Boleskine Biodiversity Group was formed in 2023 following the merger of The Biodiversity Group, a group of individuals who undertook small conservation projects on behalf of Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust, and Boleskine Environmental Network (BEN) a long-standing local environmental group that started in 1999. BEN had been very active in the early years beginning with its detailed recommendations on the Forestry Commission’s Design Plans for east Loch Ness. It later secured funding for a wide range of projects which included the distribution of free compost bins, a re-usable nappy scheme, a biological recording and training program for moths, waders and red squirrels for example, and the Year in the Life of Loch Bran study carried out by the pupils of Foyers school. BEN also provided critical comment on a number of the Renewable Energy schemes including the Glen Doe hydro scheme and, more recently, the Loch Kemp pump storage scheme.
