Leadloch

Location results

Leadloch, our 155-hectare site located in the central belt of Scotland, features degraded peatland, improved grassland, fenland, and conifer shelter belts. Alongside ongoing woodland creation and peatland restoration initiatives, we have ambitious nature restoration goals for the future.

140000

trees planted, helping to create a vital habitat for wildlife

18026

tonnes of carbon to be removed from the atmosphere over the next 100 years

36495sqm

wildflower meadow and wetland enhancements

Location overview

Woodland Creation

We are planting thousands of trees across 65ha of the site. We plant mixed, native woodlands to create thriving habitats for wildlife. Non-native conifer species will be removed to restore peatland and birdlife. The woodland creation scheme will be registered with The Woodland Carbon Code, providing UK standard validation of carbon sequestration.

Nature Restoration

Our team has completed extensive surveys on the site, documenting more than 151 plant species, 22 breeding bird species, 10 butterfly and 6 mammal species. The ecological condition of the site is currently degraded, and our goal is to improve it significantly, transforming Leadloch into a thriving wildlife hub in Central Scotland.

Peatland Restoration

Working alongside Peatland ACTION and validated by the Peatland Code, we will block ditches, create bunds, perform forest to bog restoration and sphagnum moss translocation. This will return the hydrology and vegetation of the peatland to a near natural state, enhancing native biodiversity and locking in carbon for generations to come. The peatland site is also forming part of the Forth-ERA catchment monitoring project run by the University of Stirling.

Our vision

We aim to improve Leadloch by restoring depleted farmland and landscapes, by establishing fresh woodlands, peatland, to create habitats teeming with wildlife. Our goal is for this unique site to be cherished by the local community.

Make an impact

From small ripples to a grand vision: Support central Scotland's largest pond project

Our team is thrilled to announce that the Leadloch Ponds Project has received approval for development, marking a significant milestone. We are currently seeking a sponsor for what could be the largest pond project in central Scotland.

We aim to enhance 36,500 sq m of wildflower and wet meadow areas, while also establishing 18 new ponds to provide vital support for local wildlife.

Join us in making a positive impact on the environment and community by supporting this exciting initiative.

Restoring balance: Bringing back the iconic Curlew through nature restoration

The conservation status of curlews in the UK is classified as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). They are considered Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Additionally, curlews are listed as Near Threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These magnificent birds breed in the Leadloch area, the removal of the Sitka belts across the bog last autumn has opened up additional safe breeding grounds for the curlews. The upcoming re-wetting of the bog will enhance their foraging opportunities, ultimately benefiting the species.

Reconnecting people with nature

Our Leadloch site offers an ideal setting to connect with the community through our environmental projects. Nestled in a rural setting, we aim to foster a deeper connection with nature for local residents. From wildflower planting to wildlife monitoring, and open access to outdoor education, we strive to create a green space where individuals can reconnect with the natural world.

High-impact nature restoration and carbon removal, with integrity

At Leadloch we are planting primarily native trees to capture carbon at scale. alongside enhancing nature on the site through improving the condition of key wetland and grassland habitats. We are restoring degraded peatland by bringing together environmental science and in-the-field experience.

Make an impact

Location data

The Leadloch woodland creation scheme has now been approved and work is underway, this page is being maintained with all of the documents.

Archaeology Assessment

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Woodland Creation Species Map

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Breeding Bird Survey

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Woodland Creation Operational Plan

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More Locations

Our team are committed to helping nature to thrive across our twelve unique UK sites. Working at a landscape scale, we're creating new forests, restoring peatlands, creating wildflower meadows, wetlands, and heathland. Through a blend of environmental science and practical knowledge, we establish native woodlands and exceptional habitats teaming with wildlife. Explore our sites and discover the projects.