A north-east wildlife filmmaker’s efforts to get her next project off the ground has been endorsed by one of the country’s most well-known nature experts.
Chris Packham has given his backing to Lisa Marley’s crowdfunding campaign to get her rewilding documentary, Project Wolf, up and running.
The film will examine the case for the reintroduction of wolves to Scotland, after they were hunted to extinction in the country in the 1700s.
The 25-year-old, of Westhill, will follow the efforts of Trees for Life’s Project Wolf, which has volunteers replicate the “natural disturbance” effects of the predator.
The trial at Dunreggan, in the Caledonian Forest in Glenmoriston, aims to reverse the effects of grazing pressure on young trees by deer – which is one of the major threats to Scotland’s native forests.
Miss Marley is behind the award-winning documentary, Red Sky on the Black Isle.
Mr Packham, is an author, photographer and the face of a number of nature shows on TV including the BBC’s Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch series.
He said: “These grass roots, real and reactive films come straight from the hearts of creatives who not only care but motivate their skills to take action, action at a time when we are desperate for people to stop musing and moaning and actually stand up and be counted.
“It’s time to shout above the noise – Red Sky on the Black Isle did this – so please help Lisa turn her talents onto the exciting subject of rewilding.”
Miss Marley said she had been “overwhelmed” by the support to her fundraising so far, having surpassed her initial target.
She is now working towards a new goal allowing for an extended shoot in the Highlands.
Miss Marley said: “Now that I have passed my first funding goal, the film will definitely be made.
“But there is still some way to go – I’ve now set a second target which will allow me to spend longer in the Highlands with the ‘human wolf pack’ and with my interview subjects.”
She added Trees for Life’s project could “make a real impact on the regeneration of the Caledonian Forest”.
Alan Watson Featherstone, founder of Trees for Life, said: “The project has potential significance for many other areas in Scotland, and Lisa’s film will be an essential means of communicating this message to a wide audience.
“I urge everyone to support this very worthy project – your donation will make a real difference to the restoration of the Caledonian Forest in the Highlands.”
Anyone keen to get on board with Miss Marley’s project has until April 19, and can do so at: www.indiegogo.com/at/projectwolf
