately value for the Park’s environment and heritage.
As a society we protect and cherish those things that we value, so our aim is to ensure that the natural and historic environment of the Park is respected and valued by all. Sadly, this is not always the case, which can lead to negative impacts such as littering and other inappropriate behaviours.
We will work to engage with and educate our visitors to promote further understanding of and respect for nature.
The priorities for Outcome 2 are outlined below:
Priority 2.1 – Landscape & Heritage
Major road improvements on the A82 at Pulpit Rock
The National Park Authority, and its partners, will work to conserve and enhance the special landscape and cultural heritage qualities of the area by:
Ensuring that developments and projects recognise the need to protect and, where possible, enhance the qualities of wildness, tranquillity, dark skies and the historic environment.
Supporting projects that enhance opportunities to enjoy landscapes, particularly along major transport routes and around settlements, including implementing a strategically planned and designed upgrade to the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan, and continuing to review landslip management measures on the A83 at The Rest and Be Thankful.
Prioritising spatially targeted landscape enhancements that also deliver improvements for nature such as woodland creation, re-structuring of commercial forestry blocks, wetland restoration or tackling invasive non-native species.
Safeguarding and restoring tranquil loch-shores through initiatives including the Your Park camping management programme and Respect Your Park campaign.
Listed below are partners who have committed to helping deliver these outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and those who could provide further support (Support Delivery Partners).
