Rewilding charity Trees for Life has partnered with Triodos Bank UK to raise £2m to part fund the world’s first rewilding centre in the Scottish Highlands.
The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre will be situated near Loch Ness, showcasing action on climate emergencies and creating green jobs.
Triodos Bank UK is offering investors the opportunity to invest directly in a rewilding charity, through a bond offer on the Triodos Crowdfunding platform, which is open to investors from £50.
The nine-year bond will pay investors 6% gross interest per year and is available within the Innovative Finance ISA tax wrapper.
Income generated by the centre will support Trees for Life in its aim to rewild the Scottish Highlands, increasing woodland cover at Dundreggan alone from 26% to 41% during the next 10 years.
The £6m attraction is expected to open to the public in spring 2023 and aims to welcome over 70,000 visitors annually by 2030.
The centre will also boost the rural economy through at least 15 new local jobs. An all-weather visitor centre, café and events space to fully accessible trails, child-friendly forest experiences and more adventurous walks, while an accessible accommodation space will allow for longer educational and volunteering stays.
Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life, commented: “The new Triodos bond offer is a unique opportunity to invest in an exciting, positive and much-needed initiative.
“Funds raised will ensure we can establish Dundreggan Rewilding Centre as a beacon of hope for the restoration of nature on a large scale across Scotland, tackling climate breakdown, creating green jobs and volunteering opportunities, and reconnecting people with nature.”
Diana Gerry, corporate finance manager at Triodos Bank UK, added: “We know that many people across the country have a passion for protecting the UK’s native wildlife and are interested in seeing how rewilding can play a part in tackling the climate emergency and biodiversity loss.
“This is a unique opportunity for the public to invest in a greener future for Scotland.”
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