Boleskine House Awarded Nature Restoration Fund Grant to Expand Biodiversity Programme

The Boleskine House Foundation is pleased to announce the award of a Nature Restoration Fund Grant from the Highland Council, supporting the acquisition of a seed harvester and additional trees as part of the Foundation’s continuing commitment to biodiversity across the Boleskine estate.

This latest award builds on substantial groundwork already laid. In recent years, the Foundation — with the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Tree Council, and a dedicated community of volunteers — has established a native community orchard of 24 heritage fruit tree varieties, extended the estate’s hedgerow planting to over 270 metres, and cultivated a dedicated native wildflower field. Together, these projects are steadily transforming the grounds into a thriving habitat for pollinators, birds, and wildlife native to the South Loch Ness landscape.

Wildflower meadow.

The seed harvester will allow the Foundation to collect seed directly from plants already growing on the estate — including from the wildflower field — and use it to propagate new native species for future planting seasons. Harvesting seed from established local plants ensures that new growth is genetically suited to the specific conditions of the site, supporting a more resilient and self-sustaining ecosystem over time. It also reduces dependence on external suppliers and keeps the Foundation’s biodiversity work rooted firmly in the land itself.

New trees acquired through the grant will further extend the woodland coverage across the estate, adding to the living corridors for wildlife already developing through the orchard and hedgerow phases.

Community participation remains central to the Foundation’s approach. Public planting dates will be announced in due course, offering local residents and supporters the opportunity to take part directly in the ongoing restoration of Boleskine’s natural heritage. Details will be shared via the Foundation’s website and social media channels.
Those wishing to be notified of upcoming planting days are encouraged to join the mailing list at boleskinehouse.org or follow the Foundation across social media.