I just got back from a holiday staying on a rewilding estate. Ever wondered what that might be like? Here are some photos and my favourite parts of the trip!

Where did we stay?

On the Tayvallich Estate in Argyll, Scotland, one of three projects by Highlands Rewilding. Rewilding projects exist all around UK, Europe and various countries in the world, but my husband and I chose Scotland because we have always wanted to explore it more.

Why did we book a stay on a rewilding estate? I.e. what are the ‘holiday’ benefits?

Quiet: With only a gravel road nearby and away from flight paths, this was an opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse in nature. Scotland’s ‘right to roam’ meant we could leave the beaten paths and truly immerse all our senses however we wanted.

A beautiful self-catered cottage: We picked a cottage, but most rewilding estates offer camping or glamping options. Many/most will accept dogs. When staying there, all you need to do is look out the window or through the door of your tent to experience nature. You can choose how disconnected you want to be and know that there will be no crowds, queues or busy tourist attractions to rush and see. You can sync your body to Nature’s clock.

What about those with a particular interest in wildlife, conservation, or rewilding, specifically?

Unique moments in nature: Wildlife may be less accustomed to regular human presence due to few human interventions to manage the land so you may stumble across some special wildlife sightings like no other. Expect to see some species of flora or fauna unique to the local area that you may never have seen before.

Unforgettable experiences: Learn about wildlife through experiencing it, practise photography, follow recommended walks or book a guided tour via the rewilding company to learn more about the area, history and plans.

Staying somewhere that is undergoing rewilding is a unique opportunity to watch nature recover over time. Any photos you take on your trip will represent a snapshot in time along that journey to increasing biodiversity and restoring nature. If you return to the same area or follow the rewilding company’s news, you can compare your photos to what it is like in the future. Imagine watching previously-obvious landmarks disappear under dense tree or scrub cover as Nature reclaims it.

Special experiences I had on this trip:

Learning tonnes from two lovely staff from Highlands Rewilding while on a guided tour,
walking in a temperate rainforest,
visiting the nearby Argyll Beaver Centre that was involved in reintroducing the first beavers to Britain in 400 years and is an amazing and welcoming mini-museum,
experiencing forests, marsh, sea, lochs and more... all in one area!

We already cannot wait to return!

Photos below: Small selection of photos from the trip including views from/of the cottage, the area, some wild walks, visit to the beaver centre and more.

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