Major plan to plant 10,000 trees near Loch Ness
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RARE Highland wildlife is to be supported with the creation of a new forest habitat near Loch Ness that could also provide a wider tourism boost.
A total of 10,000 rare trees are to be planted as part of the effort by charity Trees for Life to create a habitat known as montane scrub at its Dundreggan Conservation Estate in Glenmoriston.
Once common between woodland and open hills it has largely disappeared from Scotland thanks to over-grazing by sheep and deer.
Golden eagles and mountain hares are among the species expected to benefit from the work of planting the thousands of waist-high trees including dwarf birch and downy willow at the site 500 metres above sea level which includes precipitous mountain ledges and rocky crags. Planting is due to start in the spring.
“This exciting initiative will address the sad loss of these special wee trees, which form a vital but vanishing part of Scotland’s woodlands – while creating a home for golden eagle, black and red grouse, ring ouzel, and mountain hare,” Trees for Life’s chief executive Steve Micklewright said.
Willie Cameron, business development manager for the Drumnadrochit-based Cobbs group who travels the world promoting the Highlands, welcomed the initiative as a potential boost for visitor numbers.
“To create a habitat for wildlife to thrive I think is an absolutely brilliant idea,” he said.
“It will be a great addition to the tourist facilities that are here already.
“The area is obviously very famous for one wildlife member in particular anyway, so the more friends to help Nessie the better.
“I think it’s a great idea and is definitely something to be welcomed.”
Trees for Life has been awarded a grant by Forestry Commission Scotland for the project and has also launched a public appeal to raise £20,000 to allow them to collect more seeds and cuttings to support the project into the future.
To donate see www.treesforlife.org.uk/appeal or call 01309 691292.
