Ben Lomond Property Statements 2009-2014

Ben Lomond
Property Statements
2009-2014
The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest and Natural Beauty is a
charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410
PROPERTY STATEMENTS
BEN LOMOND
What are Property Statements?
Property Statements provide a summary of the guidelines for the strategic management of
each National Trust for Scotland (Trust) property – in place of a full management plan.
The Trust’s approach to Conservation Management Planning for properties is set out in a
separate guidance note – available on request.
As a summary of strategic management guidance, Property Statements do not (like full
management plans) provide a detailed description and evaluation of each property and
are written from the basis of current knowledge and understanding. However, it is
expected that properties have not been significantly misunderstood and that gaps in
knowledge should be highlighted.
Property Statements are developed through a rigorous process, with full involvement from
property, and other specialist staff within the Trust; and – when applicable – involvement
from local or expert stakeholders and from members of the Trust’s Governance. A list of
consultees is included on the final page of this document.
Property Statements consist of:
Introduction:
A thumbnail description of the property giving basic details of
size, location, component parts and acquisition details.
Statement of
Significance:
An evaluation of the significance of the property, both in terms of
its conservation values (e.g. natural heritage, cultural heritage or
landscape) and in terms of the visitor experience and the social
and economic context.
Vision Statement:
Sets out the long-term vision the Trust has for the property and
Guiding Principles that set the parameters for long-term
management.
Action List:
While the Vision sets out the Trust’s long-term goals for the
property, the Action List sets out the steps towards those goals
which can be achieved over a 5 year period, bearing in mind
available resources and other constraints. It sets out agreed
Actions, with a clear articulation of the desired outcomes and the
underlying rationale.
Maps:
Digital maps showing Trust ownership or management property
boundary, designations, etc.
Property Statements are approved by the Trust’s Leadership Team. A sub-committee
comprising the Director of Conservation Services & Projects, the Director of Properties &
Visitor Services and the Director of Commercial Services & Marketing review the Property
Statements and approve them on behalf of the Leadership Team. They approve the
Introduction, Statement of Significance and Vision Statement and approve in principle the
Action List and Spending Plan – with implementation of the actions listed being subject to
proper financial and project appraisals, as appropriate. The Action List should be
reviewed and updated annually.
Implementation of the Statements is led by the Property Manager – who will co-ordinate
the work required to achieve the outcomes expressed in the Action List. Individual actions
will however be the responsibility of a variety of staff. The Group Manager will be
responsible for monitoring progress through the Performance Review and budget setting
processes.
Approved by Leadership Team
July 2009
2
PROPERTY STATEMENTS
BEN LOMOND
SUMMARY TABLE
NTS GROUP
TOTAL AREA (HA)
Countryside and Islands - South
2172.97 hectares
GRID REFERENCE
DATE(S) ACQUIRED
NS 367 029
1984
LOCAL AUTHORITY
INALIENABLE?
Stirling Council
Yes
PROPERTY MANAGER
DESIGNATIONS
Alasdair Eckersall
Site of Special Scientific Interest
National Scenic Area
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
National Park
Ben Lomond National Memorial Park
B Listed Buildings: Blairvockie Farm
Including House, Christmas Cottage and
Steading. Blairvockie Farm, Sheep
Dipping Shed and Enclosure Walls
ADDRESS
PLAN PREPARED BY
Ardess Lodge
Alasdair Eckersall
Rowardennan
Nr.Drymen
Glasgow
G63 0AR
TELEPHONE NUMBER
DATE APPROVED
0844 493 2217
July 2009
START DATE
END DATE
August 2009
July 2014
Approved by Leadership Team
July 2009
3
PROPERTY STATEMENTS
BEN LOMOND
Ben Lomond
PROPERTY STATEMENTS 2009 –2014
Approved by Leadership Team
July 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduction
Statement of Significance
Vision Statement
Action List
5
6
9
10
Figures
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Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Scotland
Boundary
Ben Lomond National Memorial Park Boundary
Site of Special Scientific Interest
National Scenic Area
Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve
Bucinch and Ceardach
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Listed Buildings
Approved by Leadership Team
July 2009
4
1. INTRODUCTION
Situated on the east side of Loch Lomond, the property extends to 2173 ha, and includes
the summits of Ben Lomond and Ptarmigan to the north, and Beinn Uird to the south. The
acquisition of the property by The National Trust for Scotland (the Trust) in 1984 was
encouraged by public concern over the safeguarding of access to Ben Lomond. It was
achieved with a 100% grant from the Countryside Commission for Scotland (CCS). The
property is held inalienably, and has an endowment, raised with support from the National
Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), the Trust’s Golden Jubilee Appeal Fund, and a specific
appeal at the time of acquisition.
