9 ways to rewild

Day 1: Welcome
After arriving and settling in, enjoy a warm welcome with signature ‘Scottish’ cocktails followed by a pre-dinner briefing exploring the history of rewilding and its current progress in Scotland. Gather around the farmhouse dining table for a relaxed evening meal to kick off the journey ahead.

Day 2: Letting Nature Lead
Trainer: Peter Cairns

The day begins with a walk along the River Feshie in a Northwoods rewilding reserve, where Peter Cairns will challenge you to see the landscape as a dynamic and evolving ecological system. He’ll discuss how minimal intervention and reliance on natural processes have shaped this area over the past 30 years.

Expanding Native Woodland
A walk into Glenfeshie showcases a thriving mosaic of native woodland. A local ranger will share insights into how reduced grazing pressures have transformed the glen into a vibrant natural landscape.

Evening Film Screening: Riverwoods

Day 3: More Space for Water
Trainer: Aidan MacCormick

The loss of wetlands has had a profound impact on ecosystems. During a visit to a nearby rewilding site, explore how creating ponds and wetlands is locking away carbon, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of flooding, drought, and wildfires.

Joined-Up Habitats
Returning to the lodge, ecologist Aidan MacCormick will discuss the importance of habitat connectivity, wildlife corridors, and nature networks, highlighting inspiring examples from across Europe.

Evening Walk: Visit a picturesque wetland to see how beavers have reshaped the landscape since their reintroduction.

Day 4: Natural Grazing & Reintroducing Species
Trainers: Aidan MacCormick & Hugh Webster

Reinstating Natural Grazing
In the morning, visit a rewilding site where Highland cattle and Exmoor ponies play the role of missing herbivores, shaping a diverse mosaic of grasslands and woodlands.

Returning Missing Species
In the afternoon, Hugh Webster, a missing species expert, discusses the opportunities and challenges of reintroducing native wildlife. During a woodland walk, learn about the Lynx to Scotland project and the progress toward bringing lynx back to Scotland’s forests.

Evening Film Screening: The Last of the Aurochs

Day 5: Communities and Rewilding Economies

Connecting with Communities
Rewilding is about enriching both natural systems and people’s lives. In this session, explore ways rewilding can support recreation, education, and employment opportunities in nearby communities, aligning ecological recovery with human well-being.

Creating Wilder Rivers
Visit a restored stretch of river and hear about the transformational impact of natural river processes on biodiversity, including efforts to protect declining Atlantic salmon populations.

Day 6: Farewell
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye, leaving with new knowledge, inspiration, and a deeper connection to Scotland’s rewilding story.