Hurt at memorial tree theft
The team behind the community woodland at Butterybank on the outskirts of Coupar Angus have expressed disappointment following the theft of a memorial tree planted at the site last year.
A blue Norway spruce was planted at the woodland before Christmas but according to the community woodland project team has recently been dug up and stolen, leaving the family who sponsored the tree understandably distressed.
A spokesperson for the project commented: “While visitors to the Butterybank community woodland are encouraged and welcome, site users are requested to respect the woodland environment and the trees that have been planted.
“Vigilance from all who use the site to help prevent further theft would also be appreciated in order that the site can benefit the entire community.”
More than 600 trees have been planted on the formerly neglected site at Butterybank since the project’s inception in December 2015.
The woodland project is being led by community group Forward Coupar Angus with the aim of trying to improve the landscape, support biodiversity and create a place that the wider community can benefit from by adding access paths, information boards, family picnic benches and open outdoor training days.
The site is already being used by the community for a variety of reasons and the project team is preparing for spring by holding two sessions this month.
The first session will be held this Saturday, March 4, and will involve revisiting some of the trees that have already been planted on the site to ensure that they are well protected from rabbits and properly staked.
A follow-up session on Saturday, March 18, will be an opportunity for the community to assist with planting the final trees on the site.
Both sessions will commence at 9.30am and everyone is invited to join in.
It would be appreciated if those attending the second session could bring a spade.