Our Vision

Our vision for habitat restoration is unparalleled in its scope, scale and timeframe in the UK. Our milestones over the next 200 years chart our plans to restore native woodlands to their natural limits, including high-altitude montane woodland; to restore peatlands, wetlands and rivers, and to build support and understanding locally, nationally and internationally.

2020

Cairngorms Connect is well established as a pioneering example of what can be achieved by working in partnership at a landscape scale.
There is clear evidence of early achievements: young woodlands are spreading across open moorlands; peatlands and bogs show the signs of repair and early recovery, and rivers move more freely across floodplains.
Local communities and visitors are informed about, and involved with, the project and the benefits it will bring. Information about the project is widely available, on-site, online and locally.

2065

The effects of woodland regeneration, floodplain and peatland restoration are evident. With the exception of on-going herbivore control, all of the principal interventions are complete.
Natural characteristics are mainly being achieved by natural processes.
The emphasis of the project is now on monitoring, research and knowledge exchange, publicity and demonstration, and supporting meaningful social and culture connections with this landscape.

2216

Woodland habitats in the Cairngorms Connect area are the best examples in NW Europe of an oceanic boreal forest.
The forest has extended well towards its natural altitudinal limit, including montane woodland – achieved principally by natural regeneration in the presence of grazing animals.
Woodlands – including some plantations – have a high degree of naturalness, with structural variety and high deadwood content.
Wetlands have water tables at near-natural levels. Features of more-natural floodplains and river systems are well established.
Peatlands have recovered and there are no longer extensive areas of ‘hagging’ – the blanket bog is actively building.
The vast area covered by the partnership is internationally recognised as a success in landscape–scale restoration.
Its value for rare and diverse wildlife, spectacular landscapes, sustainable recreation, and for delivering a wealth of well-understood ecosystem services is valued by many of those who live near, work in, and visit the Cairngorms Connect partnership area.
Local economies benefit from this restored landscape, through sustainable rural jobs, including silviculture, eco-turisim, deer management, wildlife monitoring and agriculture.

Our Vision

2020

2065

2216

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