Landscape-scale nature restoration will advance as the River Dee catchment in Aberdeenshire is designated as one of nine high-priority areas by Scotland’s nature agency NatureScot.
NatureScot is collaborating with key Scottish Government agencies – including SEPA, Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Forestry, and Scottish Water – to prioritise and support landscape‑scale restoration projects across the country.
These exemplar projects, including the Dee catchment, are designed to showcase innovative approaches that accelerate and expand nature restoration on the ground, building on the success of previous initiatives and the strong work already underway.
Dr Lorraine Hawkins, River Director at the Dee Fishery Board and River Dee Trust, said:
“This recognition is extremely encouraging. Our existing nature restoration work has laid strong foundations to protect salmon and other wildlife, and we are committed to delivering further projects that enhance biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, reduce flood risk, and address water scarcity. Being designated as an exemplar project will provide greater access to funding and support, helping us accelerate progress on a bigger scale.”
Key priorities for the exemplar projects include working with land managers to support effective habitat restoration, improving access to nature-funding investors, tackling invasive non‑native species, and developing nature‑based skills initiatives to create local jobs.
The Dee District Salmon Fishery Board and The River Dee Trust will work closely with the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), the lead agency for the exemplar, to plan how partner agencies can best support projects.
Together, partners across the Dee catchment are poised to deliver high‑impact projects that will enhance biodiversity, support local communities, and secure lasting environmental benefits.
To find out more about our work contact lorraine@riverdee.org or claire@riverdee.org or visit our website at www.riverdeetrust.org.uk
