The Lunan Lochs - the five lochs between Dunkeld and Blairgowrie - are naturally clear and shallow and support many different wildlife species.
But they are becoming polluted by too much phosphate from the surrounding area - the Lunan Catchment. This pollution if allowed to continue would soon kill many of the unique species found in the lochs and those birds and animals dependent upon it.
Phosphate is in fertilisers, detergents and animal and human waste.
The project aims to work with those living and working within the catchment and dependent upon them to reduce the amount of phosphate getting into the water.

The map below shows the area around the lochs that has changed over 150 years to 'high intensity' farmland (dark brown) through increased use of fertilisers. More housing around the lochs is also a contributing factor when releasing detergents and houshold waste. What can also be noted is the change from mixed woodland (green) to commercial forestry (red). Moorland is in purple and intensive grazing in orange.

The Lunan Catchment is of outstanding conservation interest and a lot of information about the area and its species has been collected over the years. Much of this is available for you to look at on our website www.snh.org.uk

Picture credits
Copyright ©:
Sue Scott / SNH
Laurie Campbell
Lorne Gill / SNH

Together we can keep the Lunan Lochs healthy and clean and able to support their own special mix of species including the spectacular Osprey.

Lunan Lochs Project || How the Lochs Have Changed || Why is Too Much Phosphate.... ||
Wildlife of the Lunan Lochs II How Can We Clean Up the Lochs ? || Map || Bibliography and Further Imformation