Introduction to Wester Ross (excerpt from Local Biodiversity Action Plan)

Extending from Inverpolly and Achiltibuie in the north to Applecross and Loch Carron in the south, Wester Ross is dominated by wild, rugged mountains, remote glens and long, steep sided straths. The area is characterised by mountain giants and fast-flowing rivers that empty into sheltered bays and sea lochs. With its long, indented coastline, Wester Ross offers a wide variety of marine and coastal habitats. Many crofting and fishing settlements have grown up along the coast, cementing man’s relationship with the land and sea. There are numerous freshwater lochs of all shapes and sizes, of which Loch Maree is the largest, and the semi-natural woodlands that grow on the banks of the lochs and in the river valleys extend high up the hillsides. Information on key species and habitats can be found in the LBAP.

The Wester Ross Environment Network (WREN)

WREN is a group of people representing a number of public sector agencies, non-governmental organisations, businesses and community interests, who originally came together to draft the LBAP. The group is chaired by Aaron Forsyth, and includes representatives from Highland Council, SNH, RSPB, National Trust for Scotland, Wester Ross Fisheries Trust & Scottish Wildlife Trust as well as local community and environmental groups and other interested individuals.

The group is involved in a number of projects to enhance and promote biodiversity.

Current projects

• Wester Ross Wildlife Yearbook (WREN)
• Wester Ross Biodiversity Posters (WREN)
• Strathcarron Countryside Day (Strathcarron Learning Centre)
• Invasive Species Factsheets (National Trust for Scotland)

Past projects

• River Carron Biodiversity Audit (Seafield Centre)
• ROV Dive Days (Scoraig Community Association)
• Loch Maree Fish Project (Wester Ross Fisheries Trust)
• Life in the Lochans (Gairloch & Laide Primary Schools)
• Woodland Survey (Laide & Aultbea Community Woodland Group)
• Isle Martin Know Your Own Patch (Isle Martin Trust & Ullapool High School)
• Strathcarron Photography Collection (Strathcarron Learning Centre)
• Lochcarron Know Your Own Patch (Lochcarron Primary School)
• Applecross Wildflower Walks & Common Plants Leaflet (Applecross Community)

Meetings / agendas

Meetings are held regularly, please contact Janet Bromham for information.

Contact

Janet Bromham, Email janet.bromham@highland.gov.uk

Links

• Wester Ross LBAP
• WREN Posters