The whole property is part of the Ben Lomond National Memorial Park (BLNMP),
managed in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and the Scottish
Government (SG). The BLNMP was designated in 1995, and is the only National
Memorial Park in Scotland. Its history dates back to 1950, when the area now covered by
the park was purchased for the nation, through the National Land Fund, as a tribute to
those who served in the Second World War.1 The property, with the exception of the
south and west slopes of Beinn Uird, forms the main part of the Ben Lomond Site of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for its remnants of the full range of upland
habitats from low to high altitude. The property also lies within the Loch Lomond and The
Trossachs National Park (LLTNP), the Loch Lomond National Scenic Area (NSA) and
Loch Lomond Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). Further to these, the Blairvockie
Farm Steading buildings (which includes Blairvockie Farm House, Christmas Cottage,
Steading, sheep dipping shed and enclosure walls) are B listed. The majority of the
property is used for hill grazing and is let to the Trust’s farm tenant based at Blairvockie
Farm.
The buildings assets of the property consist of Blairvockie Farm steading and house, with
attendant buildings including a large stock shed and dipping shed, as well as the Ardess
Lodge building, housing staff accommodation and the property office base.
Ben Lomond is a regionally important visitor attraction, of international fame. Over 30,000
people climb the hill annually, whilst many thousands more enjoy its well-known outline
and contribution to the Loch Lomond landscape.
The property currently operates at a surplus.
1
“The BLNMP aims to conserve and enhance the landscape and nature conservation
value of the park area, to provide future generations with a beautiful and predominantly
natural landscape within which to enjoy quiet recreation”
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2. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Iconic Image
Ben Lomond is one of Scotland’s most acclaimed landmarks. The
‘Bonnie Banks’ are an iconic international image of Scotland
encouraging many visitors to pass this way seeking out the views of
the mountain. Ben Lomond’s popularity is attested by the thousands
who flock to climb to its summit each year, or to enjoy the lochside at
its foot. For centuries the name of the hill has been synonymous with
that of the loch beside it, conjuring up images of the sweeping beauty
of the Loch Lomond landscape.
Landscape
The broad-shouldered profile of Ben Lomond dominates the
landscape on the east side of Loch Lomond, providing a dramatic
backdrop to the southern waters of the loch, to such an extent that the
loch is rarely mentioned without reference to the presence of the Ben
beside it. The height and isolation of the mountain combine to make it
a highly distinctive, well-known landmark visible from a wide area of
west and central Scotland.
Geomorphology
Within the property the gently rounded southern slopes give way to the
steep crags and corries on the north side, giving the visitor a dramatic
transition into true Highland scenery on attaining the summit.
Geomorphological features, of local and regional significance due to
their diversity and range, document the final stagnation of the Loch
Lomond glacial re-advance, including a spectacular post-glacial rock
slide on the south west slope of Ben Lomond. Looking outwards, the
range and contrast of the panoramic views from the summit is
spectacular.
