A groundbreaking bid to help save Scotland’s almost-vanished mountaintop woodland has been launched by Trees for Life.

In a major expansion of action to reverse the loss of these rare high-altitude woodlands, Trees for Life is establishing the 700-acre mountaintop Carn na Caorach woodland of 100,000 trees at its Dundreggan Conservation Estate in Glenmoriston near Loch Ness.

Trees for Life has erected its largest-ever enclosure – a fence designed to protect young trees by keeping grazing animals out – at the site, supported by funding from the Scottish Natural Heritage Biodiversity Challenge Fund.

The conservation charity’s volunteers will begin the first phase of planting in the spring. Trees including downy willow and dwarf birch will be planted on the higher ground, and Scots pine and juniper on the lower slopes.

To donate and help create the Carn na Caorach woodland, see www.treesforlife.org.uk/appeal.