Honour for ‘Local Hero’

The chairman of a rural woodland group is to attend the state opening of the Scottish Parliament as part of its‘Local Hero’ campaign.

Mid Scotland Tory MSP Dean Lockhart has nominated Tony Farrant, chairman of the Doune Community Woodland Group, to attend the opening on October 2.

The Parliament had asked MSPs to nominate an individual from their constituency or region to attend the ceremony under their ‘Local Hero’ campaign to recognise the efforts of those that have contributed to their communities.

Mr Farrant helped form the Doune Community Woodland Group that took over the management in 2014 of Doune Ponds Nature Reserve.

The site was previously managed by Stirling Council.

Since that time and entirely through the efforts of this volunteer group they have transformed the location into a popular accessible location for people to enjoy nature and get outdoors.

The group has so far recorded over 8500 hours of voluntary work on the forty-acre site.

They work closely with landowners Moray Estates, the community council and the many experts who supply help and advice.

Around 1600 metres of new accessible paths with a new bridge, boardwalks and viewing platform have been built and installed by the volunteers and a management plan created to safeguard the vast array of wildlife created.

The Ponds is open all year round for walking and watching wildlife with a number of activities organised and run for all age groups including the local primary school.

Visitor numbers have increased over time and especially during the lockdowns the area saw a huge number of people exercising.

Mr Farrant said: “I’m certainly no hero, but to have been nominated to attend the state opening as a way to recognise the huge efforts of everyone involved in the group is very much appreciated. The group has dedicated itself to creating, improving and maintaining the Ponds area and will keep doing so to preserve this unique and peaceful place.”

Mr Lockhart said: “The sheer hard work and dedication of this group created by Tony and the volunteers has created a beautiful but easily accessible area for people to get outdoors, exercise or just enjoy being in a lovely location.

“It is a privilege to welcome Tony to the opening ceremony as a representative of all those that worked so hard and continue to do so.”