Strathconon

Strathconon Estate is situated to the west of Contin in Ross and Cromarty, Covering a large extent of Scotland’s longest glen at 20 miles. The estate is covered by a variety of designations including the Glen Affric to Strathconon SPA which holds a thriving population of European importance of Golden Eagle. The estate also lies within both the Central Highland Wild-Land designation and the Wester Ross Biosphere Transition Area Designation. Much of the estate is at an altitude of over 1000ft, with 3 Corbetts within the estate and a further Corbett and 4 Munros making up its southern extent.

Phase 1 – Sgurr a’ Mhuilinn makes up ~73 ha and lies on the eastern side of Sgurr a’ Mhuilinn, the largest of the 4 Corbetts on Strathconon at 879 m. This was the first phase of peatland restoration to take place on the estate, leading to the development of all subsequent phases. Phase 1 is now bordered to its south by Phase 4, acting to further connect the habitat and expand the benefits of the restoration.

Sgurr a’ Mhuilinn itself provides an excellent vantage point from which the work carried out between phases 1 and 4 can be visualised. Here, a significant amount of retained water, and lack of bare peat will become apparent.

Phase 2 – Cnap na Feola makes up around 100 ha of the current restoration completed on Strathconon and is situated between Loch Beannacharain and Glen Meinich. The works here have and will continue to have a positive impact on biodiversity in the area.

Phase 3 – Carn na Feith-Rabhain at 130ha, is found at the top of Glen Meinich, a steep and well-defined glen at the centre of the estate. From this vantage point, Achnasheen can be seen to the north-west, only 5km away.

Following restoration, phase 3 now holds a wealth of newly created, and bolstered pool systems, which, compared with its previous state, shows a stark improvement. The ability of this area to retain water has been greatly improved through the effective use of peat dams.