Balnasuim Wood Replanting
Project
Balnasuim Wood, a one hectare plot of largely non-native Sitka spruce at the foot of
Ben Lawers, was acquired as a by-product of buying grazing rights for conservation.
After wind damage over a number of years, the potential for trees to fall across the
road meant the time had come to fell the crowded stand, providing an opportunity to
use the land in a manner more in keeping with the Trust’s objectives at Ben Lawers.
Robin Worsnop (pictured right), Managing Director of Rabbie’s small
coach tours, generously agreed to fund the replanting project as a way
of “giving something back” to the environment.
The ground was prepared for the new planting by mulching the brash - the branches
removed from the felled trees.
Mature native trees around the edge of the plantation were retained and a core area
within these was deer-fenced by staff and volunteers on our working-holiday Thistle
Camp to protect the majority of young trees.
A mixture of native species, including holly, oak and
alder, were chosen to repopulate the area, increasing
the diversity for wildlife. Hazel was the predominate
species planted and this will be coppiced by staff from
the Scottish Crannog Centre for building and activities.
Rabbie’s also provided buses to enable P5, 6 & 7 pupils from two local schools,
Kenmore and Killin Primaries and P7 pupils from Leith Primary in Edinburgh to
travel to Ben Lawers and the Scottish Crannog Centre.
At Balnasuim the pupils took part in fun activities to learn about the environmental
value of trees and all planted some.
At the Scottish Crannog Centre the pupils had the opportunity to try out traditional
crafts using coppiced hazel.
A big thank you to all
the children and staff
for all their help tree
planting!
The Crannog’s coppice project has been supported by
the Rural Tayside Leader Programme and the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust.