Network partner:

Ardura Community Forest

Location:

Ardura, Craignure, Isle of Mull, Argyll & Bute

Area committed to rewilding:

494 acres

Description:  

Ardura Community Forest lies to the north of the river Lussa, on the east side of Mull. Historically, holly and oak were the predominant species, but much of the woodlands were cleared in the 1960s to make way for non-native commercial plantations. The forest was acquired in 2019 by the Mull and Iona Community Trust on behalf of the local community, who are now focused on ecological restoration and increasing the amenity value of the site.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

An old riparian path running through the forest has recently been cleared and a small parking area created, which has already increased community use of the forest for recreation. Future plans are focused around extracting the non-native conifers and replacing them with holly, oak and other native species. Children from the local school are each given a tree to plant in the forest, creating a life-long link with the site and engendering a sense of stewardship. There are plans in place to create a Forest School and to construct wildlife viewing hides in the woodlands, to further facilitate community access and generally increase ecological connectivity by linking the restored forest with other rewilding projects on Mull.

“We are looking forward to restoring the ancient woodland of “Doir a Chuilinn” (“Grove of the Holly”) to its former glory and extending this remnant of Scotland’s rainforest. By rewilding Ardura we hope to contribute to an increase in biodiversity and to make Mull an even richer wildlife experience.”

Moray Finch, General Manager, Mull and Iona Community Trust

Network partner:

Arkaig Community Forest

Location:

Clunes, Highland

Area committed to rewilding:

145 acres

Description:

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

Each of the three woodland parcels pose different nature recovery challenges: diversifying tree species and eradicating non-native rhododendron are the focus in the Clunes oak woods. Deer management and removal of non-native conifers are the key actions anticipated at the two Caledonian Pinewood sites. Additional priorities at the Gusach site include peatland restoration, improving riparian habitat by removing redundant fencing, and facilitating wood ant recolonisation. At Glen Mallie there is an aspiration to work with neighbouring landowners to achieve landscape scale pinewood restoration, to mark deer fences to protect the black grouse population and to consider enrichment planting of species such as juniper, hazel and aspen. 

“These amazing remnants of Caledonian pinewood and ancient woodland have persisted for millenia on this site because they were cherished, valued and used by local people. They have been under severe pressure of various sorts for the past couple of hundred years though, and as a small community group, we recognise the enormous potential for restoration of these special woodlands. We are determined to play our part in making it a better place for both humans and wildlife."

Network partner:

Auchgoyle Farm

Location:

Millhouse, Argyll & Bute

Website:

www.auchgoylefarm.com

Area committed to rewilding:

80 acres

Description:

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

Auchgoyle farm was bought by the current owners with the specific intention of implementing an ambitious rewilding project. Planned nature recovery actions include the use of mob grazing with Shetland cattle; establishing an area of silvo-arable cultivation (involving the use of native pigs for soil disturbance); encouraging natural woodland and scrub regeneration; establishing three separate enclosures of broadleaf planting; hedgerow planting to create a network of habitats; restoring meadows; creating wader scrapes and ponds; removing agricultural debris and redundant fencing; and generally enhancing water features for the benefit of wildlife. Native breeds of ponies will also be used to increase habitat heterogeneity. 

“If we can demonstrate the benefits of turning low productivity farmland into a nature-rich habitat, and still make a decent living, we will have achieved our objective."

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

Removal of intensive sheep grazing; introduce free-roaming, native cattle and ponies; remove internal boundary fencing; cease use of herbicides and pesticides; establish native trees, hedgerows, and scrub; enlarge wetland habitat for wading birds and other wildlife; expand abundance and diversity of wildlife species to improve ecosystems; encourage the re-establishment of natural processes.

"Having largely ignored the featureless and species-poor grazing pasture that surrounded us, it is really exciting to now have an opportunity to begin to transform this landscape into one that is both ecologically-rich and economically-viable and to showcase that there are alternative approaches to how we produce our food."

