Simon Boas Success Story Award – Affinity Private Wealth

Dalnacardoch: Long-term conservation through partnership and purpose

Dalnacardoch began as a conversation with a client family about how their wealth could be used more intentionally. They were already active in philanthropy but wanted to do something with deeper, long-term environmental impact. Our role at Affinity was to help shape that ambition into something practical, and to bring together the right expertise to make it happen.

Through that process, we introduced the family to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, a Jersey-based organisation with global conservation experience. What followed was the acquisition of 7,650 hectares of Scottish upland and the creation of a 100-year ecological restoration project. From the outset, the objective was clear: restore the landscape at scale, but do so responsibly, with science, patience and long-term stewardship guiding every decision.

The focus of the project is on three connected ecosystems. Peatland restoration is underway, with work to reinstate natural water systems by removing artificial drainage and repairing hydrology. This is essential for carbon storage and climate resilience. Woodland regeneration is also progressing, supported by ecological data showing natural recovery once grazing pressure is reduced. River systems are being restored alongside this, improving biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.

Durrell now acts as long-term steward of the estate under a 100-year lease, providing scientific oversight, monitoring and adaptive management. Their role ensures that the project remains evidence-led, with decisions shaped by ecological data rather than short-term expectations. This has been critical in maintaining the integrity of the initiative.

As a Jersey-based fiduciary business, our role has been to convene, structure and steward. We brought together the client family and Durrell, helped establish governance that can support a multi-generational project, and ensured the long-term alignment of the initiative with the family’s values. Dalnacardoch demonstrates how private capital, when carefully structured, can support credible and lasting environmental outcomes.

There is already measurable progress. Early peatland interventions are visibly changing water flows. Survey work across nearly 50 kilometres has confirmed natural woodland regeneration in areas where it had previously disappeared. The estate also supports a Highland pony breeding programme, protecting a native breed while contributing to conservation work on the ground.

Beyond environmental impact, the project has influenced people. The client family’s commitment has deepened through ongoing involvement and transparent reporting. Within Affinity, Dalnacardoch has become part of how we approach sustainability. Team visits and hands-on conservation work have made the project tangible, strengthening engagement and giving it real meaning beyond strategy or reporting.

Dalnacardoch matters because it takes a longer view. It is not built around quick results or short-term milestones, but on the understanding that meaningful environmental restoration takes time and consistent stewardship. That mindset has shaped every aspect of the project.

Being recognised with the Simon Boas Success Story Award reflects not just what has been achieved so far, but the ambition behind the project and the commitment to see it through. At its core, Dalnacardoch shows what can happen when clients, advisers and conservation experts work together with a shared purpose and long-term intent.