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Glenlude Appeal

Absolute Escapes volunteering at Glelude - June 2025
Spring woodland

Donate to our Glenlude Appeal

Help raise £50,000 for the future of our award-winning conservation hub in the Scottish Borders

Donate now

Glenlude is being transformed from a former sheep farm and conifer plantation into a thriving mosaic of native woodland, peatland and upland habitats.

It is becoming a place where wildlife thrives, and people experience a wild place through hands-on conservation. This transformation is only possible thanks to supporters like you.

With your help even more volunteers, schools and community groups will be able to care for this special place.

We are raising £50,000 to build a new Gathering Shelter and improve accessible paths so more people can take part in restoring Glenlude.

Every gift from people like you helps unlock the next stage of restoration.

Signs of recovery

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, and the dedication of volunteers, nature is already returning to Glenlude.

Absolute Escapes 2

Native woodland

Together we have planted 17,000 native broadleaf trees, creating more than 25 hectares of new woodland. These young forests link habitats across the landscape, helping wildlife move more freely while natural regeneration takes hold. In 2025 alone, volunteers gave thousands of hours helping restore Glenlude.

Horse logging at Glenlude

Natural corridors

Woodland areas such as Jamie’s Wood and the Phoenix Forest are becoming self-seeding and self-sustaining. Over time they will connect to form 22 hectares of mature native woodland. In fragile peatland and wet areas, restoration is carried out through careful hand felling and horse logging, protecting delicate soils where heavy machinery could cause damage.

Green hairstreak butterfly at Glenlude

Wildlife returning

After 14 years of restoration work, biodiversity is increasing. We now record twice as many bird species, including black grouse, goldcrest, meadow pipit, robin, skylark and tree pipit. Butterflies such as green hairstreak and large skipper are also returning as habitats recover.

Nature is responding and your support can help this recovery continue.

Hand with flowers - David Lintern

Donate to our Glenlude Appeal

Help raise £50,000 for the future of our award-winning conservation hub in the Scottish Borders

Donate today