Kinloch Woodlands, a 489-hectare emerging woodland near Shieldaig, is a unique community-owned project focused on regenerating native woodland within Scotland’s rainforest ecosystem, where 500,000 trees were planted in the late 1990s. The project, jointly supported by Kinloch Woodlands SCIO, the University of Edinburgh, and Scotland The Big Picture (SBP), combines community-led management with academic research and environmental restoration.Originally purchased and maintained by Claire and Richard Munday, Kinloch Woodlands has been co-managed with the local community for over 20 years. Supported by trustees, the site embodies a collective community effort in conservation. Partnership with the University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh collaborates with Kinloch Woodlands SCIO and SBP under a structured agreement that ensures sustainable financial contributions to Kinloch Woodland and the Northwoods Rewilding Fund, aiding nature recovery efforts across Scotland.Academic engagement includes:- Research initiatives: The University’s Forest and Peatland Academic Manager is collaborating to expand research and teaching drawing on Kinloch Woodlands experience.- Educational outreach: Shieldaig Primary School’s Head Teacher and the University’s Forest and Peatland Community Ranger are exploring the development of community-centred learning programmes that emphasise conservation and forest ecology. Conservation efforts and sustainable management With a Scottish Forestry-approved management plan, Kinloch Woodlands focuses on sustainable woodland restoration, through good deer management, natural regeneration and some further selective tree planting. The aim is to encourage Scotland’s rainforest ecosystem to restore itself through natural processes.Though carbon monitoring is included, Kinloch Woodlands is primarily dedicated to native woodland creation. Remote sensing will be deployed to track biomass and assess carbon storage over time. Location and accessibility Shieldaig and Kinloch Woodlands are situated on the shores of Loch Torridon on the west coast of the Highlands about an hour and a half west of Inverness and five hours from Edinburgh. A model for community-based conservation Kinloch Woodlands exemplifies the impact of community-based stewardship. This partnership is especially focused on sharing knowledge and developing insights for practical forest management.Schools like Shieldaig Primary School and Gairloch High School will also have the opportunity to participate in educational projects aimed at deepening community engagement.The Kinloch Woodlands project represents a deep commitment to protecting and enhancing Scotland’s native woodlands. Together with the University of Edinburgh and Scotland: The Big Picture, we’re creating a legacy of restored rainforest ecosystems and a space for community-led learning and innovation. It’s a model of what may be possible to achieve through partnership and shared purpose. More information Kinloch Woodland SCIOUniversity’s Climate Strategy University’s Forest and Peatland ProgrammeNorthwoods Rewilding Fund This article was published on 2024-10-31
