Rewilding Affric Highlands

Affric Highlands is part of the Rewilding Europe initiative and is a partnership between landowners and communities in the central Highlands of Scotland. Spanning glens, mountainous woodland and ancient Caledonian pinewoods, it aims to restore woodland, peatland, scrub, wetland and sub-alpine grassland, giving rivers space to flow naturally. This 30-year vision will create a refuge for iconic species and strengthen local communities through nature-based opportunities. 

The Affric Highlands contain some of Scotland’s most precious yet degraded habitats. After centuries of ecological decline, the area now holds rare remnants of native pinewoods and landscapes under pressure from human impacts. Restoration will revive biodiversity and build community and economic resilience.  

The ERF grant is supporting Rewilding Europe in scaling up rewilding efforts in the Highlands and aims to demonstrate how rewilding can deliver both ecological recovery and socio-economic benefits at scale.