NRN PARTNER: Drummond Farm

DRUMMOND FARM

Location:
Dores, Highland
Area Committed:
1000 acres

This landholding above Loch Ness represents a truly exciting rewilding opportunity. It already contains diverse habitat mosaics: broadleaf and conifer woodlands; lochans, ponds and streams; species rich grasslands; juniper and gorse scrub, and wet and dry heath – all providing habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Key challenges remain in reducing the impact of non-native sika deer on woodland recovery, in improving connectivity across the site, and in ensuring that future nature recovery benefits are enjoyed by the local community.

Key rewilding commitments:

  • MORE NATIVE WOODLAND: Diversify the commercial forestry compartments by replanting some areas with broadleaves and ring barking some trees to provide deadwood.
  • MORE SPACE FOR WATER: Create at least two new ponds to increase the amount of standing water on site.
  • JOINED UP HABITATS: Improve connectivity by creating hedges and wild tree corridors at edges of linear fields, thereby helping to connect woodland and moor.
  • REINSTATE NATURAL GRAZING: Explore introducing native cattle (and possibly ponies) at low densities to undertake wild grazing across the landholding.
  • CONNECT WITH COMMUNITIES: Realise opportunities to engage with local communities (visitors and residents) to increase interactions with nature.
  • CREATE REWILDING BUSINESS: Explore opportunities for small scale sustainable forestry, food production and nature-based tourism.

“A unique opportunity exists to drive nature recovery on this amazing piece of land. We’re determined to leave an ecological legacy, one that benefits the next generation and the wider community” 

Iain and Candy Cameron, Owners