Mark Hamblin, owner

Network partner:

Ballintean

Location:

Glenfeshie, Kingussie, Highland

Website:

www.ballintean.co.uk

Area committed to rewilding:

120 acres

Description:

Ballintean is a former farm situated on the banks of the River Feshie in the heart of the Cairngorms. The site began its rewilding journey 25 years ago and for the most part, the land is now governed by natural processes with woodland and scrub communities expanding, almost exclusively by natural regeneration. Ballintean presently operates two accommodation units – Ballintean Cottage and Ballintean Mountain Lodge. The business is well established with an enviable occupation record.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

Removal of all remaining redundant internal fences; installation of leaky dams to create new wet woodland areas; introduction of a small number of heavy grazers (cattle/horses) to impact grassland and woodland structure; continued expansion of native woodland and scrub communities, through natural regeneration and working with neighbours to increase habitat restoration in river and surrounding woodlands.

"There’s a huge amount of nature recovery work going on in this part of the Cairngorms and we’re excited to be part of that. It’s a thrill to welcome visitors here and show them the wider landscape, opening their eyes to what is possible and emphasising that their custom makes a valuable contribution to a landscape rich in nature.”

Amanda Flanagan, co-owner

Network partner:

Balmangan Farm

Location:

Borgue, Dumfries & Galloway

Website:

www.solwayviewholidays.co.uk

Area committed to rewilding:

330 acres

Description: 

Balmangan is a traditional stock-rearing farm in Kirkcudbrightshire situated on the stunning Solway Coast. Rough pasture predominates and the farm is bordered by an ancient coastal woodland. The coastline on the portion of the land overlooking Ross Bay contains a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  Balmangan has a well-established and award-winning ecotourism camping business, Solway View Holidays.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

The land will be given a period of rest after the scheduled removal of sheep and cattle in the second half of 2021. A scaled replacement will take place with native breeds of pig, cattle, and ponies on a regenerative and conservation grazing basis. The landscape and wildlife habitat will be enhanced by the creation of wader scrapes for wetland birds, the planting of native trees, the restoration of hedgerows along the traditional ‘Galloway dykes’, and the creation of wildflower meadows – all to assist nature recovery across the farm.

“Balmangan’s land has been inhabited and farmed from ancient times.  We are the first owner occupiers in over one hundred years but sadly, we have seen a steady decline in wildlife over time. We feel a duty of care to this land and are looking forward to restoring the biodiversity and landscape to help the wildlife thrive again. We’d love to see more birds, bees and trees!”

Neil & Patricia Picken, owners

Network partner:

Location:

Glass, Aberdeenshire

Area committed to rewilding:

862 acres

Description:

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

Rewilding, regenerative agriculture and the creation of sustainable nature-based employment are the key goals at Beldorney. Short-term actions include removing the conifer plantations and ending the intensive livestock grazing. Broadleaf woodlands will be planted widely throughout the estate, including along the riverbank where they will play a key role in improving the habitat for salmonids.  Socio-economic and community benefits will arise through the upgrading of estate buildings and the introduction of regenerative micro-businesses to the site. Current plans for micro-businesses include the production of organic fruit and vegetables, and the development of an accommodation and venue-hire enterprise that will help fund Beldorney’s rewilding plans.

“Enhancing nature goes hand in hand with bringing social and economic benefits to local communities. If we can do all of this at Beldorney, we can help make the case for more extensive rewilding across Scotland."

Network partner:

Location:

Aberdeen

Area committed to rewilding:

81 acres

Description:

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

“We want to grow good food but in harmony with the environment. It’s not just a question of providing nourishment for people, but we also want to ensure that we address the needs of the land."

Mhairi Player, co-owner

Image credit: M Player

Network partner:

Birchfield / Natural Capital Laboratory

Location:

Whitebridge, Highland

Area committed to rewilding:

100 acres

Description:

Birchfield is located on the western edge of the Monadliath mountains, in a picturesque glen close to Loch Ness. It contains peatbog, a commercial timber block, and regenerating birch woodland – all looking down on the dark pools of the River Fechlin. It is home to the Natural Capital Laboratory – a partnership between nature NGO, the Lifescape Project, and infrastructure consultants, AECOM. The owners are, in effect, allowing the site to become a technology demonstration testbed which operates at the cutting edge of rewilding. 

