Scottish rewilding initiative launches as new independent charity
The charity, which includes local people and landowners, aims to protect and recover peatlands, rivers and forests.
It has operated as a joint venture led by Trees for Life with support and advice from Rewilding Europe.
Its efforts will also focus on sustainable fishing, farming, timber and wildlife tourism to create a network of businesses supported by rewilding and supporting the environment further.
READ MORE: Pro-republic rally returns to Edinburgh this weekend
Affric Highland looks to cover more than 700 square miles of connected landholdings from Loch Ness to Kintail on the west coast, with the charity's area is centred on Glen Affric in Beauly.
Stephanie Kiel, Affric Highlands's executive director, said: 'Affric Highlands is a community focused vision of hope.
'It's hugely inspiring to be setting out as a new charity on this ambitious 30-year journey to take large-scale nature recovery to a new level.
'We want to create new opportunities and real benefits for local landowners, communities and rural economies, so nature, people and livelihoods can all thrive together.'
A statesman from the charity added: "The region is stunningly beautiful but largely ecologically damaged, with much land degraded following centuries of deforestation and overgrazing.
"The globally unique Caledonian forest has been reduced to isolated fragments. Damage to peatlands means they are emitting rather than absorbing carbon. Lochs and rivers are depleted of salmon.
"This damage to the natural world means the region now supports fewer people than it could – limiting people's opportunities for sustainable land-based jobs, and undermining sustainable agriculture which depends on functioning natural processes."
The charity's partnerships cover 58,000 hectares of land curated by 19 local landowners. The individual landholdings are free to decide what benefits their land so solutions can be tailored to the landscape's specific needs.
Trees For Life has been aiding Affric Highlands since the 1990s.
The charity's chief executive, Steve Micklewright (above), said: 'Affric Highlands's success so far has brought us to the point where it can now begin a new era as an independent charity.
'This is fantastic news for breathing new life into the Highlands through rewilding.'
Trees For Life cares for a 10,000-acre estate in Dundreggan, Glenmoriston which is where the world's first rewilding centre was founded – Dundreggan Rewilding Centre.
They have pushed for planting native tree species like the Scots pine in Glen Affric which has brought wildlife back to its former home
Affric Highlands became the ninth member of Rewilding Europe's coalition of rewilding sites in September 2021.
Frans Schepers, Rewilding Europe's executive director, said Affric Highlands will 'enrich the social fabric and wildlife of these glens and hills, while inspiring the growth of landscape-scale rewilding across Europe too'.
Rewilding Europe covers ecologically precious areas such as the Danube Delta, Romania's Southern Carpathians and the Iberian Highlands in Spain.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
20 hours ago
- The National
Teen trapped in Gaza launches fundraiser to study in Glasgow
Ibrahim Alghorane was given an unconditional offer to study software engineering at the prestigious university, but is unable to afford the student fees, accommodation, and the costs of getting to Scotland. Ibrahim, 19, has documented on Instagram how his life has been completely changed since the attacks of October 7, 2023. He shares the daily struggles his family have to endure just to survive while living in Gaza under Israel's brutal retaliation, which legal experts say amounts to genocide. In one post, he wrote: 'Our house vanished under the rubble in a single second. We spread a torn tent on a cold pavement for shelter. READ MORE: Leading academics call on Labour to overturn Palestine Action ban 'The toys of our childhood and the family photos melted in the flames, and the smell of smoke stays alive as proof of what we have lost.' His father died in 2023 and his mother in June this year after an eight-year battle with brain cancer. Under constant bombardment and forced starvation by the Israeli military, Ibrahim lives with his five siblings: Tasneem, 28, Abdullah, 25, Ahmad, 22, and twins Mohammad and Yahya, both 14. His brother Abdullah has a tumor in his brain, frequent seizures, severe pancreatic dysfunction, and irregular heartbeats, while Mohammad suffers from Behcet syndrome and needs immuno-suppressing pills. In a post on one of the fundraisers set up by Ibrahim, he wrote: 'Despite the ruin, we carry torn books and big dreams. 'I study software engineering, Ahmad business administration, Abdullah civil engineering, but the university fees are a sword over our necks. 