£80,000 of 'futureproof funding' for iconic Ben Nevis project

About half a million visitors every year are attracted to the area with well over 100,000 of those summiting Ben Nevis, and now the Nevis Nature Network project is on a mission to address the landscape’s biggest ecological challenges by tackling non-native invasive plants, to restoring and expanding ancient habitats and improving degraded footpaths.

The project,  developing a collaborative plan to address those issues and help safeguard a future for rare and vulnerable species living here, would not be possible without the ongoing support and commitment from  key local landowners Jahama Highland Estate, John Muir Trust, Glen Nevis Estate and Forestry and Land Scotland, said one of Nevis Landscape Partnership’s Directors Mike Pescod.

From ancient Scottish Rainforest along the River Nevis, to fragments of Caledonian forest, up to rare montane scrub on mountain cliffs, Nevis Nature Network Project covers a huge type of habitats. It also includes Ben Nevis Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Ben Nevis Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).

According to monitoring work by NatureScot in 2021 in the Ben Nevis SAC, 100 per cent of  its woodlands were in "unfavourable condition” with the biggest threats coming from high herbivore impact and invasive rhododendron.

Nevis Nature Network Project Manager Ellie Corsie said these stats highlight an urgent need for woodland restoration at landscape scale bringing lots of benefits with it  including carbon capture, improving river habitat and water quality and helping red squirrels, Atlantic salmon and endangered montane willows thrive.

She said: “After months of planning and fundraising, we are delighted to have raised over £100,000 for an initial development project. Through which we are going to work with specialists to identify, cost and prioritise restoration actions."

The development project is being funded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund managed by NatureScot, Rewilding Britain’s Rewilding Innovation Fund, The Woodland Trust, Forestry and Land Scotland, JAHAMA Highland Estate, Glen Nevis Estate, John Muir Trust and Friends of Nevis.

Benefits of the project also extend to humans living in the area, where people rely on the dramatic landscape and  wildlife for personal wellbeing as well as business, added Ellie.

Frazer Coupland, who is head of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, is delighted by the launch of the transformative project.

"Our region’s stunning landscapes are a cornerstone of our local identity, the Outdoor Capital of the UK. A healthy, intact, and living landscape is crucial for sustaining our unique way of life, attracting visitors, and fostering a sense of pride among residents.

"This initiative represents a significant step toward in preserving and enhancing the natural beauty that makes Lochaber so special.”