NRN PARTNER: Lochend Croft

LOCHEND CROFT

Location:
Girlsta, Shetland
Area Committed:
400 acres

This Northwoods site consists of three crofting parcels in the vicinity of Loch of Girlsta and Loch of Strom. A significant area of peatland on the site has been sensitively restored, helping retain water and sequester carbon; and there are plans for more peatland restoration going forward.  Shetland is largely devoid of trees, but pollen grains found in the peat show that this was not always the case.  The owners of Lochend Croft are already taking bold steps to rehabilitate Shetland-provenance trees, and through the introduction of native cattle and other measures, to improve biodiversity across the site.

Key rewilding commitments:

  • MORE NATIVE WOODLAND: Increase woodland cover across the croft sites by planting Shetland provenance trees, especially montane species.
  • MORE SPACE FOR WATER: Restore remaining peatland that remains degraded, and utilise leaky dams to increase standing water for the benefit of invertebrates.
  • WILDER RIVERS: Explore opportunities for riparian planting and re-wiggling a straightened watercourse.
  • RETURN MISSING SPECIES: Explore installation of an osprey breeding platform.
  • REINSTATE NATURAL GRAZING: Expand Highland Cattle population (with ‘nextgen collars’; introduce new species of pasture plants to increase grassland biodiversity.
  • CREATE REWILDING BUSINESS: Establish a nursery focusing on Shetland-provenance trees and wildflower seed.

'With the existing peatland restoration, we have made a good start on our nature recovery journey. I would like to see these crofts become an exemplar of good nature recovery practice, with native tree and plants and increasing biodiversity, that can hopefully inspire others.'

Logan Johnson