In the final episode of our Highlands - Scotland's Wild Heart series we meet the dedicated Highlanders who work with Scotland's unique wildlife - the scientists, conservationists and local people going to extraordinary efforts to rebuild natural habitats and protect the future of the wild Highlands.
“Never before have the Highlands seen such work being done to repair the damage of the past, so that future generations can enjoy this spectacular country”
Dave Anderson, of Forestry Commission Scotland, monitors red kite and osprey chicks giving a unique perspective into the lives of these birds before they fledge the nest. The osprey is one of the greatest conservation success stories in the Highlands - at RSPB Loch Garten Reserve, Information Officer Jennifer Clark explains how getting people involved helped secure the future of these incredible birds. After re-introductions in the 1990s, red kites are also thriving in the Highlands - Argaty Farm feeding station is a fantastic place to see these raptors, especially during the winter months.
Nature-based tourism brings in 1.4 billion pounds a year to the Scottish economy. Fiona and Tilly Smith of the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd and wildlife photographer and guide Neil McIntyre discuss the growing nature tourism industry in the Highlands and what makes this wild place so special.
Six thousand years ago, the Caledonian Pine Forest, rich in Scots pine, birch, oak and rowan, covered almost 6,000 square miles but today perhaps just 1% of the ancient forest remains. Dr David Hetherington, of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, describes the fantastic work being done to restore these forests on a landscape scale, while RSPB Abernethy's Desmond Dugan, sows the seeds of native species like Alder.
Hayley Wiswell, also of CNPA, introduces the bustling invertebrate world on the forest floor. The Scottish wood ant is a keystone species in these woodlands and, among other functions, encourages plant growth by predating on insect herbivores.
Centuries ago, apex predators of a very different kind roamed these forests - lynx, bears and wolves. Meet philanthropist Paul Lister, who has begun a re-wilding project to restore lost plant and animal species to his Alladale Wilderness Reserve.
The Scottish wildcat is the last truly wild feline in the United Kingdom. After years of persecution and habitat loss, their numbers have fallen dramatically. But today, the greatest threat facing the wildcat is interbreeding with feral cats as with each passing generation genetic purity is lost. Scottish Wildcat Action is working to protect the wildcat - meet male wildcat Hamish on his journey from the Highland Wildlife Park to Aigas Field Centre as part of SWA's conservation breeding programme.
The Highland coast thrives with wildlife - Scotland is home to internationally important seabird colonies and over twenty different species of whale and dolphin have been recorded in Scottish waters. Charlie Phillips and Katie Dyke from Whale and Dolphin Conservation discuss their Shorewatch Programme, which brings people and wildlife together by allowing communities to be directly involved with hands on conservation. And Paul Walton, Head of Habitats and Species at the RSPB, celebrates Scottish seabird colonies but also warns of challenges ahead.
Our series wouldn’t have possible without the warm welcome and help from the Highlanders. We gained unprecedented access to locations such as Handa Island, the Cairngorm National Park and private estates, as well as the wildlife reserves of the RSPB, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Forestry Commission Scotland. We were welcomed into private homes and community events to film scenes such as the attic pine marten kits, the opening of the salmon season on the River Spey and Lochearnhead Highland Games. We are also hugely grateful to the many hours of dedicated help and advice that wildlife experts have given us throughout the series.
“Thank you to everyone working to conserve the special wildlife of the Highlands of Scotland – ensuring the Highlands remain as one of the world’s most magical wild places. It has been a privilege to make these films and we couldn’t have done it without your support ”