Locals know best on wood
The team behind a popular east Perthshire wood has branched out by opting for a new name.
The bluebell wood near Kinclaven was purchased by Woodland Trust Scotland earlier this year.
Initially referred to by the trust as Ballathie Bluebell Wood, the picturesque site – a regular haunt for families and dog walkers – comprises 125 acres of ancient oakwood and 79 acres of grassland.
Site manager Jill Aitken said: “When we held a drop-in session for the local community soon after the purchase there was a lot of debate over the name.
“It is often the case that the names people use in a local area don’t always match up to what appears on official maps.
“There were differing views on what it should be called but, based on what locals have told us, we are going to use Kinclaven Bluebell Wood from now on.”
The wood was bought by Woodland Trust Scotland over the summer thanks to a substantial legacy from a long-term supporter.
The trust plans to repair fencing around an area of oakwood to keep out deer so that young trees can grow.
Much of the adjacent open grassland, which was cleared of trees in the 1940s and 50s, will be planted with trees once more.
Invasive, non-native species such as Rhododendron ponticum and Himalayan balsam will be removed.
A car park is planned on part of the open grassland to accommodate the large numbers of visitors when bluebells are in season.
Since taking ownership of the wood the trust has secured the support of an energetic group of 46 local volunteers who have already removed old fencing and pheasant-rearing equipment and pulled Himalayan balsam from part of the site.
Next year they are set to remove yet more Himalayan balsam, ragwort, Rhododendron ponticum and broken fencing as well as planting trees.
A talk and guided walk will take place at the wood this Sunday, December 10, between 10.15am and 12.30pm.
After a brief presentation, participants will head off for a walk around the wood for around one mile.
Ms Aitken said: “We have drawn up some detailed proposals on managing the wood and we want to get the input of everyone who uses and values this special place.
“We’re encouraging people to have a look at our management plan document and give us feedback and, if possible, come along to our walkthrough to hear on the spot what we have in mind.”
A marquee in the wood will feature a display illustrating the proposals.
The management plan can be viewed online via www. woodlandtrust.org.uk
Responses are sought by January 8. Email Scotland@woodlandtrust. org.uk.