One man's dream to restore a forest

In 1976 Alan Watson Featherstone made a promise to restore Scotland's Caledonian Forest. On the back of that promise, he founded the hugely successful rewilding charity Trees for Life and is arguably responsible for the rewilding movement in Scotland and beyond. I was fortunate enough to spend a day with Alan in Glen Afric hearing about that feat and the ongoing impact his promise is having. It was a hugely inspiring day for me and I hope you feel the same - his words brought me (and him) to tears and is a story of hope, optimism and success.
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[@MiaMia-le5fk]

People like him are real heros. Not soldiers, politicians or footbolplayers.

[@Beanboiwolf]

Politicians and footballers no but soldiers I would certainly say are heroes alot fought and died for the freedom of people and nations but that said I would put this man as a hero for he is looking after nature

[@WmJared]

Dang, forget the fence, get Alan and that forest some lynx and some wolves, then a few bears, I bet you the deer problem gets dealt with. Plus, bears are great for seed dispersal, too

[@SimonDures]

That would be fantastic, sadly, we are a few years away from having lynx in Scotland, and a long way from bears, but there is a growing majority pushing for the return of predators to the UK.

[@grins9882]

It is always possible through moral, but a lil less than legal means :]

[@mycolliesandme268]

You need to create the environment,grow the trees before you can think of that mate, long long way off that.

[@stephenrabin3222]

Where there are huge unrestrained populations of browsers (the likes of goats and deer) and sheep, fences are unfortunately necessary to give trees a chance. I have goats. I know!

[@theotherandrew5540]

Wolves eventually yes; they’ll control the deer and the woolly pests (sheep) and promote much needed regeneration, but bears need much more room. Living in bear country is not practical in Scotland, no fence will limit their range, and bears have terrible table manners.

[@MarkLaurenceDesign]

I was lucky enough to meet Alan at Findhorn in 1979; he put me on the track of working with Nature, which I've done ever since. Forever grateful.

[@SimonDures]

He is an amazing inspiration

[@davebloggs]

The world needs more people like him for sure, very nicely done.

[@SimonDures]

It certainly does. Fortunately, there are others and I hope to bring you more voices from other people doing amazing things!

[@davebloggs]

@@SimonDures I look forward to it . keep up the great work. your forests there flourish when deer are kept out, here we have reintroduced the bison to revitalize our forest lands, and wow do they do an amazing job.

[@SimonDures]

@@davebloggs A few megaherbivores roaming the glens would certainly do wonders for the habitat here!

[@davebloggs]

@@SimonDures once we had millions of bison wandering around here now not so much. but the difference they make is stunning they open up the lower 8 to 10 feet letting light hit the forest floor, they are amazing at what I call nutrient redistribution . . the ones they released in Banff National Park have made quite the difference.

[@pinkdragon4830]

_We_ need to be like him

[@hordofaagussa9416]

He who plants a tree, plant a hope.

[@CarolJorgensen-oj8tz]

You are definitely an inspiration Alan. We are doing a similar project in Queensland, although on a much reduced scale. In 6 years we have turned a flogged out sheep paddock into a bit of a forest forest. The wildlife that has moved in is amazing, and the birds in particular are exceptional seed dispersers. There are already tree seedlings popping up we haven't seen before. All of our neighbours and visitors are in awe of the transformation in such a short time period of time. They ooh,and ahh and then go home to their ride on mowers...like you say, you can't just talk about it. We hope our legacies aren't in vain, but at least we can say we left the world at least a little better than we found it. You should get a Nobel prize. Cheers mate from down under!

[@jollyjokress3852]

This is the OG Lord of the Rings landscape. Magical, beautiful.

[@SimonDures]

It certainly is! It is a fantastically beautiful landscape

[@noewantstosleep]

This is a great reminder that humankind is equally capable of healing and growth as we are of destruction. It's a harsh world but I've always had a faith in our capacity for choosing good :)

[@SimonDures]

I completely agree. If one man can achieve this there is a huge amount of hope to be had

[@tristanbuckoke9121]

There are not enough driven humans in our beautiful world. His emotional connection to his calling in life is truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing your story

[@simonwhite5535]

The man is a legend, we love him!! ❤

[@SimonDures]

Yes we do!!

