Pitmain and Glenbanchor Estates have been instrumental in delivering collaborative, nature-based solutions to secure the future of Atlantic salmon through a flagship project involving private and public sector partnerships. Working closely with the Spey Catchment Initiative and with funding from NatureScotland's Biodiversity Challenge Fund, the project has pioneered innovative approaches to creating a sustainable, climate resilient and thriving natural environment, attracting support and interest from a wide range of stakeholders including the CNPA, the University of Edinburgh, private individuals and the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation.
Atlantic salmon are under threat, with stocks in Scotland estimated to have declined by 75% in the last 25 years. To tackle the threat of extinction to one of our most important keystone species, action is needed quickly and on a large scale. Pitmain and Glenbachor are mixed sporting and agricultural estates, deeply embedded in the local community, with a strong conservation focus underpinning their wider strategy. This strategy includes a commitment to habitat restoration, including native woodland and peatland. Glenbanchor Estate is home to the River Calder, which had been subject to a history of intervention by previous landowners, including the removal of riparian trees, overgrazing and the removal of in-stream timber where it existed. The result was a shallow, bare river that was vulnerable to the warming effects of climate change, but also presented a prime opportunity for habitat restoration. With the help of the Spey Catchment Initiative, a plan was developed to create habitats that would benefit not only salmon, but the wider catchment and ecosystems. By restoring the peatlands at the top of the catchment, the river at the bottom will be re-naturalised, slowing the flow of water and improving its quality and that of the habitat, providing a better, highly functioning ecosystem for years to come.
The project took wind-blown trees from the estate, roots and all, and dragged them down to the river, where they were embedded in the riverbed, creating natural barriers that slow the flow of the river and provide pools and shade. This was done by artificial means to mimic the presence of riparian woodland and dynamic river systems. The work was completed in the summer of 2020 and by the end of November 2020, during the salmon spawning season, positive results were already visible with fish using the new gravel deposits to nest around a large number of the wood structures. This project will be developed over the years and monitored for decades to come. The work will help to conserve the Atlantic salmon (a priority species under the UK's Post 2010 Biodiversity Framework), the freshwater pearl mussel (listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and a priority species under the Biodiversity Framework) and the sea lamprey (listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species). In addition to the project, a wider native woodland restoration project is planned for the Glen, demonstrating that conservation and sporting interests can co-exist. Ultimately, this project will lead the way in demonstrating what can be achieved within a catchment to help reverse the fortunes of this iconic species.
Nature-based solutions not only deliver environmental benefits, but a host of social and economic ones as well. The symbiotic relationship between nature and people means that restoring habitats and helping protect vulnerable species can have significant impacts on local communities. The work has contributed to the local economy through the provision of jobs and services, involving local conservation charity the Spey Catchment initiative, which employs locally based and embedded staff, and contract works delivered by Newtonmore contractors GS G Campbell. The project will also help reduce flood risk downstream for villages including Newtonmore and Kingussie, as well as safeguarding vital infrastructure such as the mainline railway bridge across the Spey. We have encouraged the local community to see for themselves the benefit of the project through establishing good quality access routes and partnered with the Newtonmore Community Woodland and Development Trust during the consultation process.
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