NRN PARTNER: Isle of Carna

ISLE OF CARNA

Location:
Glenborrodale, Highland
Area Committed:
600 acres

The Isle of Carna lies in Loch Sunart, a giant’s stepping-stone between Morvern and the Ardnamurchan peninsula. It provides a rich tapestry of habitats – Atlantic oakwoods, birchwood, peatland, heather moorland, saltmarsh and coastline. The island is managed as a multi-stakeholder social enterprise that aims to enhance marine and terrestrial habitats, improve sustainability, and benefit the local economy and surrounding communities. The intensive sheep grazing of former times has been replaced with low intensity cattle grazing, helping to drive native woodland recovery and an increase in floral diversity. Two off-grid self-catering cottages provide a source of tourism revenue.

Key rewilding commitments:

  • MORE NATIVE WOODLAND: Facilitate woodland regeneration by maintaining pressure on red deer population.
  • MORE SPACE FOR WATER: Explore installation of grips / leaky dams to rewet peatland and increase carbon sequestration.
  • LET NATURE LEAD: Remove all non-native rhododendron ponticum and sitka spruce to avoid further colonisation.
  • REINSTATE NATURAL GRAZING: Introduce monitoring collars for better tracking of wild grazing cattle.
  • CONNECT WITH COMMUNITIES: Roll-out “Carna Hope Weeks” as a replicable model of community interaction to inspire young people.

“The Isle of Carna is a really special place. As we help its nature to heal, it can help heal us, bringing real personal and community benefits.” 

Sarah Brooks, trustee