[@jhankri]

Forest restoration is the best gift humanity could give to this planet. Good man setting an example.

[@SimonDures]

I certainly agree!

[@freeindeed13]

Thank you Alan - help is on the way!

[@DM-fj8wv]

What a top bloke, inspiring

[@KahluaBomb]

I wasn't expecting to be bawling in my computer chair today but here I am. What a powerful dream, and to see it become a reality in your own lifetime? I can't imagine a better life to have lived.

[@SimonDures]

It was a hard film to make as both Alan and I were holding back the tears on a number of occasions, he is unbelievably inspirational and I think part of my emotion was envy at what an amazing difference he has made and life he has lived!

[@paulmorris5166]

This man is a real hero.

[@SimonDures]

He truly is!

[@medea_mujer_cuervo]

Gracias. 💚🙏🎄🫀 Muchas gracias. Mi hijo pequeño y yo estamos limpiando y reforestando tanto cómo podemos, el bosque donde habitamos, en México. Ésta labor es necesaria y urgente. La corrupción, la falta de integridad, la tala, etc son la pandemia. Es demoledor. Nos hemos enfermado de pena incluso, pero no nos damos por vencidos. 🪶🌠 Maravilla.

[@SimonDures]

¡Bien hecho! Es sorprendente escuchar eso. Mi prometido es de México y por eso entiendo lo poco de tus dificultades. Seguir luchando. ¿Quizás algún día podríamos visitar tu bosque? ¡Disculpas por el mal español!

[@medea_mujer_cuervo]

@@SimonDures Sería maravilloso y muy positivo. Será un placer recibiros en nuestra cabaña offgrid. Y poder charlar de esto. Necesitamos ayuda, necesitamos que tomen consciencia y el bosque nos necesita. Gracias Simón

[@Alasdair37448]

Scotland is so beautiful. It warms my heart to see this gorgeous land restored . Blessings upon this man for his good deeds may fortune repay his kind deeds for the remainder of his days.

[@primesspct2]

Really exciting! Good on you Alan! I always looked at Scotland and Ireland, England for that matter, and thought "why are there no trees?" Don't people plant trees? My mothers tells me , "No dear, that's just naturally how it is there". " I think, well they should!" I see Mother doesn't know what she's talking about, and they are planting trees!! This is so exciting, and inspiring!

[@SimonDures]

People like Alan are slowly helping recover the Scottish landscape to what it once was

[@stevecarver3556]

Beautiful film. I once said to Alan a few years ago, that I didn't do hero worship. But if I did, he'd be right up there.

[@SimonDures]

Oh I completely agree with you there! I was nervous to make this film simply because I wanted to do justice to Alan and all his work. Thank you for the compliment 🙏

[@vivalaleta]

This human is gorgeous.

[@TanjaHermann]

How wonderful and touching! I believe that everybody can plant a little something in their yard, on their balcony, in their community to make the world a little greener. Turn your lawn into a mini food forest. Create wildlife hedges with affordable native hedge plants. Participate in a neighborhood garden. We can do it!

[@SimonDures]

Well said!

[@AndrewStuderVisuals]

What a legend. Alan is my hero

[@SimonDures]

Mine too!

[@lawn38]

What a hero!!!

[@SimonDures]

He certainly is!

[@thomasmoore5949]

Please donate to Trees for Life. I have been doing so for years. There is no better cause in this world than restoring the health of this world!

[@datguynilf9793]

Alan is the true superhero the world needs! The man’s work will never be forgotten. Truly Alan, from the bottom oh my heart, I thank you

[@SimonDures]

Very true words!

[@z3pHyRx3]

We say YES in Andalucía! Thank you Alan!

[@ecosharon8443]

A truly inspiring message from an amazing man and a hero of mine. I said "yes" to setting up Climate Action North and like Alan says "don't be afraid to dream big" - that's what we are doing and continue to look to Alan for inspiration. Thank you for this beautiful film it really has made my day. 🙏🌿🌏

[@SimonDures]

Thank you, both for the praise and the work you do. What a lovely thing to say 🙏

[@mateuszcichy9365]

I'm in peaces 💛 Tears of joy... wish I could be there with you

[@SimonDures]

Those were my feelings making this little film! I am glad it brought you joy!

