News
Ancient Caledonian pinewood that has withstood deforestation and fire and is now at the centre of restoration efforts around Loch Arkaig.
The woodland in Glen Maillie is a relic of Scotland’s fragmented Rainforest, and supports critical biodiversity, including some of the world’s rarest byrophytes and lichens.
Despite a military training accident, in which a fire tore through the woodland, among the burnt trunks there remains an expansive mix of ancient trees and young seedlings, which are currently suppressed by browsing from red deer. The Estate aim to reduce this browsing pressure and support natural regeneration, initially with the support of deer fencing, and the first phase is now nearing completion.
Expanding native woodland is part of ambitious plans to support ecological recovery across the Loch Arkaig catchment, from loch to mountain top. Delivering projects at such scale cannot be achieved without significant financial backing and, with the support of funding from the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS), supported by NatureScot in partnership with the National Lottery, the Estate are currently exploring private investment to help deliver this vision.
Thanks to National Lottery players.
A new hide has just been completed on the hillside above Cheanna Mhuir, approx 8km along Loch Arkaig, watching the wildlife on Arkaigside but in particular the Sea Eagles that now call Loch Arkaig home.
In the summer of 2015 one of the chicks on the nest was identified as having swallowed some fihing lures during the annual monitoring and ringing project. The chick was removed from the nest, operated on to remove the lures and successfully returned to the nest.
You can follow this story on our facebook page Achnacarry Facebook