Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has invited the public to have a say in ambitious plans on how best to manage of one of the Highland’s most impressive munros over the next decade.
Ben Wyvis, well known for dominating the skyline above Dingwall, is one of a very few high-plateau mountains in the UK as well large sections being part of a National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Now the SNH want to get feedback about their plans for running the reserve from locals who they say have “a wealth of knowledge about Ben Wyvis.”
Ian Sargent, the reserve manager, said: “Ben Wyvis is a great place for people to connect with and enjoy Scotland’s rugged upland nature.
“As part of considering our plans for the future, we would like to hear what people value most about this nature reserve, and their suggestions for ongoing management”.
The consultation period is already under way, having started on Monday with the publication of a draft plan, and it will run until March 12 with a drop-in event at Garve Village Hall on February 5.
The proposals lay out a series of measures that look to manage, conserve and develop the natural habitat of the Ben Wyvis.
They include encouraging natural regeneration of native woodlands, moving threatened plant species onto the NNR, and a deer management plan.
In addition, SNH want to produce a feasibility study for peatland restoration which could pave the way “to improve habitat condition and carbon storage.”
SNH spokesman Dominic Shann said the importance of the mountain was clear as it “supports a mosaic of upland habitats, which attracts a range of upland wildlife.”
He said “dotterel, mountain hares and ptarmigan, as well as red deer and the occasional golden eagle” are among the species found on Ben Wyvis.
The mountain is also very popular with walkers and as a result a number of paths have formed with proposals in place to use on main route while restoring and re-vegetating adjacent areas.