Over 2,000 trees have been planted at exclusive events venue Kinkell Byre near St Andrews on the east coast of Scotland.
Using £27,150 from the Scottish government’s Nature Restoration Fund, approximately 100 acres of former farmland will be rewilded. Trees and hedgerows will be planted and wetland created on the site, which includes 70 acres of grass fields and 30 acres of cliffs. Reversing the loss of biodiversity caused by years of intensive farming, the planting will encourage the return of native plants, insects, bees, birds, and larger animals.
Rory Fyfe, project manager at Kinkell Byre, said: “By rewilding Kinkell we hope to bring back lost wildlife, enriching our environment and providing multiple ecological benefits.
“In addition, helping to create a richer ecology near St Andrews will broaden local opportunities for educational and community engagement with nature and will create green jobs.”
The 2021 Nature Restoration Fund adds to Scottish Government funding delivered through the Biodiversity Challenge Fund, Scottish Rural Development Programme and other sources to support biodiversity and help to deliver Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy.
