As the climate crisis intensifies, the world’s first rewilding centre has opened in Scotland.
Wildlife is in dramatic decline, with species extinction and catastrophic climate change threatening all life on Earth – so it has never been more needed.
But what is the purpose of rewilding? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is rewilding?
According to Rewilding Britain, rewilding is the large-scale restoration of ecosystems to the point where nature is allowed to take care of itself. It tries to reinstate nature processes and missing species into habitats, and hopes to foster a harmonious, balanced relationship between people and nature.
Nature is our life support system, so rewilding is also intended to help communities diversify and create nature-based economies.
Rewilding is restoring ecosystems with enough space to allow nature to create the changes and shape the living systems on which we all depend.
It is also about leaving a positive legacy for future generations, given that 15 per cent of species in Britain are threatened with extinction.
The benefits of rewilding are tenfold: it draws down carbon from the atmosphere, helps wildlife adapt to climate change, reverses biodiversity loss, supports diversified economic opportunities and improves our health and wellbeing.
What is the new centre in Scotland?
The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Glemoriston is eight miles from Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, situated in the Affric Highlands, which are the UK’s largest rewilding landscape, potentially covering more than 500,000 acres. The centre is the first of its kind, and is designed to provide a gateway for visitors to explore the 10,000-acre Dundreggan estate, with displays in English and Gaelic.
The charity Trees for Life is restoring the Caledonian forest and its wildlife, and the project aims to demonstrate how nature can recover. It was set up with the intention of inspiring local people as well as rural communities, and 20 jobs have been created by the project to boost the local economy.
The centre has a tree sculpture made of reclaimed metal by the artist Helen Denerley as a portal into the wild forest, which has fully accessible trails, child-friendly forest experiences and several adventurous walks.
Cafe and events spaces will offer ocally sourced food and drink, and there is also a 40-bedroom building that will allow visitors to stay longer if they wish.
The chief executive of Trees for Life, Steve Micklewright, said: “We want to breathe life into the huge potential of the Highlands to help nature return in a major way – providing people from all walks of life with fantastic experiences while supporting re-peopling, boosting social and economic opportunities, and tackling the climate and nature emergencies.”
Laurelin Cummins-Fraser, the centre’s director, said it is “embedded in the landscape and the community”.
She added: “Its design is inspired by Gaelic heritage and history, and by the Caledonian forest – with verticals representing trees, changing light to reflect how light plays in woodlands, and materials and colours conjuring up bracken and forest bark.”
When does the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre open?
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre will be a “beacon” for visitors and the concept of greener landscapes.
It will offer year-round events and experiences when it opens to the public on Saturday April 15.
You can find out more here.
