Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Rewilding Centre near Loch Ness wins top Nature Tourism Award at RSPB Scotland’s Nature of Scotland Awards in Edinburgh
Trees for Life’s pioneering achievements in rewilding landscapes and people have been recognised at a national awards.
Its work at Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, in Glenmoriston, near Loch Ness has been awarded the Nature Tourism Award at RSPB Scotland’s Nature of Scotland Awards.
The centre - the first of its kind in the world - received the prestigious accolade “for bringing people and nature together” at a ceremony held in Edinburgh.
Rewilding centre director Laurelin Cummins-Fraser said: “This award is a great honour. It’s a testament to our fantastic team who deliver a unique, high-quality experience for visitors from around the world, and to the hope and inspiration rewilding offers.
“Dundreggan has long been a beacon for rewilding Scotland’s landscapes - and since the rewilding centre opened last year, it has become a beacon for rewilding people too. We offer our visitors the opportunity to connect with nature, explore stunning Highlands landscapes, and see rewilding in action.”
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The centre showcases how rewilding can give people inspiring experiences and benefit communities, while tackling the nature and climate emergencies. It offers a gateway for visitors to explore the 10,000-acre Dundreggan estate where Trees for Life is restoring the Caledonian forest and its wildlife.
Developed in close collaboration with the local community, the centre offers year-round events and activities, accessible forest trails, a café and events space, a storytelling bothy, outdoor play area, and purpose-built accommodation with 20 bedrooms.
The Nature of Scotland Awards - hosted by BBC Landward presenters Dougie Vipond and Arlene Stuart - recognise individuals and organisations across local communities, schools, and businesses who are making a difference for Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment.
Trees for Life has been rewilding Dundreggan since its purchase of the former deer stalking estate in 2008. Volunteers help restore globally important fragments of the Caledonian forest, while a specialised tree nursery grows more than 70,000 native trees each year. Over 4,000 plant and animal species have been recorded at the biodiversity hotspot.
Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said: “The Nature of Scotland Awards have brought a growing group of hardworking, motivated and passionate people into the conservation spotlight, and I’d like to wish all our winners a huge congratulations. It’s a joy to see such incredible work happening with nature and climate at its heart, and Scotland is all the better for it.”
