The Caledonian Forest formerly covered about 1.5 million hectares in the Highlands of Scotland. After centuries of exploitation it had been reduced to little over 1% of that by the late 20th century, and consisted of isolated stands of old Scots pines at the end of their lives, with no trees younger than 200 years in age, because of overgrazing by deer and sheep. Gone with the trees were most of the wildlife. In recent decades, concerted conservation action has facilitated the natural regeneration of the forest and this talk will illustrate the work that has been carried out by Trees for Life in Glen Affric and other sites, as part of the now-burgeoning movement of ecological restoration, or rewilding. Alan is an ecologist, nature photographer, writer and founder of the award-winning charity, Trees for Life.

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