Work to start on Lower Birks paths Group receives funding to improve area
Keen walkers in Highland Perthshire will soon be able to enjoy an upgraded walking route.
Work has begun to improve the environment in the Lower Birks in Aberfeldy, the main route from the town centre to the Birks of Aberfeldy.
Volunteers from Aberfeldy Move 2 Improve and Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross are working to create new paths and seating, as well as a sculpture piece in the Lower Birks. The group are also working to tidy up the picnic area, which was becoming very dark and overgrown.
Roy Cannon, chairman of Aberfeldy Move 2 Improve, said: “We have put in a great deal of work to get this project under way.
“We had already opened up the area by clearing a lot of overgrown trees and vegetation, which made a big difference.
“It’s good to see the project taking shape now - we can’t wait
Work has begun at Lower Birks, near Aberfeldy to see the finished version! Jenny Williams from the
“We’re very grateful to our council’s community greenspace partners Take a Pride in Perth team added: “We are delighted to and Kinross, to staff in Perth and be working with Move 2 Improve Kinross Council’s community and the Take a Pride in Perth and greenspace team for their support, Kinross Association on this project. to Chris Palmer Associates for Undoubtedly these environmental providing design and project improvements will enhance management services, to site our visitors’ experience to this contractor Alex Butter, and of extremely popular countryside course to our funders, without site.” whom this excellent project would The work to improve Lower Birks not have been possible.” was made possible after the project managed to receive £1200 from fundraising around Aberfeldy. They also won grants of £50,000 from the Griffin and Calliacher Community Fund, £15,000 from the council’s community environment challenge fund, and £8,841 from the Rural Perth and Kinross LEADER programme, which helps to invest in rural development across Europe.
Jackie Brierton, local action group chair, said the funding they had received had been of great importance to getting the works in Lower Birks started.
She said: “The award of £8,841 towards this community project is one of a number benefitting from the £3.8m share of LEADER and Scottish Government funds available for the development of rural communities and enterprise in Perthshire until 2020.
“This is a worthwhile project, which will conserve and manage the natural environment of the Lower Birks, providing a new amenity for everyone to enjoy.
“We are delighted to be able to support it.”