For the last forty-seven years, when the rest of the world was either destroying or marginalising nature, the little Aigas estate was busy rewilding.  In those days it was called ‘restoration ecology’, a virtually unknown activity outside National Nature Reserves.

In some instances, we had to rebuild from scratch: exhausted moorland, severely overgrazed and deforested, is now an all-singing, all-dancing native woodland boasting over thirty species of breeding birds each spring.  Sour old marshes are now brimming with life.  Commercial forestry has been converted into sunlit woods full of fungi, flowers and birdsong.  Birds of prey, such as buzzards, red kites and goshawks, once persecuted, have been welcomed back and have thrived.  Ospreys and otters have returned to our loch.  Gardens have been planted for bees and butterflies.  We have prioritised nature above every other activity.  It has been our mission and our passion.

We have built two miles of nature trails and seven wildlife hides so that our guests can enjoy wildlife up close and personal, and our conservation department has led the way with such successful projects as the reintroduction of beavers in the loch; a red squirrel translocation programme; captive breeding Scottish wildcats for eventual release; a twinflower recovery in our pinewoods; among many other projects to enhance our wild birds and invertebrates.

We know of nowhere else where so much wildlife diversity can be seen and enjoyed in one location and in such uplifting mountain scenery, all aided by a highly trained team of extremely knowledgeable rangers, and based on the warm welcome of a family home.  

And if all that wasn’t enough, by visiting us you are directly contributing to our environmental education programme: Naturedays.

We can show you lots of lovely photographs on a website, but the only way to discover the remarkable uniqueness of Aigas, is to come and see for yourself.