Revival of Scotland’s Vibrant Landscapes: A Personal Journey in Sutherland

Wildland is an organisation dedicated to a 200 year vision of ecological rehabilitation in the Scottish Highlands. For centuries, some of Europe’s most diverse and special landscapes have been decimated by deforestation, species loss, and the erosion of natural habitats.

We worked with WildLands to create a series of films exploring the rurality and community of Sutherland. This is Hugh’s story.

Wildland organization work to protect and conserve wildland areas, which are natural environments that are relatively undisturbed by human development and activities.

This organization focuses on specific types of wildland environments, such as forests, grasslands, or wetlands, and may work to preserve these areas for the benefit of wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. Wildland organizations engage in a range of activities, including lobbying for conservation legislation, conducting research and monitoring, managing protected areas, and educating the public about the importance of wildland conservation.

Ecological rehabilitation is the process of restoring and repairing damaged or degraded ecosystems. This can involve a range of activities, such as revegetation, erosion control, and reforestation. In the Scottish Highlands, ecological rehabilitation may be important for preserving and protecting the unique natural environments and ecosystems found in this region. Some of the specific challenges that may be faced in ecological rehabilitation in the Scottish Highlands include:

• Restoring native plant species: Many areas in the Scottish Highlands have been affected by the introduction of non-native plant species, which can displace native plants and disrupt local ecosystems.
• Repairing damaged habitats: The Scottish Highlands are home to a wide range of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. These habitats may be damaged by human activities such as logging, agriculture, and urbanization.
• Controlling erosion: The hilly terrain and high rainfall in the Scottish Highlands can make erosion a significant problem. Ecological rehabilitation efforts may include measures to prevent erosion, such as stabilizing slopes and reforestation.
• Protecting endangered species: The Scottish Highlands are home to many threatened and endangered species, including the Scottish wildcat, the red kite, and the Scottish crossbill. Ecological rehabilitation efforts may focus on preserving and protecting these species and their habitats.

This video is part of OneMinuteExplore nature playlist.

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