Come along and join in Plant a Tree Day
Trees and tools are provided and volunteers can give a hand
The volunteers behind Comrie Community Woodland are encouraging locals to plant a tree during an upcoming open day.
Held as part of Scotland’s Community Land Week, ‘Plant a Tree Day’ is due to take place from 11am until 2pm at the site near Cultybraggan Camp on Sunday, October 29.
More than 20,000 trees were planted on the site in 2021 and those behind the project have said more species and varieties are to be added to complement the current stock.
Comrie Community Woodland is among more than 40 projects, across the length and breadth of Scotland, taking part in anniversary events designed to mark 100 years since the then Lord Leverhulme gifted the town of Stornoway to its people.
Jack Birrell, one of the Comrie Community Woodland volunteers, said: “We want everyone in the surrounding area to participate in this festival.
“We have skilled and knowledgeable volunteers who will ensure that anyone can plant a tree in a space that they can recall for many years to come.
“Trees and tools are provided and the planting will be followed by refreshments.
“All ages and abilities are welcome, although children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.”
In relation to the recent history of the site, a spokesperson for Comrie Community Woodland said: “This 45acre site was bought for the community along with Cultybraggan Camp in 2007.
“Unique features are the irrigation system that was built in 1941 to supply water to the PoW camp below and the overall shape, which is about 1000 metres long and 100 metres wide in places.
“For over 10 years it was mostly used for grazing then our group of volunteers got together to develop the site.
“In 2021 we planted about 20,000 trees – all native varieties. Most are doing really well and we’ve now got another 500 to add to the collection.”
They continued: “Every third Sunday is Monthly Volunteer Day and we’re adding this extra date for the special occasion.
“By joining in event, we hope that families and individuals will be inclined to support the ongoing stewardship of the site for many years to come.”
Scotland’s Community Land Week is organised by Community Land Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government.
It has been extended to cover a fortnight this year in recognition of the Stornoway centenary.
Linsay Chalmers, a development manager with Community Land Scotland, said: “This is a special year for community empowerment and it’s fantastic to have vibrant projects such as Comrie Community Woodland participating.
“Every buyout, large or small, urban and rural, is very important to its community.
“A lot of people have worked very hard to make these buyouts successful and we very pleased to celebrate that success across Scotland.”
More information is available on the website ccw.camp21.org.uk.
• The annual Apple Day takes place at Comrie Community Orchard, near Cultybraggan Camp, from 11am until 3pm on Sunday this week.
Pasteurised, fresh, apple juice and the apples themselves will be for sale.
There will also be food stalls.