Emiel’s Food Forest

Honouring Emiel. Growing a Legacy.

Emiel’s Food Forest is rooted in memory and grown through community. Developed on 1.3 hectares along the shores of Loch Rannoch in Perthshire, this living landscape honours the legacy of Aemilius Justin Matthias van Well (1996–2022), known as Emiel—a young man whose deep commitment to the natural world continues to inspire this work.

Co-created by Earthself in partnership with Talladh-a-Bheithe Estates and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), with early support from Highland Carbon, the food forest now stands as a place of learning, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Planted by students, volunteers, and community members, Emiel’s Food Forest is more than a memorial. It’s a vision for the future—where land, leadership, and learning come together to grow a movement for nature-positive transformation.

Momentum Rooted, Growth Unfurling

Since planting began in October 2024, Emiel’s Food Forest has grown into a nationally recognised demonstration site for climate action, biodiversity and emerging community leadership.

What we’ve accomplished so far:

  • 125 fruit, nut, and native trees planted – with 100% winter survival

  • 40+ participants including students from 5 Scottish universities

  • £10K in seed funding raised from 24 backers (17 businesses)

Food Forest Champion: notch.eco

Food Forest Partners: Highland Game, Frinova Woodlands, Bidwells, Falling Leaf Clothing, BMP Europe, Think Partnership, Camu-fin Private Highland Club, Highland Travel, Taiga Upland, RTS Forestry, Britton Scotland

Food Forest Supporter: Own Your Step, Balanced by Nature

Food Forest Logistics Partner: Loch Rannoch Hotel and Estate

Thanks also to the generosity of a number of individuals who made donations and sponsored a tree within Emiel’s Food Forest.

  • Innovation Voucher with University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) created the 10-Year Plan

  • Finalist in the 2025 CeeD Circular Economy Award

We’re now preparing Phase 2: Paths, wellbeing spaces, and biodiversity zones launching October 2025. 

What’s Next

Over the next decade, Emiel’s Food Forest will evolve into a thriving hub for biodiversity, learning and nature positive innovation. From pathways and wellbeing zones to citizen science and eco-retreats, each seasonal cycle deepens the vision.

Download our 10-Year Plan Here

Want to Get Involved?

What we’re growing here is more than trees—it’s a model. Food forests like this can become essential climate infrastructure in towns, cities, and rural communities. We’re actively seeking businesses and communities to help us develop Scotland’s Food Forest Movement. Get in touch to find out more.