English entrepreneur transforms 23,000-acre Scottish estate into thriving rewilding sanctuary

In 2003 English businessman Paul Lister purchased the Alladale estate in Sutherland, a traditional deer-stalking and salmon-fishing property, and set out to reverse centuries of over-grazing. Over the past 23 years the land has been fenced to exclude deer and sheep, and reserve staff have planted roughly one million native trees such as Scots pine, birch and alder. The growing woodland has allowed the reintroduction of red squirrels, which are now breeding and expanding, and the estate is also repairing damaged peatlands to boost carbon storage.

Alladale collaborates with Trees for Life on the squirrel project and with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland on a Scottish wildcat breeding programme. The venture is financed by three luxury lodges that host guests for wildlife safaris, nature walks and educational tours. Although Lister once proposed a fenced enclosure for wolves and bears, local opposition has paused that plan while the focus remains on habitat restoration and visitor education.