New Beginnings In Cairngorm Bothies Ancient Scots Pine Forest

Nature has a remarkable way of healing. For those of us in the heart of Royal Deeside and Aberdeenshire the memory of Storms Arwen and Malik remains vivid. These powerful weather events brought down our ancient Scots Pine giants and changed the face of our forest forever.

But where we saw gaps in our beautiful Blelack forest, with new views of Morven , the forest saw a new beginning.

The Gift of Sunlight

By clearing the old canopy, the storms did something unexpected: they let the light in. For the first time in decades, sunlight reached the forest floor, awakening seeds that had been waiting for their moment. Today, three years later, we are witnessing an incredible surge of native Scots Pine regeneration.

These resilient 3-year-old saplings are thriving, and there are more than our forest floor can hold. In the spirit of the “Give and Break” travel trend—where we aim to leave a destination better than we found it—we are inviting you to help us share this gift of rebirth.

A Collaboration for Biodiversity: Rehoming Days with NESBiP at Cairngorm Bothies

We are proud to partner with the North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership (NESBiP) for two special community days this March. We are looking for volunteers to help us carefully dig up and “rehome” these young Scots Pines.

Whether you have space in your own garden, are part of a community green space project, or are working on a larger restoration, these saplings are ready to take root in new soil.

Event Details:

• 📅 Dates: Wednesday 4th March & Saturday 7th March

• 🕙 Time Slots: Morning (10:00 – 12:00) or Afternoon (13:00 – 15:00)

• 📍 Location: Cairngorm Bothies (Full details provided upon registration)

What to Expect

This is a hands-on, “Athleisure” style experience for those who love to get active in the outdoors. You’ll be digging up the saplings yourself under the guidance of our team and NESBiP experts.

• Tools: Provided, but feel free to bring your own favourite spade!

• Guidance: Staff will be on hand to support you and ensure the saplings are gathered safely for their journey.

The Ultimate “Feel-Good” Winter Break at Cairngorm Bothies

Why not make this forest recovery part of your own personal reset? As a Green Tourism Gold destination, we believe in purposeful luxury—where the true indulgence is a deep connection to the forest and the natural flora and fauna.

Book a dog-friendly winter break in one of our off-grid bothies and spend your morning helping the forest thrive before retreating to the warmth of your wood-burning stove. It’s a chance to be part of a transformative story that will live on for another hundred years in the trees you help plant.

Free tickets are available to book the event at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scots-pine-rehoming-with-nesbip-cairngorm-bothies-tickets-1983452954179    Help us turn the legacy of the storms into a greener future for the North East.

Cairngorm Bothies & Cairngorm Lodges Special Offer

For use at both our Cairngorm Bothies and sister site Cairngorm Lodges we are offering a special “REHOME10” code. This code saves you 10% off your stay.  Please remember to book your free space on the Scots Pine Rehoming Project