Imagine a wild, mountainous landscape covered in dense forest and home to brown bear, wild boar and wolves. Two thousand years ago that is what the Romans found as they attempted to expand their empire into Scotland. They retreated, defeated by the landscape and declared this land the end of the world.
The Romans called this land ‘Caledonia’, meaning ‘wooded heights’. Later, that name led to the term ‘Caledonian Forest’ describing the native woodland which covered much of the Highlands of Scotland.
Today, after centuries of deforestation, less than 1% of the original forests survive and with many other countries now repeating the same ecological mistakes the onus is on us to reverse the damage and provide a model for similar projects across the globe.
In 2011 HAGGiS Adventures teamed up with 'Trees for Life', a Scottish charity specifically dedicated to restoring 600 square miles of self-sustaining, wild, Caledonian Forest with the aim of helping Scotland 'Stay Wild'. Under our 'Stay Wild' project we have raised thousands of pounds in support of the work Trees for Life undertake and our customers have planted well over 100 trees in our dedicated 'HAGGiS Grove'. We hope to continue this partnership well into 2012 to ensure large areas of Scotland remain as natural as possible.
How can you get involved?
Plant a tree in the HAGGiS Grove
Imagine planting a tree that will stand forever as part of the restored Caledonian Forest. The HAGGiS Grove is a dedicated forest developed by HAGGiS customers and selected trips will get the chance to leave their own tree as their contribution to helping Scotland 'Stay Wild'. These trips will be met by a Ranger, hear about the work of Trees for Life and plant a tree in HAGGiS Grove.
Dedicate a Tree
If you are not lucky enough to travel on one of our selected trips you can still choose to leave your mark in Scotland. Our 'Dedicate a Tree' scheme allows you to have a tree planted in the HAGGiS Grove by Trees for Life on your behalf. You could also choose to gift a tree, perhaps one of the most eco-friendly and unique presents you can buy. You also get a Certificate as proof of your dedication.