A bid to transform land near Castle Douglas is inspiring change across Scotland.
The Threave Landscape Restoration Project is a 100-year plan from the National Trust of Scotland, which so far has seen 81 hectares of a disused dairy farm become wildflower meadows, rich wetlands and native woodlands buzzing with wildlife.
And National Trust for Scotland teams across the country, including at Culloden, Burg, Iona and Ben Lawers, are now looking to adapt their conservation grazing approach after seeing how GPS software has been used at Threave.
Fourteen Belted Galloways have been fitted with special collars to allow them to be tracked remotely and reduce the chance of over-grazing.
And the project is also generating change locally as Gelston Primary pupils have worked with NTS’ engagement ranger, Mary Smith, to create their own wildlife garden after a visit to Threave.
NTS’ operations manager for Dumfries and Galloway, Gareth Clingan, said: “The Threave Landscape Restoration Project is a really different way of thinking about looking after land, one that lets nature recover and monitors the changes over a 100-year period, with a bit of a helping hand from the National Trust for Scotland.
“We hope our approach will inspire others to think about how they can make changes that mean nature will flourish. This is so important in this time of climate and biodiversity crises.
“Another great thing about our work here at Threave is how easy it is for people to see it firsthand. We’re just off the A75 and only five minutes away from the heart of Castle Douglas, so everyone can come along and see the difference our conservation charity’s work here has made, and enjoy the nature, beauty and heritage of this lovely part of Scotland.
“Not only have we created flourishing eco-systems, teeming with flora and fauna, but we’ve also created local job opportunities with the recruitment of two new rangers, alongside a number of volunteers who are making a big contribution to the project. If this is what we can see after just two years, imagine the transformation in 2121.”
The project began in 2021 with support from HSBC UK and the Galloway Glens landscape Partnership Scheme. It captures a new way of caring for the land which moves away from the more traditional prescriptive measures, to one which lets nature and the land itself lead the way.
New boardwalks allow visitors to cross the recreated wetland area and core paths have been upgraded while a new approach to woodland management saw 2,000 native trees planted last winter. By the end of the project, the land will be home to 16,000 trees.
Galloway Glens team leader, McNabb Laurie, said: “Every member of the Galloway Glens team has really thrown themselves into supporting this project and to see the changes already happening on the site is so rewarding.
“Some really challenging project development and delivery work has already resulted in improvements for visitors and nature.
“It’s also great to see the number of local businesses employed on the project. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The area receives up to 900 visitors a week, with wildlife including ospreys, greylag geese, sand martins, wheatears, curlews and shoveler ducks all spotted.
NTS’ head ranger for the region, David Thompson, said: “This project has really put our charity and our conservation credentials on the map.
“We’ve been talking to folk from all over the world, and especially pupils and students, which is essential if we are to grow the next generation of conservationists.
“It’s been really rewarding sharing our specialist skills and knowledge.
“As a team, we’ve also learned a lot and have a much deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, this special place.”
