Learn How the Nature of Conservation is Changing
Protecting the natural environment of the Highlands and Islands has never been more important
The region contains two of the UK’s National Parks and has long been home to many of Scotland's National Nature Reserves, truly inspiring places that are open to everyone to visit and enjoy. Beyond these, there are numerous projects now underway to help restore woodland, protect wildlife, and offset the impact of climate change, most notably with a programme to restore peatlands across the Highlands and Islands, and with a wide range of new rewilding projects from Sutherland to Argyll.
Among these projects two of the most ambitious are the Affric Highlands project, a 30-year project to rewild half a million acres (200,000 hectares) of land stretching from Loch Ness to the West Coast via the Glens of Cannich, Affric, Moriston and Shiel, and the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, where a new visitor centre opening in 2023 will enable visitors to engage with the natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands in a unique environment. Dundreggan will provide an opportunity for visitors and locals alike to experience ancient pinewood and unique juniper forest, discover centuries of Gaelic history, and connect with a landscape undergoing a wonderful transformation through rewilding.