Project overview
In recent years we’ve realised that the landscape we see today sustains a fraction of its wildlife potential. Uncontrolled access to and grazing of Lettoch by the neighbouring farmers’ livestock and local populations of Red and Roe deer have stifled natural regeneration. The grazing pressure from deer and sheep has been too high for the grass and woodland to recover. We know this by the lack of diversity in the upper meadow, the lack of tree regeneration and the evidence of grazing on shrubs and trees as well as bark damage.
Our first step in recovering Lettoch’s habitats is complete restriction of grazing by deer and sheep through putting up a deer fence. Both roe and red deer can easily jump standard-sized fences. So, we’re installing a very tall fence that will stop grazing and allow trees and shrubs to regenerate naturally.
Deer fencing will also enable all the species in our grassland to recover. We have already invested in electric fencing to control sheep access to the upper meadow, and we will enhance wildlife movement across and around Lettoch through the planting of 500 lower storey native trees, creating green corridors that link up woodland on Urrard Estate to our south Atholl Estates to our north.
As part of the rewilding process, we plan to take out some of the non-native invasive species such as Sitka and Norwegian spruce, these reduce light and diversity in our two-acre woodland.
To provide additional habitat and enrich the numbers and diversity of bugs and birds, mammals and plant life, we plan create a wildlife pond and wetland area.
Over the next 10 years, we’re charting the work through film. We’ll record what we do here and the impact it has. We’ll chart the regeneration, video the wildlife, and photograph the plant life to share achievements and challenges along the way. Come along with us on our journey and follow our YouTube channel for regular updates. Explore our habitats below.
