Habitat recovery project aids restoration of Glencoe’s biodiversity

Emily Bryce, National Trust for Scotland Operations Manager at Glencoe National Nature Reserve, said: ‘One of the main priorities of the project was to create suitable conditions to support natural habitat regeneration by reducing deer grazing pressure on the glen. This was achieved by introducing a more responsive approach to deer management, with increased monitoring through additional staff and equipment as well as replacing fencing to protect areas of high-quality native woodland near Glen Etive.

‘We have managed to reduce deer density through a combination of deer management and replacement of over 8,000m of fencing at different locations across Glencoe. This has helped protect 520ha of native broadleaf and pinewood, conserve 665ha of grassland and reinstate 27ha of montane scrub exclosure, renowned for Salix myrsinites [myrtle willow].’

Another aim of the project was to protect freshwater habitats by restoring elements of the natural floodplain of the River Coe at Achnacon, in the east of the reserve. The plan outlined the creation of around 13ha of wetland that would provide better conditions to support the regeneration of adjacent wet woodland and subsequently improve the habitat for wildlife, including the dwindling Atlantic salmon population.

Despite detailed feasibility studies and stakeholder consultations that garnered broad support from the local community, the work on floodplain improvements hasn’t started yet due to some concerns raised. While these discussions are ongoing, our team at Glencoe have devised plans to extend the scope and ambition of our riparian restoration to other areas of the reserve.

The National Trust for Scotland is responsible for caring for and protecting Glencoe National Nature Reserve, which has both Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation status. The 5,665ha estate incorporates a variety of upland habitats and supports plant communities of a wide altitudinal range on a variety of rock types, from near sea level to the summit of Bidean nam Bian at 1,150m. It includes one of the richest arctic-alpine assemblages in Scotland as well as some of the richest Atlantic rainforest bryophyte communities.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have supported our conservation charity’s Love Our Nature project since 2022, which benefitted from £900k last year. Further funding will support nature conservation work across a variety of different habitats, including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland and the eight National Nature Reserves cared for by the Trust.

Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, said: ‘I’m delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are helping to support the restoration of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most renowned and beautiful landscapes. Helping to protect the biodiversity of this special place will help to protect Scotland’s natural heritage for the benefit of everyone, now and into the future.’

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have now raised over £3.4m since 2014 to support the National Trust for Scotland. The funds are awarded through Postcode Earth Trust.

The Love Our Nature project supports the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, protect and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in our 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.