A restored landscape of new native woodland, scrub and open habitats which will provide opportunities for wildlife to thrive, improve the condition of soils and watercourses and sequester carbon.
Since the 17th century, Atholl Estates have played a prominent role in the history and development of forestry in Scotland. The legacy of the Fourth Duke of Atholl, and the strong tradition of woodland management since then, has produced some of the finest mixed woodlands in the country.
The Estate is now embarking on a new chapter of woodland expansion that will have a strong focus on ecological restoration, native species and habitat creation.
The Glen Fender Native Woodland Project aims to create valuable native woodland and scrub habitat which will provide opportunities for wildlife to thrive, improve the condition of soils and watercourses and sequester carbon. The scheme will convert an area of open heath and grassland to a native woodland. The new planting will link directly to fragmented, mature native woodlands within Glen Tilt, enhancing habitat connectivity across the local landscape.
Over 550,000 native trees will be planted across 445 hectares of land over the next two years.
The planting has been designed to create a mosaic of native woodland habitats alongside other open habitats, such as mire and calcareous grassland. A wide range of native tree species including birch, Scots pine, rowan, oak, aspen, hazel and willow will create varied habitat transitions across the site, developing a naturalistic treeline on the slopes of Meall Dail Min.
This project receives funding from The Forestry Grant Scheme
Scotland’s woodlands and forests are a vital national resource and play an important role in rural development and sustainable land use. As well as helping to reduce the impacts of climate change and providing timber for industry, our forests enhance and protect the environment and provide opportunities for public enjoyment.
The Forestry Grant Scheme funding is supporting the sustainable management of existing woodlands and the creation of new woodlands – contributing towards the Scottish Government’s published targets for woodland creation.