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SCALING CONSERVATION

Restoring wildlife habitats and increasing biodiversity.

Oxygen Conservation assumed stewardship of this remarkable estate in December 2024. Our vision is to create an extensive area of native woodland that will link with the adjacent Abernethy Forest, contributing to large-scale biodiversity enhancement across the landscape. 

We seek to enrich the existing mosaic of habitats, boosting biodiversity and aiding in the recovery of declining species. Peat bogs across Dorback will be carefully restored to improve carbon storage capacity, as well as enhancing vegetation and species diversity. We will allocate areas for natural woodland regeneration, plant native species, and strategically manage the conversion of monoculture conifer plantations into rich, diverse native woodlands. 

By connecting and complementing nearby nature reserves and protected areas, we aim to foster a landscape-scale transformation, including efforts to preserve and boost populations of rare species like the capercaillie. 

Landscape Scale Restoration

Witness the transformation of an incredible landscape.

Sprawling across the steep moorland slopes of the Braes of Abernethy, adjacent to Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Dorback Estate contains some of the most geologically diverse land in the Cairngorms. Its steep-sided hills rise to the central massif, and are divided by long glens and glacial landforms. These slopes are carpeted in vast swathes of heather whose distinctive purple flowers characterise the Highlands in late summer. Dorback’s landscape, previously managed for both sport and conservation, is home to abundant wildlife and now features newly created wildflower meadows and pockets of native woodland. The wider Cairngorms National Park is home to 25% of the UK’s threatened species, despite holding just 2% of its landmass. With careful habitat management and land regeneration, Dorback therefore holds vast potential to become one of the UK’s leading wildlife destinations.

MINIMISING OUR FOOTPRINT

Not just sustainable, but regenerative practices.

We are delighted to welcome you to Dorback, a magnificent pocket of wilderness. We invite you to experience the restorative benefits of immersing yourself in this Highland landscape and to watch as it evolves and flourishes in the years to come. 

 

  • Our cleaning supplies and toiletries are all as environmentally friendly as possible, and we ensure that our on site team utilise sustainable and friendly practices.

  • Our resident green thumb, Ron, grows and harvests the freshest seasonal vegetables right here on the Estate. His lovingly curated veggie boxes are available upon request, bringing a true taste of the land straight to your table.

  • You can immerse yourself in the simple joys of nature by picking your own apples straight from our orchard. Whether you fancy a crisp bite on a morning walk or wish to take some home, our orchard is yours to explore and enjoy during your stay.

  • At Dorback, we are committed to sustainability, and our biomass boiler plays a key role in this. Using locally sourced wood fuel, our eco-friendly heating system provides warmth to all the properties on the estate.