Nature Restoration in the Glenkens
Creating a nature restoration strategy for the Glenkens
GCAT has recently been awarded funding to develop a nature restoration strategy for the Glenkens. Working with farmers and land managers, this will set out how the landscape could change over the next ten years to improve it for nature and people.
From June this year until next March, Dalry residents Nikky Wilson and Steve Connelly will be working as Development Officers with land managers, local organisations and communities to produce a strategy. This will build on a feasibility study carried out in 2025 into creating ‘nature networks’, and expands it to consider how to create and restore habitats across the whole area in ways which also generate economic and social benefits. The strategy will identify and design practical projects that will deliver lasting benefits across the area. Some of these will be ready to go as soon as further funding is secured, while others will be proposals to be developed over the next few years.
Projects will be ecologically effective and locally appropriate initiatives such as::
Working with farmers to identify economically feasible approaches to land management which benefit biodiversity
Linking areas of native woodlands to create habitat corridors
Developing training and employment opportunities to provide local jobs in nature-friendly land management
Involving community groups in nature monitoring and research.
The aim is to generate and bring together fresh thinking about how a healthier landscape can support economically viable communities. Over the summer Nikky and Steve will be listening, learning and building relationships with people living and working in the Glenkens, including with farmers, foresters, landowners, local businesses, and community organisations. They will be looking for more ideas and partners for pilot projects, seeking to understand opportunities and constraints, and learning about people’s aspirations for the future of the Glenkens landscape.
Please get in contact with Nikky and Steve if you would like more information or want to be involved in any way. You can email them at nikkyandsteve@gmail.com or phone the CatStrand on 01644 420374 and leave a message for them. There will also be opportunities to meet them in person at events around the Glenkens through the summer and the autumn – keep an eye on the Glenkens Hub website and Facebook page.
This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot, and the Glenkens & District Community Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland.
