Conservation

Protecting our beautful estate

Aline and its team are committed to dedicated conservation efforts which have allowed the region’s wildlife and fauna to flourish.

The estate is run in a traditional Highland fashion by a team of experienced land managers. They all work hard to ensure the natural environment is sustained for future generations to visit and enjoy.

We realise the importance of managing the countryside which is why we engage wherever possible in conservation efforts. Keep reading to find out more about what we do to protect the natural environment.

Environmental management

We have recently engaged with our neighbour to create an area of riparian planting along the Scaladale river. We hope that the planting will a) prevent river banks erroding under heavy water flows, b) promote sustainable wildlife habitats and, c) in summer provide ample shade coverage keeping water temperatures lower which is benefical for salmon and trout species. Many of the rivers across the Island consist of bare boulder fields with very little begetation so intrudcing a variety of trees will hopefully benefit the overal river health. We are planting a mixture of broadleaf native species including Alder, Rowan, Silver Birch and Aspen. With an improved habitat we hope to protect and encourage salmon to the river. Aline Estate is always open to tree planting where possible, particularly broadleaf plantations as they provide suitable shelter for birds, deer and livestock. Broadleaf plantations also tend attract more flora and fauna than commercial plantations which is what we aim to increase across the estate.
Aline is currently assessing the condition of their peat across the hill area. Traditionally many of the peat bogs were drained to make way for improved grazing, sporting purposes and for heating houses. However, there has recently been a shift in focus as peat bogs are excellent stores of carbon if restored appropriately. Assessing the peat across the estate is long term programme and we have recently undergone our first round of surveys.

Wildlife management

We actively cull deer across the estate in line with Nature.Scot’s culling regime in order to maintain the balance of natural bio-diversity across the island. Deer culls are necessary to promote variety of flora and fauna, prevent over grazing, land poaching and to minimise traffic collisions.
We work with the Island’s RSPB representative gifting deer carcases for the raptors in the area. Excess venison is left for native birds such as Hen Harriers and Sea Eagles. The region is home to several successful breeding pairs of native raptors due to the absence of human disturbance, low intensity crofting agriculture and extensive areas of remote moorlands and coastlines.

Reducing our carbon footprint

Solar panels have been installed on the estate’s workshop which generate electricity for the shed itself plus some Feed-in Tariff income too which we are able to re-invest in the estate’s conservation efforts.