Kinloch Woodlands celebrates becoming a Nature30 site

The grassroots and voluntary Nature30 approach recognises places that are making a significant contribution towards the global goal of conserving and managing our land and seas for nature by 2030. The accolade celebrates Scotland’s farmers, foresters, communities, public bodies, businesses, charities, organisations and others - who are managing areas of land that are accomplishing amazing things for nature now and into the future.

Through its ongoing restoration work, its community involvement and its partnership with the University of Edinburgh Forest and Peatland Programme, Kinloch Woodlands is making a vital contribution to the nationally and internationally important 30 by 30 target. The site has become an outstanding example of how community ownership can drive ecological restoration while creating opportunities for people to connect with and benefit from nature. Covering some 490 hectares on the south side of Loch Shieldaig, the site is managed by Kinloch Woodlands Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and is focused on sustainable management of land for the benefit of its local community and the wider public, with a strong emphasis on nature conservation, restoration and enhancement.

The Kinloch Woodlands SCIO is managed by ten trustees drawn from local families and others with particular specialisms, ensuring that decisions are shaped by both ecological knowledge and the needs of the community. Its Nature30 recognition celebrates not only the achievements of the past 30 years, but also the community's ongoing commitment to creating a richer, more connected and resilient landscape where nature and people can thrive together for generations to come.

Nature30 sites were first launched in August 2025, to complement Scotland’s existing protected areas (also known as designated sites). Being part of the initiative is not just about celebrating nature heroes, but also about using this new global accolade as a means of securing investment and incentives to support their great work.

NatureScot’s Head of Protected Areas, Dr. Ben Ross, said: “Congratulations to Kinloch Woodlands on their recognition as a Nature30 site. The community’s 30-year commitment to ecological restoration in Wester Ross is inspiring, as is their vision for native woodlands, freshwater habitats, and education. This Nature30 recognition shows that it's possible for communities to lead the way for a more resilient Scotland, reversing nature loss while making nature more resilient, helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, and combatting climate change.

“Achieving the 30 by 30 target is hugely ambitious, but collectively Scotland can do it. We’re excited to work with everyone who cares passionately about nature, adding to the great work already happening across the country, and we encourage anyone who owns or manages land that is or will be achieving great things for nature, to consider applying for Nature30 recognition.”

Convenor of Kinloch Woodlands trustees, Richard Munday said: “This recognition of Kinloch Woodlands as a Nature30 site is warmly welcomed, not least for the hard work which our trustees, and others, have put into restoring this fragment of Wester Ross’s temperate rainforest over the last 30 years. We believe that our long-term commitment to a continuing programme of ecological improvement - based on the Northwoods principles of letting nature lead - is the best way forward.”

Ends.