Walk & Talk: Landscape-scale ecosystem restoration at Grosvenor Reay Forest Estate

Situated in Sutherland in the north west Highlands, Grosvenor Reay Forest is a traditional rural estate focused on conservation and sporting activities, famed for deer, trout and salmon as well as its wild beauty and remote landscapes. 

The estate has six SSSIs, notably Foinaven which supports a typical range of upland habitats and species and is one of the largest designated sites in the UK. 

There are two internationally important SACs safeguarding rare habitats and the Foinaven SPA is designated for its golden eagles, of which there are several known breeding pairs on the estate as well as white tailed eagles. 

Winner of the 2024 Helping it Happen Conservation Award for Project Laxford, the estate is working in partnership with The Atlantic Salmon Trust across the River Laxford catchment to restore wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout populations. One of the largest catchment-wide restoration projects nationally, the 10-year project aims to restore 118 sq km of the landscape and plant up to a million trees, enhancing biodiversity and benefiting the whole ecosystem. The Laxford presents an opportunity for whole catchment restoration because the entire river is located within the estate. 

For the first time across Grosvenor’s three UK rural estates, the organisation is capturing the most accurate information on record of its natural capital – all the living things that make up our environment and the often-hidden benefits they provide – enabling it to make more informed decisions that promote nature recovery and climate resilience.

Alongside existing data, the estate’s expert teams have worked with specialist consultants and partner organisations to undertake an extensive ground truthing exercise. A series of science-led surveys has been carried out including using lasers mounted on airplanes to create 3D models of the land that are accurate to 5cm, soil organic carbon sampling – measuring the soil’s ability to store carbon and water – as well as an innovative pilot with the University of the Highlands and Islands investigating whether environmental DNA in soils can be used as an early indicator of ecological biodiversity and therefore soil health. The estate is currently going through Wildlife Estates Scotland Level 2 reaccreditation for the third time, reporting significant progress since their last audit.

Members are warmly invited to join this Walk & Talk which will be led by Ben Mardall, Estate Manager, Grosvenor Reay Forest Estate, and members of the team. We’ll also be joined by Chris Conroy, Technical Project Manager for Project Laxford.

The following key topics will be covered in the programme:

•  Introduction to the management of Reay Forest Estate including the strategy and key objectives guiding the future of the estate and how this is contributing to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of local communities 
• Overview of Project Laxford including visits to key sites of tree planting and habitat restoration. Also, how the use of the latest monitoring techniques is enabling an ‘adaptive’ approach to the management of the catchment
• Use of habitat impact assessments and baselining to underpin estate management decisions, including deer management
• The process for attaining WES Level 2 accreditation and the value to the estate
• How the estate engages with the local community through educational visits and open days

This event is free of charge to SLE Members, but booking is essential through the SLE website.

ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION
Format of the event: participants will gather at the Hall in Achfary (opposite Reay Forest Estate office) where tea and coffee will be available on arrival. The Walk & Talk will open with short introductions to Reay Forest, the history of management activities on the land and background to the nature restoration projects before we head out to see these projects on the ground.

A sandwich lunch will be included as part of the programme. 

Address: Reay Forest Estate, Achfary, Lairg, IV27 4PQ

Other information: elements of this event will take place outdoors so please bring suitable clothing and footwear.

Booking information: Booking is essential. To secure your place please book online today.

Link for location map and directions:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7yy9oeE1ZLaXjmAr7

Cost: Free for members