Aberarder Estate Woodland Expansion
A landscape-scale restoration project at the head of Strathnairn
Background
Aberarder Estate is located south of Loch Ness in Strathnairn. Now under new ownership, the estate is undergoing a transition towards a revitalised and resilient landscape for both nature and people.
A holistic approach that considers the full ecological potential of the estate is being taken. Peatland and river restoration, regenerative agriculture and the transformation of existing commercial plantations into native woodland are all central to the estate’s vision. Alongside this, TreeStory are working with the estate to deliver a significant native woodland expansion project.
The estate’s approach is to allow natural processes to take precedence wherever possible, while recognising that significant action is needed to rebalance ecosystems and drive change at a time of nature and climate emergency. The long-term ambition is to create a mosaic of habitats that lock up carbon, protect soils and water, and provide space for wildlife to thrive. This sits alongside what might be described as a societal emergency; one in which people are more disconnected than ever from nature and food production. The estate is committed to playing its part in addressing all three.
The estate is currently in a phase of discovery and learning, getting to know the land and the people who live and work alongside it. TreeStory are undertaking the woodland expansion project on behalf of the estate, and are delighted to be involved in fostering connections between the project and the local community. The main aims of the woodland creation project are outlined below.
Project Update
Updated 5th of May 2026
From November 2025-January 2026, a period of consultation on the woodland expansion was undertaken, via a project StoryMap that outlined the project aims and a concept map. Feedback from this consultation was used to inform the latest iteration of the plans, but more engagement, in particular with the local community is planned to help the estate achieve its vision of building long lasting relationships that can be mutually beneficial.
Contact Information
Tom Haynes – Project Lead | tom.haynes@treestory.org.uk | 07741 465686
Elanor Teel – Community & Consultation Lead | elanor.teel@treestory.org.uk | 07437 958559
Project Aims
The aim of of Aberarder Estate is to undertake the restoration work in a way that…
Expands and protects native woodland
Engages the local community and invites input and feedback
Encourages the flourishing of valuable wildlife and flora/fauna
Provides a diverse and thriving woodland for future generations
Is sensitive to the cultural heritage of this place
Map
The map opposite shows the current plans for the native woodland expansion on the estate. These plans are still in development and input from the local community and other important stakeholders will shape what you see on the map.
You can view the pdf by clicking the button below.
Phase 1: Ruthven Woodland Expansion
The first phase of planting is focused south Loch Ruthven. Potentially, up to 70 hectares of new native woodland could be created by here, linking up with existing ancient semi-natural woodlands on the loch shore. The design includes significant areas of land marked for natural regeneration which would allow the continued expansion of the existing woodland.
The design includes a mosaic of different woodland types appropriate to the varying site conditions with wet woodland comprised of species like Willow, Alder and Downy birch along burns and wetter low lying ground. Together with upland birch and oakwoods on the higher slopes. Over time this will form a diverse and connected landscape that blends with scrubland, managed grasslands and peatland habitats.
Phase 2: Garbhal Mor & Allt Mor
A second phase is being considered further south at Garbhal Mor and Allt Mor, covering about 100 hectares. This ground is less fertile and includes higher slopes that continue up onto the Monodhliath mountains, the woodland here will be lighter in density and fragmented to create naturalised treelines that will key into the peatland habitats above and protect the upper tributaries of the river Nairn through targeted riparian planting.
Parts of this phase are planned to happen without the use of deer fences. This will require significant efforts to control deer across the estate at levels that would make planting and natural regeneration outside of fences possible.
Project timeline
Autumn/Winter 2025/26
Initial public and stakeholder consultation completed. Started detailed site assessment work.
Winter 2026
Review feedback from public consultation and adapt the woodland design. Continued site assessment work.
Spring 2026
Finalise initial woodland design – further public consultation if the design has changed significantly from what is currently outlined.
Spring-Summer 2026
Further community engagement and discussions started on community benefits.
Autumn 2026
Draft woodland creation design complete and ready for further review.
Winter 2027
Final woodland creation concept map completed
Summer 2027
Submit EIA determination to Scottish Forestry
Meet the team
Estate Manager at Aberarder Estate
FAQ’s
Who is TreeStory?
TreeStory is a regenerative forestry consultancy. We offer holistic and sustainable forestry solutions that combine our technical expertise with our passion for the natural environment. We believe that well-managed trees, woodlands and forests make the world a better place. You can learn more about us here.
What will the community benefit from the project be?
Community Benefits from a project that changes a landscape are decided in conjunction with the local community. We closely follow guidance from the Scottish Land Commission which provides the following definition of community benefit: “Community benefits can be monetary but don’t have to be. They should be provided with intent and in addition to planned project outputs. They are distinct from public benefits, such as carbon sequestration or clean air. Their primary benefit is for people who live closest to the project. Community benefits are discussed and agreed with the community through engagement and negotiation and contribute to the community’s needs and aspirations and sustainable development.” Aberarder Estate are beginning conversations with the local community about what this will look like in this context.
If you have any thoughts or ideas on what the estate could do to benefit the local community, we want to hear from you. You can contact us directly (see contact information below), or via the feedback form.
What native woodland species are you going to plant?
A wide breadth of native species that are suited to the site. This will include common species that are already found on and near to the estate such as Birch, willows, Alder and Oak. Seed is being collected from these trees on the estate and will be used for growing the planting stock used in the woodland creation. Where some native species aren’t present on the estate due to historical management and overgrazing, planting stock using trees of local provenance from nearby will be used.
Feedback form
Please follow the link below to fill in our feedback form.
If you would prefer, you can also reach out directly to:
Tom Haynes – Project Lead tom.haynes@treestory.org.uk | 07741 465686
Elanor Teel – Community & Consultation Lead elanor.teel@treestory.org.uk | 07437 958559