If you go down to the woods today...
Recovery team transform Bluebell Woods
A project to improve a community woodland has made the environment much better and helped people recovering from addiction.
Forest Enterprise Scotland and Phoenix Futures, a charity that helps people beat drug and alcohol addiction, have been working hard at Bluebell Woods, Johnstone.
The works were completed over nine weeks by a Recovery Through Nature group from Phoenix Futures.
This included adding new railway sleepers, grip strips plus new walking surfaces to steps and planting 12 oak and a dozen silver birch trees to replace vandalised trees.
Phoenix Futures is now focusing on the two entranceways by working on vegetation management, making them more appealing to visitors.
Julie McAlpine, from Forest Enterprise Scotland, said: “We have worked closely with Phoenix Futures for a number of years and this is a great example of the efforts they put into their projects as the stairs, entrance-ways and newly planted trees look great.
“Bluebell Woods is a stunning greenspace, perfect for visiting during the summer months, and these improvements are the positive changes it needed not only for safety measures, but also aesthetic purposes.
“We look forward to working with Phoenix Futures again and we hope everyone will come down and see the new and improved Bluebell Woods.”
Kenneth Ritchie, from Phoenix Futures, said the space is looking fantastic.
He explained: “The work carried out is a fantastic therapeutic opportunity for those who are attempting to recover from addiction.
“The area provides an ideal calming environment, which allows those who attend some safe time away from their usual day-today lifestyles.
“The work carried out proved to be highly effective at promoting team work, trust and especially confidence in those who engaged in the projects.
“Bluebell Woods has impacted very positively on our group and has left them with a lasting positive experience, interest and appreciation of nature.”
Forest Enterprise Scotland and Phoenix Futures have been working together for six years on projects throughout the woodlands.
The Recovery Through Nature programme connects people with nature and practical conservation projects to aid recovery.
Bluebell Woods can be found on the hillside above Johnstone, a great place for children to play or for a meander through the woods.
There are around four-and-ahalf miles of paths throughout the woodland, so there are plenty of walks to choose from. ● For more about Bluebell Woods visit: http://scotland.forestry.gov. uk/visit/bluebell-woods