News from the Banks of Loch Ken
What a year it has been for the Loch Ken Trust!
Loch Ken from a kayak (taken by Ken Scott).
Our Annual General Meeting was held in November, and it was great to reflect on all our achievements throughout 2022.
The launch of the Loch Ken Plan in May 2022 was a key event for the Trust. The Plan is based around the United Nations Global Goals, and if you haven’t had a chance to read it yet you can download online at www. lochken.org.uk/lochkenplan
The Visitor Management and Infrastructure Plan were also major developments.
As one of the first community led ranger services in Scotland we have ensured that Loch Ken has been better cared for. Our rangers Ken Scott and Leanne Pumpr have worked hard patrolling the loch and building relationships with loch users and landowners.
Ken Scott retired at the end of October and we would like to thank him for all his great work. Ranger Leanne is continuing with reduced patrols over the winter.
This year funding allowed us to hold several events including ClimateReady Ken, Dark Skies, Leave no Trace and Ranger Cookout. Funding also allowed loch side, ranger-led education sessions for all the local primary schools which were very well received.
Barney from the Loch Ken Trust with Lisa Simonaitis and the new defibrillator which has been installed at the Forrest Estate.
Another highlight of the year was the completion of our defibrillator project. The Loch Ken Trust together with Awards for All have now installed six external defibrillators in heated boxes around the loch.
In September this year we embarked on our environmental baseline assessment study which will include ongoing scientific monitoring for the Loch Ken Trust and the wider community. The studies will also guide the work of the Loch Ken Ranger Service to protect, restore and improve our environment. Watch this space for exciting events and projects scheduled for next year!
2022 also saw the Trust take part in many volunteering projects including helping with the Ken Bridge bicentenary preparations and helping out with a local primary school project.
Lots of training and development has taken place, including a site visit to Loch Lomond to seek advice from an established ranger service.
We have hosted several college and university visits to our beautiful Loch Ken and promoted responsible use of the countryside.
Former Loch Ken Trust Ranger, Ken Scott, running a workshop for local school children.
Chairperson Mungo Bryson said: "We are very proud of all that the Loch Ken Trust has achieved in the community over the course of the year, and we would like to thank all our friends and members for their continued support."
Our AGM minutes, chairperson's report and finalised accounts can be viewed at www.lochken.org.uk
We would love YOU to join us! Membership is free and details can be found at www.lochken. org.uk/membership
The Loch Ken Trust Team