Threave Estate is one of the most diverse properties in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Acquired from the Gordon family in 1957, the 647 hectare estate supports farming, forestry, horticulture, wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. Deciduous woodland, farmland pasture and wetland marshes are home to an astonishing variety of birds, mammals and plants, including at least seven bat species. Overlooking it all from high up on Kelton Hill stands Threave House. The turrets and towers of this grand, Scotch baronial-style building dominate the views from the surrounding gardens. The picturesque plantings have been developed by students of Threave School of Practical Gardening since the 1950s.