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Restoring Nature, Heritage, & Sustainability
At Boleskine House, we believe in the power of restoration—not just of historic buildings, but of landscapes, ecosystems, and the way we interact with the environment. Over the past few years, our dedicated team and volunteers have undertaken ambitious community-led projects to restore and enhance the natural beauty of the Boleskine estate. From planting five acres of vibrant wildflower meadows to restoring historic wetlands, creating new hedgerows, and decarbonising the estate, our efforts are transforming Boleskine into a sanctuary for biodiversity and a model of sustainable heritage conservation. These projects are just the beginning—we have many more in the pipeline, and with your support, we will continue to lead the way in ecological and cultural stewardship.
Wetlands Conservation: Protecting a Thriving Ecosystem
Boleskine House is nestled within a network of wetlands and ponds, forming an essential part of the local ecosystem. Wetlands are among the most biodiverse environments on the planet, yet they are increasingly under threat from habitat destruction and climate change. By protecting and enhancing our wetland areas, we are ensuring they remain a haven for wildlife.
One of our ponds has been traced back over 120 years and is home to dragonflies, damselflies, amphibians, and reptiles. Backing onto hundreds of acres of ancient woodland, these wetlands provide a critical habitat for endangered species, offering a safe refuge in an ever-changing landscape. Our conservation work ensures these vital ecosystems continue to thrive, preserving the delicate balance of nature for future generations.
Wildflower Meadows: Reintroducing Native Species and Supporting Pollinators
Scotland’s wildflower meadows have been in steep decline, with over 97% lost in the last century, leaving pollinators struggling to find the habitats they need. At Boleskine House, we are reversing this trend by planting three acres of wildflower meadows, carefully designed to flourish in our unique soil conditions. Millions of native Scottish wildflower seeds have been sown, ensuring a spectacular bloom each summer that supports bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators.
Beyond their beauty, these meadows play a crucial role in our biodiversity efforts. By restoring lost native species to the land, we are creating a self-sustaining habitat that will benefit generations of wildlife to come. This is more than just conservation—it is an act of revival, bringing back the rich tapestry of plant life that once defined Scotland’s landscapes.
Hedgerow Planting: Strengthening Scotland's Green Corridors
Hedgerows are the lifelines of rural Scotland, providing food, shelter, and corridors for wildlife to move safely across the landscape. Despite their importance, many of Scotland’s traditional hedgerows have been lost over time. At Boleskine, we are reversing this decline with the community-led planting of 267 meters of new native hedgerow.
Every inch of this hedgerow was planted by volunteers, making it a true community effort. These living boundaries are more than just natural fences—they support birds, small mammals, and pollinators, while also helping to prevent soil erosion and capture carbon. Our hedgerow planting is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together to restore nature, reinforcing Boleskine’s role as a hub for conservation and community action.
Community Orchards: Reviving Tradition and Supporting the Community
In April 2025, Boleskine House will take another step in its restoration journey with the planting of two community orchards on the estate. Carefully designed for our location, these orchards will feature native Scottish fruit tree species, chosen to thrive in our Highland climate. Historically, orchards were a common sight across Scotland, providing essential produce to local communities, but over the last century, many have been lost due to changes in land use and agriculture. By reintroducing traditional orchards to Boleskine, we are not only restoring a lost element of Scotland’s rural heritage but also creating a vital resource for wildlife and the community.
Decarbonisation: A Sustainable Future for a Historic Estate
At Boleskine House, heritage and sustainability go hand in hand. We have undertaken an ambitious decarbonisation project, setting a new standard for sustainable heritage restoration. The estate’s reliance on fossil fuels has been removed, replacing it with an advanced air-source heat pump that provides clean, renewable energy to heat the house year-round.
In addition to these energy-saving measures, we have installed 33 solar panels to generate our own electricity, further reducing our carbon footprint and making Boleskine House more self-sufficient.
