From woodland to peatland, the purchase unlocks a new era of restoration and innovation in one of the UK’s most iconic natural landscapes.
Leading natural capital asset manager Oxygen Conservation has announced the acquisition of Kinrara Estate, an iconic habitat covering almost 10,000 acres, part of which lies within the world-renowned Cairngorms National Park.
This milestone acquisition takes Oxygen Conservation’s managed landholding across the UK to over 50,000 acres, marking a significant stride in its mission to Scale Conservation. Formerly owned by BrewDog, Kinrara Estate is home to vast peatlands, native woodlands and sweeping moorlands, as well as ambitious woodland creation and peatland restoration projects already underway.
“We’re delighted to be taking forward the next chapter of Kinrara Estate, following BrewDog’s work on ‘The Lost Forest’ – one of Scotland’s most ambitious woodland creation projects. They took on a complex, challenging landscape and delivered it to a high standard, from ground preparation to deer fencing and especially the use of locally sourced seed. Kinrara offers both scale and ecological improvement opportunities, and we hope to take it into its next chapter whilst continuing the ambitious woodland creation and peatland restoration projects already planned across this landscape,” says Rich Stockdale, CEO, Oxygen Conservation.
Oxygen Conservation’s vision for the Kinrara Estate remains characteristically bold. Across nearly 10,000 acres – part of which lies within the Cairngorms National Park – the organisation plans to deliver landscape-scale restoration that enhances biodiversity and reimagines how people, businesses and nature can thrive together. The estate offers both the scale and potential to further BrewDog’s woodland creation and peatland restoration commitments, while pioneering new opportunities for green jobs and public access. Kinrara will serve as a living example of how investment in nature can drive both ecological recovery and long-term prosperity.
“Since we became custodians of this magical slice of the Scottish Highlands, we have worked with partners to restore 745 hectares of peatland and planted over 375 hectares of new woodland. We’re proud of all that has been achieved and of the legacy we leave, but the time is right to hand over the reins to an organisation that specialises in protecting and investing in natural capital” says Lauren Carrol, Chief Operating Officer, BrewDog. “Oxygen Conservation will be fantastic stewards of the Kinrara Estate. Their experience in scaling up impact through innovation and community engagement is second to none.”
Stockdale adds: “By building on the strong foundations laid by BrewDog and adding our expertise in large-scale restoration and nature-based solutions, we’re confident Kinrara can become a showcase for how people, wildlife, and wild places thrive together. Thanks go to James Taylor (CEO) and Lauren Carrol (COO) for their personal involvement in making this deal possible and for trusting Oxygen Conservation with the next chapter of the Kinrara Estate.”
Benny Higgins, Chairman of Oxygen Conservation, said, “The acquisition of Kinrara Estate is another important milestone in our Oxygen Conservation journey. Natural Capital is a vital national asset, and one that must be cherished and supported through investment. Rich and his team have worked tirelessly to reach this stage. In particular they have recognised the need to demonstrate integrity and transparency in relationships with all stakeholders.”
“We would also like to thank key local stakeholders in the Cairngorms who have been incredibly welcoming and supportive – especially through our work at our nearby Dorback Estate – their support has helped give us the confidence and encouragement to reinvest in this extraordinary region.” added Chris Winter, Director of Natural Capital at Oxygen Conservation.
