Boleskine Wetland Project

The group was set up in 2007 to develop, in partnership with the Forestry Commission for Scotland, the field adjacent to Easter Boleskine to provide the widest possible range of habitat for indigenous plant & animal wildlife. The project will create ponds and marshland to encourage biodiversity. The group is a properly constituted non-profit group.

There are two main aims of this project: the first is to transform a virtually barren piece of unused farmland which is accessible to the public, into a complex of wetland habitats. The second, dependent on the first, is to use the project as an educational and research tool – a model site for visitors, showing what may be achieved by biological diversification.

The site is approximately 1 ha. in extent, between Foyers and Inverfarigaig in the Scottish Highlands . It is owned by the Forestry Commission for Scotland who are active participants in the project and have entered into a formal partnership with the existing Management Group. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has given its approval for the proposed project. The site will be monitored by Forestry Commission Rangers and will also fall within the orbit of the Highland Council Ranger service.

The site is ideal for a wetland project, having been formed in Late Glacial times as an area of open water, which has gradually, in the normal course of events, become in-filled with peat. The physical conditions of the site and surrounding area have been extensively examined. Trial excavation pits showed a very high water table and a potential depth of water ranging from shallow shore entry to over 2 metres. In winter, certain areas of the site are flooded. Detailed field notes were made of the existing flora and fauna, showing a quite remarkable poverty of species.  Experience elsewhere has shown that diversification of the physical conditions on a wetland site can produce a quite dramatic increase in the number and diversity of species.  To this end we have excavated an open water area of differing depths and plan to produce areas of marshland by scraping hollows and enriching the surface. There will be judicious planting of shrub and tree species such as sallow and alder. Target species include surface-feeding and diving ducks, moorhen, coot, water rail, dabchick, heron: waders – snipe, redshank, woodcock, lapwing, oyster catcher; small passerines such as reed bunting and pipets and naturally, any of the raptors.

Small mammals will make use of the site, as will many frogs, toads and newts along with countless invertebrates including dragon and damsel flies. 

The project will be used as an educational and research tool for the community. The site is already on an established Forest Trail (the green route) used by local and visitors and giving a clear overview of the area. Car parking and toilet facilities are available at the Inverfarigaig Forestry Visitors Centre approx. one mile back along the trail. To encourage people to understand the project, educational boards will be installed around the site and directional signboards will be installed at the Inverfarigaig Visitor Centre. The Highland Council Countryside Rangers wish to include the site on their syllabus of guided walks and events to raise awareness, promote public enjoyment and encourage appreciation of the scenery, wildlife and heritage of the Highlands. A small hide is to be provided.

Visits by school groups are being encouraged.