NRN PARTNER: Gartcharron Farm

GARTCHARRON FARM

Location:
Ardfern, Argyll & Bute
Area Committed:
100 acres

Gartcharron Farm, on the Craignish peninsula, has some of the most dramatic coastal views in the Northwoods network. It boasts an exceptionally high habitat diversity from salt marsh and blanket bog to extensive grasslands and fragments of Atlantic oak woodland clinging to the peninsula’s rocky spine. The landholding also takes in the southern end of the enchanting Loch Mhic Mhàirtein. As in much of Scotland’s west coast, red deer, rhododendron ponticum, self-seeding Sitka spruce and dominating bracken are challenges to ecosystem recovery.

Key rewilding commitments:

  • MORE NATIVE WOODLAND: Broadleaf woodland expansion through planting and encouraging natural regeneration covering 100 acres.
  • RETURN MISSING SPECIES: Explore return of missing native vegetation such as aspen.
  • LET NATURE LEAD: Remove rhododendron and self-seeding Sitka spruce.
  • REINSTATE NATURAL GRAZING: Substantively replace sheep stock with outwintered cattle carrying GPS collars.

'Our focus is on increasing biodiversity in alignment with agroecological farming practice. We are mindful always of the need to bring community benefit and act according to the principles of social justice.' 

Arthur Hobhouse, owner