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Our work here
Corrimony nature reserve is an upland site of 1531ha in the Scottish Highlands, comprising roughly two-thirds moorland and one-third conifer plantation. Its habitats include semi-natural birch wood, plantation woodland, loch, bogs and heath. The RSPB acquired the site in 1997 in order to help restore native Caledonian pinewood, especially for the benefit of black grouse.
Great for grouse
The number of black grouse has increased from 16 to 35 lekking (displaying) males since we acquired the site. We are developing management practices to benefit this declining species, and are promoting these to local land managers. Our practices include controlled grazing to maintain a suitable mosaic of open ground and woodland, with summer grazing of the lek site.
We also maintain ‘grouse-friendly' fencing, by marking or converting any existing fencing that is hazardous to grouse. We aim to offer black grouse safaris to the public in spring, and will hold black grouse workshops for key audiences.
Return of the native
We plan to develop up to 750 ha of Caledonian forest over the next decade. This will benefit key bird species, including black grouse and – potentially – capercaillie. We will encourage the natural regeneration of native trees and shrubs, including Scots pine, birch and rowan, whilst selectively removing sitka spruce, lodgepole pine and larch.
We will also thin out and restructure areas of Scots pine, ensuring that plenty of dead wood remains, while replanting scarcer species, such as aspen and juniper. We will control deer populations to prevent them from inhibiting tree regeneration.
Mending mire
The reserve's mires and bog pools are also important habitats for wildlife. We will work to maintain these, and will use drain blocking to restore mire communities damaged by forestry ploughing. We will also help look after the reserve's archaeological sites.
People appeal
We will promote the site regionally for walkers, RSPB members and general visitors, and will encourage visitors by maintaining informal facilities. We will continue to work positively with the local community, as well as all landowners and other relevant authorities, and will promote good conservation management in the region.