The Glenaros Estate
The Glenaros Estate
Glenaros Estate is situated on the east coast of Mull between the towns of Salen and Tobermory with stunning views overlooking the Sound of Mull. The hill ground on the estate provides the potential for creating a beautiful, healthy forest. We are planting trees and striving to protect the biodiversity across the 2,000 acre estate.
The Isle of Mull lies just off the west coast of Scotland and is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides. Mull has a coastline of about 300 miles, where a huge variety of wildlife, plants and trees thrive. Our aim is to combat and mitigate the effects of climate change by planting, protecting and regenerating woodland, restoring peatland and protecting biodiversity.
Reforestation
Towards the southern boundary of The Glenaros Estate there is a semi natural oak woodland (Salen Wood) planted originally on the instructions of the Duke of Argyll. As well as the established woodland on the estate itself, a feasibility study has been carried out on the planting potential of some of the hill ground. We are proposing to plant 180 ha of woodland almost entirely composed of native broadleaf and native Scots pine. Take a look at our planting plan on our interactive map below.
Peatland Restoration
At Glenaros, we are restoring the degraded peatland. Peatland restoration and protection is vital in our fight against climate change. All of our projects are registered with the Peatland Code, in order to verify the carbon emissions reductions made. We work alongside organisations such as Peatland ACTION in order to achieve the highest standard of restoration and monitoring.
Protecting Ancient Woodland
At Glenaros, we have significant areas of the very special Atlantic Hazelwood. We have just started to manage these places and monitor their condition. We have identified that all have been subject to overgrazing, with little new regeneration, and are in need of help if future generations are to experience and enjoy them.
We also plan to control invasive species, such as rhododendron, which are nearby, in order to stop them invading our woodlands. All our work will involve regular monitoring to judge whether our approaches are successful or not. This will include monitoring key species like rare lichens and fungi.
Biodiversity
Glenaros is home to a rich array of wildlife, including hen harriers, otters, marsh fritillary butterflies and sea eagles. Atlantic Hazel and Birchwood cloak many of the slopes, making way for peatland and wetter grasslands beyond, providing a variety of habitats for wildlife. The Future Forest Company is keen to ensure that these special places and their wildlife are conserved and also enhanced into the future.
Luxury Shepherd’s Hut
Glenaros boasts a luxury shepherd’s hut and is our flagship ecotourism site. Nestled under a canopy of ancient Beech trees is our lovingly handcrafted luxury shepherd’s hut. We’re proud to welcome visitors to Glenaros, and share our projects in this breathtaking location.
Community
Our aim is to positively add to the local and wider community of Mull, opening our doors to create an inclusive safe and welcoming environment for all to enjoy. Where possible we support local trades and businesses and help to boost the economy. We shall continue to support the Salen show and offer the show ground facilities to help to continue its annual success.
Education
Glenaros will become a hub for learning and development at all levels. We will encourage active participation in woodland creation and habitat conservation. We see many exciting opportunities such as breathing new life into our walled garden not only to create a market garden enterprise but also to use this as the catalyst for the creation of a centre of excellence for traditional rural crafts, ecology and forward thinking horticultural practices.
Accessibility
The landscape of Glenaros is too good not to share with its spectacular views across the sound of Mull, Archaeology and agricultural heritage, a working model farm and diverse wildlife. We actively encourage visitors and will be working towards a programme of ensuring that our existing paths are well maintained and safe to use at all times throughout the year. There is a considerable amount of work to be done to improve the site however we are proud of the developments so far and look forward to breathing new life and sharing the journey with you.
Public Consultation
For more detailed project plans and information, please visit our Public Consultation Page.
For all other enquiries please contact: glenaros@thefutureforestcompany.com
“What The Future Forest Company is doing is absolutely fantastic and phenomenal and I wish there was more and more of it on Mull and around Scotland.”
Dave Sexton, RSPB Officer, Mull, Scotland
