The Herald

Massive regenerati­on project for country’s highest peak unveiled

IT is famed as being Britain’s highest peak and is also home to the country’s second-tallest waterfall.

Now an “ambitious” Ben Nevis nature restoratio­n project has been launched by a community organisati­on in a bid to regenerate native species in the area.

The Nevis Landscape Partnershi­p has secured over £80,000 of funding from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoratio­n Fund to launch the Nevis Nature Network.

The landscape-scale nature restoratio­n project encompasse­s the iconic Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis.

It aims to work in partnershi­p with landowners to restore and expand degraded ancient habitats – and also secure a future for rare and vulnerable species.

The landscape attracts about half a million visitors every year with well over 100,000 of those summiting Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles.

Nevis Landscape Partnershi­p is working with four landowners to develop a collaborat­ive plan to address the biggest ecological challenges in this area – restoring ancient woodlands, invasive non-native plants, and degrading footpaths on designated habitats.

One of Nevis Landscape Partnershi­p’s directors Mike Pescod explained: “This project would not be possible without the ongoing support and commitment from the key local landowners: Jahama Highland Estates, John Muir Trust, Glen Nevis Estate, and Forestry and Land Scotland.”

Spanning 22,000 acres, the Nevis Nature Network project area covers a vast array of native habitats, from ancient Scottish rainforest along the River Nevis, to fragments of Caledonian forest, up to rare montane scrub on mountain cliffs.

It also includes land with both European and Scottish habitat designatio­ns: the Ben Nevis Special Area of Conservati­on (SAC) and the Ben Nevis Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Site condition monitoring within the Ben Nevis SAC, carried out by Naturescot in 2021, revealed that “100% of woodlands monitored were in unfavourab­le condition” with the biggest threats being high herbivore impact and invasive rhododendr­on.

This is not dissimilar from the national statistics, with the 2023 State of Nature Scotland report finding “just 3% of native woodland in favourable condition”.

Nevis Nature Network project manager Ellie Corsie explained the importance of these statistics: “These stats highlight an urgent need for woodland restoratio­n at scale.

“Together with our project partners, we are driven by the myriad benefits that landscape-scale woodland restoratio­n can offer.”

Ms Corsie added: “For example, improving habitat connectivi­ty, carbon capture, improving river habitat and water quality, and securing a future for local vulnerable species such as red squirrels, Atlantic salmon and endangered montane willows. After months of planning and fundraisin­g, we are delighted to have raised over £100,000 for an initial developmen­t project – through which we are going to work with specialist­s to identify, cost and prioritise restoratio­n actions.”

The developmen­t project is being funded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoratio­n Fund managed by Naturescot, Rewilding Britain’s Rewilding Innovation Fund, The Woodland Trust, Forestry and Land Scotland, Jahama Highland Estates, Glen Nevis Estate, John Muir Trust, and Friends of Nevis.

Supporting and driving nature restoratio­n is of high importance to the local community for many reasons. Local people rely on the dramatic landscape and iconic wildlife for personal wellbeing as well as for business, according to project organisers.

Frazer Coupland, chief executive of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce shared his thoughts on the ambitious, new project: “I am delighted to celebrate the launch of this transforma­tive project.

“Our region’s stunning landscapes are a cornerston­e of our local identity, the outdoor capital of the UK.

“A healthy, intact, and living landscape is crucial for sustaining our unique way of life, attracting visitors, and fostering a sense of pride among residents.”

Mr Coupland added: “This initiative represents a significan­t step toward in preserving and enhancing the natural beauty that makes Lochaber so special.”

Our region’s stunning landscapes are a cornerston­e of our local identity