Work begins on 'world's first' rewilding centre near Loch Ness
The hub is expected to open to the public in 2022
Last updated 17th Aug 2021
Construction for what is thought to be the world's first rewilding centre has begun on a 10,000 acre estate.
Eight miles from the shores of Loch Ness, The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre will act as a gateway to the forest and wild outdoors with accessible trails, child-friendly forest adventures, a cafe, classrooms, events space and 40-bed accommodation building.
The centre is expected to open to the public in 2022 with Trees For Life, a charity in the Highlands, taking part in the ground-breaking event yesterday.
Rewilding is the large-scale restoration of nature, to help tackle the nature, climate and health crises – helping wildlife recover, and benefiting people and local communities.
Laurelin Cummins-Fraser, Dundreggan Rewilding Centre director, said: "The landscape and its ancient connections to Gaelic will encourage people to 'rewild' themselves by connecting with nature and exploring the heritage of our Highland-based rewilding centre.
"Guests will be welcomed into the centre to experience rewilding for themselves, whether this is from a casual visit while passing through, to immersive experiences; supporting the concept that we can work with nature rather than against it.
"Scotland, the UK and the wider world need a place where rewilding can be explored, undertaken and shared.
"That is why we want to create the world's first rewilding centre at Dundreggan, a place where rewilding has been happening since 2008.
"The centre will offer recreational and educational experiences for people of all ages to enjoy the natural landscape and learn about the forest and rewilding with the accommodation building being used for longer immersive experiences, including volunteering and educational trips.
"The full programme of activities is in development and will be made available prior to opening next year.''
Could Scotland become world's first rewilding nation?
Trees for Life CEO Steve Micklewright says they're working hard to ensure rewilding will be taking place across the country.
He said: "There is such potential in Scotland to enable nature to recover.
"We're involved in a campaign to make Scotland the world's first rewilding nation.
"To change the way it works so that it works more with nature rather than against it.
"If Scotland decided to become the world's first rewilding nation, we would see; climate recovery, nature recovery and people living lives which are much more in tune with the environment.
"If we can get Scotland to that place, it would be really special."