Loch Rannoch
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Loch Rannoch (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Raineach) is a large body of fresh water in Perth and Kinross, Scotland.
The loch is over 15 kilometres long in an east-west direction with an average width of about 1 kilometre. The River Tummel begins at its eastern end. The Tay Forest Park lies along its southern shore. The wild Rannoch Moor extends to the west of the loch and used to be part of the Caledonian Forest that stretched across much of Northern Scotland. This is proven in part by the presence of Scots Pine stumps preserved in the boggy areas of the moor, and pollen records from peat cores.
The loch and surrounding areas have suffered from extensive deforestation and plantation of alien species. These practices have given rise to sections of dense forest alternating with deforested areas, and is seen across much of the Scottish Highlands. There has been a growing interest in reforesting Scotland, spear-headed by organisations such as the RSPB, Trees for Life, Reforesting Scotland, the Forestry Commission and the Woodland Trust.
The loch and surrounding area does, however, offer good sport fishing and walking. The small village of Kinloch Rannoch lies at the eastern end of the loch, and a crannog (an ancient artificial island) can be found near its western end.
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