Woodland and
Forestry
Extensive woodland cover on the lower slopes has been greatly
enhanced in recent years through the management activities of
Forestry Commission Scotland. Large tracts of plantation spruce have
been harvested, making way for establishment of woodlands natural to
the area, through a mix of planting and natural regeneration. This is
having a softening effect on the formerly harsh, straight-line, boundary
between dense conifer forest and open, heavily grazed grassland
slopes. This major forest re-structuring project will continue over the
next two decades, eventually reverting all remaining spruce plantation
in the area to native woodland. Combined with the Trust’s commitment
to habitat restoration, and in partnership with the farm tenant, this will
have an important role to play in enhancing the natural appearance of
the Ben Lomond landscape in coming years.
Footpaths
The continual use of the property by visitors over two centuries had
made a significant visual impact on the hill, with the development of
wide path erosion scars. The high standard of repair and maintenance
of the paths has been greatly enhanced in recent years through the
input of the Scotland’s Mountain Heritage team. This has significantly
reduced this problem and gives the property, and the Trust, a notable
role in demonstrating the importance of high quality path management
for minimising the visual impact of recreation in the upland landscape.
6
Visitors
Visitors have been drawn to Ben Lomond for well over two centuries,
both to climb the hill or simply to enjoy the stunning landscape from
lower ground. The hill is a significant tourist attraction, contributing to
tourism economy in the Loch Lomond area, and is in particular a
favourite hill for the people of West Central Scotland, for whom its
closeness provides a convenient means of escape from urban life.
The high number of visitors, with over 30,000 using the hill paths each
year, gives Ben Lomond its status as one of Scotland’s most popular
and well-loved mountains.
The popularity of the Ben is encouraged by its accessibility, its
proximity to large population centres, and its position as the most
southerly Munro (mountain over 3000ft in height) in Scotland. The
well-maintained footpaths, combined with the relative ease of the
climb, give a sense of security important to many visitors, for whom
Ben Lomond is often a first experience of hill walking. Large tracts of
the property, away from the paths, offer the more adventurous the
experience of wild seclusion more associated with remote areas of the
Highlands.
The mosaic of woodland and open farmland, in
conjunction with the shore of Loch Lomond, gives a great diversity of
experience for the many visitors who enjoy the lower slopes of the hill,
including the several thousand walkers who each year pass through
the western edge of the property on the West Highland Way.
Natural Heritage
Designations
Species
Habitats
Cultural Heritage
Ben Lomond has been designated a SSSI for its rich diversity of
habitats, and in particular retains remnants of the full range of upland
habitats, from low to high altitude, a feature that has been lost from
neighbouring hills. With this diversity, a wide range of species,
including many of international, national and local significance, are
present. The list includes breeding Ptarmigan, the Small Mountain
Ringlet butterfly, and several arctic-alpine plant species. The position
of the hill as the most southerly high mountain massif in Scotland is
important, as several montane species, including nine species of
lichen and an area of alpine moss-heath habitat, are at the
southernmost limit of their range in Scotland. These montane interests
could be susceptible to the predicted changes in our climate as well as
overgrazing. Blairvockie Farm itself also supports what is arguably the
Trust’s biggest bat roost (over 450 bats).
Until recently, overgrazing had resulted in the impoverishment of most
plant communities. However, changes in stock grazing levels and
extensive deer control by Forestry Commission Scotland have allowed
upland heath habitats to begin the slow process of recovery. This work
is guided by comprehensive vegetation monitoring surveys. The
positive working relationship with the farm tenant offers an excellent
opportunity to demonstrate successful habitat restoration whilst
helping to protect local livelihoods, such as farming.
The long history of grazing use of the Ben Lomond ground is
demonstrated by the large number of shieling remains on the hill, as
well as a range of other post-medieval archaeological remains. The
archaeological traces are of exceptional local significance for their
survival as a group of connected sites. Some sites are possibly of
national significance due to their rarity, and provide great potential for
linking the story of the past use of the property with present day
management. Ardess is also known to have been held by Rob Roy
MacGregor in 1711 for 2 years.
