Kintyre woodland part of Scotland-wide rewilding milestone

James Nairne, Northwoods project lead, said the milestone reflects a growing recognition that Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world – but also that many land managers are keen to be part of the solution.

“Our network is made up of people responsible for relatively small plots of land who, by working together, are creating something much bigger,” he said. “Many are taking their first steps into rewilding, while others are building on long-standing commitments to nature recovery.”

Feochaig Wood covers 97 acres and occupies a dramatic coastal setting. Once a commercial conifer plantation, the site was felled almost 20 years ago. 

Since then, natural regeneration has transformed the landscape into a rich mosaic of heather, grassland and native trees including Scots pine, rowan and hazel. 

Wildlife now thrives across the site, while ancient moss and fern-covered hazels along a shady burn hint at a time when this coastline supported temperate rainforest.

Across Scotland, Northwoods partner sites range from 50 to 1,000 acres and make rewilding commitments tailored to local conditions. These include restoring native woodland, repairing wetlands that store carbon, and creating natural corridors to help wildlife move more freely. 

Collectively, the network has already helped create more than 100 jobs and generated over £3 million in local investment.

With 100 sites now secured from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway, the focus will turn to securing further funding to deepen restoration work, ensuring places like Feochaig Wood continue to flourish for nature, climate and local communities.