Adventure Details
EXCURSIONS, IMMERSION, AND OTHER FUN
Take the ferry to the Isle of Bute where you’ll enjoy amazing coastal views and historic sites such as Mount Stuart House & gardens.
Explore the variety of species at Benmore Botanic Gardens.
Enjoy an evening at the local pub.
Join a watercolor class & capture the colors of Dunans.
Project Partners
Dunans Castle Ltd is committed to creating a sustainable business that contributes to the betterment of its local community. All profits are invested in restoration of the site, running the company, improving employment opportunities, and making a positive impact on the community as a whole.
Through its actions, Dunans Castle Ltd aims to improve local facilities and work with local partners to improve economic opportunities. Importantly, Dunans Castle is also committed to addressing the identified problem of access to cultural events in the area, specifically theater, cinema and museums.
Cost*
DBL Rm US$1990 | SGL Rm +US$400
*Costs are per person.
Discounts!
Join us for one adventure in preservation, and you’ll receive a 10% discount on all subsequent adventures.
Additional Cost Information
Your fee includes:
Ground transportation between Glasgow Airport & Dunans Castle
Lodging during your session
Meals from dinner on Saturday of arrival through breakfast on day of departure, except meals on excursions
Excursions
All participants are responsible for:
Travel to Glasgow
Visa if required
Meals during excursions
Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage. Send AiP proof of purchase.
DUNANS CASTLE
GLENDARUEL, COWAL PENINSULA, SCOTLAND
Woodland Conservation & Creation
Dates: April 23-30, 2025
Gain hands-on experience in native woodland conservation in Argyll and learn the value of creating a new temperate rainforest.
A special treat is waiting for you at Dunans Castle in April. It’s unlike anything we’ve done before! Conservation and creation of a Scottish native woodland is underway, and you can play an important role.
April in Argyll is the month of daffodils, bluebells and wild garlic – the perfect time to immerse yourself in essential ecology.
Unique Native Woodland Conservation Experience in Scotland
Dunans recently bought back 250 acres of the ancient Fletcher estate adjoining the castle and has started the process of creating a native woodland. Reintroducing native species will increase biodiversity and contribute to ecological sustainability.
Walk the woodland with Charles Dixon Spain and learn how this effort combines the fight against climate change with development of sustainable tourism. The commercial crop of Sitka spruce planted on the hillside 30 years ago has been harvested. The land is now ready for planting of native woodland species, primarily oak and birch. This is not just a woodland, but also the creation of a new temperate rainforest, essential to the ecology of the area – and the world. It is an internationally important environment that only exists in a few places on earth.
Numerous deep ravines that channel rain water are filled with both native ferns and rhododendron – an invasive species brought by Victorian landscapers. All the rhododendron needs to be removed, as they will take over and mask the true story of the woodland.
Jammers will take on various jobs in support of the woodland creation.
• Plant oak and birch saplings
• Low impact removal of invasive rhododendron
• Clear paths around the historic Telford bridge
• Recover historic Telford road
• Create a new meditation garden
As part of this effort, the woodland will become a carbon off-set project securing over 20,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere over the next century. Funds generated from the sale of this tonnage will secure the next phase of restoration of the castle itself, creating a unique multiplier, enriching both Scotland's built heritage and its environment.
“I’m so glad AiP exists. I haven’t just learned something new in an amazing environment, but I’ve gained new friends! ”
Lodging and Meals
Lodging is at Tighnariddon located on the shore of Loch Riddon, a spectacular sea loch just 10 minutes from Dunans. Tighnariddon has two self-catering cottages, Shelduck Cottage with 3 ensuite bedrooms on 2 floors; and Teal Cottage with two ensuite bedrooms. The isle of Bute is nearby, where we’ll tour remarkable historic sites.
Delicious meals are prepared by a caterer, with meals largely made from local produce and meat. Lunch is served at the work site, and dinner served as a group meal at Tighnariddon. Breakfast food is provided for jammers to prepare. Options for vegetarians are provided upon request.
Schedule
Each week, we will have 1 ½ days of touring and 4 1/2 days of learning and working in the woodland. Work begins at 9:15 am with a discussion of the day’s tasks and demonstration of methods as needed. There are breaks for tea and lunch; work ends about 5pm.
An itinerary will be provided once you register.
“Meeting new friends, spending time in the glorious Highlands, being able to work in such an interesting historic place. The entire project was extremely rewarding!”
Costs
Your project fee of US$1990 covers the cost of lodging in a double room, meals, excursions (meals on excursions not covered), materials & training, and transportation to and from Glasgow Airport. If you prefer a single room, an additional single supplement of $400 will be added to your fee.
Travel Details
If flying to the project, book your flight into the Glasgow Airport (GLA). Airport pickup is provided on Wednesday, April 23. Arrival time at the airport must be prior to 3pm on Wednesday. Those already in Glasgow will meet for lunch as we wait for everyone to arrive.
The shuttle leaves for Dunans at 3pm. Pickup is also available at hotels in the historic center of Glasgow if you arrive early and spend Tuesday night in the city. Wednesday dinner is the first meal provided at our lodging and included in your fee.
Rental cars are available at the airport for those interested in having their own car. Drive time from Glasgow Airport to Dunans Castle is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Airport drop off is provided on Wednesday, April 30. Drop off is at 11 am, so schedule your departing flight accordingly.
Weather and Packing
April in western Scotland is usually the sunniest month with the least rain. So we’ll look for sun and plan for rain. Daytime highs average 55-60°F (13-15°C) with lows in the mid-40s°F (7°C).
Rain gear is essential. Plan to bring warm socks, waterproof/water resistant shoes, waterproof jacket and pants. A waterproof hat may be helpful in addition to the jacket hood.
A down vest or down sweater, to wear over a sweatshirt and/or sweater and under your rain jacket, works best for comfort. Sturdy close-toed shoes are required. You may want to dress up a bit for visits to the village and other site seeing, but plan for comfort.
A packing list will be sent once you register.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to chat with an AiP staff member about joining this adventure, contact us at trips@adventuresinpreservation.org or call us at +1 303-444-0128.
“When I found Adventures in Preservation, I was so excited to see the work that you do – both the projects themselves and the educational and cultural opportunities they provide. As a recent preservation graduate, I have been exploring opportunities and career paths that exist in the field. Your company incorporates so many things that are important to me and have been on my mind – the hands-on experience, getting people involved in preservation, and travel beyond just tourism”