Conservation, wildlife and public access

Management of the upland areas of the Estate is now undertaken to a significant degree to deliver specific biodiversity benefits.

Much of the Estate falls within the Cairngorms National Park boundary, and more than 14,200 acres have been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Large areas are also designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

Moreover, the Estate has commitments to work with Scottish Government Agencies to manage deer numbers on Kinveachy to allow regeneration of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.

Heather is also an important resource and, while grouse shooting is less of an economic driver for the Estate now than in previous years, considerable planning and manpower is still required to retain and promote heather growth, and burning and cutting are important aspects of today’s moorland management.

There is a multitude of wildlife to be found on the Estate, ranging from red and black grouse and other upland species such as skylark, curlew, golden plover, peewit, and mountain hare to a variety of species of birds of prey including buzzard, golden eagle, hen harrier, hobby, kestrel, merlin, peregrine falcon, red kite and sparrow hawk, with capercaillie, crested tits, and crossbills in the woodland.

The area is also famous for its ospreys which return from Africa each year to breed in Strathspey.

The Estate also promotes public access, with an abundance of paths and tracks across our ground taking in many viewpoints and places of interest, albeit, despite our location, we do not have the benefit of a single Munro.

In 2011, Seafield and Strathspey Estates were recognised by Wildlife Estates, a European initiative to establish a network of exemplary estates showcasing simple principles of good management and conservation, and following the principles of the EU Natura 2000 directive.