Spring Project Updates
Aside from rogue lynx and boar reintroductions, which were widely condemned by the environmental sector, the last few months have seen several promising developments in nature restoration projects across the Highlands and Islands. The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s recent £17.5 million purchase of Inverbroom Estate will enable landscape-scale restoration of temperate rainforest and peatland habitats, while SMEEF announced a vital funding boost for seagrass restoration.
On the policy front, the Scottish Government’s Natural Environment Bill was a welcome move towards halting biodiversity decline. However, the sizeable gap between intention and action is frustrating for many, a theme conveyed by the Our Seas Coastal Testimonies exhibition in response to continued inaction to protect our marine environment. With incidents such as bottom-trawling bycatch and whale entanglements making national news, it can be easy to lose sight of the multitude of positive initiatives taking place.
Currently, HIEF grants are supporting 23 projects tackling environmental issues across the Highlands and Islands, and we believe that celebrating this amazing work is just as important as supporting it through funding. Below we are sharing some updates from projects that have come to an end over the past few months, with links to more detailed case studies on the relevant grant page.
Plock Pilot
Read more here
Kyle of Sutherland Community Tree Nursery
Read more here
Led by the Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Trust, this project focused on establishing a native tree nursery, enabling riparian woodland restoration to provide shade for keystone species such as Atlantic Salmon.
Guardians of Our Rivers
Read more here
Buglife expanded their ‘Guardians of Our Rivers’ project throughout the Highlands, empowering communities to take an active role in the stewardship of their local rivers.
Blue Hope Alliance
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Through expanding a network of volunteer divers in the Northwest Highlands, the Blue Hope Alliance boosted monitoring and research efforts of underwater ecosystems. Pictures below courtesy of the Blue Hope Alliance.
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