Pathways milestone at Ponds
Fully accessible network
Volunteers and villagers gathered at Doune Ponds for another milestone in the development of the nature reserve.
They were there to mark the completion of the network of fully accessible pathways at the 40-acre site.
It was the latest in a series of improvements made to the reserve by Doune Community Woodland Group who took over management of it in 2014 after years of neglect.
Part of the group’s strategy has been to open up the site to all visitors including wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
And with this in mind, they have built over 1000 metres of new paths and upgraded existing ones.
They completed the final section in March rounding off a mammoth effort in which no less than 5000 volunteer hours were expended by the hardworking woodland group.
Earthworks were carried out in some areas to ensure a suitable gradient was achieved and a new bridge was put in place last year.
Joining the volunteers on Saturday was Stirling MP Stephen Kerr who toured the site with Trossachs and Teith councillors Martin Earl and Jeremy McDonald.
Mr Kerr presented Woodland Group chairman Tony Farrant with a framed copy of the Early Day Motion he had lodged at Parliament to recognise their efforts.
Mr Farrant thanked the volunteers who had helped on the project and the organisations who have helped fund the work including Wind Farm Trust, Paths for All, Community Pride and the Postcode Lottery.
Mr Kerr said: “I have visited this beautiful area a number of times and I can vouch for the benefits to lift the stresses of modern life.
“Many people visiting will never know of the huge efforts made, all by local volunteers, to create and maintain it. We all owe them our gratitude and thanks for their work.”
Lady Moray on behalf of Moray Estates, the landowners, commented: “Doune Ponds has had its ups and downs over the years but latterly it has been one big up.
“It has been developed with great sensitivity and enthusiasm by the Woodland Group into one of the best community parks in the country.
“It is giving pleasure, interest and exercise to people – and dogs – of all ages and perspectives.”
Co-founder of Trossachs Mobility Gordon Wilson commented: “What an absolute pleasure it was to go round Doune Ponds on their launch day. Superb paths for all. The hours put into this project by all the volunteers is second to none. Other villages can learn a lot from these guys.”
Doune Ponds is open all year round and is now fully accessible to people with mobility problems, scooters, wheelchairs and child buggies.
The hours put into this project by all the volunteers is second to none. Other villages can learn a lot from these guys