Glen Banchor, an upland glen, appears relatively un-wooded today. Historically, trees lined the riverbanks, aiding natural river processes. Research by the Spey Fishery Board revealed that the River Calder was underperforming, with juvenile salmon numbers below expectations. Alarmingly high summer water temperatures, reaching 27-28°C, were causing significant stress for juvenile fish.
To address these issues, the Spey Catchment Initiative (SCI) collaborated with Pitmain and Glenbanchor Estate, Savills and Cawdor Forestry to develop, deliver and monitor a landscape-scale restoration project. Building on this success, SCI is partnering with Pitmain and Glenbanchor Estate and Savills on another nature-based solution aimed at stabilising substantial hillside erosion on the Allt Mor, that exacerbates flooding issues in Kingussie.
These collaborative projects are crucial for making landscape-scale changes that enhance the sustainability and resilience of the River Spey catchment. By addressing climate and biodiversity challenges, these efforts contribute to healthier ecosystems and a more stable environment for local wildlife and communities.
Key Messages
• The projects demonstrate effective landscape-scale interventions and create interconnected habitats that enhance natural processes and improve ecological resilience
• Addressing high water temperatures, degraded peatland and hillside erosion are direct responses to climate change impacts, aiming to create a more resilient river catchment.
• The use of natural materials and processes exemplifies strategic nature-based solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities.
• The projects showcase successful cooperation between public entities and private landowners, emphasising the value of multi-stakeholder partnerships in environmental restoration. Giving land owners and managers confidence to go ahead with works. Stop thinking-start doing
Ewan Harris MRICS heads up the Savills Inverness office and leads the Scottish estate management team. He represents a range of clients across the north of Scotland, providing strategic and delivery advice around all aspects of rural businesses. This is focused on leadership, change delivery, commercial delivery across asset management, rural commercial, natural capital and renewables.
Ewan is passionate about river conservation and restoration and chairs the Spey Catchment Initiative steering committee.
Ffion Robb works across the Spey catchment developing and delivering riparian projects – collaborating with landowners, communities and partners to enhance and restore the health of the River Spey and its tributaries.
Raised on an upland farm in Stirlingshire, and with a BSc in Geology and Physical Geography, Ffion is passionate about restoring natural processes within working landscapes. Prior to her current role, she delivered nature restoration projects with River Holme Connections in Yorkshire and worked as an outdoor instructor on the Isle of Arran. At home in the wilderness, Ffion brings a wealth of practical knowledge, a deep appreciation for the natural world, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
