News
It is widely acknowledged that public funding alone is not sufficient to meet national climate and nature targets, and the Estate have been working to explore private finance mechanisms for delivering ambitious ecological recovery projects across the Loch Arkaig catchment. This work has been made possible by the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS), supported by NatureScot in partnership with the National Lottery. As we mark completion of a second round of FIRNS funding, we have compiled a short report to share some of the lessons learnt. If you would like further detail on anything described within the report, then please contact
A copy of the report can be downloaded from the following link
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.
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