Rewilding charity Trees for Life is inviting the public to invest in a new centre for nature on the Dundreggan estate in Glenmoriston.

In partnership with Triodos Bank UK, Trees For Life aims to raise £2 million via a bond offer to help pay for the rewilding centre, which will showcase action on the nature and climate emergencies, create green jobs, and provide visitors with nature experiences. The £6 million attraction is expected to open to the public in spring 2023 and welcome over 70,000 visitors annually by 2030.

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Trees for Life is dedicated to rewilding the Highlands and restoring the native Caledonian Forest. It has been instrumental in forming the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 environmental organisations calling for Scotland to become the world’s first ‘rewilding nation’, returning 30% of land and sea to nature by 2030.

Chief executive Steve Micklewright commented: “The new Triodos bond offer is a unique opportunity to invest in an exciting, positive and much-needed initiative. Funds raised will ensure we can establish Dundreggan Rewilding Centre as a beacon of hope for the restoration of nature on a large scale across Scotland, tackling climate breakdown, creating green jobs and volunteering opportunities, and reconnecting people with nature.”

Income generated by the centre will in turn support the charity's rewilding efforts. It plans to increase woodland cover at Dundreggan alone from 26% to 41% over the next 10 years.

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Corporate finance manager at Triodos Bank UK, Diana Gerry, added: “We know that many people across the country have a passion for protecting the UK’s native wildlife and are interested in seeing how rewilding can play a part in tackling the climate emergency and biodiversity loss. With a £50 minimum investment, this bond offer is accessible to a wide range of investors and supporters, giving them the opportunity to align their money with a love for nature, make returns and support an innovative and inspiring charity. We’re really pleased to be helping Trees for Life in bringing about the world’s first rewilding centre.

“This is a unique opportunity for the public to invest in a greener future for Scotland. The country is leading the way in innovative rewilding projects and Trees for Life is a great example of a charity putting the country’s natural heritage first.”