All our project activity is underpinned by our 4 pillars – People, Nature, Climate and Sustainability
We are in the process of developing our 5 year action plan which will help set out our collective priorities and future activity. The work on the ground is still ongoing and emerging projects will be guided by our plans as the develop.
©Tarras Valley Nature Reserve
People
Empowering and reconnecting people with land and nature through a community led approach.
Nature
Large scale ecosystem restoration, restoring degraded and lost habitats across the Tarras Valley.
Climate
Making a meaningful contribution to the climate and ecological emergencies.
Sustainability
Balancing people, planet and profit to ensure a rich legacy is created for future generations to benefit.
People
- Education. Working with future generations to engender care and respect for their environment is a fundamental part of our Inspiring Engagement with Nature programme. We work with local primary, nursery and high schools out on the reserve as well as running John Muir Trust awards and a junior ranger programme
- Volunteering. Our volunteer programme gives any member of the community the chance to get involved out on the reserve. Activities vary – from filling bird feeders to tree planting or drystone dyking – but often involve coffee and cake! In 2023 we look forward to welcoming volunteer groups from Belgium and further afield to help us with managing our land
- Corporate volunteering and team building. We have recently hosted corporate volunteer days and are looking to develop this further in the future. Income generated through this activity will help support our education activities in the future
Nature
- Ancient Woodlands. The reserve has some of the most amazing ancient oaks and alders, some which we estimate to be over 400 years old. With the help of the Woodland Trust, we have been mapping and recording these magnificent trees as part of the National Ancient Woodlands Inventory. In 2023 will be undertaking management works to give them more space and light to help them thrive.
- Sitka Spruce Tree Removal. Commercial forestry is a major industry in the South of Scotland and whilst we recognise the need for it, it does give us an ongoing management problem as we have self-seeded Sitka throughout the Tarras Valley. Recent ecological surveys have identified this species as a big risk to the health of our reserve ecosystem. Our amazing volunteers have started to remove them and we are seeking funding but this is a major undertaking and a long term activity!
- Tarras strip felling. We currently own 38 hectares of commercial forestry, now due for felling and gives us a wonderful opportunity to restore to native broadleaf woodland. This felling activity generate an income that will be reinvested back in the reserve. The plantation has remnants of ancient woodland, we will encourage the area to regenerate naturally into native woodland, complimenting it with new native planting if required.
- Tree Nursery. To support our native woodland creation, we have established a small native tree nursery at Cronksbank Farmhouse thanks to funding from Woodland Trust and Scottish Forestry. Our volunteers are growing trees from local seed and we’re working with Dumfries Prison who are also growing trees from seed for us. Being able to grow our own trees minimises road miles, means we have a more resilient tree stock, suited to its local environment and lots of opportunities for skills development and training.
- Wetland creation. Our community landholding includes the River Tarras, from its headwaters to near to where it joins the River the Esk, we have wonderful wet meadow habitats which are full of ancient Alder and Rowan trees. Despite this, we have a lack of standing water and wetland, we are hoping to extend these habitats along the Valley and look at where we can include an outdoor learning area.
Climate
- Peatland Restoration. We have vast areas of peatlands which are in poor condition and currently a source of carbon emissions rather than a land-based carbon store. We are currently working with Scotlands National Peatland Action Programme and the Crighton Carbon Centre to survey our peatlands to determine their condition and develop a restoration plan to begin much needed restoration and recovery on the ground. This work is a small step but helps as part of national climate emergency response.
- New woodland creation. Alongside the peatland restoration we are working with the Woodland Trust to establish a new native woodland running from the banks of the River Tarras up to Cronksbank and Peterburn. This will be low density planting to compliment the natural regeneration of other woodland in the Valley. Over time we hope to introduce more walking routes through our woodlands.
Sustainability
- Housing. We have 6 houses that provide homes for local people, including our shepherd at Cooms. As with any private landlord we have a responsibility to look after the properties. Our properties are stone detached so we will be making plans want to plan for improving their energy efficiency to provide affordable comfortable homes.
- Cronksbank Cottage. Currently one of our empty properties, we will be looking at renovating the property to achieve new zero.
- Cooms Farm. When we bought the Northern estate in 2022, this included a working upland farm. We have continued with the management of the sheep farm thanks to our wonderful shepherd, William, which has given us the opportunity to get to know the land. Over time, we will look at how the farm can transition to more nature friendly practises.
- Visitor Infrastructure. Anyone coming to the reserve will see that we are not yet geared up for visitors! This will change as we start to introduce signage, new walks and other facilities. We still want to preserve the wildness and what makes this area so very special – but we also want you to be able explore and make the most of the area.
- New opportunities. We are working on development plans for a number of our properties to look how we can maximise income to support the ongoing activities on the reserve – this will include small business units , glamping, self catering, camping, field study centre, dark skies observatory…..or any one of a number of other ideas that have been put forward.