River restoration begins in joint conservation project

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has put up almost 14km of fencing to exclude deer and rabbits from sections of the riverbank in order to protect young trees and restore river habitats. 

The first stage of the long-term project covers a new area of public land in Glen Prosen near the Cairngorms National Park. It aims to manage the impacts of grazing wildlife to encourage tree growth. Fallen leaves from mature trees will provide nutrients to support species such as salmon and freshwater pearl mussels, while tree roots can stabilise banks when flow rates are high.

The project has been funded with a grant from NatureScot’s Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) and as part of the River South Esk Catchment Partnership, involving other local landowners in a joint effort to support restoration across the catchment.

FLS planning forester Sophie Cade said: “This fencing work is an important stage in our overall ambitions for Glen Prosen and the wider Angus glens. It will support and complement our overall programme of work to plant and expand native woodland, create wetland, and undertake river restoration. This will lead to a more balanced ecosystem which will increase biodiversity.”