Environment Cabinet Secretary visits Glen Nevis project

Ms Cunningham planted a Scots Pine tree to support Glen Nevis native pinewood regeneration.

The five-year Heritage Lottery Funded programme is a partnership between Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Forestry Commission Scotland, John Muir Trust, Highland Council and the Nevis Partnership, which host the programme and employ the six staff delivering the 19 projects.

Project work includes planting pine seedlings, removing non-native conifers within the pinewood area that out-compete native trees, and improving habitat for species such as black grouse, pine marten, barn owls and red squirrels.

Ms Cunningham said:

"It’s great to see such a broad range of projects, successfully managing the balance between conservation and visitor pressures. I hope the community spirit at the heart of the initiative will inspire others to follow their lead, and I was pleased to have the chance to do my bit by planting one of the pine seedlings."

Mike Cantlay, SNH chair, added: “We were delighted to welcome the cabinet secretary to Glen Nevis. It’s wonderful to see such an ambitious programme of work benefitting both people and the environment in truly a special place. This adds to the work we’re doing with partners across Lochaber to protect and enrich the stunning nature of the area, as well as to generate social and economic benefits.”

Freja MacDougall, Nevis Landscape Partnership Communications Officer, said:  “The delivery team are delighted that the our environmental projects are being recognised by the Scottish Government. Ms Cunningham's visit to our Future Forests enclosures gave the cabinet secretary a chance to see our re-forestation efforts at ground level, and we were delighted when she volunteered to plant a Scots Pine seedling. The opportunity to discuss a sustainable future for the Nevis landscape with Ms. Cunningham was thoroughly appreciated and we welcome future visits and discussions.”

Two of the programme’s key projects, Future Forests & Pinewood Restoration, are focused on improving the Caledonian forest in upper Glen Nevis. These projects, which are led by Nevis Landscape Partnership with significant input from local and national groups, form part of the Scottish Government’s aim to see a quarter of Scotland under woodland cover.

ENDS

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Contact SNH press & PR officer, Vicki Mowat, on 0131 316 2659 or vicki.mowat@snh.gov.uk (Tuesday to Friday) or the SNH main press office on 01463 725 022 (Monday).