Our Landscape
Rottal is dedicated to managing its landscape to deliver climate resilience and to restore nature well beyond its own boundaries. It is doing this through a programme of freshwater and terrestrial habitat restoration from peatland restoration to creation of hedgerows, and by integrating its farm practices into the conservation management of its landscape for nature.
Ongoing Habitat Restoration at Rottal
The Restoring the River South Esk Nature Restoration Funded project is underway as the partners work to deliver their ambitious plans for the creation and restoration of wetland habitats, and the improvement of in-river conditions for biodiversity and climate resilience at Rottal.
Resilient ecosystems have both structural and genetic diversity to support a range of niches and the biodiversity that thrives in them. At Rottal we are restoring the diversity of habitats by creating a mosaic of vegetative types. Different parts of the holding can support different plants, we are seeking ways to restore hedgerows and wildflowers to the pastures on the low ground at Rottal and use our farming practices to support the establishment of a mosaic of vegetation across the pasture and new wetland sites we are creating.
Historically, the woodland in Glen Clova would have helped moderate the runoff of water from the hill, had a mitigating effect on fluctuations of humidity and temperature in the Glen, and provided habitats for wildlife and sequestered atmospheric carbon. We hope to restore some of these processes. Led by the variable capability of the ground at Rottal to support different kinds of scrub and tree species, we are exploring how a combination of planting and stimulation of natural regeneration can help restore these woodland and montane scrub habitats creating a greater diversity of vegetation in the landscape.
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Development of these plans, in conjunction with Scottish Forestry and CNPA, constitute Phase 2 of the catchment restoration plans at Rottal; the restoration of native woodland habitats at Rottal to further contribute to the biodiversity and climate resilience of the holding and the wider catchment.
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Notice of Pre-Application Consultation
Public Engagement
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As part of the process of developing these plans, the River South Esk Catchment Partners would like to welcome members of the local community and other interested parties to engage with the proposals for the wetland creation element of the river restoration project.
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We will be holding a drop-in Pre-Application Consultation event at Rottal Steading on 20th March 2025, between 3.30pm and 7pm. Representatives from each of the member organisations will be there to share information and answer any questions you might have about the proposals.
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The proposal is for creation of wetland habitats in fields at Adielinn, Wheen and Laird’s Haugh (all on Rottal Estate) as part of a Nature Restoration Fund project. This will involve ground excavations to create new habitats to benefit local biodiversity and the installation of fish screens, bunding and timber bridges for access.
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This event is an opportunity to view the proposals and meet the Applicant and project team, who will be available to answer questions.
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You can submit comments on the proposal to the Applicant either at the event, via email to riversouthesk@angus.gov.uk or in writing to:
Partnership Manager, River South Esk Catchment Partnership,
Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar, DD8 1AN.
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These comments must be received no later than 4th April 2025.
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Note that any comments made to the Applicant are not representations to Angus Council. There will be an opportunity to make representations to the local planning authority following the submission of the application.
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Tea and coffee will be provided, as will detailed maps of the project phases. ​​​Details of another follow-up public consultation will be published in due course.
Nature restoration isn’t an exact science. Rottal is keen to demonstrate what is possible and share its experiences of delivering nature restoration with other land managers and its community. Rottal takes its role as a steward of the ground seriously, but also as a pioneering voice in how land management can be approached to deliver positive climate and biodiversity outcomes through adaptive management while still supporting local rural economies as part of a just transition.
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We really hope that you will be able to join us on the 20th to help us fulfill that ambition.
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