Local Community Group to Purchase Bunloit Estate for Rewilding Efforts
A local community group in the Scottish Highlands is making strides towards acquiring the Bunloit estate, a vast property situated on the picturesque shores of Loch Ness. The Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association (GURCA) is leading the initiative, aiming to take over the 513-acre estate with the support of charity Trees for Life.
The decision to explore the purchase of Bunloit estate was made following a public consultation held at the Glenurquhart Public Hall in Drumnadrochit on 25 September. Local residents were invited to share their opinions on the potential community-led rewilding efforts in the area. The outcome of the consultation paved the way for GURCA to delve into various avenues to acquire the estate, which boasts diverse habitats ranging from native woodlands to peatlands.
Community-Led Rewilding Efforts at Loch Ness
Bunloit estate, nestled in Glen Urquhart on the shores of Loch Ness, presents a unique opportunity for GURCA to spearhead community-led rewilding endeavors in the region. If the acquisition is successful, the group intends to prioritize the protection and restoration of habitats to address the pressing nature and climate emergencies. Additionally, the initiative aims to generate local benefits such as nature-based employment opportunities, improved health outcomes, and the revitalization of the local community.
Susan Griffin, Chair of GURCA, expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of a community buyout, emphasizing the importance of local engagement in the rewilding process. She highlighted the commitment from Highlands Rewilding Ltd, the current owners of Bunloit estate, to offer the local community the first opportunity to purchase the land.
Steve Micklewright, Chief Executive of Trees for Life, reiterated the organization’s full support for the community-led rewilding efforts at Bunloit estate. He emphasized the potential of the project to serve as a model for locally driven initiatives aimed at enhancing biodiversity and enriching lives through nature restoration.
Highlands Rewilding’s Commitment to Community-Centered Nature Recovery
Highlands Rewilding Ltd, the entity responsible for owning Bunloit estate, recently announced its intention to put the property up for sale in October. The company’s overarching mission of “nature recovery and community prosperity through rewilding taken to scale” underscores its dedication to fostering environmental restoration and local economic development.
With a £11m loan from the UK Infrastructure Bank and Top Online Partners, Highlands Rewilding Ltd has embarked on a journey to secure lands for nature restoration projects. The impending sale of Bunloit estate and other properties owned by the company signifies a pivotal moment in advancing community-centered nature recovery efforts in the region.
In a statement on its website, Highlands Rewilding emphasized its commitment to prioritizing local communities in the land sale process. The company’s three priority categories of land sale underscore its dedication to facilitating community-led initiatives focused on nature restoration and biodiversity enhancement.
As the details of the land sale at Bunloit estate and other Highland Rewilding properties are set to be unveiled on 1 October, local communities are poised to play a central role in shaping the future of these landscapes. By collaborating with organizations like GURCA and Trees for Life, Highlands Rewilding aims to create a lasting impact on nature conservation and community well-being in the Scottish Highlands.