The priority of the project is to transform the once-barren conifer plantation into a haven for wildlife and plant communities through assisted natural regeneration. Therefore the main design intervention consists of thinning and clearing the plantation which manipulates light and shade as well as protecting the vegetation and wildlife. Ultimately, this is breaking down the structure of conifer plantations.
A bold proposal which would inevitably be reversed if everyday people were not involved. Humans have significant control over nature’s survival and this project depends on the decided protection of humans. Enjoyment, approval and human gain ensure this protection. In which case, a long-distance walking route was designed to invite people to experience the changing nature and learn about the past and future of the site as they walk along the Highland Boundary Fault Line. This walk takes you from exposed vantage points on Conic Hill and Menteith Hills into the transformed conifer plantation. Careful consideration was given to reducing the impact of introducing people potentially disturbing the evolving vegetation and thriving wildlife to protect the natural regeneration process.
