Trees for Life: Rewilding the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the UK, yet much of their original natural splendor has been lost over centuries. Trees for Life, a dedicated conservation charity, is working to reverse this trend through rewilding—a conservation approach focused on restoring natural processes and wilderness areas to boost biodiversity and combat climate change.
By focusing on the restoration of native woodlands and the return of indigenous wildlife, the organization aims to create a resilient ecosystem that supports nature, the climate, and local communities through job creation and re-peopling efforts.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1986 (Registered as an independent charity in 1993).
- Primary Goal: To restore the Caledonian Forest and native wildlife in the Scottish Highlands.
- Major Acquisition: The 4,100-hectare Dundreggan Estate in Glenmoriston.
- Key Achievement: The return of breeding golden eagles in 2020 for the first time in 40 years.
- Global Recognition: The Affric Highlands initiative was recommended for UN flagship status in 2022.
- Annual Revenue: £4,162,000 (2023).
The Journey of Restoration
The vision for Trees for Life began in 1986 when Alan Watson Featherstone founded the project under the Findhorn Foundation. Practical conservation work commenced in 1989, followed by the first volunteer week in 1991, before the organization transitioned into an independent registered charity in 1993.
A central focus of their mission is the Caledonian Forest, the ancient pinewoods that once covered vast areas of Scotland. The charity has focused heavily on Glen Affric, where some of the most critical fragments of this forest survived. To expand their impact, Trees for Life purchased the 4,100-hectare (10,000-acre) Dundreggan Estate in Glenmoriston in August 2008, marking one of the largest land purchases for forest restoration in the United Kingdom.
Expanding the Reach
While initial efforts were concentrated in Glen Cannich, the charity's influence has grown through strategic partnerships. In Glen Affric, they collaborate with the National Trust for Scotland and Forestry and Land Scotland. Other key areas of operation include Achnashellach and Corrimony, where they work alongside the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Innovation and Global Impact
In April 2023, the organization opened the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. As the first center of its kind in the world, it serves as a hub for education and action within the Dundreggan Estate, supporting the long-term goal of transforming the area into a wild landscape of diverse natural forest cover.
Beyond individual estates, the Affric Highlands initiative represents a 30-year collaborative effort between Trees for Life and Rewilding Europe. This ambitious project focuses on restoring riverside habitats, peatlands, and woodlands. The significance of this work was recognized in June 2022, when the Scottish and UK governments recommended Affric Highlands for UN flagship status.
Organization Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | The Park, Findhorn Bay, Forres, Moray, Scotland |
| Region Served | Scottish Highlands |
| Legal Status | Registered Charity (SC021303) |
| Key Partners | Rewilding Europe, RSPB, National Trust for Scotland |
| Major Site | Dundreggan Estate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of Trees for Life?
The primary goal is to rewild the Scottish Highlands by restoring the Caledonian Forest and bringing back native wildlife to create a diverse, wild landscape.
What is the Dundreggan Estate?
Purchased in 2008, the Dundreggan Estate is a 4,100-hectare area in Glenmoriston used for large-scale forest restoration and is home to the world's first Rewilding Centre.
What is the Affric Highlands initiative?
Affric Highlands is a 30-year collaboration between Trees for Life and Rewilding Europe aimed at restoring peatlands, woodlands, and riverside habitats in the Highlands.
Which wildlife species has recently returned to the area?
In 2020, golden eagles returned to breed at the rewilding estate for the first time in 40 years.
How does rewilding benefit people?
Rewilding supports people by creating new jobs in conservation and supporting the re-peopling of rural Highland areas.