More than £1.3 million in Scottish Government funding has been announced to restore damaged habitats, including work on areas of the Cairngorms affected by this summer's wildfires. The blaze, which involved more than 500 firefighters, burned across 10 square miles of moorland and forestry.
Wildfire details and funding announcement
The fire started in the Glenmore area near Aviemore on July 15, with crews finally leaving the scene more than a month later on August 18. On Saturday, the Scottish Government announced that nature recovery projects will receive £1,347,018 in funding to support habitat, species and river restoration, control of invasive non-native species and deer management across Scotland.
The package includes £150,100 for recovery and nature restoration work following the wildfire in the Cairngorms. Grant Moir, chief executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, described the funding as a “very welcome boost” to help kickstart nature recovery in the area.
Support for nature and communities
“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,” Mr Moir said. “This includes funding work to restore damaged habitats, help wildlife recover and reduce the risk of future wildfires by exploring nature-based solutions.”
He added: “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.”
Broader projects and international context
The funding package will also support seven other projects, delivered by Cairngorms National Park Authority and NatureScot, including a native oyster restoration and chough habitat restoration project on Islay, habitat restoration work in four national nature reserves, and an Edendon river restoration project.
“This funding will support practical action, from improving habitats and rivers to tackling invasive species and supporting sustainable land management,” Scottish Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said. “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.”
Ms Martin announced the funding package during her address at the 9th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities at Cop17 in Armenia. She said being at the summit alongside governments and cities from around the world was 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,” Ms Martin said.
