NRN PARTNER: Ballintean Farm

BALLINTEAN FARM

Location:
Glenfeshie, Kingussie, Highland
Area Committed:
120 acres

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 commitments:

  • MORE NATIVE WOODLAND: Continue expansion of native woodland and scrub communities, through natural regeneration and working with neighbours to increase habitat restoration in river and surrounding woodlands.
  • MORE SPACE FOR WATER: Install leaky dams to create new wet woodland areas.
  • JOINED UP HABITATS: Remove all remaining redundant internal fences.
  • REINSTATE NATURAL GRAZING: Introduce of a small number of heavy grazers (cattle/horses) to impact grassland and woodland structure.

"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

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