Minuntion Estate offers game shooting, deer stalking, as well as salmon and trout fishing over 2000 acres of farmland, woodland and open hill. Additionally, the estate has three grassland farms where sheep are grazed on diverse sward on a rotational basis which increases carbon capture and allows a more organic style of returning nutrients into the soil. Minuntion has a large mixture of native woodland, commercial conifer forestry, shelter belts and riparian planting along the banks of the River Stinchar and other watercourses. There are many open areas, wetlands and lochs created for waterfowl and aquatic flora. The estate is fortunate to have a rich and varied ecosystem and diverse wildlife thriving alongside the sheep. They continue to look for opportunities to improve the biodiversity of the land that they manage and are committed to farming with nature.
The estate is part of the ‘Working for Waders’ group monitoring nests with cameras and trying to support breeding habitat for oyster catchers and snipe particularly. Lochs, ponds and scrapes have been created, particularly for the benefit of wading birds. Additionally, over 250,000 trees have been planted throughout the valley as mixed woodland over the last thirty years. Broad leaf has also been planted to replace Ash die back. Hedgerows have been established and restored as corridors for wildlife between woodland and scrub habitats. Wildflowers flourish here, while the water teems with life from salmon and trout to newts, frogs, toads and otters. The riparian planting along the river is impressive.
Minuntion has carried out their own ‘citizen science’ over the years and recorded mammals, bird life, reptiles, insects and plants which have increased as well as decreased.
Sheep are restricted from grazing along the riverbank which has allowed natural regeneration of a variety of flora and fauna. Large areas of shingle along the river have created a variety of depths which has positively benefited the waders. The riparian planting has brought shade and temperature control to the river which has increased water quality. They have also moved fencing back from the riverbank to allow for a larger river edge and to create paths. This has increased access for those fishing and the local community.
The estate recently held the first of what it hopes will be ongoing community events, including a session led by the Rivers Trust with attendees from the Stinchar catchment and surrounding area. Fishermen, farmers, smallholders, and community members assembled to discuss topics, including river health, Atlantic salmon, choice and location of trees for riparian and surrounding planting, as well as challenges such as fencing and ensuring water source. This was followed by lunch in the village hall, a presentation from Scottish Forestry about funding, and presentation from the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. The intention is to keep these sessions going and to develop a combined group of land managers and community members who can work together.
There is a fishing syndicate at Minuntion that is made up of locals and their guests which is very positive for the local community. The estate also offers fishing on a day ticket, where a local Ghillie can provide fishing lessons. The fishing opportunities at Minuntion have had a clear impact on the local community and biodiversity, both in and out of the water.