Brimming with wildlife and part of the ancient hunting grounds of kings and lairds from the 14th Century onwards, Dundreggan has been rewilded by Trees for Life since we purchased it in 2008.
Here we plant trees to create a new wild forest, allow the forest to recover through natural regeneration and test new tree growing and land management techniques.
The land is now recovering from centuries of grazing and browsing by sheep, goats, cattle and deer. Over 4,000 species of plants and animals are found at Dundreggan, including many rare and protected species.
Dundreggan is a base for volunteer groups throughout the year and our tree nursery is located onsite.
The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Opened April 2023
Trees for Life plans to engage a larger, more diverse audience with the natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands through the new Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, a world-class, environmentally sensitive facility that will serve as a gateway to the wider landscape.
The Rewilding Centre enables us to share the forest with everyone, making Dundreggan the place in Scotland where people can experience ancient pinewood and unique juniper forest, discover centuries of Gaelic history and connect with a landscape undergoing transformation through rewilding.
> Find out more
Our tree nursery
We propagate rare and hard-to-grow trees so we can create a diverse forest that will be home to more wildlife. We specialise in growing mountain trees and aspen so they can return to the Scottish Highlands. We grow most of the trees that are planted out at Dundreggan from seed collected on the estate.
> More
View moreTree planting
After centuries without trees, it is difficult for a forest to grow again without some help. We plant native trees in areas where there is little chance of trees establishing on their own, especially in the higher areas where the special and rare mountain willows and birches have almost disappeared.
Forest regeneration
In areas where there are existing trees, we reduce grazing pressure so trees can grow naturally from seed. A new natural wild forest is gradually appearing in many parts of Dundreggan, showing that rewilding can be done by nature itself.
Volunteering base
Hundreds of volunteers join us each year to plant trees, help in the nursery and experience rewilding in action. Based at Dundreggan Lodge in the heart of the estate, volunteers enjoy basic accommodation, simple food and enjoy experiences they will never forget.
