VEGETATION AND LAND-USE IN THE LOCH-LOMOND CATCHMENT

The Loch Lomond catchment lies across the boundary between the Lowland s and Highlands of Scotland, and its vegetation and land-use are influ enced by the environmental contrasts which occur on either side of the Highland Boundary Fault. In the northern part of the catchment area e levations exceed 800 metres, and thus there is an altitudinal zonation component to vegetation and land-use patterns. The role of man has be en profound in modifying natural vegetation, and recent land-utilisati on is reviewed. Changing human and environmental circumstances have a significant effect on vegetation and land-use, and these factors are e valuated. Though natural and semi-natural vegetation occupies only a s mall fraction of the catchment, its conservation importance is conside rable. In terms of scenic and heritage resources, the whole area has i nternational significance and the Loch Lomond catchment requires speci al protection and management.