Over £1 Million Boost for Scotland's Nature Recovery and Wildfire Recovery Projects

Scottish Government funding targets habitat restoration, species recovery, and wildfire resilience, including significant investment for the Cairngorms.

Generic image of a Scottish glen recovering from wildfire, with a riverbed and new green growth.
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Generic image of a Scottish glen recovering from wildfire, with a riverbed and new green growth.

The Scottish Government has announced over £1 million in funding to support nature recovery projects across Scotland, with a significant portion dedicated to restoring areas of the Cairngorms damaged by recent wildfires.

The funding package will bolster habitat, species, and river restoration efforts, alongside invasive non-native species control and deer management initiatives throughout Scotland. A specific allocation of £150,100 is earmarked for recovery and nature restoration work following the Abernethy wildfire in the Cairngorms, aiming to repair damaged habitats, facilitate wildlife recovery, and mitigate the risk of future wildfires.
Additional funding will support a variety of other projects, including river restoration, native oyster restoration at multiple sites, and habitat restoration on Islay for chough. Work will also be undertaken in four National Nature Reserves, with further support for deer management.
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"Nature underpins our health, wellbeing, economy and way of life, which is why restoring and protecting it is so important. This funding will support practical action, from improving habitats and rivers to tackling invasive species and supporting sustainable land management. It will also help recovery efforts in the Cairngorms following one of the most significant wildfire events in recent years, strengthening the resilience of these landscapes for the future. “Being here in Armenia alongside subnational governments and cities from around the world is a reminder that nature recovery is a shared global challenge. Scotland is committed to turning its ambitions for nature and climate into action, both at home and on the international stage, and this investment will help deliver real benefits for our environment, wildlife and communities."

Gillian Martin · Climate Action Secretary
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin announced the funding during her address at the 9th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities at COP17 in Armenia, emphasising Scotland's commitment to global nature recovery efforts.
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"The wildfire in Glenmore and Abernethy was devastating for nature and wildlife in the area, for neighbouring communities, and all of us who love this place. The funding announced today by Ms Martin is a very welcome boost that will help us to kickstart nature recovery in the area. This includes funding work to restore damaged habitats, help wildlife recover and reduce the risk of future wildfires by exploring nature-based solutions. "From replacing wildlife monitoring cameras that were damaged in the blaze to restoring a section of the Duack burn that was impacted by the emergency firebreaks, this funding will allow us to step up our work with our partners and enable swift action where it's most needed."

Grant Moir · Chief Executive of the Cairngorms National Park Authority
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"This vital funding supports more people across Scotland to take action for nature. From helping to manage land for chough on Islay to supporting the restoration of native oysters and creating meadows for wildlife in our towns and cities, these local efforts combine to create a national drive to save nature. “And by working to restore biodiverse habitats, manage deer sustainably and tackle the invasive species that threaten our native animal and plant life, we can look forward with hope, to a future where Scotland’s nature is healthy and thriving."

Stuart MacQuarrie · NatureScot Director of Nature and Climate Change
The total value of the package amounts to £1,347,018. This funding is part of the £23 million nature restoration budget for 2026-27, with the majority previously allocated to delivery partners and local authorities. Projects include wildfire recovery in the Cairngorms (£150,100), river restoration (£150,000), native oyster and chough habitat restoration on Islay (£125,000), deer management support (£150,000), priority habitat restoration in National Nature Reserves (£145,000), invasive non-native species projects (£138,000), species-rich grasslands creation (£240,000), and restoration work at Polmaddy Burn, Selcoth Burn, and Findhorn river (£248,918).
Based on information from the official source: Scottish Government (gov.scot) (24/10/2026)