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Glen Affric

"The setting of Glen Affric was inspirational. The beauty of the place will live forever with me."

 

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Take a walk on the wild side!

Our conservation work takes place in and around the National Nature Reserve at Glen Affric. Often described as one of the most beautiful places in Scotland, the glen's ancient woodlands and lochs are surrounded by mountain peaks, and the beautiful River Affric winds its way slowly through the glen. Glen Affric contains one of the largest, least disturbed native forests in the UK.

Glen Affric has one of the largest remaining fragments of Caledonian Forest, set amongst a sea of beautiful lochs. 
The beauty of Glen Affric lies in its constant change of moods - here showing a very mystical quality with the rising of the mists off the water.
A volunteer planting juniper seedlings, against a backdrop of mature forest.
The sunrises in Glen Affric can be spectacular - here Scots pines are reflected in Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin on a misty autumn morning.
Aspen and Scots pines that we have planted at Glac Daraich flourishing with mature pine forest  in the background across Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin. 
Early morning fog clearing over Glen Affric's forests, with aspen and birch in their glorious autumnal colours.
You will be working close to River Affric, planting trees in the glen. The work sites are remote and require well over an hour's walk over rough terrain to reach. If booking onto one of our Athnamulloch weeks, you should have a good level of fitness and be prepared for a lot of walking! If you have an ankle, knee, hip or lower back injury, please call the office on 01309 691292 to discuss before booking. Other tasks may include removing redundant fencing, red squirrel survey work,felling non-native species or small scale fencing projects to ensure trees remain protected from deer. During this week you may also have the opportunity to learn about red squirrel ecology and conservation by carrying out surveys as part of the red squirrel re-introduction program being carried out by Trees for Life. All of this work builds on previous successes and will help expand the existing woodland and connect the forest to the west coast. 

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More about native forest restoration at Glen Affric...

Accommodation is at Athnamulloch, situated in the heart of Glen Affric. The newly renovated building is the home of the Conservation Weeks and is a rustic venue with basic amenities. There are wood burning stoves, two mixed sex dorm rooms, compact dining and social areas, a well-appointed kitchen and a new compost toilet as well as the invaluable drying room. There is no mains electricity, however we do have solar powered lighting. Washing facilities are limited as there is no shower, however there is a private space to wash and plenty of river to refresh yourself in! There is limited running drinkable water, dependant on rainfall although river water can be boiled. There is no mobile reception or WiFi. There will be daily chores such as chopping firewood, collecting water and cleaning tools as well as cooking meals. The views are outstanding with many mountains on the doorstep, a true home in the Highlands. 
 
Pillow case and sleeping bag required.

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Glen Affric is a beautiful place to explore and many people simply like to take a gentle walk around Loch Affric. For the more adventurous amongst you there are several Munros (mountain peaks over 3,000 feet in elevation) in the area, with the highest mountains north of the Great Glen on your doorstep. Badger Falls and Dog Falls are other popular spots to visit. 

Please note that the day off is also a day off for the leaders of the week. The minibus may sometimes be available for use as a group (cost to be covered by volunteers) but you may need to rely on local transport to reach some of these locations.

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Glen Affric is a haven for wildlife and we are lucky enough to regularly see the magnificent golden eagle, as well as ospreys during the breeding season. Other birds commonly seen include goosanders, woodcock, black grouse, tawny owls and bar-tailed godwits. Otters are abundant throughout the area and you may be lucky enough to see a water vole!

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