An ambitious rewilding plan to transform the historic 160-acre Haining estate in Selkirk into a nature-rich “living classroom” to benefit the local community is to be developed following an award of £10,426 to charity Bright Green Nature from the Rewilding Britain Innovation Fund.
The project will mark a significant step forward for nature recovery action in the Scottish Borders by restoring local biodiversity, creating thriving natural habitats, and engaging the community in an inspiring environmental initiative.
In close collaboration with the residents of Selkirk and the wider Scottish Borders, Bright Green Nature will work hand-in-hand with local schools, inviting students to take an active role in generating essential data for the rewilding project.
Through hands-on learning and environmental stewardship, students will gain valuable experience and knowledge about biodiversity, habitat restoration, and ecological data collection.
The data gathered will form the foundation for rewilding activities at the Haining estate and Bright Green Nature’s own site, the neighbouring Deer Park – enhancing local ecological health and helping to monitor progress over time.
“We are honoured to receive this grant from Rewilding Britain and are excited to work with the local community to explore how we can enhance these much-loved landscapes for nature,”
said Dr Karen Blackport, Bright Green Nature.
“Our hope is to create a vibrant, biodiverse space that serves as a living classroom for local schools and an enduring benefit to the whole community. Bright Geen Nature is a rewilding charity which works exclusively at the community level in all that we do, and we believe passionately that local culture and heritage is a key part of both protecting and restoring local natural places”.
The details of the rewilding plans will develop through the project’s community consultation, but it is envisaged that this may involve introducing more standing water into the landscapes, native hedgerow and woodland restoration and restoring ancient wildflower meadows.
Micheel Ballantyne, CEO of the Haining Charitable Trust said: “This project represents a unique opportunity to create a living, learning landscape that offers opportunities for local residents to connect deeply with our local built and natural heritage.
“By exploring the potential for a rewilding approach, Bright Green Nature, the Haining estate and Rewilding Britain are taking vital steps toward addressing climate and biodiversity challenges at a local level.”
With Scotland one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, Bright Green Nature is urging people to sign the Scottish Rewilding Alliance’s Rewilding Nation Charter at www.rewild.scot/charter – calling on the Scottish Government to declare Scotland a rewilding nation, committing to nature recovery across 30% of land and sea.