Northwoods Rewilding Network | SCOTLAND: The Big Picture

WHAT IS THE NORTHWOODS REWILDING NETWORK?

The Northwoods Rewilding Network exists to create more nature-rich, ecologically-restored land across Scotland.

Through partnerships with landowners, managers and communities, we support and enable rewilding actions, underpinned by an agreed set of core principles.

As well as enabling real change on the ground, Northwoods seeks to demonstrate how rewilding can be applied across different scales and settings, and the range of benefits it can drive, for nature, climate and people.

Along the way, we will share our partners’ stories and the models emerging from their rewilding actions to inform and inspire others.

Over time, Northwoods will evolve into a chain of ecologically productive ‘stepping stones’, connecting habitats and allowing species to develop, expand and disperse.

More about Northwoods

Click on the links below for more information about the aims and principles underpinning the network, and what makes Northwoods different from other rewilding initiatives.

Key aims of the network

To increase the area of land committed to rewilding for the benefit of nature, climate and people.
To enable effective rewilding actions, grounded in best practice, to deliver positive ecological, environmental and socio-economic outcomes.
To demonstrate new models of land management and showcase the successes of our partners, leading to more rewilding actions across different settings.
To demonstrate the range of nature-based business opportunities rewilding can drive, promoting it as a viable option for small and medium-sized landowners.
To expand knowledge and understanding of the principles and benefits of rewilding.

What makes Northwoods different?

Focused on rewilding in Scotland, drawing on our region-specific knowledge
The network is focused on Scotland, enabling us to support land partners using our in-depth knowledge of Scottish species and habitats, and our hard-won understanding of the cultural and social context of land use change in Scotland.
Limited to medium-sized landholdings, with targeted selection of partners
Partnership is restricted to medium-sized (usually 50 to 1,000 acre) landholdings. We also consider geographic spread, location in relation to other rewilding activity, and type of land-use when selecting land partners, in order to maximise impact.
Supportive land partnerships with commitments on both sides
Our emphasis is on establishing formal partnerships with land owners and managers who want to commit to rewilding. We require partners to sign up to a set of commitments and principles underpinning the network, and offer a range of supporting activities in return.
Tailored, personal support and guidance to achieve the best results
These formal partnerships allow us to provide support that is responsive to the needs of partners in varied settings, with different aspirations and starting points. We help partners to interpret best practice and make decisions relevant to their situation for optimal results.
Showcasing and storytelling at the heart of the network
We believe passionately in the power of storytelling to influence opinion and bring about change. To help turn the tide for nature recovery in Scotland, we will share the stories and successes of our land partners, and take a wide audience along on their rewilding journeys.

Core rewilding principles

Establishment of new native woodland and enrichment of existing woodland.

Creation or restoration of peatlands, ponds and wetlands.

Naturalisation of watercourses and flood plains.

Removal of wildlife migration barriers and improvement of habitat connectivity.

Returning missing native species and/or expanding the range of existing species.

Revitalising natural processes such as vegetation succession, predator-prey interactions and nutrient cycling.

Establishment of natural grazing patterns.

Engagement with local communities to explore opportunities around recreation, education and employment.

Development of diverse and sustainable nature-based enterprise based on rewilding principles.

WHY IS NORTHWOODS NEEDED?

Scotland boasts some of the most successful and inspiring examples of rewilding at a landscape-scale across large estates. However, to address the dual emergencies of nature loss and climate breakdown, rewilding must also be accessible to smaller landholdings so they can contribute to ecological connectivity across the entire country.

We know from speaking to land managers and community groups across Scotland that despite aspirations to rewild, many feel they lack the knowledge of ecology and rewilding best practice to make the right choices. Concerns about funding, long-term sustainability and communication about rewilding can also hold landowners back from embracing change.

Northwoods exists to help a varied group of partners overcome these barriers, and in doing so, prove the power of rewilding at this scale to restore habitats, recover wildlife populations, mitigate climate change and support rural communities.

NORTHWOODS LAND PARTNERS

Who are our partners?

Our Northwoods partners are a group of progressive landowners and managers, representing a range of ownership models. Their varied stories, aspirations and activities help to demonstrate that even with consistent core principles, rewilding can look and feel quite different as it delivers positive ecological change.

Ardura Community Forest, Argyll & Bute

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

Argaty Red Kites, Stirling

Network partner:

Argaty Red Kites

Location:

Lerrocks Farm, Argaty, Doune, Stirling

Website:

www.argatyredkites.co.uk

Area committed to rewilding:

400 acres

Description:

A livestock farm in south Perthshire consisting of farmland, woodland, hill land and a series of ponds. Lerrocks Farm is a family run business focused on regenerative livestock farming, eco-tourism and sustainable self-catering accommodation. The farm is well-known to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers as the home to the famous Argaty Red Kite centre and for its bird and red squirrel watching hides. It has also been recognised as a Dragonfly Hotspot by the British Dragonfly Society.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

Creating habitat for vulnerable wildlife species, demonstrating the compatibility of rewilding and farming, planting native trees and wildflowers, creating ponds and generally creating suitable habitat to drive wildlife connectivity and the reinstatement of natural processes.