'We have no coin to pay the fees or even buy a new pen, and the twins are banned from school for the same reasons. No regular electricity, no reliable internet, no safe desks.' Ibrahim had applied for the Dima al Haj scholarship offered by the University of Glasgow, which would have granted him student accommodation, free tuition fees and £5000 for the academic year, but he was unsuccessful. (Image: Newsquest) He is now calling for the university to waive his student fees and to help secure his safe arrival to Scotland. Ibrahim's plea has been backed by Scots and others from across the world, with more than 33,000 people signing a letter calling on Glasgow University to waive his student fees. More than $10,000 has been raised so far to help him achieve his dream of becoming a software engineer. Earlier this week, Ibrahim shared a short video on Instagram where he showed the ruins of his home in Gaza. (Image: Ibrahim Alghorane) Explaining why he needs donations to make it to Scotland, he said: 'Surrounded by destruction, we try to survive every day. 'No safe shelter, no peace – just broken homes and shattered lives. But we are still here. Still holding on. Still hoping for a way out.' You can donate to Ibrahim's fundraiser here, and you can sign the letter here, which calls on the University of Glasgow to waive his fees. A University of Glasgow spokesperson said: 'As a University of Sanctuary, we recognise the desperate situation for students in Gaza who have applied for UK universities, including Glasgow. 'The University currently offers a number of scholarships for Palestinian nationals and has recently committed to further funding this year to support conflict-affected applicants. We will continue to consider additional support for displaced students."
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Expert's six top tips for Scots pupils if exam results DIDN'T go your way – you could end up better off
A college boss gave his six top tips for your exam results GRADE EXPECTATIONS Expert's six top tips for Scots pupils if exam results DIDN'T go your way – you could end up better off Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AS Scots across the country look at how to make the most of their exam results, one education leader is urging them to see their grades as a springboard to success. After enjoying the summer holidays, 147,000 students learned their grades for Nationals, Highers and Advanced Highers. 4 Six top tips were given to kids getting their results today Credit: PA 4 Robin Ashton, Vice Principal of Curriculum and Quality at Glasgow Kelvin College gave his top tips for youngsters getting their exam results today Credit: Supplied 4 School drop out Liv Conlon, from Bothwell, became a millionaire and is now running two seven-figure businesses after moving to Marbella in Spain Credit: Liv Conlon It can be an incredibly stressful time for those who didn't get the marks they wanted, and National Opportunity Day — launched by Glasgow Kelvin College in 2023 to celebrate the chances open to everybody — reminds young people that there are plenty of exciting routes into work, training and further studies. Whether you're buzzing with results or unsure of your next step, Robin Ashton, Vice Principal of Curriculum and Quality, wants youngsters to be reassured. He said: 'Colleges are here to help every learner find their path. Exam results are important, but they're just one moment. What matters is using that moment to explore the possibilities and take the next step.' It's advice that Liam, from North Lanarkshire, knows works. He left school at 16 to take up a construction apprenticeship — but quickly realised life on the tools wasn't for him. Liam, 20, said: 'I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do but it just wasn't the right fit. 'Once I heard about Graduate Apprenticeships, I knew I had to get the right qualifications and experience and go for it.' He enrolled in an HNC in Civil Engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College, before applying to Glasgow Caledonian University for a Graduate Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying. He beat 75 other applicants to land the role, and is now working with McTaggart Group four days a week while attending university one day. Liam advises students to avoid making hasty decisions. He said: 'Take your time, pick something that suits you, and if it doesn't work out, there is always another option.' Top 10k-a-year Scots drama school collapses into liquidation during exam week If you don't get the results you are hoping for, don't panic — there is lots of support available. Students can call the SQA's candidate advice line on 0345 279 1000 and appeal their grades via the SQA if they don't end up with the marks that they are expecting. All appeals will then be subject to a marking review, and the appeal must be lodged before midnight on August 26, or August 29 if a teacher or school is doing it on a pupil's behalf. If a place at university depends on a person's grade, then their appeal can be prioritised by August 12 — or, if a school or teacher is submitting it, then the deadline is August 21. ROBIN'S 6 TOP TIPS TO MAKE YOUR RESULTS COUNT Use your results wisely LOOK at what your grades can do – not what they can't. Your results might open doors to college, uni, an apprenticeship or training. They're the start of something, not the end. Focus on the routes now available to you. Earn while you learn GRADUATE Apprentice-ships let you earn while you learn. Get a degree and real work experience at the same time – without the student debt. If you prefer learning on the job, this is a great option. Work or degree? COLLEGE is a