[@Jack13001]

Incredible man, very inspiring! Been following Scottish replanting for years and the difference inside and out the fenced off area is staggering. We must reserve more national parks for nature! Not just sheep grazing and deer with no natural predators to roam free.

[@SimonDures]

I completely agree, we need parks that work for wildlife and are more than just paper parks. Cairngorms connect seem to be working with people and the land to bring about some meaningful change

[@ruadhscottygirl2480]

Thank you so much for letting him tell his story in his own words, rather than some narrator who is just doing a job and doesn’t have the connection to the land Alan does. Wonderful video.

[@SimonDures]

Thank you so much, I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nitka022]

I watched Alan's talks few years ago and have seen the beginning of this beautiful forest. Amazing man. One who will be remembered by generations. He helped to create something beautiful and inspired thousands others to do the same. A true hero. Sending love from Australia...xoxox

[@SimonDures]

He will certainly be remembered, and what a legacy to have left!

[@Silvius.2]

Thanks giving some forest human likes you! You a small man but one with heart and wisdom

[@al_humphreys]

What a legacy!

[@SimonDures]

It certainly is, one many of us could only hope for!

[@sophiareygrace6656]

What a great work he has done!!

[@viddid]

What a wonderful legacy. Thank you.

[@georgeknox1822]

Need more humans like him .. ❤

[@SimonDures]

We certainly do!

[@ziaarastu7519]

Great job! Your commitment to planting trees not only creates shade but also contributes immensely to improving the environment. Salute to you for making such a positive impact!

[@SimonDures]

Well said!

[@liamfinch4129]

No words - just HUGE respect!

[@merledietrich9168]

What a wonderful story ! I love planting trees myself . I live in the state of Minnesota, USA .The northern area of Minnesota is the northern boreal evergreen forest that goes into Canada . The mid to southern part of the state is hardwood deciduous forest . Forest lands bring spirit to the land . Trees are my friends. It would be wonderful for Scotland to be reforested . And to bring spirit back to the land .

[@SimonDures]

Thank you for a lovely comment, I completely agree and I am sure Alan would as well!

[@plantaustralis]

Awesome Alan, you're a legend for standing for our forests

[@Mintyscopes]

Love to see a woodland named after him this man’s life is the true meaning of life thanks for being there for nature

[@mrlover4310]

Thank you Alan ❤

[@1964_AMU]

Simon Dures is a dignified follower of Richard St Barbe Baker, the man of the trees !!! Hope he can contemplate his trees still for another 50 years...

[@ritamariekelley4077]

It's such vital work, Simon. I get very emotional about trees, they are so beautiful, have such grandeur. A forest is a sacred place.

[@SimonDures]

I couldn’t agree more, I am not a religious man, but the forests are like my cathedrals.

[@wildlifegardener-tracey6206]

Thank you Alan. 💚✌️

[@Shazer01]

Well Done Alan. Well done

[@CliffordHeindel-ig5hp]

LOVE YOU A.W.F.!! precisly this kind of humble, miraclously fantastic vision and effort that might save this planet. HUGE LOVE❤

[@Adam-yb2rk]

A great example of what a human should be.

[@skyridercommendor6303]

all the love to that guy !

[@lorenzo3987]

I love this man

[@wilko330]

A beautiful soul, well done Alan

[@Beanboiwolf]

5ft 4 but a heart the size for a man at 10ft 4 this is the sorta man we should look up too!

[@alasdairmackenzie905]

What a wonderful and inspiring man who is making a massive contribution to our country.

[@SimonDures]

He certainly is, on both counts!

[@robertmacdonald4878]

Thank you. You have done so much for our future and for the generations to come. Hopefully they have the wisdom to carry on your good work. Again, thank you. Robert Macdonald of Canada 🇨🇦

[@SimonDures]

I hope so too! Alan is an inspiration and a role model for what can be achieved. Thank you!

