7 Re-Wilding Retreats: Volunteer to Restore Nature

2. Mar Lodge Estate, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Mar Lodge Estate is one of Britain’s largest national nature reserves and a major site for habitat-scale conservation in the Cairngorms. Management there focuses on restoring native woodlands, reducing grazing pressure in key zones, and re-creating mosaic habitats that benefit ground-nesting birds and upland plants. Volunteer roles vary by season and partner organization but commonly include vegetation management, fence work, and species monitoring tasks that feed into long-term restoration plans. Accommodation for volunteers is usually provided through partner trusts or local visitor centers; expect simple lodgings or camping options in partnership programs. The estate’s scale means projects can be physically demanding and often remote, so a reasonable fitness level helps. Local rangers and conservation partners usually run induction sessions to cover health and safety and the ecological goals behind each task. Before committing, check which partner organization is recruiting volunteers, whether training is provided, and what equipment or clothing you should bring for mountain weather and muddy ground.