NRN PARTNER: Cameron Farm

CAMERON FARM

Location:
Lochbuie, Isle of Mull
Area Committed:
181 acres

Cameron Farm is located on the south coast of the Isle of Mull – an area celebrated for its dramatic coastal and upland landscapes. Rising from sea level at Loch Buie to around 170 metres, the site supports a diverse mosaic of habitats. These range from sandy bays, machair and craggy headlands at the shore to dry and wet heath on higher ground. Ancient semi-natural woodland of oak, birch and hazel fringes the lower slopes, forming Atlantic temperate rainforest rich in mosses, lichens and ferns. Deep gullies, sea caves and archaeological remains add ecological and cultural depth, while an enclosed native woodland planting scheme provides opportunities for further rewilding activity.

Key rewilding commitments:

  • MORE NATIVE WOODLAND: Increase native woodland regeneration by enlarging the area that excludes red deer, fallow deer and sheep
  • MORE SPACE FOR WATER: Explore use of leaky dams to increase the amount of standing water on site – to benefit invertebrates, birds and amphibians
  • RETURN MISSING SPECIES: Undertake enrichment planting of poorly represented or missing native tree species (e.g. Scots pine)
  • LET NATURE LEAD: Prioritise removal of non-native tree species (Leylandii, rhododendron and cotoneaster)
  • REINSTATE NATURAL GRAZING: Explore viability of introducing native breed ponies and / or cattle