New nature trail unveiled in Assynt

A new nature trail has been opened at Glencanisp Lodge in Assynt to formally launch one of Europe’s largest landscape scale conservation projects. The trail is part of the Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape Partnership Scheme and has been created by the Assynt Foundation with funding from players of the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the Scottish Rural Development Programme.

The short trail passes through mixed woodland that surrounds Glencanisp Lodge and provides stunning elevated views of Suilven. It also links with the longer walks through the surrounding estate. It was officially opened on Saturday 3 June by Bella MacAskill, the youngest school pupil in the parish, and Jonny Hughes, Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

Jonny Hughes, Chief Executive, Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “This new nature trail is just part of a huge range of projects that are benefiting people and wildlife in Coigach and Assynt with the support of players of the National Lottery and many other funders. By working together the partners in this Living Landscape project are showing how to deliver conservation on a truly landscape scale that will benefit future generations, and showing that partnerships can achieve much more than individual organisations working alone.”

Boyd Alexander, Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape Partnership Scheme Manager said: “As one of the first projects as part of the scheme, this trail not only supports to the community owned Assynt Foundation, but also allows both visitors and community to easily explore the fantastic nature in this part of the Highlands.”

Gordon Robertson, Chief Executive, Assynt Foundation said: “The foundation is extremely grateful for the support to create a trail that has been proposed for many years. It is a pleasure to work together, and to be part of the wider Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape Partnership Scheme, that provides so much to so many.”

The Glencanisp Nature Trail is being delivered by the Assynt Foundation, and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the SRDP fund for Improving Public Access. Find out more about the project here.