Our goals
Rewilding one hundred acres in the Highlands of Scotland, near Loch Ness, planted as a small commercial forest and with some remaining areas of ancient woodland. We aim to restore the native forest, peat bog, funga, reintroduce locally extinct species and inspire people to connect with the environment
Photo © Chris Coupland Photography
The Project
We’re using the IUCN CEM rewilding principles and working alongside our partners to run a living laboratory which will:
- Test innovative approaches for capturing data on social and environmental change using technology such as drones, AI and remote sensing technologies
- Develop a ‘capital accounting framework’ recording, quantifying and valuing the environmental and social changes on the site
- Create engaging ways of communicating the findings and the benefits of rewilding such as virtual reality and digital platforms
Milica Apostolovic, Michael Aquilina and Vikki Smith at AECOM, lead the project
Our partners:
AECOM, a world-class, Fortune 500, infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to programme and construction management. AECOM’S purpose is to deliver a better world through its unrivalled technical expertise and innovation, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities
The Lifescape Project is a charity set up to design and undertake conservation projects supporting wildlife, transforming landscapes, and helping to provide a future for all life. Lifescape focuses on ambitious projects looking at new ways of solving complex problems and bringing together the skills and expertise of the public, private, and academic sectors. At the heart of all of Lifescape’s projects is a commitment to delivering environmental, social, and economic sustainability in order to make sure the benefits to wildlife are lasting
Crosscut Forestry was established in 2007 as a professional consultancy to provide forestry advice and management services to a diverse range of clients throughout the North of Scotland and beyond. Crosscut aims to work with clients in a friendly, positive and inclusive manner, helping them to deliver their objectives in a sustainable and cost-effective way.
Crosscut has developed long lasting and stable working relationships with many of its clients. With over 50 years of combined experience in woodland management, Crosscut’s team has an excellent track record of delivering projects on time. Cameron Ross leads the Crosscut team
The University of Cumbria has a strong commitment to restoration and sustainability. In 2020, it was ranked eighth worldwide and first in the UK for Quality Education by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in an assessment of universities’ impact against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. ‘Real world impact’ is core to research activity within the UoC Institute of Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies. Its research team specialises in environmental research applied through community level partnerships and national and international stakeholders to understand key challenges at regional, national and global levels. Professor Ian Convery, PhD and his colleagues, Professor Volker Deecke, PhD, Dr Darrell Smith, PhD and Sally Hawkins PhD candidate, lead the UoC team
Northwoods Rewilding Network, which exists to create more nature-rich, ecologically-restored land across Scotland and is part of Scotland: The Big Picture
Artist in residence program
We believe art and creativity are vitally important. Our project includes an artistic component. We’re always looking for artists and creative people who wish to spend some time in nature creating their work. If you’re interested contact us
- Singer song-writer, EVER, was our first artist in residence, writing much of her 2020 album on site
Vegan ethics are a fundamental part of our ethos
We ask everyone who stays on site to consume only plant-based foods
Events
We run events from time to time, when possible
Follow us on social media for all up to date event information