Spital Tower Estate in the Scottish Borders Achieves Wildlife Estates Scotland Accreditation

Press Release

An estate in the Scottish Borders has become the latest to achieve international accreditation recognising their outstanding efforts in wildlife and habitat management.

Spital Tower Estate at Denholm near Hawick has attained Wildlife Estates Scotland accreditation, a national version of the Wildlife Estates (WE) initiative which seeks to protect, preserve and improve the environment for present and future generations and is endorsed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General Environment.

The award was presented by Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, John Lamont MP, and was received by family operators of the estate, Carla Bailey and her son, Robert Bailey.

A family run estate consisting of 570 acres of open hill, hay meadows, forests, and ancient woodland, Spital Tower has a keen focus on regenerative and holistic land management practices, supporting the local community,  and protecting wildlife and rare habitats for future generations.

A working livestock farm, with actively managed woodlands, the land is cared for with biodiversity and conservation centre at the heart of decision-making whilst still achieving high quality meat and timber production.

A big part of the estate is their award-winning Ruberslaw Wild Woods Camping business, offering a range of off-grid woodland escapes in the heart of the unspoilt landscapes of the Teviot Valleys Special Landscape Area.

Carla Bailey from Spital Tower Estate said:

“Wildlife Estates accreditation was something we were passionate about and we are very pleased to have achieved it.

“Every owner, tenant farmer, shepherd, stonemason, fencer, forester, ploughman, and gardener has shaped the estate into what it is today and as the current custodians, we feel it is our responsibility to look after the wildlife and habitat to the very highest standards so that future generations will also be able to cherish this beautiful place.”

John Lamont MP paid tribute to the work of Spital Tower Estate as he presented the accreditation to the estate.

Mr Lamont said: "I was very happy to present Carla and her family with their well-deserved Wildlife Estates Scotland accreditation.

"WES has been instrumental in promoting the best habitat and wildlife management practices, which are exemplified by the work of businesses such as Spital Tower and their diversification.

"This business and others like it don't just protect the environment, they are key parts of local communities and vital employers that support many rural jobs."

Caroline Pringle, Project Manager at Wildlife Estates Scotland, said:

“Spital Tower Estate is an outstanding example of what land-based businesses can do to help wildlife and the environment they are part of.

“By committing to a rigorous accreditation process, Spital Tower and other farms and estates like them across Scotland are setting a great example in protecting habitat and biodiversity for generations to come. This work is often privately funded and WES accreditation provides public recognition of their wonderful efforts.”

Any size and type of landholding, farm or estates can apply for accreditation which lasts for up to five years before a reaccreditation process must be completed. Scotland currently sits second in the international league table of Wildlife Estates accredited land, with only Spain ahead.