Time running outtoenter woodlands competition

Woodlands and forests in Perthshire’s Big Tree Country have only days in which to enter a national awards programme which recognises the best woods in the country.

Last year’s winner of Scotland’s Finest Woods awards was Allt Charmaig in Errochty Forest, on the banks of Loch Tummel.

Pete Fullarton, of Forest Enterprise Scotland, which looks after the site, said: “Allt Charmaig has the nicest stand of Douglas Fir trees that I have seen, with straight stems, light branches and fast growth – it’s just a lovely site.

“It has been thinned very well, very sensitively and very professionally.

“The trees are just over 50 years old and we will hang on to the site as long as we can while we are still getting good thinnings from it.

“We have many tall straight cathedral trees – this really is big tree country.

“The site is thriving – it’s lovely now but could be absolutely stunning in 50 years.

“We will go on thinning, but it’s harder to find trees to take out as time goes on.”

Mr Fullarton urged other forests and woodlands to enter the awards.

He said: “It’s great to get the recognition and receiving the award at the Royal Highland Show was a memorable day.”

Details on how to enter the awards can be found at www.sfwa.co.uk.