Overview

Between 2019 and 2021 at Blaircreich Farm and further upstream in the Inverlochlarig Glen, a riparian woodland corridor of approximately 8km has been planted with trees and lined with large woody debris (Larig Restoration Project). The habitat and biodiversity benefits of the work are to:

• provide instream cover for fish and other species;
• increase macroinvertebrate production through increased detritus in the river
• stabilise banks and cool water temperatures.

While tree planting and large woody debris on sites at Blaircreich (and other areas) will go a long way to begin the transformation of the rivers into a much healthier and species diverse places, there is much more opportunity within wider landscape for further connectivity. This phase of restoration work at Blaircreich Farm is funded by the Nature Restoration Fund and targets improvements within the wider landscape that benefit riparian habitat works already delivered.

Wetland Creation

This phase of restoration aims to improve floodplain efficiency on currently disused farmland by increasing wetland habitat on areas which should be retaining water for longer before it filters into the river. Blocking drainage ditches with natural materials and creating connective scrapes to join up wet areas are all part of a plan to create more wetland habitat at Blaircreich Farm. Increasing storage of the floodplain will help reduce impacts on river habitat of sedimentation and run off from the hillsides surrounding the area, as well as provide increased habitat for wading birds, amphibians and a host of insects including dragonflies, damselflies and water beetles.

Green bank Protection

The project will also use live willow to provide green bank structure along the Larig at Blaircreich to further stabilise banks as well as provide increased habitat for riparian fish and insect species. The project will deliver installation of 200m of willow spile. Green bank protection is a great tool to reduce erosion in a green and environmentally friendly way. It reduces the reliance on hard bank protection measures such as gabion baskets or concrete which are carbon intense options. It also provides a boost to habitats locally with overhanging vegetation and increased riparian tree cover that sequesters carbon as the trees grow.

Funder

Nature Restoration Fund by NatureScot

Landowner

With thanks to Blaircreich Estate