"We are passionately committed to both farming and rewilding, and hope that Argaty can be in the vanguard of both ecological recovery and rural enterprise in the area."

Tom Bowser, co-owner

Ballinlaggan Farm, Highland

Network partner:

Ballinlaggan

Location:

Carrbridge, Highland

Area committed to rewilding:

50 acres

Description:

Situated in the fertile floodplain of the River Dulnain in the Cairngorms National Park, this recently acquired land has been farmed for generations, most recently as grazing pasture for sheep. Bordered by the river, an extensive wetland, and both pine and broadleaved woodland, the new habitats being created on the farm have the potential to become important wildlife corridors connecting existing wildlife habitats.

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

Ballintean Farm, Highland

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

Bamff Wildland, Perth & Kinross

Network partner:

Bamff Wildland

Location:

Bamff Estate, Alyth, Perth & Kinross

Website:

www.bamff.land

Area committed to rewilding:

410 acres

Description:

A small estate in north east Perthshire consisting of farmland, woodland, wetland and hill. Bamff has a well-established ecotourism accommodation business. The estate is well-known for its fascinating beaver project and abundant wildlife, which attracts wildlife enthusiasts and experts throughout the year.

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

The replacement of sheep with native breeds of pigs, cattle and ponies; the removal of internal livestock fences; digging ponds and scrapes for wetland birds : planting native trees, thorny scrub and wildflowers; removing non-native species, creating habitat for vulnerable wildlife species, and generally extending and connecting biological corridors to facilitate the reinstatement of natural processes.

"With eighteen years of experience with beavers, we aim to be at the forefront of nature recovery in Scotland. Rewilding on a modest budget and working with people - through science, recreation, education and art - to share and communicate the exciting things that happen when nature is set free to flourish again."

Sophie Ramsay, Wild Land Manager, Bamff

Carbeth Home Farm, Stirling

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

Comrie Croft, Perth & Kinross

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

Drumadoon Farm, Arran, North Ayrshire

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

Kinkell Byre, Fife

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

Little Drumquharn Farm, Stirling

Network partner:

Little Drumquharn Farm

Location:

Balfron Station, Stirling

Area committed to rewilding:

153 acres

Description:

Little Drumquharn farm lies on a prominent meander on the Endrick Water, situated on the edge of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. The habitats on the site are diverse, consisting of parkland pasture, marsh, coniferous and deciduous woodland, extensive hedgerows and riparian meadows. The landholding contains both a Special Area for Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Key rewilding actions to be undertaken:

Encourage the re-establishment of natural processes though native woodland and hedgerow planting; maintaining deadwood in deciduous riparian woodlands to encourage birdlife and saprophytic invertebrates; replacement of intensive sheep grazing with rotational conservation grazing (with pigs, native cattle and possibly ponies); creating wildflower meadows and sowing seed crops for passerine birds; orchard planting and introduction of apiculture; ceasing use of herbicides, pesticides and anthelmintics; and generally taking practical steps to increase wildlife abundance and diversity through kick-starting natural processes.

“I grew up in this area and vividly remember fields brimming with wildflowers and teeming with butterflies, bees and grasshoppers. 30 years later those same fields are almost barren of wildlife. My vision for Little Drumquharn is to maximise biodiversity by restoring the landscape and creating habitats to allow wildlife to flourish.”

Julie McCallum, owner

Upper Brae of Cultulich Farm, Perth & Kinross

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

Becoming a Northwoods partner

Are you interested in rewilding your land, but not sure where to begin? Or rewilding already, and facing challenges you need help to solve? Could your story inspire others? Consider becoming a Northwoods Rewilding Network partner.

Network partners usually own or manage between 50 and 1,000 acres within Scotland, and are looking to commit some or all of this land to rewilding. On joining the network, partners sign up to a memorandum of understanding outlining the commitments on both sides, including the core rewilding principles that underpin the network.

Drawing on the rewilding knowledge and expertise we have in the SCOTLAND: The Big Picture team and within our reach, Northwoods delivers tailored support with a strong emphasis on:

Application of rewilding best practice
Support with accessing expert advice and making the right scientific and practical choices for individual landholdings and landowner aspirations.
Financial and business development support
Collaborating with partners to expand their income streams, access funding, and develop nature-based business opportunities to sustain their rewilding.
Communications and storytelling resources
Supporting partners to share and showcase their work to a wide audience, and engage with local communities to demonstrate the benefits of rewilding.

Request a partner prospectus

Frequently asked questions

SUPPORTING NORTHWOODS

The Northwoods Rewilding Network is an opportunity to stitch back together a complex and colourful tapestry of life across our nature depleted landscapes. A mosaic of restored habitats will also store more carbon, reduce flooding, clean our air and water, and help sustain vibrant communities.

You can play a crucial role in transforming Scotland’s nature by helping to expand the network and maximise its impact.

DONATE

Northwoods relies on the support of individuals and organisations who share our vision for nature recovery. Donate to enable more rewilding.

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