Deer Fencing Achnacarry

This year we’ve been tackling an extensive deer fencing programme on Achnacarry estate. Phase one of this programme was a 10km enclosure around an ancient Caledonian pine forest. While the sheer scale of the job was a feat in itself, the location holds a unique place in Scottish history that made this project truly special.

The area we fenced encloses part of the ancient Caledonian pine forest, a landscape famous for its role in World War II. In the 1940s, Achnacarry served as the Commando Basic Training Centre, where thousands of elite troops were forged in the rugged Highlands.

Evidence of this history still stands today. Many of the “veteran” Scots Pines within the perimeter bear the scars of live-fire exercises, having been “scored” by bullets and explosives during intense Commando training drills over 80 years ago. These trees are living monuments to that era.

While these scarred veterans have survived bullets and bombs, the forest faces a different threat today: high deer pressure. For decades, hungry deer have grazed on young saplings, preventing the “old wood” from naturally regenerating. Without intervention, when the old pines eventually fall, there would be no new generation to take their place.

Our new 10km high-specification deer fence changes that. By creating a secure exclusion zone, we are giving the forest a chance to breathe and recover.

• Protection: The fence stops deer from browsing on vulnerable seedlings.
• Regeneration: It allows the seeds from the historic “Commando pines” to take root and grow undisturbed.
• Legacy: This ensures that the native pine forest—and the history it holds—will survive for centuries to come.

A fence is only effective if it can be maintained. To ensure the long-term success of the project, we also constructed a dedicated ATV track around the perimeter.

Forming this track through difficult terrain was essential for future-proofing the woodland. It provides the estate team with vital access for:

• Deer Management: Facilitating easy access for stalkers to manage population numbers surrounding the enclosure.
• Maintenance: Allowing rapid access for fence inspections and repairs after storms.
• Planting: enabling transport of saplings and equipment for active reforestation efforts.

This combination of secure fencing and reliable access provides Achnacarry with the tools they need to bring this historic woodland back to life.

It has been a privilege to work on ground so rich in history and to play a part in safeguarding its future.