Partners promise new forestry era
Highland site chosen for regeneration project
Groups get the scheme under way Landowners and key conservation groups came together to ensure that a key industry is more actively managed.
Forest Enterprise, Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust, the John Muir Trust, Kynachan Estate and the Scottish Wildlife Trust were joined by Woodland Trust Scotland to mark the start of the Heart of Scotland Forest partnership on Tuesday.
They have set out a bold ambition focusing on a 50 square kilometre swathe of land at the geographical centrepoint of the country.
The area between Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel and Loch Tay will see the groups work on different aspects of the project, which encompasses species seeding, encouraging wildlife and community involvement.
Liz Auty, the John Muir Trust’s property manager at East Schiehallion said: “We have a long-term vision to turn this vast upland area into a living, breathing landscape of native trees, woodland corridors, flourishing wildlife and picturesque footpaths.
“This project, we believe, can start to turn this landscape into a marvellous asset for the local community and a precious legacy for our children and grandchildren.”
The John Muir Trust is spearheading the replacement of non-native conifers with broadleaf woodland and Scots pine.
Seedling regeneration will be supported by fencing, allowing aspen, birch and rowan and willow – currently held in check by browsing – to reach their potential. The trust also plans to improve habitats for black grouse, willow warblers, wrens, whinchats and other species. A further aim of the partnership is to bring locals and visitor closer to the land.
Willie McGhee of Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust, which manages the Dun Coillich woodland, said: “We believe this project will benefit the local community right from the start by bringing new funding into the area and creating training and employment opportunities.
“We want to encourage people to get involved, deepen their knowledge of nature and learn new skills.”
Funding support was provided by the April Trust and Original Buff.
We believe this project will benefit the local community right from the start