Woodland Trust Scotland launch bid to buy Ben Shieldaig and its ancient wood

Woodland Trust Scotland is trying to raise £1.6m so that they can buy the 534m (1,752ft) tall Ben Shiedaig mountain in the north-west Highlands of Scotland, after it was put up for sale by a private landowner. Woodland Trust Scotland Director Carol Evans said: "This is a rare opportunity for us to bring a whole mountain under our care." If successful in their bid the Trust plans to manage its spectacular native woodland within a wider mix of wild habitats that climbs from the sea to the summit. The mountain is home to two areas of woodland featuring ancient Caledonian pinewood, which can be traced back to the end of the last ice age, and a temperate rainforest of native birchwood. Woodland Trust Scotland said the 9,884 acres (4,000ha) involved was among important habitats in the area.

The Woodland Trust Scotland is a woodland conservation charity. They seek to protect and campaign on behalf of Scotland's woods, plant trees, and restore ancient woodland for the benefit of wildlife and people. They have stated that they aim to manage Ben Shiedaig for wildlife and people and encourage recreational access. They have stated that they will consult with local people about future plans. However,  before anything can happen they need to raise the money to fund the purchase.