A tall, upland herb, melancholy thistle was once used as a potion to prevent ‘melancholia’ – a form of depression – which is thought to be the origin for its name.
RESTORING A LIVING LANDSCAPE – NATURE AT ALLADALE
Alladale Wilderness Reserve provides 23,000 acres of sheer, rugged beauty, where the balance of nature is returning. It is your true escape: Witness the panoramic views; explore the reforested Highland glens; breathe, and experience a wild landscape in recovery. For when we return to nature, we return to ourselves.
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”
JOHN MUIR
Scottish Environmentalist, Philosopher and Naturalist
A NOTE ON ALLADALE’S VISION, FROM CUSTODIAN PAUL LISTER:
My first memories of rural Scotland came about in the early 1980’s, when I got involved with hind stalking (deer hunting) in Argyll over freezing winter weekends. On these trips, I began to understand the breakdown of Scotland’s ecology – a process that extends across 99% of the UK and much of mainland Europe. Over the last millennia, the forests which the Romans called, ‘The Great Wood of Caledon’ was cleared for fuel, industry, shipbuilding and livestock. With the forest habitat diminished, we set about eradicating all large carnivores, including wolves and lynx. The ensuing sterile ‘dead zone’ has today been taken over by deer and sheep – a shadow of its former richness.
In 2003 I was fortunate enough to buy Alladale – a 23,000 acre Victorian Estate at the end of the road, deep in the Highlands, just an hour’s drive from Inverness.
With the support of a dedicated and committed team we set about creating a Wilderness Reserve; over the last two decades we have planted a million native trees, restored damaged peatlands, brought back the red squirrel and established a wildcat breeding centre.We have hosted thousands of local teenagers for immersive 5 day outdoor experiences. Today our business model is centred around nature-positive tourism, and our four lodges host guests with interests from nature and wildlife to photography, fitness, yoga and even sometimes relaxation! Our aim is to help visitors connect to nature in a calm, stunning and restorative setting.
A LIVING LANDSCAPE
In every detail, there are signs of the recovering ecosystem at Alladale. Look to the skies for golden eagles; search for rare orchids and twinflower; keep an eye out for black grouse and ptarmigan; and marvel in the wild spectacle of the Atlantic salmon run. Across the Reserve new saplings of Caledonian pine, rowan and birch are beginning to restore the forests.
To learn more about what you can expect to find, click on the image of each species below to explore the diversity of Highlands wildlife, native to Alladale.
MELANCHOLY THISTLE
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE
White-tailed eagles are sometimes seen flying over the reserve, with nesting pairs not to far away in the Dornoch Firth and Oykel river.
CREEPING LADY’S TRESSES
Creeping ladies tresses is a nationally scarce orchid, but it is fairly abundant in Alladale’s pinewoods.
HOLLY FERN
This species is vulnerable in Britain and is thought to be declining. Although it has restricted distribution in the country, a number of plants were found in 2022 clinging to the damp walls in the Beithearain gorge.
OUR CONSERVATION PROJECTS
We continue to plant trees and restore peatlands, helping native habitats and species to return and flourish. Our partnerships with conservation groups and NGO’s support this restoration work. We also operate educational and outreach programmes for teenagers and adults from the region. It is our mission to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.
REWILD YOURSELF
Activities at Alladale allow you to get closer to the natural world and reconnect with yourself. Indulge your passions and get active in the untamed nature of the Reserve.
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FIELD NOTES FROM NATURE
Charlie Ottleys Wild Poems
Charlie Ottley – TV presenter, explorer, adventurer, even a poet – is a dear friend of Alladale’s.
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Suggested Reads, For The Wild
Breath in and the clean air soothes your mind, sharpens it, and attunes you to the rhythms of nature.
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Building Wilderness
Deep in the Scottish Highlands, a process of regeneration is taking place.
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