The fruits of Kirsty’s labour is inspiration
Volunteers plant seven trees in memory of conservationist
Fruit trees planted by volunteers on Kinnoull Hill in Perth will help keep special memories alive.
A party from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park Group went out recently and put seven trees in the ground, connecting two existing orchards begun last spring.
There is now a flourishing orchard which will fruit for years to come for the benefit of local residents.
“We now have officially named both community orchards,” explained Marian Coburn of KHWPG.
“The big one and top one with 22 mixed fruit trees is called ‘Tullymalley’ and the lower one, with seven mixed fruit trees ‘Westview’ after the two farms that were at these sites a few years ago.”
On Saturday, February 8, seven trees were planted which enabled the smaller upper orchard to connect with the main one.
Of the trees planted, three trees were planted in memory of Kirsty Morris, whose passion for conservation of birds and wildlife, particularly red squirrels, inspired many.
She died last year, leaving behind David Wood her husband, who said: “Kirsty influenced an attitude change to red squirrel conservation and without her tenacity and her beautiful photographs, Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park would today be overrun with grey squirrels.
“But today it’s more or less reds only.”
Another fruit tree was planted in the memory of Dennis Dick who was a past chairman of the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership. Dennis lived locally and walked extensively through the Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park.
Three more trees were planted following donations from the residents of Willowgate Drive in Perth.
Marion added: “A big thank you to our new community greenspace ranger Alistair MacLeod for his help, guidance and support.
“It was fantastic to have two new volunteers - Peter Lovegrove and Eddie Boyle - to help us.
“Thanks everyone for all the hard work.”