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Threave Landscape Restoration Project
Our 100-year project aims to restore natural habitats and create a landscape both rich in biodiversity and capable of adapting to a changing climate.
In the 18th century, Threave Nature Reserve was a small mixed farm (Kelton Farm). However, as farming practices changed, it began to focus on the production of meat and dairy, leading to intensive grazing and dependency on fertilisers. Over time, this resulted in the land becoming ecologically exhausted, with many once-common species disappearing from the area.
Today, instead of managing the land as 31 different fields, we’re improving the 3 main interdependent ecosystems: grasslands, wetlands and woodlands.
The landscape restoration project will be monitored and documented, leaving a learning resource for future generations.
Restoration of the grasslands
We are moving away from intensive farming to allow natural habitats to develop.
Threave Estate was gifted to the Trust in 1948 by Major Alan Gordon to protect the wetlands, after he noticed a decline in the number of geese in the area. One of our project aims is to learn more about the large native goose population here. Fewer trees have been planted in the west of the reserve, which will help maintain ‘goose pastures’ and safe open feeding areas.
Herbivores are integral to shaping grasslands and so we’re using small numbers of cattle and sheep for grazing. This carefully managed, low-intensity grazing – combined with fence removal, the creation of wet meadows and the addition of shallow ponds – will provide further benefits for many species.
Venture through the reserve in summer to fully appreciate the tall swishing grasses and rich wildflower meadows.
Restoration of the wetlands
We are enabling the wetlands to function naturally again.
The River Dee has been disconnected from its traditional floodplain for a very long time. This has halted natural wetland processes and reduced biodiversity. To encourage a naturally functioning wetland, the flood bank has been breached at each end, which will allow the River Dee to slowly flood and move through the reserve. Areas of semi-permanent open water will become established, providing habitats for wintering and breeding birds. Invertebrate life will flourish as the site develops, creating more complete and biodiverse communities. Additionally, habitat for native freshwater fish is being regenerated along the Mill Burn, which passes along the western boundary of the nature reserve.
Wetland habitats provide foraging and nest areas for species in decline, such as wading birds like curlews.
Restoration of the woodlands
We are making wilder woods.
Wild woods are an important part of the landscape restoration project at Threave Nature Reserve. Over 5 hectares of non-native conifers have been removed and are being replaced with native trees. We are also extending our existing woodlands to cover areas that were previously intensively farmed, by planting key species such as oak, aspen, rowan, birch, hazel, hawthorn and blackthorn. If we connect these areas of woodland, many wildlife species will find it easier to move through the landscape and sustain healthier populations. Once planted, we will let these wild woods go in their own direction whilst we monitor the outcomes.
Trees and shrubs have been sourced from local growers and nurseries. Most of the stock has been gathered from seed and propagated into seedlings.
