Funding boost for Cairngorms wildfire recovery as £1.3m nature package announced

More than £1m in Scottish Government funding has been announced for nature recovery projects, including work to restore areas of the Cairngorms damaged by this summer’s wildfires.

The package will support habitat, species and river restoration, the control of invasive non-native species and deer management across Scotland.

This includes £150,100 for recovery and nature restoration work following the Abernethy wildfire in the Cairngorms, helping to restore damaged habitats, support wildlife recovery and reduce the risk of future wildfires.

Further funding will be provided for a range of projects, including river restoration schemes, native oyster restoration, habitat restoration on Islay for choughs, a type of crow, habitat restoration in four National Nature Reserves and additional deer management support.

The funding announcement was made by Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin during her address to the ninth summit for Subnational Governments and Cities at COP17 in Armenia.

Gillian Martin said: “Nature underpins our health, wellbeing, economy and way of life, which is why restoring and protecting it is so important. This funding will support practical action, from improving habitats and rivers to tackling invasive species and supporting sustainable land management. It will also help recovery efforts in the Cairngorms following one of the most significant wildfire events in recent years, strengthening the resilience of these landscapes for the future.

“Being here in Armenia alongside subnational governments and cities from around the world is a reminder that nature recovery is a shared global challenge. Scotland is committed to turning its ambitions for nature and climate into action, both at home and on the international stage, and this investment will help deliver real benefits for our environment, wildlife and communities.”

Grant Moir, Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “The wildfire in Glenmore and Abernethy was devastating for nature and wildlife in the area, for neighbouring communities, and all of us who love this place. The funding announced today by Ms Martin is a very welcome boost that will help us to kickstart nature recovery in the area. This includes funding work to restore damaged habitats, help wildlife recover and reduce the risk of future wildfires by exploring nature-based solutions.

“From replacing wildlife monitoring cameras that were damaged in the blaze to restoring a section of the Duack burn that was impacted by the emergency firebreaks, this funding will allow us to step up our work with our partners and enable swift action where it’s most needed.”

Stuart MacQuarrie, NatureScot Director of Nature and Climate Change, said: “This vital funding supports more people across Scotland to take action for nature. From helping to manage land for chough on Islay to supporting the restoration of native oysters and creating meadows for wildlife in our towns and cities, these local efforts combine to create a national drive to save nature.

“And by working to restore biodiverse habitats, manage deer sustainably and tackle the invasive species that threaten our native animal and plant life, we can look forward with hope, to a future where Scotland’s nature is healthy and thriving.”