The survey recorded four montane willow species – downy willow (Salix lapponum), mountain willow (Salix arbuscula), net-leaved willow (Salix reticulata) and whortle-leaved willow (Salix myrsinites) – and one sub-montane species – dark-leaved willow (Salix myrsinifolia). Several of these species are nationally scarce and some are considered vulnerable or endangered in the UK.

Among the most exciting discoveries were two populations considered nationally significant. At Creag nan Bodach, north-east of the estate, 255 individuals of downy willow were recorded, making it one of the best sites for the species in Scotland. Equally impressive was a population of 157 net-leaved willow in Coire Cheathaich North, north-west of the estate bordering the SSSI, which may be one of the largest populations of this species outside nearby Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve.

A downy willow bush on the South side of Glen Lochay. Before this survey no montane willows had been recorded in this area.

The Southside Crags also emerged as a conservation hotspot. Despite having no previous willow records, this area contained the estate’s largest population of mountain willow and dark-leaved willow, and its second-largest population of downy willow. The survey identified several populations here that may be large enough to remain viable in the long-term.

As part of the survey, one particularly encouraging finding was evidence of natural regeneration. At Creag nan Bodach, young downy willow plants were found growing away from the protective crags and onto surrounding slopes. Natural regeneration of montane willows is rare in Scotland [3] and suggests that some populations on the estate retain the ability to recover if conditions improve.

In spite of several positive findings from the survey, many montane willow populations remain small, isolated and vulnerable. Heavy grazing pressure from deer has historically prevented willows from spreading beyond inaccessible cliffs and ledges. Reducing deer pressure is the single most effective action for encouraging natural regeneration across the Glen Lochay. Current deer management is helping, but further reductions would be necessary to allow widespread recovery. Alternatively, targeted deer fencing could be used around key populations and help connect isolated populations, increase genetic diversity and restore larger areas of mountain woodland habitat [3].

Since the survey was carried out, activities have included collecting montane willow seeds and cuttings in 2025 and 2026. Some of this genetic material has been used by Forest & Landuse Scotland (FLS) for montane willow conservation work elsewhere. We have also been rearing montane willow species as a genetic resource at on on-site nursery. In the spring of 2026, montane willows (downy willow, woolly willow [Salix lanata] and whortle-leaved willow) reared by Trees for Life and Wild Strathfillan were planted by Ripa Gar on the lower slopes of Meall Glass and Sgiath Chùil, west of the estate, within deer fencing enclosures.

The survey shows that Glen Lochay already holds an extraordinary natural asset of montane willows. With the right management, its rare montane willow communities could expand significantly, benefiting biodiversity, strengthening Scotland’s mountain ecosystems and helping secure the future of some of the nation’s rarest plants.