Rewilding Scotland
There is a growing list of nature recovery projects across Scotland, which vary in size, approach and ambition. All however, share a vision of an ecologically richer future.
GLEN AFFRIC, HIGHLAND
Rewilding work has been shaping this most magical of Scottish glens for over 60 years. The ancient, isolated pines that once saw wolves walk beneath them, are now surrounded by a new generation of trees, freed from the pressures of over-grazing and commercial extraction. Today, Glen Affric is part of a fledgling landscape-scale initiative to create a mosaic of rich habitats that will benefit nature, climate and people.
CARRIFRAN, SCOTTISH BORDERS
The Carrifran Wildwood is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a group of passionate individuals comes together. The story began at the turn of the century when a bare glen in the southern uplands was purchased to recreate an ecological oasis, a tapestry of native woodland, open glades and highaltitude vegetation. Today, the transformation stands like a beacon in this ecologically impoverished region.
DUNDREGGAN, HIGHLAND
This 10,000-acre estate is owned by Scottish rewilding charity Trees for Life. A major element of the woodland restoration work at Dundreggan is the re-establishment of rare montane vegetation – dwarf birches, willows and alpine shrubs,
which would once have straddled watersheds across much of Scotland.
SEAWILDING, ARGYLL
The principles of rewilding cannot stop at the shoreline. Seawilding is a community-led project to restore native oyster beds to Loch Craignish, and in so doing, promote the wider restoration of degraded coastal ecosystems. The first 60,000 oysters are now in the water, thanks to volunteers.