Scotland's endangered wildcats could be saved in massive 800 sq mile Highland rewilding plan
The new Affric Highlands charity has set out ambitious plans to restore nature and wildlife over a sweeping area from Loch Ness to the west coast.
Scotland's endangered wildcats could be saved as part of a massive 800-square-mile rewilding plan across the Highlands. The new Affric Highlands charity has set out ambitious plans to regenerate native woodland, peatland and riverside habitats and boost endangered species like wildcats, covering a sweeping stretch of the country from Loch Ness to the west coast.
The group said it will work with local landowners to boost the local economy and make the region a hub for sustainable timber, fishing, farming, venison and wildlife tourism. Affric Highlands - whose emblem is a wildcat, also known as the 'Highland Tiger' - vowed to see the iconic animal flourish as it takes on the huge 30-year project.
The beautiful and rare wildcat - once widespread across the UK - is now only found in northern Scotland. With fewer than 300 left, the mammal is considered critically at risk of extinction.
In a statement, Affric Highlands said: 'It is hoped that habitat restoration will support efforts to help this much-loved species thrive again.'
It also promised action to aid conservation efforts for other struggling species like red squirrels, mountain hares and Atlantic salmon.
The rewilding plan will cover a linked network of landholdings stretching from Loch Ness to Kintail in the west, and encompassing Glens Cannich, Urquhart, Affric, Moriston and Shiel.
Despite the region's world-famous beauty, it is largely ecologically damaged, with much land degraded following centuries of deforestation and overgrazing.
That includes the globally unique Caledonian forest which has been reduced to isolated fragments, while damage to peatlands means they are emitting rather than absorbing carbon.
The charity said this was limiting people's opportunities for sustainable land-based jobs and undermining sustainable farming which depends on functioning natural processes.
Affric Highlands executive director Stephanie Kiel 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.'
Restoring habitats will boost biodiversity and benefit wildlife including golden eagles, red squirrels, black grouse, mountain hares, salmon, trout, ospreys and otters.
Despite Scotland's renowned landscapes, data shows the country is one of the most nature-depleted in the world.
Rewilding means the restoration of nature on a large enough scale that it can then take care of itself.
Affric Highlands began work in September 2021, operating as a joint venture led by Trees for Life with support and advice from the Rewilding Europe network - before now launching as an independent charity.
It has already built a broad coalition of 19 landowners backing the project, covering an area of around 225 square miles within the vast landscape.
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Local rewilding schemes so far include restoring native woodlands and peatlands - and creating new woodland on riverbanks to provide shade, nutrients and shelter to Scotland's threatened wild salmon population.
Steve Micklewright, Trees for Life's chief executive, said: 'Affric Highlands' success so far – coupled with the opportunities for people offered by its bold vision of landscape-scale nature recovery – 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.'
Frans Schepers of Rewilding Europe said: 'Affric Highlands will enrich the social fabric and wildlife of these glens and hills.'
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