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

Innovative e-DNA and audio analysis are being used to determine species presence, carbon flux monitors are measuring sequestration rates, and natural capital accounting is being used to attribute financial values to the site’s ecosystem services.  Community participation and using nature as a source of inspiration for art also feature within the owners’ plans. More mainstream rewilding actions include: installing a wildlife hide with a connected series of access paths; exploring wetland creation and using leaky dams to increase surface water (to benefit invertebrates and amphibians); extensive planting of broadleaves and scots pine in previously felled areas to increase biodiversity; thinning remaining conifers to allow formation of woodland understorey; excluding deer from areas of the site to assist tree regeneration; undertaking restoration of the peat bog; and reintroducing missing species wherever possible. 

“The world is changing before our eyes, raising lots of difficult questions. Finding answers to those questions is critical for people and nature – and we really hope that Birchfield and the Natural Capital Laboratory can play a part in that, potentially demonstrating the case for more rewilding, both in ecological and financial terms."

Network partner:

Carbeth Home Farm 

Location:

Balfron, Stirling

Website:

www.carbethhomefarm.co.uk

Area committed to rewilding and regenerative farming:

400 acres 

Description:

Carbeth Home Farm lies on the edge of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, fronting the picturesque river Endrick (designated a Special Area of Conservation for two species of lamprey and Atlantic salmon). The farm contains diverse habitats of pasture, mixed woodland and streams and is already home to a wide variety of bird life, including curlews, redshank and oystercatchers.  It has a long heritage as a progressive livestock farm, and in the custody of the current owners, has been a pioneer in soil health recovery.  It is now committed to a new focus on diversification, increasing biodiversity, carbon footprint reduction and community engagement.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

The farm plans to combine the best of regenerative farming and rewilding philosophies to deliver on its aims.  Specific plans include livestock diversification, and the introduction of conservation grazing using pigs and native cattle to manage pasture and woodland; restoring species-rich hay meadows for the benefit of pollinators and wading birds; allowing scrub to develop in areas formerly used for commercial forestry; implementation of an agro-forestry project involving the planting of fruit and nut trees; and working with neighbours to create a biodiversity-rich area in which wildlife can recover and spread. All of this will be undertaken within an overarching ethos of community engagement, specifically in terms of developing opportunities for education and mental health.

“Carbeth Home Farm is at a crossroads, with generational, climate and political shifts all  combining to create the conditions for inevitable change. Our goal is to maximise the biodiversity on our farm and to realise its full potential for carbon sequestration, while creating sustainable income and employment. We are excited to be part of this fast growing and hugely positive movement that has community at its heart, and thrilled to be a part of the Northwoods Rewilding Network.”

Zoe Shuttleworth

Image credit: L Martin

Network partner:

Location:

Area committed to rewilding:

60 acres

Website:

www.carryfarm.co.uk

Description:

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

The absence intensive agriculture has allowed considerable natural regeneration on the coastal heath – with mosaics of grassland, heather, gorse and birch. Conservation grazing is undertaken with donkeys and a small flock Hebridean sheep. Opportunities exist for creating additional water features on the heath to further enhance biodiversity, facilitating pedestrian access through the ancient woodland, and taking steps to remove invasive plant species.

“It’s so rewarding to see our guests enjoying the heath, the shore and the wildlife that we have worked so hard to encourage over the past 20 years. We are delighted with the nature regeneration and we look forward to further increasing the site’s biodiversity in the decade to come."

