Affric Highlands is an ambitious initiative to rewild 500,000 acres of the northwest Highlands, from Loch Ness in the east to Kintail in the west, achieving significant nature restoration across the area in thirty years. Our vision is of a landscape where woodlands and peatlands are restored and regenerating, keystone species are thriving, and natural processes are driving change across large areas.
Over the past two years, our initiative has had time to put down roots and grow, nurturing the many relationships needed to succeed in its mission. We are delighted to have partnered with 14 pioneering landowners, each on their own unique rewilding journeys.
The 30,000 acre Attadale Estate, which stretches from the south shore of Loch Carron to Loch Monar, joined the initiative last summer. There is already a focus on the recovery of natural forest at Attadale – all non-native conifer woodlands have been felled and are being replaced with a mixture of Scots pine, birch, hazel, aspen and willow.
Our newest partner estate, Pait and West Monar, is largely treeless and in need of more hands-on assistance. To help small surviving patches of woodland to expand, we recently installed a deer-proof exclosure along a section of river. Working with local contractors, Eadha Enterprises, 8,000 native saplings have been planted, which, as they mature, will provide vital shade and nutrients to the watercourse.
As our number of partner estates has grown, so has our team. In the past year, we have recruited three new roles: a field officer to conduct surveys, a communications officer to manage our external outreach and, more recently, a dedicated GIS officer to support the team with data logging and analysis.
Over the past six months, our field officers have walked hundreds of miles across heather and bog in snow, rain and sunshine to conduct wild tree surveys. Our findings have been used to create presentations for local stakeholders, drawing attention to the ecological treasures hidden in remote glens and ravines.
By showcasing the fantastic potential of ancient woodland habitats to regenerate in these big landscapes, and working with landowners to help make that happen, we have already been able to protect some incredible habitats, such as Scotland’s oldest pines in Glen Loyne. Collaborating with land agents and other stakeholders, we are pragmatically developing more projects around these biodiversity hotspots, nurturing and expanding woodlands and encouraging the natural processes that sustain all life.
We will also expand our work with local people. The focus for 2024 will be on setting up a farmers’ market for Glen Urquhart and Strathglass where local farmers can sell their produce to people from their community. We hope that by supporting the local network of producers and buyers, we can rebuild some resilience and strengthen the connection of people with the land and the people producing the food. By promoting local businesses and events to larger audiences through our new social media channels, we aim to raise awareness of innovative, sustainable enterprises and foster pride in local produce.
Later this year, Affric Highlands will become a separate charity co-led by Trees for Life and Rewilding Europe. As the Executive Director of this new independent organisation, I am excited to continue working closely with Trees for Life, who will remain at the heart of Affric Highlands as one of its founders and pioneer landowners.
Affric Highlands is a Trees for Life initiative being delivered in partnership with Rewilding Europe. It is generously funded by Rewilding Europe, FedEx, Scottish Power Foundation, Soirbheas, British Science Association, and Support in Mind Scotland.