ardhuncart estate overlook

Walk & Talk at Ardhuncart Estate: River Restoration and Woody Structures, How Floodplain Reconnections and Large Woody Structures Have Improved Biodiversity and Habitat

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Date
Time 09:30 - 15:00
Capacity 17 places available
Booking Cut-off Tuesday 13 Oct, 12:00:pm
Organiser Fiona Brown, North East Regional Manager

 

Ardhuncart Estate is owned by John Furlong, who purchased the estate four years ago. As a keen fisherman, one of his main priorities has been to improve the river habitat and create better conditions for both salmon and trout. This has developed into a wider programme of river restoration, habitat enhancement and sustainable land management across the estate. 

The aim is to manage the estate sustainably, ensuring that the environmental and agricultural interests work alongside one another. The restoration work along the River Don, including large woody structures, floodplain reconnection and wetland restoration, forms part of this approach, with the intention of improving biodiversity, habitat and river health while maintaining a productive working estate. Riparian planting is also planned for this winter as part of the ongoing restoration programme. 

The programme has involved working with a range of organisations and specialists, including the River Don Trust, Atlantic Salmon Trust, Wild Trout Trust, Buglife and the Woodland Trust, alongside local volunteers.  

Members are warmly invited to join this Walk & Talk which will be led by Anna Renouf, Estate Factor, with additional inputs from Rick Fyffe from the Don District Salmon Fishery Board and Hamish Moir from CBEC Eco Engineering. 

The following key topics will be covered in the programme:   

  • Why the estate began this long-term restoration work. 
  • How river restoration, large woody structures and floodplain reconnection are helping to improve biodiversity and ecological resilience. 
  • The benefits for salmon, trout, wetland species and wider habitat connectivity. 
  • How nature-based solutions can support flood management and contribute to healthier, more sustainable rural landscapes. 
  • The role of collaboration between the estate, local volunteers and expert environmental partners. 
  • Riparian planting. 
  • River surveys and invertebrate sampling. 

There will also be an opportunity to see the work on the ground and discuss how productive land management and conservation can work hand in hand to deliver lasting environmental benefits. 

Additional event information:   

Format of the event: Participants will gather at Ardhuncart Lodge where tea and coffee will be available on arrival. The Walk & Talk will open with an introduction from Anna Renouf, Estate Factor, who will give an overview of the estate and the reasons behind the work before we head out to look at the different projects on the ground. Rick Fyffe from the Don District Salmon Fishery Board and Hamish Moir from CBEC Eco Engineering will also provide their perspectives on the river restoration work. 

A lunch will be included as part of the programme. 

Address: Ardhuncart Lodge, Kildrummy, Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 8PQ 

Other information: This event will take place outdoors and will involve walking along a river path, so please bring suitable clothing and footwear.    

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

Date:  Tuesday 20 October 2026   

Time: 09:30-15:00   

Link for location maps:   

Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4PVustYEZtfuaJ1cA 

What3words: crafts.vets.monorail  

Cost: Free for members.