Network partner:

Location:

Ardlamont, Argyll & Bute

Area committed to rewilding:

100 acres

Description:

Cnocan a Chorra (which means “little hill of the crane” in gaelic) is a working woodland and market garden at the south western tip of the Cowal peninsula, with impressive views over to the Isle of Arran.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

When it was acquired in 2014, Cnocan a Chorra consisted of heavily grazed pasture and spruce monoculture.  In the pasture zone, there are now plans for conservation grazing, the planting of a forest garden, as well as the establishment of hedges and shelterbelts to protect the market garden, create smaller pasture areas and encourage wildlife.  In the woodland zone, felling of the spruce plantation is now well underway – and it will ultimately by replaced with a diverse mosaic of ponds and leaky dams, grasslands, an augmented natural regeneration area, and mixed productive woodland planting.

“This lifestyle project is focused on woodland regeneration, food production, and wider biodiversity enhancement. We will measure our success by seeing a rich diversity of species and the extent to which we can inspire others to live more holistically with nature.”

Network partner:

Comrie Croft

Location:

Comrie, Perth & Kinross

Website:

www.comriecroft.com

Area committed to rewilding:

213 acres

Description:

Comrie Croft has a commanding view overlooking upper Strathearn. The site was previously a livestock farm and a commercial conifer plantation. Now its upper ground is a mosaic of heather and scots pine, oak and birch woodlands. Comrie Croft is home to one of Scotland's leading nature-based tourism businesses, focused around mountain biking and eco-camping. The site also features permaculture crofting, regenerative farming and several thriving community enterprise ventures.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

Assist woodland and wildlife recovery across the site through tree planting and the selective removal of non-native species - while simultaneously highlighting the importance of integrating people into a rewilded landscape by continuing to demonstrate successful nature-based tourism.

“Comrie Croft aims to become a model for rural regeneration. A rich natural environment  should include people, homes, recreation and businesses as an integral part. It’s great to be part of a network that can help us do that.”

Andrew Donaldson, Director

Network partner:

Location:

Area committed to rewilding:

91 acres

Description:

Denmarkfield has a majestic view overlooking the river Tay just north of Perth. It lies on the site of an ancient battle that played a key role in shaping medieval Scotland; and clues to its historic past can still be seen in the landscape. Until recently, it operated as a conventional arable farm, but the encroachment of urban infrastructure and housing developments in the area has prompted the owners to pursue a wilder, more nature-centric approach - one that will benefit both people and wildlife. Ellie Corsie, a dedicated rewilding manager, has been appointed to oversee the transition. 

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

Existing plans include terminating intensive arable farming; ending the use of agricultural chemicals; exposing field drains to re-establish lost water features (shallow burns and scrapes); creating a mosaic of woodland, scrub and open glades; exploring the use of highland cattle and pigs for soil disturbance and conservation grazing; managing south facing slopes for insects by creating a patchwork of species-rich grasslands, flowering scrub and exposed earth;  and minimizing the use of internal fencing, in order to facilitate wildlife movement. 

“As urban centres expand outward, nature is inevitably squeezed. We want to ensure that nature still has a place – at the least on the land under our custodianship. We are pleased to be able to help the land at Denmarkfield follow a more natural course. This will be our legacy to future generations.” 

Network partner:

Drumadoon Farm

Location:

Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran

Area committed to rewilding:

550 acres

Description:

Drumadoon Farm is situated on the south western coast of the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde (and Clyde bio-region). It consists of traditional farmland, dramatic coastal cliffs and shoreline, extensive scrub, woodlands and heather moor. With only a small part of the land farmed, it is no longer economically viable for agriculture. The true value of the location lies in its stunning geology, archaeology, historic monuments, nature and wildlife. Most of the land is classified as an SSSI, SPA, or Scheduled Monument, and the surrounding sea is a Marine Protected Area.

The site contains sea caves (including the historic King’s Cave), a 1km long neolithic cursus, Bronze Age hut circles and a large Iron Age hill fort on top of the sea cliffs. Seals and otters are regularly seen along the shoreline, as well as occasional sightings of dolphins and basking sharks. The sea cliffs are an important nesting site for many species of sea birds. The hill and moorland are home to red deer, short-eared owls, buzzards, kestrels and hen harriers, and barn owls live in the farm buildings.

