Laikenbuie Ecology Trust
Laikenbuie Ecology Trust was formed in 2022 to protect a beautiful 100 acre wild native wood, and all the wildlife living in it, from the economic pressure to replace it with a softwood plantation. With multiple tree, animal and plant species it is a microcosm of how our landscape once was. The species that you would hope to find here are here, and probably more!
Predominantly silver birch with willows and ash, the many other trees include bird cherry, alder, gean, holly, rowan, elder, hawthorn, juniper and one yew. Many mammals have been seen over the years, roe deer, red squirrel, hedgehog, wildcat, fox, badger, otter and pine martin to name a few; and over 100 bird species have been recorded, 32 of which are on conservation lists. All these and the diverse plant communities are detailed within this website.
tells our story.
Core Aims
Protecting the habitat and wildlife to allow rewilding.
The continuation of Organic farming.
Educating on the importance of nature for human well-being.
Providing access for quiet responsible enjoyment.
Visiting
Laikenbuie is three miles south of Nairn, a coastal town on the Moray Firth, and 20 miles east of Inverness. See Contact for directions. The Trust will balance wildlife conservation with access for quiet enjoyment and being with nature. Dogs must be calm and controlled, and wildlife must always be given priority. There will be infrequent ranger led walks, courses in foraging and country skills, plus crafts such as mandala making. The Trust is more about not doing, letting nature take its course, rather than organising intrusive management activities.
Species summary – records from the first year.
Images: Red Squirrel (C) Kenny Macleod, all other images (C) Genevieve Tompkins.
Volunteering
We have a volunteer team from the local community who are part of the fabric of Laikenbuie, playing an active part in developing the site in the best way possible for nature. We believe that involving the community with the Ecology Trust will give us the best chance of ensuring that it continues to thrive, while giving local people an outlet for nature-positive action. Volunteer activities will include:
- Ecological surveying and monitoring
- Maintaining our path network
- Hands-on habitat restoration
- Maintaining dry stone dykes
- Assisting with outreach and community events
If you are interested in a volunteering day, or have a specialist skill that you would like to use in a voluntary capacity to help the Trust, there is more info here.
YouTube
We hope you enjoy our videos on the Laikenbuie Ecology Trust YouTube channel. The videos are only 1-3 minutes, please like and subscribe.
Laikenbuie Ecology Trust is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation [SCIO] No. SC051617. Registered on 01.03.2022.
Address: Laikenbuie, Grantown Road, NAIRN IV12 5QN. Email: info@LaikenbuieEcologyTrust.org.uk