NATURAL REGENERATION

Overgrazed land produces a barren landscape; to regenerate an area, fencing is necessary. Though unsightly in the short term, the rewards are quickly evident, and since the fenced areas occupy a very small percentage of the land available to the grazing wild animals, there is no impact on their food supply.

An old and decayed birch tree is surrounded by young birch saplings, and an old tree regenerates from the base of its trunk. A wild columbine Aquilegia vulgaris finds its way through the young trees; a heath spotted orchid Dactylorhiza maculata and bugle Ajuga reptans thrive on land previously grazed bare.

The curious hoof fungus Fomes fomentarius is a tough stem decay polypore; in Northern Scotland it is mainly found on birch which it infects through broken bark, causing rot.

The young birch, rowan and conifers in this woodland have all grown from naturally dispersed seeds from the surviving mature trees - but only since the area was fenced.

When the young trees are fully established, fences are removed and other areas in poor condition are identified and protected.

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FORESTRY

In addition to natural regeneration at Kildermorie Estate, in excess of one million trees have been planted in the open areas of the hill to provide much-needed winter shelter for the deer (see photo), and recent land purchases (HISTORY) provided another 2 million trees.

WATER

Originally, spring water was harnessed, but after 30 years the supply proved inadequate to support the increased frequency of guests on the Estate; a borehole now satisfies the estate's needs. Although this water is potable, a highly sophisticated water treatment plant meeting current EU legislation has been installed. This water treatment plant delivers water to all the residential properties on the estate, in addition to supplying the game larder facilities. Burn water is also harnessed and used where potable water is not required.

HYDROELECTRICITY

The offgrid electrical system at Kildermorie is powered by a hydro (water) turbine. During periods where the flow of water is insufficient to meet the electricity demands of the Estate a battery bank provides additional power. In the event of a longer term water shortfall a backup generator can automatically provide emergency power to the batteries.

For the convenience of guests, Kildermorie Estate has installed two charging points for electric/hybrid vehicles. Because of daytime demands on the electricity supply, this chargeable service is available overnight on a 'first booked, first served' basis.