Key Rewilding actions to be undertaken:

Most of the farmland has been left to its own devices for the last 30 years and has started the rewilding process by itself.  The owners plan to cease all use of herbicides and pesticides, remove the last internal fences and manage the upper land by the introduction of free-roaming native cattle. We will encourage greater freedom for natural processes to shape the landscape by replacing the forest plantations with native trees and add water features to benefit wildlife.  Regenerative tourism will be the economic driver of our rewilding plans, with guests being encouraged to switch off from the modern world, reconnect with nature, and participate in our rewilding, archaeological, wildlife and conservation projects.

“Drumadoon offers a unique opportunity to combine rewilding, archaeology and regenerative tourism to showcase how we can rethink and live with nature in a more sustainable way. By ‘taking a step back,’ we want to explore earlier and historic land practices to see if can ‘relearn’ better ways to co-exist in a natural landscape, as well as to inspire others and build new bridges between communities.”

David Bennett, owner

Network partner:

Feochaig Wood

Location:

Campbelltown, Argyll & Bute

Area committed to rewilding:

97 acres

Description:

Feochaig Wood occupies a dramatic clifftop setting on the eastern side of the Kintyre peninsula, looking out to the Isle of Arran and the Ayrshire coast. The commercial conifer plantation that grew on the land was felled almost twenty years ago. Since that time, nature has bounded back, leaving a fantastic mosaic mix of heather, grassland, scots pine, rowan, hazel, and bramble, and in which wildlife is thriving. Along a shady watercourse, a few ancient fern and moss-covered hazels bear testimony to an even earlier era when this coast was home to a rainforest.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

Whilst Feochaig Wood is already well-established on its rewilding journey, it offers a valuable opportunity to help the Atlantic rainforest re-emerge on the Mull of Kintyre. A commitment has been made to plant 3000 native broadleaves of local provenance in two previously clear-felled areas.  By opening paths to these locations through the currently impenetrable vegetation, Feochaig's custodians hope to raise awareness of the ecological consequences of land management decisions. Witnessing rewilding in action – even on a small scale – provides opportunities for interaction with nature and can have an important role to play in human health. Other plans include a comprehensive ecological survey and exploring the provision of a low-impact wildlife observation hide. 

“Managing such a special site and helping nudge it towards its full ecological potential is an enormous privilege. It’s my heartfelt wish to see Feochaig Wood make a tangible contribution to its visitors' wellbeing and nurture in future generations an appreciation for the great outdoors."

Network partner:

Location:

Portavadie, Argyll & Bute

Area committed to rewilding:

365 acres

Description:

Glenan wood is a perfect example of Atlantic oak woodland – the temperate (and now rare) rainforest habitat that the once covered much of Scotland’s west coast. It is home to majestic oaks and an abandoned village, and from its higher slopes, there are impressive views of the Kintyre peninsula and the mountains of Arran.   The woodland was purchased from Forestry Commission Scotland in 2016 by Friends of Glenan Wood. A community ranger is now employed to coordinate environmental and heritage activities and maintain the precious woodland habitat. 

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

In common with other surviving parcels of Scotland’ rainforest, the woodland habitat at Glenan is threatened by over-grazing by deer and the proliferation of non-native plant species. Plans exist to create ‘deer exclosures’ – segregated areas where seedlings can successfully grow and the forest understory can recover. Work has also begun to eradicate rhododendron and sitka spruce from within the forest – as well as to explore the multiple community benefits that the woodland can provide. 

“Glenan Wood faces challenges on several fronts, but with appropriate funding, it can become an exemplar of pristine Atlantic oak woodland once again -  and simultaneously provide opportunities for community enterprise and environmental education.”