[@johanneberube6682]

Thanks a lot 🌹🌹💖

[@SimonDures]

You are welcome

[@nk53nxg]

Great work and vision Alan had/has. Back in the late 70's and early 80's many people did not know or care about the Caledonian Pine Forest. Many today still do not know or care. It takes people like Alan to take action and make the difference. I live in NE Scotland and have Glen Tannar, Ballochbuie, Linn O Dee/ Marr Lodge, Abernethy and Glenmore areas of Caledonian Forest left. Cairngorms connect is a strategy in the Cairngorms National Park to try and connect up all the areas of Caledonian pine remnants. I often wonder and dream what the Highlands would look like even partially restored to a natural state over a large continuous area. If I had the money, time and resources I would buy up land and help restore areas as best I could. Maybe I should volunteer, It is something that I frequently follow, I love seeing the progress of before and after pictures.

[@SimonDures]

It is amazing what is happening across Scotland. It seems to be a slow but increasingly steady shift and I think for the majority and popular shift. I would encourage you to volunteer, there are so many projects and man hours are a hugely valuable contribution. It is also hugely satisfying to revisit trees you planted with your own hands!

[@plant_trees_kg]

Awesome!! 👏

[@SimonDures]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@stevenrichardson6793]

It's great to see a such a humble man make such huge change on the planet. We need more great men like Allen. Thank you Allen !

[@livinginabirdhouse]

What an inspirational video you have produced. Very well told, and very classical editted. A feast for the mind and eye. The world needs many more Simons and Alans. Truly remarkable. Thanks for sharing!

[@SimonDures]

That is incredibly kind of you to say, thank you! Hopefully I can bring more inspiring stories like this!

[@evagreub1908]

Wonderfull Man with a great warm heart, lucky to have build this Forest with lots of work for Mother Earth💝💝💝 great gift for all of us.💖💖💖

[@mycolliesandme268]

Alan you are a fantastic Man. The world could do with many more like you. Let's hope what you have started keeps on going forever. We all need to look at the bigger picture. And do our bit .

[@SimonDures]

I couldn't have said it better myself

[@assassine13pab11]

I hiked through glen affric and its sooooooo beautiful, thx to this guy. I cant even put it into words how much it impacted me to see this beauty. Its my favourit place on earth next to the isle of skye. Thanks so so much. I will return to this magical place soon.

[@SimonDures]

Couldn't agree more! It is a wonderful place!

[@Anumastishka]

just incredible

[@rayvarney7788]

You are an amazing inspiration and an amazing human being thank you! 💚🍀

[@albert2395]

A truely great human being!!!!❤😊

[@milky1234123]

great mini doc on someone who needs more attention thank you for posting this

[@SimonDures]

Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed it

[@samyeomans346]

❤ Loved your video and love what your doing for the future you are making a great change for are next generation and for life ❤ THANK YOU 🙏 for your hard work and time 🙏❤️ and all others who are helping 🙏 GOOD BLESS YOU ALL 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@shantil7764]

This is so very touching and beautiful and inspiring

[@SimonDures]

Thank you so much!

[@bethmartof1262]

We can all plant a tree and pick up trash to help the earth. ❤😊❤

[@jivanselbi3657]

yes, indeed a great contribution from a man with a big heart..

[@SimonDures]

Yes indeed!

[@theghostofteddyperkins3687]

What an inspirational video. Keep fighting the good fight, my brother.

[@sueq6]

What a wonderful Man..thanks Alan

[@dort5436]

What a wonderful project that will live well into the future

[@forgingluck]

Beautiful landscape. Glad it's recovering.

[@SimonDures]

It really is!

[@user-mi2pt2ou5x]

What a wonderful example and so appreciated in today's cynical world. Thank you!

[@SimonDures]

Absolutely!

[@raymondvella7560]

Alan, you are a hero!

[@nneichan9353]

very impressed.

[@forestbracht5278]

This is such an incredible inspiration!!!

[@lggp]

Loved this film since the premier I was luckily invited to. Amazing job!

[@SimonDures]

A glamorous event it was too!!

[@EricWoodyVariety59]

Awesome accomplishment. I've been involved since I was a kid in the 1960's. I'm wildlife photographer and conservation is vital to life on the planet.

[@SimonDures]

That is fantastic, you must have seen so much change!

[@lorisharpe]

Fabulous story… thank you

[@SimonDures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wunderwaffle3602]

Im so glad things like this are being coveted! I hope your audience grows, so more people know about wonderful things people are doing for our home.

