The University’s Drumbrae site in the Ochil Hills has been officially designated as a “Nature30” site by NatureScot, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to regenerative sustainability. The Nature30 designation recognises landowners who are making substantial contributions to the global goal of conserving and managing land and seas for nature by 2030. The 431 hectare site, located near Stirling, is the first project delivered by the University's Forest & Peatland programme to receive this voluntary accolade, and the University is the first one in Scotland to receive it. The project represents a major step in the University's ambition to ecologically restore an area five times the size of its main campus. Through delivery on owned sites and via partnerships, the programme aims to create 890 hectares of new woodland across Scotland, addressing unavoidable carbon emissions from University air travel while also fostering a deeper connection between the University, the local community, and the natural environment. A student identifies a newly planted tree sapling at Drumbrae. Restoring habitats and biodiversity The recognition highlights the specific environmental benefits the Drumbrae project will deliver to the local area. Key achievements and future plans for the site include: Resilient habitats: Creating new woodland designed to connect habitats and withstand a changing climate. Priority protection: Establishing 132 hectares of priority woodland habitats. Open spaces: Retaining 157 hectares as open habitats to protect existing landscapes. Productive woodland: Planting 100 hectares of predominantly Scots pine for productive use. Species safeguarding: Expanding populations of locally rare or endangered plant species. This announcement follows closely on the heels of Kinloch Woodland SCIO, a partner site, also achieving Nature30 status in August 2026. Together, these sites underscore the University’s leadership in land management for biodiversity. Congratulations to The University of Edinburgh on Drumbrae’s recognition as a Nature30 site. The University’s commitment to combatting climate change through capturing and storing carbon is embodied in the woodland creation scheme in the Ochil Hills. This Nature30 recognition shows that it's possible for the education sector to lead the way for a more resilient Scotland, reversing nature loss while removing carbon from the atmosphere and improving greenspaces for local communities. Achieving the 30 by 30 target is hugely ambitious, but collectively Scotland can do it. We’re excited to work with everyone who cares passionately about nature, adding to the great work already happening across the country, and we encourage anyone who owns or manages land that is or will be delivering great things for nature, to consider applying for Nature30 recognition. Dr. Ben Ross Head of Protected Areas for NatureScot A living laboratory for learning Beyond its environmental impact, Drumbrae is set to become a vital resource for education and community engagement. David Bruce, Forest and Peatland Land Manager, said: "This recognition of Drumbrae as a Nature30 site is warmly welcomed, and reflects the university's ambitions to sequester carbon, ecologically restore land and for the site to become a living laboratory creating significant opportunities for learning, teaching and research. "The creation of the new woodland at Drumbrae will significantly enhance local biodiversity, providing a unique 'living laboratory' for our students. From monitoring the return of plants, insects and animal species to hosting outdoor classrooms for local schools, Drumbrae will demonstrate how carbon sequestration and community engagement can go hand-in-hand." Related links The University’s Forest and Peatland Programme Drumbrae: a storymap [External link] NatureScot: Nature 30 sites This article was published on Monday 28 September 2026