Network partner:

Kinkell Byre

Location:

St Andrews, Fife

Website:

www.kinkellbyre.com

Area committed to rewilding:

93 acres

Description:

A former livestock and arable farm, now a family-run events venue, in the process of developing an ecotourism accommodation business.  Kinkell Byre is situated on a dramatic cliff top location on the Fife coast close to the historic university town of St Andrews with spectacular views over the Bay.  The rewilding project encompasses both farmland and a unique coastal habitat that is accredited as a site of special scientific interest. 

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

Kinkell Byre’s rewilding project aims to expand abundance and diversity of wildlife species; reduce nutrient loading in the soil; introduce free-roaming, native cattle and ponies; establish native trees, hedgerows, and wildflower meadows; enhance water features to benefit wildlife; and encourage greater freedom for natural processes to shape the landscape.

“I’d love to see Kinkell Byre the centre of large, connected network of ecologically rich land. Community participation and education are that heart of our rewilding project, and through attracting visitors, we to hope to benefit the business and encourage other landowners to come on this journey.” 

Rory Fyfe, Owner

Network partner:

Location:

Highland

Area committed to rewilding:

63 acres

Description:

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

“It will be at least a decade, if not two, before the land at Moormore is a functioning natural forest again. As an extension to the high quality neighbouring forest habitat, our ambition is that Moormore will provide a home for red squirrels, wildcats, crested tits and capercaillie once again. Anything that we can do now to create a species-rich woodland for the future is of the utmost importance.”

Network partner:

Location:

Stirling

Area committed to rewilding:

75 acres

Description:

Old Sauchiemill forms part of a former estate located in undulating countryside outside Stirling. The land consists of organically managed pasture, newly planted native woodland, an early nineteenth-century walled garden, and at its centre, the historic Howietown Fishery - a key location in the development of aquaculture and a site rich in Victorian heritage. The ponds and surrounding wetlands provide considerable nature recovery potential, but the site also contains abandoned infrastructure which poses a risk to wildlife.  Remedial work is now underway to remove all remaining wildlife hazards, to faithfully restore the Victorian heritage of the site and to create a Nature Reserve on the entire land parcel where all fauna and flora can thrive.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

Undertaking a full clean-up of all hazardous material, litter and redundant fencing which poses a danger to wildlife; creating new habitat through construction of a ‘stumpery’; planting hedgerows and enriching riparian edges; sowing wildflowers, removing invasive plants, and planting an orchard; restoring the historic walled garden, fishery and mill-building; and generally taking all possible steps to create a secure and species-rich haven for wildlife.

“The current state of the land bears testimony to the neglect of this historically important heritage site and a sad disregard for the well-being of its wildlife. I am determined to put that right - and to ensure that both nature and human heritage are given the respect that they are due.” 

Network partner:

Upper Brae of Cultulich Farm

Location:

Aberfeldy, Perth & Kinross

Area committed to rewilding:  

101 acres

Description:  

Upper Brae farm sits high on a hillside with stunning views over Strath Tay. The land consists of a diverse range of woodlands and open pasture that already provide good wildlife habitat.   The land began its rewilding journey over 20 years ago under the stewardship of the elder generation. It is now largely governed by natural processes and requires only very limited intervention.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

The removal of sheep from the property in 2020 and the current focus on conservation grazing with native cattle are likely to increase biodiversity. Light touch restoration actions (such as removal of redundant fencing and additional tree planting) will seek to expand and diversify the existing pasture and woodland mosaics.

“We hope for Upper Brae to continue to provide a home for increasing numbers and a greater diversity of wildlife. We have a head-start in this, thanks to my father’s work, and it will be interesting to see how far we can go. As a family we intend to make the farm part of a viable business as well as providing most, if not all, of our nutritional needs. We will not use any chemicals on the farm. Soil health and insect abundance are top priorities. From there - the rest will follow.”

Duncan Pepper   

Network partner:

Location:

Kirkmichael, Perth & Kinross

Area committed to rewilding:

65 acres

Description:

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken: 

“We aim to work with natural processes to bolster bio-diversity and ecological complexity while simultaneously building soil and producing food and woodland products sustainably. Through engagement and education, we hope we may inspire others to make similar journeys of their own.”