Restoring The Scottish Highlands
Scotland
The journey will offer immersion into the beauty of the Scottish Highlands during an exclusive takeover of Alladale Lodge. Personally hosted by Alladale’s custodian and Founder of The European Nature Trust, Paul Lister, guests will gain privileged access to pioneering restoration projects across the 23,000-acre private wildlife reserve
ENQUIRE FOR
AVAILABILITY
EXPERIENCE
Golden Eagle trek with raptor specialist
Foraging workshop
Tree planting
Engagement with Alladale’s restoration projects
Discovery of Alladale’s wildlife
INCLUDED
Full board accommodation at Alladale Lodge
Expert guiding & personal hosting throughout
Hearty meals curated by head chef, Natasha Yoga & wellness activities
Game drives & activities throughout the reserve
Guided trip to Dunrobin Castle
Lunch in Dornoch
DETAILS
6 nights
£4,785 per person based on two people sharing
Arrive to Inverness Airport
Exclusive takeover of Alladale Lodge – up to 12 guests in twin/double rooms
20% Impact Pledge donation to Alladale’s Riparian Woodlands Project
WHAT TO EXPECT
Personally hosted by Alladale’s expert team of rangers and, depending on availability, custodian and Founder of The European Nature Trust, Paul Lister, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Go behind-the-scenes of pioneering restoration projects during guided golden eagle treks, photography workshops and afternoons spent fly-fishing, mountain-biking and exploring the 23,000 acre private wildlife reserve. Enjoy al fresco BBQs, locally sourced venison, and trout from Alladale’s aquaponic gardens during exploration of the abundant wildlife haven – home to deer, red squirrels, the Scottish wildcat and more.
All-inclusive. Excludes international flights.
CONSERVATION IMPACT
Whilst at first glance Scotland’s wide open landscapes, beautiful green vistas and treeless hills seem dramatic and beautiful, if we look deeper we will find evidence of what has been lost from the land – the forests and trees that have gone, and the wildlife that has gone with them. The stark reality is that much of the Scottish Highlands is actually a devastated landscape, void of its former habitat, vegetation and wildlife.
At Alladale Wilderness Reserve, a dedicated team is working hard to restore the ecosystems of the 23,000 acre estate to their former health – where a million trees have been planted over the last two decades; over 550 acres of damaged peatlands have been restored; Scottish wildcat and red squirrels have been reintroduced and a professionally managed wilderness experience enables local school children to discover the Highlands whilst learning skills such as orienteering and bushcraft, improving their understanding of and connection to the natural world, ecology and conservation.
YOUR HOSTS
MEET YOUR HOST:
PAUL LISTER
Paul Lister
After a childhood of adventure, followed by 20 years in the furniture industry; Paul Lister turned his life’s purpose to nature and established The European Nature Trust (TENT) whilst also purchasing Alladale, a 23,000 acre traditional sporting estate in Scotland.
For the last 20+ years TENT has continued to support conservation and wildlife foundations across Scotland, Mediterranean and east European countries, whilst Alladale has been transformed into a pioneering Wilderness Reserve where nature restoration and green tourism are central to its mission.
For the past decade, Paul has spent many winter weeks exploring Belize and discovering its incredible nature and wonderful people. TENT’s remit now spans from the Atlantic to Belize, where the Unknown Belize film series has become the charity’s largest and most recent endeavor in the country.
A GLOBALLY UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
ON CONSERVATION IN ACTION
Frequently Asked Questions:
Journey to Scotland
What is the climate like in Scotland in September?
In September, Scotland typically experiences mild temperatures with some variations depending on the region. Expect daytime temperatures to range from around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) on average, but it's always a good idea to pack layers since weather conditions can change quickly. September can bring a mix of sunny days, light rain, and cooler evenings. Overall, it's a lovely time to visit Scotland, especially if you enjoy autumnal scenery, colours, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
Can you organise an extension to this Hosted Journey?
Absolutely! We would be delighted to put together a bespoke itinerary for you should you wish to extend your stay in Scotland or visit another country before or after this journey. Whether you would like to go on a culinary experience in Edinburgh or bag munros along the west coast isles, simply get in touch with Lara ([email protected]) to start curating your bespoke itinerary.
What kind of activities will we be doing?
Spend your days in Scotland learning about Alladale's pioneering restoration projects. From hikes, bird walks, mountain-bike rides and afternoons spent wild-swimming, fly-fishing and unwinding with yoga classes, there will be plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of your surroundings whilst learning about the invaluable recovery of this 23,000 acre private reserve.
Where will we be staying?
The journey includes an exclusive takeover of Alladale Lodge where you will spend the duration of your stay. Equipped with six ensuite master bedrooms that can be made up as twins or doubles, a gym, sauna, snooker and conference room, plus a personal head chef, Natasha, there will be plenty to keep you entertained come rain or shine.
What happens after I book?
Once you have booked your trip the journey begins! Prior to departure, our team will share your personalised itinerary via the Safari Portal App which will contain all of the information about your journey. We will share reading and watching recommendations and updates from the field, so that you can begin your learning journey from home. In the days prior to your trip, you will be connected with your hosts and fellow guests on a whatsapp group as the excitement builds! The JWP team will be on hand in the lead up to and during your journey to assist with any questions you may have.
What is the best international airport to arrive at and depart from?
International flights are not included and are to be booked separately. The best airport for you to arrive at and depart from is Inverness Airport. Airport transfers will be arranged on your behalf for this booking.
Who looks after us during our journey?
You will be joined on this journey by a JWP host. They will be on hand to assist with any questions or requests prior to or during your journey.
Can this journey be organised for a private group?
This journey to Scotland from 8th - 14th September 2024 and has been designed to bring together a small group of curious and like minded people who want to explore important threads of nature conservation across Scotland's highlands and coastlines, and learn about the nation’s holistic intent to protect and restore. However, if you are unable to join the journey in September or would like to organise a transformative impact experience in Scotland (or elsewhere) with a private group, our Journey Planners would be delighted to organise this for you. Please reach out to the JWP team on [email protected] to begin creating your unique impact journey.
Journeys to champion the
wild and celebrate conservation
Where will your impact journey take you?
As a mission-led business our journeys are designed to be transformative, on the traveller and on the people and places you engage with. When you book a journey with us you become part of our growing community of changemakers – the curious, the intrepid, those looking to engage with the natural world on a deeper level. To learn, exchange and realise change.
A journey starts with a discovery call with our expert team. These journeys are personal – they offer connection and insights into cultures, wildlife and landscapes in wild corners of the world – for an experience that has a positive impact, long after you return home.