powerful path. HNCs and HNDs can lead straight to work or let you join a degree in second or third year. College is flexible, career-focused and gets results. Build a career APPRENTICESHIPS are not just for trades. Modern Apprentice-ships now cover everything from IT and media to healthcare and finance. You earn, learn, and build a career from day one. Ask for help USE the support that's out there. Talk to college advisers, visit Skills Development Scotland and check out open days and clearing events. Help is there – you just need to ask. Pick your route DEFINE success on your own terms. Full-time study isn't for everyone but neither is going straight into the world of work. The best route is the one that works for you – your strengths, your goals, your pace. But plenty of successful people have achieved great things without attending college or university. School drop out Liv Conlon, 26, from Bothwell, became a millionaire and is now running two seven-figure businesses after moving to Marbella in Spain. She said: 'It's been ten years since I sat my Highers in a school in South Lanarkshire and walked out the door knowing I wouldn't be going to university. 'I achieved four As and a B. 'One teacher, who had never even taught me before, looked me in the eye and said: 'You're making a big life decision, and you're calling it wrong.' 'Now I run two seven-figure companies. I've written two bestselling books. I've spoken on TEDx stages, dined with the Prime Minister, and launched a charity that helps young people build businesses. 'This all began because I challenged the traditional path recommended by school. 'I want more students to know they have options. Even if they have good grades, it doesn't mean they should go to university.'
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Exam results helpline to provide support for Glasgow pupils
Abraham Al Ani, 17, from Newton Mearns, shared his experience as more than 147,000 pupils across Scotland prepared to receive their grades this year. The dedicated Skills Development Scotland helpline, which has helped tens of thousands of young Scots over the last 33 years, will open from 8am tomorrow (Tuesday, August 5) to support young people receiving Higher, National and Advanced Higher results. The helpline will be staffed by expert careers advisers to assist anybody that needs help with their options and next steps, providing impartial career information, advice and guidance. Abraham says the helpline supported him last year (Image: Newsquest) Former St Ninian's High School pupil Abraham called the helpline last year when he did not receive the straight As he needed in his Highers to study medicine at his chosen university. 'I was extremely worried,' he said. 'I called the helpline and the adviser was very calm when I explained my situation.' The adviser also gave Abraham guidance on the steps to appeal for one of his grades, which was successful. Abraham, who decided to stay on at school to take Advanced Highers, now has a conditional place at Queen's University Belfast and the offer of a scholarship to study Mandarin at Tianjin Normal University in China. 'Whatever happens with my results, I know I have options and will be able to do something positive to keep progressing and learning,' he said. 'I'm really excited about my future.' The number for the 2025 Results Helpline is 0808 100 8000. It will be open from 8am until 8pm on August 5 and 6, and from 9am until 5pm on August 7 and 8. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: 'Results day is an important opportunity to celebrate achievement and success which is clear through a wider range of pathways for learners than ever before. 'There are many options available for young people, no matter the results they achieve, and the helpline offers invaluable advice on a whole host of issues – from college and university places, to UCAS confirmation and clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.' Dave McCallum, head of career information, advice and guidance operations at SDS, said: 'Our message for young people and their parents and carers as their results arrive is not to panic. Everything might seem overwhelming right now but remember that this is just one step on their journey. 'Our experienced advisers … are trained to help young people recognise that they are more than their exam results, giving them the confidence to see their strengths and abilities beyond qualifications.' Exam results helpline advisers (Image: SDS) Charity Childline, which delivered 706 counselling sessions across the UK to young people worried about exam results in 2024, says feeling overwhelmed on results day is 'natural'. Adeniyi Alade, service head of Childline in Scotland, said: 'Exam results day can be an overwhelming time for young people across Scotland, and it's natural to feel pressure or uncertainty about what comes next. 'At Childline, we want to reassure young people that their value isn't defined by grades. There are many different routes to success and not getting the results you hoped for doesn't close the door on your future. 'Childline is here for any young person who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just needs someone to talk to.' Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@
