World’s first rewilding hub set to open near Loch Ness
● Scheme includes visitor centre plus accessible trails and outdoor events
The world’s first rewilding centre is being set up near Loch Ness.
The pioneering enterprise, being built at a conservation estate in Glenmoriston, is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors a year.
Trees for Life, the charity behind the project, said it will encourage people to explore the region’s stunning wild landscapes, discover Gaelic culture and learn about iconic wildlife such as golden eagles, pine martens and red squirrels.
As well as an all-weather visitor centre with a café and events space, the development will provide child-friendly forest experiences and accessible trails as well as more challenging walks.
A range of events and experiences for visitors to the area and groups with specific needs – such as those with physical or learning disabilities, families, schools and other groups – will also be on offer.
It’s hoped the facilities will enable more people to get outside to experience nature up close and encourage an interest in rewilding.
About 15 jobs will be created at the centre.
“Dundreggan Rewilding Centre will showcase how rewilding and nature can give people amazing experiences, create jobs and really benefit local communities,” said Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life.
“It will celebrate one of the Highlands’ greatest assets – the wild landscapes and unique wildlife being returned through rewilding.
“Dundreggan has become a beacon of how to rewild a landscape. With this centre it will become a beacon for rewilding people too.”
The project is going ahead after securing more than £2 million of support, including £714,000 from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund, led by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and £783,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
SNH chief executive Francesca Osowska said: “A key priority for SNH is to help ensure tourism and other sectors benefit from, and invest in, Scotland’s high-quality environment.
“Nature and culture are closely linked in the Highlands and islands, and in many places they are central to the local economy, maintaining rural populations, jobs and skills.”