Blairvockie Farm is of regional significance as demonstrated by its
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category B listing. The farmhouse dates from around 1851 and
situated directly to its rear is the 18th century farmhouse, now known
as Christmas Cottage. Blairvockie is of value because it is an unusual
example of a farm where an 18th century farmhouse and its 19th
century replacement remain. It is also of value for the quality of
architecture and relatively unaltered condition. The sheep dipping
shed and enclosure walls are B listed in their own right as an
excellent, little-altered example of this rare type of 19th century
structure.
National Memorial
Park
The Ben Lomond property comprises half of what is currently (2008)
the only National Memorial Park in Scotland. The Memorial Park is
gaining recognition as a fitting tribute to those whose lives have been
taken by wars and conflicts, both past and present. On a more
intangible level, Ben Lomond is firmly embedded as an iconic feature
of the national culture, of international renown, through its frequent
portrayal in the myths, legends and romantic literature of Scotland.
Social and
Economic
The Ben Lomond property is important locally, providing rural
employment through the farm tenancy, Ranger Service, and the use of
local contractors. The Ranger Service and the conservation
management work on the property is sustained, through a three year
cyclical budget and work-plan agreement with Scottish Natural
Heritage, who provide significant financial support under the terms of
the National Concordat agreed between the Trust and SNH (1998).
Local Economy
Transport
National Park
Ben Lomond also plays a significant role in attracting visitors to East
Loch Lomondside, and to the wider National Park, so supporting the
local economy by helping to keep several accommodation and service
providers in business. However, the popularity of the area and the
resulting visitor pressure has caused a few problems in recent years,
in particular vandalism, inappropriate behaviour and occasional road
congestion in summer. The lack of public transport links beyond
Balmaha exacerbates congestion problems. The East Loch Lomond
Management Group, comprising local representatives, police, National
Park and land managers, is actively seeking and implementing
solutions to these problems.
8
3. VISION STATEMENT
The primary reason for Trust ownership of Ben Lomond is to safeguard and promote
responsible public access to, and enjoyment of, this popular national landmark. Bearing in
mind the visitor pressures attendant with this popularity, care and enhancement of the
landscape of the property is a high priority, particularly with regard to its major contribution
to the scenic value of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Trust
management also has the clear purpose of caring for and enhancing the nationally
important mosaic of semi-natural habitats, and diversity of species on the property. This
has to be balanced with the Trust’s strong commitment to support of local communities
and livelihoods, for which the hill farm of Blairvockie and the employment of a resident
Property Manager/Ranger Naturalist are of significant local importance.
Being at the core of Scotland’s first National Park, the Trust’s vision for Ben Lomond is to
work in partnership with the agencies and individuals involved in its management, and
demonstrate best practice in all forms of management. The Trust will maintain and
strengthen the high standards of upland path management and, through this, build on the
property’s reputation as an excellent example to the wider National Park and beyond of
sensitive control of visitor pressures on upland landscapes. The Trust will actively promote
gradual natural regeneration of the habitats on the ground, having due regard to the
impact this will have on the landscape, and will work within the Ben Lomond National
Memorial Park (BLNMP) partnership, and with the tenant farmer, to achieve this
restoration thereby demonstrating that best practice nature conservation and upland hill
farm management can work together.
Guiding Principles
Management at all Trust properties is based on its Conservation Principles and Access,
Enjoyment and Education Principles. Management at Ben Lomond will be based on the
following Guiding Principles, which are compatible with the aims of the BLNMP, the Loch
Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and Scottish Natural Heritage:
1. Ben Lomond will be managed as a model of integrated conservation
management, where natural and cultural heritage, socio-economic and
visitor access interests are balanced together, and link with the interests of
partner bodies.
2. Public access will continue to be encouraged, and options for improvement
of access and interpretation explored, to enhance the enjoyment of the
property for visitors of all abilities.
However the Trust recognises that any improvements to access should take
account of the Trust’s Wild Land Principles, the Unna Principles and the BLNMP
Vision Statement.
3. Public access and land use will be managed to ensure that they do not
detract from the landscape and heritage interests of the property.
4. In managing the property the Trust recognises the need to work closely with
its partners in order to demonstrate best practice.
