NRN PARTNER: Abriachan Forest Trust

ABRIACHAN FOREST TRUST

Location:
Abriachan, Highland
Area Committed:
123 acres

Abriachan is a small highland community, situated in an elevated position, on the western side of the Great Glen and centred around Loch Laide. The community purchased 540 hectares of forest and open hill ground in 1998, and which has since been managed by the Abriachan Forest Trust. The Trust manages the land for the benefit of the community and nature, running a forest school, managing an extensive network of paths and bike trails, and encouraging public use and appreciation of nature.

Key rewilding commitments:

  • MORE NATIVE WOODLAND:  Plant native tree and scrub species, prioritising aspen. Increase the number of enclosed, wooden ‘seed islands’; and explore the setting up a native tree nursery.
  • MORE SPACE FOR WATER: Create new ponds and scrapes (and enlarge existing ones); explore installation of leaky dams.
  • RETURN MISSING SPECIES: Investigate a beaver translocation project.
  • CONNECT WITH COMMUNITIES: Hold educational events with specific reference to aspen and beaver reintroduction.