Last year Michael Yellowlees and his dog Luna walked 5,000 miles across Canada raising £50,000 for Trees for Life and inspiring countless Canadians about rewilding and the Scottish Highlands. It was an epic journey across a country that still has some very wild landscapes and large animals. A big contrast to Scotland, which is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. However, the inspiring articles in this edition of Caledonia Wild show that huge efforts are underway by Trees for Life and our many partners to change that.
Affric Highlands, our plan to transform 500,000 acres of land between Loch Ness and the west coast, is taking off with landowners and the community working out what can be done. The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre is rapidly being constructed and on schedule for opening in spring 2023. We have also started to focus more on keystone species like beaver and lynx. We are hopeful that we will see the return of beavers to Highland rivers this year, and that we might be getting closer to a trial reintroduction of lynx too.
This growth is built on strong foundations. Affric Highlands is inspired by our Founder’s vision of a continuous forest between Loch Ness and Kintail - brought to life by Adam Powell’s reflections in this edition. And what will happen at the Rewilding Centre will build upon the life-changing experiences of the many volunteers that have joined our Conservation Weeks since the 1990s.
This growth and effort is made possible by people like Michael whose passion for rewilding and the Scottish Highlands drives them to support Trees for Life and inspire others to embrace rewilding as something that can help nature, the climate and people. Thank you too for supporting us so we can make a difference.
Photo by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture