PICTURES: rewilding centre is world first – as it cuts the first turf on its 10,000 acre site at Dundreggan, near Loch Ness
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A Highland estate is all set to lead the world in rewilding.
Environmental charity Trees for Life officially broke ground yesterday at the 10,000-acre Dundreggan estate, near Loch Ness, marking the beginning of the construction phase of the world’s first rewilding centre.
Due to open in spring 2022, the free-to-access Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, will be the first of its kind in the world.
Rewilding is an approach to conservation, that lets nature take care of itself by natural processes to shape the land to create more biodiverse habitats.
It is hoped that it will bring an economic boost to the Highlands, attracting groups and individuals from the UK, and across the globe to study rewilding at the 10,000-acre forest.
At least 15 jobs will be created, and £5 million will be spent on the centre’s construction.
The centre will boast a café, displays and interpretation in English and Gaelic, classrooms and an events space alongside a 40-bed accommodation building.
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson, who represents the Aird and Loch Ness constituency where the rewilding centre is based, said: “It’s a great project and Tree’s for Life deserve our thanks for the work they have done pulling this together.
“This project is one that is important for the glen and the Highlands, but also a marker stone for Scotland.”
She added: “We will all watch with interest and I thank the organisers for making the breaking ground ceremony a community day. Keep us all involved, please.”
Rewilding centre director Laurelin Cummins-Fraser said: “The landscape and its ancient connections to Gaelic will encourage people to ‘rewild’ themselves by connecting with nature.
“Guests will be welcomed into the centre to experience rewilding for themselves, whether this is from a casual visit while passing through, to immersive experiences; supporting the concept that we can work with nature rather than against it.
“Scotland, the UK and the wider world need a place where rewilding can be explored, undertaken and shared.
“That is why we want to create the world’s first rewilding centre at Dundreggan, a place where rewilding has been happening since 2008.
“The centre will offer recreational and educational experiences for people of all ages to enjoy the natural landscape and learn about the forest and rewilding, with the accommodation building being used for longer immersive experiences, including volunteering and educational trips.”
Caroline Clark, of the National Lottery Heritage Fund which has committed £2 million to the project, said: “Through our conversations with National Lottery players, we know that the natural environment is extremely important to them, and the funding for the Trees for Life’s rewilding centre at Dundreggan means they can play their part in restoring our incredible native woodlands and natural places.”
Nick Halfhide, of NatureScot, said: “This special project, part-funded by our natural and cultural heritage fund, will help protect and expand Scotland’s nature.”
MSP Emma Roddick, Highlands and Islands, said:
READ: New Trees for Life centre dedicated to rewilding set to be created at Dundreggan
