Open days at Grosvenor’s Reay Forest Estate, Sutherland, saw almost 300 school children and members of the public visit this month to learn more about the conservation of its precious environments and works to improve properties and places in the local communities.

In partnership with Countryside Learning, the estate hosted two free events, one of which was focused on pupils from nearby primary and secondary schools in Kinlochbervie, Gairloch, Ullapool, Durness, Scourie, Farr and Golspie and a separate public day that was held on Saturday 20 April. 

Ben Mardall, Estate Manager, Grosvenor’s Reay Forest Estate, said: “We’re passionate about informing and educating our local communities about our activities and how we’re delivering a lasting commercial, social and environmental benefit.

“Despite the inclement weather, this year’s open days were a huge success giving visitors the chance to meet our expert teams and to enable us to showcase the wide-ranging works which take place here on the estate. We’ve had some fantastic feedback from the schools as well as from visitors to the public open day. 

“Everyone did an amazing job and it was great to come together as an estate and with our partner organisations to deliver such inspiring events. My thanks to all those involved.” 

A series of information stands were developed featuring the different types of activities which take place on the estate including conservation of its many designated habitats – such as a landscape scale, ecosystem-wide, conservation project in partnership with the Atlantic Salmon Trust with the goal of restoring wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout populations in the River Laxford – deer management, sustainable forestry activities, hospitality as well as careers and philanthropy through the Westminster Foundation. 

Partner organisations and those in our local communities who support the estate also attended the events including Wildlife Estates Scotland, West Sutherland Fisheries Trust, Atlantic Salmon Trust, Assynt Mountain Rescue, St Andrew’s First Aid, Mikeysline and Venture North. 

More than £700 was raised through the events for the estate’s employee adopted charity High Life Highland, which develops and promotes opportunities in culture, learning, sport, leisure, health and wellbeing throughout the Highlands, for the benefit of both residents and visitors.