Dalnacardoch is a clear example of aligning wealth with values to deliver lasting impact. This initiative began with a multi-generational family committed to focusing their philanthropic efforts on conservation. After years of collaboration and an introduction to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the family purchased 7,650 hectares of land in Scotland with a bold vision: to restore and rewild this iconic landscape over the next century.
The estate has been leased to Durrell for 100 years, to allow for long-term stewardship and ecological rewilding. The project’s goals are transformative: restoring peatlands, regenerating native woodlands, reviving river courses, and supporting biodiversity. These efforts will not only enhance Scotland’s natural heritage but also contribute to global climate resilience by locking carbon in peat soils and forests. The scale of ambition is matched by the complexity of delivery, requiring collaboration across conservation experts, land agents, and local stakeholders.
2025 has been a pivotal year for progress. The first phase of peatland restoration is underway, with contractors and the Cairngorms National Park Authority. Photos from the site show the slightly unexpected scene of diggers breaking ground changing the flow of water and breaking manmade created dams. Woodland restoration has also begun, with Durrell carefully monitoring sapling species before and after reducing deer numbers. As deer density decreases, the recovery in sapling range, density and diversity is so encouraging that only minimal planting may be needed to reintroduce species where seed sources have been lost.
Alongside ecological work, Dalnacardoch continues its cultural heritage mission through the breeding of Highland ponies, a rare native breed listed as “At Risk” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. This programme not only preserves an important part of Scotland’s history but also integrates ponies into restoration activities, such as carrying equipment across challenging terrain. Looking ahead, Dalnacardoch is exploring opportunities to develop a low-impact, high-quality visitor experience that complements its conservation goals. Initial assessments suggest strong potential for eco-tourism, creating a sustainable revenue stream while educating visitors about rewilding.
Our involvement goes beyond trustee duties. Dalnacardoch is now part of Affinity’s culture, with plans for employee engagement trips to the estate. These visits will allow team members to take part in hands-on conservation tasks, deepening their connection to our values of authenticity, sustainability and inclusion. This builds on our Snooze Card reward scheme, which gives colleagues a half day as recognition for going above and beyond.
Dalnacardoch is more than a project, it’s a legacy. It demonstrates how thoughtful wealth management can drive positive change for generations to come. As work accelerates, we remain committed to sharing updates and showcasing the incredible progress being made to restore nature and create a wilder, more resilient world.
Aligned with:
🌍 SDG 8 – Sustainable economic growth through eco-tourism
🌍 SDG 13 – Climate action via peatland restoration
🌍 SDG 15 – Life on land through rewilding and biodiversity protection
