Darnaway Forest Grazing

Once, big trees and big animals would have been common across much of the UK. Humans have not only reduced the extent of forests and the variety of animals but have fenced what is left apart. Here is a forest; there is a field of cattle. As sponsor of this project, you will help to change that:

• Introduce Highland Cattle to a historic pine forest.
• Generate Biodiversity Units across 1,200 hectares through ecological processes of cattle grazing.
• Demonstrate stacking of timber, food and biodiversity benefits on the same land.
• Restore habitat for one of Scotland’s biggest and most iconic birds: the mighty Capercaillie.
• Collaborate with Springwatch presenter and leading Scottish bird expert, Roy Dennis.
• Track cattle using cutting-edge ‘no-fence’ radio collars.
• Provide a nature-positive basis for jobs and products throughout the wood supply chain, including sawmills and house-building.

Moray Estates has a long history of sustainable forestry, led by a team respected across Scotland for their expertise in pioneering wood production alongside conservation of ancient and valuable woodlands. This team have designed the Darnaway forest grazing project based on years of experience of long-term, sensitive management and close collaboration with local conservationists. Through independent MRV and the opportunity for visits and updates, the sponsor will be able to watch cattle restore long-lost forest ecological processes from the ground up, year by year.