Restoring nature for future generations

We are dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of our natural landscapes

The rate at which we are losing nature today is alarming, the UK is left with only half of its natural biodiversity, ranking it among the bottom 10% of countries worldwide. To address this issue, our team are actively managing vital nature restoration projects across twelve sites in the UK.

We are dedicated to the protection of ancient woodlands, the creation of wildflower meadows, and the restoration of wetlands, actively contributing to the health and longevity of our diverse ecosystems.

Our sites provide a vital food source, a safe place for nesting, breeding, hunting and shelter for wildlife. We are managing woodland habitats for red squirrels, as well as native wood edges for Black grouse, restoring habitats for farmland birds like Lapwing, and Curlew. Our Wetland restoration provides a safe habitat for the Great Crested Newt to thrive.

In 2023, after a local resident found Northern Brown Argus butterfly at Blairlogie for the first time in over 100 years, our Ecologist and volunteers from Butterfly Conservation searched the hillside for more signs of this locally-rare species and found new colonies within small patches of common rock-rose. Since then, our team have teamed up with TCV Scotland and other local volunteers to clear scrub threatening these colonies and are now working with Butterfly Conservation and other partners to increase butterfly numbers at Dumyat.

The conservation of wildflower meadows is crucial for the survival of essential pollinator insects such as bees. Unfortunately, the UK has witnessed a staggering decline of 97% in wildflower meadows since the 1930s. Our aim is to establish and revive these meadows by utilising seeds and plug plants, whilst working with local farmers to graze and cut meadows for hay.

The Student Energy Group sponsor 1,000 square metres of wildflower meadow restoration.

Our partnership with The Student Energy Group was further strengthened in 2023. A significant milestone was reached in July when they sponsored the restoration of 1,000 square meters of wildflower meadow, helping nature thrive and supporting pollinators. This initiative perfectly complements their existing tree sponsorship, where they plant a sapling for each of their clients in our growing forests. We greatly appreciate their shared dedication to incorporating sustainability into their daily operations.

Our experts are paving the way in the environmental industry

Peatland Manager, Matt Cook recently spoke at the Power To The Peatlands conference in Antwerp, where he discussed the integration of public and private finance in peatland restoration in Scotland.

We hosted the Scottish Government and other public sector organisations to discuss market opportunities and address challenges related to natural capital.

‘We are grateful to the Future Forest Company team for making the time to host our visit and for their honest and informative reflections on working in Scotland and on the role the public sector can play in supporting businesses to deliver our high-integrity and values-led vision for the natural capital market.’

- Ross Johnston, Head of Natural Capital Policy and Valuation

Scotland's rainforests are incredibly important for wildlife and are just as diverse as tropical rainforests. These ancient woodlands have thrived for centuries, forming intricate ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal species, including some that are rare. At Glenaros, we are fortunate to have extensive rainforest areas, particularly the unique Atlantic Hazelwood. However, these areas have suffered from overgrazing and lack of new growth, making it crucial for us to take action and ensure that future generations can appreciate and benefit from these remarkable habitats.

The Atlantic Hazel woodlands at the Glenaros Estate are of global importance because of their diverse range of lichens, bryophytes, and fungi. Lichens, which are a combination of fungi and algae, can be found in the Atlantic Hazel stands, including some exceptionally rare species. These rare lichens rely on ancient woodland habitats for their survival. Not only do lichens play a crucial ecological role, but they also serve as a source of food, shelter, and nesting material for various wildlife species.

Agroforestry benefits, nature, climate and rural communities. Our holistic land management approach means that we consider the whole ecosystem of a site, from the soil to the surrounding community. Our team of experts adopt agroforestry methods on several of our woodland sites. Agroforestry integrates trees, crops and animals to create exceptionally productive and resilient ecosystems.

At Brodoclea Woodland Farm we manage the Woolly Pig Company, a small scale organic farming enterprise, the farming activities enhance the woodland rather than the other way round. Our woodland and farm activities are entirely integrated. To support our ongoing work at Brodoclea, we retail 60-80 Mangalitza pigs a year which are then sold directly to customers through our online shop The Woolly Pig Company. The meat from the breed is highly sought-after as it is a healthy and nutrient-rich product due to the environment it was raised in.

Agroforestry delivers a multitude of benefits both for people, the farm and for nature. An integrated agroforestry system can be designed to avoid potential "leakage" a trade-off that occurs between modern farming and forestry. Leakage occurs when efforts to reduce emissions in one place simply shift emissions to another location or sector where they remain uncontrolled or uncounted. Our holistic landmanagement approach allows us to mitigate leakage by integrating carbon removal activities such as woodland creation with small-scale farming.

The Glenaros Estate is home to highland cattle, there are records of Highland cows at Glenaros dating back to the early 1800's. These majestic creatures contribute significantly to the ecosystem by recycling nutrients through grazing and dung, resulting in a richer plant diversity and more intricate vegetation. The exceptional characteristics of the pure Highland cow make it an ideal candidate for conservation grazing initiatives.