Glassie Farm Rewilding 25-26
There’s something exciting happening at Glassie Farm near Aberfeldy. What was once largely pastureland for sheep is slowly, thoughtfully being transformed into a place where wildlife can move, settle, and thrive again and where people can come along for the journey too.
This latest phase of work, supported by the PKC Nature Restoration Fund, builds on years of effort to make the land richer in nature and more welcoming to the community. The vision is a simple one, but powerful: to turn 100 acres into a connected, diverse landscape full of life.
This phase of the project funded a range of hands-on habitat restoration works, including:
- Preparation of the meadow using low-impact “natural rotavation” by grazing pigs, avoiding machinery and chemicals
- Wildflower meadow creation, including sowing yellow rattle and a diverse seed mix of over 50 species
- Planting of locally appropriate wildflowers and plug plants to support pollinators and butterflies
- Creation of species-specific habitat, including food plants for butterflies such as Northern Brown Argus, orange tip and fritillaries
- Installation of leaky dams in burns to slow water flow and create more varied wet habitats
- Burn restoration works, including reshaping and infilling channels to improve ecological function
- Digging of new ponds in naturally wet areas to increase water retention and support aquatic life
- Creation of habitat piles using stone and deadwood to provide shelter for insects and small animals
- Planting of riparian vegetation to stabilise soils and support wetland biodiversity
- Introduction of native shrubs and trees (e.g. hawthorn, blackthorn, aspen) to add structure and shelter
- Use of locally sourced plant translocations to strengthen local genetic diversity
Not long ago, the Northern Brown Argus butterfly was recorded on the farm for the first time. That discovery has helped shape the restoration work, with efforts focused on planting rock rose - the butterfly’s food plant - and creating the right conditions for it to breed and expand. It’s a reminder of how quickly nature can respond when given the chance, and how a single sighting can spark something much bigger.
Water plays its part in the story too. The site already includes burns, wet patches, and a natural spring, all of which are being enhanced to support a wider range of species. These damp areas are particularly valuable for insects and amphibians, providing places to feed, lay eggs, and shelter. Alongside this, ponds created in earlier phases help slow the flow of water through the land, reducing runoff while adding yet more habitat. It’s a good example of how restoring nature can also support climate resilience.
Volunteers have already played a role in earlier planting and habitat work, and partnerships with organisations like Butterfly Conservation are helping guide monitoring and future improvements. There’s also a steady involvement from schools and community groups, with visits that turn the farm into an outdoor classroom.
Importantly, this space isn’t being closed off as it becomes wilder. Paths have been widened and maintained, benches placed at viewpoints, and people are actively encouraged to walk and cycle through the site. The aim isn’t just to restore nature, but to make it something that people can experience directly - whether that’s spotting butterflies on a summer walk or just enjoying a quieter, greener landscape.
It’s not a sudden transformation, and it’s not meant to be. This is the kind of change that happens slowly, paying attention to what works. But little by little, the difference is there to see. The land is getting richer, busier, and more alive each year.
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