[@SimonDures]

That is my hope, to showcase all the amazing conservation work that is being done around the world

[@markdalton55]

“I feel Her calling and I must respond!” ❤❤❤❤🌎🌎🌎

[@bridgeovertroubledwater6716]

very inspiring. Thank you x

[@thefrostbee4182]

wonderful story! its important, because its not just a story, but we are living this aswell.

[@SimonDures]

Very true words

[@OlivesGarden624]

THIS is what we all need to do to reverse the damages weve done. Yes protests bring awareness but if you have time to protest you have time to rebuild nature like this guy. Stop complaining and start taking action

[@SimonDures]

Action all the way!

[@Eden639]

We need to do this all over the world. Thank you because you said yes, God bless you.

[@pedrothewise2584]

wow. that makes you a fully paid up member of nature, a rare gift. ive grown a mini poplar forresr(by accident, didnt know they spread by roots lol!.great vision top work. thanks from mother nature.

[@SimonDures]

Well done you! even the smallest mini forests are important.

[@gretaferebee3179]

This is the meaningful difference that those troubled kids are looking for, not glueing their hands to roads or paintings. This is the way to build a living future. 🌲🌳🎄🌳🌲🎄🌳🎄🌴🌳🌲🌴🌳🌲🌳🌵🎄🌲🌳

[@thefrostbee4182]

this forest is amazing. but this forest, within our current system, would also be cut down and destroyed. what hes doing is amazing, dont get me wrong. but theres a root cause for why the forests died to begin with. that root cause hasnt changed

[@SimonDures]

The way to build a living future indeed! Thank you for your comment!

[@LeeJahn-ih9xu]

Plant like your life depends on it, because it does , bravo

[@snippetsoflife4616]

Amazing! thank you for sharing this very important testimony, what an incredible man Alan is.

[@SimonDures]

You are welcome and I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@gignas1992]

i dream big and at least partially in the way this big man does, but the longer i live the smaller my dreams are becoming... Maybe i lack logic, plan or maybe determination, persistance. But the idea to start everything with those calendars was great. Small steps are needed for big dreams, esspessially for a guy like me :)

[@SimonDures]

It’s all about taking lots of small steps in the right direction

[@PAOLO_01]

wonderful scenery

[@christopherkane2842]

Good job sir great works love it

[@cedriccbass-jp8ky]

Legend.

[@SimonDures]

Yep!

[@TurboLoveTrain]

Inspiring. I wish more people could see beyond their own lives both backwards and forwards. Trees around me live for thousands of years and people refuse to leave them alone and just let them grow. Healthy underbrush usually protects baby trees from deer but underbrush is usually the first thing stripped off. I would argue most of the deserts on earth used to be forested and thousands of years of human occupation destroyed the native forests.

[@nicsxnin6786]

What a blessing this man is, and the video! Thank you for sharing. Predators are so important for the ecosystem. While sustenance hunting is fine, mainly people hunt for trophies and sport which is bad for the genetic and overall well being of prey. Predators take young old and sick or weak. They balance everything.

[@Coolwhip899]

Great video and I love the message Alan is sending

[@SimonDures]

Thank you!

[@hollyjensen2371]

would love to be there helping. its not just the forests though, its also the waters that benefit as well

[@SimonDures]

That is very true, there are so many benefits!

[@MONKIPANTS]

This is my dream here in England but the cost of trying to obtain land to start regeneration is so expensive and disheartening. One day, one day, is all I keep saying to my family but so far it's still out of reach. I'm lucky to work outdoors and I feel connected to nature and see the pain we've inflicted on our mother earth first hand. I want to give back what we've all taken from this land and protect it from the greedy property developers who are the parasites of our era. Nice to see you've managed to make good headway in what must be a mountainous task to re-wild Scotland. Good luck sir!

[@SimonDures]

Alan is a true inspiration and all the more so because he did it with no money, he worked and collaborated with all sorts of people and organisations. Forestry Scotland was the first one. Perhaps you could approach Forestry England if there is a place you think something like this could work?

[@Womble1252]

In Aus we have a landcare arrangements with state gov on public crown land. We take out weeds, restore lost species & build and put up nesting boxes. We have had endangered animals live & breed here now. The help can be done without having to own the land ❤