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Only in the Inverness Courier
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2 September, 2010
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Published: 15 July, 2008
AN innovative conservation project which aims to transform an area of fallow forestry land in Stratherrick into a haven for animal and plant life has been awarded £10,000.
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The award to the Easter Boleskine Wetland Project comes from the BBC's Breathing Places campaign in recognition of the hard work and enthusiasm of the committee members and residents of Foyers and Inverfarigaig.
The committee has been working jointly with staff from Forestry Commission Scotland's office in Fort Augustus which manages the area of unused forestry land.
The plan is to improve the biodiversity potential of the area by creating a mosaic of ponds and wetland habitats, in addition to planting new native broadleaf trees. The conservation site will eventually attract many new bird species as well as an interesting range of other plants and creatures.
Kim Leech is managing the project with Forestry Commission Scotland. She said: "The £10,000 award is a tremendous boost for all those who have put so much into this project. The committee members and local residents have really got together and worked fantastically well to make this project a reality.
"The funding will act as a catalyst to transform and breathe new life into the land. The new conservation area will attract a wealth of wildlife to the area and will be a real asset for many people to enjoy. It will also be a great educational resource, enabling children to learn about the environment in a fun and practical way."
The new improved conservation area will form part of a forest walking trail that already connects Inverfarigaig Visitor Centre, Foyers and Boleskine. The Highland Council Ranger Service plans to include it in their programme of educational walks.
Frank and Katie Ellam of the Easter Boleskine committee undertook the task of applying for funding and are now looking forward to seeing work commence at the end of the summer to create the ponds. Funds will also be used to buy interpretive boards and a hide available for use by the public and photographic equipment for recording and monitoring purposes.
Katie said: "In addition to the obvious benefits to the animal and plant life of the area, we hope that the site will be enjoyed by both local residents and visitors as it evolves."
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