Our Testimonials
During this month, I learned so much. We stacked logs, cut rhododendrons, sorted conifer branches, planted bulbs, and built dead hedges. The work was definitely physical, but always in a positive way. I really hope I'll have the chance to come back one day, to help again and see all the changes in the landscape by then.
Asia
France - November 2025
Jill's enthusiasm, knowledge, ideas & long term planning is just as inspiring. I've become a better steward of the land, knowing the importance of mitigating invasive species. The work was flexible and rewarding.
Jess
UK - August 2025
I really appreciated becoming part of Jill's impressive project to revive parts of Scotland's rainforest. I was involved in different tasks, mainly preparing the landscape for tree planting and actual tree planting. I learned about the local landscape and vegetation and the process of setting up a rewilding project.
Tatjana
Germany - August 2026
Rewilding at Re-Inversnaid
Rewilding at Re-Inversnaid is about giving nature more space to recover, restoring native habitats and allowing natural processes to play a greater role in shaping the landscape.
Re-Inversnaid is part of the Northwoods Rewilding Network, a network of individual and community landowners committed to a shared vision of restoring ecosystem health. The network is managed by Scotland: The Big Picture, a registered charity working to drive nature recovery across Scotland in response to the climate and biodiversity crises.
The Northwoods Nine principles give us a useful framework for thinking about rewilding. At Re-Inversnaid, we are currently focusing on five of them, working at the scale of our 50-acre property and adapting our approach as we learn more about the landscape.
What is Rewilding?
For us, rewilding means restoring the conditions for nature to recover, then allowing natural processes to do more of the work.
It does not mean simply leaving a place alone. Sometimes nature needs a helping hand first. At Re-Inversnaid, that has meant tackling invasive species, changing how parts of the land are managed and creating opportunities for woodland and wetland habitats to recover.
There is no single recipe. Every landscape has its own history, pressures and possibilities. We are learning what works here by watching what happens, trying things, taking advice and adapting as we go.
The aim is not to create a finished landscape. It is to help create the conditions for a healthier, more diverse and more naturally functioning one.
Our Rewilding Objectives
Our work is focused on restoring native woodland, creating more space for water, reconnecting habitats and allowing natural processes to take the lead. We are learning what works for this landscape and how Re-Inversnaid can support its recovery through practical conservation, hospitality and learning.
Share Our Progress
Since acquiring Re-Inversnaid in 2021, we have seen encouraging changes across the hill and garden.
We document what happens, learn from it and share the progress as the project develops.
Create New Habitats
We are removing invasive species, creating dead hedges and restoring wetland habitats.
Some areas are planted, while others are left to regenerate naturally. We are learning what works best for this landscape.
Refine our Approach
Rewilding isn't a fixed plan. We watch, learn and adapt, changing what we do as the landscape responds and new information becomes available.
"What would the world be, once bereft
Of wet and wildness? Let them be left,
O let them be left, wildness and wet;
Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet"
Gerard Manley Hopkins.
(1844-1889)
Our Rewilding Efforts
The impact of our work to date has been significant, but as a living project, it is a landscape in transition.
Removal of invasive species
Removing Rhododendron ponticum and Western Hemlock creates more space and light for native woodland to regenerate.
Removal of livestock & cattle
We removed cattle from the hill because our small-scale grazing system was not viable. We are now watching how the landscape responds.
Successful signs of regeneration
Birch and Rowan are establishing across parts of the hill, giving us encouraging signs of natural regeneration.
Mud, Sweat & Smiles ......
Celebrating our Global volunteers
People have become an important part of the Re-Inversnaid project. Over the past two years, people from more than 16 countries have spent time here, getting involved in rhododendron clearance, tree planting, dead hedging, woodland work and plenty more besides. The work can be muddy and physical, but it is also a way of getting to know a place by working in it. Along the way there has been plenty of learning, good food, conversation and laughter.
The gallery is a record of two years of people, practical work and progress at Re-Inversnaid.
Rewild
Restoring the landscape, learning from nature’s lead