JHE has developed its own environmental programme, known as JHEEP (Jahama Highland Estates Environmental Programme). This initiative comprises ten specific projects that will be executed across the estate. The programme's creation was facilitated by Dimitri Harrison of Saker Consultancy, working closely with Patrick Laurie, author of "Native". JHEEP was conceptualized as a response to the escalating challenges posed by biodiversity loss and climate change. It is designed to be universally applicable, without the constraints of rigid schemes or regulations. The selection of these ten projects is based on their simplicity, ease of implementation, and adaptability to any scale. JHE believes that by fostering the growth of small, financially viable projects, these endeavors can collectively yield a significant positive impact.
Jahama Highland Estates maintains a resolute commitment to responsible stewardship and endeavors to enhance all its natural assets. The global threats of climate change and biodiversity loss demand attention and action from all quarters. JHE is dedicated to doing its part to address these challenges. Given the size of Jahama, identifying suitable projects posed challenges that were either too complex or costly. Frustrated by the rigid nature of many existing programs, the need to act was pressing, considering the ongoing decline of nature. There was a desire to initiate projects that were both financially feasible and practically attainable. The impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss resonate across society. Consequently, JHE sought to devise a scheme that could be embraced by a wide range of stakeholders, including diverse communities, employees from various companies, local groups, schools, sponsors, joint ventures, recreational organizations, and even motorcycle clubs. The challenge was to distill the multitude of potential environmental projects into a concise list of ten, while acknowledging that other worthy options existed. Challenges also arose from stakeholders who questioned the necessity of a separate project outside existing government-funded initiatives.
To date, the installation of hundreds of bird and bat boxes and the creation of four new ponds and waders stand as accomplishments of JHEEP. The initiative has benefited numerous species, such as barn owls, linnets, yellowhammers, and goldeneyes, by providing them with new habitats. Economically, the projects have been funded by the estate with minimal reliance on public funds. Moreover, JHE has collaborated closely with tenants in joint ventures to implement certain projects. The intention is to expand the scheme's scope further, with hopes of linking the east and west coasts of Scotland, covering extensive acreage.
A substantial number of staff members have participated in not only devising and shaping the scheme but also in its execution. The program continues to evolve through collaboration with various stakeholders, with numerous new projects under consideration. The latest addition involves planting a small woodland and wetland in partnership with the Nevis Range.