Located just outside Grantown-on-Spey and close to the River Spey SSSI, the Corriechuillie project is creating native woodland designed for biodiversity and conservation. Previously used for seasonal cattle grazing, less productive land is now being restored with a careful balance of Scots pine, native broadleaf trees, and upland birch.

The woodlands’ designs reflect both ecological sensitivity and landscape character. Low-density planting along the southern and northern edges of Corrichuillie 1 helps retain open views from the public road, while also offering cover that reduces the risk of predation for ground-nesting waders. A core of native Scots pine is flanked by birch patches, creating visual variety and a range of woodland habitats.

Corriechuillie 2 includes 20 hectares of livestock exclusion to allow natural regeneration of native species like juniper and birch. The area is already responding — in the photo gallery below, you can spot a rowan tree growing beside a fence, likely seeded by a bird perched there. It’s a small but fascinating reminder of the role wildlife plays in woodland regeneration.

Importantly, the woodlands have been planned to avoid deep peat and to complement existing conservation goals. They will provide high-quality habitat for woodland grouse, particularly black grouse and, in time, the critically endangered capercaillie. Other native species like pine marten and even Scottish wildcats may one day benefit from this evolving habitat.

Though the project’s primary aim is conservation, the Scots pine may offer some timber potential in the long term, aligning ecological recovery with future resilience. Corriechuillie 1 & 2 are expected to sequester 22,558 tonnes of CO₂ over the next 60 to 100 years, according to our Woodland Carbon Code-validated calculations.