An ambitious new conservation project that will create and restore river woodlands across Scotland is now underway, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Riverwoods Blueprint Project is being led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, alongside partners Fisheries Management Scotland, Woodland Trust Scotland, Tweed Forum, Kyle of Sutherland Rivers Trust, Spey Catchment Initiative and Buglife.

Photo credit: Sonny Vermeer

There are over 125,000 km of rivers and streams in Scotland, however a recent survey showed that only 13% of riverside habitats are in good condition. This has led to a decline in important freshwater wildlife such as Atlantic salmon, brown trout, and the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel.

During the project, three partner organisations – the Spey Catchment Initiative, Tweed Forum and Kyle of Sutherland Rivers Trust – will create and restore at least 100ha of river woodlands, involving the planting of at least 110,000 trees. The work undertaken in these demonstration areas will act as a blueprint for future conservation projects across Scotland.