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 is engaging 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 serves 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.
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View moreOur tree nursery
We propogate 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 at Dundreggan from seed collected on the estate.
View moreTree planting
After centuries without trees, our landscapes often need a helping hand to recover. We nurture and 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.
Natural regeneration
In areas where there are existing trees and a natural seed source, we reduce grazing pressure so that trees can flourish. By supporting natural regeneration, we’re helping our existing and ancient woodland to expand at Dundreggan.
Volunteering base
Hundreds of volunteers join us each year to nurture and plant trees, help in the tree nursery, monitor wildlife and experience rewilding in action. Based at Dundreggan and other wild places across the Scottish Highlands, volunteers can enjoy a week of purpose, community and nature connection.
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