Beldorney Estate
Beldorney is a 349-hectare grassland-dominated estate, situated in Aberdeenshire. The contrast of land from Bunloit’s mosaic of habitats gives us the opportunity to implement lessons learned on Bunloit to this site; rewilding the land from the ground up. We plan riparian rewilding along the River Deveron and regenerative agriculture on some of the grassland.
Being situated in an area under-populated since the first world war (The Cabrach), and having ten ruined crofts, the estate is well suited for helping with re-peopling.
If you would like to bring your team to visit Beldorney Estate and gain insight into the emerging natural capital economy, you can explore our many options on our retreats page. If you have a smaller group or are looking for a self-catered holiday cottage at Beldorney head over to our cottage stays page.
START YEAR: 2021
SIZE: 349 hectares
HABITAT TYPE: Grassland, riparian broadleaf woodland and non-native plantations
Beldorney facts
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The Beldorney estate has been passed down through the Gordon family since the middle of the 16th century, one of the most powerful families in the North-East through this time. However, after the battle of Culloden in 1745, the estate was sold to a Thomas Buchan who in turn sold it to Sir William Grant. Since 1919 the estate was sold a number of times, the last being in May 2021 to Jeremy Leggett, for the purpose of rewilding. The state of the land and surrounding landscape tells us that this area has been farmed for a considerable amount of time, mostly for grazing, with the recent addition of non-native plantation blocks.
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Despite being a visually blank canvas, there are still plenty of things to look out for. Species here range from roe deer to curlews, hen harriers to possible sightings of wildcat. The land is home to species that thrive on grassland, bogland, heath and riparian woodland, as well as the wildlife that call the river home. More information on the biodiversity of the Beldorney estate will become clear as we begin our baseline survey work.
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Sitting on the banks of the river Deveron, Beldorney is made up of 78% pastureland and 22% woodland, mostly being non-native coniferous plantations. The river is lined by a small section of native broadleaf woodland, teeming with life; a glimpse into what Highlands Rewilding’s riparian planting could achieve in 50 years’ time.
What are we doing at Beldorney?
Events and Community Meetings
We have recently launched an events calendar where you can find out more about activities and events at Beldorney and get involved! From Pasture for Life events, Guardians of our Rivers training, walk and talks, seasonal meet-ups and more, take a look at what events are coming up!
Natural Capital
2022 was the baseline year for surveys at Beldorney, monitoring species diversity and carbon stocks. We have split Beldorney estate into 13 land management areas (not including residential buildings), detailing management plans for uplifting carbon and biodiversity in the Third Natural Capital Report: Building Natural Capital.
The changing woodlands of Beldorney
This spring we replanted an area of forest at Beldorney, which was previously a conifer plantation, with a mix of native tree species. The area sits above a strip of Ancient woodland that runs along the River Deveron. Our hope is that the newly planted trees will serve to extend that valuable and biodiverse habitat.
We published a blog detailing the restock, and our forestry and woodlands approach, which you can read here.
Regenerative Agriculture
Working with Grampian Graziers, we are improving our grasslands through cattle management to improve soil health and biodiversity. Food forests and hedges will also be planted for a more sustainable approach to food production in a worsening climate, whilst also benefitting wildlife.
Beldorney vision
Beldorney’s landscape will transform into a mosaic full of colour and life. A large portion of the estate returns to varied native broadleaf woodland.
The COP26 legacy “Forest of Hope” planted and regenerated on Beldorney is growing fast, a clear exemplar of what can be done, expanding up and down the Deveron Valley on neighbours’ lands, showing what partnership within communities can be capable of. Partly in consequence, the current decline of salmon numbers in the river has been reversed.
Regenerative agriculture leads to high-value specialist food and drink production, alongside improving species-rich grassland habitats, an exemplar of how people and nature can work together. Eco businesses are thriving and local timber is being used for affordable eco-homes, benefitting the local communities and employees of the project.
