Highlands Rewilding has won several awards for pioneering work on nature recovery in the Highlands of Scotland including the prestigious Business for Nature Award from RSPB.

Wildlife Estates Scotland - Accreditation

June 30th 2023

Dee Ward, Francesca Ozowska (CEO NatureScot), Penelope Whitehorn, Frances Mills, Jim Fairlie MSP,

Both Bunloit and Beldorney have become accredited with Wildlife Estates Scotland, promoting best practice in wildlife and habitat management. Gaining accreditation involves the close assessment of an estate and its management against the following criteria:

  • Commitment to best practice

  • Adoption of wildlife and habitat management plans that underpin best practice

  • Maintaining species and habitats records

  • Conservation and collaborative work

  • Integration with other land management activities (such as farming, forestry and tourism)

  • Social, economic and cultural aspects (such as employment, community engagement and communications)

Accreditation is based on the combined score achieved for each of these sections, a qualitative assessment of management and site visits, all of which are conducted by an objective, external assessor. We are delighted to have received this accreditation at both Bunloit and Beldorney and look forward to applying for Tayvallich’s accreditation, once work is underway.


RSPB Business for Nature Award

December 1st 2022

Maggie English and Frances Mills accepting the award. Photo credit: Mike Wilkinson

Highlands Rewilding is proud to have taken home the 'Business for Nature' award at the RSPB's Nature for Scotland awards, recognising the efforts of businesses that have a tangible, impactful and positive effect on nature.

Dr Jeremy Leggett, the founder of Highland Rewilding, said: “To see the work we have been doing in combating climate change on our Highlands Rewilding journey recognised by the likes of RSPB and NatureScot is truly encouraging in knowing we are heading in the right direction with many more ambitions still to be achieved.”


Adapting Scotland Award

November 1st 2022

Highlands Rewilding has won the Adapting Scotland Award for increasing carbon capture and storage, biodiversity, and creating green jobs through work at Bunloit and Beldorney.

Highlands Rewilding took home the award at the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards Ceremony in Glasgow, in recognition of a “visionary approach to climate adaption”.

Dr Jeremy Leggett, the founder of Highlands Rewilding, said: "We are proud to have been recognised at this year’s VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards as the winner of the Adapting Scotland Awards. It is a real testament to the hard work and commitment from everyone at Highlands Rewilding.”


  • We are aiming to demonstrate that natural capital can be grown verifiably for planet, people and profit both in wildland and actively managed land.

  • Nature-based solutions are at the natural forefront of climate mitigation and recovery. Learn more about our research aims and methodologies.

  • Interested in rewilding? See how you can get involved by contributing to our research through volunteering and citizen science.