Working with specialist conversation organisations, we support the rewilding of the Scottish Highlands by funding the restoration of the globally unique Caledonian Forest which once covered much of Scotland.

About 6,000 years ago an estimated 1.5m hectares of Scotland was covered in rich native pinewoods. Now only about 1% of this original forest is left, broken down into small and isolated fragments. Much of the wildlife dependent on the forest has been lost.

Many of these fragments of Caledonian Pinewood are not being actively managed in a way which nurtures the native trees and wildlife. Consequently, there are often no young trees growing to replace the much older and often lone ‘Granny pines’ that are characteristic of these remnant areas.

The Caledonian Pinewood Recovery Project which we support aims to save these remnant pinewoods.

Helping climate change.
By removing CO2 from the atmosphere and locking it up, trees help to combat climate change.

Preserve Native Trees
Growing and planting rare and endangered trees such as aspen, dwarf birch and woolly willow. These trees are not usually commercially available because they are hard to propagate and demand is low.

Create Wildlife Habitat
Trees provide important habitats for wildlife and are fundamental to the survival of many species; wildlife such as the red squirrel, capercaillie, black grouse, otters, osprey, golden eagle and the Scottish crossbill.

Reduce the impact of wildfires
Scottish hillsides have been ravaged by fires in recent years. Young, healthy forests can help to suppress wildfires and increase the speed of recovery.

Create a seed source for the future
Natural regeneration of trees is only possible where a viable seed source remains. Planting in areas without a seed source means the forest will be able to succeed itself once established.