Best practice implies management that is balanced, as appropriate, to address the
needs of all key interests, in a manner which could be adopted in other similar
areas of the country.
5. Natural regeneration via appropriate grazing management will be the
preferred means of achieving habitat restoration.
Where deemed appropriate, however, intervention, such as fencing, may be
necessary to encourage regeneration.
9
4. ACTION LIST
Overview
At Ben Lomond, there has been considerable progress and activity in several important
areas since the beginning of the previous plan (Ben Lomond Property Statement 20032006). These include consolidation of repair and maintenance of the upland paths, along
with enhancing access and enjoyment, e.g. through the establishment and promotion of
the Ardess Hidden History Trail, and increased educational outputs through development
of the seasonal ranger post. The entire property has been subject to a detailed vegetation
survey, detailed vegetation monitoring and further species surveys e.g. Black Grouse and
Bats.
A Whole Farm Plan has been developed - agreed between the tenant farmer and the
Trust - giving specific targets for habitat restoration, and clearly stating the feasible
options for achieving these. Vegetation monitoring has shown slow but consistent
improvement in the condition of upland heath habitats, including blanket bog, grassland
and dry heath. An outbreak of heather beetle in some areas has however had an adverse
effect on heather in some parts of the hill, offsetting initial gains from changes in grazing.
There have been no further changes though to the grazing use of the hill, and as a result
no further progress towards achieving favourable condition for key habitats such as the
summit moss heath, woodland, and willow scrub. It should be noted that SNH considered
the (sub-alpine) dry heath within the SSSI to be unfavourable in 2004.
Over the next five years of this plan there will be a strong emphasis on progressing the
actions recommended in the Whole Farm Plan. From the Trust’s perspective, it is vital that
the actions recommended to help meet habitat management targets are taken forward, in
order to fulfil the stated vision of achieving a “model of integrated conservation
management” at Ben Lomond and to achieve favourable condition within the SSSI.
Alongside this, the Trust should enhance its presence and profile at ‘higher’ levels with
partner organisations such as the LL&TNP and BLNMP.
2009 – 2014 Outcomes
In the light of this, the Trust will seek to achieve the following outcomes over the period of
this 2009 – 2014 Property Statement.
•
Work in partnership to develop the full potential of the property, in particular
links with the National Park Authority (NPA) and the Ben Lomond National
Memorial Partnership (BLNMP)
•
Integrated management of the farming activities and habitat conservation, to
further advance the latter, through achievement of the actions agreed in the
Whole Farm Plan
•
Influence upland path management beyond the property boundary through
demonstration of exemplary practice on Ben Lomond, by means of continued
employment and management of the in-house maintenance team
•
Increased awareness by visitors and local communities of Trust ownership of
and management work on the property
•
Improvements to staffing and resources, such as volunteer accommodation, to
ensure the aims of the property can be met
Specific Actions, including rationales, are given in the Action List. It is divided under the
four headings of the Trust’s Corporate Plan 2005-08. The post-holder with lead
responsibility is recorded - they will usually be expected to work with a range of Trust
colleagues to implement each action.
10
-’
Lerwick
-
Stornoway
- Inverness
- Aberdeen
-Fort
No Window
William
Ben Lomond
-Stirling
-
-
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Kilometres
Kilometres
25
25 50
50
00
00
This plan is basaed on an Ordnance
Survey digital map with the permission
of HM Stationery Office © Crown
copyright. NTS Licence
No.100023880 All other data © NTS
FIGURE 1
Title: Ben Lomond
Legend: NTS property location
NTS map produced April 2008
25
25
Miles
Miles
50
50
Ben Lomond
No Window
This plan is based on the Ordnance
Survey map with the permission
of Ordnance Survey on behalf
of HM Stationery Office
© Crown copyright NTS
Licence No. AL 100018569.
All other data © NTS.
NTS map produced April 2008
FIGURE 2
Title: Ben Lomond
Legend: NTS property boundary