Record-breaking numbers
A community grant has helped volunteers at a woodland by Loch Goil log record-breaking visitor numbers three times greater than predicted for the winter months.
Cormonachan Community Woodlands in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park recorded 2,795 visitors between October 2020 and March 2021.
The installation of the technology to allow people counting was funded by a Paths for All grant and helped the volunteer group record the footfall at the site.
Aberdeen-born retiree Douglas Locke, 80, has been volunteering for Cormonachan Community Woodlands since 1998 and was appointed secretary in 2014.
He said: ‘Many people have looked to the outdoors to keep busy last year and I hope it has highlighted just how much Scotland has to offer and how important it is to have access to nice outdoor spaces. By logging our visiting levels, we hope to further expand the project, turning the woodlands into a tourist attraction supporting the local economy.
‘We preserve 63.9 hectares of ancient woodlands which consists mainly of oaks, hazel and other native plants. With membership funding, we set up a red squirrel hide and a contemplation shelter with a magnificent view over Loch Goil. People love it.
‘Our projects are funded by donations, membership schemes, the community and grants including the one from Paths for All.’
Rona Gibb, senior manager at Paths for All, added: ‘The work going on in communities across the country has far more than local value. It has a big impact on improving the physical, mental and social health of society.’