Rewilding schemes start to take root as Findhorn-based Trees for Life continues planting project at Dundreggan Estate in Glenmoriston
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TWO ground-breaking rewilding projects are set to re-establish native tree growth in the Highlands.
Findhorn-based Trees for Life has proposed creating a 100,000-tree, 700 acre (283 ha) wood at its Dundreggan Estate in Glenmoriston in a bid to create what would be the largest high-altitude woodland in Scotland.
The ambitious plan would see them re-introducing native montane plants that have been stripped from the landscape due to overgrazing by deer and sheep, providing a better habitat for endangered species including golden eagle and mountain hare.
Trees for Life’s Dundreggan manager, Doug Gilbert, said: “Montane woodlands are a vital part of Scotland’s precious Caledonian Forest, but are often restored over only small areas, if at all.
“To bring these special ‘wee trees’ back from the brink, and create habitats for the wildlife that depends on them we need something bigger – and that’s what we’re setting out to achieve at Carn na Caorach.”
At the same time, on the other side of Loch Ness, global infrastructure services firm AECOM has planted 420 mainly broadleaf trees including oak, rowan, willow and wild cherry as part of its innovative “living laboratory” project which was launched last summer with conservation charity The Lifescape Project.
It aims to investigate the benefits of rewilding and to test experimental techniques to quantify and communicate environmental and social change within a closely defined area.
Chris White, principal environmental economist with AECOM, said: “By working with our partners and engaging with key stakeholders, the Natural Capital Laboratory will enable us to better understand the environment and encourage conservation whilst creating a sustainable future and legacy for local communities.”
