NRN PARTNER: Broughdearg

BROUGHDEARG

Location:
Glenshee, Tayside
Area Committed:
1026 acres

Broughdearg (meaning ‘red river bank’) is an historic settlement in Glenshee, just within the southern boundary of the Cairngorms National Park. The landholding consists of pasture in the floodplain of the Shee Water, and above that, hill ground that was formerly managed as part of a traditional upland sporting estate. The ruins of limekilns, ancient roundhouses and shielings provide insight into past human occupation. Regenerating birch woodland and copses of mature Scots pines hint at the possibilities if nature is once again allowed to thrive.

Key rewilding commitments:

  • MORE NATIVE WOODLAND: Drive natural woodland regeneration by excluding sheep and reducing red deer density
  • MORE SPACE FOR WATER: Look for opportunities to increase standing water (through leaky dams and wetland creation) to benefit invertebrates and other wildlife
  • WILDER RIVERS: Undertake planting of native tree species (alder, aspen, willow, rowan etc) to improve riparian habitats, increase shade and moderate river temperatures
  • JOINED UP HABITATS: Replace existing wire fence lines with irregular hedgerows of native tree species
  • LET NATURE LEAD: Cease predator control, cease muirburn, remove non-native conifer species, encourage natural woodland regeneration
  • REINSTATE NATURAL GRAZING: Introduce cattle (with electronic collars), ponies and pigs, all at low densities, for associated ecosystem benefits