Dundreggan Rewilding Centre: Scotland’s Pioneer in Ecological Restoration

A Groundbreaking Conservation Initiative

The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre stands as a global pioneer in ecological restoration, located on a vast 10,000-acre estate in Glenmoriston, just eight miles from Loch Ness. Since 2008, the Trees for Life charity has led efforts here to restore Scotland’s native Caledonian forest through natural regeneration. This project nurtures biodiversity by protecting rare species and expanding ancient pine and juniper woodlands, creating a living laboratory of rewilding. The centre itself serves as a gateway for visitors to engage with this transformative environmental work.

Immersive Visitor Experience and Facilities

Visitors are welcomed into a single-level, fully accessible building featuring interactive displays that explain the science and cultural significance of rewilding. The centre includes a café, An Nead, serving seasonal, locally sourced meals and snacks, and a natural play area for children. A network of well-marked footpaths of varying difficulty allows exploration of the estate’s wild landscapes, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, with opportunities to spot wildlife and experience ancient woodlands firsthand. Free parking, accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities ensure comfort and convenience for all guests.

Accommodation at An Spiris

An Spiris, the onsite accommodation building, offers 20 en-suite rooms including four accessible bedrooms, designed to provide a comfortable base for extended stays. Rooms range from standard to plus size, with amenities such as heating, free Wi-Fi, and drying boot rooms for outdoor gear. Breakfast is served buffet-style in the café, and communal spaces foster a sense of community among guests. While pets are not permitted in accommodation, the centre and café welcome dogs on leads. The accommodation operates seasonally from March to October, with group stays possible in winter.

Educational and Community Engagement

The centre is a hub for environmental education and cultural heritage, incorporating Gaelic language and traditions throughout the visitor experience. It offers guided tours of the tree nursery, rewilding walks, and workshops on topics such as bushcraft, creative writing, and photography. Residential programs provide immersive learning opportunities, combining nature activities with mindfulness practices like yoga and breathwork. These initiatives aim to inspire visitors of all ages to connect deeply with nature and support conservation efforts.

Wildlife and Landscape Highlights

Dundreggan’s landscape is rich with biodiversity, home to over 4,000 species of plants and animals, including many that are rare or protected. The exclusion of red deer has allowed giant juniper bushes and other native flora to flourish, restoring balance to the ecosystem. Visitors can witness rewilding in action through the expanding forests and thriving wildlife populations, set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands’ rugged beauty.

Access and Visitor Information

Situated about an hour’s drive from Inverness, Fort William, and Kyle of Lochalsh, the centre is accessible via the A887 Skye road. Entry to the Rewilding Centre is free and dog-friendly, with facilities designed to be inclusive for wheelchair users and families with young children. The centre operates as a cashless facility and encourages visitors to engage responsibly with this unique environment, becoming part of the ongoing story of nature’s revival in the Highlands.