Trust shares plans for bluebell woodlands
‘We want input of all who use and value special place’
A group of people have been out in Kinclaven Bluebell Wood to learn more about future plans for managing the site.
The 18-strong group turned out in sub-zero temperatures earlier this month to hear about the plans for the Perthshire woodland from the Woodland Trust, as part of an ongoing consultation into upgrading and maintaining the popular site.
Those at the consultation event were given a guided tour of the wood, before discussing the consultation plans drawn up over mince pies and hot coffee.
Jill Aitken, site manager at the newly-renamed wood, said: “We have now 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.
“Please have a look at our management plan document and give us your feedback.”
Since the Woodland Trust took over the ownership of the woodland earlier this year, they have been working with a group of 50 volunteers from around Perthshire to maintain the site.
Some of the work so far has included removing old fencing and pheasant-rearing equipment, and cutting back non-native and invasive trees from the site.
A spokesperson for the Woodland Trust said: “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 naturally regenerate.
“Much of the adjacent open grassland, which was cleared of trees in the forties and fifties, will be planted with trees once more. Invasive nonnative 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 at bluebell time.”
The on-going management plan consultation can be viewed and commented on until Monday, January 8 via www.woodlandtrust.org.uk hear about the woodland management plan