A tree-mendous difference
Stirling MP Stephen Kerr visited a popular beauty spot which has been transformed over the last three years .
Mr Kerr was shown around Doune Ponds by the hard-working group of volunteers who have re-laid paths, improved drainage, added a bridge and installed new steps.
Their work was recognised last year when the project was awarded first prize in the `small community woodland category’ in the annual Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards.
Mr Kerr said: “I have been aware of the work that has been ongoing at Doune Ponds by the community group for some time to improve this beautiful location so I was keen to come and see for myself. This really is a lovely place, and what a view you get from the hill overlooking the village; it’s well worth the walk up the rebuilt steps .”
Doune Ponds was formerly a quarry but when extraction ceased in the 1950s the area became a nature reserve with tree-lined pools, small colony of red squirrels and nationally-important collection of fungi, which number around 300 species. Stirling Council took over the site, helped by a group of volunteers, but the ponds and their paths became neglected and visitors to the area dropped.
Doune Community Woodland Group took over management four years ago and have restored the area’s reputation as a popular place to visit.
They have restored 1000 metres of paths, improved the picnic ground and earlier this year completed a new bridge which spans a burn and replaces a walkway which was in poor condition.
People working on the site have clocked up over 4500 volunteer hours since the woodland group took over in 2014.
Improvements have been done with the support and assistance of Kilmadock Community Council, Moray Estates, owners of the land, and a number of business including CEMEX and RTA.
Woodland Group chairman Tony Farrant said one of the aims this year was to complete the task of making the route around the ponds fully accessible to wheelchairs and invalid carriages.