A brief update from the team here on JAHAMA Estates

ATV Track Monitoring by Cameron Milne

With the 2025/2026 stalking season at an end, staff on Killiechonate estate have been present on the SSSI component of the landholding undertaking condition monitoring of our ATV tracks. The Ben Nevis SSSI occupies 9,539 ha, most of which is sited within the bounds of Killiechonate estate, extending from Glen Nevis in the west to Coire Rath and the Lairig Leacach in the east.

The site holds special designations for nine geological and ecological features, of which the site’s upland fauna is most at risk from ATV use associated with deer carcass extraction. In order to ensure damage through repeated ATV access is kept below an acceptable level, the condition of these tracks is documented both before and after the deer stalking season.

Images from fifteen locations are collated to form a report, which is submitted to NatureScot for review. The increased cull work associated with the company’s current woodland regeneration project will result in an increased impact on our ATV tracks, which allow the movement of deer from hill to larder. An increased effort to document these impacts forms part of our efforts to mitigate these impacts, whilst work will take place this spring to reinforce sections of track most at risk from further degradation.

Thanks to Cameron for producing a comprehensive condition report for NatureScot.

Images taken in Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026 looking South along the Coire Eoin ATV Track.

Map displaying the 15 points across the SSSI at which images are taken.

Shesgnan Water Gate by Nathan and Dougie

Taking advantage of the recent spell of dry weather and lower water levels, the Glenshero team carried out essential maintenance at Shesgnan by repairing and reinstalling the water gate.

The water gate plays an important role in preventing deer from entering the plantation, helping to protect young trees from damage. This work is carried out annually, as higher winter water levels and ice flow typically damage the gate, requiring it to be removed from the river each year.

Thanks to the team for making good use of the conditions to get this important job done.

Mamore Bridge Replacement

Over the past year, the bridge had begun to show signs of wear, with a temporary board repair carried out on one of the beams. To ensure it remains safe for use, the bridge has now been fully replaced.

This upgrade is particularly important with the increased vehicle movements linked to peatland restoration and ongoing habitat monitoring work. Thanks to everyone involved in getting this improvement completed.

Mamore Track Improvements by Blair Nicholson

The Mamore team have been out the last couple of weeks working on the track along the loch side of Loch Elide Mor. It was a wet start, although the weather has been stunning the last couple of weeks. The team are carrying out improvements specifically to improve efficiency and cause less wear on vehicles. The track is looking much better however there is still plenty of work left to do!

At the beginning of the project it wasn’t exactly ideal conditions to be laying gravel howeveer it was certainly helpful in allowing the team to see where exactly the track was needing to be drained.

There was a time when the hill roads on Mamore were well looked after and vehicles like this were driven along the roads. You can still see some of the old cobbles on the tracks today!