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Mountains and the People – Highlands Rewilding & Cultural Engagement Hub

Trust T1

Climate Zones: Temperate maritime.
Regenerative Focus: Rewilding, peat restoration, cultural conservation.

About this land node

Focuses on rewilding moorlands and mountains while engaging local Highland communities; integrates Gaelic stewardship, regenerative grazing, and climate resilience across rugged terrains.

Overview

Project Vision: Restore wild lands and build community resilience through cultural revival.
Project Purpose: Promote rewilding, foster community engagement, and conserve biodiversity across the Scottish Highlands through cultural revival and ecological restoration.
Project Title: Mountains and the People
Political Location: Scotland

Ecology & biodiversity

Biodiversity context: Adjacent to Cairngorms National Park, linking Highlands biodiversity.
Ecological corridors: Links Cairngorms to Loch Ness.
Natural boundaries: Located in River Tay watershed near Cairngorms National Park.
Ecosystem unity: Temperate maritime mountains and moorlands supporting heather and pine forests, linking highland ecosystems.

Climate & water

Climate Zones: Temperate maritime.
Rainfall patterns: Rainfall year-round (~150 mm/month); cold winters.
Average Rainfall: 1,500–2,000 mm/year
Temperature Extremes: 0°C to 15°C
Average Temperature: 8°C average
Watershed: River Tay watershed draining to North Sea.
Nearby water bodies: ≈5 km to River Tay; ≈50 km to North Sea

Land & terrain

Elevation & slope: 500–1,000 m; rugged terrain.
Landforms: Mountains, moorlands, glens.
Soil Types: Peaty soils low in fertility; support rewilding and peatland restoration.
Soil health: Low organic matter, improving with peatland restoration.
Erosion risk: Moderate erosion risk, mitigated by rewilding vegetation.
Renewable resource potential: Solar energy, peatland carbon credits, water harvesting.

People & history

Land Acknowledgements: Recognises Gaelic people’s heritage and culture.
Recent land history: Past overgrazing and deforestation now reversed.

Regenerative practice

Regenerative Focus: Rewilding, peat restoration, cultural conservation.
Regenerative Methodologies: Native planting, controlled grazing, peat rewetting, community conservation.
Environmental objectives: Increase native forests, restore peatlands, enhance wildlife.
Community objectives: Engage residents, provide education, foster cultural revival.
Community engagement: Volunteer programs, eco‑tours, cultural workshops.
Economic Model: Donations, eco‑tourism, carbon credits.

Impact

Expressed Impact: Rewilded 400 ha, boosted biodiversity by 15%, engaged 500+ locals.
Key impact metrics: Ha rewilded, carbon sequestered, community involvement.

Visiting & links

Nearest urban centres: ≈50 km from Perth.
Website: https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/mountains-and-the-people-uk/
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/ecorestorationcommunities