The charity aims to plant 100,000 trees at Carn na Caorach in the Highlands.

A charity is planning to restore part of the ancient Caledonian Forest at a site near Loch Ness.

Trees for Life has been rewilding land on its Dundreggan Estate in Glenmoriston since purchasing it in 2008, and now aims to create a 100,000-tree woodland at Carn na Caorach, almost 2,000ft (600m) above sea level.

Trees including downy willow, dwarf birch, Scots pine and juniper will be planted at appropriate altitudes, creating a welcoming habitat for wildlife including golden eagles, ring ouzels and mountain hares.

The initiative will also see the return of plants including wood cranesbill, globeflower and alpine sowthistle, in turn supporting mammals, birds, and pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.

The project is being supported by funding from Scottish Natural Heritage, with much of the planting being carried out by volunteers.

Doug Gilbert, Trees for Life's Dundreggan manager, said: "Montane woodlands are a vital part of Scotland's precious Caledonian Forest, but are often restored over only small areas, if at all.

"To bring these special wee trees back from the brink, and create habitats for the wildlife that depends on them, we need something bigger - and that's what we're setting out to achieve at Carn na Caorach."

Because high-altitude woodlands take longer to establish than those in sheltered locations, the project is long-term. It will take 50 to 100 years before the forest is fully established, if grazing levels are kept low.

The project follows Trees for Life’s successful planting this year of 10,000 trees at another area of Dundreggan called Beinn Bhan, which lies at over 500 metres above sea level.