20,000 trees are planted
Thousands of hours of volunteer time has ensured that a community goal of transforming 46 acres of Strathearn hill ground into a native woodland is being realised.
Around 20,000 trees have been planted to the south of Cultybraggan Camp near Comrie with the aid of a Scottish Forestry grant.
Comrie Community Woodland will play its part in enhancing the environment by improving natural habitats and biodiversity, as well as mitigating climate change.
Deer fencing surrounds the new environment to protect the saplings and maintain important wildflower species and biodiversity, with five self-closing gates built in to improve public access to the woodland which link in with existing walks.
Volunteers with backgrounds in ecology have been conducting surveys of plants, birds and butterflies to monitor the biodiversity of the woodland over time.
A Perth and Kinross Community Environment Challenge Fund grant allowed improved access with the installation of a parking area at the main gate. A small bridge has also been built across a historic mill lade.
Comrie Woodland Group has been working hard to bring the project to fruition and an open day is planned to reveal the new asset on Sunday, September 12.
Open spaces have been incorporated to make the most of the views and a large wooden shelter has been erected with the help of Jim Thomson of Woodland Crafts and the Steinmeyer Legacy Trust.
The multi-purpose gathering place will be fitted out with seating and a grass/wildflower roof in the autumn.
Comrie Woodland Group volunteer James Reid said:“The site is a relatively wet area which is likely to maintain trees well at this time of pressure on the climate. Species selection has been important, with a varied mix of species selected appropriate to land, soil and climate.
“The principal species planted are Downy Birch, Sessile Oak, Pedunculate Oak, Alder, Scots Caledonian Pine, Aspen, Rowan, Goat Willow and Hazel.
“The future of the woodland and how it develops or is used depends on volunteers.
“A Heinrich Steinmeyer Legacy Trust grant enabled the group to train nine volunteers in scything so that we can create and maintain up to six kilometres of paths around the woodland..”
James added:“It’s taken many years to get to this point. It’s an amazing point to be at so we want to mark it with a nice event as well as encouraging people to come up and enjoy the woodland.
The group’s Andrew Thompson added:“New volunteers are always welcome. There will be a lot of maintenance to do for years to come. People of all ages can get involved in a variety of volunteer activities at the woodland.”
Guided walks, a forest school tent, music and food will also be on offer as part of the September 12 open day between 11am and 4pm.