Journey in Landscape Restoration: Carrifran Wildwood and Beyond

Carrifran Wildwood is a 20-year ecological restoration project that has transformed degraded hill land into a vibrant, carbon-absorbing ecosystem. It was founded by local people who mourned the lack of natural habitats and decided to act. The book describes the challenges of carrying forward bold initiatives and the role of restoration ecology in addressing the biodiversity crisis and climate change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 30 June 2020
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

Carrifran Wildwood, a remarkable ecological restoration project in the Scottish Highlands, was born out of a deep sense of loss and a desire to protect natural habitats. Founded by the Borders Forest Trust, the Wildwood has become a shining example of ecological restoration over the past 20 years. By removing sheep and goats and planting 700,000 trees, the team has successfully transformed degraded hill land into a thriving ecosystem teeming with plants, animals, and fungi. The book, "Carrifran Wildwood: A Story of Restoration," vividly captures the challenges and triumphs of this ambitious project. The contributors, who include local people, funders, authorities, landowners, and partners, share their experiences and insights throughout the book. One of the key themes of the book is the role of nature in asserting itself when given a chance. The book includes "before and after" surveys, detailed descriptions of vegetation changes, and unique documentation of the dramatic changes in bird populations during the transformation of the Carrifran valley. The gradual development of a diverse range of invertebrate animals is also discussed, along with the rich communities of fungi and mosses that have been newly recorded in the area. The book concludes with a discussion of the role of restoration ecology in addressing the biodiversity crisis and climate change. Carrifran Wildwood is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of protecting our natural heritage. It serves as a reminder that even the most damaged landscapes can be restored to their former glory, and that every individual can make a difference in the fight against environmental degradation.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 171 x 239 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849954723