8,000 tree riverside rewilding project in Scottish Highlands
A “riverwoods” rewilding scheme covering 23 riverside hectares and involving the planting of more than 8,000 trees in the Scottish Highlands is being funded by Glasgow-based Startline Motor Finance.
The project – undertaken by rewilding charity Trees for Life – is based in Glen Urquhart, to the west of Loch Ness, and includes urgently-needed habitat restoration for salmon and other native fish which are at risk from rising water temperatures due to a lack of trees to provide vital shade.
The funding will see the creation of native riparian - or riverside – riverwoods woodland along the River Enrick in two areas totalling up to 23 hectares. The project, one of several in Trees for Life’s ambitious Affric Highlands initiative, will also include community engagement as an important element.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “A key part of our corporate social responsibilities as a company is to enhance the environment and we are very pleased to be able to help with this project. The Highlands are close to the heart of many staff at Startline, including myself, and the work that Trees for Life carry out is extremely important.”
Steve Micklewright, CEO at Trees for Life, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Startline Motor Finance on this significant landscape project. At its heart, Affric Highlands is an ambitious 30 year vision to bring together communities, businesses and landowners to restore woodland, peatland and riverside habitats.
“We believe that common interests can become the basis of a progressive and shared agenda to strengthen the local economy and enrich people’s lives. Startline Motor Finance’s generous, long-term support will be a huge boost for our work and allow us to continue to work towards a better future for nature, the climate and, for people.”
Trees for Life is a rewilding charity founded in 1993, with a vision of a revitalised wild forest in the Scottish Highlands, providing space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive. In the last 30 years it has planted more than two million native trees and has been at the forefront of the rewilding movement in the UK.