Location results

Carston, a 66-hectare livestock farm nestled in the picturesque Ayrshire countryside, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. We are converting the land into a vibrant woodland, complete with charming small wetlands teeming with wildlife and enchanting wildflower meadows.

137000

trees planted, helping to create a vital habitat for wildlife

22394

tonnes of carbon to be removed from the atmosphere over the next 100 years

17000sqm

wildflower meadow, plus 11,000 sqm of wetland enhancement

Location overview

Woodland Creation

We are creating new woodland to supercharge carbon removal, neutralise climate change, and boost biodiversity, with a secondary objective of producing some high quality native timber which can be managed under continuous cover forestry in the future.

Nature Restoration

Largely made up of uniform open pasture, Carston is not currently rich in wildlife. We hope to change this through our nature-first restoration work. The wettest areas of Carston beside its wet ditches are locally important for wintering birdlife, with large numbers of snipe feeding on the site alongside heron. Our surveys will help us see if species such as otters use the wet ditches alongside other plant and animal species.

Wetland & Wildflowers

We have planted some areas with wildflowers, which will result in more pollinators appearing on the site. We have planted, amongst others, Meadowsweet, Water aven and Wild Angelica, the latter is loved by hoverflies as the flowers suit their feeding abilities. During spring and summer 2024 we will be carrying out an otter survey, breeding bird survey and full vegetation survey of the site.

Our vision

Our goal is to create an environment where nature can thrive. To achieve this, we are not only involved in woodland creation but also in enhancing wetlands and meadows with wildflowers. Additionally, we are actively managing wet ditches in a sensitive manner. Our dedicated team are beginning to work closely with the local community, aiming to enhance the quality of life for the surrounding communities by providing social and environmental benefits.

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Transforming over 17,000 sq metres into vibrant wildflower meadows

From barren to blooming: The incredible transformation of over 17,000 square meters of land into vibrant wildflower meadows is well underway at our Carston site. In 2024, we are looking forward to seeing an increase in pollinators as a result of planting wildflowers. Our goal is to attract a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. This project will not only enhance the beauty of our site but also positively contribute to the local wildlife.

From wetlands to wildlife havens: Over 1.2km of wet ditch and burn management for biodiversity

Carston boasts an impressive 1.2km of wet ditch and burn, however, these are currently degraded and in need of conservation TLC. Whilst currently a home to grey wagtail, mallards and grey heron, our team aim to sensitively manage these important wildlife corridors so they become a haven for not only wetland birds, but also otters, aquatic insects and other wildlife as part of our vision to restore nature to Carston.

Restore Today, Flourish Tomorrow

At Carston, we are focused on planting native trees and restoring wetland to remove carbon responsibly and help nature thrive. We also work on creating wildflower meadows. Our projects are community-driven, aiming to engage and benefit local communities while preserving the environment.

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Location data

This page is being maintained with all of the documents and the surveys carried out at Carston.

Woodland Design Map

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Woodland Creation Map Constraints and Opportunities

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Woodland Creation Operational Plan

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More Locations

Our team are committed to helping nature to thrive across our twelve unique UK sites. Working at a landscape scale, we're creating new forests, restoring peatlands, creating wildflower meadows, wetlands, and heathland. Through a blend of environmental science and practical knowledge, we establish native woodlands and exceptional habitats teaming with wildlife. Explore our sites and discover the projects.

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