Ben Nevis footpaths and ancient woodlands to be restored through community project

Footpaths and ancient woodlands on Ben Nevis are to be restored through a project pioneered by a community organisation.

The Nevis Landscape Partnership has secured funding to launch the Nevis Nature Network – a restoration project encompassing Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis.

The project will see the group work with four landowners to address the biggest ecological challenges in the area including degraded ancient woodlands, invasive non-native plants and degrading footpaths on designated habitats.

Spanning 22,000 acres, the Nevis Nature Network project area covers a vast array of native habitats, from ancient Scottish Rainforest along the River Nevis, to fragments of Caledonian forest, up to rare montane scrub on mountain cliffs.

It also includes land with both European and Scottish habitat designations: Ben Nevis Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Ben Nevis Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Ben Nevis is to be restored Nevis Landscape

Monitoring carried out by NatureScot in 2021 found that 100% of woodlands monitored were in unfavourable condition in the Ben Nevis Special Area of Conservation.

The biggest threat to the area were found to be high herbivore impact and invasive rhododendron.

Nevis Nature Network Project Manager, Ellie Corsie, explained the importance of these statistics: “These stats highlight an urgent need for woodland restoration at scale.

“Together with our project partners, we are driven by the myriad benefits that landscape-scale woodland restoration can offer.

“For example, improving habitat connectivity, carbon capture, improving river habitat and water quality and securing a future for local vulnerable species such as red squirrels, Atlantic salmon and endangered montane willows.”

The project has secured over £80,000 worth of funding from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund.

Frazer Coupland, CEO of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce said: “I am delighted to celebrate the launch of this transformative project.

“Our region’s stunning landscapes are a cornerstone of our local identity, the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

“A healthy, intact, and living landscape is crucial for sustaining our unique way of life, attracting visitors, and fostering a sense of pride among residents.

“This initiative represents a significant step toward in preserving and enhancing the natural beauty that makes Lochaber so special.”