Loch Ossian looking North East from near to location of Railway Station
The photographs courtesy of Stephen Newsom, Aberdour, were taken by his father Geoff Newsom while Head Forester at Corrour Forest. Geoff was transferred from Gisburn Forest NW (E) to Leanachan Forest, Fort William, in August 1966 and was responsible for the new planting operations then taking place largely around Loch Eilt and Callop next to Loch Shiel. Following the purchase of Corrour Estate by the Forestry Commission, Geoff took charge from January 1968 until December 1971, while still based at Torlundy, primarily organising and managing all the new planting operations as well those staff who had transferred from the Estate. In March 1972 Corrour was amalgamated with Strathmashie Forest. Geoff was then relocated to Wark Forest, and again to Jervaulx Forest (both NE England), and ended his forestry career in November 1983.
A beautiful day on Loch Ossian with some of the forests planted by John Stirling Maxwell flanking either side of the loch at its north eastern end. The elevation of the loch is circa 400m and the soils are low in nutrients with some heavy heather cover. Afforestation here was certainly a challenge and is fully described in Sir John’s booklet self published in 1929. It is available on this website as Record No 3356. Mary Sutherland the world’s first lady graduate forester worked here with a team of ladies in WW I.
Any comments and information very welcome.
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Groups: Forestry Areas