The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Project Wolf filmmaker walks on the wild side
An award-winning Aberdeen wildlife filmmaker is producing a new documentary which will follow an experimental human wolf pack in the Scottish Highlands.
LisaMarley, 25, is making a film, Project Wolf, which will highlight Scotland’s moves to reintroduce the species, which died out in the 18th century.
The film will follow the activities of charity Trees for Life’s Project Wolf – a human wolf pack – as it investigates the environmental impact of reintroducing wolves to the Caledonian Forest in Glenmoriston, near Loch Ness.
By recreating the behaviour of natural predators, the charity hopes to discover how this would affect the movements and grazing of red deer in the area.
Wildlife and conservation enthusiasts can donate to a crowdfunding campaign until April 19 to help bring the film to the big screen, in exchange for a series of perks, ranging from books and gift cards to production credits.
Ms Marley said: “I have always been interested in rewilding. The idea of reintroducing species toanecosystem in order to restore natural balance is inherently fascinating.
“Trees for Life’s work in the Highlands is at the forefront of rewilding study in Scotland, and its work with ahumanwolf pack allows for a unique perspective on the issues surrounding rewilding.
“By following the wolf pack’s movements, and interviewing key figures, I hope to get a greater understanding of the importance of this work.
“ProjectWolf is a passion for me: it’s a wonderful story that I feel is important to tell, and I would love to be able to do that in my own way.
“But I can’t do that alone, and I hope that the wildlife and conservation communities will sharemy enthusiasm for learning more about this incredible project.”
Alan Watson Featherstone, founder of Trees for Life, is convinced the venture will help to raise the profile of rewilding and bring it to the public’s attention.
He added: “Project Wolf is an innovative project run by Trees for Life, using enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to patrol the edge of the native Caledonian Forest to disturb deer which are grazing on native tree seedlings, preventing their growth.
“It seeks to mimic the natural disturbance effect of missing predators, such as the wolf, and has the potential to be replicated inmany parts of Scotland, greatly assisting the process of forest restoration.
“This film will play a crucial role in communicating the value, importance and effectiveness of the project.”
Ms Marley’s previous film, Red Sky on the Black Isle, made waves both in the film and wildlife communities.
It was translated into multiple languages and screened around the world.
This weekend, it will be shown at the first Wild Film Festival Scotland in Dumfries, and at the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in New York in October.
The Project Wolf campaign runs on Indiegogo until April 19. For more information, or to donate, visit www. indiegogo.com/at/projectwolf