Glen Nevis Forest – Lochaber – Forest Map circa 1985
The map was recovered from shed at Newton Nursery which acted as a storage area for Forest Research who used the maps to locate forest and tree experiments in the field.
This forest seen by many on their treks to Ben Nevis as well as to the camping grounds and youth hostel in the glen was formed from land acquired in 1924 from the Lucy-Fairfax family estate. In all 3100ha was acquired but included a large area of hill farm (over 2300ha) which was sold to Donald Cameron in 1964. It should be noted that at this time all land for forestry planting had to be cleared by the Dept of Agriculture as not suitable for agriculture.
Willie Mason is recorded as the first forester in charge and some of his management work was still visible as the 1927-1933 planted areas in the southern section of the forest. It appears he was still there in the early to mid 1930s and may have been followed by A Mackie and then Adam Thom. Charlie Taylor (Snr) and family arrived circa 1968 but by this time Glen Nevis Forest was part of Leanachan Forest.
It is unclear when the areas of land west of Glen Nevis and over the ridge in the next valley (Lundavra and Blarmacdrynie areas) were acquired. The Lundavra and Blarmafoldeach (Spelling?) areas which run close to the old military road and present route of the West Highland Way were planted in the early 1960s with mainly Sitka spruce and Lodgepole pine mixtures. The later acquired Blarmacdrynie areas were planted in the mid 1960s and early 1970s with mainly Sitka spruce.
in the 1970s Alistair Maclennan a ganger and cable crane operator lived on a Forest Worker Holding in the Glen. In the timber houses lived Lachie Macdonald, formerly St Kilda, and two other families - names not now recalled. George Mackay (formerly from Polloch) and his wife Effie lived in the house next door to Adam Thom and Family. George was a ganger and retired to Caol about 1966.
Any more forest worker names and other details would be very welcome