The National Trust for Scotland and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership have joined forces to create the species-rich restored natural landscape
Work has begun on a landscape project that will “put Galloway on the map”.
More than £250,000 is set to be spent on the Threave Landscape Restoration project on the outskirts of Castle Douglas.
The National Trust for Scotland and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership have joined forces to create the species-rich restored natural landscape at Threave Estate’s Kelton Mains Farm.
Balmaclellan’s new £300,000 community hub brings new life to Glenkens village
Galloway Glens chairman, Ted Leeming, said: “This project will launch Threave Estate onto the national stage, both as a visitor destination but also an exemplar of how a landscape can be managed to provide multiple benefits for an area, with improved habitat and species condition.
“WWF advise that since 1970 we have lost 53 per cent of the earth’s bird, mammal, fish, reptile and amphibian populations. The current rate of extinction of species is estimated at 100 to 1,000 times higher than natural background rates. This project will act as an exemplar of how these issues can be addressed and will really put Galloway on the map.”
Environmental consultants Connicks are involved in the first stage of the project. As well as providing space for nature to thrive, there will also be networks of paths and nature observation spaces ensuring locals and visitors alike can enjoy the natural habitat for years to come.
Thrillseekers encouraged to head to Loch Ken in 2020 for Autumn of Endurance
National Trust for Scotland’s operations manager for Dumfries and Galloway, Dr Samuel Gallacher, said: “This is a wonderful partnership project with a clear vision and pertinent long-term legacy that Threave will become a fully restored woodland-wetland ecosystem, self-sustaining and self-adapting to Scotland’s changing climate.
“The restored landscape at Kelton Mains Farm will support the evolution of existing habitats and support the regeneration and creation of new habitats adapted to changing climactic conditions and maximise biodiversity.
“Through this experience, Threave will become an established centre of excellence in landscape restoration and improving biodiversity, providing visitors, partners and the trust with best practice methods and approaches.”
He added: “We are delighted to be in a position to help this happen. National Trust for Scotland has identified significant financial resources that we are able to match with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.”
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland, visit www.nts.org.uk
Read more here: Click Here
