Discover Scotland’s Wildlife: Glen Rosa Restoration and Sea Eagles
The west of Scotland is famous for its dramatic landscapes and wildlife. Recently we had the chance to explore conservation projects and meet the people—and animals—helping shape our natural future.
A Walk with the Arran Community Land Initiative
As part of the Arran Environment Festival, we joined a guided walk through the Arran Community Land Initiative (ACLI). This inspiring community project sits on land that was once intensively farmed but has been gradually allowed to return to nature over the past 10–40 years.
Walking through the site offered a fascinating glimpse of ecological change. Different fields showed the transition from improved grassland to woodland, demonstrating how habitats recover when given time and care. One highlight was the field known as Vole City, where thriving vole populations attract predators. Recently, a resident owl has begun hunting there, and conservationists hope it may soon breed.
One of the biggest challenges for nature on the island is the overpopulation of deer. Along the walk we saw clear signs of browsing damage on young trees. Interestingly, dense gorse bushes can act as natural protection for saplings, shielding them from grazing and allowing woodland regeneration to continue.
ACLI’s work is not only about conservation but also about community. The organisation runs a thriving Young Growers Club and a wide range of educational activities, helping people of all ages connect with Arran’s landscapes and wildlife.
Restoring Woodland in Glen Rosa
The festival also included a talk by ever-enthusiastic Kate Sampson on restoring native woodland in Glen Rosa—one of Arran’s most beautiful glens. The restoration project is boosting biodiversity and reversing habitat loss by planting native trees. Encouragingly, despite last spring’s devastating fire, around a third of the affected trees have survived.
Meeting a Sea Eagle
The following week, during a visit to Toward, we had the chance to meet Florence, a magnificent white-tailed eagle, also known as a sea eagle. Florence is relocating to Scotland with her owner, wildlife educator Lewis Phillips. Lewis is passionate about conservation and environmental education, and Florence helps introduce people to the remarkable birds that once again soar across Scotland’s skies. Earlier she had even visited a local boxing club, inspiring young people to learn more about wildlife.
Experiences like these are a reminder that a visit to Arran offers far more than beautiful scenery. From community conservation projects to the return of iconic species such as the sea eagle, the island is a wonderful place to discover Scotland’s wildlife and the people working to protect it.