FAQs

What are your plans for Bac Dubh?

During 2024 we will be doing detailed mapping and habitat surveys and drawing up the long term plan for the project, in consultation with the local community. The overall objective is to restore the peatland and to regenerate the woodland on the hillside. The exact details of how we do this depends on the results of our surveys and professional advice. We will also be consulting with the community about possible community use of some of the land as well as what the community would like to see for nature at Bac Dubh.

Will you be building houses at Bac Dubh?

No. There is a covenant on the land title that prevents us or any future owner from building on the land, apart from a limited number of small-scale structures such as wildlife hides.

Will you be reintroducing wolves, bears or lynx?

No. We fully support returning missing species to Scotland but Bac Dubh is not suitable for large predators.

Will you be planting trees on the peatland?

No, we intend to restore the peatland as a fully functioning wetland habitat.

Will you be restricting public access?

Quite the opposite - we want people to enjoy and respect Bac Dubh. Anyone is welcome to take responsible access following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The gate is at the end of Cliffton Place, please park in the village car park by the shop as there is no parking available at Bac Dubh. Please take care as the peatland is extremely wet and boggy and the hillside is very steep. In the future we may be able to provide some footpaths or boardwalks but this is unlikely to happen for several years as we will need to complete restoration works first.

How can I get involved in rewilding Bac Dubh?

We will be organising volunteer days where people can help with monitoring and surveying, removing invasive species and more. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome - please contact us if you would like to find out more.

I'm interested in the land that may be available for community use, how can I find out more?

At the moment we have lots of ideas but no firm plans, so we would love to talk to interested people in the local community about what might be possible for Bac Dubh. If you have an idea for how some of the land might be used for community projects or would like to get involved, please contact us.

Who owns Bac Dubh?

Bac Dubh is owned by long-time Poolewe residents Tracy and Roger McLachlan. We are passionate about nature and the place where we live, and want to leave a legacy of a restored nature reserve that the community can enjoy in perpetuity.